With costs of the discovery, development and commercialisation of new crop protection products exceeding $350 million, there are now only a few global companies left who have the resources to be able to bring new products to market.
Research and development are cornerstones of FMC and has led to a wide range of new and expanded offerings to the Australian market. In the last twelve months, FMC has launched a wide range of new products and services and expanded labels on a number of existing products to meet market demands.
“The rate of technological change in the market requires constant innovation”, says Chris van der Hoven, head of marketing at FMC. “Modern products are more selective in their function, safer and environmentally acceptable than their predecessors.
“It is our job to read the agricultural landscape for future trends, and to proactively structure the portfolio to be compatible with future requirements. One such example is Biologicals by FMC; an imminent range of biological pesticides, biostimulant, plant nutrition and pheromone products.”
With the ongoing need to develop more effective, safer, or new mode-of-action chemistry, FMC recently launched Vantacor insecticide as an option into cotton and pulse crops. Replacing Altacor insecticide in the marketplace, Vantacor provides outstanding pest control and excellent safety to key beneficial insects in a superior formulation.
Containing the same active ingredient Rynaxypyr, Vantacor has been improved from a 350WG to 600 SC active ingredient loading. A robust insecticide with a sustainable edge, Vantacor is now available in a 2.5-litre pack and offers a much lower use rate, meaning reductions in transport, storage and waste.
Mr van der Hoven said the high-quality formulation has been welcomed by Australian growers, with a very large uptake in its initial year.
Continuing with the expansion of its insecticide portfolio, FMC launched Danadim Progress insecticide, a patented, low odour dimethoate formulation that includes a unique stabiliser. The formulation provides solutions for a wide range of crop types and use situations for control of both chewing and sucking pests.
“Pesticides is not the only area in which we innovate,” Mr van der Hoven said. “FMC has developed a new tank mix adjuvant, On Coarse DRA to assist with spray quality and to minimise the risk of drift when applying herbicides.
“Drift from herbicides and other products has emerged as a major challenge for farmers and On Coarse DRA is an adjuvant proven to reduce the fine spray droplets from ground-based, spray boom application, broadening the options for growers and increasing their accuracy when applying chemicals.”
Alongside new product launches, FMC has also focused much attention on the expansion of existing labels, linking demand from the Australian market with a heavy investment into research and development.
Exirel insecticide is now available for use in forage brassicas to control a range of chewing pests with additional activity against grey cabbage aphid.
“It is gentle on key beneficial insects and works particularly well when applied early in the pest infestation cycle,” Mr van der Hoven said.
Trojan insecticide is another product that has had its label expanded as a result of demand from the local industry. Balaustium mite, blue oat mite and common armyworm have been added, providing growers with options to control pests with this highly potent product.
FMC’s blockbuster herbicide Overwatch, has seen the addition of faba beans and field peas, ensuring this innovative product continues to provide excellent weed control across an expanded range of crops and conditions.
A key part of the FMC’s Australian operations is the local manufacturing facility based in Wyong on the central coast of New South Wales. FMC is one of just a few remaining multinational companies with local integrated formulation and packaging facilities.
More than a dozen of FMC’s high volume, key products are manufactured and distributed from the Wyong hub which has allowed the company to remain agile and respond to any demand spikes in the Australian and New Zealand marketplace.
Mr van der Hoven said this facility was particularly important during the recent challenges with global supply chains, and enabled FMC to supply good quantities of locally manufactured products to the market. Meanwhile FMC is globally diversifying its supply for active ingredients across core facilities in India, US and Europe.
“FMC always has a keen focus on stewardship and sustainability to ensure our products are used correctly by agronomist and growers,” he said.
“Product stewardship for new and existing products is designed to reduce the risk of herbicide, fungicide or insecticide resistance, provide valuable information on best practice for use and application, and to maximise returns for the user.
“Sustainability strategies are in the spotlight and FMC is committed to greater change across its global company from net-zero greenhouse gas emissions to deeper engagement with growers around the world.”
The company continues to expand its leading portfolio of innovative solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to more resilient and sustainable food production systems.
Most recently, with the announcement of its growing biological platform to include game-changing biologically produced pheromone technology, FMC will bring more sustainable solutions to agricultural markets around the world.
Speaking on FMC’s dedication to discovering, developing and commercialising new crop protection products, FMC managing director Kristina Hermanson said, “Continuous innovation anchored in the strength of stewardship and manufacturing agility is core to FMC.
“Of course, it is the power of our inclusive and dedicated team collaborating with Australian growers and channel partners that is key to success.”
