AgroSpheres, a biotechnology leader in sustainable crop protection and crop health, today announced that its first biofungicide, powered by the novel AgriCell technology, has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following a comprehensive review. This approval allows the company to commence commercial production, bringing its innovative bioplatform technology directly to growers. The proprietary botanical biofungicide is fully biodegradable, formulated without any petrochemicals or microplastics and approved for use in organic crop production.
“AgroSpheres extends our sincere gratitude to the EPA for their diligent and cooperative review process, particularly given the resource challenges they are facing,” said Payam Pourtaheri, CEO and Co-Founder of AgroSpheres. “We remain committed to advocating for the EPA in support of their ongoing efforts to regulate innovative technologies. As an active member of multiple trade associations, AgroSpheres will help advance the call for additional resources for the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs.”
Achieving this significant regulatory milestone is a pivotal moment for the company. The announcement comes on the heels of organic (OMRI) listing of its core technologies, a $25 million Series B funding round, a partnership with the State of Virginia for a new manufacturing facility and a major development agreement with agricultural heavyweight FMC Corporation.
While the regulatory timeline for approving synthetic chemistries can stretch to 10 years, AgroSpheres underwent a rigorous product and safety review in a concentrated timeframe through the EPA’s Biopesticide and Pollution Prevention Division (BPPD).
“The federal approval of our novel AgriCell powered biofungicide is an incredible benchmark that demonstrates our ability to take products from concept to launch within 24 to 30 months,” said Karen Warkentien, AgroSpheres’ Director of Regulatory Affairs. “We appreciate the constructive and thorough review from the EPA team and look forward to advancing groundbreaking solutions that safely benefit the grower and the environment.”
AgroSpheres’ AgriCell technology overcomes the challenges of stability and reliability faced by biologicals in commercial applications. Adoption of this technology will enable a substantial decrease in microplastic usage and off-target effects.
AgroSpheres plans to make its biofungicide product commercially available in 2025.