California Ag Network

Category: Sponsored Content

  • USDA Announces Cotton Board Appointments Including California’s Martin Schatz

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of seven members, seven alternates, and two advisors to serve three-year terms on the Cotton Board from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027. Additionally, USDA appointed seven individuals to fill board vacancies.

    Newly appointed members:

    • Caroline Collins Barber, Charlotte, N.C.

    • Kelly Gupta, Houston, Texas

    • Doyle Schniers, San Angelo, Texas

    Newly appointed alternate members:

    • Daniel Pacheco, Oro Valley, Ariz.

    • Martin Schatz, Alameda, Calif.

    • Willie Scott, Collins, Ga.

    • Chris Matschek, Garden City, Texas

    Reappointed members:

    • Adam Hatley, Mesa, Ariz.

    • Michelle Tarry, Maplewood, N.J.

    • Tara Hoffmann, New York, N.Y.

    • Julie Davis Holladay, Lubbock, Texas

    Reappointed alternate members:

    • Nicholas A. Pence, Severna Park, Md.

    • Steven J. Bohman, Allen, Texas

    • Steven D. Olson, Plainview, Texas

    Newly appointed advisor:

    • Nicole Tanner, Liverpool, N.Y.

    Reappointed advisor:

    • Damian Murrieta, Stanfield, Ariz.

    Additional appointments:

    • USDA appointed five members to fill board vacancies with terms through Dec. 31, 2025:

      • David C. Light, Rolla, Kan., member

      • Carolyn Seeliger, Burden, Kan., alternate member

      • Brad Harrison, Elk City, Okla., alternate member

      • Volkan Tastan, Cherry Hill, N.J., alternate member

      • Elizabeth Cobarrubias, Salem, Ore., alternate member

    • USDA appointed two members to fill board vacancies with terms that expire Dec. 31, 2026:

      • Jennifer Pisula, Wilmington, Del., member

      • Shannon Chestnut, Mansfield, Texas, alternate member

    The Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966 authorized a national cotton research and promotion program that is both industry-operated and funded. More information is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cotton Board webpage.

    Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

    AMS policy is that diversity of the boards, councils, and committees it oversees should reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

  • Making High-yielding Rice Affordable and Sustainable

    Rice is a staple food crop for more than half the world’s population, but most farmers don’t grow high-yielding varieties because the seeds are too expensive. Researchers from the University of California’s Davis and Berkeley campuses have identified a potential solution: activating two genes in rice egg cells that trigger their development into embryos without the need for fertilization, which would efficiently create high-yielding clonal strains of rice and other crops.

    A team led by Venkatesan Sundaresan, a Distinguished Professor in the departments of Plant Biology and Plant Sciences at UC Davis, previously showed that a gene called BBM1 in rice egg cells could switch on the ability of a fertilized egg to form an embryo. However, the method only worked about 30% of the time. Now, in collaboration with researchers from UC Berkeley’s Innovative Genomics Institute, the team has shown that simultaneously activating a second gene, WOX9A, increases the success rate to around 90%.The finding was published Nov. 12 in Nature Plants.

    “It’s remarkable that after 20 years of unsuccessful efforts in clonal hybrids, there has been so much recent progress — from showing that it is actually possible back in 2019, to showing now that it can work efficiently in 2024,” said Sundaresan. “I’m very optimistic now that hybrids will no longer be the barrier to achieving sustainable agriculture with high yields all over the world.”

    A cost-effective way to feed the world

    Hybrid strains of rice, which are produced by crossing two pure strains, can yield almost double the harvest, but producing them is expensive and requires farmers to purchase new seed each year. If the hybrid plants could reproduce asexually, farmers could save seed from one year to the next. How to engineer asexually reproducing rice has been a puzzle that scientists have been trying to solve for more than 30 years.

    Sundaresan’s team previously showed that BBM1 is an essential trigger for plant embryo development, and that activating this gene in eggs can override the need for fertilization.

    “Switching on BBM1 artificially in the egg cell is enough to start embryogenesis and make a new plant, but this process only worked about a third of the time,” said Sundaresan. “One of the things we wondered was, maybe BBM1 is not enough; maybe it needs help.”

    By examining which genes are turned on in fertilized plant eggs, the researchers identified a gene, WOX9A, for which only the sperm-carried copy of the gene is expressed. When they simultaneously activated both BBM1 and WOX9A in rice egg cells, it resulted in embryo formation 90% of the time, though activating WOX9A alone did not result in embryo initiation.

