Premier Tech, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to develop selective bioherbicide

Premier Tech, an international leader in active ingredients for sustainable agriculture and horticulture, will take the lead in the final steps to bring to full scale the manufacturing and commercialization of a selective bioherbicide. In January, the Horticulture and Agriculture Group signed a license agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to finalize the development and commercialization of a product formulated from an indigenous fungus (Phoma macrostoma).

Over nearly ten years, the federal department invested millions of dollars in research on this fungus and its compounds (macrocidins), which can eliminate broadleaved weeds, particularly dandelions. This breakthrough discovery has been patented in several countries and is commercially registered in the U.S. and Canada.

“In an open competition conducted two years ago, Premier Tech obtained the rights to this innovative, green product. This new selective herbicide is based on a naturally occurring microorganism (a fungus), and the cutting-edge work of AAFC researchers has revealed its enormous potential on residential and agricultural markets alike,” says Pierre Talbot, Senior Vice-President Innovation at Premier Tech. “This type of active ingredient is highly promising. The next challenge lies in reducing production costs so we can bring it to its full market potential.” Talbot says this new active ingredient is complementary to the other ingredients – both microbial and other – that Premier Tech is currently developing or already marketing.

AAFC’s discovery is very exciting for a seasoned team like Premier Tech’s. “It is now up to us to move forward, in collaboration with AAFC, and make this a large-scale commercial success,” concludes Talbot. This project will create more than ten full-time jobs during the bioherbicide commercialization phase.