Inside FBN’s New Era with Global Crop Solutions
12 November 2025 As the agricultural input landscape evolves, Farmers Business Network (FBN) is doubling down on innovation and efficiency across the supply chain. For nearly a decade, FBN has helped growers maximize profitability through data-driven insights, providing price transparency, and direct access to inputs, financing, and sustainability programs.
In an interview with AgriBusiness Global, Charles Baron, Chief Marketing & Product Officer and Co-Founder of FBN, discusses the company’s latest strategic move: the formation of Global Crop Solutions (GCS). Designed as a standalone entity, GCS will oversee formulation, regulatory, and supply chain operations—allowing FBN to focus on its core mission of empowering farmers. Baron explains how this restructuring strengthens partnerships across the ag retail network, opens opportunities for manufacturers, and positions both FBN and GCS at the forefront of a more open, technology-enabled global supply chain.
ABG: You recently announced the formation of Global Crop Solutions (GCS). What motivated this move?
Charles Baron: Over the years, we vertically integrated much of our crop protection business—from registration and formulation to supply chain and logistics. With GCS, we’re separating that “first mile” component into a standalone entity. This allows GCS to serve a broader customer base beyond FBN, while FBN continues to focus on farmers. For growers, nothing changes. They still buy, finance, and receive delivery through FBN. But now, GCS can partner with other companies as a registration or supply chain partner, expanding access to products and markets.
ABG: How do FBN and GCS work together, and does GCS also collaborate with biological companies?
CB: Exactly. FBN remains focused on serving farmers through inputs, financing, and services, while GCS manages formulation, regulatory, and supply-chain operations. Previously, FBN built one of the largest crop protection registration portfolios in the industry. Now, GCS can leverage those assets to support the broader ag retail network, with FBN as one of its key customers.
GCS will primarily focus on synthetic crop protection, while FBN continues to offer biologicals through its marketplace. With over 120,000 farmer members across the U.S. and Canada, representing 190 million acres, FBN’s platform is creating new opportunities for innovative and international companies to reach growers.
ABG: How does the expanded marketplace work for partners entering the U.S. market?
CB: It’s streamlined. A company can manage its own “store” inside the FBN experience, using our e-commerce platform, financing, and AI tools to reach customers. We’re bringing on more seed partners like Tech Genetics and Green Cover, as well as livestock brands such as Alltech and Westway. The goal is to make FBN the easiest path to the farmgate while giving farmers more choice.
Amy Yoder, CEO of Global Crop Solutions (GCS)
ABG: With reduced U.S. soybean and corn exports to China, are you seeing increased demand for financing?
CB: Financing is always critical, but yes, we expect demand to rise. There’s a lot of uncertainty—tariffs, supply chain risk, input costs. Our 2026 Crop Protection Price Outlook shows tariffs could increase depending on China and India negotiations. FBN helps farmers manage that risk through 0% financing programs, early-buy opportunities, and other tools that let them lock in prices and reduce exposure.
ABG: What’s the structural difference between FBN and GCS going forward?
CB: GCS is becoming a standalone company with its own leadership and operations. It won’t sell directly to farmers—that’s FBN’s role. But GCS will work with ag retailers, distributors, and manufacturers globally. FBN remains focused on customer experience and technology, while GCS focuses on supply chain, supplier management, and partnerships.
ABG: Beyond headcount changes, what’s FBN’s go-to-market strategy moving forward?
CB: Our model continues to be multi-channel—online, in-field, and through our community builder network. We’ll keep expanding the customer base and marketplace to include more third-party products. The message is simple: FBN is open for business. Whether you’re a supplier of crop protection, biologicals, or other inputs – if you’re putting farmers first – we want to work with you.
ABG: Anything else you’d like to add?
CB: The key takeaway is that this structure removes channel conflicts and opens new opportunities. Manufacturers and innovators can now engage with FBN and GCS more easily. You’ll see new products coming online every few weeks—from seed and seed treatments to equipment and general farm supplies. For GCS, it’s about enabling access. For FBN, it’s about expanding choice. Together, they’re creating a more open, efficient, and innovative ag supply ecosystem.
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