Gowan creates new business unit dedicated to biologicals

Gowan Co. is creating 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 U.K. subsidiary, and the global biological business will be built around the EcoFlora brand.

EcoFlora Agro SAS was founded in 1998 and develops 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 more than 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, according to the company.

Jim Petta recently joined the Gowan team as president of the new EcoFlora business unit. Prior to joining Gowan, Petta 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.”

Gowan Group CEO Juli Jessen said, “We have developed and registered organic products since the 1960s. 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.”