Bayer launches new multicrop seed brand designed to connect ag to low-carbon fuel economy

Bayer announced Feb. 19 the launch of newgold® seed, its first multicrop seed brand developed specifically for low carbon-intensity crops designed to help farmers participate directly in the fast-growing biofuels market while enhancing opportunities for farm profitability.

As demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel accelerates, the energy transition is creating a new challenge: how to scale low-carbon fuels without competing with food production or adding complexity to the farm system.

Bayer said it believes agriculture can play a central role in helping to solve that challenge.

“Innovation alone won’t make the energy transition real,” said Chad Bilby, Bayer’s biofuel crops innovation and commercial lead. “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.”

Built under Bayer’s “Biofuel Crops by Bayer” platform, newgold® seed represents a shift from treating biofuels purely as a downstream opportunity toward building a scalable agricultural system that connects farmers, fuel producers and markets.

The brand focuses on low carbon-intensity oilseed crops such as camelina and winter canola—crops designed to fit between seasons, into existing rotations or on underutilized acres—creating potential additional revenue streams for farmers.

By combining seed technology, agronomic expertise and strong industry collaborations, Bayer said its goal is to help farmers with adoption of these new crops, unlock new value and participate in new markets. 

According to Bayer, at the core of newgold® seed is a simple idea—low carbon-intensity crops must work economically at the field level.

Crops sold under the newgold® seed brand will be designed with the goal of acting as a profit multiplier, Bayer said, giving growers the flexibility to decide how and where it fits best in their operation:

• As a double crop, adding value between seasons.

• Within rotations, contributing to good agronomic management while diversifying income.

• On marginal or underutilized land, turning those acres into more productive assets.

This flexibility will allow farmers to participate in the low-carbon fuel economy while maintaining control over their agronomic and financial decisions.

According to Bayer, newgold® seed was built for growers who don’t settle for incremental gains.

Instead, it speaks to farmers who seek:

• Opportunities for a strong return on investment (ROI) per acre.

• Performance backed by science.

• Clear market pathways, not speculation.

By bridging the gap between the field and fuel producers, Bayer said it aims to reduce uncertainty and help farmers confidently adopt cropping systems that deliver opportunities for value on their farms. 

Bayer said it is advancing biofuel contributions by investing in a portfolio of new crops, building integrated supply chains and supporting North American farmers economically with the introduction of newgold® seeds.