Koppert and Lantmännen BioAgri partner in biological seed treatment

Koppert and Lantmännen BioAgri have agreed on the acquisition of the assets of BioAgri’s microbial products, registrations and IP by Koppert. The agreement means Koppert will expand its seed treatment capabilities and Lantmännen BioAgri will continue to cover its home market area in Scandinavia and around the Baltic Sea. Both parties have also agreed to further develop a strong partnership around the acquired product portfolio with joint R&D and marketing.

The incentive for the transaction are three bacterial biofungicide seed treatment products based on the bacteria Pseudomonas chlororaphis marketed under the names Cedomon, Cerall and Cedress. These products belong to the first group of registered biofungicide seed treatment products in Europe for wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale (Cedomon and Cerall), carrots and peas (Cedress). The patented bacteria Pseudomonas azotoformans is also included in the transaction.

Potential for broader range of crops and regions
Koppert’s Global Business Development Manager, Martin Koppert, says the acquisition gives Koppert access to the first registered biofungicide for seed treatment in Europe and a closer collaboration with Lantmännen BioAgri. "We see great potential in the development of these bacteria and technology for countries outside of Europe and for a wide range of crops. This acquisition fits our strategy to provide ‘on seed’ solutions for a broader range of crops. It will give farmers more sustainable solutions in regions where chemical alternatives are becoming scarcer. In the longer term we see a potential biological solution for Fusarium Head Blight, a disease that causes devastating yield loses in many parts of the world."

Kenneth Alness, Managing Director of Lantmännen BioAgri explains that this partnership has many advantages. "BioAgri’s experience in seed treatment and Koppert’s expertise in production, logistics and formulation of microbials will result in effective, economical and sustainable benefits for growers."

Mutually beneficial
BioAgri will maintain all sales rights of these products in the Baltic Sea area, the stronghold of Lantmännen BioAgri. For clients both within and outside the Baltic Sea area, product supply and support will remain unchanged as transfer of clients will be done in close collaboration between the companies.

"The collaboration with Lantmännen will provide access to the interesting Baltic Sea markets. In its turn, Koppert will enhance Lantmännen’s product portfolio in this region with a wide range of biological solutions," Martin Koppert concludes.

For more information:
Koppert Biological Systems
info@koppert.com
www.koppert.com