By Jamie Martin
BASF has launched Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops, a digital platform created to support farmers, agronomists, and ethanol producers in managing carbon intensity. This system is designed to help users meet the requirements of the Clean Fuel Production Credit, also known as Section 45Z.
The platform combines two tools, xarvio FIELD MANAGER and xarvio BIOENERGY, to gather farm data and turn it into verified reports. These reports help ethanol plants measure the carbon footprint of their feedstocks and improve fuel production strategies.
With the introduction of 45Z, carbon intensity has become a major factor for ethanol producers. Lower carbon scores can improve profits and ensure long-term market access. While many farmers already use environmentally friendly practices, there has been a lack of clear systems to measure and verify these efforts.
"Farming doesn't happen in a vacuum, it's a broad system where every choice has ripple effects throughout the value chain," said Chad Asmus, Sustainability Market Development Manager for BASF Agricultural Solutions. "We have developed Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops to combine agronomic expertise with economic opportunity, so farmers can potentially receive new revenue and recognition for their conservation practices."
Circalo addresses this challenge by providing a structured way to collect, organize, and verify farm data. Agronomists play an important role by recording field practices, which are then used to calculate carbon intensity. The data is shared with ethanol plants through a secure and standardized system.
The platform also supports third-party verification, ensuring that all information meets regulatory standards. This makes it easier for ethanol producers to qualify for low-carbon fuel incentives.
According to BASF representatives, the platform is built to create real value across the entire supply chain. Farmers can receive recognition and possible financial rewards for their conservation efforts, while ethanol plants can improve efficiency and competitiveness.
"45Z changes the conversation for ethanol," said Jeff Carver, xarvio BIOENERGY Key Account Manager for BASF. "Carbon intensity is no longer just a reporting exercise; it's a business driver. Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops is built to help ethanol plants work directly with the agronomy partners and farmer networks to document real, measurable ag practices so the data flows seamlessly and securely."
Circalo also allows biorefineries to develop their own low-carbon programs and strengthen relationships with farmers. The system is fully ready for the 2026 growing season and can include past data from 2025.
Overall, the platform provides a practical and scalable solution to help the agriculture and biofuel industries move toward a more sustainable future.
Photo Credit: istock-chas53
Categories: National