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Corteva (CTVA) bets on A Belgian partner for Crop Protection's next act. Published September 19, 2026 at 2:37 pm EDT On September 9, Corteva (NYSE:CTVA) and Belgium's Globachem N.V. announced a definitive agreement to form a 50/50 joint venture aimed at developing and commercializing new crop protection products for farmers in Europe and the Americas. The timing matters. Corteva's crop protection business is set to spin off as a standalone public company, Vylor, on October 1, and this deal signals what that company intends to look like once it is on its own. A pipeline built for independence. The joint venture builds on an existing multi-year relationship between the two companies, so this is not a cold start. Corteva brings late-pipeline and commercial-stage technology along with its own discovery and development capabilities, while Globachem contributes expertise in formulation and regulatory execution built as a private Belgian crop protection marketer. Corteva frames the venture as a way to combine those strengths and speed up delivery of more tailored crop protection solutions for core markets. The JV will operate independently, and any resulting products can be commercialized by either parent company, or both. The deal arrives against a backdrop of real financial momentum. In the first half of 2026, Corteva's net sales rose 4% to $11.28 billion, and operating EBITDA climbed 10% to $3.70 billion. Crop Protection itself posted a 2% volume increase in the first half, which the company attributed to demand for new products, and segment operating EBITDA rose 9% to $776 million even as pricing worked against it. That combination of rising volumes and expanding margins is the kind of foundation a soon-to-be standalone crop protection company would want heading into a major structural change. Growth with A pricing problem. Not every number told the same story. Corteva's second-quarter results, taken alone, were softer: net sales fell 1% year over year to $6.38 billion, organic sales declined 2%, and income from continuing operations dropped 12% to $1.22 billion, pulling GAAP earnings per share down 10% to $1.81. Operating EBITDA still grew in the quarter, but the gap between GAAP and non-GAAP performance is a reminder that reported profitability did not move in the same direction as the adjusted metrics investors tend to focus on. Pricing remains the sharper problem inside Crop Protection specifically. The segment's price declined 3% in the first half and 4% in the second quarter alone, both tied to competitive dynamics in Latin America, even as currency and volume gains offset some of the damage. The new joint venture does not fix that anytime soon. Corteva said the JV's new solutions are not expected to launch until the early 2030s, and the transaction itself still needs regulatory clearance before it can close, which the companies target for the fourth quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, Corteva is absorbing the costs and complexity of its own separation, including a $25 million headwind from separation-related timing already built into its full-year guidance. What the market is pricing in. Hedge fund ownership of Corteva climbed from 48 funds to 53 in the most recent quarter, which points to institutions adding rather than trimming positions. Short interest sits at just 3.05% of float, a level that suggests little organized skepticism is betting against the stock. The forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 19.16, as of September 18, a multiple that assumes steady, not explosive, growth ahead. Rising fund interest paired with thin short positioning suggests the market is not bracing for a rocky separation, even with the pricing pressure still showing up in the numbers. The long runway ahead. Corteva is trying to do two hard things at once: split itself into two public companies and line up its next wave of crop protection products before the separation is even final. The Globachem venture gives the future standalone crop protection business a formulation partner and a longer pipeline, but the payoff sits years away in the early 2030s. Whether that is enough hinges on something closer to home: whether Crop Protection's recent volume gains can keep outrunning the price declines still showing up in Latin America. Investors clearly are not rattled yet, with fund ownership rising and short interest thin, but that patience will be tested well before the JV's products ever reach a farmer's field.

