MARCH 16 cover_Sept 2004 Cover 09/03/2016 17:27 Page 1
NEW AG INTERNATIONAL
March/April 2016
Agriculture in CUBA: Unexplored potential beyond Tobacco! The world of Microbials applications Micronutrients: Think Zinc! Slow and Controlled Release fertilizers: Finally some innovations? Irrigation Technology: What’s new?
les i f o r P ’ s r e d Lea ISSUE 1 - March/April 2016
Hunter Industries (USA) Kingenta (China)
Welcome to the 14th New Ag International Conferences and Exhibition in Beijing, China
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MESSAGE FROM EDITOR_MESSAGE FROM EDITOR (june) 15/03/2016 20:16 Page 1
A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR NEW AG INTERNATIONAL
WELCOME TO BEIJING
Courtesy of Tony Eason
As I write these lines hundreds of people from around China, Asia and the rest of the world are preparing their trip to Beijing to attend two conferences that we organize the same week, 4-8 April, at the same venue: First the 4th IFA-New Ag International Conference on Slow- and Controlled- Release and Stabilized Fertilizers, which we have the pleasure and the pride to co-organize with the International Fertilizer Industry Association. These products are increasingly used around the world and after a number of years without any major technological innovation, it seems that we may expect some novelties to be discussed in Beijing: nano-leucite technology and “smart release technology” based on sensing. Also the first denitrification inhibitor will be presented.
Our 2016 Biocontrol Latin American Conference and Exhibition will take place in Campinas-Brazil during 15-17 November. Visit us at www.newaginternational.com to register. Still some sponsorship opportunities, exhibition stands and meeting rooms are available!
In this issue of the magazine, we have many important features covered by world experts: the use of microbials in crop production, an update on Zinc micronutrient, the latest news on irrigation technology and on biocontrol: the privileged access to most of this info is linked to our status as partner magazinesometimes exclusive partner with world-class dedicated events held around the world: microbials at miCROPe in Austria, Zinc at the IFA-IZA-Harvest plus meetings in Brazil, Irrigation Technology at the IA show in the USA and biocontrol at ABIM in Switzerland. We will continue to forge such partnerships around the world in 2016 and beyond as these meetings are often the places where new technologies and new networking platforms emerge, bringing together various industries. Another segment of the business that brings together various industries and technologies: Precision Agriculture. I am pleased to announce that this year will mark the serious start of our concrete involvement in Precision Ag with a unique global approach. Our newly appointed Business Development Director, François Levesque, will drive this new development. He joined us earlier in January after 20 years in the irrigation industry (with Valmont) and satellite images technology (at Geosys). This experience, combined with his degree in agriculture and his keen interest in other Ag inputs such as fertilizers, biocontrol and biostimulants products, makes him the ideal person to embrace this new challenge for New Ag International.
REGI ST TOD ER AY!
BIO
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The 14th New Ag International Conference & Exhibition will immediately follow and will cover as usual a number of technical issues relating to irrigation, fertigation, greenhouse technology, plant nutrition, biocontrol and biostimulants. For the first time however at any international Ag conference held in China, our delegates will also discover through two keynotes lectures the mechanisms of adoption (and non-adoption!) of new technology by Chinese farmers, as well as the various channels of information used by Chinese distributors and growers to access information on technology.
y
The world is opening! One of the very few countries in the world that was so far living “behind” technology development - including in agriculture, has recently opened its doors and is therefore a new frontier for many Ag inputs suppliers. I mean Cuba! “Cuba beyond cigars” is the headline on our cover, with an outstanding picture. Our Latin America Team has spent quite some time putting together this country’s first feature that I encourage you to read. You will discover that there are some “thinking ways” in this beautiful country that certainly do not qualify as being “behind”! What about taking you to Cuba for a conference in the not too distant future? In the meantime I wish you a good read!
www.newaginternational.com
Jean-Pierre Leymonie Director www.newaginternational.com
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Born in 1971, ITALPOLLINA has become a world leader in the production of fertilizers and specialties for use in conventional and organic agriculture. Delivering a wide range of innovative solutions, grounded in the principles of food quality and environmental safety.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE APPLIED TO WHAT
YOUR CHILDREN EAT? Natural plant biostimulants Vegetal protein hydrolysates Biological seed inoculants
Beneficial microbials Organic fertilizers
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CONTENT MARCH 16_CONTENTS SEPT 04 15/03/2016 20:56 Page 1
C O N T E N T S
MARCH/APRIL 2016
NEW AG INTERNATIONAL is a publication of New Ag International SARL au capital de 20,000 Euros 5 Rue Bertrand MONNET, 68000 COLMAR, France newag@newaginternational.com www.newaginternational.com Gérants/Directors: Jean-Pierre Leymonie, Bruce Neale, Ralph Thawley. Editorial Director: JP Leymonie New Ag International 12 rue du Hagueneck 68000 COLMAR, France Tel: +33(0)389305120 Fax: +33(0)389305134 Mob: +33 (0)688070534 Email: editorial@newaginternational.com Editor & Latin America Correspondent Patricio Trebilcock La Capitanía 681, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. Phone: +56 2 2010550 Fax +56 2 2019157 Mob: +56 991630327 newagspanish@gmail.com Plant Protection Corner: M. Loison Email: m.loison@wanadoo.fr Contributing Editor: Oded Achilea Email: od.achilea@gmail.com Advertising enquiries: Email: advertising@newaginternational.com Marketing and Sales Manager: Jacqui French Email: advertising@newaginternational.com Administration and Production Manager: Diane Jones Email: newag@newaginternational.com Issued four times per year Reprints of articles obtainable on application to the Editorial Director. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise-without the prior written permission of the Copyright Owner. © 2016 New Ag International SARL Subscription enquiries to: Email: newag@newaginternational.com Annual subscription: Euros 175 (4 issues per year - hard copies, online version and access to past issues) Designed in England by Alphaset Tel: +44 (0) 8391 8022 Email: mail@alphaset.co.uk
New Ag International accepts no responsibility or liability for the validity or information supplied by contributors, vendors, advertisers or advertising agencies.
NEWS REVIEW
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Headline News: Welcome to the New Ag International Conferences and Exhibition in Beijing
SUPPLIERS’ CORNER
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New products, new technologies, new books.
PLANT PROTECTION CORNER
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Many positive drivers for Biocontrol, by M. Loison.
