Monday April 24 Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 23, 2023, there were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 27% very short, 44% short, 29% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 39% very short, 40% short, 21% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 10%, near 9% last year and 7% for the five-year average.

Soybeans planted was 4%, near 3% last year and 2% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 15% very poor, 27% poor, 37% fair, 19% good, and 2% excellent.

Oats planted was 68%, behind 76% last year, but ahead of 62% average. Emerged was 23%, behind 29% last year, and near 24% average.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION

Colder temperatures and a variety of precipitation limited farmers to 2.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 23, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Much needed rain in the western part of Iowa helped to improve State level moisture supplies. Corn, soybean, and oat planting continued this week, although at a reduced pace due to the cold, wet weather.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 18 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 28 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Ten percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, 9 days ahead of last year but equal to the 5-year average.

Five percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the average.

Sixty-seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 11 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Ten percent of the oat crop has emerged, 3 days ahead of last year.

Calving continues with some cattle let out to pasture. Livestock were doing well although some lots are muddy.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Despite colder, wetter weather, U.S. farmers pushed ahead with row-crop planting last week, keeping planting progress for both crops ahead of the average pace, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress Report on Monday.

CORN
-- Planting progress: Nationwide, corn planting moved ahead 6 percentage points last week to reach 14% as of Sunday, April 23. That is 7 percentage points ahead of last year and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 11%.
-- Crop progress: 3% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, slightly ahead of 2% for both last year and the five-year average.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: Soybean planting moved ahead 5 percentage points last week to reach 9% as of Sunday, 6 percentage points ahead of last year's 3% and 5 points ahead of the five-year average of 4%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: Nationwide, winter wheat was rated 26% good to excellent, down 1 percentage from 27% good to excellent the previous week and the lowest in over three decades. Forty-one percent of the crop is rated very poor to poor, up 2 points from a week ago.
-- Crop development: 18% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday, up 8 percentage points from the previous week and 4 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 14%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 5% of the spring wheat crop was planted as of Sunday, down from the five-year average of 12%.
-- Crop progress: Just 1% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, behind the five-year average of 3%.



Grant Opportunities for FFA, SAE and Agricultural Education Classrooms

The Nebraska FFA Foundation is seeking applications for the 2023 Nebraska FFA Foundation Grant Program through June 20, 2023. The grant program, in its seventh year, supports Nebraska agricultural education classrooms, FFA programs and individual student Supervised Agricultural Experiences. Funds are provided by supporters of the Nebraska FFA Foundation and its general fund.

This year, grant requests may be any amount up to $10,000 for classroom and chapter projects, and up to $2,000 for student SAE projects. Successful proposals from 2022 varied from welding supplies to animal learning lab materials to curriculum to agricultural sales SAEs.

“The Nebraska FFA Foundation understands that in the challenging times that we are living today, the investment in local agriculture education classrooms, FFA chapters and students SAE's are critical to strengthening agriculture for today and in the future, here in Nebraska. The Nebraska FFA Foundation's grant program helps to support Nebraska FFA members for growing future generations of leaders and preparing for nearly 300 important careers in agriculture,” says Stacey Agnew, Executive Director.



Nebraska Celebrates Renewable Fuels Month This May
 
Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, especially for Nebraskans. The month of May usually marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels.
 
Both biodiesel and ethanol help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.

Ethanol is the third largest Nebraska agriculture commodity, and the use of a 10% blend saves Nebraskans $275 million per year. Nebraska is also the second largest producer of ethanol in the country.
 
Biodiesel adds 70 cents per bushel to the value of soybeans. Increased demand for soybean oil to make biodiesel also increases the supply of soybean meal, leading to lower animal feed prices paid by poultry and livestock farmers. Biodiesel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 86% compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ethanol blends reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% compared to regular gasoline.
 
“Nebraska agriculture is well-positioned to greatly impact the country’s transition to be less carbon-intensive. While new technologies find their footing, corn and soybeans grown right here in Nebraska will continue to feed and fuel the world for a long time,” said Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. “Nebraska is blessed to not only have the land, the tools, and the natural resources for a thriving agriculture industry, but also the farmers and producers who continue to nurture the commodities that, over many decades, have made Nebraska what it is—an agriculture powerhouse. Please celebrate this hard work with us throughout May. Fill up with biofuels, save money, and tell others of the importance of renewable fuels to our state and communities.”

Owners of vehicles 2001 and newer can safely use blends of ethanol up to E15 (15% ethanol) and will often enjoy significant savings per gallon. Owners of flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) can use blends up to E85 and experience even greater savings. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles can also lower emissions by filling up with biodiesel blends of 20% (B20) or higher. Find locations near you at biodieselne.com.
 
Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, and the Nebraska Soybean Board, invite you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels in your classrooms, at work, and in your community this May. Learn more and find ethanol retail locations at fueledbynebraska.com.
 
Important Renewable Fuels Month Dates
    May 4: Gov. Jim Pillen will declare May as Renewable Fuels Month
    May 8, 15, 22, and 29: Tune into our weekly Renewable Fuels Month segment on Pure Nebraska with Jon Vanderford. Watch 10/11’s Pure Nebraska live weekdays from 9-9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
    May 17: Renewable Fuels Month student contest deadlines

During Renewable Fuels Month, Fueled by Nebraska and the Nebraska Soybean Board will host giveaways, student contests, radio interviews, fuel promotions, and more. To participate, visit facebook.com/fueledbynebraska.



2023 Colfax Dodge Scholarship Recipient

The Colfax Dodge Corn Growers Association is pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s scholarship program. This was awarded to a high school senior student who is planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in agriculture, agribusiness or an agricultural vocational field.

The Colfax Dodge Corn Growers Association would like to congratulate this year's recipient, Aiden Meyer, from Howells-Dodge High School. Aiden plans to go to Northeast Community College to major in agribusiness. He plans to transfer to The University of Nebraska-Lincoln after graduation to continue his studies.



NE Fire Marshall on Explosion at Green Plains, Wood River

At approximately 2:39 p.m. Monday, Wood River Fire & Rescue responded to the report of an explosion with injuries at Green Plains, 7874 S 140th Rd, Wood River. Upon arrival, firefighters located a liquid holding tank that had been involved in an explosion. No fire was present upon their arrival. Firefighters located multiple victims at the scene.

One 49-year-old employee was declared deceased at the facility. Another employee is being treated at an Omaha hospital and remains in critical condition. Three other individuals (on-site contractors) were taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries and have been released. The Hall County Attorney has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death for the deceased. The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending identification and the notification of next of kin.

Work was being conducted on the liquid holding tank at the time of the explosion. The cause of the explosion is considered accidental, as a result of the work being conducted.

This explosion is not related to the fire that occurred last Friday at the facility.

Responding agencies included Wood River Fire & Rescue, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency.

No additional details are available at this time.



Iowa Lawmakers Propose Bill to Protect Farm Families from Changes to Student Aid Formula

Iowa lawmakers are taking action to protect farm families from potential financial hardships caused by changes to the federal student aid formula. The proposed bill would require the state's public universities to use one-year income data, rather than the proposed two-year data, when determining financial aid eligibility.

The changes to the formula, which are being considered by the federal government, could have a significant impact on rural students who come from farming families. Income for these families can vary greatly from year to year due to factors such as weather, commodity prices, and input costs, making it difficult to accurately assess their financial situation over a two-year period.

Iowa legislators are concerned that the proposed changes could make higher education even more unattainable for rural students, who already face numerous barriers to college access. By requiring the use of one-year income data, the proposed bill aims to ensure that farm families receive the financial aid they need to pursue higher education.

The bill has received bipartisan support, with legislators on both sides of the aisle recognizing the importance of protecting rural students. It is yet to be seen whether the bill will be passed into law, but it represents a positive step towards ensuring that all students have access to affordable higher education, regardless of their family's income or occupation.



RFA Welcomes Justin Schultz as new Director of Environment, Health & Safety
    
The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to announce that ethanol industry veteran Justin Schultz has joined the organization’s staff as its new Director of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). In this role, Justin will serve as a resource to member companies on EH&S and regulatory issues, interact with key regulatory agencies, lead RFA’s member committees focused on EH&S issues, and oversee other activities that support the association’s mission.

 “We are thrilled to welcome Justin to the RFA family and we know his industry experience and knowledge will be an incredibly valuable asset to RFA and its members,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Technical and regulatory leadership for the industry has always been one of RFA’s hallmarks, and I know Justin is the right person at the right time to carry on this tradition of excellence for the association.”

Before joining RFA, Schultz worked for Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy since 2009. He has managed regulatory, safety, and compliance issues for the Council Bluffs, Iowa, biorefinery. His duties included managing programs regulated by OSHA , FDA, SEC, and other federal and state agencies, as well as investor relations and interacting with state and federal legislators and regulators on industry policy issues. He also has served seven years on the Pottawattamie County board of supervisors and holds the rank of Major in the Iowa Army National Guard. Schultz has also been an active member of RFA’s Young Professionals Network since its inception. Schultz received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree from American University in Washington.

