Yara launches 2 YaraAmplix biostimulants in U.S., citing proven 15:1 potato returns
Yara North America has made two YaraAmplix biostimulants commercially available in the United States, PROCOTE OPTIMIZE and OPTITRAC, the Tampa, Florida-based unit of Yara said on October 28.
PROCOTE OPTIMIZE is a fertilizer coating designed to protect applied phosphorus and release phosphorus tied up in the soil. OPTITRAC is a liquid foliar product meant to help crops cope with abiotic stress, such as heat or drought, during periods of high nutrient demand.
Yara reported return-on-investment ratios from its trials. PROCOTE OPTIMIZE delivered 6:1 in corn and 7:1 in potatoes in U.S. trials, while OPTITRAC returned 15:1 in potatoes and 3:1 in wheat in North American trials, according to the company. Yara has not published the full trial data.
Both products launch after more than 10 years of research and development, multiyear global trials and four years of U.S. field testing.
“Yara’s unique advantage is our deep understanding of crop nutrition and how biologicals can complement nutrient programs to deliver better outcomes,” said Jeff Hartz, vice president of strategic marketing at Yara North America.
The launch puts the world’s largest nitrogen fertilizer producer further into a crowded biostimulant market, where mineral fertilizer makers and specialist firms are investing heavily. Recent deals include a microalgae biostimulant joint venture between two European firms. Phosphorus-efficiency products may draw particular interest this season, as sulfur shortages keep MAP and DAP prices near multiyear highs.
Source: Yara North America
YaraAmplix PROCOTE OPTIMIZE and OPTITRAC: five things to know
Ag retailers coat it directly onto growers’ dry fertilizer granules using Yara’s proprietary PROCOTE coating technology. The aim is to spread the biostimulant evenly so every plant receives it along with the fertilizer.
Yara’s product labels in other markets describe OPTITRAC as a liquid formulation combining micronutrients with an extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, applied as a foliar spray. Yara has not detailed any formulation changes for the U.S. version.
No. Yara North America introduced the YaraAmplix portfolio for the United States and Canada in November 2024, naming PROCOTE OPTIMIZE among its first featured products. The October 2026 announcement confirms full U.S. commercial availability for both products.
Much of the phosphorus applied as fertilizer binds to soil minerals and becomes unavailable to crops. With sulfur prices above $1,000/t forcing phosphate producers to curtail output in 2026, products that help crops use more of each applied tonne have a clearer economic case.
Yara has not disclosed retail pricing, application rates for the U.S. market or sales targets for the two products. Growers will buy them through ag retailers.
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