New Ag International (Nov/Dec 15 issue)

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NEW AG INTERNATIONAL

NOV/DEC 2015

Biostimulants:

The World meets in Florence Update on High Tech Agriculture in Italy s e l i f o r P ’ s r e Lead Monsanto BioAg(USA) Pico Agriculture (Egypt) Tradecorp (Spain)

ISSUE 4 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Greenhouse technology: What is new?

Welcome to the 2nd World Congress on the use of Biostimulants in Agriculture, Florence (Italy), 16-19 November

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MESSAGE FROM EDITOR_MESSAGE FROM EDITOR (june) 17/10/2015 10:40 Page 1

A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR NEW AG INTERNATIONAL

Courtesy of Tony Eason

WELCOME TO FLORENCE! As I write these lines 900 people from close to 65 countries and representing more than 550 companies and organizations are preparing their trip to the beautiful city of Florence in Tuscany, Italy, to attend the 2nd World Congress on the use of Biostimulants in Agriculture, which we have the pleasure and the pride to organise. Biostimulants have always been part of our editorial focus since the very first issue of this magazine 15 years ago! In March 2001, I wrote an article entitled “Seaweed Extracts: a promising future”! At that time the word “biostimulants” did not exist. Today the situation has changed: the word biostimulants exists – although still disputed in some academic circles, a market exists and not only comprising of seaweed and, last but not least there is a real industry, not just a bunch of “dreamers” like it was 15 years ago.

Our 2016 Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in Beijing during 6-8 April.

Visit us at www.newaginternational.com. to register.

During the past 5 years in particular, the changes in the Biostimulants' world have been tremendous: progress in science to explain why they work or do not work, market growing at rapid pace to reach about $1 billion today, industry booming and going through consolidation, creation of coalitions/consortia in Europe and the USA to represent the industry, etc. The only stumbling block is legislation! Do you know of many industries on their knees before regulators in Washington DC and Brussels, saying “please regulate us as soon as possible”. We are rather used to “please deregulate us as soon as possible!” Until now nothing has been finalized anywhere. Europe seems the closest one to ink something on paper but it is not done. Other countries such as the USA, Brazil, India, Australia, China, are eyeing Europe.

Some exhibition stands and meeting rooms are still available!

Are Biostimulants and also Biopesticides part of the new tools at the disposal of farmers and growers to enter the world of what is now called “precision agriculture”?

In his presentation at the 2015 InfoAg conference, Dan Friedberg, President of Premier Crop Services said “Real world agronomy is integrated and complex; we can’t make what is truly complex simple – we can make it easy, but not simple”. The challenge lies in choosing the information that goes into defining the management zones (MZ) for using variable rates of crop inputs. When Friedberg’s Learning Block™ concept is applied, by establishing high and low inputs checks within the MZ, growers have access to quantifiable, low-risk results to answer the “Did it pay?” question. The Variable Rate Technology (VRT) can well apply to biostimulants and biopesticides, although most people will still consider that these inputs are not as precise as fertilizers (apply so many units of Nitrogen if you aim at reaching that yield level) or chemical pesticides (spray and kill) but they definitely participate to creating a sustainable agriculture. So risky business for a grower to embark into the use of biologicals? Remember what world- famous Brazilian book writer Paolo Coelho, author of “The Alchemist”, said: “If you think that adventure is dangerous, try routine…It is deadly”!

The three companies that we are profiling in this issue, namely Monsanto BioAg, Pico Agriculture and Tradecorp, have all well understood Coelho's smart works!

I wish you a good read!

Jean-Pierre Leymonie Director

www.newaginternational.com

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C O N T E N T S

NOV/DEC 2015

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

NEWS REVIEW

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Headline News: Welcome to the 2nd World Congress on Biostimulants in Florence (Italy).

An exclusive interview with G. Natale, President of the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC).

SUPPLIERS’ CORNER

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New products, new technologies, new books.

PLANT PROTECTION CORNER LEADER’S PROFILE

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Monsanto BioAg: Now entering the market of Biostimulants.

An exclusive interview with Brad Griffith, Monsanto’s Global biologicals commercial Lead.

Tradecorp International: The Madrid-based company celebrates its 30th Anniversary. An interview with Eric Van Innis, CEO.

PRODUCTS & TRENDS

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Biostimulants: Now coming into focus.

LEADING FARMS OF THE WORLD

Advertising enquiries: Email: advertising@newaginternational.com Tel: +44 (0)208 481 3740

PICO Agriculture in Egypt: A leader in fruit production for the world fresh markets. An interview with CEO Eng Alaa Diab.

Marketing and Sales Manager: Jacqui French Email: advertising@newaginternational.com Tel: +44 (0)208 481 3740

GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY

Administration and Production Manager: Diane Jones Email: newag@newaginternational.com Tel: +44 (0)208 481 3740 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. © 2015 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.

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Mycorrhizae: New potential in biocontrol by M. Loison.

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What’s new in Greenhouse Technology: Report from the ISHS symposium in Portugal, by O. Achilea.

REGIONAL REPORT

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Italy: A leading market for innovative biosolutions.

AGRONOMICS & ECONOMICS

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Biostimulants: What do we know from the lab to the farm.

Phosphites: Can they be called biostimulants?

PEOPLE & EVENTS WEB DIRECTORY

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View this issue online at: www.newaginternational.com Front cover: Main picture. Florence (Italy) at night. Courtesy of Giulio Rosso Chioso.

Smaller picture. Greenhouses in Southern Spain. Courtesy of Junta de Andalucia.

Editorial and photo acknowledgements: Special thanks to Prof G. Colla, Prof. De Pascale, Valagro, Netafim Italia, Cristiano Spadoni, Dr Graziano, Dr Fritegotto, Nottingham University.

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An Interview with

Giuseppe Natale, President of the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC)

Prior to the 2nd World Congress on the use of Biostimulants in Agriculture taking place in Florence, Italy, and organized by New Ag International, we met for an interview with Giuseppe Natale, President of the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC)

‘‘

A grey zone has always existed between biostimulants properties and biocontrol properties of some substances and organisms.

The way out will be through the official recognition and functional definition of biostimulants and commitment to the principle of dual use

’’

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It is now a bit more than four years since EBIC was created. In the meantime, your Council membership has reached 52 companies, from Europe and elsewhere – provided the latter have a commercial activity in Europe.

Are you now planning to transform EBIC into a truly international body?

Or is the purpose of EBIC only to help creating a European specific legislation and be dissolved afterwards?

The focus of EBIC is in Europe.

But there are many other questions to be covered besides just the specific legislation, so we expect to continue to serve the members’ evolving needs. Some of those issues will have international facets, but that doesn’t mean that EBIC itself will be transformed into a global umbrella association.

When Monsanto joined EBIC earlier this summer, you commented that Monsanto’s entry into biostimulants and their joining EBIC demonstrated once again that the old divisions between fertilization and plant protection are becoming obsolete.

What did you exactly mean when saying that?

Research has shown that crop production has to be managed in an integrated fashion. It is artificial to think that plant nutrition and crop protection have nothing to do with one another.

They both relate to plant health.

Any well-fed plant is going to be healthier and better able to resist damage from pests or recover from disease. So, the old divi-

sion between plant nutrition and plant protection as separate sciences is the wrong way to look at plant science.

Is the expansion of large, long-established companies like Bayer and BASF into biostimulants and their entry into EBIC a clear sign that agricultural technologies are increasingly integrated?

Yes absolutely, and this goes back to the previous question.

Agricultural technologies are increasingly integrated because we now know that there are many interactions both within the plant and between the plant and its immediate environment.

We need to manage the whole system to achieve the best results.

Does EBIC believe that the membership of companies of varying sizes, from extremely big to SMEs is an added value for policymakers adapting regulatory frameworks to biostimulants?

Yes, we believe that the diversity of both company size and technology inside EBIC brings great value for policymakers. We can consider a lot of perspectives internally when formulating the positions shared with policymakers. Hopefully this enriched input will result in a regulatory framework better adapted to the range of products.

EBIC states that “the innovative nature of the biostimulant sector requires a flexible regulatory approach”. One aspect of flexibility that you feel is critical is the fact that the same substance may have

different impacts, depending on how it is used.

That is why you have always argued that a functional use definition is better than a substance-based definition.

But it doesn’t seem that the regulatory approach today is going in this direction!

The regulatory approach today is still in a state of flux, and one of the challenges is managing the interim situation between the laws on the books today and the future laws currently under discussion. The delay of the revision of the fertilizer regulation this year created a lot of uncertainty and, unfortunately, some kneejerk reactions. Now that the Commission has restarted the revision and expects to submit the draft by the beginning of next year, we hope to see more convergence in that direction.

A problem that has long been identified with some categories of biostimulants is the non-replication of their effect when applied to field crops, i.e. the erratic response to their application. When you look in particular to the scientific programme of the 2nd World Congress on the use of Biostimulants in Agriculture that takes place this November in Italy, do you think that a better science-based understanding of what biostimulants are has progressed since EBIC was created?