    “We think BBM1 is flipping a switch that primes the egg cell to transition into an embryo, but the switch is not fixed,” said Sundaresan. “So, then WOX9A comes in and clamps down on the switch so that it doesn’t flip back.”

    Hybrid vigor without need for hybrids

    Because they arose from unfertilized eggs, the plants produced via this method are haploid, meaning they contain half the usual number of chromosomes. Though haploid rice plants do germinate and grow, they tend to be stunted compared to diploid plants that carry two copies of each gene.

    “Haploids are valuable tools in plant breeding for producing pure lines, which enable uniform crop production,” said corresponding author Imtiyaz Khanday, assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences in the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “These findings also have significant implications for producing clonal seeds at high frequencies that retain the benefits of hybrid vigor.”

    The next step, the researchers say, is to combine this method of activating both BBM1 and WOX9A with “synthetic apomixis,” a technique that they previously developed for asexually producing clonal seeds. This will mean that farmers can reap the benefits of hybrid vigor year after year by simply saving some of the harvest to plant the following year.

    “If we combine this trick of making an egg cell turn into an embryo without fertilization along with another technique that knocks out meiosis, we can efficiently produce high-yielding hybrid seeds,” said Sundaresan. “In a world where resources are increasingly limited, it provides a path forward for sustainable agriculture for rice farmers, and in the future, for other crops as well.”

    Additional authors on the study are: Hui Ren and Kyle Shankle, UC Davis and Myeong-Je Cho and Michelle Tjahjadi, UC Berkeley. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Experiment Station. — By Liana Wait, UC Davis

  • Westlands Water District Elects Five Board Members

    Westlands Water District (District) board certified the election for five members to the District’s Board of Directors. Directors William Bourdeau, Jeff Fortune, Frank Coelho, and Jim Anderson were reelected, and Ryan Ferguson rejoined the board as a newly-elected member. Each will serve a four-year term, alongside the current four members to complete the nine-member Board of Directors.

    “The re-election of these highly qualified and experienced individuals reflects our grower’s commitment to continue the District’s legacy of leadership and innovation as we continue to navigate the important challenges and exciting opportunities ahead. The work before us is vital for the future of the hundreds of family farms and thousands of community members who rely on Westlands Water District. We are committed to rolling up our sleeves, collaborating closely, and making thoughtful, forward-looking decisions to ensure that the San Joaquin Valley can continue to feed the nation,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District.

    The Westlands Water District Board of Directors is composed of nine members, each of whom is either a District landowner or designated legal representative of a landowner. The Board manages the District’s business and affairs.

    Board Member Biographies

    Willian Bourdeau: William Bourdeau is fourth-generation member of a family from the Westside of California’s San Joaquin Valley and the Founder and CEO of Bourdeau Farms based in Coalinga. Mr. Bourdeau also oversees operations across 25,000 acres in Coalinga, Sanger, and Lodi, helping to lead one of the Valley’s most agriculturally diverse companies in his role as Executive Vice President of Harris Farms.

    Jeff Fortune: A UC Davis graduate, third-generation California farmer, and second-generation Westlands farmer, Jeff Fortune brings extensive hands-on farming experience to the District’s Board, where he has served as Board President since December 2022. A “boots on the ground” farmer, Mr. Fortune, along with his wife Mitzi, began farming in Westlands in 1978, currently cultivating tomatoes, almonds, and pistachios.

    Frank Coelho: Alongside his family, Frank Coelho works as a third-generation farmer in the Five Points region of the District. Serving on the District’s Board since 1991, Mr. Coelho remains dedicated to supporting family farms like his own, where they cultivate a variety of crops including processing tomatoes, pistachios, wine grapes, almonds, cotton, garlic, and garbanzo beans.

    Jim Anderson: A fifth-generation Westlands Water District farmer, Jim Anderson has proudly represented local farmers on the Board since 2013. Mr. Anderson and his wife Elizabeth grow a range of crops including garlic, wheat, almonds, and pistachios—adjusting as needed based on water availability.

