Author: News

NRCS Launches Regenerative Pilot Program to Support Whole-Farm Conservation

Washington, D.C. — February 2026

NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt has announced the launch of the Regenerative Pilot Program, a new initiative focused on meeting producers where they are. The program is designed to integrate seamlessly into farm operations to create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable system.

The primary goal is to help producers cut through red tape to plan and implement whole-farm regenerative practices, moving away from piecemeal conservation efforts.

By focusing on efficiency and profitability alongside sustainability, the NRCS aims to lower barriers to entry for regenerative agriculture, ensuring that conservation works for the producer’s bottom line as well as the land.

Andermatt Receives Gates Foundation Grant to Launch FAW Eco-Dispensers in Kenya

Kenya – February 2026

Andermatt, a global leader in biological crop protection, has received a Gates Foundation grant to support the launch of FAW Eco-Dispensers in Kenya. The project aims to provide smallholder farmers with affordable, sustainable solutions to fight Fall Armyworm (FAW), a major threat to maize production and food security in Africa.

Provivi®, a pioneer in pheromone-based pest control, has joined as a sub-grantee. While Provivi previously received funding to develop the Eco-Dispenser, this new phase led by Andermatt focuses on commercial rollout and farmer adoption in Kenya, with plans to expand across East Africa.

“This funding accelerates our mission to empower farmers with innovative tools that reduce crop losses and improve resilience,” said Hamish Ker, CEO of Andermatt Kenya.

Corey Huck, CEO of Provivi®, added: “Provivi is proud to collaborate with Andermatt to bring this proven, cost-effective solution to East African farmers.”

Rovensa Next Opens Pilot Fermentation Plant to Accelerate Microbial Innovation

Madrid / Brazil — February 2, 2026

Rovensa Next, the global leader in biosolutions for agriculture, has opened a new pilot fermentation plant in Brazil. The facility creates an intermediate step between laboratory research and full industrial production, reducing development risks and accelerating the launch of new bio-inputs.

Now fully operational, the plant supports product design projects for Brazil and international markets. It works in close connection with the company’s Global Research and Innovation Center for Biosolutions in Hortolândia, forming a single ecosystem that supports microbial innovation from early research to industrial scale.

“This facility is a real turning point in how we move from research to industrial production,” said Johana Perez, Global R&D Manager at Rovensa Next. “We now have much tighter control over formulations… which allows us to validate new bio-inputs more quickly and with greater confidence.”

José Nolasco, Global Head of R&D Bionutrition, added: “Technologies developed in Brazil will play a central role in delivering the next generation of biosolutions.”

Emergent Advisor Dr. Bob Trogele Receives 2025 ARA Lifetime Achievement Award

USA — January 30, 2026

Emergent announced today that Dr. Bob Trogele has been named the 2025 recipient of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award. With this honor, Emergent now counts two consecutive ARA Lifetime Achievement Award winners among its Advisory Board, following Ernie Chappell’s 2024 recognition.

“Emergent truly has a Hall of Fame advisory board,” said Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent. “To have two back-to-back honorees who are among the most respected leaders in agriculture speaks to both the credibility of Emergent and the importance of what we’re building.”

“What drew me to Emergent is their clear focus on helping farmers and ag retailers solve real problems—reliability, simplicity, and trust,” said Dr. Bob Trogele. “This platform is built for how agriculture actually works.”

Emergent is currently scaling its Rip™ Platform, bringing automation solutions like Rip’s Warehouse™ and Ask Rip™ to market to deliver durable value to producers and channel partners.

Meristem Products Cut Costs and Boost Yields in Northern Iowa Soils

Northern Iowa — January 30, 2026

Saratoga Partnership farms nearly 20,000 acres across three states, with high-stakes production in the rich, black soils of northeast Iowa. To maintain consistent performance without ballooning costs, the operation has turned to Meristem Crop Performance.

“We are production driven. We work hard to try to find ways to grow more bushels,” said Jackson Dohlman, crop production manager for Saratoga Partnership. “What I think separates Meristem is they have a passion for bringing innovative alternatives to the producer with the focus on how to get profit out of their acres.”

Dohlman highlights the Bio-Capsule™ delivery system as a game-changer for getting live biologicals exactly where they need to be. “The Excavator AMS product is a good fit because… it helps break down all the residue and we are feeding back nutrients to the growing crop.”

“Meristem products work in Iowa, they work in Minnesota and Missouri too,” added Mitch Eviston, Meristem founder and CEO. “Large acreage or small, farmers around the country are finding ways to produce more bushels for less.”