The science is definitely always in evolution. EBIC tries to foster sound scientific inquiry and the publication and discussion of the knowledge resulting from that process. For example, we need to better understand what

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causes variations in the field and to use that information to increase the benefits related to biostimulant use.

Is this feeling of having snake oil products still present in the market?

There are definitely still skeptics in the market, and unfortunately there are still some companies that don’t have an adequate scientific basis for their products. Building the body of evidence for sciencebased and effective products is critical to improve the reputation and credibility of biostimulants.

Some time ago, you mentioned that the market growth was about 10% per annum. Is the growth still bigger in markets such as e.g. the Americas or Asia or is Europe keeping this pace as well?

We don’t have very precise statistics, and they are not collected on any regular basis. EBIC intends to update its European market report in coming months.

In the meantime, it’s safe to say that growth in pretty much all world regions is roughly 10% or more, and is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Do field crops now capture a substantial share of the biostimulants market?

It depends on what you mean by “substantial share”. Field crops are certainly growing as part of the market, especially for certain products. However, we think that high-value fruit and vegetable crops still dominate the market. But, again, we don’t yet have very good data on which field crops are treated with biostimulants and to what extent.

Since three years we have seen the interest for microbials booming in both the biocontrol and the biostimulants industries.

Do you think the trend will continue with microbials becoming the most important segment of biostimulants although they may in the end not be regulated as biostimulants?

It is difficult to predict which technology would become the most important segment of biostimulants in the future. It is undeniable that interest in microbials is strong, both with regard to biostimulants and biocontrol.

However, this segment is still at a very early stage with an extremely variable level of product quality. We need to increase what we know about the various microbes and how they work together in consortia and with other inputs to benefit crops.

Helping growers understand why and how to use biostimulants is complex.

To help bring clarity to the situation, the industry and its key stakeholders – from researchers through distributors and crop advisors down to farmers – are currently pooling their efforts to identify the key sticking points and to develop practical guidelines for conducting biostimulant trials and integrating biostimulants into production systems.

Can you tell us a bit more about this initiative?

Value-chain stakeholders like distributors have expressed their belief that biostimulants are a valuable addition to the farmer toolkit but have also expressed

their frustration that they haven’t mastered how to integrate these technologies into the production systems. Biostimulants need to be managed differently than conventional inputs like fertilizers and crop protection products. So, EBIC is trying to work together with value-chain actors, first to understand their needs and then to put together guidelines to help with conducting trials (whether for regulatory reasons or for demonstrations) and on integrating biostimulants into production systems. To make this information as useful as possible, we want to develop it in dialogue with people working in the field.

There is still a perception by a number of stakeholders that a “grey zone” will always exist between biostimulating properties and biocontrol properties of some substances and organisms. Is there “a way out”?

A “grey zone” has always existed, but there is now greater awareness of how complex plant production systems are. Just to take one example from fertilizers, copper salts are already recognized by the EU as fertilizer/micronutrients and plant protection/fungicide. The way out will be through the official recognition and functional definition of biostimulants and commitment to the principle of dual use: substances and micro-organisms potentially have more than one function depending on how they are formulated and used.

This interview is taking place a few weeks before the Florence Congress on biostimulants is taking place. EBIC has decided to

become the platinum sponsor of the event.

What do the Council and its members expect from the Congress?

One of EBIC’s key work areas from the beginning has been to improve the credibility and reputation of biostimulants and their producers. Developing the scientific underpinning of the technologies is a key element of that. So for EBIC and its members, the Congress is important because it is the only global gathering of scientists looking into these questions. It is very important for the scientists to interact with one another and with industry. This allows our shared knowledge to grow, both based on the papers presented during the event and based on new collaboration established as a result of the relationships developed at the Congress.

‘‘

We believe that the diversity of both company size and technology inside EBIC brings great value for policymakers.

We can consider a lot of perspectives internally when formulating the positions shared with policymakers.

Hopefully this enriched input will result in a regulatory framework better adapted to the range of products.

’’

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A D V E RTO R I A L

Introducing Polysulphate™, a multi nutrient new fertilizer Polysulphate is a new multi-nutrient fertilizer, available in its natural state, and mined in the UK. It has four nutrients, which makes it a unique product: sulphur, potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Polysulphate contains: • 48% SO3 (19.2% S) as sulphate • 14% K2O (12% K) as from sulphate of potassium • 6% MgO (3.6% Mg) as from magnesium sulphate • 17% CaO (12% Ca) as from calcium sulphate It is a fully soluble material therefore its nutrients are readily available for plant uptake.

Polysulphate comes from the polyhalite layer of rock, over 1000m below the North Sea off the North Yorkshire coast in the UK. Deposited 260 million years ago, it lies 150-170 m below the potash seam at the Cleveland Potash Boulby Mine. Polyhalite is a single crystal complex. It is not a mixture of salts. The chemical formula is: K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4•2(H2O) Mined in the UK, ICL is the first – and only producer - in the world to mine polyhalite, marketed as Polysulphate™.

Unlike blended or compound fertilizer, Polysulphate is available in its natural state. It is mined, crushed, screened and bagged, involving no chemical separation or other industrial processes.

Polysulphate is available as both a granular and powder product.

It can be applied in many forms to the soil according to the consumer demand (straight fertilizer, in blends or in compound fertilizer manufacturing).

It is suitable for all crops and being a low chloride fertilizer, it can be applied to even the sensitive ones.

Effect of sulphate and the effectiveness of Polysulphate on cabbage yield in India

Polysulphate is a naturally occurring mineral fertilizer and has a low carbon footprint. It delivers high value with low environmental impact and it is certified for organic use.

Proprietary and independent trials worldwide have shown Polysulphate to be as good as the best sources available of the principal nutrients it contains.

Polysulphate trials have focused on establishing that its nutrients – sulphate, potassium, magnesium and calcium – are readily available to the plant.

Tests conducted in the UK found that Polysulphate increased yields by up to 40%.

For more details check Polysulphate website at www.Polysulphate.com

Getting the best from Polysulphate • Readily available – all nutrients already in their soluble, sulphate form for rapid uptake • Essentially a straight form of sulphur, offering flexibility to tailor application to field requirements • A source of potassium, magnesium and calcium – an added bonus • Low in chloride, so suitable for chloride-sensitive crops • Concentrated, so has a low storage requirement and is quick to spread • Environmentally benign as it used in its natural state – no processing or waste product, and non-acidifying • UK-sourced and a secure supply of fertilizer with a low carbon footprint.

Yield and nutrient uptake from replicated grass field trial in UK comparing granular Polysulphate with the equivalent nutrients

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Introducing

multi-nutrient fertilizer

Innovative versatile and unique 48% SO3 (19.2% S)

14% K2O (12% K)

6% MgO (3.6% Mg)

17% CaO (12% Ca)

Polysulphate is a soluble, easily-absorbed, cost-effective answer to crop nutrition. Innovative and highly versatile, this natural, multi-nutrient mineral is low in chloride and crop safe, suitable for using alone or in blends and compound fertilizers.

Mined in the UK, ICL is the first – and only producer – in the world to mine polyhalite, marketed as Polysulphate™. www.polysulphate.com Potash House, P.O.Box 75, Beer-Sheva, 8410001, Israel Tel: +972-8-6465129, www.iclfertilizers.com

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NEWS REVIEW

NEW AG INTERNATIONAL

Xgenex signs agreement with AquaBella Organic Solutions XGENEX LLC, a Ponte Vedra Beach Florida biotechnology business, has entered into a commercial agreement with microorganism innovation company AquaBella Organic Solutions, for the North American sales of AquaBella bio-enzyme water treatment and OMRI listed TerraBella organic sustainable soil corrective and root inoculant, that improve produce quality and increase yield in a variety of soils and climates while relieving drought pressure in hardhit areas of North America.

AquaBella and TerraBella are sustainable natural solutions capable of enhancing plant health and promoting resistance to plant pathogens at root surfaces. The technology, developed specifically for the fruit and produce industry, creates beneficial biological activity at the plant root zone or rhizosphere to improve nutrient uptake and availability. Benefits include

enhanced conversion of nitrogen cycle compounds, improved root development, and increased resistance to plant stressors such as drought and disease. TerraBella is OMRI listed and satisfies standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be used in organic food production.

AquaBella Organic Solutions leverages sustainable food safety expertise of Xgenex as it expands market availability of its bacteria and enzyme based technology that increases food quality and quantity while minimizing water up to 20% and reducing dependence on fertilizer and pesticide.

AquaBella intellectual properties include optimized blends of beneficial microorganisms found in healthy soils and water to produce safer and cleaner water, strong and high-yielding crops and plants, and healthy ecosystems.

The Global Soil Moisture Sensor Market is projected to reach USD 206.2 million by 2020 THE GLOBAL SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR MARKET is projected to reach USD 206.2 million by 2020, at a CAGR of 16.2% between 2015 and 2020, says New Research Available at RnRMarketResearch.com Soil moisture sensors are being widely used in areas, namely, agriculture, residential, landscaping and ground care, sports turf, weather forecasting, forestry, research studies, and construction.

