ZeaKal and Meherrin AG collaboration builds on first-of-its-kind multi-stakeholder soybean supply chain

Date:12-11-2024

ZeaKal has entered into a collaboration with Meherrin AG, a multi-state agricultural input supplier, to advance the commercialization of its novel photosynthesis trait technology for soybean growers in the United States. ZeaKal’s PhotoSeed™ technology enhances crops’ ability to capture carbon and sunlight, leading to reduced carbon intensity (CI) scores and consistent increases in soybean oil and protein content without sacrificing yields or requiring additional inputs.

This collaboration represents another milestone in ZeaKal’s mission to harmonize the soybean supply chain through the company’s multi-stakeholder ″NewType″ agriculture model that connects plant genetics to the closed-loop soybean value chain. Launched in 2021, existing NewType model partners, including Gro Alliance and Perdue AgriBusiness, have joined forces to support growers by improving seed costs and creating high value local grain markets. The addition of Meherrin expands services available to growers in ZeaKal’s target regions.

″Meherrin is a vital partner that can provide growers with the agronomic support needed to maximize PhotoSeed’s full in-field potential. Now with Meherrin at the table, we can expand and provide even more tailored solutions tied to the needs of local growers,″ said Han Chen, CEO and co-founder of ZeaKal.

Meherrin aims to distribute ZeaKal-branded SOYLEIC^® high oleic soybean seeds to growers in time for the 2025 growing season, supported by their expert agronomic services. In 2026, growers will have the unique opportunity to grow PhotoSeed lines with enhanced photosynthetic capacity, higher nutritional density, and a lower carbon intensity score.

″At Meherrin, we’re committed to providing growers with innovative, value-added solutions to improve profitability,″ said Jeff Middleton, district sales manager at Meherrin. ″By partnering with ZeaKal, we will equip growers with a superior soybean product that delivers high protein and oil content, ensuring sustainability and profitability for the entire supply chain. We’re excited to bring a better bean to our growers.″

Soybeans play a critical role as global demand for sustainable food, feed, and fuel escalates. However, efforts to improve oil and protein while maintaining yield have historically been unsuccessful. PhotoSeed soybeans yield higher oil and protein content while reducing carbon intensity, creating added value for all supply chain partners.