LEADER’S PROFILE
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Kingenta: The largest Speciality fertilizer company in China. An exclusive interview with Zhai Jidong, Chief Operating Officer.
PRODUCTS & TRENDS
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An update on Slow- Controlled- Release and Stabilized Fertilizers, by O.Achilea.
IRRIGATION LEADERS
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Hunter Industries acquires Senninger: The American company adds to Hunter’s growing revenue stream through expansion into Senninger’s markets, by Patricio Trebilcock.
IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY
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Report from the Irrigation show, by Patricio Trebilcock.
REGIONAL REPORT
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Cuba: The potential of Agriculture beyond Tobacco, by Juan Pablo Figueroa.
AGRONOMICS & ECONOMICS
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Microbials in agriculture: The huge potential. Report from the MiCROPe symposium, by Dr Angela Sessitsch, Austrian Institute of Technology. Think Zinc: What’s new in Zinc agronomics, by Prof I. Cakmak, Sabanci University
PEOPLE & EVENTS WEB DIRECTORY
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View this issue online at: www.newaginternational.com Front cover: Main picture. Tobacco grower in Cuba. Courtesy of NAI. Smaller picture. Drip irrigation. Courtesy of Netafim. Editorial and photo acknowledgements: Special thanks to o Evgenia Apostolopoulou/HIS, Zhai Jidong/Kingenta, Prof I. Cakmak/Sabanci University, Angela Sessitsch/AIT.
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Netafim to exclusively Market Amiad Arkal Disc New Zealand Irrigation Scheme plans to open 5000 Filtration Systems hectares in Canterbury NEW AG INTERNATIONAL
MAYFIELD HINDS IRRIGATION shareholder farmers scheme in the Canterbury region in New Zealand have approved spending up to $25 million in a proposal to add irrigation to another 5000 hectares. The scheme has delivered water since 1947 and now irrigates 36,000 ha. There is no more water available to the scheme, so efficiencies made with the existing allocation have helped to create this proposed expansion. Much of the land in the area is already highly productive and improved crop yields and use of fertilizers is expected to be achieved with irrigation and
monitoring through farm environment plans.
NETAFIM recently announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with Amiad Water Systems Ltd. Under the terms of the agreement, Netafim will exclusively market Amiad’s product lines for the irrigation market in numerous countries outside Israel, as part of its filtration offering. The agreement is the latest step in a longstanding col-
laboration between the two companies. With the Disc filters being a critical component in irrigation systems protection, the exclusive deal with Amiad not only enhances Netafim’s filtration solution offering with Amiad patented Arkal SpinKlin technology but also represents a strategically important move for the world leading drip irrigation company.
No National Certification in India to Deem Products “Organic” ALL THOSE RACKS OF ORGANIC FOODS stocked at departmental stores in India might just be a ruse. With only self-prescribed standards to adhere to, many of these ‘organic’ products, shockingly enough, don’t meet Indian standards, leave alone international standards. Because when it comes
to organic products there exists no such thing. In effect, one may very well be staring at the logo of the farm, or a cooked-up label of certification by the said company. Store-bought food could be classified ‘green’ or even have the Agmark certification but experts said that is not synonymous with ‘or-
ganic’. A survey by a research firm revealed that over 60 per cent of ‘organic’ shoppers in India haven’t got the slightest clue of what the plethora of labels found on these products mean. These ‘organic’ products are also 20-50 per cent more expensive than their nonorganic counterparts.
Mountain Cleantech fund invests in Pessl Instruments AFTER ABOUT FIVE YEARS researching the sector, a Swiss growth capital fund has made its first investment into agtech, selecting Austria based company Pessl Instruments, well known by the biocontrol, biostimulants, irrigation and plant nutrition companies. Growth capital investment firm Mountain Cleantech made the investment out of the €13 million ($48 million) sustainabilityfocused Mountain Cleantech Fund II. And the firm expects to make agriculture one of five key focus areas for Fund III when it launches
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next year, according to Juergen Habichler, managing partner at the firm. Pessl Instruments has been established for over 30 years after introducing its first device, the Metos Electronic Disease Predictor, in 1984. In 2004, Pessl made its “most important step”, and took Metos online with Fieldclimate.com, a real-time software platform. This platform enables farmers to access and evaluate data generated by its various monitoring hardware systems to help them increase crop yields, and to save energy, water, and fertilizer costs. It also aims to
improve rural connectivity in emerging markets. “What I like very much is that they have integrated solutions; hardware and software. Many companies in the US claim to, but really it is only software that takes past data and makes forecasts based on models,” said Habichler. Mountain Cleantech only invests in companies with $5 million in revenue already, which need growth capital to build partnerships, expand overseas, add second level management talent, and increase brand awareness. Mountain Cleantech’s undisclosed
investment will help Pessl to strengthen its presence in overseas markets like the Americas and Africa, and support the development of new products such as onsite soil nutrition devices and animal behavior analysis. Mountain Cleantech’s investors include strategic players such as Ikea GreenTech, the sustainability investment arm of the furniture giant Ikea, and the Austrian Government, through its partner called austria wirtschafts service (aws). Family offices, pension funds, insurance companies and the fund’s management are all investors too.
Start with fertiliser. Then add opportunity.
Transform fertiliser into innovative, customized micronutrient solutions with Wolf Trax DDP® Nutrients. Patented EvenCoat™ Technology allows our DDP Nutrients to coat onto dry fertiliser blends, ensuring blanket-like distribution across the field for earlier plant availability. It’s a smart way to deliver crop nutrition that’s good for farmers and for your business. Add opportunity by blending with Wolf Trax DDP Nutrients. Learn more at WolfTrax.com.
wolftrax.com Copyright © 2016, All Rights Reserved - Compass Minerals Manitoba Inc. Wolf Trax and Design, DDP and EvenCoat are trademarks of Compass Minerals Manitoba Inc. Compass Minerals is the proud supplier of Wolf Trax Innovative Nutrients. Not all products are registered in all areas. Contact wolftrax@compassminerals.com for more information. Product depicted is Wolf Trax Iron DDP coated onto urea fertilizer. Other DDP Nutrients may not appear exactly as shown.
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NEWS REVIEW
Land O’Lakes, Inc. NEW AG INTERNATIONAL Makes First Commercial Global biopesticide market Investment in Africa to reach $6.6bn by 2020 THE MARKET FOR BIOPESTICIDES is projected to reach USD 6.60 Billion by 2020 at a CAGR of 18.8% from 2015 to 2020, according to a new biopesticides report released by Markets& Markets. Though the biopesticides market is primarily driven by microbial biopesticides, biochemical and beneficial insects usage is projected to contribute to further growth. Grains & oilseeds and fruits & vegetables are the important crop segments that drive the current growth of the biopesticides market; however, there is a rising trend for use of biopesticides in forestry.
