Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc., Vancouver, on Nov. 13 announced a strategic financial investment from Taurus Agricultural Marketing Inc., Calgary. Taurus had already signed a long-term exclusive distribution agreement with Ostara in which Taurus will market and sell Ostara’s Crystal Green® phosphate fertilizer in Western Canada, Ontario, and Quebec (GM Aug.17, p. 27). In October, Ostara announced a deal with ICL Specialty Fertilizers, Amsterdam, to market the product to the European Union’s turf and lawncare markets (GM Oct. 26, p. 27).
Ostara said long-term, the investment lays the foundation for accelerating Ostara’s market expansion supporting the demand for more premium grower-centric products, such as Crystal Green, that offer an economic benefit and sustainable advantage.
“Taurus is a team of changemakers, and together, we will play a key role in shaping the future of crop nutrition, starting with Crystal Green,” said Dan Parmar, Ostara president and CEO. “We are thrilled that Taurus is expanding the reach of our nutrient technology. With their expertise and extensive network, and Ostara’s reputation as a leader in sustainable phosphorus recovery, we are well-partnered for growth.”
Ostara’s Pearl® technology recovers phosphorus and nitrogen from industrial, agricultural, and municipal wastewater streams and transforms them into Crystal Green, which Ostara said is the first fertilizer to release nutrients in response to plant demand. It said the Root-Activated™ granule (5-28-0 with 10%Mg) is proven to improve crop yields, enhance soil health, and significantly reduce phosphorus tie-up, leaching, and runoff, improving food security while protecting local waterways from nutrient pollution.
“There is an increasing interest from progressive agricultural producers for technologies that improve the bottom line and at the same time, enhance stewardship efforts,” said Craig Davidson, Taurus president. “Responding to our growers’ needs, with our partnership with Ostara, we can revolutionize what nutrient management looks like, so we can pursue increased production and positively impact the environment in one product, Crystal Green. Taurus’ investment in Ostara is a testament to their team’s adept ability for innovation and relentless pursuit of providing sustainable solutions to agriculture.”
In operation in Western Canada since 2001, Taurus has more recently been expanding efforts in the U.S. and overseas.