PROFIT FROM IDLE ACRES

Grow Camelina: The new cash cover crop

  • Low input
  • Drought tolerant
  • Frost tolerant

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Add revenue

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Improve soil health

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Grow renewable fuel

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What is Camelina?

Camelina is a broadleaf oilseed crop in the Brassica family similar to mustard or rape. It is an ideal feedstock for the production of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, an emerging market poised for rapid growth.

Plant Camelina as a double crop, cash cover crop, or in a fallow rotation and improve soil health while generating revenue.

Characteristics

  • Cool season annual 
  • Both winter and spring variety types
  • Thrives anywhere cereal grain is grown
  • Short growing season (85-100 days)
  • Germinates at soil temps as low as 36°F
  • Small seed size: ~400,000 seeds/lb
  • Grows 2-4 feet tall at maturity

Maximum Yield, Minimum Expense

Any Farming System

  • Thrives in all soil types with good drainage
  • Any tillage from no-till to conventional
  • No special equipment required

Versatile & Resilient

  • Suitable for irrigated or dryland farming
  • Excellent drought and frost tolerance
  • No significant insect or disease pressure

Low Input Crop

  • Very low fertility demand (about half of canola)
  • Only 4-6” rainfall or 0.25-.0.50 acre-foot of irrigation
  • Short growing season (85-100 days)

Why partner with us?

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Diversify Income Streams

Convert your idle acres into a profitable cash crop, generating supplementary income in short cropping cycles.
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Soil Health and Resilience

Camelina acts as a cover crop that promotes biodiversity, reduces soil erosion, and maintains a living root in the ground. 
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Low Maintenance

Camelina requires minimal fertility and water inputs, and shows resilience against drought, frost, and common pests or diseases.
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Growing the Future of Energy

Help transition away from petroleum-based fuels to sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel for a healthier, more sustainable future.

We have your back

Pioneering Genetics & Breeding

Our scientists and plant breeders continue to develop next-gen, high-yield varieties that stand up to environmental challenges. 


Superior Seed Production

We employ strict quality measures in seed production and throughout cleaning, conditioning, and treatment at our state-of-the-art facility. 

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Expert Agronomic Support

Guidance tailored to your geography and needs, covering everything from planting to crop protection and harvesting techniques for optimal yield.


Assured Market Performance

We guarantee the purchase of all grain produced through our Grain Offtake Agreement backed by our strategic alliance with Shell.

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2024 Grain Offtake Agreements Available

Want to know more about how Camelina can add value to your farm? Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!

FAQ

How does your Guaranteed Offtake Agreement work?

The VISION Offtake Agreement guarantees purchase of all grain produced under the agreement at the specified price. This agreement is financially backed by our strategic alliance with Shell, a global energy leader.

What geographic areas are best suited for growing camelina?

Camelina is extremely versatile and grows well in the Northern, Central and Southern Plains as well as the Pacific Northwest and Midwest. We are currently testing and developing varieties for the East and West Coasts as well.

What type of soil is needed to grow Camelina?

Camelina grows well in most soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can grow in either acidic or alkaline soils. Contact VBO for a full crop production FAQ.

Is crop insurance available for Camelina?

Yes, crop insurance is available for Camelina. The USDA RMA expanded crop insurance for Camelina by allowing written agreements in select counties in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
For more information visit the USDA Risk Management Agency website or contact your local crop insurance agent.

What equipment and tillage practices are required to grow camelina?

No special equipment is required. All conventional equipment used in small-grain and rapeseed production and all tillage practices are compatible with Camelina. VISION agronomists will provide detailed guidance tailored to your equipment setup.

Where are your grain storage facilities located? Who is responsible for transporting grain?

We have existing agreements with multiple storage locations across the United States. Growers are responsible for transportation to their closest location. Any required on-farm storage longer than 30 days will be compensated at standard storage rates.

What labeled crop protection and harvest aids are available for Camelina?

Currently, there are limited labeled crop protection options: one pre-plant, two in-season for grasses, and two harvest aids. A top priority for VISION is expanding labeled crop protection for Camelina, especially introducing a broadleaf control option.

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