Yara, a leading provider of crop nutrition solutions, has announced its acquisition of the organic-based fertilizer business of Agribios Italiana. This strategic move marks Yara’s commitment to expanding its offering in the organic sector and promoting regenerative agriculture and soil health.
By combining Agribios’ expertise in high-quality organic-based fertilizers in Italy with Yara’s scale and reach in Europe, the company aims to meet the evolving needs of European farmers, regardless of their farming methods. The acquisition also aligns with the European Union’s ambition to increase farmland under organic farming.
Mónica Andrés Enríquez, Executive Vice-President for Europe at Yara, expressed her excitement about the acquisition, stating, “Soil health is the foundation for resilient crop production and sustainable farming. This acquisition reflects our commitment to preserve and further improve soil health, helping grow a nature-positive food future.”
Balanced crop nutrition, along with good agricultural practices and digital tools, plays a crucial role in regenerating soils. Studies have shown that fertilized land has a higher soil organic matter content than unfertilized land. The combination of organic and mineral nutrients enhances soil health, improves resource use, increases nutrient use efficiency, and boosts crops’ resistance to climate change.
Giovanni Ravagnan, CEO of Agribios Italiana, expressed his enthusiasm about joining forces with Yara, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for Agribios as we bring our expertise in organic-based fertilizers to the European stage. We eagerly anticipate embarking on this new adventure, marking the beginning of another phase of development in the year of our 50th anniversary.”
Agribios has a broad portfolio of organic-based fertilizers produced using animal and agricultural by-products, contributing to the circular economy and reducing environmental impact. Its products can be used in both organic and conventional farming. With a market share of around 10 percent in Italy, Agribios holds a strong position in the organic-based fertilizer market.
Through this acquisition, Yara will gain a strong foothold in Italy, the second largest organic-based fertilizer market in Europe. Yara plans to increase sales in the organic-based fertilizer market in Italy and neighboring countries by approximately 30% within the next three years. Additionally, Yara’s well-established sales and distribution platform in Europe will enable the company to offer Agribios’ products to customers outside Italy.
The organic fertilizer market in Europe is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 11.53% from 2023 to 2030, according to market research firm Kings Research. Yara’s acquisition of Agribios, along with its previous acquisition of Ecolan, a Finnish producer of organic-based fertilizers, positions the company to capitalize on this growing market and provide tailor-made solutions to farmers across Europe.
Yara’s commitment to expanding its organic-based fertilizer business is driven by the recognition that crops, raw material sources, and climate conditions vary by country. By offering localized solutions, Yara aims to support farmers in optimizing their crop nutrition and contributing to sustainable agriculture.
In conclusion, Yara’s acquisition of Agribios Italiana’s organic-based fertilizer business underscores the company’s dedication to promoting regenerative agriculture and improving soil health. With this strategic move, Yara aims to meet the evolving needs of European farmers and contribute to the European Union’s goals of increasing organic farming. By combining organic and mineral fertilizers, Yara is well-positioned to maximize synergies and provide farmers with effective solutions for sustainable and resilient crop production.