    Ryan Ferguson: Ryan Ferguson has farmed in Westlands Water District with his family for more than 20 years. Previously serving as Board President from April 2021 to December 2022, Mr. Ferguson helped lead the development and adoption of the District’s groundwater sustainability plan and the groundwater banking program. Mr. Ferguson and his father grow almonds, pistachios, tomatoes, onions and cotton on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in the District.

    About Westlands Water District

    Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than five decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation, and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.

  • Benito Varela Appointed CEO of GroNatural, Inc. dba GroPro

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    GroPro is thrilled to announce a big change in it’s leadership team: Benito Varela, previously our COO, has now been promoted to CEO of GroNatural, Inc. dba GroPro.

    GroPro Corp. is a commercial manufacturer of biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilizers and a research and development (R&D) organization. GroPro offers various products across the crop cycle for vital crops like tree nuts, soybeans, corn, wheat, bananas, coffee, and fruits and vegetables. Its natural bio products demonstrate field efficacy, extended shelf life, versatility at tank mix, no field re-entry restrictions, and zero residues.

    This promotion marks a significant milestone in our journey. Benito Varela’s illustrious 35-year career is a testament to his exceptional abilities and unwavering dedication. He is a global industry leader with experience across various geographies and functions; he embodies strategic vision, sales, and management expertise, and he has a proven track record that our company values.

    “I am excited to step into the role of CEO, GroNatural, Inc. dba GroPro. Over my 35-year career, I have worked across multiple geographies and functions, gaining invaluable experience and expertise. My journey has equipped me with a strategic vision, sales, and management prowess, and a proven track record of success that I am eager to bring to GroNatural, Inc. dba GroPro.” – commented Benito Varela.

    Benito’s key professional achievements include:

    -Staggering Revenue Growth: Under Benito’s leadership, he transformed Dow Chemicals’ Seed business in Brazil, tripling its revenue and EBIT within four years.
    -Global Leadership: Benito spearheaded major projects, including a seamless divestiture, culminating in a $1.1B transaction over 18 months. His leadership fostered top-performing teams through cultural transformations, achieving double-digit gains.
    -Dynamic Visionary: As a leader of the Six Sigma cohort at Dow AgroSciences, Benito consistently delivered transformative results in challenging missions.
    -Strategic Innovator: He successfully launched biotechnology products and enhanced commercial operations across Latin and South America using Six Sigma principles.
    -Expansive Network: Benito’s extensive international network of industry professionals, accumulated during 26 years of global exposure, will be invaluable in driving GroPro’s market expansion.

    Benito’s appointment is a significant milestone for our company and a tremendous support for our investors and board members. His strategic vision, exceptional leadership, and proven track record will ensure sustainable growth and maximize shareholder value, reinforcing the confidence and trust placed in GroPro’s future. His dynamic leadership and strategic insight assure us that GroNatural, Inc. dba GroPro will continue to flourish and exceed expectations.
    More Info: GroProAg.com

  • Harvest Hidden Tax Deductions with Boa Safra Ag

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    The IRS allows agricultural landowners (cropland, pasture, and timber) to deduct the legacy nutrient values present in their soils at the time of purchase.  Owners must provide the appropriate documentation to justify these deductions.

    Boa Safra Ag ( www.boasafraag.com ) specializes in the data collection, analytics, and reporting that enables owners of agricultural land to benefit from soil nutrient deductions.  Their clients share these reports with their CPAs, and their CPAs file the reports in a variety of ways to optimize the tax benefits for the landowner.

    They can retroactively do this analysis on purchased or inherited land with a step-up in basis going back to the early 2000’s.  The company is active in 48 states, has generated over $800 million of aggregate deductions for its clients, and the average deduction is $1,700/acre.

    Give us a call or email and let us know how we can help you out today https://boasafraag.com/contact/

  • Rooted in Science: How GroPro Fulfills Its R&D Strategy

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    GroPro Corp., a leading agri-biotech company, leverages a unique blend of natural ingredients and cutting-edge technology to develop highly efficient bioproducts. As a commercial manufacturer of bio-pesticides, bio-stimulants, and bio-fertilizers, as well as a research and development (R&D) organization of international repute, GroPro is dedicated to continuous improvement and the evolution of its manufacturing and R&D strategies to better serve our existing and prospective customers. Our robust global R&D strategy for 2022-23 encompasses comprehensive data collection, extensive trials, rigorous research, and new product development.

