BioConsortia, a leader in agricultural technology, has formed a commercial partnership with New Zealand-based H&T to introduce an innovative nitrogen-fixing microbial seed treatment, FixiN 33, for the 2024/2025 growing season. The new seed treatment will be available for a range of crops, including corn, brassicas, and cereals, helping New Zealand farmers improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use while reducing environmental impacts such as runoff.
Since 2023, BioConsortia and H&T have been conducting field trials in New Zealand, demonstrating that the FixiN 33 microbial seed treatment delivers impressive nitrogen-replacement results. These results align with similar trials that BioConsortia has conducted in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Europe since 2021. The trials show that the technology can reduce the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers without compromising crop yields. Paul Oliver, Managing Director of H&T, highlighted the potential of this new technology, stating, “This breakthrough presents a unique opportunity to lower nitrogen fertilizer usage in New Zealand, delivering both economic and environmental benefits while maintaining crop productivity.”
Innovative Microbes with Long-Term Impact
BioConsortia’s FixiN 33 technology is based on the use of proprietary microbes that naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen, providing plants with a sustainable and continuous supply of this essential nutrient. These microbes colonize crop roots, ensuring that nitrogen remains available throughout the growing season, even after synthetic fertilizers dissipate. According to Marcus Meadows-Smith, CEO of BioConsortia, the microbes are designed to remain active in the root zone, providing an ongoing source of nitrogen that supports crop yield and growth.
“By ensuring nitrogen is consistently available to the crops, even when synthetic fertilizers are no longer effective, our proprietary microbes help optimize crop performance while reducing the need for traditional fertilizers,” Meadows-Smith said. “Our solution supports sustainable farming practices by improving nitrogen use efficiency, which ultimately benefits both farmers and the environment.”
Extended Shelf Life and Enhanced Seed Stability
A key feature of BioConsortia’s FixiN 33 technology is its exceptional shelf life and on-seed stability. The nitrogen-fixing seed treatment has a shelf life exceeding two years, and once applied, the treatment remains stable on the seed for up to another two years—well beyond industry standards. This longevity ensures that farmers can store treated seeds for extended periods without losing effectiveness.
Dr. Hong Zhu, Senior Vice President of R&D at BioConsortia, explained that this achievement is a result of the company’s extensive research and development efforts. “Our use of Gram-positive microbes, which are naturally stable and reliable root colonizers, forms the foundation for this breakthrough,” Zhu said. “Through our proprietary R&D platform, we’ve unlocked the nitrogen-fixing potential of these microbes, making them ideal candidates for seed treatment products.”
A Flexible and Revolutionary Discovery Platform
BioConsortia’s innovative approach also includes a flexible microbe discovery platform that played a pivotal role in the development of FixiN 33. In response to New Zealand’s regulatory restrictions on gene-edited organisms, BioConsortia selected wild-type microbes from its extensive library that naturally fix nitrogen. These naturally occurring microbes, with their inherent genetic traits, ensure consistent and reliable nitrogen fixation in agricultural applications.
BioConsortia’s platform also combines cutting-edge gene-editing capabilities with its deep knowledge of microbial biology. This allows the company to create tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of farmers, enhancing productivity while minimizing the ecological footprint of farming practices.
Transforming Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
The partnership between BioConsortia and H&T represents a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable agricultural solutions. By providing New Zealand farmers with a product that enhances nitrogen use efficiency while reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, this collaboration promises to transform farming practices and contribute to environmental sustainability. “Our seed-applied microbial products offer a game-changing innovation for agriculture,” said Meadows-Smith. “Growers can achieve strong yields without the need for excessive synthetic nitrogen, supporting both economic growth and environmental stewardship.”
With the introduction of FixiN 33, BioConsortia and H&T are paving the way for a more sustainable and productive future in New Zealand’s agricultural sector, offering farmers the tools they need to reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers while maintaining high crop yields. As the global demand for sustainable farming practices grows, this partnership could serve as a model for agricultural innovation worldwide.
