California Ag Network

Tag: Fertilizer

  • 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.

  • CDFA Accepting Concept Proposals For 2018 Fertilizer Research And Education Program Grants

    Sacramento, Calif., (December 19, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is currently accepting concept proposals for the 2018 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds research that advances the agronomic and environmental performance of fertilizing materials.

    The 2018 Request for Proposals (RFP) includes several initiatives put forth by the department to help effectively manage nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture.

    This year’s priorities include: identifying and addressing challenges to effective nutrient management practices; filling knowledge gaps in nitrogen management information for specific crops, including baby lettuce, pima cotton, processing tomatoes, walnuts, citrus, and deep rooted vegetables; quantification of nitrate movement in deep soil as it relates to management practices; research on the role of soil organic matter and organic input materials in nutrient management; and training, education, and outreach opportunities to efficiently manage irrigation systems and fertilizing materials.

    Applicants are invited to submit two-page concept proposals to FREP by Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Concepts submitted should be aligned with at least one of the identified priority research areas. Further information on the 2018 FREP request for concept proposals, including timelines, application criteria, priority research areas, and examples of successful proposals are available on the Grant Program web page atwww.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/CompetitiveGrantProgram.html

    All concept proposals will be reviewed by the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). Concept proposals that are selected by the TASC will be invited for development into full project proposals.

    Since 1990, FREP has funded more than 200 research projects, investing over 17 million dollars in research and outreach projects focusing on California’s important and environmentally sensitive cropping systems. A database of completed and ongoing research is available on the FREP Research web page at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/FREPresearch.

    For more information, send e-mail inquiries to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • Sorghum Forage Helps Meet Required Nitrogen Management Plan in CA

    As fertilizer becomes more and more regulated in California, farmers are turning to other crops with lower nitrogen requirements. For this reason, sorghum may appeal to feed growers, as it doesn’t require near as much nitrogen to grow. Watch this interview with Bob Hutmacher from the UC Cooperative Extension and read more in California Dairy Magazine.

    Sponsored By:

    Calagnet & YARA

  • Hydroponic agriculture showcases diversity of California Ag production

    San Diego, Calif., (January 30, 2017) – Hydroponic agriculture, the growing of plants without soil and adding nutrients in water, is a relatively new method of production in California, but it shows promise as a growth sector for farmers seeking to produce more efficiently while utilizing fewer natural resources, a challenge and opportunity recognized by all of agriculture as it moves through the 21st Century.

    CDFA staff recently had an opportunity to visit a hydroponic operation at Archi’s Acres, a diverse farming operation in San Diego County. Archi’s Acres is already well known for its commitment to retrain returning members of the military for careers in agriculture, and it’s now also developing a strong reputation for its work in hydroponics.

    Archi’s Acres is a certified organic greenhouse operation, growing fresh basil, kale, and other herbs and produce using highly efficient crop production methods to maximize use of natural resources while focusing on local sales distribution channels.

    The farm’s proprietary nutrient cycling system, which is verified through the annual organic inspection to meet required standards, employs nutrient cycling practices that provide ecosystem services through conservation of scarce water resources.

    Using Archi’s Acres’ unique hydro-organic methods, a plant only takes what water it needs and the rest is recycled for use again and again – an important benefit in a state still dealing with drought. The farm’s entire basil greenhouse, with 6,000 plants growing at a time, uses only about 100 gallons of water a day due to recycling.

    The system at the farm is actually known as hydro-organics, a hydroponics system that includes the use of organic fertilizer as the key nutrient.

    At CDFA we strive to continually gain a greater understanding and appreciation for all models of farming in California. Our scientists, responsible for review and analysis of both conventional and organic fertilizer materials, benefit greatly from opportunities to broaden their understanding of farming systems and inputs. When coupled with their scientific background, these ongoing educational experiences help our staff at CDFA make sound, informed decisions for the fertilizer products they oversee.

    Hydroponic facilities at Archi’s Acres, a diverse farming operation in San Diego County.