b'BIOLOGICALSPlaying the Long Game: Resilience, Innovation and Trust for Todays AgricultureKERI CARSTENS CEOkeri.carstens@jordbioscience.comjordbioscience.comcompany/jord-bioscienceOUR FAMILY FARMSsurvival is a testament to resilience iners by driving change in how we design and develop microbials. the face of daunting uncertainty. When my parents bought ourBiologicals need a biology-based playbookone grounded in land in the early 1980s, the farm economy was in turmoilsky- the best science available and tailored to the complexity of living high interest rates and challenging input and land prices, withorganisms. Microbes are living systems with complex genomes every indicator suggesting the odds were against them. Theand diverse capabilities. Microbials are a paradigm shift that can farm economy was in a downward spiral, and the future wasbuild resiliency from the ground up. anything but certain. Yet, through grit, adaptability and makingJords approach, powered by a global microbial bank and tough but necessary sacrifices, they persevered. Decades later,advanced analytics, has demonstrated win-rates exceeding we gather around the dinner table to discuss succession plan- 80% and performance improvements of 11% to 25% over lead-ning for our farma conversation that actuarial science (anding benchmarks. Its a new era of reliable, field-ready biologicals betting people) said wed never have. productivity, consistency and sustainability.Today, farmers face a new era of uncertainty. ResourceIn multi-year field testing, data show that our biology-based scarcity and volatility in the markets, in the weather, in globalplaybook works. Our microbial leads outperform current prod-competition and tariffs, and in policies that impact agriculturalucts and provide reliability for farmers seeking high-performing innovation have created a landscape just as unpredictable ascrop inputs with sustainable ROI. Through partnerships with the 1980s. The challenges may have changed, but the need forleading agribusinesses, we aim to be a trusted, science-driven resilience and adaptability remains the same. Just as my parentspartner to advance better and more consistent crop protection faced the unknown with determination, our generation must findand fertility products. new ways to adapt and thrive for the long game. Trust is foundational. Lets roll up our sleeves, leverage our I focus on making biological products more reliable for grow- collective strengths, and push the boundaries of whats possible. SEED COATINGPioneering Change: Microplastic-free Products for Sustainable AgricultureGLEN ZHANG Senior Director, Global R&D, AgricultureMichelmanglenzhang@michelman.commichelman.com IN RECENT YEARS,the agricultural sector has facedStaying ahead of evolving regulations is essential. While North increasing regulatory pressures, particularly in Europe, whereAmerica hasnt fully aligned with European standards, aware-microplastics are under scrutiny. The European Chemicalsness is growing about how reducing plastic residues can improve Agency (ECHA) has introduced restrictions through thesoil structure and enhance long-term productivity. I believe MPF REACH regulation, prompting companies to innovate. Attechnologies will play a key role in creating more resilient farming Michelman, we view this as an opportunity to lead in sustain- systems.able agricultural solutions. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work has been col-Sustainable innovation has always been one of my passions.laborating with Michelmans talented team of experts in sustain-With more than 30 years of experience in bioscience materials,able materials, agricultural formulations, and seed coatings. Their Ive seen how regulatory shifts can spark meaningful change. Ourdedication has been vital to our success in developing MPF wax recent focus on microplastic-free (MPF) seed coatings reflectsemulsions and seed coating polymers from scratch.this. The challenge was to match the performance of traditionalOur investment in a new seed lab further underscores our synthetic coatings while staying cost competitive. By leveragingcommitment to innovation. This facility allows us to continually bio-based materials from renewable plant sources, we developedrefine and enhance our solutions, keeping us at the forefront of wax emulsions and binders with enhanced flow, abrasion resist- sustainable seed coating technology.ance, and reduced dust-offessential for high-performanceFor me, our work is deeply personal. Were not just develop-seed coatings. ing productswere contributing to a healthier, more sustainable The results have been encouraging. Our bio-based film coat- agricultural future. Leading Michelmans R&D efforts has been an ings now deliver performance that rivals or surpasses conven- honor, and Im proud of the progress weve made. While theres tional synthetic options. Our product portfolio includes tailoredmore to do, Im excited about the meaningful changes were driv-MPF and biodegradable wax emulsions, binders, and seeding for our customers, our planet, and future generations. coating polymers designed for crops like corn, soybeans, and sunflowers.JUNE 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /43'