Intermediate crops: a sustainable solution for agriculture and sustainable aviation fuel production
Intermediate crops harvested for sustainable aviation fuel production are planted during the intercrop period — between two main crops — without competing with existing food crops and without requiring additional land. These crops are based on a key principle: ecological benefits without reallocating agricultural land.
As such, intermediate crops help to:
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Preserve existing agricultural land,
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Improve soil cover and resilience,
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Enhance attractiveness for biodiversity, especially pollinators,
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Produce sustainable aviation fuels derived from hydrotreated vegetable oil (HEFA),
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Co-produce protein-rich meals from HEFA vegetable oil,
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Generate additional income for farmers, supporting them through the transition.
Two structured value chains developed by Saipol: camelina and Jetsun
At Saipol, two intermediate crops suitable for sustainable aviation fuel markets are currently identified:
Both crops can complete their growth cycle between two main crops and meet the same regulatory and sustainability requirements — including traceability, environmental performance (such as GHG emission reductions), and compliance with European standards for sustainable aviation fuels.
Saipol is building the intermediate crop value chain in France for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in close collaboration with committed collecting organizations. Farmers interested in producing harvestable oilseed intercrops can contact their cooperative or agricultural trader to check eligibility and participation.
If you are a collecting organization and wish to engage farmers in producing harvestable intermediate crops, Saipol invites you to contact them.
A European framework supporting aviation decarbonization
To address the challenges of decarbonizing air transport, the European Union has established a regulatory framework aimed at developing the use of sustainable aviation fuels. These fuels make it possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, while relying on sustainable and traceable value chains.
European legislation, in particular the RED III Directive and the regulations associated with sustainable aviation fuels, recognizes the role of harvestable intermediate crops as eligible feedstock sources, provided that they meet strict sustainability criteria.
The next step will be the publication, by the end of 2026, of European certification rules dedicated to these crops, in order to govern their recognition within sustainable fuel value chains.
The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation defines the decarbonization pathway for the aviation sector and encourages the development of sustainable fuels as a substitute for fossil kerosene, through mandatory blending targets.
It is part of the Fit for 55 legislative package, which aims to reduce the European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
Harvestable intermediate crops therefore represent an important lever within the energy mix needed to achieve this European ambition.
