Corteva Agriscience., Bunge and Chevron Corp.’s subsidiary Chevron U.S.A. Inc. announced on March 14 a collaboration to produce low-carbon, plant-based vegetable oil feedstocks for the domestic U.S. renewable fuels market. 

Vegetable oil feedstocks can be produced from plant-based oil derived from winter canola plant hybrids. The companies plan to introduce Corteva’s winter canola hybrid crops to the southern U.S. as a revenue opportunity for farmers with a double crop system, following soybeans or cotton. 

“We’re pleased to work with Bunge and Chevron to bring a new option in the southern U.S. that will deliver solutions for farmers to increase productivity and sustainability on their acres, as well as contribute to the need for renewable and less carbon-intensive fuel options,” said Chuck Magro, CEO, Corteva Agriscience.

Bunge and Chevron’s joint venture, Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables, plans to conduct a pilot program in the 2022 to 2023 growing season through contracts with farmers to purchase harvested winter canola crops’ oil for renewable fuel. The arrangement would open up another revenue avenue for farmers and enhance soil health with more nutrients, water and carbon, according to a March 14 press release.  

“Rotational cover crops play a key role in our strategy to continue to develop next generation lower carbon feedstocks. As a leader in oilseed processing, we are pleased to work together with Corteva and Chevron to bring this crop innovation to farmers and process it into sustainable solutions for consumers,” said Greg Heckman, Bunge CEO.

The companies plan to also collaborate further on sustainability in farming and low carbon renewable fuels.