North America dominated the global biopesticides market in 2014; whereas, the European region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2015 to 2020. The Asian market presents a good opportunity for biopesticides as China and India adopt more biopesticides. The market competitiveness of biopesticides has been increasing with the growing demand for organic food from developing nations and environmental hazards caused by chemical pesticides. The less availability of arable land has fostered the use of advanced methods to increase the agricultural productivity.
Indian investors inject funds into Rivulis Irrigation
LAND O’LAKES INC. and Villa Crop Protection of South Africa announced a partnership, effective since end October 2015, that will capitalize on the growth potential of the South African agricultural market. The two organizations are joining two complementary portfolios of productivity-enhancing crop input products and services to help all sizes of farms sustainably improve their yields. This is Land O’Lakes’ first commercial investment in Africa and reflects the cooperative’s accelerated growth in its international business. With the deal, Land O’Lakes, through its South African subsidiary, assumes a 52.5 percent ownership stake in Villa Crop Protection. The existing Villa Crop Protection management team will continue to lead the business. People and product expertise from Land O’Lakes’ crop inputs business Winfield Solutions, LLC will support and assist existing operations. Land O’Lakes will bring proprietary products, services and insights
delivered in the U.S. under the WinField brand to complement the portfolio Villa Crop Protection offers the South African market. The organization also will develop new, comprehensive solutions designed specifically for the needs of local growers. Villa’s crop protection solutions are supported with a wide range of training programs presented by the Villa Academy Training Institute. The institute equips agriculturalists, producers and sales people with the latest knowledge, scientific facts and experience in the field of crop protection to help optimize their crop production using fewer resources. Villa Crop Protection plans to expand the institute’s reach with assistance from Land O’Lakes and provide an even-wider range of training courses for the agricultural industry both locally and in the rest of Africa to build skills that help support the economic development of farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole.
Yara expands downstream footprint in Africa
RIVULIS IRRIGATION recently announced that it has completed an agreement with Dhanna Engineering Ltd (DEL), a member of the Indian Abhay Firodia family, in which DEL will acquire a 20% equity stake in Rivulis Irrigation from mother company FIMI Opportunity Funds and from Rivulis Irrigation a
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49% stake in its Indian subsidiary. FIMI retains 80% of the equity in the global operations of Rivulis. Richard Klapholz, CEO of Rivulis Irrigation, stated that the vote of confidence received from the Indian investors is a huge boost to the company, especially at this stage of its growth process.
YARA INTERNATIONAL ASA has signed an agreement to acquire Greenbelt Fertilizers, a leading distributor of fertilizers in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique for USD 51 million. Zambia with its neighbouring countries make up a fast-growing agricultural region with low but increasing fertilizer application rates, and Yara expect continued fertilizer demand growth in the region. Greenbelt started operations in Zambia in 2004 and has become a leading fertilizer distributor in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, with sales of 80 kilotons and an EBITDA of USD 5 million in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2015. Greenbelt owns three blending plants and three warehouses. The transaction value includes net working capital of USD 32 million. "This acquisition re-confirms Yara's long-term commitment to Africa. Greenbelt fits well with Yara and will further improve our downstream position within a fast-growing agricultural region," said Terje Knutsen, Head of Downstream.
The Next Generation of Global Agriculture For more than 60 years, BRANDT has provided trusted advice, innovative solutions and unparalleled service for growers, producers and farmers around the world.
With sales in more than 40 countries and 48 U.S. states, BRANDT manufactures and supplies specialty inputs for the agriculture, turf, horticulture and ornamental markets. n Proprietary foliar nutrients and bio-pesticides n Large portfolio of micronutrients and sustainable Proud Sponsor of the NASCAR #7 Ag Car
crop protection products n Exclusive distributors in Africa, the Americas,
Europe, Asia and Australia
If you are interested in distributing BRANDT products, contact ramon.georgis@brandt.co
Brandt Consolidated, Inc. 2935 South Koke Mill Road Springfield, Illinois 62711 USA www.brandt.co + 1 217 547 5840
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NEW AG INTERNATIONAL
4R Nutrient Stewardship Partnership Awarded to Verdesian Life Sciences IN SUPPORT OF PROMOTING a more sustainable and efficient agricultural industry, Verdesian Life Sciences has been named a partner of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program. This recognition aligns with the company’s commitment to help row crop and specialty crop farmers maximize the utility of input investments through the research and development of technologies that address everyday agronomic and environmental challenges. “Since the company’s inception, Verdesian has been committed to becoming a partner of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program,” said Greg Thompson, chief operating
officer of Verdesian Life Sciences. The 4R principles of nutrient stewardship dictate that fertilizer applications should encompass the right source, the right rate, the right time and the right place. These principles are incorporated by Verdesian to create new products and technologies that are backed by research and proven economically and environmentally sustainable for crop health and nutrition. Founded in 2012, Verdesian Life Sciences offers patented biological, nutritional, seed treatment and inoculant technologies for highvalue specialty crops, row crops, and turf and ornamental markets.
AgriThority® Launches operations in China AFTER AGRITHORITY-EUROPE, the US based AgriThority® LLC service provider recently announced the formation of AgriThority-China to support the development of new technologies, products and agrotechnical solutions in China. Headquartered in Jinan, Shandong Province, AgriThority-China provides expertise in all areas of agriculture, with core competencies in technology transfer, plant genetics, seed treatment, biologic and synthetic chemistry crop protection and plant health and nutrition. The team consists of specialists in the industry with comprehensive knowledge of the steps required to efficiently move new products and technologies to commercialization within China. The AgriThority-China network includes more than 35 research farms and facilities throughout the country which permits laboratory, greenhouse and field testing of a variety of crops, including field crops, trees and vines, and fruits and vegetables under a
range of environmental conditions. Services offered by AgriThority-China include market access and business development, product and field development, product importation, regulatory management and registration. The business model for AgriThority-China is different from AgriThority in other parts of the world. It also includes contract business and sales management, much like a "country manager" would provide. The team provides turn-key market access strategies to help companies create a go-to-market plan, develop distribution, and manage sales and marketing. "China is a rapidly developing agricultural market where innovative companies are developing new products to increase agricultural production and create more sustainable practices," says Jerry Duff, AgriThority President. "AgriThority-China will help those companies bring their products to market faster, supplying growers with the resources they need to address new challenges."