"I am thoroughly excited to be joining the RFA team for this incredible opportunity—I’m truly honored and grateful,” Schultz said. “With my unique set of skills and experience, I hope to bring a fact-based, real-world perspective to the regulatory agencies and policy makers whose decisions affect RFA’s members.  Our industry has some tough challenges and some big opportunities ahead, and I am eager to hit the ground running!"  



USDA Announces New National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of Manjit K. Misra as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The NIFA Director leads the agency’s work in advancing agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Dr. Misra will start his new role on Monday, May 8, 2023.

“Dr. Misra is an esteemed scientist and educator whose devotion to studying and sharing his knowledge of seeds with the world will benefit society and inspire generations to come,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I am confident he will bring strong leadership and expertise to USDA as we continue our work to invest in and grow initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture and food systems.”

"We are excited to add Dr. Misra's leadership and expertise to our team as we continue to transform our nation’s food and agricultural system,” said Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Research, Education, and Economics Under Secretary. “NIFA, with its unique research, education, and Extension partnerships, and the current unprecedented investments we have toward building the next generation of ag professionals, is well positioned to address the complex challenges we face in agriculture.”

Prior to joining USDA, Dr. Misra served as a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. For more than 30 years, he was Director of the university’s Seed Science Center. The center has administered the National Seed Health System, authorized by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, since 2001. Dr. Misra also was founding Director of the Iowa State’s Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products.

In 2012, Dr. Misra was appointed Chair of the USDA National Genetic Resources Advisory Council (NGRAC), a position he held until 2017. Misra has served on more than 60 local, national, and international boards and committees. These include the Steering Committee for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) International Conference on Biotechnology, the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Seed Research Foundation, the Board of Directors of the Iowa Seed Association, the Iowa Crop Improvement Association, and the First the Seed Foundation.

Dr. Misra is the recipient of several awards for leadership, including the “Distinguished Service Award” from the American Seed Trade Association, the “Order of the Knoll Faculty Award” from Iowa State University, the “Global Agricultural Leadership Award” from the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture, the Sukup Global Food Security award, a certificate of appreciation from the Secretary of Agriculture and the AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

Dr. Misra earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering in India, a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a researcher with 137 publications and an innovator with ten patents. During his tenure as the Director of the Seed Science Center, the faculty and staff conducted seed programs in 79 countries, including 34 countries in Africa.



Dairy Market Report: Dairy Demand Rises as Inflation Ebbs

Annual growth of total domestic use of milk in all dairy products turned positive during December–February, following several rolling three-month periods of falling use when retail dairy price inflation was peaking. That trend is fading as the Consumer Prices Indices for most dairy products have begun to fall, rapidly lowering their year-over-year CPI changes.

This resurgence in demand is coming at a challenging time for dairy margins. Milk production growth remains below 1 percent, and milk solids production growth was just two-tenths of a percent higher during the three-month period that ended in February. This, combined with the previous demand weakness, has sent wholesale dairy prices down considerably from their highs of last spring and summer. And that’s sent the Dairy Margin Coverage margin into the low $6/cwt territory, as feed costs have not followed milk prices down. Fewer than one in six of the monthly margins have been lower since 2020, when the current DMC feed cost formula began to use only premium alfalfa hay.

Read the full report here: https://www.nmpf.org/dairy-demand-rises-as-inflation-ebbs/.  



Families Deserve Truth in Food Labeling

America’s families deserve to know what they’re buying when shopping in the dairy aisle. The American Farm Bureau Federation today filed comments with the Food and Drug Administration calling on the agency to enforce food labeling standards for dairy substitute products and enforce existing prohibitions on the misleading labeling of nut- and other plant-based beverage products as “milk.” The FDA requested comments on its draft Labeling of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements: Guidance for Industry.

AFBF supports a consumer’s right to access dairy-free products, but one in four Americans, 83 million people, are confused or have been misled about whether dairy alternatives contain milk, according to a survey used by FDA. Non-dairy beverages are sold in the milk case alongside traditional milk, very often with labeling that implies they are dairy products. Nut- and plant-based beverages do not include several important nutrients that are found in cow’s milk, however.

“Consumers know the healthiness of dairy labels such as ‘milk’ and may infer that any product bearing this term possesses the same or an equivalent nutritional profile,” wrote AFBF Vice President of Public Policy Sam Kieffer. “In many other cases, consumers have been led to believe plant-based alternatives are healthier. As the draft guidance describes: ‘the research also suggests that a majority of consumers who purchase plant-based milk alternatives state they do so because they believe the products are healthier than milk.’ These conclusions demonstrate the dangers of utilizing the term ‘milk’ on non-milk products.”

