Jan 17, 2019

Biologicals targeted by new business unit started by Gowan

Gowan Company has created a new business unit dedicated to biological development and innovation. As part of this initiative, Gowan has purchased the remaining shares of Colombia-based EcoFlora Agro SAS through its UK subsidiary and the global biological business will be built around the EcoFlora brand.

EcoFlora Agro SAS was founded in 1998 and is a pioneer in the development of plant (botanical) extracts for effective and sustainable crop protection, such as EcoSwing biofungicide. This acquisition combines EcoFlora’s biorational product development capabilities with Gowan’s 50+ years of experience in the coordination of registration, development, marketing, and sales to provide solutions for integrated pest and disease management around the world.

The newly formed unit reinforces Gowan’s global commitment to deliver more integrated crop solutions to organic and conventional growers in an ever-changing world of consumer demands. 

Jim Petta recently joined the Gowan team as president of the new EcoFlora business unit.  Prior to joining Gowan, Jim held senior commercial and technical leadership positions at ICI/Zeneca, Syngenta,and Valent USA. Petta’s first priority will be to expand the global bio team as they develop and position the products. 

“Gowan is a recognized leader in integrated crop solutions and EcoFlora will be the focal point to help develop and bring these much needed novel solutions to our growers and customers,” Petta said. “It is exciting to be part of such a great team bringing these to market.”

“We have developed and registered organic products since the 1960’s. Our circumstances today, such as rapid adoption in our Latin American business and opportunity in Europe, led us to this focused venture. We are glad to have Jim Petta leading this unit,” said Gowan Group CEO, Juli Jessen

 Gowan Company, L.L.C., based in Yuma, Arizona, is a family-owned developer, registrant and marketer of crop protection products, seeds, and fertilizers. Gowan champions technology for agriculture through innovative product development and the skilled coordination of science, regulatory prowess, innovative investment, and focused execution to the niche needs of agriculture around the world.