Can you update us on recent news from Grupo Versa since 2023?

In recent years, we have been working on the development of formulations and molecules with lower environmental impact and reduced toxicity. On the biological side, we have been developing and registering new products based on microorganisms, biological extracts and biostimulant agents. We have been involved in the seed market for more than 30 years, and the alfalfa sector is important to us. Every year we organize an event, the ‘Alfalfa Expo Innovación’, which brings together local farmers, distributors and technical experts on topics that may be of interest to growers and introduces innovative methods of irrigation, crop protection and nutrition to achieve higher yields. This year was the third time we held the event. We held one here in the city of Torreon and another in Chihuahua. 

We want to be closer to producers and have almost 100 people in the field throughout the country, bringing them technical knowledge that can contribute to agricultural management and yields. 

Can you discuss the trends in demand for agrochemicals in Mexico?  

These last few years have been complicated worldwide for agriculture due to climatic problems that have significantly affected crops. Last year we had a major problem with droughts, and this has been the second year of dry conditions. Fortunately, due to the La Niña weather pattern, we have had a decent amount of rain later in 2024, although not across the country, and significant agricultural states such as Sinaloa and Chihuahua are still very dry. 

How might the change in government affect the Phytosanitary industry?

There is some uncertainty about how the new government will approach the vision of crop protection alternatives that are on the market, but we are optimistic given the scientific background of the new President, and hope that there will be rational decision making. As an example, there is glyphosate, which has been defamed for years, while there is nothing conclusive that says it is harmful, and there is no commercial substitute for it. This has already been seen in Europe, where despite the intention to ban the product, they have already returned to accepting its use. The new Mexican government could have a different perspective and recognize that the phytosanitary industry will play a great role to increase the production of our agricultural sector.

It is important to consider that any decision to ban phytosanitary products could have a great impact on farmers, especially small ones, as they are more sensitive to costs and vulnerable to changes. Authorities must make decisions on this issue based on science and realize the consequences if they do not act accordingly.

Can you discuss the sector's development of biologically based products?

This is a growing market in Mexico and the world, although these products are more difficult for farmers to adopt and require a lot of technical support from suppliers. Chemical molecules continue to offer better and faster performance, and it seems that a total natural solution for crops is complicated to achieve at the moment. For now, I believe that the best option is to use biorational products as part of an integrated pest management, and looking to decrease the chemical load on crops.

At Versa we are developing new biorational alternatives, looking for integrated solutions for different crops and pests. We search for new microorganisms, plant extracts and other organic materials, which act as pest controllers, biostimulants, products for abiotic stress and resistance inducers, and we have been pleasantly surprised by the results that we achieve so far with this type of products. The challenge for companies is to invest in more technical support and encourage farmers to adopt them. In addition, there must be a commercial incentive in the price of organic crops, so that more growers adopt these new alternatives. Many farmers have already adopted the technology, but there is still a long way to go.

Can you discuss Grupo Versa's priorities for 2025?

Our main goals for 2025 will be to increase our production capacity for biorational products, invest more in research and development, and continue with our registration and expansion plan outside Mexico. We will also work hard to develop our staff and increase our technical assistance capacity so that we can help more farmers to improve their yields.