Agrimin SOP certified for organic use

Agrimin Ltd has advised that the sulfate of potash (SOP) product produced by the Mackay Potash Project has been certified as an allowable input into certified organic production systems.

Mark Savich, CEO of Agrimin, said: “It is exciting for Agrimin’s high quality SOP product to be certified for use in organic agriculture which will allow us to target this rapidly growing market segment. Based on our extensive customer engagement, we expect the organic market to play an increasingly important role in global SOP demand in the future.

“The principles of modern organic agriculture are also closely aligned with Agrimin’s sustainability vision and significantly contribute toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Organic input certification

Agrimin’s SOP product has been certified by Southern Cross Certified Australia Pty Ltd (SXC). The purpose of certification under the SXC Allowed Input Scheme is to allow Agrimin to provide third party assurance to its customers that its SOP product is suitable for use in organic systems which are certified to both the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce, and the Australian Standard AS 6000 for Organic and Biodynamic Products.

SXC undertook an audit of the company's product samples and proposed production process. This involved a detailed review of all production processes, and the origin, nature, use and quantities of all inputs. The certification will be renewed annually and requires a combination of on-site and desktop audits, and laboratory testing as and when required.

Organic market and sustainable development

Agrimin’s commitment to the sustainable development of its Mackay Potash Project is enhanced through the production of SOP products that can be used in organic agriculture and that support sustainable food production. This will also allow the company to further contribute toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by sustaining healthy soils, ecosystems and people.

According to the IFOAM General Assembly, “organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and good quality of life for all involved.”

The organic agricultural sector has been identified by Agrimin’s product marketing activities as a rapidly growing and increasingly important segment of the overall SOP market. The area of organic agricultural land has grown at a compounded aggregate growth rate of 9% per annum since 2000 and annual global organic retail food sales are now close to €100 billion.

The company has received strong customer interest for a SOP product that is able to be used in organic agriculture. Crops farmed under organic agricultural practices include high value products such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and grapevines. These crops are more likely to be chloride intolerant and therefore SOP, as a low-chloride form of potash, is essential.

Product marketing strategy

The Mackay Potash Project is attracting attention from some of the world’s largest fertilizer companies interested in the product marketing and development of the project. The company remains in a fortunate position to retain marketing rights for 100% of its planned SOP production as it continues to engage with potential strategic partners who have a desire to market Agrimin’s SOP product.

Agrimin has produced and distributed product samples to potential customers and strategic partners who have confirmed Agrimin’s SOP product quality will compete strongly against existing products in the market. Certification as an allowable input into organic production systems sets Agrimin’s SOP apart from a large portion of global SOP supply which is currently produced from the Mannheim Process (an industrial process using sulfuric acid and potassium chloride). Accordingly, the organic nature of Agrimin’s SOP product has been a focus during product marketing activities.