Nuseed’s comprehensive digital data management platform is critical to certifying Nuseed Carinata’s sustainable production program. The platform captures all the data required for certification requirements and greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification at the field level, ensuring contract growers and end-use industry partners receive full supply traceability and value for sustainability practices.
The unique platform allows growers to securely share data directly with Nuseed, tied to their farm’s GPS locations. Nuseed then analyzes satellite images to certify the land use and grower compliance with strict certification requirements, including the verification that various environmental end points (water, soil, endangered species, etc.) are not being negatively impacted.
Nuseed works directly with contract growers to further support production guidelines. These include approved use of insecticides, crop protection and fungicides, the amount and type of fertilizer approved, desiccant use and biomass remaining in the field after harvest.
Glenn Johnston, who leads Global Regulatory for Nuseed Carinata says: “Verifying at a field-by-field level is a big undertaking but it’s that record of carbon stewardship that gives the greatest value to our certified system and audited supply chain, ultimately rewarding growers for their sustainable practices.”
Carbon stewardship adds value from grower to consumer
Achieving the highest possible carbon stewardship for Nuseed Carinata from field to fuel is critical to maximizing sustainability benefits, meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements and adding value to the crop from grower to consumer. Nuseed’s regulatory scope covers the seed and grain processing and assists through strategy engagement with downstream partners all the way to fuel. Nuseed directly facilitates market and policy development, ensuring Carinata is accurately positioned within biofuel policy, LCA (Life Cycle Assessments) frameworks and the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) management plans of end-use biofuel customers.
Nuseed Carinata brings unique value-add to specific biofuel end markets such as those in California, because it is a cover crop that requires no additional land use.
Combined with the focus on GHG reductions, certified by the Roundtable of Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) for the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED) standard, Nuseed Carinata is a new feedstock that addresses several critical barriers for the biofuels sector. It is a proven solution that will help industry and governments address aggressive climate policy objectives, such as the international mandate for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the growing movement towards net zero emissions. For example, the recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) Net Zero Carbon by 2050 resolution to increase use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from 2% in 2025 to 65% in 2050, demonstrates the growing demand for sustainably scalable solutions that do not compete with food crops.
Also the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Default Life Cycle Emissions for Eligible Fuels, by The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) includes Nuseed Carinata as a low-carbon fuel feedstock, with similar top performing GHG savings as waste and residuals, like used cooking oil.
The recognition from RSB, ICAO and resolutions like those of IATA further demonstrate the value and potential for Nuseed Carinata and its independently certified, digitally verified sustainable production program. Proof of carbon stewardship and annual certification requires rigorous process and documentation. Nuseed works globally with growers and the entire Nuseed Value Chain to ensure sustainable production practices, regulatory and certification requirements are met and verified to provide real solutions to carbon stewardship.
