AgraQuest and Bayer CropScience expand home and garden partnership to key European markets

AgraQuest Inc. and Bayer CropScience announced today that they have expanded their previous home and garden fungicide supply agreement beyond the U.S. to France, Italy, and Germany. Under the terms of this second agreement, AgraQuest technology based on its proprietary strain of Bacillus subtilis (QST 713) will be used for Bayer's Natria home and garden market in France, Italy, and Germany. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

AgraQuest's naturally derived Bacillus subtilis QST 713 is the same active ingredient that has been commercialized by Bayer Advanced in the U.S. for home and garden customers since 2009. The active ingredient has also been used by commercial farmers and growers for nearly a decade to treat fruits and vegetables for common bacterial and fungal diseases.

"With NATRIA Brand products European customers will now have access to this exciting, technology based on a natural active ingredient for their home and garden use," said Jean Broué, Head of Bayer Environmental Science region Europe & Japan.

The fungicide product based on Bacillus subtilis (QST 713) will be available at French and Italian home and garden retailers beginning with the 2013 season, and in German home and garden retailers from 2014.

"We are very excited about expanding our collaboration with Bayer, carrying our shared success from the U.S. market to the key home and garden markets in Europe," said Mike Miille, President and COO for AgraQuest and head of AgraQuest's BioInnovations Division. "Bayer is an excellent partner for expanding this plank of AgraQuest's home and garden strategy."