AgroShield’s Flourishing Year in 2023 and Aspirations for the Future

In a year marked by innovation, AgroShield stands tall, reflecting on a journey full of accomplishments and new relationships. The past year was full of challenges for AgroShield, specifically in the agricultural sector. However, the company’s resilience has led to many groundbreaking achievements and steadfast growth towards sustainability. 

Triumphs and Breakthroughs 

One of the defining milestones for AgroShield in 2023 was the resounding success of our Bacilifol product trials. A grape study with BAAR Scientific LLC yielded remarkable results, demonstrating Bacilifol's exceptional efficacy in enhancing grape production and quality. The trial showcased Bacilifol's ability to augment the effectiveness of fungicide applications against botrytis and downy mildew. According to Jeff Randall, AgroShield’s head of Business Development:

“In the grape trial, we saw increased biomass. We saw a marked improvement in the prevention of powdery mildew. We certainly saw the fungicide in three ways: Fungicide was more accepted by the plant—so there was no resistance. Number two was the fungicide had a longer residual or length of time than it acted on the plant. And number three was that the fungicide was more effective because it was doing its job for a better enrichment and doing its job for a longer period than you would get with a normal fungicide.” 

This breakthrough promises not just immediate results but longer-term efficiency, extended effectiveness, and an expanded mode of action, providing a paradigm shift in grape cultivation strategies.

In a concerted effort to foster innovation and sustainable solutions, AgroShield collaborated with Virginia Tech for tomato trials using Bacilifol. This collaboration reaffirmed AgroShield's dedication to scientific research and data-driven solutions aimed at enhancing crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Randall adds “From the tomatoes, early flowering and increased biomass were definite. Markable plant size was only slightly improved over the other products. However, the length of which you could have got marketable fruit would have been longer had it not been in a corporate field. AKA more appropriate for a non-mechanical or organic style grower.”

To top off the year, AgroShield also partnered with a New York Ivy League University for Bacilifol and Larixifol research trials. This trial provided valuable insights where previous trials did not focus, namely seed treatment and testing. AgroShield aimed to further understand the benefits of Larixifol and Bacilfiol by testing them on snap beans and corn. The snap beans are a hybrid variety of what was formally called “string beans”—The hybrid variety does not have the "string." What we concluded from the trial was “More kernels per ear and longer ear growth than the comparative. If the harvest was allowed to mature further, we would have seen a better crop than the untreated and those treated with alternative products,” stated Jeff Randall. 

Additionally, AgroShield proudly presented its findings at Aquadoc University, contributing pivotal insights and expertise to the academic community and stakeholders in the field. While attending ADU, Jeff had the opportunity to present to the entire AquaDoc about AgroShield’s VodaGuard product line. “AquaDoc University was an opportunity to educate the entire company and all their branches about the VodaGuard product. VodaGuard has been used by AquaDoc for the past 4 years, however, it has been used primarily in their large lake inoculations. So AquaDoc University was an opportunity to speak to the rank and file of the company and all their branches and let them think about how we might work with them to make it less manpower, less machinery with a similar application and a much-improved result.” The engagement at various conferences and expos further solidified AgroShield's presence in the industry, fostering valuable connections and strengthening existing relationships while forging new ones. 

Recognizing the growing demand for natural solutions, AgroShield introduced the Cannabis Kit, aligning with the ethos of sustainable and all-natural agricultural practices to meet the unique needs of the cannabis community. According to AgroShield’s Group Chairman, Richard Selby, “We first came up with the concept of the Cannabis Kit when AST Genetics tested Bacilifol and Larixifol in their indoor grow. They used Bacilifol as a seed treatment to protect against soil diseases and pests. Larixifol was used as an over-the-top foliar spray. This prevented any outbreaks of spider mites, thrips, white flies, and aphids. As a result, they noticed a 40 percent increase in flower. This package application of Bacilifol and Larixifol would be a great fit for cannabis growers across the US where it is legal to grow.” With the recent launch of the Cannabis Kit on AgroShield’s website, growers across the nation can experience firsthand the benefits Larixifol and Bacilfol. Looking forward, Selby believes this innovative product will revolutionize industries beyond cannabis. “Furthermore, we are confident the product can work on household ornamentals and turf segments. We plan to launch similar kits for these segments in the near future.”

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainability 

The strategic partnership established with Seneca Farms Biochar marked a pivotal moment in AgroShield's journey. This alliance is poised to redefine soil health and crop productivity, highlighting the company's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for sustainable agricultural and aquatic practices. According to Jeff Randall, “The partnership was developed to further market the Seneca Farms products after more than a year of successful trials. AgroShield sees this as a perfect fit based on our aquatic and agricultural customers.”

Looking to the Future 

As AgroShield sets its sights on the new year, the focus remains on relentless innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The company aims to further its research efforts, exploring new segments and refining existing solutions for a broader spectrum of crops. Building on the successes of 2023, AgroShield aims to deepen collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry leaders to drive meaningful change in agriculture and aquatic management. Selby adds, “Vodaguard keeps traction and continues to increase in popularity across the US. We’ve had conversations with several national companies about distributorship rights.” Additionally, AgroShield envisions expanding its line of natural solutions, addressing the evolving needs of diverse agricultural segments while upholding its commitment to sustainable practices.

In conclusion, AgroShield's achievements in 2023 epitomize a dedication to innovation and sustainable agriculture. As the company embarks on a new year, it will continue to pioneer advancements, develop partnerships, and shape a more sustainable and productive future for agriculture and aquatic management. To sum it up, Richard Selby mentions: 

“2023 was a challenging year due to high levels of inventory in our crop segment, but it was also a perfect year to make strong overtures into our growing aquatic and biological markets. We expect this growth in those segments to continue throughout 2024. Plus, we have developed a new business model that will greatly increase our presence and gain more market share in our agricultural corp segments—specifically in soybeans and cotton, where we have had a national presence since the inception of AgroShield.”

Here's to an inspiring year ahead for AgroShield, brimming with innovative breakthroughs and transformative partnerships!