Evogene in deal with Brazilian agri-giant for castor bean trials

In Israel, Evogene and SLC Agricola, one of Brazil’s largest landowners and agriculture businesses, announced the signing of a collaboration agreement between SLC and  Evofuel Ltd., Evogene’s wholly-owned subsidiary, for the commercial production of Evofuel developed castor bean varieties in Brazil, expected to take place during 2016. Evofuel focuses on the development of high yielding castor bean seeds as a second-generation feedstock for the growing biofuel and other industrial markets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Evofuel will provide SLC with seeds of its proprietary castor bean varieties and SLC will be responsible for growing the crop on its farms in northeast Brazil. The resulting castor bean grain will be sold to local oil producers to address the industry need for castor oil.  The agreement provides for the allocation between SLC and Evofuel of revenues from sales of castor bean grain.