Innovation Starts in the Field: Nominate a Biostimulant Pioneer

Growers who are redefining what is possible with biostimulants now have an opportunity to be recognized for their leadership, as nominations are now open for the second annual Biostimulant Innovator of the Year Award, sponsored by Sumitomo Biorational Company. The award honors farmers who are successfully integrating biostimulant technologies into their operations to improve productivity, resource efficiency, soil health, and long-term sustainability.

Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the award seeks to spotlight growers who are moving biostimulants beyond product trials and making them an integral part of their overall farming strategy. As biological solutions continue to gain traction across agriculture, the program recognizes real-world innovators demonstrating how these tools can deliver measurable benefits in the field.

The award was established to celebrate growers who embrace innovation while sharing practical examples of how biostimulants can contribute to stronger crop performance and more resilient farming systems. Eligible nominees are evaluated on how effectively they have adopted and integrated biostimulant technologies, their commitment to innovation, and the impact those practices have had on their operations.

Last Year’s Winner Raised the Bar

Last year’s inaugural winner, John Buck, set the standard for what it means to be a biostimulant innovator. Recognized for incorporating biological tools as a core component of his agronomic strategy, Buck demonstrated how biostimulants can help growers improve crop performance while navigating the challenges of modern agriculture.

Receiving the first-ever award was a meaningful achievement for Buck, who views innovation as essential to agriculture’s future.

“It’s a distinct honor. In today’s agriculture, the only way we are going to keep growing is by finding new ways to improve our yields and soil health.”

His story, along with those of last year’s finalists, highlighted the growing role biostimulants are playing in helping farmers improve efficiency, adapt to environmental pressures, and pursue sustainable productivity gains.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

By showcasing these innovators, the award aims to foster greater awareness of the potential benefits of biostimulants while encouraging the exchange of ideas across the ag community. The program also provides a platform for growers to share their experiences and inspire others who are exploring biological solutions as part of their crop management strategies.

As the industry continues to focus on improving efficiency, sustainability, and soil health, biostimulants are becoming an increasingly important tool in many production systems. Through the Biostimulant Innovator of the Year Award, Sumitomo Biorational is recognizing the growers who are helping lead that evolution and demonstrating what the future of agriculture can look like.

Nominate a Leader in Biostimulant Innovation

Nominations for the 2026 award are now open. Growers may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Winners and finalists will be recognized for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to advancing the use of biostimulants in agriculture.

To learn more about the award or submit a nomination, visit here.