BASF has launched a new digital platform called Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops to help farmers and ethanol producers work together to reduce the carbon intensity of crops used for fuel production. The company says the system is designed to support the implementation of the Clean Fuel Production Credit under Section 45Z, ALCHEMPro reported.
The platform connects farmers, agronomists, and biorefineries through BASF’s digital tools, including xarvio FIELD MANAGER and xarvio BIOENERGY. It allows farm-level information to be collected, organized, and verified so that ethanol producers can use the data to support low-carbon fuel production.
As the U.S. ethanol sector prepares for Section 45Z, the carbon intensity of farm crops is expected to play a major role in determining market competitiveness and access. While many farmers already follow practices that can lower emissions, ethanol producers need reliable systems to record and confirm those efforts in order to reflect them in plant-level calculations.
BASF officials said the new platform aims to combine farm expertise with economic benefits. According to the company, farmers may gain additional income and recognition for adopting conservation practices.
The system is designed to record farm activities such as cover cropping, reduced soil disturbance, and improved nutrient management. These practices can affect the carbon intensity of crops under the proposed framework. However, BASF said that inconsistent data collection and limited verification options have made it difficult for ethanol plants to fully include farm improvements in their planning.
Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops gathers farm data through agronomists using xarvio FIELD MANAGER. The information is then organized across a biorefinery’s supplier network. When connected with xarvio BIOENERGY and supported by an independent reviewer, the system can produce a verified feedstock report that meets regulatory requirements and may help qualify for potential incentives.
The platform also provides ethanol producers with an overall view of their low-carbon feedstock supply, including total crop volume and average carbon levels. BASF said this creates a clear link between farm practices and fuel production goals.
The company added that the system includes third-party review to support regulatory and audit requirements related to Section 45Z.
BASF said the platform is intended for farmers, agronomists, and ethanol plants. Using xarvio BIOENERGY, biorefineries can create their own programs to secure verified low-carbon crops, align farmer incentives, and strengthen relationships within their supply chains. The company said this approach moves beyond general commitments and focuses on measurable results based on real farm data.
Officials described the system as built specifically for the ethanol sector. They said it allows producers to coordinate farm support with carbon goals and improve long-term cooperation with growers.
For farmers, the platform is designed to simplify participation by recording existing practices and identifying ways to further improve carbon performance. BASF said it aims to ensure that farmers and their advisers have a clear way to take part as demand for low-carbon agriculture grows.
The company said the system is ready for the 2026 growing season and can also apply to the 2025 season where applicable. It is designed to adjust as final government guidance is issued, ensuring flexibility as rules and verification standards continue to develop.
