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HomePosts Tagged "FMC"
Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, India, Start ups

The company plans to train 500 drone pilots and create 1000 job opportunities across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh.

 Salam Kisan, a leading agri-tech platform, has successfully backed the tender from the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Agro-Industries Development Corporation (MAIDC) for drone spraying services. This milestone marks a pivotal step in the company’s mission to revolutionise Indian agriculture by introducing drone-as-a-service as a scalable solution for precision farming across the state. The collaboration with IFFCO and FMC further strengthens Salam Kisan’s role in transforming agricultural practices, making advanced farming solutions more accessible and sustainable.

Salam Kisan has won the technical bid for the MAIDC tender, which will see drones deployed in every taluka of Maharashtra. This initiative is part of the Government of Maharashtra’s larger effort to explore the deployment of agricultural drones across the state, helping to increase efficiency in farming practices. As part of this initiative, the government plans to train SC/ST, marginalized women, and rural youth, empowering them to become rural entrepreneurs, known as Drone Didis or Lakhpati Didis. The government will also provide a subsidy of up to Rs 5 lakh for the purchase of drones, making this technology more affordable for farmers.

As part of Salam Kisan’s collaboration with IFFCO, the world’s largest fertiliser cooperative, the company will deploy drones in Maharashtra’s water-scarce regions of Sanagali and Kolhapur to conserve resources and boost productivity. Salam Kisan’s association with FMC, a global leader in agricultural sciences, will focus on precision farming in the Wardha, Amravati, and Yavatmal regions. These larger farming areas will benefit from drones that cover extensive fields quickly and efficiently, improving day-to-day farming operations.

In addition to the technical deployment, Salam Kisan aims to train 500 drone pilots and create 1,000 job opportunities across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The company is setting up a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) to provide comprehensive training programs for aspiring drone operators. This effort will not only build the capacity of rural entrepreneurs but will also promote sustainable farming practices across the nation.

Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder and CEO of Salam Kisan, said, “Our collaboration with MAIDC, IFFCO, and FMC represents a transformative shift in Indian agriculture. By integrating drones as a service, we are enhancing crop yields, reducing costs, conserving water, and empowering rural youth and women. Our goal is to create 1,000 job opportunities, train over 500 drone pilots, and help farmers cover over 1 million acres of farmland in our first year. With the support of the government and our industry partners, we are enabling farmers to embrace modern farming solutions and become more resilient in the face of climate change. With this comprehensive initiative, Salam Kisan is well on its way to revolutionizing Indian agriculture through sustainable, technology-driven farming practices. The deployment of drones across Maharashtra, combined with the strategic partnerships with IFFCO and FMC, is poised to create significant impacts in rural communities and strengthen the agricultural ecosystem”.

The company plans to train 500 drone

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, India

Company has received registration for Isoflex® active in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China and Great Britain.

FMC, a leading global agricultural sciences company, has received registration in India for Isoflex® active and Ambriva® herbicide for use in wheat. Ambriva® herbicide, powered by Isoflex® active, presents a novel mode of action in wheat. Isoflex® active is classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as a group 13 herbicide.

“At FMC, we’re committed to serving farmers with innovative crop solutions that help them protect their crops and optimize yields,” said Ravi Annavarapu, FMC India, and South-West Asia President. “In the last few years, we have rigorously tested Ambriva® herbicide in wheat over multiple seasons, observing consistent performance against Phalaris minor. We believe that Ambriva® herbicide will contribute to a healthy crop by providing growers with a new and effective tool to control Phalaris minor, which has become resistant to other herbicides.”  

Ambriva® herbicide powered by Isoflex® active and metribuzin will support wheat farmers, especially in the northwestern regions of the Indo-Gangetic plains, where Phalaris minor poses a significant challenge to crop yield potential. Studies have shown that Ambriva® herbicide demonstrates residual control against Phalaris minor and early post-emergence knock-down activity, protecting wheat during the critical crop-weed competition period as a one-shot solution.

