Koppert and Jacto partnership will develop application technologies for biological products

Combining Koppert's knowledge in the production of biological inputs and Jacto's experience in developing equipment and application technologies, the companies come together to jointly develop tools that facilitate the adoption of integrated pest management and biological control by Brazilian farmers.

The partnership will take place via SPARCBio (São Paulo Advanced Research Center for Biological Control), a research and innovation center focused on biological management, launched at the beginning of this year by Koppert Biological Systems, FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo ) and the “Luiz de Queiroz” Higher School of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), with joint investments of R$20 million. “From now on, Jacto will invest R$1 million in the construction of the SPARCBio headquarters, located at ESALQ, in Piracicaba, and will also be part of the research lines in the development of macro and microbiological application technology solutions”, explains the deputy director of SPARCBio, Renata Morelli.

According to Koppert's commercial director, Gustavo Ranzani Herrmann, this partnership is very important to encourage research and development of new precision agriculture tools, which will promote a simpler, safer and more economical adoption of biological control. “Jacto and Koppert will provide technical knowledge for the development of equipment and services that will encourage farmers to adhere to the technologies and will also allow integrated pest management to be better known and disseminated among producers.”

For Fernando Gonçalves, President of Jacto, the partnership reinforces one of the company's value propositions, which is precisely the search for innovations, products and services that can effectively contribute to competitive and sustainable agriculture. “Building this partnership contributes to a stronger ecosystem. Farmers have increasingly sought alternative technologies, including the use of biological products, with the aim of increasing productivity and reducing losses and production costs, in addition to reducing environmental impacts. This is an alignment for all our products, from small to large producers. With precision agriculture technologies increasingly assertive and oriented to meet the demands of this scenario, the entire chain is strengthened”, assesses Gonçalves.