International chemical company, BASF, is expanding operations at its BioTech Solutions site at Somersby, providing a local supply of the company’s biological inoculant, Nodulator.
The expansion follows an investment of $1.6M to enable the company to keep up with growing demand.
“The addition of granule manufacturing to our site is an exciting development which showcases BASF’s dedication to local production and biological growth in the agriculture market,” Somersby site manager, Kathleen Johns, said.
“Our team has a high level of expertise when it comes to biological manufacture, so granule production fits the scope of work performed at Somersby perfectly.
“We’re very proud to be able to deliver this capability right in time for the 2020 pulse season,” Johns said.
The move will allow growers to benefit from quick, easy access to a locally produced granular inoculant.
At a special launch of the expansion recently, guests received an in-depth tour of the wider biological production facility.
Pulse Australia CEO, Nick Goddard, said at the launch that the investment was an exciting development for the Australian pulse industry.
“Pulses play a critical role in the crop rotation for Australian farmers and one of the main reasons is their ability to help reduce nitrogen requirements for subsequent crops,” Goddard said.
“Inoculants are critical in this process to ensure that the pulses are given every opportunity to grow the nodule that will capture and lock nitrogen in the soil.
“The new facility is very impressive and to see this kind of investment in the pulse industry is very welcome.
“I’ve learnt a lot more about inoculants from visiting the site and seeing the commitment, knowledge and passion displayed by the whole team.
“The fact that we have global companies prepared to invest in Australia in the agricultural sector, in the pulse sector, and within the inoculant sector, is very good for the future of the pulse industry in Australia.”
Nodulator will soon undergo independent testing by the Australian Inoculants Research Group (AIRG), under the National Code of Practice.
Once approved, it will be the only granular product in the Australian market to receive an AIRG green tick.
Source:
Media release, Feb 6
BASF