A seed innovation company, released its third annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report today. The online report features comprehensive data and highlights ESG milestones achieved during 2023, a year marked by significant progress and transformation for Benson Hill.
“As we shift from an asset-heavy, closed-loop model to an asset-light approach focused on licensing and partnerships, we aim to scale our operations through strategic collaborations across the value chain. These partnerships enable us to leverage existing infrastructure more efficiently while maintaining our commitment to ESG principles,” said Deanie Elsner, Chief Executive Officer of Benson Hill. “Our 2023 ESG Report demonstrates the positive outcomes of our business transformation, and we are excited to deliver seed innovations that unlock potential, generate value, and enhance our environmental performance.”
The online report outlines progress, ESG metrics, and key achievements that underscore the company’s dedication to leading innovation in soy quality traits. It supports Benson Hill’s vision to meet the global demand for more nutritious, sustainable, and energy-dense feed, food, and fuel through seed innovation. Highlights include:
- A detailed overview of Benson Hill’s business transformation in 2023, allowing the company to expand beyond food markets into broadacre opportunities in feed and fuel, bringing ESG benefits to more acres.
- A spotlight on Bob Koester, recipient of Benson Hill’s second annual Mockler Innovator Award, recognizing his substantial contributions through creative problem-solving, scientific excellence, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
- A compilation of business milestones, such as the successful divestitures of soy processing assets in late 2023 and early 2024, reflecting the team’s focus on execution and financial discipline.
- A review of key partnerships, including the strategic collaboration with Denmark-based BioMar to use Benson Hill soy and assess its sustainability impact, and a commercial license agreement with Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. for Enlist E3® soybean technology.
- A fresh focus on intellectual property, detailing how Benson Hill reduces risk for new product launches, proprietary seed varieties, and novel discoveries.
- An overview of the five innovation platforms developed by the company’s technology team to drive growth across multiple market segments, including animal feed, consumer packaged goods, and pet food.
- A discussion on how Benson Hill is “harvesting for tomorrow” by integrating natural resource management in daily operations, supporting soil health, and collaborating with farmers using regenerative agriculture practices.
