Vive Crop Protection Secures $12.3 Million for Sustainable Farming

Vive Crop Protection, a Canadian AgTech company, has successfully raised over $12.3 million in funding aimed at reducing the reliance on harmful pesticides while enhancing crop yields. The company’s innovative approach combines precision chemistry with sustainable agricultural practices, offering farmers a viable alternative to traditional pesticide use.

The funding includes $2.3 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and an additional $10 million USD in a recent oversubscribed funding round. Investors include Emmertech, iSelect Fund, BDC Capital, and Farm Credit Canada through its investment arm, FCC Capital. This financial backing underscores a growing commitment to sustainable agriculture in Canada.

Driving Change in Agriculture

Darren Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Vive, emphasizes the importance of technology as a positive force in agriculture. “It’s always been incredibly important to me that technology can be a force for good in agriculture,” he stated. Vive aims to maximize crop protection while minimizing chemical usage, aligning with the global shift towards environmentally responsible farming.

Vive’s patented delivery system, known as Allosperse, is designed to ensure active ingredients, such as fungicides and fertilizers, are applied precisely where needed. This reduces waste and enhances productivity. “When Vive creates a fungicide, we need to keep that on the plant, because that is where it’s doing its job,” explained Douglas Baumann, Chief Technology Officer.

By optimizing application methods, Vive allows farmers to complete their tasks more efficiently. As Baumann noted, “Now, a farmer, instead of driving through the field twice, can do it once, saving them time.”

Impact on Sustainability

Vive Crop Protection’s innovations reflect broader trends in Canadian agriculture. Although the Canadian economy has faced challenges, the agricultural sector remains robust, employing over 2.3 million people and contributing nearly 7 percent to the country’s GDP. The company seeks to enhance this resilience through advanced technologies.

A recent study commissioned by Vive from Pinion, a consulting firm specializing in food and agriculture, highlights the sustainability benefits of its products. Analysis of internal data and over 500 field trials revealed significant reductions in resource usage. The study found that Vive’s products decreased water consumption by up to 20 gallons (76 litres) per acre and reduced the use of synthetic active ingredients by an average of 54 percent. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions were cut by 70 percent.

These findings align with Vive’s commitment to advancing sustainability in agriculture. Anderson noted that improvements in efficiency often lead to environmental benefits. “Anytime you’re improving effectiveness or efficiency, you almost always end up getting sustainability benefits along for free,” he said.

With seven products currently available on the U.S. market and plans to expand its reach to 200 million acres in Canada by the end of 2025, Vive Crop Protection is positioning itself as a leader in the AgTech industry. The recent opening of its “precision-chemistry” lab further supports its mission to develop effective, environmentally friendly solutions for farmers.

Vive’s approach not only promises to safeguard crop yields but also addresses the pressing need for sustainable farming practices. As the company continues to innovate and grow, it embodies a significant shift towards a more responsible agricultural future.