Corteva Agriscience receives first USDA certification for biostimulant

Corteva Agriscience announced that Utrisha N, a microbial-based nitrogen fixation product, has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Process Verification Program (PVP).

The USDA Process Verified shield assures farmers that the USDA-validated quality management systems and specific process points Corteva has established indicate the quality of Utrisha N, also called BlueN in some markets. According to Corteva, Utrisha N (or BlueN) is the first biostimulant to be included in the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Process Verification Program.

“Corteva sought out the USDA PVP to raise farmer and industry expectations regarding biostimulant knowledge and transparency. Programs like the USDA PVP provide innovative tools to increase farmers’ confidence in our biostimulants,” said Frederic Beudot, general manager of biologics business at Corteva Agriscience.

Specific certified points validated by the USDA include:

• Confirmation that the bacteria on the packaging is the same as the SB23 strain of Methylobacterium symbioticum presented on the label.

• Confirmation of the amount of bacteria declared on the label.

• Confirmation of bacterial contaminants and heavy metal contaminants below the limits established by the USDA.

• Confirmation that the bacteria can colonize the plant and provide the intended benefit.

According to the press release, Symborg, a Corteva company, manufactures and packages Utrisha N; and Corteva distributes the product globally. The evolution of these negotiations can be seen in public articles published by Revista Cultivar in 31/03/2022, 22/09/2022 e 02/03/2023.