Dow AgroSciences, The Royal Barenbrug Group collaborate on hybrid brachiaria grass

Focused on increasing the supply of hybrid brachiaria grass, Dow AgroSciences, in conjunction with The Royal Barenbrug Group, has inaugurated a new unit focusing on the production of seeds for pasture in Guaíra, São Paulo, Brazil.

The new plant is the result of a strategic relationship agreement in 2012 between Dow AgroSciences and The Royal Barenbrug Group. Through this agreement, Dow AgroSciences will help in the selection of a brachiaria germplasm hybrid, as well as offering access to certain technologies of research & development for The Royal & Barenbrug Group. As part of this relationship, it will form a new company “Barenbrug” in Brazil to produce seeds of hybrid brachiaria grass for Dow AgroSciences.

The compromise reached between the two companies, however, does not alter its current constitution. Dow AgroSciences and The Royal Barenbrug Group will continue operating as separate companies. Dow AgroSciences will continue to sell seeds of brachiaria hybrid grasses with its brand Dow Seeds, by the extension of its brand Convert ™ for brachiaria hybrids, while The Royal Barenbrug Group will continue trading under its brand Barenbrug.

New Unit 

The new unit will provide greater production capacity and will enable business growth of seeds of hybrid brachiata grasses, enabling Dow AgroSciences to strengthen its portfolio of grazing and the delivery of an integrated solution of fodder for livestock.

Guaíra plant will feature state-of-the-art equipment, which ensures higher yield with less cost, and prevent damage to the seeds. The unit will have an operational capacity of 600 tons/month of encrusted seeds, plus efficient dust control, which ensures a safe working environment for operators and does not pollute the environment.

Ramiro de La Cruz, President of Dow AgroSciences in Brazil highlights the importance of the partnership by saying "As a leader on the market of pesticides for grazing, Dow AgroSciences with an alliance of The Royal Barenbrug Group, see an opportunity to increase its production capacity in the Brachiaria grasses hybrid seed business, consolidating its market portfolio of grazing".

The pre-cleaning processes commenced in Guaíra in 2013 and throughout that year there was an improvement of the seed production, so that in 2014, the industrialization of seeds could commence.