Eurofins Agroscience Services Discusses Developments in CROs for 2025

In a recent interview with AgriBusiness Global, experts from Eurofins Agroscience Services discuss how contract research organizations (CROs) are helping reshape the future of sustainable agriculture. From breakthroughs in phytopathology diagnostics to global service expansion in plant breeding, biologicals, and water treatment compliance, Eurofins Agroscience Services shares its strategy for meeting the next generation of agricultural challenges—one science-backed solution at a time.

ABG: What advancements are happening in phytopathology testing and diagnostics? How might these innovations address emerging agricultural challenges, such as climate change or evolving pest pressures?

Eurofins Agroscience Services: Recent advancements in phytopathology testing are addressing some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges, offering timely and effective solutions to safeguard plant health and secure yields.

These innovations include faster responses to emerging threats and complex pathogen-plant interactions, enabled by molecular and applied genetic technologies. Techniques such as metabolomics, combined with deeper insights into plant and pathogen genomes, are accelerating the development of diagnostic methods for new pest and disease species.

Improved test sensitivity and specificity are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, while early disease detection—supported by advanced lab methods—helps prevent widespread outbreaks by reducing turnaround times.

Although rapid in-field testing tools are gaining traction, laboratory-based diagnostics continue to offer superior reliability.

In addition, resistance bioassays are playing a crucial role in plant breeding programs, supporting the development of crop varieties with greater resilience.

ABG: How are CROs helping to support sustainable crop production and minimize environmental impact?

EAS: Contract research organizations (CROs) are playing a critical role in advancing sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental impact through a blend of scientific innovation, regulatory expertise, and real-world field support.

CROs contribute in several key areas. First, they support the development of sustainable bioproducts—such as biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilizers—that enhance soil health, boost crop resilience, and promote biodiversity while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

Second, they help validate and integrate precision agriculture tools and digital technologies, including AI and genomics, to optimize input use, reduce waste, and improve yields with lower environmental footprints.

Third, they provide expert regulatory guidance. For example, Eurofins Agroscience Regulatory helps clients navigate complex global frameworks and ensures compliance with evolving safety and sustainability standards, including the EU’s “Safe and Sustainable by Design” (SSbD) approach.

Finally, CROs, like Eurofins Agroscience, can offer global field trials deliver essential real-world validation, confirming the efficacy and safety of new agricultural inputs under a range of environmental conditions.

While these are just a few examples, they reflect our broader commitment to working with partners around the world to drive more sustainable, science-backed agricultural solutions.

ABG: What are two new specialized testing services for Europe, Brazil, ANZ and the U.S. that CROs will offer in 2025?

EAS: While we can’t answer for other CROs, we have expanded in several areas.

Following the recent integration of Kalyx into the Eurofins Agroscience Services network in Australia and New Zealand, 2025 has marked the introduction of several new service offerings to the region. These include single rows, small plots, and larger seed multiplications conducted under irrigation during the summer season—services designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of new crop varieties. These capabilities also align with Eurofins’ Quarantine Glasshouse facilities, which support the safe and efficient introduction of international germplasm into Australian plant breeding programs.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Eurofins has enhanced its capabilities to address evolving water treatment regulations in alignment with EFSA guidelines. These services support the approval of active substances used in plant protection and biocidal products through robust data generation, tailored study designs, and expert regulatory support.

In Latin America, Eurofins is investing in a new laboratory in Brazil to meet the increasing demand for biological product testing. Set to launch in 2025, the facility will focus on studies required for bio-input registration, including assessments of identity, purity, and concentration, in accordance with Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) regulations.

In North America, Eurofins expanded its archival freezer storage and new test substance distribution service. Proper and efficient storage of data, samples and test substances are critical to successful GLP studies. There are now a number of solutions available at EAS Columbia including archival freezer (-20C) storage at EAS Columbia, and the expanded service for test substance storage and distribution (frozen and refrigerated items). There has also been the acquisition of QAI storage to expand our long-term ambient storage footprint near EAS Easton for data, specimen, and samples.

Also, the North American team expanded the bioservices testing portfolio, based at the Easton laboratory, to support industries, including biological crop protection.

ABG: How does the acquisition of Verdelab Bioscience align with Eurofins Agroscience Services’ broader strategy for 2025?

EAS: In September 2024, Eurofins Agroscience Services expanded its phytopathology testing capabilities in Europe through the acquisition of Verdelab Bioscience, an ISO 17025-accredited seed and plant health laboratory based in Italy. Specializing in vegetable seed testing and plant pathology, Verdelab brings a highly qualified team of plant pathologists, biotechnologists, and technicians serving a broad international client base.