AFBF is urging FDA to require non-dairy products to be labeled accurately, as is required in several markets outside of the U.S. For instance, “almond milk” is labeled “almond beverage” in Canada. Applying the same standards in the United States should not be a heavy or unreasonable burden on companies.

The FDA already requires truth in labeling for other foods. For example, products labeled as “jams” must contain a minimum amount of fruit, and products that don’t meet a minimum standard for cheese must be labeled as “cheese alternative” or “cheese substitute.” FDA’s proposed guidance for milk substitutes risks setting a precedent that could lead to many other dairy, meat, fruit and other food names to be misused for imitation products.

“The American Farm Bureau Federation believes that plant-based alternative milk products should adhere to current labelling laws and regulations and that consumers should be presented with accurate information on a product’s label so that they can make an informed choice about the wide range of attributes associated with milk and other dairy terms, including butter, ice cream, yogurt, etc.,” the comments continue. “We ask that FDA amend their draft guidance to prohibit the use of ‘milk’ or other dairy terms on non-dairy substitutes unless products follow proper use of imitation terminology, as defined by existing law. Allowing such changes runs the risk of undercutting the entire current FDA labelling framework for imitation products, to the detriment of farmers, honest processors, and all consumers.”



ACE Announces “Everything Counts” Conference Theme, Opens Registration for 36th Annual Event

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has opened registration for its 36th annual conference taking place this summer starting Wednesday, August 23, through Friday, August 25, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. Even at nearly 50 percent less carbon intensive than gasoline, when everything counts, ethanol has the potential to reach net-negative carbon emissions. Opportunities exist for significantly more near-term improvements in ethanol’s carbon footprint — from major reduction potential prospects like climate-smart farming practices and the adoption of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, to what may seem like small efficiency improvements at a plant overtime — everything counts.
 
“ACE continues working to ensure farmers and ethanol producers are in a position to obtain valuable clean fuel credits for the many steps they are taking to improve ethanol’s carbon score,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “We encourage ethanol producers and industry members to join us in the Twin Cities this summer to discuss these and other initiatives ACE is working on to increase the value of and demand for ethanol.”
 
“For nearly four decades, biofuel stakeholders have utilized the ACE conference as an opportunity to not only have candid conversations about the latest technology developments and market updates, but also about where the industry is headed and aspires to be,” said Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs. “We’re developing an event agenda that encompasses what industry leaders need to know and explores topics aimed at framing the continued future success of this industry.”
 
The conference provides two days of general sessions, including updates from ACE leadership, and this year, event coverage will feature topics like new uses and markets for ethanol producers, the retail marketplace for E15 and E85, farm-to-biofuel carbon market opportunities, and trade developments. The conference also offers breakout sessions with subjects covering the latest in technology updates, strategic planning advice, as well as ways for ethanol plants to lower their carbon score and raise profitability.
 
For over 35 years, the ACE conference has focused on the people of the ethanol industry and their priorities — an event where ethanol producers meet with retailers, policymakers, researchers, and other industry members. This year’s event also includes the option to attend the Minnesota Twins versus Texas Rangers game on the evening of August 24. Stay tuned for more agenda details and event announcements over the coming months. For more information about the event, or to support the conference via a sponsorship, please contact Katie Muckenhirn at kmuckenhirn@ethanol.org or visit ethanol.org/events/conference.




CNH Industrial announces its exit from Russia

CNH Industrial announced last week the divestiture of its business activities in Russia for a total consideration of approximately $60 million. This follows the Company’s announcement in March 2022 that it was suspending supplies to this market. Up until today, the payment of employee salaries and other administrative expenses in Russia have been duly guaranteed.

Until March of 2022, the Company operated a corporate office in the Moscow region through which it managed the import and distribution of its products in Russia, regional business activities and commercial financing. Its industrial footprint included manufacturing sites for agricultural equipment and implements and construction equipment, and a parts depot. These sites employed approximately 200 employees.

For the fiscal year ending 2021, the last full year of operations, the Russian operations generated revenue of approximately $380 million, representing 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenue in 2021. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, CNH Industrial recorded charges of $71 million related to assets write down, financial receivable allowances, and a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company estimates that it will take additional pre-tax charges of approximately $20 million in connection with the divestitures.

They wish to acknowledge former employees for their years of dedicated service.



