Bayer Launches Multi-Crop Seed Brand ‘newgold®’ to Help Farmers Tap the Low-Carbon Biofuel Economy

21 February 2026, St. Louis: Bayer has announced the launch of newgold® seed, its first multi-crop seed brand specifically developed for low-carbon intensity production systems. The initiative is designed to enable farmers to participate directly in the rapidly growing biofuels sector while strengthening on-farm profitability and sustainability outcomes.

A New Agricultural Role in the Energy Transition

With global demand accelerating for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, the energy transition is creating pressure to scale low-carbon fuel production without displacing food crops or complicating farm operations. Bayer positions agriculture as a key solution to this challenge by integrating crop innovation with emerging energy markets.

Developed under the company’s Biofuel Crops by Bayer platform, newgold® represents a strategic shift from viewing biofuels solely as a downstream processing opportunity to building a scalable agricultural system that connects growers, fuel producers, and supply chains from the outset.

Focus on Low-Carbon Oilseed Crops

The new brand centers on low-carbon intensity oilseed crops such as camelina and winter canola, selected for their ability to fit into existing farming systems. These crops can be grown between primary seasons, integrated into crop rotations, or cultivated on underutilized land, creating additional revenue potential without disrupting food production.

By pairing seed genetics with agronomic guidance and industry collaborations, Bayer aims to support adoption while ensuring market access for growers entering these new value chains.

“Innovation alone won’t make the energy transition real. Scale, execution, and market confidence matter. With newgold® seed, we are connecting seed innovation, agronomic performance, and market access into one clear opportunity for farmers,” said Chad Bilby, Biofuel Crops Innovation and Commercial Lead at Bayer.

Designed as a “Profit Multiplier” for Farmers

At the field level, Bayer emphasizes that low-carbon crops must deliver clear economic value. Crops marketed under the newgold® seed brand are intended to function as a “profit multiplier,” offering flexibility in how they are deployed across farm operations.

Farmers may use these crops as double-cropping options to generate income between traditional seasons, incorporate them into rotations to support agronomic diversity, or cultivate them on marginal acres to convert underperforming land into productive assets. This adaptability allows growers to engage in the low-carbon fuel economy while maintaining control over agronomic and financial decisions.

Connecting Innovation, Performance, and Market Access

The newgold® concept integrates seed technology, agronomic performance, and downstream demand into a single framework aimed at reducing uncertainty for growers. By building clearer pathways between farms and fuel producers, Bayer seeks to create confidence in adopting crops aligned with renewable fuel markets rather than leaving participation dependent on speculative demand.

Supporting Decarbonization and Energy Security

Low-carbon feedstocks derived from agriculture can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation fuels compared to conventional petroleum sources. Bayer’s investment in new crops, supply chain partnerships, and integrated market development reflects a broader effort to strengthen agriculture’s role in decarbonizing mobility while opening new income streams for farmers.

The company is advancing a portfolio of biofuel-oriented crops alongside supply chain infrastructure to support farmer participation, particularly across North America, where renewable fuel demand is expanding rapidly.

Also Read: FMC and the Two-Engine Dilemma: When the Present Devours the Future

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