The registration and imminent introduction of Ambriva® herbicide in India marks a critical milestone for FMC. It demonstrates the strength of FMC’s robust pipeline and the ability to address grower challenges through new innovative solutions that enhance the productivity and resilience of their crops. Isoflex® active is registered in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China and Great Britain.

Company has received registration for Isoflex® active

Company News, Finance, World

Announces strategic review of non-core assets including potential sale of FMC’s non-crop product line, Global Specialty Solutions

FMC Corporation hosted its Investor Day at FMC corporate headquarters in Philadelphia where the company introduced its new strategic growth plan, reviewed three-year financial goals and longer-term financial aspirations through 2033, and provided its preliminary outlook for 2024.  The company also outlined cost savings targets and key elements that will drive sustained profitable growth.

FMC’s strategic plan is anchored in three core ambitions: to strengthen the company’s relationship with growers, ensuring they receive sound, accurate and timely guidance about the right products and technologies that best address their needs; deliver superior growth and returns; and to maintain the company’s leadership in safety, sustainability and innovation.  Actions and specific plans that drive each ambition are summarised in eight strategic imperatives.

Mark Douglas, president and chief executive officer said,  “These range from strengthening our relationship with growers to ensure they have the best guidance on using the right technologies that address their needs, growing our leading Plant Health business, accelerating the discovery and commercialisation of our R&D pipeline, and increasing operating leverage that leads to a leaner organization.  Executing these initiatives will provide more valuable tools to growers to protect their crops while FMC achieves growth on the top and bottom line.”

Development and commercial launch of new products was a significant Investor Day theme, with Diane Allemang, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, presenting new patented formulations and mixtures of existing molecules, including FMC’s industry-leading diamides, as key drivers of revenue growth.  Dr Seva Rostovstev, vice president and chief technology officer, provided details on the R&D pipeline including four new active synthetic ingredients that are expected to provide approximately $2 billion of revenue by 2033.  New products and innovation were also key themes presented by the vice president and global Plant Health business director Dr Bénédicte Flambard, who outlined the company’s plan to grow FMC’s biologicals platform to approximately $2 billion in revenue by 2033.  Ronaldo Pereira, executive vice president and president of Americas, discussed how strengthening FMC’s relationship as a trusted advisor to growers will help support the new product introductions in the years to come.  Vice President of Procurement, Logistics and Global Facilities, Thaisa Hugenneyer reviewed how a resilient, agile, cost-efficient supply chain will support existing as well as new products throughout the strategic plan timeframe.

Announces strategic review of non-core assets including

Company News, World

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) assesses the 2,000 most influential companies across industries on their performance and contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

FMC Corporation has been recognised as a leader in the World Benchmarking Alliance’s 2023 Nature Benchmark. The company ranked 23rd out of 350 companies in the food and agriculture sector and 6th in the agricultural inputs segment.

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) assesses the 2,000 most influential companies across industries on their performance and contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The 2023 Nature Benchmark ranked companies’ efforts to protect the environment and its biodiversity, including the protection and restoration of vital ecosystems.

“At FMC, we see our efforts to protect biodiversity and the environment as mission critical,” said Julie DiNatale, vice president and chief sustainability officer. “We are excited that our ranking by WBA reflects our hard work in this space and we will continue to partner with farmers and across the food and agriculture value chain to drive improvements that benefit generations to come.”

FMC continues to make strong progress on its net-zero and waste-to-beneficial reuse goals. Material circularity is a key priority for the company’s operating sites around the globe, which has collectively increased the company’s waste-to-waste-to-beneficial by nearly 70 per cent in 2023. FMC was also recognised for its strong governance around sustainability, notably its inclusion of key sustainability targets in executive compensation.

