Bunge, a premier agribusiness company that connects farmers to food, feed and fuel markets, and GDM, a global plant genetics company, have announced a strategic joint venture, Enerseed, to develop high-quality, novel oilseeds as feedstocks for biofuels. The partnership will accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation, non-traditional oilseed crops for the growing low-carbon renewable fuels market.
Enerseed will combine GDM’s expertise in plant genetics, breeding, R&D, trait development and gene editing with Bunge’s global scale, processing capabilities, and broad market access. The collaboration is designed to support an integrated, end-to-end global value chain, from innovative seed development to the efficient delivery of sustainable feedstocks to biofuel customers worldwide. The first seed development projects are expected to begin in select markets and may expand globally to other relevant markets as crops and commercial opportunities mature.
“Navigating today’s global landscape requires strategic focus and innovative solutions that address pressing challenges like energy security,” said Julio Garros, Bunge’s Chief Operating Officer. “Bunge’s joint venture with GDM, a leader in oilseed genetics with a global presence and experienced research team, is another step in Bunge’s work to support decarbonization in global supply chains. By leveraging our complementary strengths, Bunge and GDM can also unlock value for farmers who can grow low-carbon feedstocks and for customers across the feed, food and fuel industry.”
Enerseed will focus on developing a portfolio of promising, non-traditional oilseeds. These crops offer several environmental benefits, including improved soil health, reduced erosion, nitrogen fixation, and lower water requirements. They also benefit farmers by creating additional cropping options, supporting diversification and helping growers generate revenue from fallow periods, access new value chains and participate in premium opportunities linked to lower-carbon feedstocks and lower carbon emissions.
“At GDM, our purpose is to contribute to global food security through genetic innovation. This joint venture allows us to extend that expertise into new crops and markets that can support the transition to more sustainable energy,” said Ignacio Bartolome, Chief Executive Officer of GDM. “By partnering with Bunge, we can apply our global R&D platform, advanced breeding expertise, trait development and gene-editing tools to accelerate innovation in low-carbon feedstocks and create new opportunities for growers and the broader value chain.”
Enerseed will be built around an open licensing model designed to expand access to advanced genetics, cultivation techniques, and end-use applications. By making its intellectual property available to qualified partners and fostering collaboration among seed companies, universities, research institutions, technology developers and other market participants, Enerseed aims to support the development and commercialization of low-carbon feedstocks at scale.
For more information or to explore partnerships, visit www.enerseed.com.
