Natural biopesticides
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Making sure we get our ‘apple a day’.
A biopesticide naturally protects apple and other fruit and nut trees from destructive pests
The Opportunity
Fruit growers are constantly looking for new ways to protect their crops from damaging insects. But they also want to support a thriving and diverse ecosystem friendly to bees and other wildlife that are critical to the health of the soil and surrounding area. As many pesticides are now targeted for bans here in Canada and around the world, the industry needs efficient and ecological solutions to ensure they can deliver the crops that we all rely on.
The Challenge
BioTEPP developed Virosoft CP4, a natural biopesticide to target two key threats to North American fruit and nut tree growers: the codling moth (apple worm) and the oriental fruit moth. Their biobased product is highly effective on key crops such as apple, pear and plum, yet harmless to humans and helpful pollinating insects like bees. The company needed capital to help them improve production capacity and lower costs through higher productivity to make Virosoft CP4 available to growers across Canada and the US.
Growing our sales strategy on the US market was a big step for us. Having the validation and capital from Natural Products Canada made that process possible through the improvement of our productivity, and was a key reason we achieved success.
NPC’s Solution
NPC used its investment fund to provide BioTEPP with the capital it needed to close the financing of a productivity project. The funds were used to help BioTEPP strategically execute a critical production step to support its commercialization plan including working directly with growers in key markets such as Washington and California. With the consistent growth of sales in key markets, BioTEPP became an attractive acquisition target, and in 2024 was acquired by the Andermatt Group.
NPC is committed to the creation of natural products that are better for people, animals and the planet. We propel early-stage Canadian innovators with the advice, connections and capital they need to develop and de-risk their solutions quickly and efficiently.
BioTepp
Description:
Sector(s):
Agriculture, Animal, AgtechFunding Type:
Investment FundProvince:
QuebecFunding Amount:
$250,000
Year of Funding:
2018Name:
Pierre Laborde