Key Takeaways:
- New Facility Operational: Horizon has opened a new facility dedicated to producing organic fertilizers and biostimulants in Baeza, Spain, emphasizing its cutting-edge technology across 1,000 square meters.
- Innovative Production Techniques: The company utilizes refined processes to transform porcine intestinal mucosa into high-quality protein hydrolysates, which are crucial for developing its new range of products.
- Focus on Sustainable Agriculture: Products are designed to support sustainable farming practices, improving crop health and productivity through scientifically developed formulas.
- Strategic Financial Support: The project received a €368,916 grant from the Agency for Innovation and Development of Andalusia (IDEA), largely funded by the European Union, highlighting its potential impact on the competitive landscape of bio-agriculture.
- Expansion of Organic Farming: The initiative aligns with global trends in organic agriculture, which has seen significant growth and now encompasses over 96 million hectares globally.
Overview of the New Production Facility
Horizon has recently inaugurated a new facility in Baeza, one of Spain’s key agricultural regions. This marks a significant expansion in Horizon’s capacity to produce ecological fertilizers, biostimulants, and bionutrients. This 1,000-square-meter facility is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology tailored for the development of organic agricultural products.
Leveraging Decades of Expertise
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Horizon specializes in valorizing porcine intestinal mucosa, an innovative approach that underscores its commitment to natural and effective agricultural solutions. This expertise is pivotal in creating products that meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture.
Technological and Process Innovations
The new range of products begins with a high-quality protein hydrolysate, sourced from Horizon’s intestinal mucosa fractionation units. This is then stabilized, concentrated, and purified, following which it is enriched with essential macro and microelements. These steps are designed to tailor the nutrients to the specific requirements of various crops, enhancing their growth under different environmental conditions.
Research and Development Focus
“The development of these products is grounded in rigorous scientific research, aiming to verify their effectiveness extensively,” explains Horizon’s R&D team. This process ensures that all products are reliable and meet the stringent standards for sustainable agricultural practices.
Comments from the CEO
José Escaich, CEO and co-founder of Horizon, commented on the new facility’s role, “This plant represents a strategic expansion of our capabilities to support sustainable agriculture globally. We are committed to providing growers with bespoke solutions that promote the health and performance of their crops, tailored specifically to their agricultural environments.”
Support and Funding
The facility’s development was supported by a significant grant from the Agency for Innovation and Development of Andalusia (IDEA), with substantial co-financing from the European Union. This funding aims to enhance Horizon’s business environment and competitive edge in the bio-agriculture market.
Global Impact on Organic Agriculture
The launch of this facility coincides with substantial growth in the organic agriculture sector, which has been expanding rapidly worldwide. According to FiBL’s recent report, the sector’s growth highlights a broader trend toward sustainability in global agriculture practices.
Image provided by Horizon