Evogene, SLC Agricola expand Brazilian castor bean partnership

In Brazil, Evogene Ltd. and SLC Agricola announced expansion of their agreement to develop castor bean seeds as a cost competitive feedstock for biofuels. This expansion follows successful completion of field trials in northeast Brazil during 2011.

The collaboration between Evogene and SLC Agricola, initiated in 2010, is focused on developing advanced castor seed displaying high oil yield under rain-fed conditions that is suitable for sustainable and commercial production in Brazil. In recently completed field trials, proprietary castor varieties developed by Evogene demonstrated improved yield potential and performance compared to existing cultivars.

Under the expanded agreement, the companies will continue to collaborate on evaluating Evogene’s castor varieties in SLC’s farm locations in northeast Brazil to determine the best performing varieties and agronomic practices suitable for commercial scale production.