Grace Breeding Ltd., an AgClimateTech company dedicated to developing sustainable biological-based products for improving crop yield and vigor, has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its bio-fertilizer product in Austria. The innovative NFT bio-fertilizer, marketed under the name “Addir”, as a soil improver, has received product registration approval from the Austrian Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES). This marks Grace Breeding’s first product registration approval in the European Union and opens the doors for rapid Mutual Recognition registrations in several other EU countries.
The CEO of Grace Breeding, Assaf Dotan, expressed his pride and enthusiasm for the registration of their products in Europe, especially considering the recent registration obtained in Brazil. Dotan explained that “Addir” means “strong one” in Hebrew, reflecting the product’s ability to enhance plant strength, promote robust root systems, and improve overall plant health. What sets Addir apart is its reliance on reduced amounts of urea, a component of traditional fertilizers known for its harmful environmental effects. By utilizing bio-fertilizer technology, Grace Breeding offers a sustainable solution for wheat and corn crops, vital staples in Europe.
Dotan further emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that the approval in Austria serves as a prototype for registration in other EU member states and lays the foundation for future registrations in territories such as the United States and beyond. The regulatory process in Europe can be complex, making this initial approval a notable stepping stone for Grace Breeding’s expansion into new markets.
In addition to being more economically viable, Addir helps increase carbon sequestration and reduce carbon emissions by utilizing nitrogen fixation. This approach contributes to mitigating environmental damage, which is crucial in the fight against climate change.
Grace Breeding’s Addir bio-fertilizer works with natural, non-pathogenic bacteria, significantly reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. As a result, CO2 emissions are reduced, leading to a lower environmental impact on soil and groundwater. Moreover, the use of synthetic nitrogen can be decreased by up to 50%. Chemical nitrogen fertilizers represent a global market valued at over $170 billion in 2021, but due to their negative impact on soil and groundwater, they are facing increased scrutiny and regulation. Farmers and distributors are actively seeking sustainable alternatives that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial for crop health. Grace Breeding’s bio-fertilizer caters to this demand, with applications across various field crops like corn, wheat, soy, and rice. Additionally, its application frequency is reduced, requiring only one sowing treatment compared to the three to four applications typically needed during a growing season.
Grace Breeding is an AgClimateTech company at the forefront of developing environmentally sustainable products based on biological solutions. The company aims to revolutionize crop agriculture by offering innovative products that address crop bio-fertilization, climate stress relief, and reduce the environmental damage caused by synthetic fertilizers. With research and development centers in Israel and collaborations with leading research institutions worldwide, Grace Breeding is committed to providing efficient and natural solutions for farmers and distributors.
Grace Breeding’s product registration approval for its bio-fertilizer in Austria marks a significant milestone for the company and highlights its commitment to sustainable agriculture. By providing an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, Grace Breeding’s Addir bio-fertilizer not only benefits crop health but also addresses the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate environmental damage. With further registrations in the EU and plans for expansion into other territories, Grace Breeding is ready to make an impact on global agriculture by promoting sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Photo by Christian Löhner on Unsplash
