In a decisive move towards sustainable agriculture, Haifa Group has confirmed a €30 million investment in the construction of a new Multicote™ production plant in South France, in proximity to the existing plant in Lunel. This cutting-edge facility will produce controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) with a newly developed biodegradable coating, aligning with upcoming EU regulations that prohibit fertilizers coated with materials leaving microplastic residues.
The new regulation, set to take effect in October 2028, is a milestone in the agricultural industry’s shift toward environmentally friendly practices. By investing in advanced R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Haifa ensures that growers can continue benefiting from Multicote™ products while fully complying with the evolving regulatory landscape.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of this transition, aligning our products with new environmental standards while maintaining the high efficiency of our plant nutrition solutions,” said Natan Feldman, Haifa Group VP Marketing, Business Development & Innovation. “This investment reflects our commitment to sustainable agriculture and our mission to minimize environmental impact.”
Innovation in Action: Biodegradable Coating and Future-Ready Production
Haifa is advancing sustainability through a dual approach: product innovation and infrastructure development. The biodegradable coating for Multicote™ fertilizers is the result of intensive research by Haifa’s R&D lab, which has worked devotedly to develop a solution that meets both agronomic performance standards and environmental responsibility. Advanced water model and soil trials confirm that the new coating delivers the same reliable nutrient release characteristics as the existing formulation, ensuring seamless adoption by growers.
The new production plant will be strategically located near Haifa’s existing Lunel facility, enabling smooth operational integration while leveraging the expertise of the current team. Haifa’s existing plant in Lunel is already certified under the EU Fertilizing Products Regulation (2019/1009) and holds RHP certification for the production of fertilizers used in planting mixtures. The new facility will align with these standards, ensuring compliance with the highest regulatory and quality benchmarks.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the new plant will also generate business and employment opportunities in the region. Nicolas Tinetti, Managing Director of Haifa France, expressed pride in the company’s expansion: “This investment strengthens our presence in France and Europe while creating new job opportunities in the region. We are excited to lead this important step in sustainable plant nutrition and contribute to the local economy.”
This investment underscores Haifa’s unwavering commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. By proactively adapting to regulatory changes, Haifa ensures that growers worldwide can continue to benefit from precision plant nutrition while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.