The agriculture application is expected to account for the largest share of the soil moisture sensor market during the forecast period, mainly due to several benefits in farm productivity.

The market segmented on the basis of types has been classified into several subtypes: volumetric soil moisture sensors into probe, TDT, and capacitance and soil water potential sensors into tension meter, gypsum block, and granular matrix. Soil water potential

sensors would witness an increased in demand during the forecast period and is expected to grow at the highest rate. The increasing use of soil moisture sensors by turf managers to manage golf turf is the key reason for the growth of soil moisture sensors in the sports turf application.

The Americas is currently a major market for soil moisture sensors market; however, APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 18.2% during the forecast period.

Among the leading keyplayers in this market are The Toro Company, E. S. I. Environmental Sensors Inc., Decagon Devices, Inc., Irrometer Company, Inc., Campbell Scientific, Inc., Delta-T Devices Ltd., Spectrum Technologies, Inc., Sentek Pty. Ltd., Imko Micromodultechnik Gmbh, Aquacheck (Pty) Ltd., Acclima, Inc. Pessl Instruments Gmbh and Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.

The Water for Food Institute and Jain Irrigation launch joint research and education programme JAIN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS LTD. of India and the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska have recently announced a joint international research and education partnership. The cooperation will provide new funding for University of Nebraska faculty, graduate students and post-doctoral re-

search scholars to collaborate closely with Jain Irrigation scientists on critical water and food security issues. Jain Irrigation, one of the largest irrigation and food processing companies in the world, will donate $500,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation over the next five years to support the Jain Irrigation – Uni-

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versity of Nebraska Water for Food Research and Education Program. The funding from Jain Irrigation and resources provided by the Daugherty Water for Food Institute will help support a cooperative programme, including scientific exchanges for hands-on research, training and outreach projects. Chairman Bhavarlal H.

Jain noted at the signing that “The University of Nebraska’s Water for Food Institute and Jain Irrigation are committed to a collaborative partnership to sustainably increase yields and improve water productivity using our best scientific and technological resources and add value to small holders.”

“AGROTAIN ” IT’S NOT AGROTAIN. IF IT DOESN’T SAY

®

®

Don’t be fooled by imitators. AGROTAIN® nitrogen stabilizer is the original, most research-proven urease inhibitor technology on the market. With 20 years of trials and real-world results on millions of acres worldwide, it’s the one growers trust to protect their nitrogen investment and yield potential every time. Ask your retailer for AGROTAIN® stabilizer, or visit agrotain.com to learn more.

AGROTAIN® and the AGROTAIN logo are trademarks of Koch Agronomic Services. LLC in the United States and may be registered in other jurisdictions. The Koch logo is a trademark of Koch Industries, Inc. in the United States and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

AGROTAIN® brand stabilizers and other Koch Agronomic Services products are marketed by Koch Fertilizer Trading Sárl Sucursal Uruguay and its distributors pursuant to authorized licenses. ©2015 Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. All rights reserved. 650-1400-AGR_International

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Seed Treatment Market close to $9 billion in 2020 SEED TREATMENTS play an increasing role in protecting crops from pests and improving their yield.

The seed treatment market has been gaining global acceptance among farmers. The leading players in this market are Syngenta AG (Switzerland), Bayer CropScience AG (Germany), BASF SE (Germany), Nufarm Ltd (Australia), Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd (Japan), and Platform Specialty Products Ltd. (U.S.). These players are adopting different strategies to grow and develop in the seed treatment market. Licensing, new product launches & licensing agreements, and research collaborations have been the key strategies adopted by market players for global expansion.

According to a survey recently published by ReportBuyer, the market for seed treatment is estimated to be USD 4.82 billion in 2014, and is projected to reach USD 8.87 billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 10.8%. In 2014, North America was the largest market; Latin America is the secondlargest market of seed treatment. India was one of the leading consumers of seed treatment in Asia-Pacific market, and is projected to be the fastest-growing market, globally, at a highest CAGR from 2015 to 2020. The seed treatment market, in this study, covers the following crops: corn, rice, wheat, soybean, cotton, canola, sunflower, and

others that include fruits & vegetables, turf, ornamental & forage crops, and other cereals & oilseed crops.

The crop protection chemical seed treatment accounted for a larger market share in 2014. This market is projected to grow at as highest CAGR of 11.2% from 2015 to 2020 and share of biologicals will increase in this market.

A gene that helps plants to remain healthy during times of stress A GENE THAT HELPS PLANTS to remain healthy during times of stress has been identified by BBSRC-funded researchers at University of Oxford. Its presence helps plants to tolerate environmental pressures like drought – and it could help create crops that can better withstand adverse conditions.

Plants rely on chloroplasts within their cells to carry out photosynthesis. During times of stress such as drought, though, the same reaction can also generate substances known as reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to plants and cause them to become damaged or even die.

The development of chloroplasts is controlled by the presence of a gene known as SP1, which governs the

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passage of the proteins involved in photosynthesis through the chloroplast’s outer membrane. Professor Paul Jarvis, from University of Oxford's Department of Plant Sciences, suspected that the gene might use this ability to help plants survive in hostile conditions.

“We wanted to find out if SP1 helped plants to remain healthy by limiting the production of the toxic compounds made during photosynthesis in harsh conditions.”

The group worked with three versions of Arabidopsis thaliana: the naturally occurring wild type, a mutant plant lacking SP1, and an engineered plant that over-expressed SP1.

The discovery that SP1 helps plants cope with adverse conditions like

drought and high salt concentrations suggests that it should be possible to create crops that can grow more easily in harsh environments.

“All plants have the SP1 gene,” explains Professor Jarvis. “Now it’s just a question of getting plants to overexpress it so that they can survive in adverse conditions.”

The team is now working with wheat, rice, tomatoes and brassicas in order to establish if their findings can be used in a wider variety of plants. The commercial rights for the SP1 innovation are available from PBL (www.pbltechnology.com), a technology investment partner for public sector researchers that is owned by the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, and BBSRC.

THE POWER TO MAKE THINGS GROW

WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF HELPING THINGS GROW.

LIKE YOUR BUSINESS, FOR EXAMPLE.

At Koch Agronomic Services, we’re in the business of making things grow.

So we’re investing in smarter, more efficient plant nutrient solutions designed to exceed customer expectations. Like enhanced efficiency stabilizers and fertilizers that help increase efficiency and profitability. Everything we do is with you, the customer, in mind. Because if we can help you grow, we all grow.

www.kochagronomicservices.com

The Koch logo is a trademark of Koch Industries, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. ©2015 Koch Agronomic Services, LLC.

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NEWS REVIEW

NEW AG INTERNATIONAL

Can ants control pests as efficiently as chemicals?

RECENTLY PUBLISHED in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Applied Ecology, a review of more than 70 scientific studies provides evidence that on many crops from cocoa and citrus to palm oil and cedar, ants can control pests as efficiently – and more cheaply than – chemicals. The review was conducted by Aarhus University's Dr Joachim Offenberg, an ecologist who has studied ants for almost 20 years. It includes studies of more than 50 pest species on nine crops across eight countries in Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. Ants feed on other insects, but it is their ecology that makes ants such good pest controllers. According to Offenberg. “Ants are great hunters and they work coopera-

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tively. When an ant finds its prey, it uses pheromones to summon help from other ants in the nest.

By working together, they can subdue even large pests.” Most of the studies in Offenberg's review are on weaver ants (Oecophylla) that inhabit the host trees' canopy, near the flowers and fruit that need protection from pests.

The review shows that crops such as cashew and mango can be exceptionally well protected from pests by weaver ants. “Weaver ants need a canopy for their nests, so they are limited to plantations and forestry in the tropics. Ants could even be used to fight plant pathogens because they produce antibiotics to combat diseases in their dense societies,” suggests Offenberg.

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News Nov 15_Layout 1 14/10/2015 21:50 Page 6

N E W S R E V I E W

Certis Europe sells some business to Koppert CERTIS EUROPE has recently sold its business for beneficials in UK, France and Italy to Koppert and announced at the same time a cooperation with Koppert on biopesticides and biostimulants Within the horticultural and speciality crop sector Certis Europe is a leader in IPM with a broad offer encompassing beneficial insects, biopesticides and other ‘soft’ technology that provides growers with solutions to protect their crops from damaging pests and diseases.

Certis has decided to divest its commercial sales business for beneficials in the UK, France and Italy and sold this business to Koppert.

Certis will continue to sell beneficial products elsewhere and continue its activities to develop integrated biological crop protection programmes with its customers in all its markets.

Furthermore, Certis and Koppert are exploring the possibility to collaborate in other areas with regard to biopesticide and biostimulant

products.

Certis CEO Mark Waltham commented: “We are excited to find in Koppert a potential partner that is the market leader in beneficials production and development and therefore is best placed to build on the excellent customer relationships Certis and BCP have developed with beneficial products over the last 20 years. In addition, Koppert has a similar strategy to Certis in developing robust and technically supported bio-pesticide and bio-stimulant products. We have identified several opportunities to expand our relationship in the future and have jointly committed to explore these opportunities together over the coming months”.

