Strategic agreement will accelerate commercialization of FMC’s breakthrough Rimisoxafen herbicide, offering corn and soybean growers a new weapon against herbicide-resistant weeds

In a move aimed at addressing one of agriculture’s most persistent productivity challenges, FMC Corporation and Corteva Agriscience have announced a co-exclusive strategic supply and licensing agreement to expand access to FMC’s breakthrough rimisoxafen herbicide technology across North and South America.

The collaboration will enable both companies to develop and commercialize proprietary herbicide formulations based on rimisoxafen for corn and soybean growers, strengthening weed management options in markets increasingly challenged by herbicide resistance.

The agreement comes at a time when resistant weeds, particularly Amaranthus species such as Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, continue to threaten crop yields and farm profitability across major agricultural regions. These weeds have developed resistance to multiple herbicide classes, creating mounting pressure on growers to adopt new modes of action.

Under the terms of the agreement, FMC will retain full ownership of rimisoxafen and serve as the exclusive supplier of the active ingredient to Corteva. Both companies will independently formulate and market their own premix products for corn and soybean production throughout North and South America.

As part of the transaction, Corteva will make an initial $200 million pre-purchase commitment for future product supply, underscoring confidence in the technology’s commercial potential.

Addressing a Growing Resistance Challenge

Rimisoxafen has attracted industry attention because of its unique dual mode of action, a feature designed to create a significantly higher barrier to resistance development compared to conventional single-mode herbicides.

The technology was recently classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as the industry’s first dual mode of action herbicide, highlighting its potential role in combating some of agriculture’s most difficult-to-control broadleaf weeds.

“This agreement ensures that more growers across the Americas will have access to rimisoxafen, one of the most innovative herbicide technologies developed in decades,” said Leonardo Bastos, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at FMC.

“By working with Corteva, we are expanding the reach of this breakthrough technology to help growers effectively manage resistant weeds that threaten their productivity and profitability. Together, we are bringing growers a solution they urgently need.”

Bastos added that FMC remains committed to unlocking the broader global potential of rimisoxafen across additional crops and geographic markets as part of its long-term innovation strategy.

Expanding Weed Control Options

For Corteva, the agreement strengthens an already extensive crop protection portfolio while providing access to a differentiated technology platform expected to become increasingly valuable as weed resistance intensifies globally.

“By collaborating with FMC on rimisoxafen, we are expanding our ability to provide growers with advanced weed control tools that complement our portfolio,” said Cynthia Ericson, Vice President of Weed Control Segment at Corteva.

“This agreement supports our long-term strategy of forging new collaborations that drive value for farmers, while creating a compelling growth opportunity alongside our existing crop protection innovation pipeline.”

A New Chapter in Herbicide Innovation

Industry analysts view the agreement as one of the more significant crop protection partnerships announced this year, particularly as the pace of new herbicide discoveries has slowed and resistance pressures continue to mount.

Palmer amaranth and waterhemp alone are estimated to cost growers billions of dollars annually through reduced yields, increased management expenses and operational inefficiencies. The emergence of weeds resistant to multiple herbicide classes has intensified demand for technologies capable of providing durable and sustainable control.

By combining two modes of action within a single molecule, Rimisoxafen is expected to offer growers a new resistance-management tool while supporting broader stewardship efforts across cropping systems.

Commercial Launch Expected by Decade’s End

The companies anticipate first commercial sales of Rimisoxafen-based products by the end of the decade, subject to regulatory approvals across target markets.

The agreement extends through the next decade and reflects a broader trend toward strategic collaborations among agricultural technology companies seeking to accelerate innovation while expanding grower access to next-generation solutions.

As resistant weeds continue to challenge crop production globally, the FMC-Corteva alliance positions rimisoxafen as a potentially transformative technology in the evolving battle against herbicide resistance—one that could reshape weed management strategies for corn and soybean growers across the Americas.