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) assesses the 2,000

Company News, People, World

Scanlan joined the company on September 25, 2023. She is assuming the role previously held by Kyle Matthews, who passed away earlier this year

FMC Corporation announced that Jacqueline (Jackie) Scanlan has been named executive vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO). Scanlan will lead the global Human Resources (HR) function and assume responsibility for FMC’s global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy and team. She will report to Mark Douglas, FMC president and chief executive officer.

Scanlan is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of experience at multinational companies across various industries. She joins FMC from Axalta Coating Systems, where she served as senior vice president and CHRO since 2021. She has held senior HR roles at several leading companies, including Haemonetics Corporation, Novo Nordisk and Campbell Soup Company.

“Jackie brings extensive experience in HR management with significant focus in areas such as organisation and people strategy, change and talent management, leadership development, culture and HR functional excellence,” said Douglas. “She is ideally suited to lead our Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion organisations. I am pleased to welcome her to the FMC executive team and look forward to her leadership.”

Scanlan joined the company on September 25, 2023. She is assuming the role previously held by Kyle Matthews, who passed away earlier this year.

Scanlan joined the company on September 25, 2023.

Agrotech, Company News, World

In addition, the preliminary injunction orders the Federal Committee for Protection from Sanitary Risks (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios) (COFEPRIS) to prohibit the import and export of chlorantraniliprole technical from Rainbow

FMC Corporation announced the Mexican Federal Court of Administrative Justice, Specialised Court in Intellectual Property (Tribunal Federal de Justicia Administrativa, Sala Especializada en Materia de Propiedad Intelectual), granted FMC Corporation and FMC Agroquímica de México, S. de R. L. de C.V. a preliminary injunction against Rainbow Agro Sciences, S.A. De C.V. (Rainbow) for patent infringement relating to the company seeking registration of chlorantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole-containing products in Mexico. Chlorantraniliprole is FMC’s leading insecticide ingredient branded as Rynaxypyr active.

In addition, the preliminary injunction orders the Federal Committee for Protection from Sanitary Risks (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios) (COFEPRIS) to prohibit the import and export of chlorantraniliprole technical from Rainbow in and out of Mexico and denies Rainbow any registration for formulated products that contain chlorantraniliprole.

“We are pleased with the Court’s decision, which reflects its understanding of the urgency of this matter and the importance of using genuine, registered crop protection technologies on farms in Mexico,” said Michael Reilly, FMC executive vice president, general counsel and secretary. “The principles decided by the Court are significant for future infringement actions and reinforce FMC’s confidence in protecting and enforcing its patents around the world. Our intellectual property rights are an essential tool to drive innovation and continued significant investment in new crop protection solutions.”

FMC Corporation invests heavily in research and development to bring the latest innovations to farms around the world. The company is committed to ensuring farmers use genuine crop protection products from legitimate sources. Its #DealWithRealFMC social media campaign is helping to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of using trusted crop protection technologies and brands from reputable companies and the many risks posed by counterfeit pesticide products.

In addition, the preliminary injunction orders the Federal

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Environment, North America, Sustainability

FMC Corporation has shown leadership in Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) performance throughout 2022.

FMC Corporation has been recognised by CDP, the gold standard of environmental reporting, as a leader in environmental sustainability, earning an A- for climate change and water security. The scores reflect FMC’s ambitious environmental goals as well as the company’s transparency and management of climate-related risks.

“We are thrilled that FMC has been recognised by CDP as a global leader for the measures we are taking to address climate change and water security,” said Karen Totland, FMC vice president and chief sustainability officer. “We have continued to raise the bar for sustainability at our company and achieving a score of A- in both areas validates the efforts of so many colleagues around the world. Achieving our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 is a top priority and we continue to make notable progress despite a challenging environment.”  

Earlier this year, FMC reset its environmental sustainability goals to drive meaningful improvements in emissions, energy, water and waste across its value chain. In addition to its aggressive net zero targets, FMC continues to promote water stewardship at its operating sites and in the communities it serves, and is focused on reducing water consumption in high-risk locations. In 2022, the company established a goal to achieve Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification at all its sites by 2035.

