Nufarm and Moa advance herbicide with new mode of action

Nufarm and Moa Technology announced the start of the next phase of development of a herbicide with a new mode of action. According to the companies, the breakthrough comes more than a year ahead of the industry average.

The companies tested several compounds identified by Moa's Galaxy platform. The results showed consistent efficacy against some of the world's leading resistant weeds. Field trials spanning three seasons in North America, South America, Australia, and Europe confirmed the technology's potential.

The product under development is a broad-spectrum herbicide for pre-emergent use. Selection of the lead candidate and preparations for registration are underway. This step comes just 24 months after the initial classification of the new mode of action area by Moa.

The partnership between Nufarm and Moa began in July 2024. The agreement granted Nufarm exclusive access to a compound from the chemical class discovered by Moa, in exchange for upfront payments, development milestones, and future royalties. Nufarm retains the option to commercialize other compounds from the same group.

The initial research cycle took twelve months. In the next phase, the companies plan to expand field trials in different regions, in addition to conducting crop safety studies, environmental testing, and assessing impacts on human health. The goal is to optimize the product for commercial use.

Nufarm CEO Greg Hunt emphasized that the partnership accelerates innovation and creates lasting value for farmers and investors. Moa CEO Virginia Corless stated that the progress reflects the combination of cutting-edge technology and Nufarm's strategic vision.