Novozymes and Anuvia Partner on Plant Biotech
Danish biotech Novozymes has linked up with US-based Anuvia Plant Nutrients to develop a range of combined biotechnologies to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers in commercial agriculture. As a first step, the companies will combine Novozymes’ phosphate solubilizing microbial solutions with Anuvia’s bio-based fertilizer products to enhance macronutrient efficiency with a focus on phosphate.
The companies envision several generations of the new technology. The first is anticipated to add as much as 10 units of phosphorus, while subsequent generations will target the replacement of additional units of macro- and micronutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
The resulting products, which the companies said could be available as early as next year, mean farmers will require less synthetic fertilizer per acre, while achieving equivalent or better crop performance, and at the same time reducing their environmental impact through lower nutrient loss and greenhouse gas emissions.
“By pairing our sustainable products with Novozymes’ advanced biotechnologies, we are changing the paradigm of plant nutrition by making bio-nutrients a standard tool in commercial agriculture,” said Anuvia CEO Amy Yoder. “Through this partnership, we aim to double the nutritional value of Anuvia’s products without adding a single unit of synthetic nutrient or increasing the volume used.”
The companies added that they will continue to work together to innovate on future generations of bio-fertilizers. Specifically, they will seek to identify additional microbes and enzymes that could improve the nutritional efficiency of crops.
Last month, Anuvia announced it was partnering the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute to help drive discoveries for delivering new cutting-edge plant nutrient technologies to farmers who want to improve sustainable soil health practices.
Located in Winter Garden, Florida, the company has developed proprietary technology that not only optimizes nutrient availability and efficiency for plants, but also improves soil health, preserves natural resources, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist
