Innovation tackles the sustainability challenges of the future at Rovensa Next’s R&D centre in Brazil

Rovensa Next's Global Research and Innovation Biosolutions Centre in Hortolândia, (São Paulo, Brazil) is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge biosolutions to respond to the most pressing global sustainability challenges.

Opened in September 2022 with a focus on sustainable agriculture, it aims to respond not only to the consistent growth of Brazil’s agricultural sector in the last 10 years, but also to the sustainability needs of growers around the world. To name a few, food security, climate change, desertification and land degradation.

For example, the development in the centre of water and nutrient-efficient biosolutions directly addresses the challenge of feeding a growing population while preserving scarce resources. By optimising crop productivity, Rovensa Next’s innovative products play a critical role in ensuring a sustainable and abundant food supply for future generations.

Innovative projects

At Rovensa Next’s Global Research and Innovation Biosolutions Centre, the team is actively working on several innovative projects with a remarkable impact on local communities and beyond. The centre, the first of its kind for Rovensa Next outside of Europe, has partnered with key scientists from Brazilian universities and offices in other countries to receive microbes.

The objective is to develop groundbreaking products derived from microbial sources and export the technology.

A prime example of how Rovensa Next harnesses the potential of specific indigenous microorganisms is through their homemade biosolution, Vorax (also known as Biimore or Quikon outside Brazil). Through an exclusive process, Vorax utilizes bacterial fermentation of sugarcane molasses with a specific strain of the bacteria Corynebacterium glutamicum, resulting in an ultra-efficient biostimulant. Vorax originated in Brazil to address the needs of local farmers, but it has since been applied across more than 25 strategic crops and is currently exported to over 16 countries, exemplifying Rovensa Next’s local-to-global approach.

As the first biofertilizer registered in Brazil and one of the pioneers under the EU Fertilising Products Regulation 2019/1009, Vorax delivers remarkable enhancements in yield and significantly improves the size and quality of various crops, even when used in very low quantities.

Surprising Discoveries

During the course of research at Rovensa Next’s Brazilian centre, the team made a surprising discovery related to the synergy between two different bacterial species. Originally intended for standalone products, laboratory trials showed that the two species could be formulated together into a consortium that potentialises their synergistic effect on crops, with the added advantage of requiring less volume of product applied to obtain a higher benefit in terms of nitrogen and phosphorous bionutrition. The team’s keen observation and dedication to experimentation allowed them to unlock this potential and a novel product is in the last stages to obtain a license for commercialisation in Brazil by the end of 2023.

Rovensa Next’s state-of-the-art installations and laboratories in Brazil, where groundbreaking solutions for sustainable agriculture come to life.

Centre’s Impact by the Numbers

Rovensa Next’s Global Research and Innovation Biosolutions Centre required an initial investment of over US$1 million. It boasts an impressive team highly qualified employees, comprising scientists, researchers, and specialists dedicated to driving sustainable agricultural innovation. They are working on projects to improve the efficiency of nutrient and water use, quality of crops and the quality and life of soil using microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Rovensa Next also has a team of more than 200 people in the fields in Brazil to work with growers and understand their needs.

The centre is currently working on more than 20 projects, which include both new products and upgrades to existing ones. On average, a project takes three to five years to be completed.  

The centre houses two state of the art laboratories and a pilot facility spanning 380 m2, each equipped with cutting-edge technology to facilitate in-depth research and experimentation as well as conduct field trials and assess the real-world effectiveness of their biosolutions.

Rovensa Next’s Global Research and Innovation Biosolutions Centre in Brazil stands as a beacon of sustainable agricultural innovation, driving positive change for local communities and global challenges alike. Through pioneering projects, such as Vorax and its global microbial program, surprising discoveries, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the centre demonstrates the potential for biotransformation in agriculture.

With a dedicated team, impactful projects, and impressive numbers, Rovensa Next’s centre continues to make strides in addressing global sustainability challenges while promoting sustainable agriculture worldwide.