Crop Enhancement announces commercial launch of biological crop protection solution in Indonesia

Latest trial conducted with a group of 30 Indonesian cocoa growers in Cargill's network demonstrated a 33% increase in crop yields and 21% increased income.

Crop Enhancement, a maker of sustainable crop protection products, today announced the commercial launch of its CropCoat^® solution after conducting a successful pilot project with Cargill cocoa growers in Indonesia. Growers and producers are now able to purchase Crop Enhancement's CropCoat^® solution to effectively meet sustainability goals and diminish the use of chemical pesticides without negatively impacting production.

Crop Enhancement's solution takes a different approach than traditional chemical pesticides. Rather than trying to deter pests with harsh chemicals, CropCoat^®, containing botanical extract, coats crops to camouflage them and mitigate damage from insects, and disease. In the latest Indonesia trial conducted by Cargill's NGO partner Swisscontact with a select group of 30 cocoa farmers, CropCoat^® technology has been shown to boost cocoa yields by 33% and increase grower net income by 21%.

"With an increasing demand for more sustainable pest control options, more and more growers are discovering there are better solutions available that can still meet their needs," said Jean Pougnier, CEO of Crop Enhancement. "CropCoat^® has shown that growers can provide consumers with chemical-free fruits and vegetables without having to change their operations."

"The pilot demonstrated that this innovative, non-toxic solution was effective in helping Indonesian cocoa growers improve productivity of their farms, which in turn supports their livelihood and local communities, all of which are very important to Cargill," added Megan Willis, Asia-Pacific Sustainability Lead, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate.

In addition to cocoa, Crop Enhancement's CropCoat^® technology was developed to target major fruit and vegetable crops across the world. The company continues to develop its technology and is expanding trials to include almonds, coffee, apple, leafy vegetables, brassicas, and more. The product is currently available in Indonesia and will become available in the U.S. once registration from the Environmental Protection Agency is received.

According to Crop Enhancement, the application of Crop Enhancement's formula does not require growers to purchase additional equipment and is safe for both workers and the environment. Crop Enhancement's formulations can be applied in addition to other agricultural inputs such as nutrients, and other active ingredients, enabling farmers to reduce costs and increase crop yields.