Valagro, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna sign innovative genomic technologies agreement

Valagro, an Italian company and market leader in the field of biostimulants, has signed an agreement with the Institute of Life Sciences of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna - one of Italy’s most prestigious universities in the fields of experimental sciences - to develop innovative genomic technologies for managing the stress associated with environment and plant nutrition and to improve the quality of agricultural production.

This collaboration will provide Valagro unique access that will help them gain a deeper understanding into the molecular mechanisms relating to the raw materials, biological interactions in natural systems as well as the specific of action of the key active ingredients.

“The start of this collaboration with the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna gives us cause for satisfaction in as much as it is strategic for Valagro. Moreover, I am pleased to announce that the École Normale Supérieure in Paris will also be taking part in this project; this is yet further evidence of the scientific value of the research programme intended to identify new natural sources to be used in the development of innovative, quality products for the management of crops, and strengthens the link between science, innovation and sustainable production, a defining feature of Valagro” commented Dr. Alberto Piaggesi, Business Innovation Manager of Valagro.

The body responsible for drawing up the guidelines for the Group’s scientific research is the Valagro’s internal Business Innovation team which has been collaborating with the research group of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna for the past several years. “This long term agreement itself marks a breakthrough in business development practices, particularly in the sector of specialty fertilisers and biostimulants, and emphasizes the use of molecular technologies that were once the exclusive domain of the medical/pharmaceutical and agriculture biotech sectors. We are delighted at extending this collaboration with the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna: this is strategic for Valagro’s current and future growth and fits with our long term vision” stated Giuseppe Natale, CEO of the Valagro Group.

Valagro continues to strengthen its global research and development efforts, collaborating with internationally renowned scientific and academic institutions and investing more than 4% of its turnover every year. This is significant considering the relatively low level of investment typically in this sector of agriculture, especially from the point of view of innovation and sustainability, the company's two essential mainstays which have allowed it to establish itself as a market leader in the biostimulants and chelated microelements, developing innovative and effective solutions for agriculture, whilst maintaining the utmost respect for the well-being of humans and the environment.