A C A D I A N – Opportunities in the U.S. from the Plant Biostimulant Act for 2024

1. What trends do you see happening in your sector for 2024?

We foresee an increased movement toward regenerative agriculture with more focus on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Along with this, the implementation of practices and technologies that help farmers adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, through climate-smart agriculture.

2. What is the biggest opportunity in 2024? How will this impact the industry as a whole?

Predicting the single biggest opportunity for agriculture in 2024 is challenging, as it depends on various factors such as technological advancements, market dynamics, policy changes, and global events.

One policy in particular that would be beneficial to farmers in the U.S. would be passing the Plant Biostimulant Act. The biostimulant act is being discussed under the Farm Bill.

Biostimulants are a diverse category of products that can help crops to grow more vigorously, better utilize nutrients, and cope with environmental stresses. Acadian’s seaweed biostimulants in particular can contribute to regenerative agriculture through beneficial changes in the soil microbiome as well as helping crops deal with stressors of various types.

With the AAPFCO (Association of American Plant Food Control Officials) model bill paving the way for state regulation and registration and the Plant Biostimulant Act calling for a federal definition of plant biostimulants and their exclusion from FIFRA pesticide regulation, the hope is that a clearly defined regulatory pathway to the U.S. market will encourage more private sector investment in the development of such products.

That would be a very favorable outcome from a farmer perspective and would likely help with the challenges that agriculture now faces because of climate change.

3. What are some new product launches or major developments within your company?

Acadian Plant Health has a full line of products that can be used in tandem with many crop protection or fertilizer products. Currently we are developing an enhanced product line specific to abiotic stress management.

This product line gives the same benefits of our seaweed-based technology, but with improved performance in key areas of crop development. We look forward to sharing more with our partners on these new developments. •

Acadian Plant Health
AcadianPlantHealth.com

Candace Azad, Vice President of Business Excellence
[email protected]