MoU would leverage both companies’ existing capabilities to accelerate the research, processing, and commercialization of new and low carbon-intensity oilseeds.
ADM, a global leader in nutrition and agricultural origination and processing, and Syngenta Group, one of the world’s biggest agricultural technology companies, announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in scaling research and commercialization of low carbon-intensity next-generation oilseeds and improved varieties to help meet skyrocketing demand for biofuels and other sustainably sourced products.
The MoU envisions a collaboration in which ADM and Syngenta would leverage their existing capabilities to accelerate the research, processing, and commercialization of new, low carbon-intensity oilseeds, such as Camelina, that are typically grown in the fallow period of a crop rotation.
The companies have broad capabilities including:
Syngenta’s R&D engine, which offers biotechnology support, seed treatments, and biologicals that further reduce the carbon intensity of crops, and agronomic knowledge from a network of local, field experts combined with excellent farmer relationships.
ADM’s global scale and logistical expertise, including unparalleled production and storage capabilities, a vast logistical network, and relationships with growers and customers spanning food, feed, fuel, industrial and consumer products.
ADM and Syngenta envision fostering partnerships with additional companies to support the creation, commercialization and processing of next-generation oilseeds. The companies expect to sign definitive agreements by the end of the year and are already advancing important work together around growing and processing next-generation varieties.
“This exciting MoU with Syngenta demonstrates how we are working with partners to bring the full value chain together to support new seed technologies,” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag Services & Oilseeds business. “It builds on our unique capabilities by creating a path to scale the processing of cover crops, a process we’ve already successfully piloted. We look forward to working with Syngenta to advance this work and continue to meet demand for sustainably sourced fuels and other products.”
“Syngenta is excited to join forces with ADM to bring more sustainable and profitable solutions to farmers,” said Justin Wolfe, President of Syngenta Global Seeds. “Sustainability is a core enabler of our business strategy. We believe collaborations, such as this one, are important ways to drive quicker innovation that delivers higher yield potential while carrying a lower impact to our environment. Work will begin in North America.”
“Farmers have always been stewards of the land,” said Alison Taylor, ADM’s chief sustainability officer. “We’re already expanding our partnerships with farmers through our re:generations™ regen ag program; this MoU represents another pathway for us to help them drive value by positioning their businesses to meet global demand for sustainably-sourced products.”
“Transforming agriculture will be fueled by innovation, but it must be achieved at scale,” said Daniel Vennard, Syngenta Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
