Ask the Expert
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As you face challenges in the crop protection, biologicals, ag tech, and plant health markets, AgriBusiness Global DIRECT gets your questions answered from industry leaders. Here experts answer a few questions from the AgriBusiness Global community.
Matt Sowder
Director of Field Solutions
Mosaic Biosciences
ABG: What steps is Mosaic taking to improve communication with farmers and ag retailers about biological products?
MS: Effective communication is essential to demystifying biologicals and bridging the knowledge gap that can exist around these products. Biologicals, unlike traditional inputs, often require more explanation — how they work, the role they play in a larger agronomic strategy, and their long-term benefits for soil health and sustainability. To address this, we’re developing a comprehensive communication plan that’s tailored to both farmers and ag retailers.
We’re prioritizing clear, straightforward messaging that educates rather than complicates. This includes creating informative materials that break down the science behind our biologicals in an accessible way. [We are] demonstrating how they contribute to crop health, yield stability, and even environmental benefits.
We’re also enhancing our outreach efforts by engaging in more direct conversations with farmers and retailers. This includes hands-on demonstrations, field days, and one-on-one consultations, where we can explain product benefits and answer questions in real-time.
Additionally, we’re expanding our educational resources, including online content, videos, and interactive tools that allow growers to explore how biologicals can work specifically within their crop systems. Through these combined efforts, we aim to not only build awareness but also establish trust in the role that biologicals can play in creating a more resilient and sustainable agriculture ecosystem.
Rao Kothapalli
Vice President and Head, Exports, ISL, & SCM
Coromandel
ABG: How do you see high-tech polyhouses innovating crop protection formulations? Are there any other advancements you foresee?
RK: The global population is increasing, and we’re facing land scarcity for agriculture. By 2050, reports suggest we may not have enough land to feed the population. To address this, agriculture must focus on increasing productivity. For example, in open fields, tomato yields in India range from 20-30 tons per acre, whereas in advanced countries like Israel or the U.S., yields in high-tech greenhouses reach 140-180 tons per acre. Coromandel, engaging 14 million farmers, established an R&D facility in Hyderabad with high-tech polyhouses to encourage the adoption of advanced agricultural practices and boost crop productivity.
Mark Singleton
Chief Commercial Officer
GreenLight Biosciences
ABG: With increasing consumer pushbacks and regulatory scrutiny on chemical pesticides, how does GreenLight see Ribonucleic acid (RNA) technology playing a role in addressing these challenges, particularly in large-scale crops and high-value produce?
MS: RNA technology excels in meeting key regulatory and environmental criteria: it degrades rapidly, is highly selective, and has low toxicity. These attributes make it an ideal alternative to traditional pesticides. While some worry about performance or spectrum limitations due to RNA’s rapid degradation, we focus on designing solutions that preserve its strong environmental and safety profile. •