Sustainable Oils Names Scott Johnson as General Manager, Expands Management Team for Camelina Research and Production

Sustainable Oils has named a leading agricultural chemical, seed, and biotechnology industry professional as the company’s general manager. Scott Johnson will be responsible for the company’s continuing efforts to build camelina production and marketing opportunities for farmers in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Johnson joined the company on Oct. 1.

In addition, Sustainable Oils has strengthened its management team with three experienced agricultural industry professionals. Gary Starwalt, sales and marketing manager; Jack Kiser, research manager; and Steve Sandroni, production and logistics manager also have joined the company.

Sustainable Oils, a joint venture between Targeted Growth and Green Earth Fuels, was launched in late 2007 and is focused on the research, development and commercialization of camelina for biodiesel production. Camelina, a relative of canola, requires less water and other inputs than many crops and can be harvested with traditional equipment. When managed properly, camelina protects the soil profile for food crop rotations. Therefore, camelina is complementary with traditional food crops and creates a food plus fuels scenario.

“Scott Johnson brings the right combination of experience, technical background and enthusiasm to lead Sustainable Oils,” said Don Panter, president, Sustainable Oils, and senior vice president for crop development at Targeted Growth. “We are excited about the strong team we have built for Sustainable Oils. Jack, Gary and Steve bring tremendous research, marketing, and production agriculture experience that will allow us to develop sustainable production opportunities to benefit growers and agriculture in Montana, the Pacific Northwest and Canada.”

Scott Johnson brings extensive experience in management, marketing, sales and business development to his new role as general manager for Sustainable Oils. He has held a number of key management roles in agricultural chemical industry, including technical services manager for a regional distributor, retail outlet manager, business unit manager, director of business development and strategy, and U.S. director of marketing. In addition, Johnson has a strong background in agricultural biotechnology. He negotiated trait agreements for Rhone-Poulenc as early as 1994, as well as serving as the head of North American traits for Aventis and general manager of corn, soybeans and rice, BioScience, for Aventis and Bayer CropScience.

Gary Starwalt is responsible for leading the sales and marketing function at Sustainable Oils. In this role he helps educate growers about the benefits of new crops, secures camelina acreage for biodiesel production and develops infrastructure to support grower needs. Starwalt has more than 30 years of sales and marketing experience ranging from retail location manager to national sales manager and vice president of sales and marketing for major seed companies, including Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company and Asgrow.

Jack Kiser leads Sustainable Oils’ research efforts to develop camelina varieties with solid agronomic and yield characteristics, along with favorable qualities for biodiesel production. He also is responsible for working with partners and research collaborators to study best agronomic practices for camelina production in Montana and other key growing regions. Kiser oversees the largest camelina breeding and research operation in North America, with more than 40 trials underway across 11 states and three provinces in 2008. Kiser has led product and trait development efforts in cotton, canola, and other crops for several companies, including Pioneer Hi-Bred, Targeted Growth, Calgene, and Monsanto.

Steve Sandroni brings more than 20 years of experience in seed production and management roles, including national production manager for Stoneville Pedigree Seed Company, southern regional production manager, and plant manager responsibilities at Delta & Pine Land Company for more than 10 years. At Sustainable Oils, he is focused on building relationships with foundation seed producers for camelina production, as well as developing camelina contracting opportunities for growers. In addition, he is responsible for the logistics of processing and distribution of camelina meal and oil. Sandroni also produced cotton, rice and soybeans on his family’s farm in northern Mississippi for 13 years.