About AgroBioTechNZ
Biological technology built for agriculture
AgroBioTech develops and manufactures biological solutions designed to improve crop performance, nutrient efficiency and soil function.
Based in Canterbury, New Zealand, our technology combines beneficial microorganisms, fermentation and plant-derived bioactive compounds to create practical products for modern agriculture.
Our focus is simple: use biology to help plants and soils perform better.
From microbiology to the paddock
Our products are developed from a strong understanding of microbial and plant biology, but they are designed for use in real farming systems.
We manufacture microbial inoculants and fermented biological products using carefully selected microorganisms, including species of Bacillus and other agriculturally beneficial microbes. These organisms and their metabolites can support nutrient cycling, root development, plant establishment and resilience.
Rather than viewing biologicals as a replacement for conventional agronomy, we see them as another tool — one that can help growers get more from their existing crop and nutrient programmes.
Made in New Zealand
AgroBioTech products are manufactured at our facility in Christchurch, New Zealand, where we have extensive experience in microbial fermentation and the production of agricultural biologicals.
Controlling production locally allows us to manage the process from microbial culture and fermentation through to formulation and finished product.
Research-led. Commercially focused.
Biological products need to perform outside the laboratory.
Our development programme therefore combines laboratory work, glasshouse evaluation and field research, with products tested across New Zealand cropping, pasture and forage systems.
We continue to work with growers, agronomists and research partners to understand where biological technology can deliver the greatest value.
Better biology. Better performance.
Our goal is to make agricultural biotechnology practical, measurable and commercially relevant.
By combining microbiology with established agronomic practices, AgroBioTech is developing a new generation of biological tools for productive and resilient farming systems.
History
It was started in 2023 by Dr. Von Johnston, Mike Daly and Paul Daly who were early adopters of biological technology to enhance agriculture in NZ through their companies Enformtech (www.enformtech.com/) and Naturefarm (www.naturefarm.co.nz). Naturefarm (Mike and Paul) had just invested in a new fermentation technology plant, when a visit from Dr. Von started a chain reaction which led to the formation of AgroBiotechNZ. Dr. Von and Enformtech provide the licensed proprietary strains, world class R&D and cutting edge expertise in fermentation and Paul and Mike bring industry leading expertise in production, marketing and distribution to the table. Together AgrobiotechNZ aims to bring immediate results for their clients while improving long-term soil health and biological diversity.
Meet the Team
Dr. Von Johnson
Dr. Von Johnson is an internationally recognised industrial microbiologist and a well known leader in his field. He has over 36 years of experience in research and industry, with an impressive track record. Dr. Johnson has successfully commercialised several bioproducts and bioprocesses, and is acclaimed for a number of ground-breaking achievements in the bioformulation field. A number of patents invented by Dr. Johnson have been commercialised into products which are currently marketed. Some of technologies/IP developed by Dr. Johnson are protected as trade secrets and licensed to client companies under strict confidentiality. EnFormTech has licensed the microbial strains for the production of the AgroBiotechNZ BioFertiliser range.
Mike Daly
Mike Daly worked for 24 years in Agricultural and Horticultural Research, during this time Mike heard a presentation about EM, a microbial inoculant, and imported it into New Zealand from Japan for research purposes. The research was based on using EM in New Zealand systems and positive results using EM were obtained. Following this Naturefarm/EMNZ was founded in 2001 by Mike as a trading company for EM in New Zealand. As an early pioneer of microbial technology in Agriculture in NZ, Mike has helped grow this industry and through AgroBioTechNZ looks forward to introducing new innovation to the NZ and Australia markets.
Paul Daly
After a decade working in Marketing positions across the Finance and Events industries in Melbourne and London in 2013, Paul returned to Christchurch with his young family. He joined Naturefarm in 2013, with father Mike and since then he has been getting his hands dirty learning all about soil biology and microbial inoculants. His skills lie in Business Development and building distribution partners and he is responsible for the commercial side of AgroBioTechNZ.