Bioceres is an Argentine company dedicated to agricultural biotechnology, focused on developing solutions that improve the efficiency and sustainability of crops. Founded in 2001 in Rosario, Santa Fe, by a group of 23 agricultural producers, including Víctor Trucco, Gustavo Grobocopatel, and Rogelio Fogante, the company emerged with the intention of creating technologies adapted to the specific characteristics of both local and global agriculture.
Since its inception, Bioceres has invested in research and development to address environmental challenges affecting agricultural production. One of its most notable achievements is the HB4 technology, which gives crops like wheat and soy greater tolerance to drought conditions. This development was made possible through collaboration with scientist Raquel Chan and her team from CONICET and the National University of the Litoral, who identified the HaHB-4 gene in sunflower, responsible for this trait.
The adoption of HB4 technology has been especially beneficial in drought-prone areas, allowing farmers to maintain more consistent yields even in water stress situations. This not only improves profitability for producers but also contributes to global food production stability.
Federico Trucco, CEO of BIOCERES
Bioceres’ leadership has been key to its growth and success. Federico Trucco, born in Rosario in 1977, is the current CEO of the company. The son of Víctor Trucco and María Cristina Fossaroli, both descendants of Italian immigrants who settled as farmers in the south-central region of Santa Fe, Federico trained as a biochemist and earned a PhD in Crop Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. From a young age, he showed interest in advances in biotechnology and its application in agriculture—a passion he shared with his father, a leading advocate for technological innovation in the agricultural sector.
Federico joined Bioceres in 2005, initially as head of research in development projects. He later contributed to the organization and management of INDEAR, the company’s biotechnology center. In 2011, he became CEO, the first formal executive director of Bioceres. Under his leadership, the company has solidified its position as a biotechnology leader in Latin America and expanded its global influence. In recognition of his work, Federico was awarded the Konex Prize for Business Innovation in 2018 and was named Entrepreneur of the Year by EY Argentina in 2019.
Bioceres has expanded its range of biotechnological solutions.
The company produces chymosin, an enzyme essential in cheese making, obtained from genetically modified safflower. This method offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional sources of the enzyme. Bioceres has also ventured into the development of biomaterials, such as dry construction panels made from wheat straw, thus promoting the integral use of agricultural resources and encouraging circular economy practices.
Bioceres Crop Solutions
Bioceres’ corporate structure includes various business units and subsidiaries that strengthen its presence in the international market. One standout is Bioceres Crop Solutions, its international division dedicated to providing integrated crop solutions. This subsidiary has been listed on NASDAQ under the symbol BIOX since 2019, which has facilitated investment and global expansion. Another important subsidiary is Rizobacter, a leading company in agricultural microbiology based in Argentina, known for its biological products that improve crop health and productivity. Bioceres also operates INDEAR (Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology of Rosario), its research and development platform that drives ongoing innovation in the agricultural sector.
Bioceres’ vision goes beyond technological innovation
The company is committed to responsible and sustainable agricultural practices. Through its developments, it aims to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and promote more efficient and resilient production systems. The implementation of solutions such as HB4 not only optimizes productivity but also contributes to the conservation of natural resources and climate change mitigation.
In 2022, Bioceres expanded its international reach by acquiring U.S.-based biotechnology company Marrone Bio Innovations, in a deal valued at approximately $240 million. This acquisition positioned Bioceres as a global leader in biological products for agriculture, offering more environmentally friendly alternatives compared to traditional chemical products. With this integration, the company reached estimated annual revenues of $300 million and a presence in 46 countries, solidifying its role in the global market for sustainable agricultural solutions.
Bioceres supports its commitment to Scientific Startups
In addition to its biotechnology focus, Bioceres has actively promoted scientific startups. In 2022, the company helped launch SF500, an investment fund aimed at turning innovative ideas into emerging science-based companies with the goal of improving people’s quality of life. This initiative seeks to increase the number of biotech companies in the regional life sciences ecosystem by providing funding, resources, and learning programs for entrepreneurs.
In August 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined that Bioceres’ genetically modified HB4 wheat is safe for cultivation and reproduction in U.S. territory. This wheat, designed to tolerate drought conditions, represents a promising solution for farmers affected by adverse climates. Although additional trials are required before full commercialization in the U.S., this preliminary approval marks a significant step in the acceptance of biotech crops designed to withstand extreme conditions. The USDA’s recognition adds to previous approvals in other key markets such as Brazil and Australia, allowing Bioceres to further advance the internationalization of its HB4 technology and position itself as a key player in developing agricultural solutions for a planet with increasingly limited resources.
HB4 and its challenges
One of the challenges the company faces is the acceptance of HB4 wheat in the Argentine market. Although the government approved its use in 2020, adoption has been gradual due to resistance from parts of the milling and exporting industries, which fear restrictions in destinations where genetically modified wheat is not fully accepted. Despite this, Bioceres has worked on agreements with producers and exporters to ensure traceability and separation of HB4 grains, allowing conventional and biotech wheat to coexist without issues.
Bioceres’ expansion goes beyond developing drought-tolerant seeds. The company has built a technology ecosystem that includes bio-inputs and digital solutions for crop management. With the acquisition of Rizobacter, it expanded its offerings in the inoculant and biological product segment, which improve soil health and reduce reliance on conventional agrochemicals. These innovations have enabled producers in various regions to adopt more efficient and environmentally friendly practices, enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
Under Federico Trucco’s leadership, Bioceres has succeeded in balancing scientific advancement with business management. His strategy has been to combine the development of high-impact technologies with strategic alliances that facilitate the entry of these products into international markets. The NASDAQ listing has allowed the company to attract investment and accelerate growth, consolidating a business network spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Trucco’s approach goes beyond traditional biotechnology. His interest in the convergence of science and technology has led him to promote projects linked to artificial intelligence applied to agriculture. In collaboration with research teams, Bioceres has explored the use of predictive algorithms to optimize crop management and anticipate weather events, providing farmers with more precise management tools.
The company’s future is shaped by the development of new technologies based on synthetic biology, gene editing, and digital solutions for agricultural production. With a combination of scientific innovation and well-structured commercial strategies, Bioceres continues to expand its influence in the sector, betting on a production model that is more efficient and adaptable to the challenges of climate change.
Trucco has stated on several occasions that the challenge of modern agriculture is not only to produce more, but to do so with lower environmental impact and greater resilience to extreme weather events. His vision has been key to Bioceres’ consolidation as one of the most dynamic companies in the sector, capable of developing technologies that not only benefit producers but also respond to the need to feed a growing population in a context of limited natural resources.