Key Takeaways:
- Tidal Grow AgriScience leverages chitosan-based solutions to enhance crop protection. Its parent company, Tidal Vision, also uses chitosan-based solutions in the water treatment and material science industries.
- The company’s green chemistry innovations offer supplements to traditional pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals.
- Sustainability and profitability are central to Tidal Grow’s approach, ensuring that farmers can adopt regenerative solutions without sacrificing economic viability.
- Tidal Vision, the parent company, Tidal Grow AgriScience has developed a zero-waste, environmentally friendly chitosan manufacturing process, positioning Tidal Grow as a leader in bio-based agricultural solutions.
- Regulatory challenges remain a hurdle, but Tidal Grow has achieved key milestones, including an EPA Safe Chemistry Award and 25(b) exemption for its biopesticides. Tidal Vision, Tidal Grow’s parent company, earned this award with a chitosan-based solution, same active ingredient as used in Tidal Grow’s agricultural solutions.
A Vision Rooted in Agriculture and Innovation
A Journey from Farming to AgTech Leadership
Norm Davy, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Tidal Grow AgriScience, brings a wealth of experience in agriculture, precision farming, and biological solutions. His background, from growing up on a farm in Western Canada to leading multiple AgTech startups, has shaped his perspective on sustainability and innovation.
“Tidal Grow AgriScience’s mission is to drive systemic impact in global food production while addressing planetary challenges,” Davy shared. “The potential of chitosan-based technology spans across agriculture, water treatment, and material sciences, providing environmentally friendly solutions to major global problems.”
With prior leadership roles at companies like Cargill, Bayer, and Monsanto, Davy understands the intersection of agronomics, economics, and commercial scalability—a key focus for Tidal Grow AgriScience as it works to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world agricultural application.
Chitosan-Based Solutions: A Game Changer in Agriculture
What is Chitosan and How is it Used?
Chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer in nature, is found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. When processed into chitosan, it becomes a versatile bio-based material with applications in crop protection and seed treatments.
Tidal Grow AgriScience’s unique chitosan processing method converts seafood byproducts, such as crab shell, into high-value agricultural solutions. Unlike conventional chitosan production, which generates hazardous byproducts, Tidal Vision, parent company to Tidal Vision, has developed a zero-waste, green chemistry process.
“Our manufacturing process produces zero hazardous waste, making it the most environmentally sustainable chitosan production method available,” Davy explained. “This not only makes it safer for the environment but also more scalable for widespread agricultural adoption.”
Applications in Agriculture: Pest Control, Soil Health, and Sustainability
A Natural Complement to Synthetic Chemicals
Tidal Grow AgriScience is pioneering the use of bioengineered chitosan to tackle some of agriculture’s biggest challenges, including fungal diseases, insect infestations, and soil degradation.
“We’ve successfully developed biopesticides, nematicides, and fungicides that provide targeted control over pathogens like Fusarium, using chitosan’s natural properties,” Davy noted. “Our approach disrupts pathogen cell walls, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals while maintaining efficacy.”
In addition to standalone bio-based products, Tidal Grow is also exploring synergistic formulations that combine chitosan-based solutions with reduced-dose synthetic chemicals. This approach lowers chemical resistance risks, increases efficacy of traditional active ingredients when combined, minimizes environmental impact, and provides cost-effective solutions for farmers.
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges and Scaling Adoption
Navigating the Path to Commercialization
Regulatory approval remains a key hurdle for biological solutions. However, Tidal Grow AgriScience has achieved significant milestones, including its parent company, Tidal Vision, earning an EPA Safe Chemistry Award (2024) for its chitosan-based solutionsS and a 25(b) exemption for biopesticides—a rare distinction in agricultural inputs.
“Because chitosan is not a living organism, it follows a chemical rather than biological regulatory pathway, making it more predictable for approval,” Davy explained. “Still, state-level registration can be complex—California, for example, has been one of the toughest markets to navigate.”
Despite these challenges, Tidal Grow is actively expanding its global regulatory footprint, including recent approval in Canada and working with governments and research institutions to accelerate adoption in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa.
The Future of Tidal Grow AgriScience: Where Will It Be in 2030?
Scaling Impact Across Multiple Industries
Looking ahead, Davy envisions Tidal Grow AgriScience operating in 28 to 35 countries, scaling its solutions across crop protection, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and seed treatment technologies.
“Our goal is to drive sustainability without compromising profitability,” Davy emphasized. “By reducing input costs, improving yields, and providing environmentally friendly alternatives, we aim to empower farmers while addressing broader global challenges.”
Beyond agriculture, Tidal Grow’s parent company, Tidal Vision, has chitosan-based solutions in water treatment and material science industries, working to replace PFAS and other ‘forever chemicals’ with biodegradable, high-performance alternatives.
Conclusion
Science Powered by Nature
Tidal Grow AgriScience’s philosophy—“Science Powered by Nature”—reflects its , commitment to leveraging biological innovations for real-world impact. Through chitosan-based solutions, green chemistry, and precision bioengineering, the company is pioneering a sustainable approach to modern agriculture.
As the agricultural sector grapples with climate change, pest resistance, and regulatory pressures, Tidal Grow’s model of science-driven, environmentally responsible innovation presents a compelling blueprint for the future.
With strategic partnerships, continued R&D, and expanding market presence, Tidal Grow AgriScience is positioning itself as a leader in the transition toward regenerative, profitable, and sustainable farming solutions.
