Argentina is in process of transitioning to bio-inputs, says Summabio

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

Summabio, a pioneer in the development of biological solutions for the past 25 years, has affirmed that Argentina is experiencing a moment of transition in its matrix of inputs.

“The concept of bio-inputs is very broad, and at some point, it will be equated with traditional treatments,” said Jimena Sabor, director of Summabio, which until last year was called Síntesis Biológica.

Jimena Sabor, director of Summabio

“It is a slow process and it is not necessary to oppose it, since what makes it sustainable is that one can make rational and logical use of resources and inputs. We do not say that we manufacture or sell bio-inputs. We develop biological strategies. We teach the producer how to apply bio-inputs, where to acquire a product that we do not make, and even how to use them,” Sabor emphasized.

According to the specialist, biological treatments can match and even exceed the chemicals that today occupy the highest percentage in agricultural applications. Likewise, health strategy is in a transition period, driven by new technologies and consumer demands, the Argentinian company director affirmed.

“How to approach cultivation, is a global question. It is a concept that is about to change. You have to be more preventive. Do not wait for the crop to become sick, but try not to get sick. Ultimately, that is a much more efficient way than spending money on curing the crop. We are in a stage of learning and transition. In Argentina, we are within the agrochemical regulations, which makes it very difficult to register a product. This makes the need to create a Bio-Input Law urgently, to adopt the regulations as an urgent measure and in turn, the impulse will be able to develop new products so that there is a larger pallet than we have today,” Sabor explained.

“Some 25 years ago selling our product was very difficult. The producer was very set on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. That began changing slowly and the producers began raising awareness about climate and environmental issues. In addition to the generational change that the sector is witnessing, which brings another view, that the impulse to develop bio-inputs was the key and brutal as the requirement came from the end consumer. People are now asking for bio-controllers, something that a few years ago was not a reality,” she recalled.

Summabio is the reflection of the vision that Sabor built with 25 years of experience. “Along the way, I observed and listened to the demands of the sector and its needs and saw the importance of being involved and becoming a participant. Now, we have become a benchmark in [the Argentine province of] Córdoba. We are present and we support the bodies that encourage and promote the use of bio-inputs.”