AgNewsWire

SAN Agrow Marks Major U.S. Milestone with California Registration of DURALEV® Fungicide

Cindy Zimmerman — Wed, 06 May 2026 20:40:08 +0000

Expanded State Registrations Strengthen Commitment to Specialty Crop Growers

SAN Agrow announces that its innovative new product DURALEV, a biological fungicide and bactericide, is now registered for use in California ‒ marking a major milestone in the product’s U.S. launch. With this approval, DURALEV is now registered in 15 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, with additional registrations underway.

The California approval offers growers in one of the nation’s most diverse specialty crop markets a new disease management solution, and underscores SAN Agrow’s ongoing focus on providing effective, science-driven tools.

“California’s diverse specialty crop industry represents a vital segment for innovation,” said Jared P. Jensen, PhD, U.S. Technical Services Manager at SAN Agrow. “With DURALEV, we’re helping growers elevate their crops’ defenses through multiple modes of action, streamlined integration, and dependable disease protection.”

A Preventive, Systemic Approach to Disease Management
DURALEV is a systemic resistance inducer designed for preventive protection against plant diseases. Applied ahead of disease pressure, it activates crops’ natural defense mechanisms so plants can better withstand future bacterial and fungal attacks.

By incorporating DURALEV early in disease management programs and reapplying periodically, growers can maintain consistent protection and reduce the risk of disease establishment.

Broad-Spectrum Protection and Program Flexibility
DURALEV provides broad-spectrum protection against key bacterial and fungal diseases, including Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Botrytis, and Alternaria. Its expansive label covers all major crop groups, offering growers unmatched versatility in program development.

The product’s easy-to-use formulation features broad tank mix compatibility and fits seamlessly into both conventional and organic production systems. Residue free prevention, combined with an excellent crop and worker safety profile, helps growers meet the practical and regulatory needs of modern fungicide programs.

A Three Way Approach to Fungicide Programs
The DURALEV registration strengthens SAN Agrow’s integrated fungicide portfolio, providing three complementary modes of action for comprehensive disease management:
· GARGOIL® a contact kill for insects, mite and disease control
· BOTECTOR® a biological fungicide that forms a protective barrier
· DURALEV® a systemic defense booster that activates plant resistance

Together, these products empower growers to build robust, resistance-conscious programs tailored to their crops, production systems, and local disease pressures.

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About SAN Agrow
SAN Agrow is the crop protection business unit of SAN Group., is a global agricultural solutions company focused on biologicals, biostimulants, and crop protection technologies for sustainable production systems. Headquartered in Vista, California, SAN Agrow partners with growers across North America to deliver residue conscious tools that help manage weeds, diseases, and crop stress while supporting productivity and crop resilience.

Backed by scientific innovation, technical expertise, and field support, SAN Agrow works closely with PCAs, consultants, retailers, and growers to build practical programs that balance efficacy, crop safety, and economic return.

Media Contact
Megan Guarini |SAN Agrow US Marketing Manager
Email: megan.guarini@san-group.com
Website: www.san-agrow.com

Summit Agro USA Expands PROLIVO 300SC Fungicide Label to Apples and Cherries

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:33 +0000

DURHAM, NC (May 5, 2026) — Summit Agro USA today announced an expansion of the label for Prolivo 300SC Fungicide to include control of powdery mildew on apples and cherries broadening the product’s fit in high-value specialty crops. Apples and cherries grown in California and New York are not covered by the expanded label, however.

Powered by pyriofenone, Prolivo is a Group 50 fungicide that specializes in preventive control of powdery mildew, inhibiting both lesion formation and sporulation. Its differentiated performance profile includes excellent rainfastness and redistribution on the leaf surface and vapor activity, extending protection to untreated leaf and fruit surfaces.

“This expansion is important because apple and cherry growers need preventive tools that can help protect fruit quality before disease pressure escalates,” said Eric Tedford, R&D lead at Summit Agro USA. “Prolivo stands out for the combination of strong preventive activity, vapor activity and redistribution on the leaf surface, which can help growers protect more of the canopy and fruit during critical disease-management windows.”

The label expansion reflects Summit Agro USA’s continued focus on bringing differentiated, science-based crop protection solutions to specialty crop growers.

More information on Prolivo 300SC Fungicide, including the expanded label and directions for use, is available at www.summitagro-usa.com. Always read and follow label directions.

About Summit Agro USA
Summit Agro USA LLC, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, is focused on working to identify, develop, and deliver innovative BioPowered solutions that meet the needs of growers across the United States. Our products are available from crop protection retailers through our exclusive distributor partners: Helena Agri-Enterprises and Tenkoz member companies.

CONTACT
Evan Davies
ejdavies@cedar-shores.com

Ethanol Report on Delayed E15 House Vote

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:18:44 +0000

It was another roller coaster of a week for the ethanol industry, which expected to finally see E15 legislation make it to the floor of the House for a vote, but instead saw it unexpectedly removed and delayed until a promised vote on May 13.