    Trials: Collaborations with Universities, Farmer Demonstrations

    A critical component of GroPro’s R&D activities is the conduction of broad, two-tiered trials and demonstrations to gather empirical evidence of the effectiveness of our products.

    On one hand, GroPro collaborates with independent third-party groups to conduct rigorous trials. We have multiple ongoing trials with renowned institutions like Washington State University, University of Florida, Clemson, North Dakota State, University of Idaho, Oregon State University, UC Davis, UC Cooperative Extension, and over a dozen independent research groups and additional international universities.These trials aim to delve into the art of using our products for various crops and the targeted control of diseases and insects. These trials span a broad geographical range, from coast to coast in the US to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, UAE, Morocco, among others.

    On the other hand, for demonstrations, GroPro focuses on working closely with key growers. This year alone, we are conducting over 70 demos across 20 different crops in the US. Our trials have provided valuable insights and led to beneficial partnerships with growers and distributors. For instance, GroPro has developed a complete fumigation replacement program addressing growers’ material shortages. Our products have proven highly effective in stimulating growth and controlling numerous nematodes. Moreover, our patented Vigilance Nematicide has shown great potential in combatting conventional nematicides. Through extensive trials, we’ve also confirmed that our Awakening material increases bee activity, pollination, yields, and ROI.

    Technology as a Driving Force

    GroPro has a range of materials at various R&D stages, guaranteeing continued support for years to come. “Rooted in science is the guiding principle of all company decisions. We focus on finding the optimal manufacturing and formulation process for all our lines,” says Benito Varela, COO of GroPro. “Our patented AMPx technology elevates our products and formulations to a level competitive with conventional products.

    Whether the focus is bacteria, fungi, viruses, botanicals, algae, or amino acids, or any combination thereof, our research team is dedicated to producing the purest and most potent products available in the market.

    Increasing Resources for R&D

    In support of its extensive R&D program, GroPro is expanding its resources. In 2022, we announced the enlargement of our storage, manufacturing, and packaging facilities in the USA. Our new Fresno, CA development facility of approximately 12,000 square feet replaces the previous 5,000 sq ft storage space in California. The new facilities encompass liquid bio-fertilizer manufacturing and storage, crop protection blending and bottling facilities, a warehouse, and a state-of-the-art research and development laboratory.

    GroPro is on a mission to bridge the gap in effective non-chemical inputs, enabling farmers to lessen their chemical dependency without sacrificing yield, quality, or profitability. These expansions and our growing team empower GroPro’s R&D to develop more effective products that benefit distributors, dealers, and growers. In doing so, we strive to uphold our mission—leading the way in the global development, research, education, and adoption of agro-biotech solutions.

    New Talent, Enhanced Expertise

    GroPro is also investing in human resources, bringing new talent into our team to enhance our collective expertise. This includes scientists, researchers, and technicians, each bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to drive our mission forward. We believe that a diverse and skilled team will be the engine that propels our R&D to new heights, allowing us to offer more effective materials that benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

    Beyond R&D: Education and Adoption

    Recognizing the value of knowledge dissemination and user adoption, GroPro is committed not only to pioneering research but also to sharing these advancements with the wider community. We collaborate with agricultural professionals, farmers, distributors, and academic institutions, hosting seminars, webinars, and on-ground events to share our research findings, discuss industry trends, and educate the market about the benefits and usage of our products. We are also fostering stronger relationships with industry bodies and regulatory agencies to ensure our products meet the highest safety and efficacy standards.

    GroPro remains steadfast in its dedication to revolutionizing the agro-biotech market. Rooted in science, our approach to R&D is holistic, encompassing rigorous trials, innovative technology, expanding infrastructure, and a growing team of dedicated professionals. By ensuring that our R&D strategy remains robust, dynamic, and forward-thinking, we are able to provide our customers with products that not only challenge the status quo but also enhance agricultural productivity in an environmentally friendly way. We are excited to see where our R&D journey takes us, and we’re committed to leading the charge in the global development, research, education, and adoption of agro-biotech solutions.

  • GroPro Recognized as Top Agri Biotech Company of the Year

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –
    The international magazine, Agri-Business Review has recognized GroPro as a Top Agri Biotech Company of the Year. Every year Agri-Business Review releases its listing of 10 companies at the forefront of providing Agri-Biotech solutions and impacting the market. According to Agri-Business Review, GroPro was selected for this prestigious honor, as “They provide farmers with an effective toolbox of new-generation products and solutions which offer enhanced efficacy, integrated pest management, and sustainability of their production programs”. 
      