In 2022, more than 680 investors with over $130 trillion in assets and 280 major purchasers with $6.4 trillion in procurement spend requested environmental data from companies through CDP. A record more than 18,700 companies globally responded. Just 24 percent of chemicals companies who responded reached the leadership level (A/A-) for climate change, with the industry average score being a B-. 

“As a mission-based non-profit that runs the global environmental disclosure system, CDP greatly values the support of FMC,” said Dexter Galvin, CDP global director, Corporations & Supply Chain. “Urgent system-wide action remains critical to ensuring that we can limit global warming to 1.5°C, avoid the worst effects of climate change and safeguard our planet’s natural resources. Disclosure is the first key step in addressing current and future environmental risks. FMC has demonstrated its commitment to transparency around its environmental impacts and strategies for action by disclosing its environmental data through CDP in 2022. Disclosure not only provides the foundation for environmental action, but brings tangible business benefits for shareholders, customers and employees alike.” 

FMC has shown leadership in Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) performance throughout 2022. In addition, to CDP, FMC scored in the 92nd percentile (as of December 13, 2022) of chemicals companies for S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), which assesses over 10,000 companies around the world.

FMC Corporation has shown leadership in Environmental

R&D

The acquisition adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to FMC’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline

FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire BioPhero ApS, a Denmark-based pheromone research and production company. The acquisition adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to FMC’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline, underscoring FMC’s role as a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions.

BioPhero has pioneered a highly efficient yeast fermentation process for manufacturing pheromones at significantly lower costs and with fewer production steps compared to competitors’ traditional chemical synthesis methods. Lower costs expand the pheromone addressable market from today’s focus on specialty fruit and vegetables to now include the large row crop market. FMC expects pheromones and pheromone-based products to contribute approximately $1 billion in revenue at above company-average EBITDA margin by 2030.

Mark Douglas, FMC president and chief executive officer, said, “BioPhero is a pioneer in the production of pheromones through a unique, highly efficient bio processing method—a game-changer in pheromone manufacturing technology. FMC’s broad market access, leadership position in the high-value insecticide market, formulation know-how and application expertise provide significant opportunities to bring sustainably advantaged pheromone technology to more agricultural markets around the world. We look forward to adding an extensive pheromone platform to our biologicals business and welcoming the BioPhero team to FMC.”

Pheromones can be used in an integrated pest management program to control the buildup of insect populations in farmers’ fields by disrupting the insect mating process, reducing overall egg-laying by adults and decreasing the next generation of the target insect population.

The acquisition adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone

Allied Industry, Company News

The new herbicide provides a new level of broad-spectrum weed control in the critical growth stage of sugarcane, ensuring strong establishment of the crop for a better yield

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, announced the launch of Austral herbicide, a new pre-emergent herbicide for sugarcane crop. Austral herbicide provides a new level of broad-spectrum weed control in the critical growth stage of sugarcane, ensuring strong establishment of the crop for a better yield.

Austral herbicide’s unique dual mode of action offers a weed free condition during the critical crop-weed competition period in sugarcane. This innovative proprietary product solution forms a layer of protection on top of the soil, inhibiting weeds to germinate during the critical crop growth phase, resulting in higher numbers of healthy tillers and thereby higher yields in sugarcane.

FMC India President Ravi Annavarapu said, “At FMC, we are driven by a strong R&D pipeline, committed to bring the latest global technologies and introduce novel and sustainable solutions to address Indian farmers’ challenges. The introduction of Austral herbicide for sugarcane farmers is a testimony to our commitment of enabling better yield through technology-driven, scientific solutions. We are confident that Austral herbicide will help sugarcane farmers improve their income through effective weed protection for a superior harvest.”

Austral herbicide will be available in 500g and 1kg packs at leading retail stores across the country for the coming season. 