In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down how the best laid plans for a vote fell apart at the last minute and what comes next.

Ethanol Report 5-1-26 14:18

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

House Passes Farm Bill But Delays E15

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:46:54 +0000

House Ag Committee Chair Rep. Thompson

The House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 Thursday with a final vote of 224-200 while delaying a vote on nationwide E15 for two weeks.

“After a markup that lasted over 20 hours, the legislation reflects the will of the committee, and it is filled with bipartisan provisions that will move the needle for farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans across the country,” said House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA). “I especially want to thank all parties who were involved in the negotiations that allowed the farm bill to proceed to the floor and secure a future vote on year-round E15. Members of the Biofuels Caucus are tireless champions for rural America, and I look forward to joining them May 13 in advancing that important legislation.”

Thompson disagreed with those who said the bill was not bipartisan. “This was written traveling the country, Republicans and Democrats, 43 different states, one territory, over close to 160 different listening sessions. We did it in a tripartisan way. Republicans and Democrats.”

Listen to Thompson’s remarks Wednesday night prior to passage of the farm bill.
Rep. Thompson house floor 3:36

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)

However, after the deal was made on Wednesday, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) expressed her doubts. “I’m telling you tonight, I do not believe that we will see a vote on E15 come to this House floor, that standing down on E15 was walking away from our family farmers.”

Listen to Craig’s comments on the House floor Wednesday night.
Rep. Craig house floor 3:38

The most notable amendment prior to passage of the bill on Thursday was the removal of pesticide liability and labeling provisions that would have shielded pesticide manufacturers from certain liability and preempted states from imposing additional health warning labels beyond EPA requirements. Also notable, Prop 12 livestock/animal welfare laws preemption language remained in the bill, which blocks states from imposing out-of-state production standards as a condition for interstate sales.

This marks the farthest a farm bill has advanced in Congress since 2018, though Senate action and any conference with the House will determine the ultimate outcome.

DWFI Podcast 52 – New Executive Director Joe Sanders

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:26 +0000

Joe Sanders, the new executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska, brings more than 27 years of experience in international agricultural development to his role. In this episode, hosted by Arianna Elnes, he reflects on his career path—from serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia to leading USAID-funded projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America—and shares how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving and working across diverse agricultural systems.

DWFI Executive Director Joe Sanders

Sanders also offers early insights from his first months in Nebraska, highlighting the state’s strengths in agriculture, water management and collaboration. He discusses the importance of building on DWFI’s strong foundation, deepening partnerships and identifying practical, scalable solutions. His perspective underscores the value of combining global experience with local expertise to strengthen water and food systems in Nebraska and beyond.

DWFI podcast episode 52 20:59

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

How to subscribe:

2026 Agri-Marketing Conference Preview

Chuck Zimmerman — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:34:48 +0000

The 2026 Agri-Marketing Conference is coming up next week. For a preview I talked with conference chair, David Jones, Bader Rutter. We run through a variety of questions about the theme for the conference, keynote speakers, best of NAMA, Connection Point, breakouts, awards and student competition. As the theme says, people are Hungry For More.

Of course you can still register if you haven’t yet. You just have to go this link on the NAMA website. David said it this way.

“Nama.org is the place to go for registration or for more information, and yes, sir, we will absolutely take those last-minute registrations, no problem at all. If you’re on the fence, go ahead and jump in there and register. You do not want to miss this one.”

You can listen to my interview with David here:
Agri-Marketing Conference Preview (10:00)

ZimmCast 758 – About ZimmComm

Chuck Zimmerman — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:33:05 +0000

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman.

In this episode the tables have been turned. We thought it would be fun for Laura McNamara, one of our very early freelancers, to interview Cindy and me, about the how, what and why we created ZimmComm and all its elements. We’ve had people ask about this over the years, but as you will hear, from the start it has continued to develop and pivot when needed.

As many know, Cindy and I took a big step to stop traveling this year. We’re really happy to be working with Laura as some of the events we’ve worked on for years still want to use good photography and interviews to make content with a target audience of ag journalists. So, this step toward retirement for most people is as easy as just walking away and going fishing. But when you’ve built a business over 20-plus years it’s a little more difficult. We’re still working at the ZimmComm World Headquarters so stay tuned.

Listen to the episode here:
ZimmCast 758 - About ZimmComm (42:04)

That’s the ZimmCast for now. If you have some exciting news in the agrimarketing world, feel free to contact me for the next episode. Just email Chuck at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

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Ethanol Report on EPA Announcements

Cindy Zimmerman — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:02:01 +0000

The Trump administration hit two home runs for the ethanol industry during the last week of March amidst National Agriculture Month celebrations – announcing waivers to allow sales of E15 through the summer, in lieu of Congressional action to make it permanent, and finalizing the long-delayed renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.

