AgroLiquid’s PrimAgro C-Tech achieves nation’s first-ever biostimulant industry certification

Date:04-17-2024

AgroLiquid, a leading provider of agricultural crop nutrition products, has been awarded a prestigious certification, affirming its adherence to industry-recognized standards for efficacy, safety, and composition of its biostimulant product, PrimAgro C-Tech.  

The recognition from The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), a nationwide trade organization representing fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms, marks a significant milestone as PrimAgro C-Tech becomes the first-ever biostimulant product to receive the certification. 

AgroLiquid’s PrimAgro C-Tech became the first-ever biostimulant product in the U.S. to receive certification from The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). Pictured above (left to right) is TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch, AgroLiquid CEO Nick Bancroft, AgroLiquid Development Chemist Maria Espinoza and AgroLiquid Innovation Lead Jay Eccleton. | Photo by Dennis Rudat, Farm News Media

AgroLiquid CEO Nick Bancroft made the announcement, along with TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch, during a Monday ceremony at AgroLiquid’s corporate headquarters in St. Johns. 

″We are thrilled to have earned the Certified Biostimulant label from TFI,″ Bancroft said. ″With the rising popularity of biostimulant products among growers, this certification provides both retailers and end-users with the confidence that PrimAgro C-Tech meets the rigorous standards outlined in the U.S. Biostimulant Industry Guidelines.″ 

TFI’s Biostimulant Certification Program was established with the goal of providing assurances to manufacturers, agricultural retailers, and growers alike. Rosenbusch said countless conversations with ag retailers had a consistent theme — the lack of a standard when assessing biostimulants as a relatively new product.  

By focusing on efficacy method testing, safety, and composition, the TFI’s program is intended to build trust among stakeholders and foster the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices. 

″For a farmer, it gives them confidence that this product is legitimate and that it has gone through proper steps to test on the field. It gives the agronomist that's making those recommendations more confidence as well,″ Rosenbusch said. 

Developed over a 10-year period, Rosenbusch expects the TFI certification process will help remove the ″snake oil″ stigma of biostimulants, taking manufactures to a whole new level. 

″There are thousands of products out there and not all of them are credible. Unfortunately, it gives a little bit of a bad rap to buy biostimulants and the biological industry,″ Rosenbusch added. 

To earn the TFI biostimulant certification, product manufacturers go through an application process showing proof that they are meeting required levels of standards. Those applications are then vetted by TFI and independent third-party agronomists.  

Applications not meeting those TFI standards are rejected. 

″For AgroLiquid, this certification serves as a testament to our adherence to manufacturing standards and meticulous testing protocols,″ Bancroft emphasized. ″It empowers agricultural retailers to confidently evaluate products for shelf placement while providing growers with the assurance of compliance with industry standards.″ 

Bancroft says that PrimAgro C-Tech is formulated to restore vital microbial activity to the soil, optimizing conditions for nutrient uptake by a plant and minimizing nutrient loss through leaching and allows growers to make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs. 

PrimAgro C-Tech is a Bacillus species-containing fertilizer that combines organic acids and live strains of bacteria designed to optimize nutrient uptake and metabolism and prevent nutrient loss through leaching. 

It can be applied by itself or combined with a variety of other fertilizer products. Flexible application methods make the product easy to apply without requiring extra time or energy. 

PrimAgro C-Tech is one of four PrimAgro biostimulants manufactured by AgroLiquid, engineered to provide both fertility and active biologicals to promote the uptake and use of targeted nutrients, according to Bancroft. 

″This certification will give growers a little bit more confidence that the products that they're putting in the ground are consistent, are researched and will provide the active ingredients and the results that they're looking for,″ he added. 

So why would TFI — an organization representing the fertilizer industry — be supportive of biologicals?  

Wouldn’t that segment seemingly compete with the traditional NPK fertilizer industry? 

″Good question, and the answer is ‘no’ for a couple of reasons. One, the industry is really committed to stewardship and efficiency and the grower is as well,″ Rosenbusch responded. 

″These products are a complement to traditional NPK use and makes the fertilizer more efficient to ensure that it's doing its job, while not being overapplied. So, it supports our four Rs of nutrient stewardship management.″ 

Biologicals are also a high-value product, not a commodity, according to Rosenbusch, noting significant investment from major NPK manufacturers, including Nutrien and Mosaic.  

″Nutrien, for example, would tell you that they are the largest seller of biostimulant products in the world. So, fertilizer companies are investing in these products as well because they know it's good for the grower and they know that it makes traditional NPK more efficient,″ Rosenbusch added. 

Founded in 1983, AgroLiquid has focused on continuous research and product improvement, coupled with an ethical business model, keeps AgroLiquid focused on its mission: ″To Prosper the Farmer.″ 

The company currently does business in 40 states, with six manufacturing plants located nationwide, with construction beginning on a seventh manufacturing facility in Florida.