Novonesis formed in January 2024, a merger of Novozymes and Chr Hansen. The company offers a portfolio of biological solutions designed to help producers enhance productivity, yields and profitability all while promoting environmental stewardship.

The companies' complementary strengths span multiple sectors. Novozymes brought established solutions in biofuel and seed treatments, while Chr. Hansen contributed expertise in dairy applications for both livestock nutrition and food production, along with biocontrol products.

Further, the merger builds on the strength of its predecessors’ legacies in many non-ag sectors, bolstering its expertise in manufacturing, consumer products, and cutting-edge agricultural inputs.

“The very first product our legacy company sold in biologicals was a nitrogen product for alfalfa and clover that's still in the market today,” said William Yassumoto, Director of Sales, BioAg North America, Novonesis.

“Many new companies in the biologicals space face skepticism due to inconsistent results, but our century-long track record and rigorous quality standards set us apart as credible supplier producers can trust,” Yassumoto said.

Biological solutions, or “biologicals,” have gained traction in recent years as producers seek more sustainable and effective tools to improve crop health and yields. Unlike traditional chemical treatments, biologicals leverage natural organisms, such as microbes, to enhance plant growth, boost stress tolerance, and manage pests.

Yassumoto said biologicals are safer for plants and the environment.

These products can enhance natural plant systems, improve efficiency and stress tolerance, helping producers improve plant health and ultimately, increase yields.

For soybean producers, Novonesis offers NodPro®, an EPA-registered plant growth regulator for soybeans. NodPro® promotes early nodulation while also helping seeds manage stress from conditions like cold, wet soils that can hinder soybean growth in several ways including affecting germination, root development, and overall plant health.

Over three years, NodPro® field trials showed statistically significant yield increases of 1.3 bushels per acre.

Novonesis also produces Torque®, a plant growth regulator that can be used on corn, cereals and many other crops. Torque® facilitates beneficial associations between  roots and soil mycorrhizae, increasing the plant's ability to absorb nutrients.

For producers considering biological products, Yassumoto recommends starting with small-scale trials. Producers understand their operation best, he said. He encouraged producers to read up on Novonesis, learn about the products, then do a trial run on their operations.

“See how it performs. If it performs well, expand and continue,” he said.

Cost-benefit analysis suggests promise. A NodPro® treatment costs approximately $2-3 per acre and on average delivers a net profit to the grower of $10 per acre, Yassumoto explained.

Novonesis’ motto, “Biological Solutions for a Better Planet,” reflects on the company’s dedication to sustainability and efficiency across industries.

Beyond agriculture, Novonesis develops enzymes and biological solutions for consumer products.

Their enzymes enable cold-water laundry detergents, reducing energy consumption.

“When you see those brands on the shelf that say you can wash at colder temperatures and still have clean clothes, it's because of the enzymes that Novonesis has provided those companies,” Yassumoto said.

After a century, Novonesis’ legacy of reliability continues to be reinforced through ongoing research and ground-breaking innovation. Novonesis remains committed to refining its products and processes to ensure consistent, high-quality solutions that boost both yields and bottom lines.

“We've been doing it for more than a century, and it’s what we plan to continue,” Yassumoto said.

Learn more about how Novonesis can boost the bottom line on your operation at Novonesis.com.