Bayer and bp Form Strategic Alliance to Scale Camelina for Biofuels
ST. LOUIS — May 6, 2026 — Bayer and bp have announced a long-term strategic alliance to scale camelina, an intermediate oilseed crop, under the brand name newgold™. The partnership will commercialize camelina starting in North America, with bp bringing expertise in fuels and refining, and Bayer utilizing its seed technology capabilities and grower network.
The alliance aims to support the expanding market for renewable fuels, particularly biodiesel, renewable diesel (RD), and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The global demand for these low-carbon fuels is projected to grow nearly threefold, reaching 40 billion gallons by 2040.
A Versatile Intermediate Crop
Camelina is a winter-hardy, drought-tolerant crop requiring low agricultural inputs. Because it can be grown on fallow land or planted between traditional main crop rotations, it provides growers with a way to participate in the low-carbon fuel economy without competing directly with food production.
Crops sold under the newgold™ seed brand will offer options for growers:
- As an intermediate crop: Adding value between standard growing seasons.
- Within rotations: Supporting soil health and diversifying farm revenue streams.
- On underutilized land: Maximizing production on marginal acres.
"This alliance connects the value chain necessary to bring camelina to market and provides our farmer customers with greater market certainty," said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy and Sustainability for Bayer’s Crop Science division. "We are utilizing our breeding program to enhance the crop and unlock its global potential."
Philipp Schoelzel, Senior Vice President of Biofuels Growth at bp, added: "This collaboration represents bp working with trusted partners to develop products customers need, while delivering value for our shareholders."
The announcement follows Bayer's acquisition of camelina assets in January 2025. Bayer has already introduced newgold™ camelina varieties in the Northern Plains of the US and across Southern Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta in Canada.
