Expodireto 2022: European biologicals Agtech begins operation in Brazil

One of the novelties at the Expodireto 2022 fair, which received special coverage from AgroPages, was the presence of representatives of Elicit Plant, a European agtech based in France that has entered the Brazilian market. Its products should be available for the 2022/2023 season.

According to Jean-François Déchant, president of Elicit Plant, the company is working to combat water stress, through a technology called “BoM-A Fit Soja,” which is based on phytosterol, a natural extract that helps plants face this issue.

“At Expodireto, we have high-level people with experience in this matter, and we aim to face local issues to establish ourselves here,” he added. Déchant learned about the problems experienced in the summer crop of the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul, which has experienced losses caused by drought.

“We are bringing a solution that will enable producers to best deal with this situation. We noticed that the problems that occur here are similar to other parts of the world. We are very satisfied with the reception we had at the fair,” he explained.

Elicit Plant representatives attended meetings and visits with Brazilian companies and entities during Expodireto 2022, which took place last week.

The company recently received support worth €16 million euros to accelerate its research and development, in addition to the commercialization of its natural solution dedicated to reducing water consumption by plants in the agriculture sector.

Agtech already has a Brazilian headquarters located in the state of São Paulo, and its initial targets are the main Brazilian grain-producing states, such as Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, and Mato Grosso.

Elicit Plant's entry project in the country is being developed by the Agribusiness Intelligence Service (SIA). According to Bruno Pereira Quadros, executive director of SIA, the consultancy aims to help the company in its development and business organization.

“Brazil is very different from Europe, so we are helping with this entry by creating the business plan and creating the paths for the company’s success here in the country. A company that offers an innovative product to address the issue of drought will certainly be acceptance in Brazil, and we have noticed this,” Quadros said.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)