FMC Corporation and Chr. Hansen extend collaboration on natural crop protection

FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) and Chr. Hansen have announced a five-year extension of their collaboration to develop and commercialize natural solutions for the agricultural industry.

The collaboration, which has launched several natural products over the last five years, has enabled both Chr. Hansen and FMC to join resources and expertise to accelerate entry into the rapidly growing biological crop protection market.  The newly extended agreement continues to leverage the resources and expertise of both companies, while allowing for more flexibility. 

During the last five years, Chr. Hansen and FMC have had an exclusive relationship regarding crop protection. While the mutual development pipeline will continue to be exclusive, both companies will be able to pursue development and commercial relationships with other partners, if desired.

"Chr. Hansen and FMC have enjoyed a successful relationship, including the launch of new products that provide natural alternatives for farmers to significantly boost crop yield," said Christian Barker, Chr. Hansen executive vice president, Health & Nutrition.  "Now, with our continued collaboration confirmed, we look forward to launching our strong pipeline of new products together in the years ahead.  Beyond that pipeline, the new agreement provides full flexibility for both parties which will enable Chr. Hansen to further leverage our distinctive microbial capabilities by also collaborating with additional partners."

Marc Hullebroeck, president, FMC Europe, Middle East and Africa, added:  "We are pleased to extend our relationship for at least another five years as we continue to collaborate on commercializing technologies that have been jointly developed, which includes products such as Quartzo® nematicide and Presence® nematicide in Brazil. In addition, FMC will continue its own efforts on discovery, development and commercialization of new innovative technologies at our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at FMC's European Innovation Center near Copenhagen, Denmark.  Our priority is to focus on differentiated solutions for growers throughout the world."