The new herbicide provides a new level

Agro Universities

The collaboration is part of FMC’s multi-year scholarship programme for renowned agricultural schools across eight states in India aimed at promoting talent in the field of agriculture

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with one of the country’s premier agriculture universities – Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana. The collaboration is part of FMC’s multi-year scholarship programme for renowned agricultural schools across eight states in India aimed at promoting talent in the field of agriculture. The MOU was signed by Dr Anandakrishnan Balaraman, Director, Research & Development at FMC India, and Dr Shammi Kapoor, The Registrar, PAU in the august presence of Dr Sandeep Bains, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, other Directors, Deans and Heads of various departments of the university.

Under the agreement with Punjab Agriculture University, FMC will award four scholarships annually to students from the university pursuing doctorate and master’s degrees in agricultural sciences. FMC will work with the university to identify its brightest students and develop their passion for science and research. Fifty percent of the scholarships have been earmarked for female candidates to encourage more women to pursue careers in agricultural sciences and research.

“The FMC Science Leaders Scholarship Programme is designed with an aim to create greater opportunities for aspiring scientists to develop their aptitude in agricultural research. Additionally, through the FMC scholarships, the awardees will be provided opportunity to internship and industry mentorship for their overall development. This will encourage students to pursue rewarding careers in the agricultural industry and eventually contribute to Indian agriculture by solving the emerging problems of the farming community,” said Dr Anandakrishnan Balaraman, Research and Development Director at FMC India.

The collaboration is part of FMC’s multi-year

Company News

Biologicals by FMC demonstrates FMC’s commitment to providing farmers with science-backed biological solutions to help sustainably manage crops, protect yields and combat resistance

FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, has launched a new brand identity for its Plant Health business to reflect the company’s continuing growth and expansion of its biological’s platform. Agricultural biologicals represent a diverse group of crop protection and stimulant products derived from living organisms and naturally occurring compounds. Biologicals by FMC demonstrates FMC’s commitment to providing farmers with science-backed biological solutions to help sustainably manage crops, protect yields and combat resistance.

“FMC is investing substantially in the biological segment and is committed to providing growers with products offering unique modes of action as either stand-alone solutions or complementary to FMC’s portfolio of crop protection chemistries,” said Dr Bénédicte Flambard, global director of FMC Plant Health. “We are rapidly expanding our existing offerings into additional geographies by launching four new biopesticides around the world in the next four years. As part of this initiative, we are excited to share that we are introducing Zironar biofungicide/bionematicide in the US and Provilar biofungicide in Brazil this year.” 

Biologicals by FMC demonstrates FMC's commitment to providing

Bee keeping

As part of the project, rural women will be selected from Sitarganj, Kotabagh, and the towns of Almora and Ranikhet and trained in beekeeping

FMC India, a leading agricultural sciences company, has announced a collaboration with Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GB Pant University) to develop entrepreneurship among rural women through beekeeping, as a means to generate sustainable income for their families and raise their living standard.

Named Project MadhuShakti, is a first-of-its-kind innovative sustainable development initiative in India. The project, spanning three years, is planned for the rural area of Uttarakhand, located in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range, where there is an abundant source of natural herbs and flora useful for honey production. Approximately 53 per cent of the population in Uttarakhand lives in hills and mountains, out of which 60 per cent falls below the poverty line.

Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India, said, “Our objective with Project MadhuShakti is to transform the lives of rural families by empowering women in agriculture with sustainable business opportunities. We place sustainable agriculture at the center of our commitment to support farmers who maintain a safe and secure food supply, while protecting the environment for future generations.  The success of this project will not only encourage women farmers in India to see beekeeping as a fruitful endeavor, but also address the global concern around safeguarding pollinator populations under intensive agriculture.” 

