Acquired by Corteva, Symborg has greater power now to invest in R&D and commercialize BioSolutions – Interview with Raphael Godinho, new GM at Symborg

Raphael Godinho has become Symborg’s new General Manager following the closing of Symborg’s acquisition by Corteva Agriscience. In this interview with Raphael, he shared the views on this aqcuisition and Symborg’s development in the future. 

Corteva Agriscience has completed the acquisition of Symborg. What made Symborg attractive to Corteva?

The synergies between both companies started in 2021, when Symborg and Corteva signed an exclusive distribution agreement for BlueN / Utrisha N, a microbe-based nitrogen fixation product. Since then, both companies had the opportunity to strength their collaboration and work together in different areas.

Corteva Agriscience recognized the potential of Symborg's cutting-edge technologies and innovative products to help meet the growing demand for sustainable and profitable agricultural solutions. Symborg has a proven track record of researching, developing and commercializing biotechnological solutions. 

By incorporating Symborg into its Biological Business, Corteva Agriscience aims to accelerate its efforts to provide farmers with a broad range of sustainable solutions that help maximize yields while minimizing the environmental impact.

What does this acquisition mean to Symborg?

The acquisition by Corteva Agriscience represents a significant milestone in Symborg's evolution as a company. As part of Corteva Agriscience, Symborg will have access to greater resources and capabilities to drive innovation and accelerate the development and commercialization of new products. 

We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings for Symborg`s business and employees, and we remain committed to providing our customers with best-in-class solutions to address their needs and challenges.

Raphael, you are the new Symborg’s General Manager. Can you tell us more about you and this new stage?

I am an agricultural engineer with over 18 years of experience in the crop protection market worldwide. Before embarking on this new challenge, I was the Global Product Manager & Global Program Leader of Biologicals at Corteva.

My relationship with Symborg began already two years ago, when Symborg and Corteva started working together on the negotiation of the distribution agreement between the two companies to expand and bring Utrisha™ N and BlueN™ nutrient efficiency optimization solutions to growers. 

Now, I have moved with my family to Murcia, Spain, to be present at Symborg's headquarters and kick off this new stage.

What research and development is Symborg currently focusing on?

At Symborg, we are constantly exploring new frontiers in research and development to meet the evolving needs of our customers, and we have an exciting pipeline of new products in development that we are eager to bring to the market. Our focus is on developing products that leverage the power of microorganisms and biomolecules to improve plant health and enhance crop productivity. 

Another key segment for us to develop, is the research on biocontrol solutions. This market is expected to grow by 15% per year over the next 5 years. Thanks to our strong pipeline, Symborg will play a relevant role by bringing new biocontrol solutions to the marketplace. 

Looking to the future, what challenges will you face? And how will you cope with them?

In an ever-changing world, the agriculture industry is facing many challenges, including climate change and extreme weather events, food security, new regulations or changing consumer preferences. As a company, our main aim is to continue bringing innovative solutions to help growers overcome the current challenges they face, while increasing crop profitability.

As part of Corteva Biologicals Business, Symborg will have even greater power to invest in research and development to ensure we stay at the forefront of the industry. Thanks to our combined global reach, more farmers will have access and benefit from the most disruptive biological solutions.