Koppert Biological Systems’ Managing Director, Henri Oosthoek added: “The acquisition of Certis Europe’s beneficials sales business in the UK, France and Italy fits in well with our long-term strategy to further develop biological solutions for these important agricultural and horticultural countries.

Humintech opens production facility

www.yargus.com

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SINCE 2001 HUMINTECH manufactures humic acids based products from oxidized lignite to improve the soil. The company, which has an annual turnover of six million euros with currently 37 employees has moved completely to Grevenbroich two years ago because the products for soil improvement, which are packed there, are based on humic acids, known as Leonardite, mined nearby. Pow, Liq- or Perlhumus produced in Grevenbroich are exported to more than 60 countries around the world.

Humintech invested around six million Euro in the new, highly automated production plant. In the production halls on the industrial site at Am Pösenberg the pre-milled brown coal is screened, crushed in mills and then humic acids are extracted with alkali and dried afterwards. Thanks to a recycling no residues remain.

In the past two years Humintech doubled both the number of employees as well as its sales. But the Management has further plans: by 2020 he seeks an annual turnover of 17 million euros.

News Nov 15_Layout 1 14/10/2015 21:50 Page 7

N E W S R E V I E W

ITALPOLLINA SPA announces the opening of a new production facility for vegetal hydrolysates ITALIAN COMPANY ITALPOLLINA SpA, recently announced the opening of its brand new facility for the production of Enzymatic Hydrolysates derived exclusively from vegetal origin.

A path started with the first pilot plant in 2011, reaches now a new goal with this project which began in the winter of last year.The new state of the art facility is on of the world’s largest and most advanced for the purpose of producing 100% vegetal protein hydrolysates for use in Industrial and Agricultural applications.

“With this project we strongly further concretize our presence in the market of biostimulants from vegetal origin” says Luca Bonini, CEO of Italpollina “For us it is a fundamental step since we begin to be recog-

nized as a reference in the market for this specific category of vegetal hydrolysates based products. They can be proposed both as ready-touse biostimulants or as raw material component for blenders in substitution of other products.”

The new facility is based on an exclusive and cutting-edge process of Enzymatic hydrolysis of genuinely vegetal proteins that gives products

rich in aminoacids and peptides.

“We are all very excited with this opening, a unique happening in today market, which seems to be presently more focused on acquisitions than creation of new value through in house Know-How and organic growth. We want to be pioneers and we are already considering new surprises in the near future”, concluded Bonini.

With this plant Italpollina has now four different facilities worldwide, each one dedicated to a specific production (organic NPK fertilizers, micro-organisms, vegetal extracts and vegetal hydrolysates).

The new facility from Italpollina represents the largest new investment made by an Italian company in the production of biostimulants.

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Suppliers NOV 15_Layout 1 14/10/2015 21:23 Page 1

S U P P L I E R S ’ C O R N E R

Nelson Irrigation Corporation Introduces the 3NV Nozzle System and the 3030 Series Pivot Sprinklers ■ AT THE HEART OF Nelson Irrigation’s 3030 Series Pivot Sprinkler line is the new 3NV Nozzle. Built with the precision accuracy of the 3TN Nozzle, this innovative, multifunction nozzle allows you to manage your pivot in entirely new ways. The 3NV nozzle fits all existing Nelson sprinkler types: Rotator®, Spinner, Accelerator, Sprayhead, Orbitor, and Part Circle.

Key Features of the 3NV Nozzle: • SIDE INLET – Easy & reliable way to install & re-nozzle • “OFF” OPTION – Better water management and maintenance • NOZZLE FLUSH – Easiest nozzle cleaning on the market In tough agricultural conditions, growers spend considerable time managing their water application devices. Nozzles can get plugged

with debris and have to be removed for cleaning. The 3NV Nozzle system allows a grower to simply push and turn the nozzle between on, off, nozzle flush and line flush positions to remove debris without removing the nozzle. No lost nozzles no tools necessary. The 3NV Nozzle can also act as an integral shut-off valve, a much more economical solution to a ball-drain valve. If you are overwatering – or if you need to conserve water during certain parts of the season simply switch sprinkler(s) to the off position. The 3NV Nozzle can be part of a Dual Nozzle Clip (with Hi-Flo, Lo-Flo differentiation).

This is another way to help farmers adapt to differing watering needs (such as crop establishment, chemigation or lowering water tables).

ARBO™ LIGNOSULFONATES from Tembec ■ THE CANADIAN COMPANY TEMBEC, a manufacturer of forest products, launches a specialized range of pure and enriched calcium products, better suited to a variety of applications. Due to rich, high purity, superior active material content with a high degree of sulfonation, the new calcium lignosulfonates offer exceptional dispersing, binding and complexing abilities for a number of different applications.

The ARBO™ C12 line is formulated

in different color tones appreciated for some tone-sensitive applications. In addition, it is enriched with ammonium to provide additional nutrients for agrochemical formulations. The ARBO™ LignoPlus CA is a robust, multi-purpose calcium lignosulfonate perfectly suited to a series of specialty applications.

Available in powder form only for now, this product is in stock at the Avébène facility in Tartas, France and can be shipped world-wide.

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Loveland Products Launches Extract PBA ■ LOVELAND PRODUCTS, a global provider of innovative crop input solutions and subsidiary of Agrium Inc., announced the launch of Extract Powered by Accomplish (Extract PBA), a new product for residue management and nutrient release from crop residues.

According to Loveland, benefits of Extract PBA include: Accelerated crop residue decomposition, Maximum nutrient release from residue breakdown, Easier plantability in the spring, More even crop emergence and Optimum yield potential for next season’s crop “Extract PBA is an exciting new tool for residue management and nutrient release, allowing soybean, corn and other row crop growers to access the full nutrient potential of their crop residues,”

said Eric Moon, Plant Nutrition Marketing Manager for Loveland Products. Extract PBA (6-0-0), which is labeled for residue management and pre-emerge applications, combines the powerful biochemistry of Accomplish LM, one of Loveland’s signature products, with ammonium thiosulfate (ATS).

When applied on crop residues, the Accomplish LM biochemistry in Extract PBA accelerates residue decomposition and speeds nutrient release. At the same time, the ATS in Extract PBA promotes an optimal carbon to nitrogen ratio to enhance soil microbial activity, further expediting nutrient return to the soil profile.

Brandon Bioscience Announces New Logo & Website ■ IRISH COMPANY BRANDON PRODUCTS LTD. recently announced the launch of its new company branding and website www.brandonbioscience.com The new company logo and brand name, Brandon Bioscience, is part of the company’s ambitious future development plans which will see a number of new products and initiatives launched over the coming months.

The company name, Brandon Products Ltd, remains the same but Brandon will operate under the sub name of Brandon Bioscience.

Furthermore the three pillars -Powered by Nature, Proven by Science and Performs in the Field- underpinning Brandon’s identity are reenforced by both the new logo and new website.

“Brandon has evolved and grown considerably since our foundation in 1998 and this updating of our identity and branding is an important step on our continued expansion and development in the years ahead”, advised Paul Mullins CEO The new Brandon Bioscience logo consists of a stylised “B” comprising of 3 waves which represent the three pillars - Powered by Nature, Proven by Science & Performs in the Field. This new visual identity builds on the company’s expertise in transforming marine Ascophyllum Nodosum extracts into targeted agronomic solutions for farmers around the globe.

Suppliers NOV 15_Layout 1 17/10/2015 10:44 Page 2

S U P P L I E R S ’ C O R N E R

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 platform 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 nitrifica-

tion for above and below ground protection.

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 NTEGRATION™ 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.

ILSA Launches 21 New Biostimulants in the International Markets from January 2016 ■ ACTIVITIES OF THE LAST DECADE, carried out in collaboration with the academic and applied research, have allowed Ilsa to develop a range of products based on amino-acids technology, with specific actions which are effective in different situations of

plant stress and can improve the quality of agricultural produce.

The Italian company is now launching 21 new biostimulants for crops, which are derived mainly from plant sources and that have already been registered as fertilizers by the Italian Ministry of

Agriculture. These will make their debut in the Italian and international markets beginning in January 2016.

Among the new biostimulants, there are products acting primarily on the plant size, others designed to increase tolerance to

salinity, others that encourage rooting and development of plant biomass, others can improve photosynthesis and many others that fall under the company's development program called Viridem (see other brief news in this section).

Enzymatic hydrolysis to extraction in super-critical CO2: Production technologies for the Viridem program of ILSA ■ WITH THE VIRIDEM programme Ilsa has considered the specific requirements of today's agriculture, which has to address challenges related to productivity, soil salinity and aridity, and the need to make plants stronger in a natural way and without an environmental impact. It has created products for the bio-stimulation of crops, mainly beginning with plant sources, using innovative extrac-

tion technologies. For years, Ilsa, which is equipped with a cuttingedge research centre, has refined the enzymatic hydrolysis process, which has recently been combined with extraction in super-critical CO2 (SFE - Supercritical Fluid Extraction). Both these technologies are used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, but have never previously been used together in the field of technical

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methods for agriculture. Ilsa performs the termed protein hydrolysis, and its success is characterized by its ability to liberate amino acids in a predominantly lefthanded form, which are biologically-active and useful to plants.