MACA recognizes industry leaders, educators, and innovators at 2026 Annual Meeting; elects new leadership team. The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) honored several outstanding individuals and organizations during its 2026 Annual Meeting, held Sept. 8-10 in Omaha, NE. The association presented awards recognizing excellence in agricultural education, industry leadership, service, and communications, while also announcing its newly elected officers and board members for 2026-27. Dr. Rodrigo Werle named 2026 Educator of the Year. MACA recognized Dr. Rodrigo Werle, Associate Professor and Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist in the Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as its 2026 Educator of the Year. The 2026 Educator of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Rodrigo Werle, Associate Professor & Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist in the Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the photo are, from left, MACA Secretary/Treasurer Aaron Locker, Dr. Rodrigo Werle, and MACA 2025-26 President Aaron Deardorff. The award honors individuals who have made substantial contributions to agricultural education through research, publications, outreach, and public engagement. Werle was recognized for developing an integrated research and Extension program focused on practical, science-based weed management solutions that improve decision-making for growers and agricultural professionals. Through his WiscWeeds program, Werle collaborates with farmers, crop consultants, retailers, crop protection companies, Extension educators, and commodity groups to address real-world production challenges. His research has focused on weed management in corn, soybean, and small grain systems, with particular emphasis on herbicide stewardship, herbicide resistance management, cover crops, and precision herbicide application technologies. Since joining UW-Madison, Werle and his team have conducted more than 500 field and greenhouse research trials, secured more than $5 million in grants and industry support, delivered more than 260 Extension presentations, produced 130 educational videos and 70 technical bulletins, and organized 45 field days and educational workshops. He has also authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. In addition to his research and outreach efforts, Werle has distinguished himself as a mentor, having graduated 10 M.S. and seven Ph.D. students while continuing to advise graduate students and support undergraduate and international scholars. David Flakne receives Industry Vision Award. MACA presented its prestigious Industry Vision Award to David Flakne, Head of U.S. State Affairs for Syngenta Crop Protection. Flakne's career in agriculture spans more than four decades. Since joining Syngenta, formerly Ciba-Geigy, in 1982, he has held leadership positions in sales and marketing, environmental and public affairs, and regulatory affairs. For the past 30 years, Flakne has worked extensively in legislative and regulatory affairs, product stewardship initiatives, and natural resource and water quality programs. His responsibilities have included public policy related to pesticide registration, pesticide use, product chemistry, environmental fate, public health, and toxicology. A longtime supporter of MACA, Flakne has contributed to the association through committee leadership, task force participation, strategic planning, board service, and a term as MACA president. First presented in 1982, the Industry Vision Award recognizes individuals whose careers have advanced and protected the interests of the crop protection industry while supporting agriculture and demonstrating leadership across the industry. Drew Ratterman earns Dean Roy Achievement Award. Drew Ratterman of Corteva Agriscience was honored with MACA's highest individual recognition, the Dean Roy Achievement Award. The 2026 Dean Roy Achievement Award was presented to Drew Ratterman, Corteva Agriscience (on right). Ratterman is pictured with MACA 2025-26 President Aaron Deardorff. Established in 1982, the award honors exceptional service to both MACA and the agricultural industry. Named after former MACA President Dean Roy, Ratterman becomes the 44th recipient of the organization's most coveted honor. A longtime MACA member, Ratterman currently serves on the association's Education Committee and chairs the Young Leader Scholarship Program. Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for leadership development initiatives, hosting scholarship recipients, supporting MACA's Agriculture Academy program, and helping recruit speakers and new members. "Drew exemplifies the spirit of the Dean Roy Achievement Award," said MACA President Aaron Deardorff. "His unwavering commitment to MACA and the industry, paired with never ending pursuit to professional development of others, makes him an outstanding recipient. We are grateful for his continued service and leadership." Farm4Profit Media honored with first Industry Impact of the Year Award. MACA also introduced a new honor in 2026, awarding Farm4Profit Media with its inaugural Industry Impact of the Year Award. The 2026 Industry Impact of the Year Award was presented to Farm4Profit. In the photo are, from left, MACA Secretary/Treasurer Aaron Locker, Farm4Profit's Cody Vanderholm, and MACA 2025-26 President Aaron Deardorff. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated sustained impact on advancing agriculture across the Midwest through leadership, advocacy, innovation, education, public policy, communications, or industry collaboration. Founded by farmers for farmers, Farm4Profit Media has become one of agriculture's most influential digital media brands. The company reaches more than 400,000 followers across its platforms and has generated more than 111 million social media impressions, 59 million YouTube views, and over 6 million podcast downloads. Its flagship Farm4Profit Podcast has featured hundreds of agricultural innovators, producers, and industry leaders and ranks among Spotify's Top 1% video podcasts. Through podcasts, social media content, video production, live events, and industry partnerships, Farm4Profit has built a substantial platform dedicated to education, storytelling, and connecting the agricultural community. MACA elects 2026-27 leadership team. During the annual meeting, members also approved MACA's 2026-27 Board of Directors and officer slate. Matt Lawrence of Valent USA was elected president. Joining him on the executive team are Aaron Locker of Kincannon & Reed as vice president and Keith Miller of Albaugh LLC as secretary-treasurer. "MACA is on the move with a lot of valuable programs for our members and their employees, including Agriculture Academy, Lunch & Learn sessions, the Young Leader Scholarship Program and our Developing Professionals Program," Lawrence said following his election. "We will continue to build on our successes and this coming year we will be refocusing our efforts on the distribution & warehousing area of our membership." Lawrence added that the association plans to continue strengthening programs that support members while reinforcing the foundation that has guided MACA since its inception. Outgoing President Aaron Deardorff of Syngenta Crop Protection will remain involved as immediate past president. Also elected to three-year board terms were Jane Hanson of Rosen's Inc., Patrick Murray of Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Jerry Van Oort of Russell and Associates. Continuing board members include Brian Clark of Schuetz Container Systems Inc.; Drew Ratterman of Corteva Agriscience; Tim Elliott of Gharda Chemical; Matt Wagner of GreenLeaf Inc.; Sarah Betzold of BASF; and Randy Stookey of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. With new leadership in place and a slate of award winners reflecting contributions across research, public policy, communications, and industry service, MACA used its 2026 annual meeting to spotlight the people and organizations helping shape the future of Midwestern agriculture. You may also like... - CropLife Retail Week: Bayer Distribution Changes, Generic Crop Protection Surge and Harvest Storage Concerns - CropLife - The Post-Patent Wave Is Coming: What It Means for Ag Retailers - CropLife - Why Recent Expansion Projects Are Good News for Ag Retailers - CropLife Subscribe today for. Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) is a network of agronomic professionals who are committed to generating public awareness and appreciation for American agriculture. See all author stories here.

