Canadian company Philom Bios Inc. has been chosen by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to evaluate and commercialise a number of novel inoculant technologies.

Announcing the signing of an agreement with the company, GRDC executive manager for business development, Vince Logan, said accessing the help of Philom Bios Inc was consistent with the GRDC’s objective of delivering a return to its grain grower stakeholders on its investment in soil inoculant research.

“As part of its research program into soil biological health, the GRDC has invested across a number of research institutions in R&D to develop a suite of new biological inoculants for cereal and canola growers,” Mr Logan said.

“These new inoculants are designed to increase profitability and sustainability through soil disease control and to provide growth promotion effects. Philom Bios was selected through an advertised expression of interest, followed by a detailed assessment and negotiation process.

“Philom Bios is a world leading inoculant company, with more than 70 employees across North America in a wide range of research, manufacturing, marketing and management positions.

“Headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Philom Bios is a Canadian public company serving the needs of farmers with high-value inoculants. The company’s record is of more than 20 years of commitment to farmers through a dynamic partnership with distributors and leading retailers,” Mr Logan said.

Sanford Gleddie, Vice President, Research and Business Development of Philom Bios Inc, said his company was delighted to be working with the GRDC.

“Some time ago we identified three key inoculant technology platforms that we believe can bring tremendous value to farmers,” Mr Gleddie said.

“This agreement with the GRDC is consistent with that strategy, and will help accelerate the launch of our next generation of MultiActionTM inoculants.

“The GRDC is one of the world's leading grains research investment organisations, funded by grain growers and government, and is responsible for planning, investing and overseeing research and development, delivering improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry,” Mr Gleddie said.