UPL Ltd has entered into an exclusive partnership with U.S.-based biotechnology firm Elemental Enzymes to introduce a novel class of biological crop protection solutions in Brazil. This collaboration aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices by offering innovative, peptide-based technologies to combat prevalent crop diseases, particularly in corn and soybean cultivation.
UPL Ltd, a leading global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, has announced an exclusive agreement with Elemental Enzymes, a biotechnology company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. This strategic partnership is set to bring a new class of biological technology to the Brazilian market, focusing on combating key crop diseases while supporting productivity and promoting sustainable practices.
Launching Innovative Biological Solutions in Brazil
The collaboration between UPL and Elemental Enzymes will commence in Brazil during UPL’s 2026 fiscal year, starting in April. The initiative aims to introduce advanced biological inputs, particularly targeting corn and soybean growers, to enhance crop resilience and yield. These solutions are designed to offer a lower environmental impact compared to traditional chemical treatments.
Rogério Castro, CEO of UPL Brazil, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“This partnership reinforces UPL’s commitment to leading the transformation of agriculture with effective and innovative solutions tailored to the realities of farmers, helping them reimagine sustainability in food production.”
Brian Thompson, CEO of Elemental Enzymes, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“We are excited about the partnership with UPL and about introducing a powerful new tool for corn and soybean growers in Brazil. The innovation offers a key line of defense against yield-robbing diseases and supports more resilient crop production.”
Elemental Enzymes: Pioneering Peptide-Based Technologies
Elemental Enzymes specializes in developing innovative biological solutions that address critical challenges in agriculture. Their portfolio includes proprietary peptide and enzyme-based technologies that redefine crop protection and health through naturally derived, high-performance products.
Earlier this year, Elemental Enzymes announced that Brazil’s regulatory agencies approved the registration of Vismax Specialty, a patented proprietary biofungicide formulated for protection in a broad range of crops. Specifically, Vismax is registered in Brazil for use in citrus crops affected by Citrus Greening and Citrus Canker. Over three years of trials in Brazil, Vismax increased citrus yields by an average of 19%. In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency approved its registration in the United States.
Future Expansion Plans
Following the initial launch in Brazil, UPL and Elemental Enzymes plan to expand their collaboration into other global markets starting in 2027. This expansion aims to deliver sustainable agricultural solutions to a broader range of farmers worldwide, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally friendly crop protection methods.
