Interview with Eda Reinot
CEO and President at Certis Biologicals

Eda Reinot is the president and CEO of Certis Biologicals, a global leader in sustainable crop protection solutions. With extensive expertise in agricultural inputs innovation, Eda is steering Certis into its next growth phase, leveraging science-based innovation to support growers in producing high-quality crops while preserving natural resources.

Previously, Eda served as VP at Indigo Ag and held various responsibilities, including overseeing global regulatory strategy and execution, quality assurance, bioprocessing, and international product development. She also held R&D leadership roles at BASF and served as the global head of R&D at Becker Underwood.

Eda has also served the biological products industry as a chair of the board for Biological Products Industry Alliance, and as president of Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers. Eda is a passionate advocate for advancing sustainable agriculture and fostering science-based innovation to address the growing demand for effective, environmentally responsible crop protection and crop nutrition solutions.

Q1. You stepped into the role of president & CEO at Certis Biologicals with a strong background in science and agricultural inputs. Can you share a bit about your journey and what drew you to Certis Biologicals?

My journey in the agriculture industry began in the mid-90s while living in Iowa, where I transitioned from an academic and scientific career into the practical application of science in agriculture. My time at Becker Underwood, and later in leadership roles across the industry, allowed me to work globally on solutions that enhance crop production. Certis Biologicals stands out as a leader in sustainable agriculture, with a robust history and a portfolio of biological solutions. I am excited for what is ahead as we continue driving innovation, developing grower-focused solutions and expanding the global impact of Certis. Our commitment to delivering sustainable, effective tools for agriculture remains strong, and I look forward to leading the company in that mission.

Q2. What advice would you give young professionals aspiring to make an impact in this industry?

At Certis Biologicals, and in every company, I have worked for, I am proud to lead a team that values diverse perspectives, as it is through collaboration, working across different functions and backgrounds that we can truly grow as a business and industry.

For young professionals aspiring to make an impact in agriculture, my advice would be to embrace a curious mindset and take the time to understand the science and business behind farming. Agriculture is a field where passion for solving problems can translate directly into tangible outcomes. By staying committed to learning, being fearless in your ambitions, and finding mentors who support your growth, you can carve a meaningful and rewarding path in this industry. The future of farming is collaborative, and young professionals have a crucial role in shaping it.

Q3. Certis Biologicals has been a leader in the biologicals space for decades. What are your top priorities for the company as it continues to grow and with the constantly evolving BioAg industry?

Certis Biologicals has always been at the forefront of innovation. Our products are designed to meet the evolving needs of growers, providing tools that not only combat pests and diseases but also promote sustainable farming practices. We have a robust portfolio of over 40 products that serve both conventional and organic markets. Our priorities include expanding our portfolio with innovative solutions and advancing global adoption of biologicals by leveraging our technology and expertise across diverse regions, addressing challenges like resistance management, sustainability and regulatory compliance. Innovations like Convergence®, which enhances crop fertility and plant immunity, and Toltek, which addresses critical diseases like Take-All in cereals, demonstrate how we deliver solutions that add agronomic value. Our R&D and field development teams work closely to ensure that every product is both effective and adaptable to growers’ needs worldwide.

Q4. What recent advancements in Certis Biologicals’ portfolio are you most excited about?

We have made several exciting advancements in our portfolio. Convergence® is a novel biofungicide for row crops, offering multiple modes of action and flexibility. Our acquisition of Howler® EVO and Theia® strengthens our broad-spectrum fungicide lineup for both conventional and organic growers.

Recently, we achieved the European registration of NemaClean®, a low-risk biocontrol nematicide now authorized in the Netherlands. NemaClean effectively controls root-knot nematodes in protected fruiting vegetables and is under regulatory review in key European markets, where growers need sustainable solutions for nematode management. In the United States, where NemaClean is currently available, we are already seeing it become a significant tool for growers of crops like onions, potatoes, peanuts and especially sweet potatoes, where trials have shown NemaClean® 10 percent WP outperforms chemical nematicides in controlling root-knot nematodes and boosting yields. NemaClean® is not just tackling nematode infestations; it is promoting overall plant health and increasing grower productivity.

Q5. Resistance management and sustainability are major concerns in agriculture today. How does Certis Biologicals help growers address this challenge?

Resistance management is a key focus for Certis Biologicals. Overuse of traditional solutions has led to resistance issues, reducing the efficacy of these tools. Our biological solutions provide diverse and multiple modes of action that complement traditional crop protection products. For instance, Convergence® provides induced resistance, which ramps up the immune system for increased defense against disease. Additionally, fungicides such as Howler® EVO and Theia®, provide growers with flexible, broad-spectrum options that support integrated pest and disease management programs.

Certis Biologicals plays a critical role in promoting sustainability. Biological inputs reduce reliance on traditional chemistries, help growers meet strict export regulations and minimize residues, ensuring food safety. Our products are designed to be both effective and environmentally friendly. For example, Theia fungicide activates plants’ natural defenses while maintaining residue tolerance exemptions, which is key for meeting global export standards. Through our global footprint and collaboration with growers, we ensure that sustainable solutions are accessible to agricultural markets worldwide.

Q6. As an industry leader in BioAg, how does Certis Biologicals approach global demand for its solutions?

The demand for biological inputs is truly global, driven by agronomic needs like resistance management and consumer demand for sustainably produced and safe food. Certis is well positioned to meet this demand with our vertically integrated manufacturing facilities and strong presence in key markets like the Americas, Europe and Asia. For example, our joint venture in India strengthens our presence in Asia, while products like Toltek address specific challenges in European cereal production. By leveraging our technology across multiple regions, we develop and deliver solutions that meet the universal challenges of modern agriculture. Our recent European registration of NemaClean® marks the beginning of its global reach, with plans for broader availability. This reinforces Certis’ commitment to offering sustainable solutions that can address the evolving needs of growers worldwide.

Q7. What role do you see industry platforms like BioAg World Digest playing in the growth of the biologicals sector?

Platforms like BioAg World Digest play an important role in highlighting innovations, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration that help growers and stakeholders understand the position and value of biological solutions. Certis Biologicals appreciates the support and visibility of such platforms in showcasing advancements and innovations, which help drive the adoption of biological solutions in agriculture.