Plant Science at Kemin Industries

What is Kemin’s Specialty Crop Improvement (SCI) program?

As the world’s population continues to grow and resources become more limited, Kemin believes it is our responsibility to continue to discover sustainable methods for producing ingredients that can transform the quality of life. For decades, the Kemin Specialty Crop Improvement (SCI) plant science program has harnessed sunlight, soil, carbon dioxide, and water to manufacture molecules in lines of scientifically advanced oregano, rosemary, spearmint, and marigold. The specific molecules extracted from Kemin botanicals displace those made with synthetic chemical reactions. Kemin’s molecules can be formulated into ingredients that provide benefits across the global animal feed, pet food, food, nutraceutical and commercial horticulture.

Which botanicals power Kemin’s plant-based ingredients?

Kemin’s proprietary lines of oregano, rosemary, spearmint, marigold, and monarda are scientifically bred to produce high concentrations of beneficial molecules. These natural compounds replace synthetic alternatives and support applications in various industries.

How does Kemin’s breeding technique increase target molecules in botanicals?

3. Scale to Production: Once an ideal “botanical factory” has been established, it is propagated into thousands of identical plants to be scaled up into production at Kemin growing locations around the world.  As part of continuous crop improvement, Kemin scientists continue breeding new lines of specialty crops even when an ideal line has been established. This ongoing process ensures improved production efficiencies and continued discovery.

4. Develop Tailored Cropping Systems: Since Kemin lines of plants are not commonly grown and harvested commercially, our research agronomists and crop production specialists must develop tailored cropping systems. It can take years of field testing to develop machinery, pesticides, herbicides and growing practices that ensure efficient and sustainable growing systems. Kemin specialists partner with expert growers and family farmers across the U.S, and around the world to scale up and grow our specialty crops. The skill and dedication of Kemin’s growing partners provide a consistent, reliable supply of our botanicals.

Agronomic Innovation

Because our crops aren’t commercially grown at scale, Kemin agronomists develop custom cropping systems—including machinery, pest control, and growing practices. We partner with expert growers and family farms across the U.S. and globally to ensure a reliable, sustainable supply.

How does a vertically integrated supply chain improve ingredient consistency?

Kemin controls every step of the supply chain—from breeding and growing to harvesting and extraction. We have one of the most vertically integrated supplies of plant-based ingredients.

This ensures consistent quality and efficacy in every batch of our plant-based ingredients. Our customers can expect the same efficacy every time they purchase our plant-based ingredients.

Certified Sustainably Grown

At Kemin, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility. We believe that the future of science lies in harmony with nature, which is why our plant science program is built on environmentally responsible practices from seed to solution. Our commitment to sustainability is validated by third-party certifications and long-standing partnerships with growers who share our values.

Each of our key crops is grown with care, using methods that protect natural resources, support local communities, and ensure long-term viability. Here’s how our sustainability efforts come to life:

Curious About Our Plant-Based Innovations?

Want to learn more about how Kemin’s proprietary crops and sustainable practices can support your business? Fill out the form below and our team will connect with you to explore plant-based solutions tailored to your needs.