ADAMA and BASF Join Forces to Advance Crop Protection

In a significant move for agricultural innovation, crop protection giants ADAMA and BASF have officially announced a co-development and commercialization agreement centered on ADAMA’s proprietary fungicide active ingredient, Gilboa® (flumetylsulforim). This strategic partnership aims to expedite the creation of cutting-edge disease management solutions to assist European farmers facing the dual challenges of rising resistance and dwindling chemical options.

Collaboration Details

As part of the agreement, BASF will take the lead in developing and commercializing new formulations that leverage Gilboa, supplementing ADAMA’s existing product range. Both companies will maintain independent management over product concepts, pricing frameworks, and strategies for market entry, ensuring a balanced and collaborative approach.

The Need for Effective Disease Management

“Farmers have expressed a pressing need for reliable and resilient protection against a variety of diseases,” stated Florian Wagner, Executive Vice President of Portfolio and Innovation at ADAMA. “The introduction of Gilboa offers cereal growers a powerful tool to enhance crop protection. Our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability makes BASF the perfect partner to quickly deliver this breakthrough to the agricultural community.”

Innovative Mode of Action

Gilboa employs a novel mode of action, classified under FRAC Group 32, which focuses on nucleic acid metabolism—a category that gained recognition earlier this year. This innovation is designed to provide broad-spectrum, long-lasting disease control, allowing farmers to maintain both yield and quality amid the increasing regulatory pressures and phase-outs of active ingredients that are redefining crop protection methodologies.

“The increasing mutation rates of fungal pathogens in European cereal crops necessitate innovative and effective fungicide solutions,” emphasized Johannes Weimer, Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing Fungicides at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “Adding Gilboa to BASF’s offerings means growers will have access sooner to crucial new solutions for yield protection.”

Market Impact and Future Prospects

Subject to regulatory approvals, formulations based on Gilboa are projected to launch for wheat in Great Britain by 2027, with broader introductions across Europe anticipated for 2029. Both companies view this collaboration as a pivotal step in delivering practical and scientifically sound solutions to farmers dealing with growing agronomic and economic challenges.

Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions, remarked, “This partnership brings together BASF’s market expertise with ADAMA’s pioneering innovations in active components and mixtures. Together, we can expedite the availability of advanced solutions for farmers throughout Europe.”