As regards the technology used for extraction with super-critical CO2, extraction of bioactive substances from plant matrices is carried out using carbon dioxide under what

are termed "super-critical" conditions as the extraction fluid. The resulting extracts are microbiologically stable and do not require preservatives, thanks to the ability of CO2 to sterilize the product naturally too. These technologies enable Ilsa to create technical agricultural methods that are characterized by the high accuracy of the claim they are suggested to fulfil.

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PlantProtection_Layout 1 17/10/2015 10:57 Page 1

P L A N T P ROT E C T I O N C O R N E R

Symbiotic bacteria:

A world of opportunities S

ymbiotic bacteria, though not very visible, are hard workers!

On this planet, they mobilize 195 million tons of nitrogen per year (source Smil-2002). This biologic association – mycorrhizae - is due to special categories of bacteria: a hundred of them are wellknown. Half of the main N fixation is due to Rhizobium, which is linked to legume crops. Other nitrogen symbiotic fixation is due to Frankia bacteria, which are linked to more than 220 plant species, mostly trees and shrubs.

Frankia has been isolated and cultivated since 1980, more recently than Rhizobium. Located on plant’s roots, its symbiotic activity is mainly used in forestry. The third big family of symbiotics covers Glomus sp, mostly used in agriculture for bringing stress-resistance and improved phosphorus uptake.

This list should be completed with the association of Anabaena bacteria with Azolla plant species, able to fix nitrogen in humid environments such as rice fields in Asia. In the past, other symbiotic bacteria and fungi have been successfully tested, often in mixtures, with new applications emerging.

However, the exchange of nutrients is not the only interesting discovery: Mycorrhizal plants are often more competitive and better able to tolerate environmental stresses than non-mycorrhizal plants. But they can also provide better yield and quality of fruit crops.

CLEAR EFFECT OF STRAWBERRY INOCULATION ON YIELD AND QUALITY Inoculation of strawberry plants with Rhizophagus irregularis is a path recently explored by

Cooperation between symbiotic agents can bring new perspectives in plant mycorrhization, with global benefit for plant growth and crops quality. Glomus and other rhizobacteria bring new directions for this emerging market.

UMR Agroécologie INRA, Dijon (France)*. This Rhizophagus fungus belongs to the Glomeromycetes family. It provides mycorrhizae beneficial to strawberry growth. The effects are observed on roots but also on leaves, flowers and fruits. The symbiotic action has an impact on the fruits content in minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, sugars and volatile compounds. Observations showed also an interaction between Rhizophagus and different soil rhizobacteria. In glasshouse trials, results showed the positive impact of co-inoculation of R. irregularis and Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf4, on the fruits yield and quality.

Mechanisms of action have been compared on inoculated and noninoculated strawberries: The cooperation between fungus and bacteria. R. irregularis has a positive effect on growth, and Pseudomonas fluorescens is effective on yield and fruit quality. The project is now testing the best combination for strawberry production and quality in the field.

NEW FIELDS FOR RESEARCH One of the main interests of symbiotic bacteria and fungi is that they improve fixation and transport of the key nutrients in the plants roots, with ‘fair trade’ between the two. The TRANSMUT Programme gathers scientists from INRA, Dijon (France) and Bale University (Switzerland); sharing expertise in nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and carbon nutrition in mycorrhizae, as well as those specialized in movement proteins in

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the symbiotic context. Some of the researchers are also members of other genome sequencing projects investigating mycorrhizal fungi and their plant partners. The consortium is using a combination of complementary investigative approaches, including bioinformatics and transcriptomic methodologies. The first result is the identification of genes encoding transporters responsible for the movement of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sugars at the biotrophic interface. The other part of the project is to identify genetic markers of efficient mycorrhization. “We have identified several potassium transporter genes.

Our current working hypothesis is that the potassium channels (the most widely distributed type of ion channel) could mediate the potassium efflux from the fungal cells towards the plant root cells, and the potassium transporters could be responsible for potassium uptake from the soil. “ says Prof Daniel Wipf. The TRANSMUT programme also explores sugar exchange in fungi associated to crops. The group has successfully identified de novo sucrose transporter (SUT) genes involved in long-distance transport of sugar in the model species Medicago truncatula.

Another path for research is to identify symbiotic trees’ fungi genome. A consortium – Mycorrhizal Genomics Initiative**, has analysed a dozen genomes of different forest mycorrhizae. Fungi genomes have been compared with well-known genomes of

Laccaria bicolor (black truffle), Rhizophagus irregularis, and other fungi. It shows that micorrhization appeared in fungi evolution more than 300 million years ago. Forest fungi have probably established mechanisms of communication with trees: they have adapted to use the plants sugar and cerate proteins to control the plants defenses. Researchers such as Sonnenberg (Wageningen-NL) say that “Fungi started completely breaking down plant remains some 300 million years ago. As a result, the supply of fossil fuel has only been supplemented up to a certain extent since then. This is a characteristic which could be very useful now, as these fungi are the only organisms that can break down the lignin substance in plant cell walls, which is very difficult to do. This makes fungi very practical in making residual flows from agriculture and wood production applicable for the bio-based economy.” At Wageningen University fungi are already used to remove lignin from biomass. The remaining cellulose can then be used as a raw material for products such as animal feed. By using the residual flows, less agricultural land will be required to produce animal feed in the long term.

GLOMUS AND MYC FACTORS FOR AGRICULTURE Glomus and the Glomales fungus group have given several interesting compounds for agriculture in the recent years. Glomus allows plants to improve their water and mineral nutrition, particularly for

PlantProtection_Layout 1 17/10/2015 10:57 Page 2

P L A N T P ROT E C T I O N C O R N E R

phosphates. This symbiosis is very ancient, existing for more than 400 million years. It seems to have accompanied the plant colonisation of the terrestrial environment, and concerns more than 80% of plant species. Several companies such as Agrauxine, Lallemand and Italpollina have incorporated mycorrhizal inoculum of Glomus in fertilizer products. The products are used on field crops or for potting plants in compost mixture, distributed in greenhouse and the socalled bath of rootlets or thistles.

The strains of mycorrhizae are applied during sowing or transplanting, so that mycorrhizal symbiosis continues for the entire duration of the growing cycle.

Looking at Glomus, scientists recently discovered symbiotic signals, the Myc Factors (MF), synthesized by a soil AM fungus. They determined the structure of these molecular signals are: lipochitooligosaccharides (LCOs) that belong to the same chemical family as other symbiotic signals, the Nod factors, synthesized by rhizobia, the bacteria that fix nitrogen and live in symbiosis with leguminous plants.

The scientists have shown that MF are symbiotic signals that permit a stimulation of the formation of mycorrhizae, in both leguminous plants such as Medicago trunculata, as well as species belonging to other plant families, such as French Marigold (Asteracea) and carrot (Apiacea). MF are also growth regulators that can stimulate root branching and growth.

These results were obtained in

laboratory conditions. Efficient synthesis processes of these molecules by bacteria have been developed, which will permit their biological activity to be tested on a large scale in agronomic conditions. Green technology using the treatment of seeds by other LCOs, the “Nod factors”, is already used to improve the yield of leguminous plants, such as soybean, alfalfa and peas on more than three million hectares. One can hope that the Myc Factors will have a spectrum of activity that is much broader, that could work on most cultivated plants. Thanks to the enlarged development of the root system, the effects expected from the use of MF are notably a better resistance to drought, and an optimisation of the plants use of soil nutrients (phosphate and other minerals). The objective is to be able to use these natural and biodegradable molecules to help improve the yield of different crops, including cereals, without using additional fertiliser.

obtained using the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) promoter, which induces constitutive expression of transgenic proteins: some of them act as toxins towards particular groups of organisms and are exuded by the roots. In addition, crops modified to tolerate broad-spectrum herbicides like glyphosate have also raised concerns, as glyphosate inhibits a key enzyme in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids occurring in plants, fungi and bacteria. Could such genetic modification bring a change for microbes living in the rhizosphere? A distinctive group of beneficial soil microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiots, have been extensively investigated as potential key non-target organisms in studies on the environmental impact of GMPs, given their strong responsiveness to agricultural practices and environmen-

tal changes. A reduction in AM colonization was shown in some Bt maize lines compared with nonBt isogenic lines. Other studies carried out on potatoes and other crops did not find any differences in fungal biomass and plant exudation microbes. As only a few studies investigated the impact of such GM crops on soil, the authors think that other studies need to be carried out, not only on single organisms, but also on the cumulative impact on soil life. ■ * Daniel Wipf is co-leader of the mycorrhizal team of the Agroecology Unit - Dijon (France). The research group has expertise in investigations of the development of the Medicago/Glomus symbiosis. ** Unité mixte de recherche “Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes – Microorganismes” Inra-Cnrs Centre Inra de Toulouse- France. *** EU Project LifeþMan-GMP-ITA (NAT/IT/ 000334) supported by the University of Pisa-Italy.

NEW QUESTIONS ON GM CROPS AND SYMBIOSIS Symbiosis holds new perspectives.