    GroPro is a leader in the next generation of botanical-based agricultural technology. By using pharmaceutical-grade technology and formulations to manufacture agricultural bioproducts with enhanced efficacy. It is a commercial bio-pesticide, bio-stimulant, and bio-fertilizer manufacturer and an R&D international organization. GoPro aims to close the gap in effective non-chemical inputs that enable farmers to reduce their reliance on chemicals without compromising agricultural yield, quality, or profitability. 
      
    “It is my pleasure to announce that our company has been awarded as a Top Agri Biotech Company of the Year. Such industry recognition confirms that we are fulfilling our mission – to strengthen the reputation of non-chemical inputs globally. The award is a result of the efforts of all our team; it proves that our sustainable bioproducts have been beating the bio-industry standards since its inception. ” – says Benito Varela, COO of GroPro. 
      
    GroPro’s approach entails proprietary technologies, including amplifying natural ingredients, micronization, and atomic extraction of active ingredients. It works relentlessly to innovate and lead the way in the worldwide development, research, education, and adoption of the agro-biotech market. GroPro has collaborated with some of the top growers in the world to assess and demonstrate the efficacy of its materials as a rotational and stand-alone product line for an integrated pest control approach. 
      
    GroPro offers various products across the crop cycle for vital crops like soybeans, corn, wheat, bananas, coffee, and fruits and vegetables. Its natural bio products demonstrate field efficacy, extended shelf life, versatility at tank mix, no field re-entry restrictions, and zero residues. Having completed multiple field trials in the U.S. and internationally, GroPro has a track record of enabling growers to supplement agrochemicals using natural materials in the integrated pest management (IPM) approach.  
    With GroPro’s products targeted at nematicides (product Vigilance), fungicides (bio-fungicide Zayin), sporicide/bactericides (Reckoning), insecticides (bio insecticide Wrath), mosquitoes (Skeeter), and gastropods (Stomp), farmers have products that offer both active control and residual actions. 
      
    GroPro possesses the speed and agility to make changes as per customer needs that other companies can’t afford due to the high structural costs of their internal R&D programs.  
      
    Location:  USA 
      

  • Growers No Longer Need Compromises with Fumigation and Nematicides with GroPro’s Vigilance

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    Worldwide growers face severe issues with the allocation of fumigants, reduced control from conventional nematicides, or bio and conventional-based nematicides that provide suppression or just don’t work. The damage done by nematodes to crops is devasting, leading to reduced uptake of nutrients, lower yields, or slower growth. The losses from nematodes exceed 10 billion USD annually. Unfortunately, there is no way of fixing a poor start when planting or getting back lost revenue regarding nematicide control.

    Vigilance Nematicide is GroPro’s patented bio-nematicide, providing fumigation and in-field application control, and it’s a proven nematicide that has gone head-to-head in multiple fields and demo trials worldwide with both conventional and bio-based nematicides. These third-party trials and demos were performed on a wide range of crops, such as grapes, almonds, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, citrus, potatoes, plus others, all of which have shown superior efficacy against conventional and bio-based nematicides. The potato fumigation replacement trial showed an increase of over 11% in yield and an excellent nematode reduction compared to the grower standard fumigation program. This was accomplished with an increase in the number of ones and twos over the conventionally applied blocks while reducing damage to the tuber itself, allowing for a better marketable potato. The in-season applications to above-ground crops have increased root mass and decreased galling—root matter, especially when considering fertilizer absorption by the plants.

    Vigilance ensures a long safe approach to your nematode program. Vigilance uses a patented formulation that delivers superior environmental and worker safety. Vigilance Nematicide works on penetrating the roots to support new fleshy root growth and deals with parasitic nematodes inside the root itself. Vigilance performs in soil nematode control by causing paralysis, destruction of the nematode eggs, GABA, reduced female fecundity, and death. These modes of action continue for months* allowing for a long-term active control time. This long-term activity is due to Vigilance being produced using GroPro’s patented AMPx technology. Vigilance is both a control and suppression material for nematodes allowing peace of mind for growers while delivering a safe impact to workers and the environment. Vigilance has no MRL restrictions, zero setback issues, zero plant back restrictions, and zero pre-harvest restrictions.

