VISIONS Magazine (October 2026 Edition)

Summit Agro Works to Expand Biological Solutions in Argentina

The partnership pairs Summit Agro’s product portfolio and distribution network

with ALZ’s specialized sales force and field support.

Summit Agro Argentina has partnered with ALZ Agro, an Argentine agribusiness group with businesses in crop inputs, seeds, animal nutrition and digital services, to expand access to biological agricultural products. ALZ’s activities include developing agricultural inputs from industrial byproducts, while its ALZ Nutrientes team specializes in plant and animal nutrition, biological products and biostimulants. That team brings a dedicated sales force and technical representatives who work directly with farmers.

The partnership initially focuses on Taisei, a biological product Summit Agro developed using soluble natural proteins derived from extracts of the fungus Acremonium strictum. Taisei helps crops activate their own defense mechanisms, preparing them to respond to biological threats and environmental stresses associated with growing wheat, soybeans and corn.

In July, the two companies formalized the agreement, which covers commercial development, technical support and distributor training. Integrating their commercial teams and distribution networks has begun, and for Summit Agro, a Sumitomo Corporation Group Company, the partnership supports the biological portfolio developed over several years under the Seipro umbrella brand.

Bringing Expertise to the Field

ALZ Nutrientes representatives will advise growers and follow their adoption of Taisei, while participating distributors will receive training on the product and its applications. The companies bring different resources to the relationship, according to Fiorela Baruzzo, Commercial Director at Summit Agro Argentina.

“The strength of this partnership lies precisely in the complementary capabilities of both companies,” Baruzzo said. “ALZ brings technical expertise, commercial focus, and its own distribution network, while Summit Agro contributes its strong market position, extensive distributor network, customer relationships, and current and future product portfolio, further supported by our AgTech capabilities.”

Reaching More Crops

Taisei’s mode of action offers advantages and opens up possibilities beyond its current crop registrations, according to Ayelen Gago, Summit Agro Argentina’s Insecticide, Fungicide and Biological Product Manager.

“Another important advantage is that its mode of action is not crop-specific, giving it potential applications across multiple crops,” Gago said. “In Argentina, Taisei is already registered for wheat and soybeans, and we have recently expanded its registered use to corn. We are also advancing its development in additional crops internationally.”

Measuring the Opportunity

Summit Agro estimates Argentina’s biologicals market at approximately $100 million, compared with around $2.8 billion to $3 billion for traditional crop protection. The company has made biologicals a strategic priority and aims for the category to contribute 5% of its total revenue. Its plans include increasing adoption in broadacre and specialty crops and expanding its biological products pipeline.

“As a concrete milestone, we aim to reach 250,000 hectares treated with Taisei in FY27 and double that figure to 500,000 hectares within five years,” Baruzzo said.

Building a Broader Agricultural Business

The partnership supports Summit Agro’s effort to diversify its traditional crop-protection business. Baruzzo expects agricultural production to increasingly combine chemical, biological and digital technologies.

“From our perspective, this initiative can also generate valuable experience and insights for other Sumitomo Corporation operations across the Americas, helping identify new growth opportunities in the biological solutions market,” Baruzzo said.

Will growers adopt Taisei as the companies expand their outreach? As any farmer will tell you, some things just take time. But the team at Summit Agro Argentina is optimistic, with its sights set on 250,000 hectares and a harvest of success.