FMC Corporation and Corteva have struck a co-exclusive strategic supply and licensing agreement that will widen access to next-generation herbicide technology across the Americas, targeting one of agriculture’s most costly problems: resistant weeds in corn and soybean production.
The deal centers on FMC’s rimisoxafen technology, a dual mode-of-action herbicide designed to combat hard-to-control species such as Amaranthus—including Palmer amaranth and waterhemp—two of the most aggressive and economically damaging weeds facing farmers today.
The companies say the collaboration will expand tools available to growers battling resistance that has eroded the effectiveness of traditional herbicide programs.
"This agreement ensures that more growers across the Americas will have access to rimisoxafen, one of the most innovative herbicide technologies developed in decades," said Leonardo Bastos, FMC vice president and chief marketing officer.
"By working with Corteva, we are expanding the reach of this breakthrough technology to help growers effectively manage resistant weeds that threaten their productivity and profitability. Together, we are bringing growers a solution they urgently need. At the same time, FMC is committed to unlocking the full global potential of rimisoxafen across additional crops and geographies, reflecting our confidence in this molecule as a cornerstone of our innovation pipeline."
Under the agreement, which runs through the next decade, FMC retains ownership of rimisoxafen and will supply the active ingredient to Corteva.
Both companies will independently develop and commercialize their own exclusive premix formulations for corn and soybean markets across North and South America, while FMC continues to pursue additional applications in other crops and regions globally. Corteva will also make an upfront $200 million prepurchase payment for product supply.
Corteva says the partnership strengthens its crop protection pipeline and expands its ability to deliver advanced weed control solutions to farmers.
"By collaborating with FMC on rimisoxafen, we are expanding our ability to provide growers with advanced weed control tools that complement our portfolio," said Cynthia Ericson, Corteva vice president, weed control segment.
"This agreement supports our long-term strategy of forging new collaborations that drive value for farmers, as well as a unique growth opportunity with attractive economics for Corteva above our current deep crop protection pipeline set to launch over the next decade."
The companies are betting on rimisoxafen’s dual mode of action as a key differentiator in the fight against herbicide resistance. The technology is designed to create a higher barrier to resistance development than single mode-of-action products, offering a new line of defense for growers facing escalating weed pressure and rising yield losses.
