Valis Plus improves control programmes. (Image source: Certis Belchim)

Cocoa production, a significant economic driver in many African countries, faces numerous challenges

Fluctuating global market prices, climate change, and the constant threat of diseases such as the Cocoa Black Pod pose significant pressures.

The Cocoa Black Pod disease, triggered by the pathogens Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora megakarya, has been a persistent menace for cocoa farmers in Ghana, reducing crop yield and quality and impacting the livelihoods of countless farmers and the nation's economy.

Valis Plus: an outstanding and innovative solution to control Cocoa Black Pod Disease

Ghanaian cocoa production needs strong, innovative and sustainable solutions. In response to this challenge, Certis Belchim has developed Valis Plus, a unique and exclusive tool that improves control programmes whilst managing the risk of resistance development. The fungicide is based on valifenalate, combined with copper oxychloride, and copper hydroxide in a high-quality, unique Water Dispersible Granule (WG) formulation that is easy and safe to handle. With a composition of 60g/kg valifenalate + 150g/kg copper oxychloride + 150g/kg copper hydroxide, Valis Plus is a unique formulation offering multi-site mode of action from the two forms of copper.
Copper hydroxide quickly releases cupric ions for high impact knock-down action, while copper oxychloride releases cupric ions over a ten-day period, ensuring persistence of action. Valifenalate, belonging to the CAA group of fungicides, moves slowly inside the treated part of the plant, providing a long-lasting effect and serving as a key tool for resistance risk management.

Valis Plus has the lowest copper load in the market, offering the same performance as its competitors but with less environmental impact. The dose rate is 75 g per knapsack sprayer of 15 litres, and it is conveniently packed in 75-gram bags. It must be applied thoroughly to the healthy pods, from cherelle stage to the green mature pods, and sprayed every four weeks from May/June to October/November.

Valis Plus was extensively tested by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) in large scale trials conducted over two years. Results showed that disease control and yield of fermentable pods following Valis Plus treatments matched those from the commercial reference product. The product was then approved by the Cocoa Board.

Certis Belchim: a new player in the world of crop protection

Certis Belchim, a Mitsui & Co Ltd company, created in 2022 through the merger of two major players in crop protection in Europe, embraces the expertise and values of its legacy companies. Certis Belchim’s ambition is to address a worldwide market, working to develop sustainable solutions for African, Latin American and Asian agricultures. The company’s mission is to develop and deliver sustainable and innovative crop protection solutions driven by the best technical advice and market understanding. The launch of Valis plus is an example of its expanding footprint beyond the European market.

Certis Belchim has, for the first time, been able to provide a positive answer to Ghana Cocoa Board's call for a much-needed fungicide to ensure good protection of cocoa pods. Valis Plus offers a sustainable solution for cocoa farmers in Ghana and will contribute to the longevity of cocoa production in the region.

We can look forward to a future where cocoa production is not only profitable but also sustainable, ensuring the livelihoods of farmers and the satisfaction of chocolate lovers worldwide.

Syensqo launches AgRHEA LifeXtend Plus to raise the bar in biological formulations. (Image source: Syensqo)

Science company, Syensco is launching AgRHEA LifeXtend Plus, a technology disruptor for microbial-based formulations, that offers unmatched shelf life to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable agriculture methods

In the dynamic landscape of the agriculture industry, the demand for more environmentally friendly farming solutions is higher than ever, and biological formulations are considered one of the most promising tools. However, issues such as limited shelf life and inconsistent efficiency can often hinder the implementation of these natural-based actives. In order to address these challenges, Syensqo is applying its longstanding expertise to designing innovative formulation solutions. 

AgRHEA LifeXtend Plus is a ready-to-use all-in-one solution, which includes a carrier, codispersant and rheology agent for the formulation of microorganisms, including beneficial fungi. AgRHEA LifeXtend Plus is the latest addition to the AgRHEA range which includes solutions such as AgRHEA OD-EASY and AgRHEA SticGuard and demonstrates the strong commitment of Syensqo in supporting the agricultural sector on its path towards increased sustainability. 

Syensqo's latest innovations will be showcased at the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) which will be taking place from 21-23 October in Basel, Switzerland.

A PAIAVO project beneficiary tending to his plot. (Image source: AfDB)

Launched in 2014 with US$69.2mn in funding from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)'s concessional window, the African Development Fund project has supported 14 localities across Benin’s Ouémé, Zou, and Atlantique districts

The project aims to promote rice and maize cultivation and market gardening by enhancing hydro-agricultural facilities to secure production and building storage and marketing infrastructure to ensure better integration of value chains.

The results were found to be impressive, with rice growers experiencing a remarkable increase in their average annual revenue. By the end of the project in December 2023, additional food crop production (rice, maize) had increased from 70,100 tonnes to 90,300 tonnes in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons.

The project’s success demonstrates the transformative power of the Bank’s targeted agricultural investment in rural African communities, improving livelihoods and food security while promoting sustainable economic growth. 

“We have increased our productivity thanks to the project, allowing us to enroll our children in school and even to university level," said Enock Koumagnon, a farmer in Sèmè-Podji. "As a simple farmer, I never imagined this would be possible.”

South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production. (Image source: Raisins SA)

South Africa is solidifying its role as a significant player in the raisin industry, with its raisin production expected to surpass 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 2025

Producers have substantially increased plantings in recent years, with new hectares coming into full production, new cultivars producing better yields and growers reporting healthy vines. This season’s output is forecast to be 150% bigger than a decade ago, as South Africa moves from a middle-ranking international supplier to join heavyweight producers such as Turkey, Iran and the US.

South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production, giving its producers the chance to enter markets where there has been a shortage of supply. Moreover, raisins have also gained popularity in recent years. 

“Due to climate changes and geographical risks, buyers are looking to diversify a bit more, and South Africa is ready as a supplier of top-quality raisins in terms of food safety and best practice,” said chief executive of industry body Raisins S, Ferdie Botha. “That ultimately ensures a happy and safe consumer.”

So far this season, around 4,700 t of South African raisins have been exported to the UK, with the hope that a total of 10,000 t could be reached by the season’s end. On the ground in South Africa, conditions are looking favourable but growers are continuing to be vigilant for signs of frost as the seasons change from winter into spring. After well-documented issues at the ports in the past two years, Raisins SA stresses that situation has improved, with alternative ports now available and providing the opportunity to decrease shipping times. 

"We have made progress as an industry in South Africa, growing volumes in various markets and exposing buyers who do not traditionally buy from us to our exceptional product,” Botha concluded.“We hope that through great client service, exceptional quality and growing volumes, we will become more relevant as a supplier of top-quality product to premium markets.”