Nevertheless, it relies on a fragile relationship between plants, rhizobacteria and soil life. A new question has emerged recently: the possible impact of new crop varieties on symbiotic systems. In the European Union, experimental studies*** investigated the effects of transgenic crops on the structure, function and diversity of soil and rhizosphere microbials. Many transgenic events have been

More basic substances approved in the European Union Several basic substances have already been approved in the EU this year: calcium hydroxide, lécithine, Equisetum arvense, saccharose, fructose, chitosan, Salix cortex extract and vinegar. Two substances - calcium hydroxide and lécithine - have also been approved for organic production.

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LEADERS PROFILE 1_Layout 1 14/10/2015 21:59 Page 1

L E A D E R ’S P R O F I L E

Tradecorp:

Celebrating its 30th anniversary with impressive growth record Looking at the recent developments in the increasingly competitive speciality plant nutrition and biostimulants market, there are a few new global players in this business.

The Madrid based, Belgian owned company TRADECORP is one of them. Founded in 1985, purchased by the Sapec Group in 2000, TRADECORP celebrates this year its 30th anniversary with pride and non disputable great satisfaction about its achievements.

Not only has the company based its growth on an increased production capacity for the EDDHA chelating molecule but it has also successfully developed a bunch of other innovative products in particular in the biostimulants segment. At the same time, a powerful marketing and promotion policy has efficiently served product positioning and development.

Today biostimulants, including humics, represent 25% of a total turnover that approaches the Euro 100 million symbolic figure!

In 2014, Tradecorp hit the news headlines when acquiring Irish seaweed company OGT, therefore expanding its proprietary offering of biostimulants. For the record, in 2009, the company posted sales of Euros 50 million, versus 4 million in 2000! The recipe for such impressive growth? “Tradecorp understood very soon that it was not an exporting company but an international one. In fact, a majority of the team is today located outside of the domestic market. New Ag International met with Eric Van Innis, CEO of Sapec Agro-business and Tradecorp.

24 www.newaginternational.com

TRADECORP was founded in 1985 by two Spanish entrepreneurs aiming at marketing speciality fertilizers and micronutrients in the growing domestic market.

Since then and its take-over by the Sapec Group in 2000, the company, led by its CEO, Eric van Innis, has had continuous expansion with a two digit growth figure every year.

A FIVE PILLAR CORPORATE STRATEGY Five pillars continue to constitute the foundations of the company’s strategy. Firstly the company’s catalogue is and will remain restricted to high added value speciality plant nutrition products and biostimulants, which could be expanded to biocontrol products in the future. It will not include any commodity fertilizer. Second, the company employs only highly professional, multinational staff – today more than 15 nationalities are represented within the global staff. Thirdly,

research and development are a priority in the company. The fourth pillar of development is the high quality and differentiation in products. Last but not least – and this is certainly one of the most visible pillars for the observer, the company will continue expanding internationally. Today the branded products of Tradecorp can already be found in more than 60 countries of the 5 continents. The company has its own representation offices in Egypt, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium, Italy, Colombia and Australia and has established local teams in France, Germany, Morocco, Poland, Turkey, Korea, etc.

A SOLID PRODUCTION CAPACITY Tradecorp runs two production plants in Spain. The factory in Ávila (Sanchidrián) is devoted to the synthesis and production of microgranulated chelates, in particular the EDDHA molecule, and other solid products. The other factory, in Albacete, is the place where the

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New Ag International Online Chinese Edition is the ideal media for Chinese Readers to upgrade their knowledge on international news and technology and for international suppliers to deliver their message to more than 40,000 top level Chinese professionals in the fields of Irrigation, Plant Nutrition, Fertigation, Biostimulants and Biological Control.

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LEADERS PROFILE 1_Layout 1 14/10/2015 21:59 Page 2

L E A D E R ’S P R O F I L E

An Interview with...

Eric van Innis, CEO of Sapec Agro-business and Tradecorp

ERIK VAN INNIS

Tradecorp is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

In your opinion what has been done so “special” to keep the same prevailing spirit while growing the company from a 4 million Euros turnover to about 50 million in 2010 and much more today, since the acquisition of SAPEC in 2000?

The 100 million are now in view, but much more than the turnover I consider the level of EBITDA margin to be key. We have still some progress to do to reach our defined target but already the value creation has been huge and we should be able to deliver much more to our shareholders in the coming years.

This success belongs mainly to the staff of TRADECORP and SAPEC, who have been putting in all their effort and been dedicated to the company now for 15 years. Our success lies in our capacity to analyse and understand our markets in order to develop high quality solutions for our customers, answering their need to improve the quality and the yield of their crops. These solutions need to be perfectly adapted to local needs, combined with a close and personalised service, offered by a welltrained team speaking the language of the farmers.

How has 2015 been for TRADECORP in general and for the biostimulants and humics line in particular?

The biostimulants business is on

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the rise. Farmers, cooperatives, distributors and all the actors look for an efficient use of their resources.

Meanwhile, the whole food-supply chain is demanding higher productivity, higher quality and health improvement products. Biostimulants are key and fit perfectly well to achieve these objectives.

As such, we have been strategically investing in biostimulants for some years already. We are founding-members of EBIC and have participated in different worldwide actions linked to these products.

One of the rationales behind the acquisition of OGT in 2014 was the reinforcement of our positioning in this market segment.

It could be said that a great part of our growth in recent years has been linked to the biostimulants market, where we work providing solutions for all aspects of the plant, from roots to leaves all the way through translocation. In facts, humics and biostimulants represent more than 25% of our sales.

In June last year, TRADECORP acquired Oilean Glas Teo (OGT), an Irish company founded in 2004, specialized in the harvesting and processing of seaweed. OGT has exclusive access to the resources, allowing the harvesting and processing of fresh seaweed.

Through this acquisition, was TRADECORP’s main purpose to acquire technology or to secure access to a key ingredient in biostimulants, namely Ascophyllum Nodosum?

Like I just said, the decision to acquire OGT fitted with our strategy and puts us in a privileged position. Firstly, it gives us preferential access to a top quality and stable supply of raw material, since we have access to one of the best harvesting sites and to a sustainable harvesting procedure that ensures

ecosystem conservation and continuous population renewal.

Secondly, it brings us the knowhow and exclusive technology of Gentle Extraction, which preserves all the properties of fresh seaweeds.

Therefore we are able to propose a fresh, sustainable and chemical free-product, with a natural colour and smell, which preserves all the active ingredients of fresh seaweeds to be delivered to the farmer.

There are another couple of “OGT-like” companies in Ireland. Do you think they will logically enter the same process of being acquired by a larger Group?

When we started analysing options to strengthen our position in the biostimulants market, we got to know different companies that could, at first glance, be considered similar to OGT. However, none of these companies fulfilled our technological, environmental or other requirements.

The biostimulants market is on the rise and by gaining relevance, companies working in this business will also be strengthened, and their potential will increase. However, this does not necessarily mean acquisitions by bigger companies.

The economic environment and laws and regulations also play an essential role, so there are many factors that intervene in such decisions. We will see what happens.

Looking at the TRADECORP portfolio, it appears that Humics are still not part of the biostimulants portfolio.

The latter only includes biostimulants based on GLT (Gentle & Low Temperature) extract of seaweed and/or L- free amino acids enriched with essential nutrients.

Is that just “historical” and due to change or is it a

deliberate strategic position?

After all some of your humics are not earmarked to soil properties improvement!

Even if we could consider humics as part of our biostimulants catalogue, the truth is that they are a historic range in TRADECORP with their own identity. Humics occupy a special place in our sales and they have been behind many of our success stories.

Also, we have always considered humics more than a pure biostimulant because of their well-known effect in three vitally important dimensions for crops: the improvement in physical, chemical and biological aspects.

TRADECORP spends a substantial amount of money in R&D, close to 5% I believe.

Within these expenditures are there some that are earmarked to the development of what can be called the “third generation” biostimulants, where the exploration goes to molecular level, far beyond “ingredients”?

You are right, we do invest heavily in R&D, but this is the case of many companies in our market. We believe that over the next five to ten years we will see strong evolutions in the way agriculture itself is managed. From seed to harvest, going through applications methods, mixture of products, etc., everything will change. We will need to adapt ourselves.

Indeed the next step is to delve into mechanisms at a molecular and genetic expression level, in order to develop a new generation of biostimulants based on the deep understanding of plant physiology.

Gaining more in-depth knowledge on the mechanisms of plants action against abiotic stress through molecular studies, paying special attention to the analysis of gene expression among other

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L E A D E R ’S P R O F I L E

parameters, is one of our strategies for the development of new generations of biostimulants.

TRADECORP has offices around the world. Is China now close to the top of your agenda for starting to introduce some of your products?

China has launched an enormous agricultural programme to develop its food-independence. It is highly strategic for them as they rely mainly on food imports from other countries. As you also know, they have been investing in land for Chinese food production on other continents.

As such, China is already on our agenda. We do have a clear strategy in China with our partner. The Chinese market needs a specific market approach and adaptation of our range of products and marketing strategy.

