When Calyxt was making its pitch to South Dakota farmers to grow its high oelic soybeans this winter, some of the questions farmers asked were:

• Where would the seed have to be picked up from?
• Where would the soybeans be delivered to after harvest?
• Who would store the soybeans?

Calyxt — a Minnesota-based company specializing in identity preserved grain — had a plan, but now there’s perhaps a more satisfying answer for Dakota growers.

Agtegra Cooperatives reports it will provide distribution, storage and transportation services for Calyxt high-oleic soybeans. Agtegra was created in 2018 by the merger of South Dakota Wheat Growers and North Central Farmers, two of the largest grain-handling and input-supplier cooperatives in the Dakotas.

As part of this agreement, Calyxt and Agtegra will work together to distribute Calyxt high-oleic soybean seeds to the cooperative’s farmer members in South Dakota and provide field services for proper placement and agronomic advice during the growing season.

The collaboration will also include the storage and handling Calyxt soybeans at Agtegra under the Calyxt Soybean Identity Preserved Program, and logistics and transportation services for grain shipments.

“This collaboration highlights the maturing of Calyxt’s business model and proves that our unique Identity Preserved Program is attracting world class partners that provide value to food brands, consumers and farmers,” said Jim Blome, CEO of Calyxt, in a statement issued by the company. “Forming this relationship allows us to expand our grower network and broaden our supply chain capabilities to strongly position Calyxt with premier food companies focused on large-scale commercialization of healthier food ingredients for consumers.” 

“We are excited about this relationship, as it further acknowledges Agtegra is at the forefront of bringing the latest in agricultural innovation to our customers in the Dakotas,” said Chris Pearson, CEO of Agtegra, in a statement released by the company. “We look forward to working with Calyxt and our growers to help them gain access to this value-added channel for their production. This offering aligns perfectly with our mission.”

These services will build upon the existing Calyxt grower base for the Company’s next product launch by collaborating with some of the Agtegra customers who also grow wheat, as well as elevators, to establish the Calyxt Wheat Identity Preserved supply chain.

Agtegra and Calyxt may also work together on another Calyxt product in the future — identity preserved wheat.