Rothamsted Research and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences establish a joint Centre for the Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH, which is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Services Research Council (BBSRC), and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) signed into effect a Co-operation Agreement outlining plans to establish the UK-China joint Centre for the Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture (CSIA). Rothamsted Research and numerous prestigious Chinese organisations and scientists have long and established fruitful collaborations. The
new initiative aims at focusing collaborative research in a strategic manner across four areas that have been identified by researchers across all the partner organisations involved. These four areas are: 1.Crop efficiency: accelerating yield potential, resource efficiency and other aspects of crop performance through discovery and utilisation of novel traits in molecular plant breeding, breakthroughs in crop physiology, and novel crop production systems and practice.
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2. Soil management: understanding and exploiting soil biological, chemical and physical interactions for improving soil quality, nutrient and water use efficiency in intensive agriculture. 3.Next-generation Integrated Pest, Disease and Weed Management: real-time management of crop diseases, insects and weeds in intensive systems, including resistance management. 4.Targeting agricultural innovation, practice and policy: novel agro-eco informatics and modelling ap-
proaches to assess, monitor and understand agricultural systems performance and to evaluate technology and policy roadmaps for sustainable intensification. The CSIA’s core activities are supported by the BBSRC/Newton Fund, the majority of which will be used to pump-prime research, and CAAS have matched this funding. CSIA is intended to be an open platform for research, knowledge exchange and capacity building. Initially CSIA will operate on a virtual model, with host labs at each organisation.
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EU Commission has published its roadmap for the Revision of the Fertilisers Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003. First official indication about Biostimulants regulation AT THE END OF OCTOBER the EU Commission published its long awaited roadmap document covering the various options for the revision of the EU current Fertilizer regulation. This indicative roadmap is provided by the EU authorities for information purposes only and is subject to change. It does not prejudge the final decision of the Commission on whether this initiative will be pursued on its final content and structure, but it will be seen as a positive sign by the entire industry. As appears at page 4 of the document, which can be downloaded from this link, http://ec.europa.eu/ smart-regulation/roadmaps/docs/ 2012_grow_001_fertilisers_en.pdf five different policy options have
been examined in the Impact Assessment, ranging from 'no action’ to various levels of regulatory reform, all of them incorporating Biostimulants in their scheme. Option 1: is status quo, which is seen as unlikely. Option 2: The regulatory technique of the Fertilisers Regulation, i.e. type-approval, remains unchanged, and is extended to the harmonisation of fertilisers from organic raw materials and of other fertiliserrelated products, such as 'plant biostimulants'. For the purpose of ensuring the safety of innovative fertilisers from waste and other secondary raw materials, limit values are introduced for heavy metals. Option 3: Highlights the possibility that harmonisation is extended to fertilisers from or-
ganic raw materials and to other fertiliser-related products, such as 'plant biostimulants', and achieved through approval of ingredients, leading to a positive, exhaustive list of materials eligible for intentional incorporation into a fertiliser. Limit values are introduced for heavy metals for all fertilising materials. Option 4: Harmonisation is extended to fertilisers from organic raw materials and to other fertiliser- related products, such as 'plant biostimulants', and achieved through the 'New Legislative Framework', which builds on mandatory, essential quality and safety requirements and voluntary, harmonised technical standards. Under different sub-options, various levels of third party involve-
ment in the assessment of conformity with the essential requirements apply across the board. One of the requirements is compliance with limit values for heavy metals. Option 5: As under option 4, harmonisation is extended to organic fertilisers and to other fertiliser-related products and achieved through the 'New Legislative Framework' with essential requirements and standards. However, third party involvement in the assessment of conformity with the essential requirements varies between material categories, and is highest for waste and other secondary materials with potentially variable composition. One of the requirements is compliance with limit values for heavy metals.
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ITALPOLLINA TO BUILD A BIOSTIMULANTS FACTORY IN THE USA ITALPOLLINA SpA, (ITALY) recently announced it will build a new state of the art manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana. The location will serve as North American headquarters for its wholly owned subsidiary Italpollina USA, Inc. The construction is due to start in March 2016 and the buildings, which will include a research center for plant biostimulants, will be located near the new Purdue Polytechnic, Anderson. The Purdue Polytechnic Center in Anderson is part of the world-famous Purdue University. Italpollina Chief Executive Officer Luca Bonini says "the construction of this new plant is a very exciting step for our company since
it confirms our commitment to the US market and shows the importance of biotechnologies in agriculture.” Italpollina plans to produce plant based biostimulants and specialty fertilizers at the new 70,000 square-foot location expected to open in the summer of 2017. Italpollina USA began commercial activity in the US in December of 2013. Jon Leman, Commercial Director for Italpollina USA stated, “the new facility will enable us to better serve our US customers as we continue to bring innovative technologies to the market place. We are pleased to begin this phase of our long term strategic plan to serve the North American market.”
BALTIC AGRO and TRADECORP reinforce their cooperation in Baltic countries AFTER 15 YEARS of cooperation, Tradecorp and Baltic Agro have decided to strengthen their relationship in the whole Baltic region. Mutual exclusivity distribution contracts have been signed for the three countries. Tradecorp will bring innovations in Baltic market with local presence and will strongly support Baltic Agro sales forces with technical, marketing and communication. Dr. Renata Laure, previously “Specialties Manager” of Baltic Agro UAB for Lithuania, has been nominated by Tradecorp as Baltic Area Director for the three Baltic countries. Danas Jankauskas will replace her as “Specialties Manager” for Lithuania. A team of Tradecorp Promotors to be recruited in 2016 will be working in the field under Mrs. Laure responsibility in order to facilitate the work of Baltic Agro. Those Tradecorp staff people will by fully integrated in Baltic Agro organization.
Valagro and FMC sign agreement for the distribution of Valagro biostimulant Lallemand Expands its Plant Care Unit’s Presence products in China and Expertise in Brazil through the Acquisition of Laboratorio Farroupilha
WITH 10 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE in developing and producing biological crop management inputs in Brazil, Laboratorio Farroupilha has become the latest addition to Lallemand’s Plant Care division, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and innovative product development to the privately owned Canadian company. Lallemand, a global leader in yeast and bacteria, is also active in plant health care for agriculture, horticulture, forestry and turf management. Laboratorio Farroupilha will be Lallemand Plant Care’s platform for expansion into Latin America. In addition, Laboratorio Farroupilha is expected to help expand Lallemand Plant Care’s production capacity, bolster its R&D activities, and augment its bio-insecticide offering.
