BIO-CAT Microbials and OMNIA entered into an exclusive agreement to develop microbial strains

BIO-CAT Microbials LLC and Omnia Holdings Limited (Omnia) have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop microbial strains to be added to Omnia’s portfolio of crop science products. The project will focus on accelerating their joint efforts to improve global agriculture as they embark on a commercial collaboration.  Omnia’s global reach includes Africa, Australia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.  BIO-CAT Microbials LLC, a biotech firm located in Shakopee, Minnesota, has dedicated a substantial amount of their research and development budget over the past 15 years to this exact cause. Since its establishment in 2004, BIO-CAT Microbials LLC has focused on the identification of unique bacterial strains found naturally in soil, which are frequently depleted due to heavy chemical use.  This effort focuses on inoculating the soil with advantageous bacteria to restore the balance of beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere.  An improved soil-biome can lead to multiple benefits. For example, improved root mass, which will generate more drought-resistant plants and increase nutrient uptake. The combination of these benefits can lead to healthier crops and higher yields. 
 

"The introduction of biologicals as part of a range of chemical crop treatments is neither new nor controversial," said Mark Walin, VP of Sales & Marketing for BIO-CAT Microbials LLC. "However, biological augmentation and the long-term movement towards more sustainable solutions must be accelerated."  Walin went on to say, "It is a rarity when everyone comes up a winner, but in this case, the grower, the consumer, and the environmentalist can all benefit with the proper use of beneficial microbes."
 

Chris Schuler, Co-Founder and President of BIO-CAT Microbials LLC, added, "Omnia’s platform for growth in the agriculture space is second to none, and we believe it is a privilege to partner with them.  We share a common mission and we see a high degree of cultural alignment between our two organizations. This is an amazing collaboration between the two hemispheres."