American Vanguard Boosts Herbicides with Corteva Buy

American Vanguard (AVD) has acquired the Quizalofop (QPE) range of herbicides from Corteva Agriscience, the agriculture division of DowDuPont, for an undisclosed sum. Primary markets are in the US and Canada for canola, soybeans and pulses.

The purchase includes technical registrations, commercial sales information and the transfer of existing product supply arrangements.

Eric Wintemute, AVD’s chairman and CEO, said the QPE portfolio holds significant leadership positions in North America, is complementary to existing glyphosate, glufosinate and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyactic acid (2,4-D) use and is highly regarded for weed and grass control.

He commented: “Additionally, the new DowDuPont Enlist seed trait technology for corn provides crop tolerance to these QPE herbicides, making them ideal for achieving improved weed management. In this acquisition, AVD has secured a license to market QPE for use alone or with Enlist herbicides over the top of the new Enlist corn seeds, a segment that is forecast to grow considerably in coming years.”

Wintemute noted also that AVD has acquired marketing rights in Argentina and Chile, which he said dovetails with the company’s initiative to increase access to the South American market.

Last November, AVD took full control of Tyratech, a US life sciences company focused on natural insect and parasite control products, in which it previously held around 35%. Wintemute said the acquisition complements its Envance portfolio, which uses the same technology platform in consumer, professional and agricultural applications, and will enable AVD to expand into the mosquito repellent, animal health and other sectors.