Bunge and Chevron have made a final investment decision for their joint venture, Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables LLC, to construct a new oilseed processing plant adjacent to its existing facility in Destrehan, Louisiana, on the Gulf Coast.

The new plant will have a flexible design to process soybeans and softseeds, including novel winter oilseed crops like winter canola and CoverCress.

Expected to be operational in 2026, it aims to enhance scale and efficiencies for Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables, meeting the rising market demand for renewable fuel feedstocks and supporting feed and protein markets with meal products.

Bunge Senior VP Renewable Fuels Luciano Salvatierra said: “This facility is a key part of our strategy to enhance our renewable fuels capabilities at scale and reduce carbon intensity across our value chains.”

The expansion is projected to create over 150 construction jobs and add 30 new jobs upon completion.

Chevron Renewable Energy Group Director of Manufacturing Stacey Orlandi highlighted the importance of softseed processing for advancing innovation in feedstock and meeting renewable fuel demands.

Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables focuses on developing renewable fuel feedstocks, combining Bunge’s oilseed processing expertise and farmer relationships with Chevron’s renewable fuels production and marketing skills.

Under their agreement, Bunge operates the JV’s processing plants in Destrehan and Cairo, Ill., while Chevron has purchase rights for the oil as feedstock for lower lifecycle carbon intensity transportation fuels.

Bunge is known for its expertise in oilseed processing and its position as a key producer and supplier of specialty plant-based oils and fats.

Bunge has a presence in over 40 countries, with a workforce of over 22,000 employees operating in more than 300 facilities.