St. Louis-based Benson Hill Biosystems, a crop improvement AgTech company unlocking the natural genetic potential of plants, announced the formation of Saturn Agrosciences, a new subsidiary focused on canola improvement.

This new company will build on a partnership forged last year with the University of Guelph as part of the Genome Canada Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) to develop traits that increase canola yield. The results of that research led to some promising developments towards sustainable and healthier varieties of canola using Benson Hill’s patented CropOS™ technology.

Canola is a crop with exceptional health benefits that has not received sufficient focus to tap its full genetic potential. According to the 2018 International Food Information Council annual survey, heart health was the primary nutrition and diet goal cited by consumers.

“Canola oil has one of the most heart-healthy fatty acid profiles of all oils,” said Dr. Christine Rosenbloom, RDN, and co-author of Food and Fitness After 50. “As consumers seek more healthy food choices, canola oil offers an ideal option for food manufacturers and service providers looking to lower trans-fats in their offerings.”

“Saturn Agrosciences is an example of our commitment to empower innovation with both the genomic expertise and the R&D models our partners need,” said Matthew Crisp, CEO of Benson Hill Biosystems.

“Whether it’s a seed company interested in accessing the most advanced genomics tools for their R&D program, or a food company with no genomic R&D capacity interested in sourcing better ingredients, we provide the technology, the partnership model, and the infrastructure necessary to deliver.”

Benson Hill Biosystems operates out of the 39 North campus, St. Louis’ AgTech and Plant Science Innovation District and the North Carolina Biotech Center in Research Triangle Park. No news yet on where Saturn Agrosciences where be headquartered.