As well as China, other markets in South-East Asia are also very important. A few years ago we decided to develop further in the region, so we strengthened our positioning with our distributors and recently opened 2 affiliates; one in Australia and one in Korea.

We will keep investing in the region and dedicate more and more attention to that part of the world.

You are not only the CEO of TRADECORP, you are also the CEO of the whole Agro Business Group of SAPEC, which includes plant protection where the Group is an important player in the Spanish and other neighbouring markets. Aren’t you now tempted to enter the developing market of bio control, at least the microbial and natural extracts part of it, through an acquisition?

TRADECORP nutrition now has its strategic focus on nutrition and biostimulation of crops.

We work on the continuous improvement and enlargement of our catalogue of solutions, following the most demanding environmental, quality and efficacy requirements. In addition, we work on the development of more and better services for our clients.

TRADECORP also needs to be a leading technical research company, having strong empathy with the market and full skills to develop those novelty solutions expected by the market. TRADECORP will continue to invest in innovation, development and regulatory. The accumulated know-how we have from complex regulatory processes, laboratory research and development, synthesis and formulation techniques coming from our crop protection sector serves as a catalyst to boost TRADECORP’s ability to do better in its research targets at a faster rate.

Through our two core businesses, at SAPEC Agro business, we are committed to plant physiology and health, both regarding its protection and its nutrition. Measured and appropriate nutrition ensures better growth and resistance, while targeted application of preventive and curative care products provides a better life cycle. We have all the means to develop the bio control market and, aligning it with our biostimulant strategy, we will certainly propose new ideas in this sector. When, how and with whom cannot be disclosed right now.

During this year a number of very large companies, world leaders in plant protection in particular, have joined EBIC to show their commitment to biostimulants as a very serious business segment.

These moves intervene just a few years after they also entered the bio pesticides business. Which thoughts are these moves inspiring you?

It clearly shows that the biostimulant market attracts all the players; from small startup companies to large groups with strong market position in both fertilizers and pesticides.

Their joining into EBIC reinforces the bargaining of the consortium. I think it is highly positive to have them in EBIC and in the market. It will boost innovation and also shows the regulators that they must find a quick solution to today’s unacceptable status quo.

As you know, the European legislation is at a complete standstill at the moment. We need to have a clear regulatory framework in the coming months or parts of the biostimulant industry may fall.

In the absence of legislation, for instance, the sale of pure seaweed extract, a more environmentally friendly product than that is hard to find, is still illegal in France, absurd but true.

One thing is for sure, the market as we know it today will change.

Be prepared.

‘‘

The European legislation is at a complete standstill at the moment.

We need to have a clear regulatory framework in the coming months or parts of the biostimulant industry may fall.

other products of the range are manufactured: humic acids, liquid and foliar fertilizers but also biostimulants and amino-acids, highly concentrated speciality suspensions and special soil conditioners/correctors. And since 2014, Tradecorp has a production of seaweed extracts in Ireland through the acquisition of OGT.

MORE THAN 5% OF SALES TURNOVER INVESTED IN R&D The innovation is at the heart of the development strategy.

Therefore the research is one of the priorities and Tradecorp spends more than 5% of its turnover on R&D. The company has a strong R&D international department and its laboratories are among those chosen by the European Committee for Standardization for the validation of new analytics methods.

The research team also has developed a strong partnership with a wide network of Universities and Research Centers around the world.

A FUTURE BIG NAME IN BIOLOGICALS? To support the anticipated development, Tradecorp can count on a key asset: the support of its mother company Sapec and the synergies with the latter. The substantial increase in investments since its acquisition by the Sapec Group in 2000 marked a new stage in Tradecorp’s path; as a result, the company has significantly strengthened its market position and has experienced a remarkable international expansion. The Group is committed to expanding in plant protection and plant nutrition. Says Eric Van Innis, CEO “ We have all the means to develop the biocontrol market and, aligning it with our biostimulant strategy, we will certainly propose new ideas in this sector”. Tradecorp is definitely another company that will have a name in the world of biologicals! ■

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L E A D E R ’S P R O F I L E

Monsanto BioAg:

innovation in microbials for biocontrol and biostimulants The BioAg Alliance is in a way unique to the industry, bringing together Novozymes’ capabilities for discovering, developing and producing microbial solutions with Monsanto’s strengths in microbial discovery, advanced biology, field testing, product commercialization, service and support. The result is a portfolio of microbial-based biological solutions – sold through Monsanto BioAg. The alliance was set up in December 2013. After almost two years of operations, where does it stand? On the occasion of Monsanto BioAg joining the European Biostimulants Industry Council, thus showing a clear sign that Biological control is not the only market targeted by the Alliance, New Ag International went for an interview with Brad Griffith, Monsanto’s global biologicals commercial Lead.

TODAY, MICROBIALS make up about two-thirds of the $2.9 billion market for agricultural biologicals.

Not surprisingly the market attracts many people and the number of R&D companies has been “mushrooming” during the last years, however with very few of them translating into products in the commercial development stage. This is certainly not the case for the BioAg Alliance who is determined to bring products to farm gate as soon as possible.

Monsanto BioAg already offers biostimulants and biocontrol products that are derived from microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.

These products are based on (or a combination of) technologies such as LCO Molecule for nodulation processes, Rhizobia for nitrogen fixation, Penicillium bilaii for phosphate solubilization, Metarhizium anisopliae for soft bodied/sucking pest control and Mycorrhizae for enhanced level of nutrient absorption.

BIOSTIMULANTS BASED ON PENICILLIUM Much of the applied phosphate (P) fertilizer bonds to soil particles and other elements in the soil making it unavailable to the crop each growing season. A small percentage of

28 www.newaginternational.com

bound phosphate will gradually be converted into available forms, but this does not happen quickly or efficiently enough to meet the demands of high-yielding crops. At least 25 percent of the phosphate in soils never becomes available, making it crucial to get the most efficient use of fertilizer phosphate.

JumpStart® and TagTeam® products contain the naturally occurring soil fungus Penicillium bilaii, which was discovered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. P. bilaii colonizes (grows along) plant roots, releasing compounds that release the bound mineral forms of soil and fertilizer phosphate, making it more available for the crop to use. Penicillium bilaii does not replace the need for phosphate fertilizer, but does provide crops access to more nutrients for higher yield potential.

BIOFUNGICIDES BASED ON STREPTOMYCES Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC 108 is a microorganism found in the Actinovate® products. When applied as a drench, the beneficial bacteria in Actinovate AG colonize around the plant’s roots in the rhizosphere to form a defensive barrier.

As a foliar application, the Activate

microbe attaches to the leaf and disrupts and disables harmful pathogens including powdery mildew and Botrytis.

BIOINSECTICIDES BASED ON METARHIZIUM Met52® contains the Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52 that is a contact bioinsecticide without chemical residue and little potential for resistance. It is capable of controlling several insect pests. Spores germinate on the insect surface, invade through the exoskeleton, and kill susceptible insects. Metarhizium anisopliae is a naturally occurring fungus that is found in soils worldwide.

LOOKING FOR PARTNERSHIPS AND TECHNOLOGIES By combining Novozymes’ and Monsanto’s research and development capabilities, the Alliance is able to commit more resources to understanding and harnessing the power of beneficial soil-borne and plantbased microbes, which will ultimately result in agricultural biological products that will continue to transform the market. The goal of the BioAg Alliance is to bring cuttingedge innovation in microbials. In order to do so better and quicker, the BioAg Alliance is looking for partnerships and technologies with big potential. And then regardless of the stage of discovery, the Alliance’s aim is to bring technology validation capabilities that will in turn help screening the best options and translate into commercial products. ■

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L E A D E R ’S P R O F I L E

An Interview with...

Brad Griffith, Monsanto’s global biologicals commercial lead How many trials are you planning in 2016 and will you conduct some of them outside North America?

The BioAg Alliance is testing thousands of microbial seed treatment entries broadly across core locations throughout the world – there are approximately 500,000 of those plots in the U.S. The microbial diversity being tested is over 6-fold of current registered microbial products currently sold for agriculture.

The BioAg Alliance screening focus includes microbials with both biocontrol and biostimulant activity.

How important is it to include both in your portfolio?

How do view the opportunities in each segment?

Our focus is on bioyield and biocontrol. In the category of bioyield, our priorities are biofertility/inoculants and plant growth regulators; in biocontrol, we look at insect and disease control. Both bioyield and biocontrol bring tremendous value to growers and we’re excited about what our expanded field trials this year will show.

Monsanto is best known for its herbicide Roundup and the Roundup Ready crops made to tolerate its application together with Bt based GMO crops. How does the BioAg Alliance microbials business platform fit into this overall business model? Do you see microbial solutions as a stand alone business segment, or is it synergistic with your current chemical and seed businesses?