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VALAGRO S.p.A. has signed a distribution agreement with FMC Corporation’s China subsidiary, thus expanding its presence in China. According to the agreement, FMC will exclusively distribute Megafol and MC Extra in central and northern provinces of China. Valagro will continue to maintain its long-term relationship with Just Agrotrech in the southern parts of China, where they have pioneered the development of biostimulant products over the past 10 years. Mr. Giuseppe Natale, CEO of Valagro, commented: "This agreement, significantly enhances our presence in China. The Chinese market is strategic for Valagro’s growth: it represents the world’s fast expanding agricultural
market and it’s developing modern agricultural practices, with increased attention to sustainability. At the same time, our growth in China is part of our broader strategy for expansion in the Far East agricultural business, where the contribution of this area, to the current Valagro total turnover, is relatively low.” Mr Gordon Xu, General Manager of FMC Agricultural Solutions for Greater China, said,. “FMC’s mission in China is to provide innovative solutions and technologies to growers to meet their evolving needs in agricultural production. Valagro is a leading company in the area of biostimulants and specialty nutrients technologies.
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Koppert to open new R&D Center in Spain KOPPERT BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, recently laid the foundation stone for a sustainable building in the Spanish town of Vícar and hopes to bring microbiological solutions closer to growers around the world. Research into microorganisms that are beneficial to agriculture will be one of the key activities to be developed at the new R&D centre. The identification of fungi and bacteria which naturally increase the growth and productivity of plants, while strengthening the natural resilience of crops against diseases that are mainly transmitted through the root, form the basis for a range of Koppert’s seed, soil and plant enhancement products. There will be a second laboratory for entomological research (in-
sects) and an area devoted to quality control for all the biological products which Koppert sells in Spain. The new facilities, which will open in about six months, will also have offices for researchers, a meeting and training room, a kitchen, and communal areas. Koppert Spain’s new R&D centre will have sufficient space to accommodate both permanent staff and visitors. Koppert commissioned a firm specialized in designing sustainable homes to draw up the plans. The new building will be self-sufficient in terms of energy, relying on solar and wind power, and will be constructed with materials that take maximum advantage of the light and Mediterranean climate to minimize its environmental impact.
Greenhouse irrigation Market to almost double by 2020? THE GLOBAL GREENHOUSE irrigation system market is estimated to grow from USD 747.3 Million in 2014 to USD 1.3 Billion by 2020, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% from 2015 to 2020, according to a recent survey released by Markets & Markets. In 2014, the market was dominated by Asia-Pacific, followed by Europe. Boost in cultivation of vegetables and fruits in greenhouses in the Asia-Pacific region has also led to its dominance in the global greenhouse irrigation system market. The Asia-Pacific market is also projected to grow at the highest CAGR owing to rapid growth in land area under green-
houses and high population growth in the region. Drip irrigation had the largest share in the type segment in 2014 and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2015 to 2020. Vegetables are the largest application segment of the greenhouse irrigation system market and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5%. Presently, countries such as China and Spain dominate the demand in the market. China is also the largest manufacturer and supplier of greenhouse irrigation systems. China, Mexico, and Turkey are the fastest-growing markets owing to growth in land area under greenhouses in these countries.
www.yargus.com
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N E W S R E V I E W
NEWS REVIEW
NEW AG INTERNATIONAL
Valmont Irrigation Division hard hit in 2015
DE SANGOSSE ACQUIRES NUTRIENT TECHNOLOGIES AS PART OF its international development strategy, French Group De Sangosse announced their latest acquisition into North America – Nutrient Technologies, an industryleading manufacturer in the field of Plant Nutrition in the Western United States. For more than 20 years, Nutrient Technologies has successfully developed and marketed an innovative product portfolio based on TECHFLOŽ technology. TECHFLO products are chemically reacted, neutral, micronized powders formulated as flowable dispersions for use as nutritional sprays. These products primarily target the fruit, vine and vegetable markets.
Nutrient Technologies will benefit from the additional resources of partnering with De Sangosse, which will allow them to pursue and increase their pace of new product development. With the teamed strength and expertise of Nutrient and De Sangosse together, TECHFLO products will have a greater impact upon the global market, Carl Tanner, former CEO of Liphatech, Inc. will lead the transition as interim CEO of Nutrient Technologies. Jeff Reimche, who has played a critical role in the past 20 years in the company's success, will continue his responsibilities as director of operations.
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THE IRRIGATION DIVISION of Valmont Industries were hard hit in 2015 as storm damaged machines were not repaired and replaced during the third quarter. The revenue decline is also attributable to lower global farm income. Revenues plunged 36%
year over year to $112.2 million. Currency translation also reduced sales in international markets, particularly in South America, while reduced demand for irrigation equipment and aftermarket parts adversely affected results in North America.
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BioConsortia Obtains Key U.S. Patent Covering R&D Platform Technology for discovery of microbial products ■ BIOCONSORTIA INC, innovator of microbial solutions for natural trait enhancement and yield improvement, has been granted a patent for its Advanced Microbial Selection (AMS) process by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Issuance of the patent marks an important milestone in the company’s development, protecting its prominent position in the arena of plant microbiome research and affording BioConsortia a unique, proprietary R&D platform to rapidly identify teams of microbes and develop products
that protect and enhance crop yields. The AMS technology transforms the approach to microbial R&D by reversing conventional methodology; putting efficient and harmonious plant colonization at the forefront of experimentation. Plants are grown through iterative rounds of plant-microbe selection and judged on a variety of yield-relevant phenotypic indicators including the ability to withstand environmental stresses. Selecting for the most favorable plant-microbe interactions in this way results in a rapid evolu-
tion of the plant microbiome towards a community enriched with beneficial microbes. Plant gene expression and microbiome analyses performed throughout the process give insight into which organisms are contributing to the beneficial effects. The main benefits of the AMS technology platform are that the microbes have been pre-selected through the process to be good plant colonizers. These microbes are compatible with and perform complementary functions to other microbes in the consortia, and survive the presence of standard
chemical crop inputs. New products can now be discovered and developed far more efficiently than by traditional microbial and plant breeding methods. A typical AMS experiment discovers several consortia ready for field testing after just 9 months of research compared to multiple years using conventional methods. The AMS patent is the first U.S. patent granted from a series of patent applications filed by BioConsortia related to the AMS process and microbial consortia for plant enhancement.