Karl Grossman: New York state takes on the 'forever chemicals' Posted September 18, 2026 Karl Grossman By Karl Grossman As the effects of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals," become the focus of discussions across the United States - on Long Island because of their impacts on the underground water table, its sole source of potable water - New York state's attorney general is suing corporations involved with PFAS for allegedly violating a number of state laws. In a suit brought in July in State Supreme Court, Letitia James presented corporate documents as evidence that DuPont and other companies knew about PFAS' threats to human health and the environment, but pushed products made with them anyway. And last month, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Lee Zeldin, a Suffolk County resident who now heads the Environmental Protection Agency, to, as Newsday reported, take "steps to protect Long Island drinking water from forever chemicals as the agency proposes rollbacks on [their] regulations." In addition to DuPont, which first developed PFAS in 1938 and patented them as Teflon, James's lawsuit charges 3M, Chemours, Corteva and its subsidiary EIDP with violations of state laws, including: "Protection of the State's Natural Resources Under New York State Constitution and Statutory Law; Public Nuisance Under New York Common Law; Strict Products Liability: Failure to Warn Under New York Common Law." It also cites the "Green Amendment" to the State Constitution, which "provides that 'each person shall have a right to clean air and water and a healthful environment.'" The lawsuit states: "As a consequence of the defendants' manufacture, production, marketing and sale of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - PFAS - for use in consumer products, the State of New York faces threats to human health, widespread contamination, and damage to natural resources on an unprecedented scale." It continues: "Long after they knew their PFAS were toxic, defendants manufactured and sold these compounds for use in consumer products - including personal, family, and household products like Stainmaster carpets, Scotchgard stain-repellent sprays, grease-resistant coatings for food packaging, cosmetics, and personal care items - that defendants knew would be sold, used, and disposed of in New York, thereby exposing people to PFAS and releasing PFAS into New York's environment." It goes on: "As the results of defendants' conduct, PFAS... are in the water Seaford drink, the soil that sustains its crops, the fish Seaford catch, and the air Seaford breathe... PFAS are highly resistant to degradation in the environment, travel easily through water and air, and bioaccumulate in humans, plants and animals. And: "People exposed to defendants' PFAS suffer various negative health effects, including higher risks of certain cancers, adverse pregnancy outcomes, liver disease, endocrine disruption, and other increased risks." As evidence of "knowledge" - that the companies knew about the "severe health and environmental risks" of PFAS - the lawsuit points to numerous corporate documents. DuPont, it says, "knew for decades that PFAS pose substantial dangers to public health and the environment. By 1961... Dupont's researchers had concluded that PFOA [a type of PFAS] was toxic... Dupont's chief toxicologist warned in a memo that products containing PFOA should be 'handled with extreme care.' As early as 1966... DuPont was aware that PFOA could leach into groundwater... DuPont also learned in the 1970s... of the research showing that PFAS had been detected in blood bank samples from the general public. "In 1988," the suit continues, "DuPont began internally treating PFOA as a possible carcinogen... In 2000, John R. Bowman... DuPont in-house counsel wrote... to several colleagues relating to PFOA ...'My gut tells me the biopersistence issue will kill us... We are going to spend millions to defend these lawsuits and have the additional threat of punitive damage.'" A New York Times article on the lawsuit quotes Judith Enck, former director of the EPA region that includes New York state and now president of the organization Beyond Plastics, saying, "This is a blockbuster legal action that should hold these companies accountable for the immense harm caused by their products." Schumer wrote to Zeldin, "At your confirmation hearing... you told the Senate that you had been a member of the PFAS task force [in Congress], that you voted for the PFAS Action Act, and that addressing PFAS would be a top priority of yours. The proposals now before the agency move in the other direction." Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury. Help support local journalism.