AgroPages-Pivot Bio's N-OVATOR<sup>®</sup> program reaches new heights with 1.4 million qualified acres for 2024-Agricultural news

Pivot Bio, a leading agricultural technology company, announced that its N-OVATOR^® sustainability program has reached a significant milestone, with 1.4 million enrolled acres qualified to generate nitrogen credits during the 2024 growing season. This achievement represents nearly double the acreage from the previous year, highlighting the rapid adoption of sustainable farming practices among U.S. growers.

The N-OVATOR^® program, launched by Pivot Bio to incentivize and reward farmers for reducing synthetic nitrogen use, has seen continued strong growth since its inception. By confidently replacing traditional nitrogen fertilizers with Pivot Bio's microbes that provide a new source of nitrogen, participating farmers can create an additional revenue stream, save money on fertilizer and increase yield potential, all while improving soil and watershed health.

"We're thrilled to see such tremendous growth in the N-OVATOR^® program," said Karsten Temme, chief innovation officer and co-founder of Pivot Bio. "This milestone of 1.4 million qualified acres demonstrates our customers' willingness to join with partners to make it easier for companies across the ag value chain to decarbonize."

In addition to the program's expansion, Pivot Bio announced it has partnered with more than a half dozen leading agriculture companies, including major consumer packaged goods companies, ingredient suppliers, spirit producers and grain buyers, to pay farmers for the impact they made in the 2024 growing season.

"We offer a new source of nitrogen that improves grower economics while also providing value to society through improved soil health, environmental impact and enhanced farm profitability," said Chris Abbott, Pivot Bio's chief executive officer. "It's a win-win-win for our partners, the planet and critically, for farmers. In such a tough economic time, we're proud to be able to help farmers diversify their income and grow margin."

By the end of the year, Pivot Bio's N-OVATOR^® program will have paid over $13 million to farmers for implementing better nitrogen management practices since its launch in 2022. The N-OVATOR^® program provides annual payments to farmers based on their replacement of synthetic nitrogen with Pivot Bio's microbial source of nitrogen, with some participants receiving up to 50% of their investment in Pivot Bio's products.

"Our partnerships with these companies mark a significant step forward in rewarding farmers for adopting sustainable agriculture practices," Temme explained. "The N-OVATOR^® program is becoming an integral part of modern farming operations, aligning agricultural practices with global sustainability goals. We invite others across the ag industry to reach out to discuss how you can join us on this journey."

Looking ahead, Pivot Bio aims to expand the N-OVATOR^® program by exploring opportunities in new geographies and crops. The company is also developing next-generation products that could replace even higher amounts of synthetic nitrogen, potentially increasing the benefits for both farmers and the environment.