INDIANAPOLIS, USA; Saint Etienne en Cogles, FRANCE, October 24, 2022 – Corteva Agriscience and STI Biotechnologie, an expert in microbiological technologies, announced today a multi-year agreement for the distribution of two Lactobacillus strains for plant stimulations. The agreement includes all countries on the European continent.

Through the agreement, STI Biotechnologie is providing an exclusive distribution license to Corteva for a dedicated formulation of their proprietary Lactobacillus Farciminis CNCM-I-3699 and Rhamnosus CNCM-I-3698, which work with the plant to improve soil conditions and rhizosphere. The technologies work in field and greenhouse conditions, helping improve soil life and nutrient interactions.

Corteva will leverage its wide distribution network and market reach to make the product, sold under the brand name Utrisha™ Rhizo biostimulant, available for all crops, with a primary focus on vegetables and potatoes.

"Corteva Agriscience continues to bring new and innovative solutions to market by offering natural-origin products that contribute to plant resilience that also complement our conventional crop protection solutions," said Priscila Vansetti, Vice President, Biologicals and Business Development Director Platform, Corteva Agriscience. "We're excited to work with STI Biotechnologie to scale up and maximize sustainable options that help farmers meet changing environmental conditions while keeping their crops productive and healthy."

This collaboration represents another step forward for Corteva's expanding global Biologicals portfolio, which is dedicated to developing biostimulants and biocontrol products with proven, predictable performance. Utrisha™ Rhizo, a technology powered by STI Biotechnologie, will provide value through integrated nutrition management efficiency and enhancing yield potential and sustainability, in line with Corteva's commitment to sustainable innovation.

"This partnership perfectly fits with our aim to provide natural biological solutions to increase crops development and resilience" says Christophe Tanguy, Director of Operations at STI Biotechnologie. "This agreement with a multinational company such as Corteva will accelerate the deployment of our soil health Biostimulant and fulfill farmers growing demand for natural solutions increasing crop resilience and soil health," says Renaud Domitile, CEO.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.