The microbials business is synergistic with our seed & traits and chemistry businesses. I was formerly the global business lead for Monsanto’s seed treatment busi-

BRAD GRIFFITH

ness, and in some ways, integrating the microbial technology platform into the broader Monsanto business is analogous to how we incorporated our Acceleron seed treatment platform back in 200809. With Acceleron, we focused on identifying new proprietary seedbased technologies – using traditional chemistries - that could be launched in parallel with soybean, corn and cotton products. With our microbial portfolio, we’re following that same model but with products to fit a much more diverse universe of growers. The overall Monsanto model provides farmers choices in the seed, on the seed, and in the field. In the seed with superior germplasm and traits. On the seed with the microbial products and our Acceleron seed treatments. And in the field through our Climate Corporation offerings.

Will the BioAg Alliance continue to exclusively focus on microbials for biocontrol and biostimulation or will it enlarge its reach to cover other biological sourced actives (e.g natural plant extracts), also for their biocontrol and biostimulants properties?

We’re certainly looking at other biological sourced actives, and in

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L E A D E R ’S P R O F I L E

fact, we’ve expanded beyond pure microbes to plant derivatives. A few of these products include Proventus, which we offer in Asia, and here in the U.S., isoflavinoid technology in our Revv and Cue products for cotton and soybean growers, respectively.

Monsanto BioAg recently joined the European Biostimulants Industry Council.

What are you expecting from your membership and is it also a sign that you intend to be more intensely involved in the biostimulants business?

I think EBIC President Giuseppe Natale summed it up perfectly when we joined – he said the old divisions between fertilization and plant protection are becoming obsolete. Monsanto has a depth and breadth of knowledge in some areas, but we’re just one player and collaboration is essential. We do plan to be more intensely involved in the biostimulants business, as well as biocontrol and microbial inoculants as we discussed earlier.

You recently emphasized that the BioAg Alliance is looking for partnerships and technologies with “potential to meet the agronomic needs of today and tomorrow”.

Can you elaborate a bit on those needs as you see them and also on the formats of the partnerships. Could it go as far as acquiring companies active in e.g. the biocontrol and biostimulants business?

I’ll answer the last part first – there are multiple ways to work with other parties, including R&D collaborations, licensing agreements, and of course outright acquisitions. We’re specifically looking for the following: • Microbes • Individual microbes or microbial consortium with

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Monsanto uses aeroponic displays to demonstrate commercially-available products - and microbial solutions in development - at farmer events.

greenhouse or initial field data • Includes microbe-derived products, endophytes, etc.

• Late Stage Microbes & Commercial Microbial Products • Commercialized, registered, or microbes with extensive field data – quick to market • Biocontrol, BioFertility, Inoculants & Plant Growth Regulators • Formulations & Alternate Delivery • Formulations enabling microbial viability on shelf & on seed, and improving plant performance and system compatibility • Microbiome Platforms • Platform technologies focused on plant/microbe interactions enabling selection of optimal plant/microbe combinations • Strain Improvement • Platform technologies optimizing production of key metabolites for plant health and performance • Strain Characterization • Data analytics, genomics, assays and method development.

There’s certainly a perception that when seeking to collaborate with companies the size of Novozymes and Monsanto, the hardest part would be just getting in the door, so to speak. How exactly would a potential partner go

about meeting with the BioAg Alliance?

The first step to partnering with the BioAg Alliance is to set up a meeting with our team. You can submit nonproprietary information about your organization, and our team will determine the next steps.

‘‘

Monsanto has a depth and breadth of knowledge in some areas, but we’re just one player and collaboration is essential.

We do plan to be more intensely involved in the biostimulants business, as well as biocontrol and microbial inoculants

’’

Of course, a person or company should not submit confidential or proprietary information about their organization or technology.

Potential partners who are interested should visit our website for more information: www.MonsantoBioAg.com/BioAg Alliance. There, they’ll find direct e-mails for contacts from Monsanto and Novozymes to get them started.

Two years ago, the acquisition of The Climate Corporation by Monsanto was a clear sign that you wanted to be present beyond your traditional business area by offering farmers novel options in the way they manage risk on farm – including weather, which is the single biggest risk farmers face on an annual basis.

The Climate Corporation’s data science expertise was seen as an important complement to your Integrated Farming Systems℠ research platform and your FieldScripts℠ offering. Is the management of abiotic stress so important that you had to spend almost a billion dollars to acquire Climate Corp?

As you mentioned, weather is indeed a risk farmers face, and the acquisition of The Climate Corporation presented a tremendous amount of value to our farmer customers in that respect. In addition to helping farmers better manage the adverse affects of weather through the company’s field-level weather offering, Climate’s suite of digital tools also helps farmers manage their fertilizer inputs, scouting efforts and create variable rate seeding prescriptions to execute on their equipment of choice. While Climate is a separate part of the Monsanto business from my area of expertise, I know that in September they launched a newly integrated digital platform called Climate FieldView™. This platform combines farmers’ field data with realtime and historical soil, crop and weather data to help them efficiently manage their operations and gain deeper insights about their fields.

These technologies help farmers – and the global ag industry as a whole – stabilize and improve their profits and ultimately help feed the world’s growing population. That’s a goal we share at Monsanto BioAg.

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P R O D U C T S & T R E N D S

Latest products and market trends

Biostimulants moving into focus

Biostimulants (a name that is still disputed by some scientists) are now moving into focus as emerging technologies but some of them (seaweeds, humic acids) have been sold and used for many decades, with the market however taking a nosedive in the eighties when too much snake oil product was on offer.

The other reasons why the market went down are numerous but mainly: (1) lack of documented evidence that the products (in particular the seaweed extracts) would work on all circumstances; hence farmers were disappointed because they were using the products under all circumstances, not only in situations where plants were stressed. (2) As these products were sold as "miracle products", prices were sky rocketing, which attracted many fake products to the market and ended up in farmers completely losing confidence. There are no quantitative data on the market for the past. Despite the number of surveys that have been published recently, there are also no really reliable detailed market data for the market today but it is obvious that the growth has been healthy during the past 5 years. At the same time the scientific and agronomic knowledge about the way biostimulants work and the mechanisms behind their performance have also progressed. In parallel, the industry has also evolved with some consolidation and more importantly with a number of major companies in the pesticide and seed treatment markets starting to put their fingers in this business: to name a few, BASF, Bayer Crop Science, FMC and Monsanto BioAg have all joined the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) in 2015. Actually, everything is dynamic in the Biostimulants' world, except one thing: Legislation! Nothing new in China, nothing new in North America, nothing new in Latin America and even more surprising nothing new in Europe whereas it would have seemed logic that an appropriate and specific legislation would be in the pipeline as we write these lines. BUT the European parliament and the European Commission were renewed in 2014 and priorities and approach to various issues have changed. Today the European legislation is at a complete standstill. The situation is regarded as very serious by the industry, prompting some of them to say “We need to have a clear regulatory framework in the coming months or parts of the biostimulant industry may fall”. On the occasion of the 2nd World Congress on the use of Biostimulants in Agriculture which we are organizing this November (www.biostimulants2015.com), New Ag International went for a close look at all ins and outs in the biostimulants world.

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A bit of history to start with! After the market went down during the eighties, some pioneering companies, in particular in the seaweed industry (Acadian Seaplants and then Valagro, after the latter took over Algea from Norsk Hydro in Norway in 2003), decided to invest substantial R&D money to find out how and why these products worked. As a result they launched products in the market whose price could unfortunately not incorporate the real added value and could not cover the R&D expenditures because they were just seen as fertilizers. Only when the industry started to contemplate joint action to better promote the specifics of these products, the attention was turned to these products. The setting up of EBIC (European Biostimulants Industry Consortium, www.biostimulants.eu) in 2011, with the aim of promoting these products by having them identified as different from mineral fertilizers, was the turning point. Discussions with the EU Commission started and in 2012, the 1st World Congress on the use of Biostimulants in Agriculture held in Strasbourg also in 2012 was the perfect platform to show that there is scientific evidence to support the commercial claims made on these products. Scientific evidence was there because (1) the scientific committee who screened the papers and posters was composed of three highly reputable scientists who endorsed the contents of the research that was presented, and this was the first time that this had happened with biostimulants.

Before the congress the only

research (and not peer-reviewed) published on biostimulants was coming from manufacturers; (2) peer-reviewed proceedings were published.

At the same time, it became clear that with the policies on “sustainable agriculture”, no “toxic residues”, etc… gaining popularity at Governments and consumers level, the biostimulants (as well as the biopesticides) were bringing a new “sexy” tool to implement such policies. The professional management of EBIC along with its growing membership- today over 50 members, also contributed to accelerate the product recognition in Europe.

Other countries are now trying to follow pace (in particular USA and China) while others (Brazil and India) are still evaluating the best way to tackle this issue within their regulatory system.

BIOSTIMULANTS: WHAT ARE THEY? A gap to be filled between Plant Protection Products (PPPs) and Fertilisers? Just like functional food is something in between food and medication? This parallel has been drawn straight from day one.

What makes it difficult to immediately identify a product that is a biostimulant is a "mix" of "originrelated" and "function related" names as well as the typology nightmare of almost synonyms for a number of products. As appears in the chart 1 below, close to 10 names (not to talk about e.g. “physio-activators”) can indeed cover products that could all go to a certain extent under the common name of “bios-

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