Corteva merges Stoller Australia to drive sustainable crop solutions

Global agricultural company Corteva Agriscience has incorporated Stoller Australia into its Plant Performance division to focus on improving crop resilience, increasing yields, and promoting sustainable farming practices. The new collaboration aims to provide practical solutions for farmers, while Australia’s agriculture sector faces mounting challenges as climate extremes strain farming operations, and as global food demand rises. According to the United Nations, the global population is expected to grow from 8 billion in 2022 to 9.7 billion by 2050, requiring farmers to feed an additional 61 million people annually despite limited farmland.

Plant performance: a data-driven focus

Corteva’s Plant Performance division, based in Adelaide, concentrates on enhancing a plant’s genetic potential by integrating natural processes with science-based solutions. Unlike traditional crop protection, which primarily defends plants against pests and diseases, this approach focuses on improving plant health, nutrient efficiency, and resilience to environmental stress.

David Cavallaro, formerly Managing Director of Stoller Australia and now Plant Performance Leader at Corteva, explained that the division’s goal is to offer sustainable methods to improve crop yields and quality. He noted that healthier plants are better equipped to defend themselves against biological threats and recover more effectively from stress, which in turn complements the role of crop protection products.

The integration of Stoller Australia enhances Corteva’s capacity to offer practical tools, including expertise in plant physiology and biological products that optimize fertilizer use, improve nutrient uptake, and help crops withstand stress.

Innovative products for a changing climate

One key development from Corteva is Utrisha N, a biostimulant launched in 2024. This product uses natural bacteria to enable plants to fix nitrogen from the air, reducing their reliance on soil-based nitrogen sources. A single application ensures nitrogen availability throughout the growing season.

The company is also developing biocontrol products, which utilize living organisms to address pests and diseases. These biological products are intended to complement existing crop management practices, providing farmers with additional options to protect their yields while minimizing environmental impact.

Corteva Country Lead Ian Corr commented that biological solutions offer practical benefits, including better environmental management and improved resilience to climate challenges.

Addressing farmers’ needs amid climate change

Australian farmers face increasing weather variability while working to maintain profitability and food security. The incorporation of Stoller Australia into Corteva’s Plant Performance segment reflects an effort to equip farmers with tools to adapt to these challenges.

Corr highlighted the importance of combining plant performance with crop protection strategies, emphasizing that this approach can help farmers manage emerging pressures while maintaining sustainable practices.

With Stoller Australia now part of Corteva’s Plant Performance division, the company remains focused on supporting farmers in cultivating crops sustainably and efficiently.