In a context where the Argentine oilseed industry is facing a crisis of overcapacity and stagnant soybean acreage, the multinational Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) announced a key investment in its Timbúes agroindustrial complex. This marks the first major investment in the sector in over seven years, following the last expansions led by Renova, ADM, and ACA.

The announcement is part of the renewal of the agreement between LDC and Global Clean Energy Holdings (GCE) to promote camelina cultivation in South America. This ten-year extended deal aims to expand the production of this alternative oilseed, which boasts high protein content and low environmental impact, targeting both animal feed and the production of advanced biofuels.

According to the company, the investment in Timbúes will enable the adaptation of facilities to process camelina, canola, and sunflower, enhancing the complex’s ability to handle new crops that meet the growing global demand for sustainable products. “Our investment reflects LDC’s commitment to more sustainable agricultural and energy production,” said Fernando Correa, regional head of Oilseeds at the company.

The initiative also responds to an adverse scenario for the national oilseed industry, which is operating with more than 50% of its capacity idle due to the lack of growth in soybean production and an uncertain regulatory framework in the biofuels sector. In this regard, camelina emerges as a profitable and sustainable alternative to diversify the productive matrix and reduce dependence on soybean grains.

Since 2023, camelina production in Argentina has expanded from 5,000 to 25,000 hectares, with a goal of reaching 75,000 hectares in 2025. Additionally, the program has extended to Uruguay and Paraguay, positioning South America as a strategic hub for this crop’s production.

With this move, Timbúes once again becomes the epicenter of agroindustrial investments at a time when the sector needs certainty and development to regain its competitiveness.