Marrone Bio Innovations has signed a new deal. [Photo/reuters]
Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBII), (MBI), a leading provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products for agriculture, turf, water treatment and ornamental markets, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Kenya Biologics Ltd (KBL) to bring MBI’s biopesticides to Kenya and Tanzania.
These new markets represent notable opportunities for MBI’s portfolio of biopesticides. Kenya is the second largest exporter of French beans and peas to the EU, as well as a key supplier of roses globally. Farmers in Kenya rely heavily on low residue crop protection methods in order to comply with strict EU regulations on imports, which has created notable need for effective biological pest control solutions1.
“Our expansion into Kenya and Tanzania affirms our commitment to work with farmers, food companies and retailers to provide cost-effective, proven solutions to increase crop yields, while helping farmers meet sustainability goals,” said Pam Marrone, MBI’s Chief Executive Officer. “With our strong product line and demonstrated commercialization capabilities, we are excited about the market potential for our portfolio of biopesticides as the segment becomes increasingly relevant in international trade.”
KBL based in Kenol, Kenya, produces and distributes biological farm inputs in Kenya and Tanzania. KBL has over 13,000 customers across all farm sizes. The company is supported by the African Enterprise Challenge fund, which provides catalytic funding to innovative companies working on sustainable solutions.
Chris Kolenberg, Chief Executive Officer of KBL, said: “Kenya Biologics is pleased to announce our collaboration with Marrone Bio Innovations. Together, our goal is to make farming more sustainable, while at the same time increasing yields for farmers in Kenya and Tanzania. We believe that MBI’s portfolio of biopesticides represents an important step in achieving this goal.”