Sacco System specializes in the Plant Health and Nutrition sector

The growing diffusion of intensive crops, boosted by and paired with the ever-increasing demand for them, have forced agriculture to resort to the employment of substantial doses of synthetic products to obtain ever-greater yields.
This ongoing pattern has been taking the exploitation of soils to the extreme, corrupting the balance of these ecosystems. All of this has indeed caused substantial damage to the chemical-physical qualities of the soils, heightening the risk of contamination of the aquifers and of reduction in the ability of cultivated plants to access nutrients.

Sacco System proposes the use of completely natural microbial species selected, following their million-year long evolution process, to be specifically associated with crops. This plant-bacterium association is essential to ensure and maintain the well-being and protection of plants. The integration of specific microbial crops in agriculture will prospectively lead to the achievement of even greater yields concerning the current ones, but pursued in an eco-sustainable, natural and healthy way.

Sacco System began its research activity for the Plant sector, dedicated to the care and nutrition of plants, in June 2018, setting out four main objectives to pursue:

• Development of a collection of bacteria capable of bio-stimulating plant growth, and/or protecting plants from harmful pathogens.
• Establishing technical, commercial and communication relationships with leading companies in plant bio-stimulation / biocontrol, and develop new products in cooperation with them.
• Creation of prototypes of fertilizers and biocontrol agents for the agricultural sector.
• Offering consultancy and technical support services to companies producing bio-stimulants and bio-fungicides for the improvement of their portfolio.

Creation of a cell bank for the Agro sector

The process that led to the creation of the cell bank for application on plants began with the study of the sector-specific scientific literature, followed by in-depth laboratory work, starting from fertile and agronomically valid soils, to isolate and analyse new bacteria.
The ensuing results were boosted through the use of cutting-edge techniques, which guaranteed the possibility to identify all the positive properties of the newly isolated microorganisms, while ensuring the most high-standard biological safety, in compliance with the development strategies of the European Commission as crystallized in the “From Farm to Fork” plan.

In the full spirit of research and innovation that distinguishes Sacco System, we have intensified our network of collaborations with many national and international universities to give more breadth and perspective to our work of research and discovery.

Partnerships and customers

Sacco System developed a well-nurtured network of collaborations and communication exchanges with several leading companies in the field of fertilizers and bio-fungicides; besides, the relationship with some of these companies has moved one step further as the possibility of carrying out conjoint product development using the bacteria from our “Agro library” is currently under discussion.

Other companies, on the other hand, are interested in establishing a supply relationship for their fermented strains specifically to increase their production scale (custom fermentation service).

This varied and multifunctional network is essential to support the expansion of our corporate outreach, and at the same time learn, while remaining creative and innovative.
Our centenary experience in the production field has indeed been put to the service of safeguarding the plant world, enriching itself in the process thanks to the exposure to new notions and perspectives.

Prototype development

The Research & Development department of this sector is specifically characterised by the thriving development of new products and the definition of new projects as an essential peculiarity.
In addition to the selection of microorganisms in vitro, the study of their physiological characteristics, it is vital to carefully evaluate their effectiveness in the field.
This process of assessment takes place both within dedicated company structures (in the greenhouse and the growth rooms), and by resorting to the service sector specialists such as CROs (Contract Research Organizations).
These structures play a key role as they allow to produce proofs of effectiveness of the prototypes, possibly contribute to the drafting of the registration dossier, as well as partake in the effort to reach the best possible formulation to make the final product more effective.

These same structures can also function as a network of companies, connecting Sacco System prototypes to large distributors and vice versa.

Sacco System firmly believes in the importance of sustainable actions to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, among other things also through the study and production of natural microorganisms in agriculture and for the well-being of plants.