Positive Regulatory Developments for the U.S. Ag Tech Industry
Posted 3rd July 2019 by Jane Williams
2019 may prove to be propitious in terms of meaningful improvements to the regulatory strictures facing agricultural biotech and biologically based products.
In a move that will hopefully lead to positive changes in the regulatory situation facing ag biotech products, on June 11, 2019, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the heads of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take specific steps to streamline and improve the regulatory processes applicable to the products of agricultural biotechnology.
A novel fungal endophyte confers fitness benefits to crops
Posted 14th June 2019 by Joshua Sewell
Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) in Spain, in collaboration with scientists with PlantResponse Biotech, S.L., are conducting research on a novel fungal endophyte that confers crop fitness benefits, particularly in alkaline soils.
Regulating Biostimulant Products
Posted 20th August 2018 by Jane Williams
Degrading soil quality and increased interest in sustainable farming have caused the biostimulant market to go from strength-to-strength and it is expected to reach $4.14 billion by 2025. [1] Despite this, companies have expressed concerns that the regulation of biostimulants will hinder industry growth and the longevity of small companies and start-ups.
We spoke to Nick Moon, Global Regulatory Manager, Plant Impact, to discuss the regulation of biostimulants and its impact on industry.
Unraveling the Regulatory Quagmire of Agrobiologicals
Posted 10th August 2018 by Jane Williams
At the Partnerships in Biocontrol, Biostimulants, & Microbiome: Europe, Peter Jens, Director of Strategic Alliances at Koppert Biological Systems and CEO of AND Biopharma, discussed regulation from product to systems thinking.
He focused specifically on the way in which consumers and citizens have become more vocal on the quality of products, arguing that the current regulatory discussion is fated and different thinking is required.
Here, he explains what he means by ‘different’ kinds of thinking and how this could help unravel the regulatory quagmire of agrochemicals and agrobiologicals.
Selecting a Formulation Type and Package Size for your Biopesticides
Posted 16th July 2018 by Jane Williams
In the final instalment in our series of articles focusing on biopesticide product development, we will be discussing the importance of selecting a formulation type and package size, preferred packaging options, crop specific economics, tank mixability, and tank mixes.
Biologics Congress Europe – Slide release
Posted 6th June 2018 by Jane Williams
Presented at the 4th Biologics & Biosimilars Congress, these free slides are now available to download and share with your colleagues.
Bringing your Biopesticides to Market
Posted 7th May 2018 by Jane Williams
The application of crop biotechnology in agriculture has permitted an enhanced level of income to farmers and environmental benefits, while also reducing cropland expansion. Insect-protected crops, such as corn, showed more than 10% increase in yield worldwide and insect-protected corn and cotton augmented farm income by >$56 billion between 1996 and 2001.
There are important factors to consider to ensure the value and the benefits of these products. These relate to their mode of delivery from suppliers to end users, including correct shipping, storage as well as user education.
The Second Green Revolution: An Open Letter from Donald R. Marvin
Posted 18th April 2018 by Jane Williams
Dear Colleagues,
Our vision of the Second Green Revolution goes beyond genetics, synthetic fertilizers, and chemical controls. It is a more holistic approach that integrates biologicals to optimize agriculture in a way that balances the immediate need for high yields and the long-term considerations for soil health.