On May 20, 2025, representatives from Cargill visited the University of Minnesota's Rosemount Research and Outreach Center to observe ongoing research on winter camelina, a promising oilseed crop. The visit highlighted the collaborative efforts between Cargill and the University’s Forever Green Initiative, aimed at developing high-performing seed varieties and sustainable farming practices tailored for the Upper Midwest.
Anna Teeter, the Novel Oilseeds Program Manager at Cargill, described the importance of field days and why more people should learn about camelina. Anna said, “I had a very wise farmer tell me, ‘Before a farmer makes a decision, they have to see it, touch it, smell it, and do that all over again.’ I think this holds true for winter camelina and any new crop, and the best way to do this is to host in-person events. The same can be said for folks in the industry who are new to these ideas as well. There is only so much you can learn from reading about it.”
Winter camelina, planted in the fall and harvested in the spring, serves as an intermediate oilseed crop that provides soil cover and has the potential to address key sustainability challenges in agricultural supply chains, including water quality, soil health, and ecosystem improvements. Its high oil content makes it a viable feedstock for producing low-carbon transportation fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.
During the visit, Cargill's team engaged with researchers to discuss the progress of current field trials and the potential for scaling up camelina cultivation. The partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing more sustainable agriculture and developing crops that contribute to environmental stewardship and economic viability for farmers in Minnesota and beyond.
Anna said, “When I talk to farmers, I tell them this is what it must have been like 70 years ago when soybeans were first introduced to Minnesota—and it's not very often we get the opportunity to play such a vital role in a crop with such massive potential. I am extremely excited to be able to have a crop rotation that feeds and fuels the world while providing soil health and environmental benefits.”
Written by Isabella Ciarico