Corteva to distribute Simbiose's biological phosphorus solubilizer technology in Europe

Date:03-07-2025

Simbiose, a Brazilian company pioneering the development of microbiological inputs for agriculture, is preparing to launch one of the most innovative products in its portfolio, a biological phosphorous solubilizer technology, on the European market.

The product has been available and commercially by Simbiose in Brazil since 2019. Developed with support from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa), the solution is expected to reach more than twenty countries through its collaboration with Corteva Agriscience, a global agricultural science and technology company. Recognized and celebrated by farmers throughout Brazil, the product could pave the way for other Simbiose solutions on its internationalization journey.

The bioinput is capable of increasing crop productivity and resilience. The solution broke paradigms among rural producers in Brazil by becoming the first biological product for phosphorus, based on phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms. It was developed following more than 20 years of research carried out by Embrapa Milho e Sorgo, under the leadership of researcher Dr. Christiane Paiva.

Simbiose's participation in Embrapa studies began at the time of validation of tests with inoculants and microorganisms in the crop, the so-called field phase.

Dr. Paiva explains that the biological phosphorus solubilizer technology acts from the beginning of cultivation, when bacteria applied to the seeds or in the soil, begin the colonization process that facilitates the release of phosphorus to the plants, thus enabling the roots to absorb more nutrients and increase productivity.

In 2022, Dr. Paiva received an award for excellence from Embrapa, highlighting national technical-scientific merit and the Motion of Congratulations for the development of the product. This innovation is considered the most disruptive technology developed by Embrapa in the last decade. It is estimated that this biological input is already applied to more than 10% of the soybean planted area in Brazil, in addition to helping with solubilization in corn and sugar cane crops (Embrapa, 2024).

The Corteva collaboration

Corteva is targeting $1 billion in annual revenues for its global biologicals business by the end of the decade and now through its collaboration with Simbiose, has secured exclusive distribution rights for the phosphorous solubilizer product in Europe. This innovative, biological technology serves as a formidable asset for farmers to enhance the productivity and efficiency of wheat, corn, barley and other cereal crops. The European Union's Agricultural Commission estimates that 260.9 tons of cereals will be produced on the continent by the end of the year.

"We are continuously searching for innovations that can help growers adapt to environmental and productivity challenges," says Frederic Beudot, Vice President Biologicals at Corteva Agriscience. "Combining the quality of Simbiose's portfolio with our R&D and local agronomy capabilities will bring us one step closer to this goal."

In Europe, the product will be rebranded under a new name, which will be determined by Corteva.

Simbiose, in turn, plans to expand the solution's reach and boost sales of other products in one of the largest agricultural markets, the USA. Headquartered in the city of Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul, Simbiose has over 15 years of experience in research and development of agricultural biologicals inoculants and natural fertilizers. With a portfolio of more than 50 registered products, it has a broad capacity to offer complete and innovative solutions to producers.

"With many studies and technological advances, Simbiose has established itself in Brazil as an innovative company, synonymous with quality and a partner to producers", says Marcelo de Godoy Oliveira, CEO of Simbiose. "In partnership with Corteva, we will open the European market to Simbiose by exporting one of its most innovative and disruptive products. This collaboration has everything needed to serve a demanding market that is increasingly seeking productivity, with sustainable solutions and high-quality technology."

With the signing of the recent exclusive distribution contract, Simbiose and Corteva will work together to launch the solution in the European Union and expect the product to be available as early as 2026, pending regulatory approval and completion of local market branding.