bp and agricultural technology giant Corteva have launched Etlas, a 50:50 joint venture that will produce seed‑based oil from crops including canola, mustard and sunflower for use in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD). The partners say Etlas is designed to create a reliable, large‑scale feedstock platform that links farmers directly with the growing global demand for low‑carbon fuels in transport and aviation.
Etlas aims to produce one million metric tonnes of biofuel feedstock per year by the mid‑2030s, which the companies say could translate into more than 800,000 tonnes of biofuel annually. Initial supply is scheduled to begin in 2027, with output expected to serve both co‑processing at existing refineries and new dedicated biofuel plants as markets develop.
The venture’s strategy is to position agriculture at the heart of the energy transition by scaling oilseed crops specifically optimised for advanced biofuels. Feedstock will be harvested from crops grown on existing cropland between main food‑cropping seasons, a move the partners say can help improve soil health and provide farmers with a new income stream without displacing food production.
Etlas will harness Corteva’s century‑long expertise in seed technology and crop science to develop varieties tailored to the needs of SAF and renewable diesel producers. bp will contribute its integrated downstream capabilities, including refining, logistics and marketing, to move the resulting feedstocks efficiently into global fuel markets.
“This capital light joint venture creates optionality in our biofuels value chain, strengthening our position and helping deliver attractive returns,” said Philipp Schoelzel, bp’s senior vice‑president for biofuels growth. “We’re excited to collaborate with Corteva to deliver what our customers want,” he added, signalling bp’s view that demand for SAF and renewable diesel will continue to accelerate.
A core element of the Etlas model is its promise to open up additional value for growers by using fallow periods on existing farmland for oilseed crops destined for energy markets. The partners argue that this approach can enhance farm resilience while supporting decarbonisation goals for airlines, freight operators and fuel suppliers.
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“By helping found Etlas, Corteva continues to deliver on two critical parts of our mission: to help fuel the world and to support farmers,” said Judd O’Connor, executive vice‑president of Corteva’s seed business unit. “Agriculture is part of the solution, and we are excited to see Etlas come to life,” he added, framing the venture as a new commercial route for growers into the low‑carbon economy.
Etlas will be led by Ignacio Conti, Corteva’s global business development director, who becomes the new chief executive officer of the joint venture. Gaurav Sonar, bp’s vice‑president for novel feedstocks, will serve as chair of the board of directors, reflecting the partners’ shared governance of the 50:50 business.
“As the aviation industry looks for reliable, sustainable and cost‑competitive sources of SAF, it is clear farmers have a critical role to play,” Conti said, highlighting the opportunity to connect on‑farm innovation with the needs of hard‑to‑abate sectors. With a clear production target and a defined 2027 start date, Etlas is being positioned as a scalable feedstock platform that could become a key link between regenerative agriculture and next‑generation fuels over the coming decade.
