Key Takeaways
- Nicolas Roy highlights Premier Tech’s century-long commitment to tailored innovation and sustainability in horticulture.
- The expanded PRO-MIX® AGTIV® lineup introduces specialized formulations—NAX, NAO, NAC, and FVCO—designed for distinct CEA crop systems.
- Combining PRO-MIX® substrates with AGTIV® biologicals enhances nutrient uptake, root growth, and stress resilience in crops.
- Premier Tech collaborates with universities and research partners to advance CEA-focused solutions and ensure consistency.
- Nicolas Roy envisions a future where biologicals and substrates drive diversification and sustainability in global food production.
Nicolas Roy on Innovation Rooted in Legacy
For over 100 years, Premier Tech has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in horticulture, balancing tradition with forward-looking innovation. As the company deepens its presence in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Nicolas Roy, Project Director at Premier Tech, explains how its history continues to guide its strategy.
“Premier Tech has always been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of its activities, with innovation deeply embedded in its DNA,” said Nicolas Roy, Commercial Director at Premier Tech. “Rather than jumping on the bandwagon of the latest trends, Premier Tech is committed to truly understanding the unique challenges and subtleties of each industry it serves.”
This focus on long-term value creation rather than short-lived trends, he said, enables Premier Tech to develop solutions that are impactful, sustainable, and precisely aligned with grower needs.
A Strategic Step Into CEA
Premier Tech Growers and Consumers has been active in various CEA segments for years, but the launch of its expanded PRO-MIX® AGTIV® lineup marks a deliberate acceleration into this fast-evolving space.
“This launch is part of our journey to collaborate with growers to innovate and improve their results,” explained Nicolas Roy. “By working with the right partners, we’ve refined and optimized new recipes to develop tailored solutions that address specific needs.”
The move aligns with Premier Tech’s broader vision of sustainable crop production—balancing environmental responsibility, individual well-being, and shared prosperity—while leveraging its expertise in materials science and biotechnology.
Targeted Formulations for Specific Needs
The new PRO-MIX® lineup—NAX, NAO, NAC, and FVCO—is designed to meet the varying demands of CEA environments.
“In CEA, infrastructure and production systems differ significantly depending on crop type and grower preference,” noted Nicolas Roy.
- NAC and FVCO provide excellent environments for root development and durability, ideal for long-term crops like vine tomatoes and strawberries, with FVCO formulated for organic use.
- NAX caters to short-term and delicate crops, integrating smoothly into most irrigation systems.
- NAO serves as an organic variant, supporting growers focused on sustainability and certification standards.
Combining Physical and Biological Innovation
By merging physical growing media with AGTIV® biologicals, Premier Tech delivers a holistic approach to plant health and performance. “Our AGTIV® biologicals help expand the root system, enabling plants to absorb more nutrients and water, which enhances growth, vigor, and productivity,” said Nicolas Roy.
The benefits for growers include higher yields, improved crop quality, extended shelf life, and optimized use of water and fertilizers. Additionally, the biologicals strengthen plants against transplant stress—a crucial advantage for CEA operators focused on operational reliability.
Roy emphasized that decades of refinement in biological manufacturing underpin the company’s quality assurance. “We have been refining our methods for over 40 years. This expertise allows us to confidently guarantee the concentration, longevity, and consistency of our biologicals.”
Consistency Through Collaboration and Quality Control
In a competitive market where efficiency is essential, Premier Tech ensures uniform quality across every batch of substrate and biologicals. “Every material—peat, coir, bark—is meticulously chosen to meet our high standards,” said Nicolas Roy. “Our advanced production methods ensure both consistency and sustainability.”
Premier Tech’s Grower Services team further enhances this reliability by offering hands-on support to growers, helping them fine-tune their systems for optimal outcomes. Collaboration, Roy noted, is key: the company has long partnered with research institutions such as Sherbrooke, McGill, and Laval Universities, while also supporting initiatives like the Greenhouse Crop Protection Research Chair MAPAQ – Premier Tech and the Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center Consortium (OHCEAC).
Nicolas Roy Looking Ahead: Redefining CEA for a Sustainable Future
Looking toward 2026 and beyond, Nicolas Roy sees the evolution of biologicals and substrates as central to a more productive, sustainable food syste “Our vision for the future is guided by the changing realities of the world and the evolving needs of growers,” he said.
He envisions CEA systems producing a broader range of high-quality, flavorful crops while helping growers diversify and strengthen their market position. “We believe we can collaborate with growers to not only grow the best produce but also help them expand what’s possible in CEA.”
With the PRO-MIX® and AGTIV® brands at its core, Premier Tech continues to merge its horticultural heritage with innovation, supporting growers in shaping a resilient and sustainable global food landscape.
