TRADE ASSOCIATE MEMBER UPDATE

ARYSTA LIFESCIENCE

Global Company Sells Crop Protection Products Worldwide

FFVA Trade Associate Member Arysta LifeScience is a relatively new entity that makes its presence felt in more than 100 countries around the world. Headquartered in Tokyo, the agrochemical company provides herbicides, fungicides and insecticides to specialty crop growers through its more than 50 offices worldwide.

Arysta was formed in 2001 as a result of the consolidation of two other companies. Its major shareholder is Olympus Capital Holdings, an investment firm that focuses on the Asia-Pacific region.

Jeff Tweedy leads the business development group that is focused on MIDAS®, a replacement product for methyl bromide.

One of Arysta’s recent successes has been the introduction of MIDAS®, an alternative to the fumigant methyl bromide, which requires special internationally granted exemptions to be used for specific purposes in specific places. As an ozone-depleting substance, methyl bromide has been phased out but continues to be used only by those who obtain Critical Use Exemptions.  In contrast, MIDAS® does not deplete the ozone, nor does it contaminate groundwater supplies.

Arysta LifeScience was granted an Experimental Use permit in August 2006 to begin field trials of MIDAS®. The permit was for limited use on up to about 1,000 acres in seven states, including Florida. MIDAS® works on raised beds as typically grown for high-value crops in the Southeast, but it also can be used in broadcast applications where applicable.  For crops such as tomatoes, strawberries and peppers, MIDAS® controls a broad range of soil-borne diseases, nematodes, weed seeds and insects. The fumigant is applied using conventional techniques and equipment.

The company says those using the product in Florida are reporting back favorably. “The growers say its performance is outstanding,” said Jeff Tweedy, who leads the business development group that is focused on MIDAS®. “Growers like it because it’s easy to handle, and the use rates are less than those for methyl bromide,” said Tweedy, adding that MIDAS should be registered and available in September.

ARYSTA BUYS MICRO FLO FROM BASF

Arysta completed the purchase of Micro Flo Corporation from BASF on March 31, 2006.

On another front, Arysta completed the purchase of Micro Flo Corporation from BASF last year. Integration of Micro Flo products should be complete by the end of March, Tweedy said. Arysta has become an important supplier of Micro Flo’s products to specialty crop growers in Florida. “The product line has been very good for business,” said Tweedy. “We picked up a number of products like fumigants, fungicides and insecticides. Combined with our original Arysta line, we offer a very good portfolio to the Florida market,” he said.

That original line of products includes CLUTCH ™ insecticide and ELEVATE® fungicide as well as EVEREST® herbicide, SHUTTLE™ miticide and chloropicrin, which controls soil-borne pests and diseases. Besides offering a dynamic and diverse product portfolio, the company takes pride in offering an experienced leadership team and on-the-ground expertise.

For more information about MIDAS®, the Micro Flo line or any of Arysta’s other products, contact Mike Allan, global product manager at mike.allan@arystalifescience.com or by phone at (919) 678-4900. To learn more about the company, visit its Web site at www.arystalifescience.com.