Koch Agronomic Services launches N-TEGRATION™ Technology ■ KOCH AGRONOMIC SERVICES, LLC (KAS) has launched N-TEGRATION™ Technology, a process technology platform designed to enable production of enhanced efficiency fertilizers at urea manufacturing facilities. N-TEGRATION™ Technology is now available for license to global fertilizer manufacturers that qualify. This branded technology plat-
form offers producers the ability to integrate proprietary additives into the urea prilling or granular manufacturing process. This creates homogeneous, enhanced efficiency fertilizers which shield against nitrogen loss through volatilization and nitrification for above and below ground protection. N-TEGRATION™ Technology is a proprietary platform for urea
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manufacturers that want to differentiate themselves by producing value-added products, committing to best practices and placing a priority on quality in their nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing and product offerings. The platform enables production of higher valued products designed to thrive in an ever-increasing regulatory and competitive landscape. Producers who qualify will benefit from a program that works in close relationship with their quality and branding efforts to promote their product brand and the N-TEGRATION™ Technology manufacturing process in a clear and confident manner. The following additional components are provided to ensure a successful licensing experience: • Technology Transfer: A process design package and supporting technical services to ensure a successful design, implementation and start-up of the N-TEGRATION™ Technology process at the licensees’ facilities. The scope of technical services ranges from site assessment to process design to
detail design support to facilitation of performance testing aimed to achieve product quality and capacity requirements. • Additive Supply: Sales and delivery of all proprietary KAS additives necessary for the production of enhanced efficiency fertilizers. • Marketing & Sales Support: If requested by the licensee, the development and supply of marketing tools, and related sales and agronomy support, to create end-user excitement about the homogeneous, enhanced efficiency fertilizer products. Certified participants will gain the usage rights of the official N-TEGRATION™ Technology package, brand logo and style guide. • On-Going Product Development: As evidenced by the significant investment in an N-TEGRATION™Technology pilot plant in Sylacauga, Alabama, KAS is committed to developing additional enhanced efficiency fertilizers that can be produced from the N-TEGRATION™ Technology platform.
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DJI Introduces Company’s First Agriculture Drone ■ DJI, the China based world leader in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, announced the launch of a smart, crop-dusting agricultural drone. The DJI Agras MG-1 is dustproof, water-resistant and made of anti-corrosive materials. It can be rinsed clean and folded up for easy transport and storage after use. The eight-rotor Agras can load more than 10 kilograms of liquid for crop-spraying and can cover between seven to 10 acres per hour. It is over 40 times more efficient than manual spraying. The drone can fly up to eight meters per second and adjusts spraying intensity to flying speed, ensuring even coverage. The Agras features DJI’s industryleading flight-control system and
microwave radar to ensure centimeter-level accuracy. During
flight, the drone scans the terrain below in real-time, automatically
maintaining its height and distance from plants to ensure application of an optimal amount of liquid. DJI’s real-time Lightbridge 2 transmission system is also on board. Users can select automatic, semiautomatic or manual operation modes, depending on terrain, with uniform spraying carried out via the drone’s nozzles. The drone has four replaceable, ceramic nozzles, each powered by a motor. The included nozzles can be used for thousands of hours of spraying. Downward airflow generated by the rotors increases spraying velocity and ensures the agent will reach plant stems and leaves near the soil. The Agras MG-1 will initially be available in China and later in other markets.
H.J. BAKER LAUNCHES NEW AGRONOMIC NUTRIENT CALCULATOR APP ■ H.J. BAKER, recently launched a new agronomic nutrient calculator app. This tool will allow farmers to plan precise sulphur fertilizer and micronutrient applications. Sulphur and micronutrient deficiencies prevent maximum crop response. The challenge is identifying the deficiency and then knowing the precise amount of fertilizer to apply to maximize
crop yields. The new agronomic nutrient calculator eliminates the guesswork. It allows the producer to select a crop and a desired yield for that crop. The calculator will determine the amount of vital crop nutrients needed to maximize the yield and which Tiger-Sul fertilizer and micronutrients products should be used. It covers all key crops; including corn, canola and soybeans. In addition, the app
contains complete product line for all Tiger-Sul products and contact information. Tiger-Sul previous Nutrient Calculator App was rated one of the top 10 agriculture apps by CropLife Magazine. Key features of the Nutrient Calculator include: Tiger Calculator; Nutrient Removal Calculator; Nutrient Deficiency Image Library; A collection of images by crop divid-
ed into three categories: primary, secondary and micro. Tiger-Sul’s Nutrient Calculator is available in four languages so that customers worldwide can take advantage of its innovative and powerful tools: English, Chinese-Mandarin, Spanish and Portuguese. The app is available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play for Android users.
NET IRRIGATE INTRODUCES MULTI-USE XPROXY PLATFORM ■ NEW SELF-POWERED TECHNOLOGY enables customized alert notifications for critical events within pivots, pump controls, and other remote field machinery. Continuing to expand its industrial Internet of Things ecosystem, IoT solutions manufacturer Net Irrigate announces the launch of its new xProxy remote monitoring solution. Providing continuous monitoring and real-time mobile updates on
industrial machine statuses, xProxy can be easily configured to send specific, customizable messages to
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multiple recipients through push notifications, SMS (text), email, or voice. Developed by the creators of WireRat – the agriculture industry’s best-selling patented copper theft alarm – xProxy offers versatility through its three-part solution comprising the complete range of machine and environmental monitoring needs: a versatile sensor, mobile app, and cloud-based soft-
ware platform. The simple, selfpowered xProxy Link is a plug-andplay Verizon certified sensor that monitors for critical or noteworthy conditions within a machine or industrial application. About the size of a sticky note, the versatile xProxy Link features a pre-configured cellular modem which enables it to instantly connect to the xProxy Cloud and send mobile push notifications when alert conditions occur.
What’s in it? At Van Iperen you get more than just the bag. All of our fertilizer products provide you with
sophisticated fertilizer solutions.
With us, you get unlimited access
to state-of-the-art Dutch expertise
and a global network of passionate specialists who are eager to share their knowledge and experience. On top of that, you benefit from
our smart supply chain. So, what’s in the bag? Everything we have
to offer – together with the best product on the market. NEW Iperen WS NPK’s with the Iperen IPE
technology for Increased Phosphate Efficiency. Learn more? Visit www.iperen.com/IPE.
