Plant Health Care and Novozymes announce distribution agreement to commence first Harpin αβ commercial sales in India

Plant Health Care^® (AIM: PHC.L) and Novozymes South Asia Pvt. Ltd. (NASDAQ OMX: NZYM-B) have signed an agreement for the exclusive distribution of Harpin ab for use in sugar cane production in India.

First commercial sales are expected to commence in the second half of 2023, after receipt of the required regulatory approvals. This is the first product introduced into India by PHC. India is the world's second largest producer of sugar cane with about five million hectares under cultivation. Harpin αβ has been used on more than 180,000 hectares of sugar cane in Brazil since the launch in 2018.

Evaluated by Novozymes in prior growing seasons in India, the application of Harpin ab to sugar cane bolstered crop yield by more than 10% on average. Harpin αβ works by triggering the plant's own self defense systems, in a manner similar to vaccinations in humans, with crops responding with improved quality, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress and ultimately, increased yield. Being a biological product, Harpin αβ has a very favorable human and environmental safety profile.

Jeff Tweedy, CEO of Plant Health Care, said: ‟Building on the success of our Harpin αβ product on sugar cane in Brazil, it was natural to launch the product in India, the world's second largest producer of sugar cane. Novozymes is a leading supplier of biological products to sugar cane processors in India and will be a strong distribution partner for Plant Health Care's technology.  Commencing commercial sales in India will materially support continued strong revenue growth at PHC consistent with previously announced aspirations. First sales in India are expected in H2 2023 pending regulatory approvals."

Shanmugam Sambanthan, Novozymes India Commercial Head of Agriculture commented: "Sugarcane production must be increased in order to achieve the transition to cleaner energy sources envisaged under India's National Policy on Biofuels.  Novozymes is delighted to be working with Plant Health Care to offer Indian farmers a revolutionary biostimulant, Harpin αβ, that enhances sugarcane yield and provides superior economic returns."

The 4th Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Novel Fertilizers International Summit (BioEx 2023) will take place on 9th & 10th March in Hangzhou, China. We are pleased to invite speakers from the commercial, research, extension, government, regulatory and farming sectors to submit your proposals and abstracts for oral presentations.