Investment in DPH Biologicals, A U.S. Based Developer of Biological Products in Agriculture- Strengthening product development and sales in the United States, the world's largest market for biological agricultural inputs -

Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Shingo Ueno) has invested in DPH Biologicals (hereinafter "DPH Bio"), a U.S.-based company, developing and commercializing biological plant nutrition and crop protection products.
This investment follows previous equity investments in Futureco Bioscience S.A. (Spain, 2017) and Bio Insumos Nativa (Chile, 2024), and is part of Sumitomo Corporation's strategy to reinforce its business in the biological crop protection and fertilizer sector – one of the key focus areas within the company's agribusiness operations.

As the global population continues to grow, it is essential to increase agricultural productivity, which is driving sustained growth in the use of agrochemicals and fertilizers. In this context, demand is surging for biological crop protection and fertilizer products that use microorganisms or plant-based extracts and place less burden on the environment. The global market for biological crop protection products is projected to grow from USD 8 billion (approx. JPY 1.2 trillion) in 2023 to over USD 15 billion (approx. JPY 2 trillion) by 2029 – an approximately 1.9-fold increase – and is expected to account for approximately 20% of the total crop protection market (USD 75 billion, approx. JPY 11 trillion). In the United States, which has become the world's largest market for biological agricultural inputs, this growth is further accelerated by public calls for more environmentally conscious farming and a rise in consumer interest in health and food safety.

Investment Purpose and Future Plans

DPH Bio has strong capabilities in both product development and sales of biological plant nutrition and crop protection products. It offers high-quality products that help improve soil health and boost yields for major U.S. crops such as corn and soybeans, in addition to fruit and vegetable crops. DPH Bio collaborates with strategic external partners to develop and distribute products that meet market needs for different regions and crop characteristics.

Leveraging DPH Bio’s strengths, Sumitomo Corporation aims to strengthen its agribusiness foundation in the U.S. by offering high value-added products, including products from Sumitomo Corporation Group companies. The company also aims to expand global sales by combining these strengths with its extensive international network.

Sumitomo Corporation Group's Initiatives in Agrochemicals and Fertilizers

For over 50 years, the Sumitomo Corporation Group has been engaged in the agrochemical and fertilizer business. It currently operates agro-input distribution businesses in approximately 40 countries, contributing to agricultural production around the world in collaboration with local producers. In the biological input space, Sumitomo Corporation has steadily expanded business through equity participation and exclusive distribution agreements, especially in Europe and Latin America. By incorporating DPH Bio's business platform and linking it with existing global networks and Group operations in R&D and manufacturing of biological agricultural inputs, Sumitomo Corporation aims to further strengthen its value chain and promote broader adoption of these inputs. In turn, this will contribute to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.

About DPH Biologicals

Company Name	:	DPH Biologicals, LLC
Headquarters	:	Illinois, U.S.A.
Business Activities	:	Development & Commercialization of biological plant nutrition and crop protection products
Founded	:	2018
Employees	:	32
Website	:	DPH Biologicals

Related Press Releases / Topics:
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Sumitomo Corporation invests in Chilean biocontrol manufacturing company Bio Insumos Nativa

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