Fertilizing knowledge. Grow for the best www.vaniperen.com
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Bioiberica launches two new products for deficiency stress
Senninger announces the new Xcel-Wobbler® UP3 TOP ■ SENNINGER IRRIGATION is pleased to announce the new XcelWobbler UP3 TOP sprinkler. With the release of this innovative top-of-pipe product featuring the convenient UP3 nozzle, Senninger is expanding its patented Wobbler technology, known for its abilities to operate at lower pressures and provide outstanding uniformity over a large area. The new Xcel-Wobbler UP3 TOP can be installed along the entire length of the center pivot using nozzles from #6 through #24. It is designed specifically for low pressure (10 psi) to promote energy savings and produce a wind-resistant large droplet. The gentle rain-like application is suitable for all soil types and various terrains.
Valmont® Irrigation and AgSense® Launch New Remote Monitoring and Control Solution ■ BIOBERICA PLANT PHYSIOLOGY DIVISION recently presented AminoQuelant™-Ca/Mg and AminoQuelant™-Cu. These are two new releases in the AminoQuelant™ line of products. These products stimulate the recovery of the physiological equilibrium so that plants may assimilate the nutrients they need, as well as ensuring that micro-elements reach the consumption point in an efficient, safe and quick manner. These micro-elements combine, in a single formulation, the L-α-amino acids made through Bioiberica’s exclusive enzyme hydrolysis process, with nutrients.
■ VALMONT® IRRIGATION and its fully owned subsidiary AgSense® announce the release of the CommanderVP™, a new remote monitoring and control solution for Valley control panels. This is the first AgSense telemetry product to completely integrate into Valley digital control panels. Adding CommanderVP to the Valley Pro2 and Select2 panels ex-
tends existing Valley digital technology to the grower’s computer, smartphone or tablet. “This type of joint endeavor was exactly what we had envisioned and was one of the main drivers for acquiring AgSense last year,” said John Campbell, advanced technology product manager for Valmont Irrigation. The CommanderVP replaces the now discontin-
ued Tracker SP. It includes many product enhancements, such as remote end gun control and programming, optional wire theft monitoring, comprehensive historical reporting, and communication via the private WagNet® wireless network for quicker command response times. The CommanderVP can be ordered exclusively through Valley dealers.
All Smart, with Six New Instruments from Kipp and Zonen ■ KIPP & ZONEN is proud to present six new smart instruments that make the range of solar radiation measurement solutions complete. A totally Smart solar and sky radiation monitoring station is now available at all performance levels; thanks to the expansion of the range of instruments with the new SMP6, SMP21 and SMP22 pyranometers, the SGR3 and SGR4 pyrgeometers, and the SUV5 total UV radiometer. The Smart range has as the main benefit a RS-485 Modbus® interface, combined with an amplified analogue output. Instruments can be connected directly to a digital data acquisition system for live ra-
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diation measurements, to monitor the status and power supply and to keep track of the calibration history. Connection of up to 247 instruments is possible to just one Modbus® cable. Reprogramming data loggers after recalibration is history with the Smart range because all Kipp & Zonen’s Smart instruments have
standardised output ranges. This makes them easily exchangeable, saving time and cost. Another maintenance-saving development is that all new Smart instruments will have internal desiccant with a guaranteed lifespan of 10 years. No need any more to inspect drying cartridges and change desiccant.
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Vitens Fulvic and humic acids from drinking water ■ VITENS, the largest drinking water utility in the Netherlands, produces fulvic and humic acid (FA/HA) from drinking water on a large scale. With almost 100 production sites spread across the supply area Vitens serves 35% of the Netherlands with high quality drinking water. At three locations the groundwater is withdrawn from peat areas with a slight natural colour caused by the presence of mainly FA. Since 2006 Vitens extracts this colour from drinking water to improve the water quality and subsequently disposed this substance as a waste
stream not knowing until recently that it could be a very useful bios-
timulant substance for the agricultural sector. In 2012 Vitens de-
veloped a sustainable and highly effective technology to purify and concentrate these FA/HA to a 17% FA and 1% HA product (according to IHSS guidelines). Besides “food grade” quality, together with research institutes in the Netherlands these FA/HA from drinking water have shown to be very effective for soil/plant but also for feed application. Not only is Vitens the first Dutch producer of FA/HA, but also the first in the world that produces sustainable FA/HA from drinking water. The product is now on offer for the Agricultural sector.
Yargus Leads the Way in Conveyor Safety Features
DLV GreenQ Dashboard to realize growing from distance
■ WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY, Yargus has you covered. Yargus is leading the industry for Worker protected material handling solutions. The engineering group of the company is continuing to develop additional safety features on all our product lines to meet and exceed regulations. For all Yargus conveyors, the bearings, shafts, pulleys and rollers are
■ THE IDC ONLINE CROP MANAGEMENT helps growers to bridge physical distances. Existing techniques and sensor technologies provide insights from information gathered from a distance. DLV GreenQ is developing a platform to implement the data from the greenhouse into an online digital dashboard (Crop Monitoring System). All known and new information streams which are coming from the greenhouse are implemented in the dashboard. The data is extracted from the climate computer, manual registrations, sensors, etc.
protected for worker safety. Safety pull cords come standard to stop the equipment in case of an emergency. The system start-up has an optional siren and flashing light to warn workers of motion and Safety Fencing with a kill switch. Yargus works tirelessly to improve their equipment standards through research and development for preventative safety measures.
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Data of the sensors, crop monitoring systems, growth models and energy flows are combined and visualized. In the Control Room this data is transformed into valuable management- and cultivation information for the grower and/or consultant. The information is translated in such a way that the crop can be monitored and optimized from a distance. With this new tool DLV GreenQ is continuing to build distance growing. The company expects the Crop Monitoring System to be ready in the beginning of 2016.
