MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — The University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative is accelerating its research into winter camelina as a cornerstone for Minnesota’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This funding will support the initiative’s efforts to develop camelina—a high-oil-yield, ancient oilseed crop—into a commercially viable feedstock for SAF while enhancing environmental outcomes through its role as a cover crop.
Camelina’s appeal lies in its versatility. Its seeds produce oil suitable for refining into SAF, which can reduce aviation emissions by up to 94%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Unlike other feedstocks, camelina requires no aircraft modifications, making it a practical near-term solution for decarbonizing aviation. Additionally, as a winter cover crop, camelina reduces soil erosion by up to 80% and nitrate leaching by up to 90%, while providing early-spring blooms for pollinators. “We are grateful that the State of Minnesota sees the potential of winter camelina to simultaneously help our farmers, environment, economy, and climate,” said Mitch Hunter, co-director of the Forever Green Initiative.
The grant will fund the creation of a “road map” to scale camelina cultivation to 1 million acres by 2035, a critical threshold for commercial viability. This roadmap will address research gaps, supply chain logistics, regulatory barriers, and market development. Since 2021, camelina acreage in Minnesota has grown to 5,000 acres, with the first commercial flight using Minnesota-grown camelina-based SAF taking off from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to La Guardia in September 2024. “Farmers are already getting bags of seed and selling crops,” Hunter noted, emphasizing the crop’s rapid adoption.
Minnesota’s broader SAF strategy, bolstered by a 2023 tax credit of $1.50 per gallon for SAF producers and blenders, is driving industry growth. The state’s Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub, launched in partnership with Greater MSP, aims to scale production to meet rising demand. Governor Tim Walz’s 2025 budget proposes $20 million over the next decade to further incentivize SAF development. MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler, chair of the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet, underscored the state’s commitment: “Minnesota has the right reasons to lead on sustainable aviation fuel: a track record of environmental leadership, smart tax incentives, and a strong infrastructure.”
Despite these advances, challenges remain. SAF currently accounts for less than 0.1% of the billions of gallons of jet fuel used annually, and scaling camelina production requires overcoming hurdles in risk management, supply chain integration, and market demand. The Forever Green Initiative’s research, supported by the MPCA grant, aims to address these barriers, positioning camelina as a “cash cover crop” that benefits both farmers and the environment.
“Minnesota has the right reasons to lead on sustainable aviation fuel: a track record of environmental leadership, smart tax incentives, and a strong infrastructure.” — Katrina Kessler, MPCA Commissioner
Minnesota’s multi-pronged approach—recruiting SAF producers, reviewing production proposals for environmental impact, and regulating with clear permitting processes—will culminate in a comprehensive SAF roadmap expected in 2025. This strategy, combined with academic and industry partnerships, positions Minnesota as a leader in the SAF landscape, with camelina at its core.
