In 1993, Dr Bob Killick – owner of Vicchem, was involved in the creation of ground breaking chemistry by using ethylated canola oil to create the unique formulation of Hasten Spray Adjuvant.
This was a significant advancement in adjuvant technology. Following its registration by the National Registration Authority (predecessor of APVMA) in May 1996, it offered agronomists and growers a high performing, versatile and ‘in-crop safe’ adjuvant, locally manufactured in Australia.
The innovative Hasten formulation was successfully patented and caught the attention of crop protection companies (CPC) as being the first adjuvant based on ethylated canola oil available worldwide.
Consequently, Hasten’s use in applications across broadacre and horticultural markets steadily grew, as did the number of CPC labels referencing Hasten, catapulting it to become a leading spray adjuvant in Australia.
Ongoing trial work continues to confirm Hasten’s position as a leading adjuvant – as does the fact that it is now cross-labelled on over 50 crop protection products.
In May 2021, Hasten Spray Adjuvant reached a 25 year milestone of helping Australian producers grow high yielding, quality crops. This is reflected in Hasten’s motto: ‘Hasten – Australia’s Leading Spray Adjuvant for over 25 years – Mix With the best’.
“We are pleased Hasten is an Australian developed, owned and manufactured adjuvant that provides excellent performance and in-crop safety for growers, and enhances the performance of the latest actives, supporting our distributor and industry partners,” Mr Killick said.
“We are proud to say that Hasten is supporting Australian farmers by using 100% Australian grown canola oil in its manufacture, and is being sold across the world.
“In Hasten we have a product that has stood up to the demands of farming in Australian conditions for over 25 years. It continues to be referenced on new CPC chemistry entering the Australian Agricultural market.”
Mr Killick said the current climatic conditions which were very favourable for growers across the main cropping regions, was creating a higher than normal demand for Hasten and other Vicchem products.
“We thank the agricultural industry for their support and will continue to step up to the supply challenge in a timely manner through our commitment to Australian manufacturing.”