Forecast Calls for Seed Stress: Four Tips for Navigating Cold and Wet Planting Conditions This Spring

As spring planting gets underway, wet and cold conditions threaten to negatively impact germination and therefore yieldWinField United Seed Stress Map from April 23, 2023 potential for many farmers across the country. While these conditions can change quickly as the season progresses, current soil moisture and temperature levels show a large swath of the country is currently under a “High/Medium Seed Stress” outlook according to the In-Season Seed Stress Map from WinField United, which monitors weekly planting conditions like soil temperature and soil moisture to provide a predicted stress level by county.



Joe Rickard, crop protection product manager with WinField United, has been closely monitoring conditions and has four tips for growers to better navigate cool, wet soils this spring.

1. Don’t get impatient — wait for the right planting conditions.
Focus on soil temperature and moisture levels to determine the best planting dates. Planting corn before temperatures reach 50 degrees and trending upwards can lead to imbibitional chilling, and planting soybeans too early could result in devastating frost damage. But this season, Rickard sees another issue looming based on moisture levels.

“We see the potential for sidewall compaction to be an issue this year with the wet conditions,” said Rickard. “Planting in mud can cause compaction, smear the sidewall of the seed trench and even cause the seed to rot and die so it’s important to closely monitor your moisture levels.”

2. Consider a boost to in-furrow applications.
“Starter fertilizers applied at planting can help stimulate root development and increase nutrient availability to small plants,” said Rickard. “Zinc and phosphorus, which tend to be more limited when soils are wet and cool, are in many starter fertilizers and are vital to early plant growth.”

In addition to starter fertilizer, Rickard recommends adding a plant growth regulator like Ascend2® to corn to speed up the germination process and promote more vigorous and even emergence in spring and significantly boost yield potential come fall.

3. Safeguard vulnerable seeds against diseases and insects.
“With many growers looking to plant soybeans earlier in search of more yield, we continue to see an increase in disease pressure from Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium and Phytophthora when planting into cold, wet conditions,” said Rickard. “A quality seed treatment such as Warden® CX II can help mitigate these early-season seed stresses in soybeans and maximize yield potential.”

In corn, wet conditions have made Pythium a prevalent disease challenge the last few planting seasons. Rickard recommends Fortivent® Plus seed treatment, which provides control of Pythium as well as insects and aids in early-season plant growth and root development with the inclusion of zinc.

4. Stabilize your nitrogen to avoid loss from high moisture rates.
Wet conditions can also pose challenges to maximizing nitrogen applications.

“Applying a nitrogen (N) stabilizer along with your N products will be important to help get every possible pound of your N investment into the plant,” said Rickard. “Nitrogen stabilizers limit microbial activity in the soil reducing the conversion of ammonium into nitrate, which keeps nitrogen in a form that is less susceptible to loss by leaching or denitrification.”



Syngenta and Biotalys enter into strategic partnership in biologicals innovation to advance solutions for sustainable agriculture

Syngenta Crop Protection and Biotalys today announced a collaboration to research, develop and commercialize new biocontrol solutions to manage key pests in a broad variety of crops. The new solution will be based on Biotalys’ AGROBODY™ technology and will offer a new mode of action to broaden farmers’ access to novel technologies that counter the threat of pest resistance and advance sustainable agriculture.

Under the terms of this partnership, Syngenta will collaborate on a research program with Biotalys, an agricultural technology company focused on protein-based biocontrol solutions, to leverage its AGROBODY™ technology platform for Syngenta’s specific insect targets.

“Syngenta is a leader in bringing farmers cutting edge technologies that improve the sustainability of agriculture, and we are excited to work closely with Biotalys as part of our agricultural innovation ecosystem,” said Camilla Corsi, Head of Crop Protection Research at Syngenta Crop Protection. “By combining our proven research and development capabilities with the breakthrough protein-based innovations of the Biotalys AGROBODY™ platform, we are determined to play a pivotal role in addressing critical farmer needs around the globe.”

With resistance development and increasing regulatory and environmental pressures, growers are eager to explore innovative and effective biological solutions that limit the impact on the environment and biodiversity. Biotalys has demonstrated the potential of its protein-based biocontrols to deliver novel modes of actions for effective and safe application in food and agriculture. This new partnership allows Biotalys to accelerate the development and global commercialization of innovative crop protection solutions and cement its biocontrol innovation leadership by leveraging the expansive network and capabilities of a global agriculture business.

“We are proud and excited to be working with Syngenta, a world-leading agricultural company, on one of the most pressing industry challenges – the development of innovative and effective pest control solutions – by delivering on the promise of our AGROBODY™ technology,” said Patrice Sellès, Chief Executive Officer at Biotalys. “Collaborating with Syngenta is a major milestone in our continued mission to providing growers around the globe with safe, efficient, and more sustainable agricultural solutions.”

No further terms or financial specifics are being disclosed.