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T-L IRRIGATION CO. AWARDED TWO PATENTS FOR THEIR GPS NAVIGATION CORNER SYSTEM
SIPCAM OXON launches complete line of Specialty Fertilizers ■ TAKING ADVANTAGE of the long-standing knowledge of agribusiness and optimizing the existing resources, the Italian company SIPCAM OXON has recently developed a complete offer of almost 30 specialty fertilizers including Biostimulant (based on vegetable extracts including seaweed, humic and amino acids), Trace Elements, Water Soluble Fertilizers and Microgranulated products. In the top 20 in the world and the only Italian company in global crop protection, SIPCAM OXON works in the synthesis, formulation and commercialization of active ingredients and chemical intermediates. Since the beginning, the main thread of the Group has been the proximity to
the world of agriculture and the ability to understand the customers' needs. The company claims a unique business model and it has developed its direct presence in several European markets as well as in the Italian one: Spain, UK, Portugal, Greece and the Benelux countries. Progressively companies were established in Brazil, United States, Australia, Argentina, Mexico and China. In other countries SIPCAM is working through national distributors or specific Joint Ventures (eg. Sumiagro in Europe). SIPCAM S.p.A is a member of EBIC and Sandro Secco, the Sipcam International Fertlizers Marketing Manager serves as a Director of EBIC since 2015.
■ T-L IRRIGATION CO., announced they have been awarded two patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for their GPS Navigation Corner System. These patents present the unique method of waypoint navigation that T-L Irrigation Co. has implemented for their GPS Navigation Corner System. Also included is the addition of a Wheel Angle Sensor, exclusively offered by T-L Irrigation, for improved track on track accuracy, pass after pass, year after year. Combined with T-L’s continuous movement, low maintenance and reliability of T-L’s universal hydrostatic design, the GPS Navigation Corner System represents the optimum in simplicity and pivot Corner System performance.
New Regulator 2.0 Balances pH ■ REGULATOR 2.0, a new product from the US company Max Systems LLC, lowers, or regulates, the optimum pH of a wide range of spray tank solutions. As a low pH surfactant, Regulator 2.0 also enhances herbicide burn down and delivers molecular oxygen to the plants. “Unlike most products used in agriculture today, Regulator 2.0 is not a salt based product, but, instead, is a carbon-based surfactant containing high amounts of energy and oxygen” says Douglas Stengel, co-owner and business partner in Max Systems LLC. “It would be ideal if farmers could use rainwater, which is at a normal pH, for a herbicide tank mix. Unfortunately, as the rain moves through the soil, it picks up salts and minerals to a point where
most groundwater today measures somewhere between 7.4 and 8.2 in pH with an average around 7.6. So by bringing the water to a more neutral pH level, without adding more salt, we’re allowing the herbicide to work even better. Plus, the carbon that we use as a carrier moves through the plant much easier than the salts that serve as a base for most other surfactants.” Regulator 2.0 can be applied to all field and row crops, fruit and nut trees, vegetables, berries and grapes. It may also be foliar applied by air or ground application equipment. Although it should not be mixed with fungicides, biocides and other products containing heavy metals, Regulator 2.0 can also be added to most fertilizer solutions and a number of herbicides.
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P L A N T P ROT E C T I O N C O R N E R
ABIM 2015:
Many positive drivers for Coinciding with the 20th Anniversary of IBMA, the 10th ABIM Conference has gathered more than 800 participants in Basel last October. Nice celebrations indeed, with a very good mood among delegates! The expected growth of the Biocontrol market ranges between 12 and 15% per year, with companies becoming stronger and many product innovations. M. Loison reports
IBMA
- International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association - have held their annual conference in Bale - Switzerland for 2 years. During three days from 19th to 21st of October 2015, 394 companies and organisations from 47 countries attended ABIM 2015 conference in Basel congress center. The event was a big success for B2B
and networking. It also offered plenary sessions, with 43 oral presentations covering the latest news in market development, regulatory affairs and novel solutions for plant protection. Biocontrol development has been constant in the last 10 years. Lucius Tamm, member of the board of directors FIBL, co-organizer of ABIM since its inception, enu-
merated external drivers that have created opportunities: residue scandal in Almeria, bee colony collapse disorder, invasive species, reduction of registered chemicals, PPP residues limits, protection of biodiversity, spreading of glyphosate-resistant weeds, safety issues, etc. This global context in the past years has driven the plant protection sector to evolve and to introduce alternative biological methods.
AN OPENING TO MAKE REGISTRATION FASTER IN EUROPE?
All pics are courtesy of M. Loison
“Biocontrol has a positive image. Another positive point for the
consumers is that manufacturers are often family-owned and human-sized.” said Tamm. Anyway, he tempered his optimism adding that some risk still remains for biocontrol businesses: “regulatory framework is not sufficiently adapted, for instance to specific need of BCAs. And also, borderline technologies can affect the overall image”. But a new hope for Biocontrol product legislation takes shape in Europe. “There is a need for change, and Dutch presidency of the EU in 2016 will support sustainable initiatives” announced Luuk Van Duijin, director at Ctgb in the opening lecture of ABIM 2015.
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P L A N T P ROT E C T I O N C O R N E R
the Biocontrol market Dutch presidency suggests they will not make registration easier, but surely more specific. Faster approval for low-risk pesticides seems to be one of the priorities for the beginning of 2016 in the EU. Another step was the report on minor uses in the EU adopted in 2014 and signed in 2015 with EPP. "There are several proposals, databases and tool boxes available for minor uses." says Jeroen Meeussen from EPP. Europe is not the only part of the world to question itself. A positive driver for the market is expected in China, where the biopesticides revision is underway. China is one of the three largest agrochemical producing and import/export countries with more than 30,000 Plant protection products registered. “The Chinese government is making an effort to harmonize with
OECD regulations, i.e. pesticide definitions, data requirements, GLP compliance. So China will gradually phase out toxic chemicals and establish a withdrawal mechanism for old pesticides. A revision is underway for biocontrol products, which represent 12% of registered PPP in China“, explains Hanh Chen from TGS. Another issue for the biocontrol industry is to deliver accurate image and communication. “Ten years ago, there was a lack of planning and analysis. Today, the situation has improved but it is important to deliver better messages. For instance, by banishing the term biopesticides, which has negative aspects.” said Wyn Grant, from Warwick University. He points out that English farmers have big needs for biocontrol products, and that the industry
and distributors should work more with farmers. The impact of biocontrol was the theme explored during a full session of the ABIM conference. And it showed that farmers are today seeing more clearly what biocontrol can add to their business. Today in northern Europe, they have to deal with strong regula-
tion and a small toolbox. Luc Peeters from Belorta Belgium, which gathers 1,350 growers, made a precise list of benefits biocontrol can bring for farmers: reliable crop protection solutions; technical support to problems; research adapted to farm level; open communication, etc. “But what we need is more field
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