Kumiai Chemical Launches ECOARK®: A Novel Biological Solution for Crown Gall Disease

Tokyo, Japan — January 13, 2026

Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. has announced the upcoming launch of ECOARK®, a biological control agent for crown gall disease, in the domestic market in Spring 2026. Jointly developed by Okayama Prefecture, Kumiai Chemical, and K-I Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., the product contains the non-pathogenic Rhizobium vitis ARK-1 strain as its active ingredient.

Crown gall disease, caused by soil-borne bacteria, induces tumor-like “galls” on roots and stems, causing stunted growth and economic damage, particularly in grapes and roses. Until now, there has been no effective method for controlling this disease in Japan.

“ECOARK is expected to be the only control agent that can contribute to reducing and resolving this problem,” the company stated. By distributing this solution, Kumiai aims to support producers suffering from crop damage while contributing to global food safety and security.

ISAP Opens Applications for Soil Health Leadership Program

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — January 2026

Farmers, advisors, and conservation professionals looking to sharpen their skills and further Illinois’ stewardship practices are encouraged to apply for the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s (ISAP) Soil Health Leadership program. The program, which brings together diverse participants to improve agricultural environmental stewardship, is now accepting applications through March 1, 2026.

“ISAP’s mission is to create a network of professionals who support a systems approach to improve soil health and reduce nutrient loss,” said Jim Isermann, soil health specialist at ISAP. “The program provides graduates with knowledge to understand the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of soil… and pragmatic steps to successfully transition an operation to this system.”

Accepted applicants will have the opportunity to grow their understanding and build relationships with other professionals. “The Soil Health Leadership program presented an opportunity that would allow me to sharpen my skills… applying for this program was a no brainer,” said Brandon Hall, location operations manager for West Central FS.

Applicants who successfully complete the course will be recognized as Soil Health Ambassadors, and CCA CEUs are available.

Rovensa Group Names Ignacio Domínguez as Chairman & CEO and Christian Iaconucci as Deputy CEO

Madrid, January 21, 2026

Rovensa Group, a global leader in agricultural solutions for sustainable agriculture, today announced a significant reinforcement of its executive leadership. These appointments follow the successful completion of a key milestone: the full integration of 12 pioneering biosolutions companies into one single business, Rovensa Next.

With the integration complete, former CEO Javier Calleja has stepped down, passing the torch to a new leadership structure designed to accelerate operational excellence.

“We’re in an exciting moment for Rovensa Group, and it’s a privilege to lead our company in this next chapter,” said Ignacio Domínguez. “We now have a solid foundation and we’re ready to unlock new levels of growth and operational excellence.”

Christian Iaconucci added: “I am incredibly excited to join Rovensa Group… I look forward to working closely with Ignacio and the entire team to build on the Group’s success and continue its work to generate a positive impact on global agriculture.”

Vittia Launches “Sou Raiz, Sou Vittia” to Mark 55 Years of History and Innovation

São Joaquim da Barra (SP) – January 2026

Vittia presents its new positioning to the market—”Sou Raiz, Sou Vittia”—and the campaign “My roots, new stories,” marking a year of celebrations focused on honoring the legacy that sustains its technological expansion. The company reinforces the pride of a trajectory built on solid roots and a keen eye for the future, uniting technology and innovation.

“Our roots give us the support necessary to grow and reach new heights. The campaign symbolizes the union between tradition and innovation, highlighting that the future of sustainable agriculture is built on solid foundations,” said Renato Miranda, Marketing Director at Vittia.

Recognized as one of the largest companies in an extremely technical sector, Vittia has consolidated a complete portfolio of effective and sustainable solutions. The new campaign will feature various actions throughout the year, reinforcing the company’s ethical commitment, tradition, and solidity.

Stratovation Group Announces Initial Sponsors for 2026 Farmer-Centric Ag Biologicals Study

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jan. 28, 2026

Two leaders in the agricultural biologicals sector have signed on as the first sponsors of a comprehensive, farmer-centric market research effort around row-crop farmers’ use of agricultural biologicals. Launched by Stratovation Group, the 2026 initiative is the third study in a series (following 2022 and 2024) focused on farmers’ sentiments regarding this rapidly growing market.

“Leading companies that market agricultural biologicals know and understand that staying on the cutting edge of farmer trends is critical to their continued success in this rapidly changing sector,” said Cam Camfield, Founder and CEO of Stratovation Group.

The research will be fielded this winter to identify what information farmers are using to make decisions. “Marketing efforts have changed, and this research will show us what farmers like and dislike,” Camfield added.

Stratovation Group emphasized that sponsorship opportunities are still open for companies wishing to share in the final report and access the anonymized raw data.