In a highly competitive selection process, the 2024 cohort of biological product companies were invited to participate in Plaform10 commercial field trials.

Product companies AgroSpheres, Bayer, Boost Biomes, Impello Bio, Lallemand, ProFarm Group, Summit Agro, and Vestaron submitted products that were selected to be trialed on key crops and diseases, as identified by growers. Applications were reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts in the representative crops, pests, and diseases.

 Bio-based and novel pest control options to address existing and anticipated gaps in pest management are sorely needed to ensure that our growers are properly equipped with the tools to address mounting pest and disease challenges.

Platform10 is an international, multi-year collaboration that will accelerate promising biopesticide companies, rigorously assess products, enhance grower confidence, and facilitate market development and adoption. Platform10 is being developed by Western Growers and New Zealand-based Wharf42.

Trials will be overseen by a third party, working in collaboration with the product company’s technical personnel. The initial field trial program will be managed out of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology in Salinas, California, USA.

This cohort will be highlighted at the 2024 Biological Summit (25-26 June), supported by Western Growers. Additionally, cohort companies will be provided with complimentary membership to the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology for the duration of the program.

To register interest for future Biological Product RFPs, please contact: platform10@salinas-summit.com