Grand-Couronne, 25 February 2021 – Launched in February 2020 as a “beta” version, OleoZE, the low-GHG seed sales solution from Saipol (a subsidiary of the Avril Group), has convinced many farmers and collecting organisations since its first year of activation, thanks in particular to additional remuneration for the seeds in the form of a GHG bonus. The sale of low-carbon energy allowed the seeds to be remunerated with a bonus which, on average, reached €25 per tonne of seeds.
A solution to remunerate carbon storage in agricultural soils
OleoZE was the result of two years of work at Saipol to develop a solution that tracks actual farming practices on the farm and remunerates rapeseed and sunflower seeds for the carbon stored in the soil and the fossil energy saved throughout the technical process. Thanks to this solution, offered to collecting organisations as well as to farmers directly on the farm, Saipol markets low-carbon energy, the value of which is paid back through a GHG bonus that reached up to 40€/tonne of seeds in 2020, and 25€/tonne on average.
Emelie Halle, Head of OleoZE at Saipol, says: “This solution is also the practical implementation of the 4 for 1000 initiative, which has demonstrated the potential of arable land to store carbon in the soil. We are very proud to have developed a lever that, through a specific remuneration, commits farmers to continue or develop soil conservation practices that have a favourable impact on carbon storage, soil life and fertility”.
Accelerated sales from september 2020
In 2020, Saipol collected 80,000 tonnes of rapeseed and sunflower seeds. Ten per cent of the collection was made directly in the farm, offering the opportunity to farmer-stockers to benefit from better remuneration for their practices throughout France.
The collection of low-GHG seeds has therefore mainly relied on certified collecting organisations committed to working alongside Saipol to support farmers in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Seven of them have signed partnerships with Saipol to support the development of this concrete solution, which creates value, maintains the oilseed acreage in France, and in particular rapeseed as a starter crop, while contributing to the country’s autonomy in plant protein.
Oleoze ready for the 2021 campaign
In 2021, Saipol will continue to develop the volumes of seeds collected on OleoZE. “We continue to rely on the collecting organisations that form the basis of our seed supply, and which are able to support farmers in the transition of agricultural practices”, said Thibaut Dumans, Rapeseed buyer at Saipol. “We are also confident that oilseed rape will continue to play a significant role in the rotation. The technical and climatic difficulties encountered by farmers in recent years should not undermine the agronomic importance of this oilseed and its contribution to farm income. The GHG bonus that we are proposing is an additional lever for farmers to choose rapeseed again”.
On oleoze.fr, collecting organisations and farmers can already estimate the GHG bonus they may receive due to their farming practices and market the seeds that will be harvested this summer.
A new logo for a new campaign
To mark the launch of its new 2021 communication campaign, OleoZE is redesigning its logo. More inspiring, it evokes both the earth, a genuine carbon sink, which is enriched by agricultural practices, and the plant, cultivated by farmers and transformed by Saipol into biofuels that reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the energy mix.
In the name OleoZE, the prefix “Oleo” refers to oil-bearing plants whose seeds are rich in oil. The letters “ZE” stand for “Zero Emission” for the biofuels that we produce from seeds grown using agricultural practices that store carbon in the soil. The baseline “My practices, My values” evokes both the respect and the values of farmers for their land. This is reflected in sustainable farming practices that respect the life of the soil and the environment, and ensure that fertile land is passed on to future generations. It is also the value and income that they can receive in the end through their role in storing carbon in the soil. By rewarding these practices with a GHG bonus, OleoZE supports the role of agriculture in combating climate change.
To find out more, visit the article on the OleoZE website
CONTACTS
Camille Polleux, Saipol marketing project manager
02.35.18.46.44 / 06.43.81.81.22
camille.polleux@groupeavril.com
Fabien Kay, Saipol communications manager
02.35.18.57.32 / 06.08.35.58.89
fabien.kay@groupeavril.com