In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the actions by the administration and why the industry is still pressing for permanent nationwide E15 to be passed by Congress yet this year.

Ethanol Report 4-1-26 26:26

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

White House Celebration of Agriculture

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:07:47 +0000

Hundreds of farmers and ranchers representing various regions and commodities joined President Donald Trump on the south lawn of the White House Friday to hear him make several announcements related to agriculture, including addressing Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system complaints, and finalizing historically high Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations.

President Trump speaks to farmers at White House 35:47

Rising Costs and Global Competition Push U.S. Agriculture Toward Breaking Point

Cindy Zimmerman — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:00:38 +0000

New survey shows U.S. farmers highly concerned about future competitiveness in a changing global market

Memphis, Tennessee – March 26, 2026 – U.S. farmer competitiveness in the global marketplace, the cost-price squeeze of inputs and commodity prices, and market consolidation and corporate power, were top of mind concerns for most individuals responding to a recent survey conducted by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association of attendees to the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show.

The survey was just one component of efforts to take the pulse of producers at a critical time in the agriculture cycle. The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show created a forum for producers and industry representatives to come together around the concerns identified in the survey. A panel of ag lenders, seed, crop protection, and marketing specialists outlined ways they are working with producers and ginner. Featured speakers also highlighted efforts that can help address some of the issues facing farmers.

“Farmers are usually optimistic in the spring with planting, but we’re seeing cautious pessimism about the future,” said Tim Price, Southern Cotton Ginners Association Executive Vice President and Mid-South Farm & Gin Show manager. “In the survey, expert presentations and in conversations throughout the event, people pointed to the need for improved competitiveness in a dynamic global market.”

The top concerns and potential solutions to what many call an expanding crisis in American agriculture were crystallized through the feedback in our survey, Price says. “Even with substantial federal aid and significant movement toward much-needed legislation, more must be done to correct the inequity in global agriculture.”

Key findings in the survey included:

Cautiously Pessimistic Outlook – More than half of respondents (52.1%) expect to be worse or much worse oﬀ over the next two years and only 9.0% expect improvement. Part of the reason for pessimism was stated clearly by an ag banker who said, “Many farmers are not going to get operating loans this year.”
U.S. Agriculture Losing Global Competitiveness – More than 75 percent responded that U.S. agriculture has declined in competitiveness over the past 5 years. Multiple respondents cited Brazil’s competitive advantages – double-cropping capability, lower input costs, fewer regulations, and aggressive expansion. One landowner who recently visited Brazil reported: “Just spent two weeks in Brazil during their soybean harvest and cotton and corn planting season. Amazing what they are doing. And really scary when you look at their scale and advancements.”
The Cost-Price Squeeze is presenting an existential crisis. More than 80 percent of respondents identified commodity prices as a top concern, and 60.1% flagged input costs creating an unprecedented margin squeeze. “Don’t foresee us farming in 10 years, no money to be made. Will probably auction off everything and file bankruptcy,” according to one respondent.
Market Consolidation and Corporate Power – A major recurring theme was the concentration of market power among agricultural input suppliers. One respondent said: “Big fertilizer companies need to be investigated heavily for market manipulation.”
Rural Communities in Decline – The economic hits are taking a toll on local economies and services. A quarter of respondents identified land going out of production as a top concern. A cotton farmer said “We are losing local farmers at a fast pace and our communities are dying off… larger producers swoop in and rent it up. They aren’t from our state and have no investment into our communities that is why our communities are failing.”

Other concerns: global trade challenges – 39%; legislation/regulatory policy – 29%; farm labor shortages – 29%; stress and mental health – 20%, which is especially notable given the farming culture; and succession planning – 19%. An executive summary is posted on the Southern Cotton Ginners Association website.

“There was rich dialog among attendees at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show on how to address the current agriculture situation, and what it means for the future,” Price says. “There were recommendations specific for the cotton industry. For example, the Buying America Cotton Act (BACA), bipartisan legislation introduced in January, would establish a tax credit to incentivize the consumption of products made with American-grown cotton. Additional opportunities include incentivizing domestic cotton use over synthetic fibers, addressing the technology fee burden on U.S. cotton farmers, and restoring the cotton gin infrastructure.”

The Trump administration is considering several other remedies, Price says, including additional financial aid. “Even with the substantial financial support already distributed and movement toward much-needed legislation, that will not make us whole,” he says. “The entire cost of production structure needs to be evaluated in view of the U.S. farmer’s competitiveness. That is the larger question coming out of the survey responses, presentations, and farmer-to-farmer discussions.”

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About Southern Cotton Ginners Association
Southern Cotton Ginners Association (SCGA), a non-profit organization founded in 1967, fosters and advances the educational, scientific, civic, commercial and business interests of its members and allied industry associations and organizations. SCGA is comprised of five state Cotton Ginners Associations: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.