As part of the project, rural women will be selected from Sitarganj, Kotabagh, and the towns of Almora and Ranikhet and trained in beekeeping. The produce from the farmers’ beehives will be procured by the university’s Honey Bee Research and Training Centre (HBRTC) through a revolving fund set up to facilitate payment to farmers and market products from the hives. The project will also closely monitor pollinator behaviour, generating a wealth of scientific knowledge that will benefit beekeepers across the country.

Other goals of the project include promoting good agronomic practices that lead to the safe and judicious use of pesticides while keeping honeybees safe.

In a biodiverse state like Uttarakhand, the potential of beekeeping remains untapped. The state currently produces only 12,500 metric tons of honey. This figure is expected to grow significantly under the aegis of a program like MadhuShakti.

As part of the project, rural women

Agrotech

The permanent injunction restrains Udragon from manufacturing, using and selling any product which contains a specific patented intermediate chemical used to make chlorantraniliprole

FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, announced the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Zhejiang Province, China, granted FMC a permanent injunction against Hangzhou Udragon Chemical and Zhejiang Udragon Bioscience. The Court found Udragon infringed on FMC’s patent for a key intermediate chemical used in the manufacturing of chlorantraniliprole by conducting field trials, attending trade fairs and distributing samples of products manufactured using FMC’s patented intermediate.

The permanent injunction restrains Udragon from manufacturing, using and selling any product which contains a specific patented intermediate chemical used to make chlorantraniliprole, FMC’s leading insect control active ingredient.

Michael Reilly, FMC executive vice president, general counsel and secretary said, “The principles decided by the Court are also significant for future infringement actions where defendants attempt to rely on the so-called ‘Bolar exemption,’ a legal exemption in the pharmaceutical industry, to avoid infringement of valid intellectual property in the agrochemical segment.” 

FMC has invested heavily in the research, development and commercialisation of chlorantraniliprole, a proprietary, breakthrough technology designed to control a wide variety of destructive insects that can destroy a farmer’s crops and dramatically lower food production.

The company maintains an extensive patent estate for its proprietary chlorantraniliprole technology, including patents that cover active ingredient composition of matter, manufacturing processes, intermediate chemicals, formulations and other areas protected by intellectual property laws in the US, China, India, and other important agricultural markets throughout the world.

The permanent injunction restrains Udragon from manufacturing,

Sustainability

The awards programme was jointly organised by the Energy Research Institute, the International Water Association and the United Nations Development Programme

FMC Corporation, a leading agricultural sciences company, has been conferred a Certificate of Recognition for its exemplary contribution towards water stewardship in India at the inaugural TERI-IWA-UNDP Water Sustainability Awards 2021-22 on World Water Day 2022. The awards programme was jointly organised by the Energy Research Institute, the International Water Association and the United Nations Development Programme.

FMC runs an ongoing campaign under its flagship Project Samarth that seeks to provide access to safe and potable drinking water to 200,000 farmer families by 2024 in India. Project Samarth has to date commissioned 57 community water purification plants in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, benefiting nearly 100,000 farming families.

Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India said, “Our goal is to empower the farming community and raise living standards through various initiatives and community outreach programmes like Project Samarth. Over 4,000 FMC technical field experts engage with farmers about good agriculture practices and the sustainable use of water to enhance productivity while optimising water use. We endeavour to educate the community at large about best practices in water consumption, and we are grateful for this recognition by TERI-IWA-UNDP. It motivates us to move forward on our mission of water stewardship.”

Apart from commissioning water purification plants, FMC also promotes the sustainable use of water in agriculture through its wide network of technical experts and channel partners.

The award was received by Raju Kapoor, director of Public and Industry Affairs, FMC India, in the presence of The Chief Guest Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary Lokpal of India, Former Additional Secretary Jal Jeevan Mission and Shoko Noda, UNDP Resident Representative in India.

The TERI-IWA-UNDP Water Sustainability Awards aim to encourage the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by way of reducing the water footprint among various stakeholders through the adoption of the ‘water neutrality’ approach.

The awards programme was jointly organised by