UPI CropScience’s WuJing Talks About Expansion, Innovation, and Environment-Friendly Formulations
18 July 2023 AgriBusiness Global talked with WuJing, Chief Executive Officer for UPI CropScience Co., Ltd., about the company’s expansion into different regions, and the new challenges this brings for creating formulations that provide results while also adhering to sustainability requirements.
ABG: What are you seeing as far as supply and demand in the agrochemical formulation market?
W: We have observed a scarcity of finished product producers with low costs, high capacity, and consistent quality. At UPI, our focus lies in the formulation field, where we strive to meet the needs of our global customers by providing reliable recipes, attractive packaging, a stable supply chain, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.
Given the demand we have experienced, we currently face more orders than our existing capacity can accommodate. To address this, we are in the process of constructing new workshops and production lines. This expansion will enable us to fulfill customer orders effectively and efficiently. We are confident in our ability to meet the demands of our global customers by leveraging our ample capacity and strong partnerships within the supply chain. Through these measures, we aim to minimize the risks associated with price fluctuations and ensure customer satisfaction.
ABG: UPI is located in Central and Latin America, Australia, and Africa, is the company planning to expand in more regions in 2023-2024? If so, where and why?
W: We have an active presence in Central and Latin America, Australia, and Asia. In the upcoming year, our primary focus is to strengthen our operations in these regions. We recognize the need to expand our registrations in order to better serve our customers. Additionally, we aim to increase our sales force to enhance our visibility and reach out to potential customers.
Furthermore, we have identified opportunities in countries like Dominica and Honduras, where there is a demand for cost-effective agrochemicals from China. We intend to expand our offerings in these countries to assist farmers in reducing their production costs.
By strategically expanding our presence and meeting the needs of various regions, we aim to establish strong relationships with our customers and contribute to their agricultural success.
WuJing, CEO, UPI CropScience Co.
ABG: How is UPI dealing with the global pressure for creating products that fit in with sustainability goals?
W: In light of the global challenges related to population growth, environmental concerns, and climate change, we recognize the significant responsibility as agrochemical producers and suppliers. Our company is committed to addressing these challenges through our dedicated research and development efforts. We strive to develop highly effective recipes that minimize the usage of pesticides, ensuring sustainable and responsible agricultural practices.
Additionally, our technical support team is focused on providing scientific solutions to assist farmers in slowing down the development of resistance among pests. We understand the importance of continuous innovation and knowledge-sharing to tackle this issue effectively.
Furthermore, our intelligent factory embraces the latest IoT (Internet of Things) technology. This enables us to ensure clean production processes, minimize environmental impact, and reduce carbon emissions. By leveraging technology, we aim to achieve sustainable and eco-friendly operations that contribute positively to our environment.
ABG: What is UPI’s presence in Mexico?
W: Mexico holds a significant position in the global agrochemical market due to its vast arable land of approximately 370 million hectares and a population of about 120 million. Recognizing the immense potential of this country, we have established our presence there and are actively engaged in expanding our operations. We are delighted to share that our products are currently undergoing registration and are expected to be released in the market in the near future.
Moreover, we are excited about collaborating with local companies, leveraging our good lab practices (GLP) dossiers, to jointly explore the market. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to make a positive impact and seize the opportunities presented by Mexico’s agricultural sector.
ABG: What kind of innovation is UPI doing to help their synthetic crop protection chemicals become more environmentally friendly?
W: According to research data, the current utilization rates of pesticides stand at less than 40%. This implies that approximately 60% of pesticides are being wasted, ultimately impacting the environment negatively, whether it be through soil contamination, underground water pollution, or river pollution. In light of this concern, our research and development (R&D) team is actively engaged in innovative endeavors to address the issue.
Our team diligently screens various recipes to enhance formulations’ resistance to rainwater erosion, reducing the need for excessive chemical pesticide usage. We also develop innovative mixtures to manage resistance problems, saving significant pesticide quantities compared to single active ingredient products. Our objective is to provide sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions in agriculture, and we are committed to investing and working towards this goal.
ABG: As many chemical companies are diversifying their portfolios with biologicals, what work is your company doing to include biologicals in its future formulations?
W: We take pride in offering a range of biological products. Our dedicated efforts have enabled us to assist our customers in Peru with product registration and successful market distribution. Specifically, our caterpillar virus products targeting Helicoverpa armigera
Hubner & Spodoptera frugiperda, as well as Bacillus thuringiensis, have demonstrated their efficacy in the market. Despite the challenges posed by economic constraints, we understand that there is still a considerable journey ahead in gaining farmer acceptance for biological solutions. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this field and will continue to diligently work toward its advancement.
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