Jetsun, the intermediate sunflower crop developed by Saipol
Jetsun is a sunflower grown during the intercrop period, between two main crops, using varieties selected for their early maturity and integrated into a dedicated value chain led by Saipol. This harvestable intermediate crop makes it possible to produce a sustainable feedstock for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), without competing with existing main crop production.
Since 2023, Saipol has been exploring the potential of this intermediate crop (also known as a summer catch crop), following a land-use non-competition approach: main crops remain allocated to the same production, and during the intercrop period, fields can generate a sustainable raw material.
Since 2024, Saipol has created the first French market dedicated to seeds from harvestable intermediate crops, with attractive remuneration conditions. The Jetsun value chain is based on a partnership with collecting organizations, which provide close support to producers and ensure prior contracting of volumes.
Jetsun, a traceable, structured, and controlled value chain
Joining the Jetsun value chain is part of a structured framework that ensures the sustainability of agricultural practices and the regulatory compliance of the raw materials produced.
The value chain is notably based on:
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the use of selected Jetsun seeds (or, where applicable, very early-maturing varieties that can be validated);
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full traceability of plots, practices, and volumes, from field to processing;
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control and verification mechanisms;
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audited data, in particular through monitoring and observation tools.
This framework makes it possible to secure the eligibility of Jetsun seeds with European requirements applicable to sustainable aviation fuels, while providing all value chain stakeholders with robust guarantees in terms of sustainability and transparency.
Why join the Jetsun value chain?
For farmers
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Additional income generated during the intercrop period, without compromising main crops;
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A crop that is already familiar and easy to integrate into existing production systems;
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Secured economic valorization through a prior contract with the partner collecting organization;
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On-the-ground technical support provided by Saipol’s partner networks.
For collecting organizations
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A lever for creating additional value for their network of farmers;
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No changes required to existing storage equipment or infrastructure;
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A clear contractual framework, secured upstream.
Joining the Jetsun value chain is based on a prior contractual commitment with the collecting organization, ensuring traceability, regulatory compliance, and valorization of the volumes produced.
Preserving resources: water, soil, and biodiversity
The Jetsun intermediate sunflower crop is part of an agroecological approach based on non-competition with the main crop and the preservation of natural resources.
Planted just after the harvest of the main crop, Jetsun makes use of residual soil moisture. Depending on climatic conditions, a limited and carefully managed water input may be used to secure emergence, followed by growth adapted to cultivation conditions.
Grown during the summer period, this intermediate crop also enhances field attractiveness for biodiversity, particularly pollinators. In addition to the oil intended for sustainable aviation fuels, Jetsun generates co-products rich in plant proteins for animal feed, thus contributing to national protein self-sufficiency.
Compliant with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) criteria
The Jetsun value chain meets the European regulatory requirements applicable to intermediate crops intended for the production of sustainable aviation fuels, in particular those set out in the RED III Directive and the SAF regulatory frameworks.
Thanks to full traceability and compliance with sustainability criteria (greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, land use), oil derived from Jetsun intermediate crops is eligible for the production of sustainable aviation fuels through the hydrotreated vegetable oil (HEFA) process.
Sustainable aviation fuels produced from Jetsun therefore contribute to the energy mix needed to achieve the European objectives for decarbonizing the aviation sector.