Reflecting on one year into his role as executive director and chair of the Vestaron Crop Protection board of directors, Jim Collins sees the rising crop protection company making powerful gains thanks to a combination of award-winning technology backed by some of the most passionate people working in agriculture today.
We sat down with Mr. Collins to get his thoughts on the past year with Vestaron.
Vestaron has received Emergency Use Authorizations for several EU countries with more applications pending. Why is this crucial for growers, and what does European expansion mean for Vestaron?
Vestaron has received EUAs for Italy, Greece, and Cyprus to date. Growers need new solutions to address resistance to traditional products. What Vestaron is doing is rare. The EU creates the emergency use pathway when there is an emergency need that the industry can’t satisfy, but normally it involves an existing product that has been heavily regulated in the market. These EUAs are unique for a new product and a new mode of action which is currently still in review.
The EUAs give us important experience with our product before it is approved in the marketplace. Being able to see and work with our product in the hands of growers on-the-ground, and in-the-greenhouse makes us a better company – to know how it behaves in real situations and to be able to leverage the learnings.
In addition to providing growers with a new tool, the EUAs also create the opportunity for us to prove the product in the field and give regulators the confidence they need to move toward permanent approval.
Vestaron’s flagship product SPEAR® LEP continues to gain market share in US specialty crops. What makes this solution increasingly attractive to growers?
SPEAR® LEP is showing great results in the market. The product is working, and customers are satisfied. I like to say, “It’s hard to argue with dead bugs and zero grower complaints.” There is always a learning curve with any new product, but we know, and now growers know, it works as advertised.
The product has an incredible safety profile. It provides the grower with significant operational and marketing flexibility including the ability to get back in the field quickly after use and no residue concerns.
And it’s an entirely new mode of action, which is crucial given the ongoing challenge of managing pest resistance to insecticides. Vestaron’s strategy is to be part of the grower community, to earn our place within the rotation and overall pest management plan.
Vestaron has signed several key partnership agreements in 2024. How do partnerships help position Vestaron for growth?
Partnerships allow us to grow more quickly and confidently by leveraging the expertise of others. They allow us to go faster and do more while sorting out who we are (and where we go from here). Furthermore, partnerships show confidence in us and our technology – that others are able and willing to sign on and work with us for mutual benefit.
What excites you most about the next 12 months for Vestaron?
The people! I am so impressed with the talent at Vestaron. It is exciting to see passionate people step up and carry the organization. Although there is more work than ever, people are leaning in and blossoming in their roles.
Current products are expanding in key markets and there is strong interest in the technology pipeline. In 2024, Vestaron received registration for its second AI, BASIN, in the US and Mexico, with plans for future releases.
You’ve been leading the Board of Directors for a year now. How is the Board feeling about 2024 and beyond?
As a board of directors, we are more aligned with the mission and vision of the company than ever. Juan Estupinan took over the CEO role in January of 2024 and we are confident in his leadership, and where he and the whole senior leadership team are driving the company. We are optimistic about our opportunities and performance in 2024 and 2025.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ben Cicora, SVP Sales & Marketing • 970.443.9220 • bcicora@vestaron.com
Steve Betz, VP Communications • 515.707.6096 • sbetz@vestaron.com
