Grainswest - Tech 2024

Tech 2024 Grains West 42 Now a major player in the biologicals market, BASF precedes commercialization with lab screening as well as small- and large-scale, multiyear, replicated field trials under varying conditions. Photo: Courtesy of BASF. The achievement of consistent results poses a significant challenge for developers and users of biological products because they are comprised of living organisms that are sensitive to fluctuation in environmental conditions. In response, manufacturers such as BASF put great effort into every aspect of product marketing and development. In biologicals, this includes package design that protects product quality as well as clear communication of proper usage guidelines. Prior to commercialization, products are screened in the lab and then tested in both small- and large-scale, multi- year, replicated field trials under varying conditions. They are further tested with large-scale commercial equipment with the aim to assess application techniques and refine best practices, said Natalie Campbell, biological seed treatment brand manager at BASF Canada. “Once we go to launch, our marketing team, technical team and sales team fully understand the best management practices so we can support our growers with recommendations to ensure the best possible performance of the product.” In Western Canada, BASF employs four specialists it has dubbed ACES (AgSolutions Crop Establishment Specialists) who assist farmers with seed treatment, inoculants and biological products. Team member Ryan Dunn is one such specialist. “We know application impacts survivability and compatibility,” he said. “We have tested and know different tips and tricks to ensure maximum survivability, and we’ve been trained on all the equipment.” BASF also works to create packaging solutions for its living products. “Unique to biologicals is the level of innovation and research that has to go into packaging to ensure the survivability of the product leaving the production site to application to planting,” said Nicole Fox, a BASF technical marketing specialist. To ensure optimum survivability of the product, Fox said multiple batches are produced and packaged at the company’s manufacturing plant and undergo testing for biological survivability in a range of packages. “This testing continues for the proposed shelf life of the product under variable temperature and storage conditions to ensure our minimum label guarantee is maintained in package, as well as on seed,” she said. If its established parameters are not met, further development is carried out, she added. Biologicals appear to be here to stay. As corporate product portfolios expand, it will be important for manufacturers to address the main barriers to uptake. Though skepticism persists, it may dissipate as more farmers adopt the new technology. Product success hinges on the regulatory frameworks under which they are registered and on access to third- party data that supports product claims. Clear communication on product use and support from boots-on-the-ground technicians should also help boost adoption. FEATURE