A brand new US agtech firm based in New Mexico is on a mission to replace conventional pesticides that are damaging the environment and linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s, birth defects, and other serious health issues. Newly founded Terra Vera says it offers innovative solutions to replace conventional pesticides and increase product safety and consumer confidence within the agriculture industry. Using patented technologies compliant with EPA regulations, Terra Vera says its product is a safe, effective, and sustainable alternative to help farmers rid crops of contaminants, while preserving quality and yield.
Unwanted pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi can cause significant crop loss. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FOA) estimates that each year 20-40% of global crop production is lost or wasted due to plant diseases, animal pests, and weeds. Today, approximately 5.6 billion pounds (2.5 billion kilograms) of pesticides are used worldwide each year to preserve and protect against crop loss. Most available solutions to control and eliminate pathogens on crops are toxic substances that pose a significant contamination risk to the surrounding soil, water, non-target plants, and animals, according to the company.
Terra Vera claims its proven platform technology, which it says is modelled after the US military’s approach to treating drinking water to EPA standards, is a safe and compliant alternative that is non-toxic for people and the environment. The technology mimics humans’ natural biological process for fighting infections by converting organic, inert compounds into an antimicrobial solution that is safe on live tissue, yet effective at inactivating pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Powdery Mildew and Botrytis are two examples of fungal diseases in plants which are treatable by Terra Vera.
Specifically, Terra Vera’s on-site generators convert water, electricity, and a proprietary blend of salts and amino acids into an organic solution that inactivates many common pathogens (such as mould, powdery mildew, and viruses), but is safe for plants, people, and animals. Its core technology carries a US EPA registration and has been used for decades by the US Department of Defense, the US Department of Energy, and across many highly regulated markets across the world.
Terra Vera introduced its offerings in 2020, working with select clients in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Florida, and has now expanded its capacities to serve the agricultural industry across the United States. Its systems are scalable for both large and small agricultural operations in a variety of grow methods: outdoor, indoor, and greenhouse. In addition, Terra Vera says its experienced team works closely with clients to ensure their agricultural solutions are compliant with federal and state-specific regulations.