    GroPro Corp., a leading agri-biotech company, combines unique natural ingredients and modern technologies to manufacture bioproducts (biological inputs) with enhanced efficacy. It is a commercial bio-pesticide, bio-stimulant, bio-fertilizer manufacturer and an R&D international organization. GoPro aims to close the gap in effective non-chemical inputs that enable farmers to reduce their reliance on chemicals without compromising agricultural yield, quality, or profitability.

    GroPro’s approach entails proprietary technologies, including pharmaceutical-grade biotech manufacturing processes. It works relentlessly to innovate and lead the way in the worldwide development, research, education, and adoption of the agro-biotech market.

    *When applied correctly

    More info: groproag.com

  • GroPro Announces Facilities Expansion in California and Florida

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    Due to the growing demand, GroPro is pleased to announce the expansion of its storage, manufacturing, and packaging facilities in the USA. GroPro, an international Bio-Pesticide, Bio-Stimulant, and Bio-Fertilizer manufacturer with headquarters in Minneapolis (the USA), is planning an expansion of its operational facilities in California and Florida.

    The planned expansion will replace California’s existing 5,000 sq ft storage facility with a new development facility of about 12,000 square feet. The new facilities, located in Fresno, Ca, also will include liquid bio-fertilizer manufacturing and storage integrated with crop protection blending and bottling facility and warehouse. In addition, the new liquid facility will be equipped with a new research and development laboratory. Also, with additional 5,000 sq ft warehouse in Florida GroPro to allow its south East dealer quicker access to materials. According to the GroPro team, these expansion projects aim to improve customer service and operational efficiency; the projects are expected to be launched this October.

    “GroPro is committed to investing in continuous process improvements and deepening the implementation of GroPro US commercial, manufacturing, and R&D strategy that will benefit and support our existing and new customers. With these new facilities in California, we will be able to continue providing uninterrupted deliveries and faster supply of our products to our partners and customers,” – commented Benito Varela, GroPro’s COO.

    GroPro’s approach includes a combination of unique natural ingredients and modern technologies to increase the bio-efficacy of products. Sustainability is firmly rooted in the entire company’s decision process, from early research to product development. This empowers our development team here and abroad to research and formulate effective materials that benefit our distributors, dealers, and growers.

    When Plant Health Matters and Yields Count!

    More info: groproag.com

  • GroPro Hires US National Sales Director

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    GroPro Corp. is an international Biotech bio-fertilizers, bio-stimulants, and bio-pesticides manufacturer that compete head to head in cost and efficacy with the industry’s most effective synthetic chemicals. Headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota, USA has hired Warren Hragyil as national sales director. Warren is a result-oriented leader with decades of experience in US Agriculture markets, primarily focused on areas of Crop Protection sales, marketing, and operations. He has worked in senior sales and management roles at Simplot, Adama, Aligned Ag Distributors, United Suppliers Inc., etc.

    “We are thrilled to hire a well-connected and experienced professional like Warren to our team here at GroPro,” said James Lamoreaux, CEO of GroPro Corp. “His impressive industry background and strong leadership abilities will help to fulfill our expanding strategy in the US market, working closely with our major distributors & retailers to develop win-win offerings.” In his new role, Warren’s primary responsibilities will be to drive sales for Gro Pro’s products, manage senior client relationships, lead the sales team and successfully implement effective commercial strategies.

    Hiring a National Sales Director was a part of GroPro’s active team expansion plan with two primary objectives, raise brand awareness and increase market penetration with strategic partners – earlier this month GroPro Corp. announced that veteran agriculture industry executive Benito Varela joined the team as the new Chief Operating Officer focusing on US and International expansion and operations. Also, this week GroPro Corp. has named Jeff Runnels as the US National Environmental\DTC Sales Manager.

    GroPro Corp. is a USA-headquartered producer and supplier of bio-pesticide protection products and bio-stimulants. GoPro has a proven track record of delivering proven, high-efficacy, natural materials while allowing growers to augment agrochemical products in the integrated pest management (IPM) approach. For the last 3 years, GroPro has been performing in-depth field trials comparing GroPro materials against conventional and Bio-Based materials in the USA and internationally with outstanding results. Sustainability is firmly rooted in our entire company’s decision process, from early research to product development.

    www.groproag.com

    Innovations Grow Here