A Fertilizer Manufacturer’s Goal – Not Only to Ensure Yield
The innovative fertilizer producer Agroconsult LT is celebrating its 14th anniversary. At the beginning of its operations, the company represented other European fertilizer manufacturers, but over time its leaders noticed that the quality of products manufactured abroad no longer met expectations. “Considering the climate conditions of Northern Europe and the changing needs of farmers, we decided to start producing fertilizers ourselves. Today, we export our products to 10 countries,” says company director Erikas Butnoris and commercial director Marius Urmonas.
Founded in 2011, the innovative fertilizer development and production company Agroconsult LT quickly realized that local farmers required more tailored solutions. This led to the creation of the first Viva Fertilis liquid fertilizer formulas, designed specifically for the climate conditions of Northern Europe and the high requirements of modern agricultural machinery.
“Our strength lies in science-based innovation and continuous research. We cooperate with research institutions, conduct field trials, and constantly look for new ways to reduce chemical use, preserve soil and water, and respond quickly to climate and market challenges. We provide our clients with economically sound, environmentally friendly solutions,” the managers explain.
According to the commercial director, the factory established in 2021 produces and packages 20,000–25,000 liters of fertilizers per working day.
Higher Standards in Lithuania
“When we started, the demand for liquid fertilizers was still quite small, so first we had to ‘grow’ the market in order to develop production. Initially, we imported products from several Spanish manufacturers – we visited many of them, but the quality did not meet our expectations,” recalls director E. Butnoris.
“In Southern Europe, requirements for agricultural machinery are lower, which allows the use of cheaper equipment that is less sensitive to sprayed products and raw materials. Therefore, we decided to create and manufacture liquid fertilizers ourselves – adapted specifically to Northern Europe, especially our regional climate conditions and farmers’ needs. This allowed us to react more quickly to changing weather and market demands, reduce logistics costs in terms of both time and money, and offer more flexible delivery conditions. Most importantly, we were able to provide fertilizers tailored to farmers’ needs much faster than by waiting for foreign suppliers.”
Creating Unique Products – Even for Agro-Drones
According to E. Butnoris, whose company produces Viva Fertilis fertilizers, their products are designed with agronomic needs in mind and adapted for both professional farming and hobby gardeners.
“In every product category, we have several unique solutions not found elsewhere in the market. We aim not to replicate what already exists, but to create innovative products addressing real challenges faced by farmers.
Our fertilizers stand out due to their high concentration – the active ingredient levels in many products are among the highest on the market, because we pay attention not only to composition but also to product density. As a result, one liter of our fertilizers can weigh up to 1.7 kg. Another key differentiator is ingredients and technology: many formulas include biostimulant components; we were the first in the Baltics to produce suspension fertilizers; we also manufacture inhibitors that stabilize urea and improve nitrogen efficiency.
We offer a wide portfolio – from biological products for various crops to specialized solutions such as inoculants for seed and tuber coating. We even developed a dedicated fertilizer line designed for agro-drones. Our goal is not to copy existing solutions, but to create innovative products that meet the challenges of modern farming.”
Farmers Are Becoming More Knowledgeable
The company’s leaders observe that in fourteen years farmers’ attitudes towards fertilization have changed significantly.
“Some once believed additional fertilization was unnecessary or could be replaced with cheaper alternatives; others rejected fertilizers altogether. At the same time, a growing number of farmers have consistently deepened their knowledge and sought more effective solutions.
The change is obvious: a decade ago, we had to explain what amino acids or biological products are, and not everyone was willing to discuss them. Today, the situation is very different – seminars, educational activities, and smart technologies, including artificial intelligence, help farmers access information quickly and try new-generation products with greater confidence. We ourselves produce biological fertilizers that do not harm the soil, and we clearly see their growing demand,” notes M. Urmonas.
The Goal – Not Only Higher Yields
According to Agroconsult LT managers, there is a clear EU-wide trend to reduce the use of chemical-based products, while farmers still want to maintain efficiency.
“One of our priorities is to develop fertilizers with higher concentrations that are at the same time more environmentally friendly. We believe that in the near future, some insecticides and fungicides will be replaced by highly effective biological compounds.
It is encouraging that more and more farmers recognize the value of organic residues – seeing them not as waste, but as a valuable fertilizer to be properly utilized.
In our view, modern fertilizers must combine two essential goals – to ensure yields and to protect the environment. Therefore, in developing our products, we focus on nitrogen efficiency. Higher concentrations allow for lower application rates and fewer field passes – saving fuel, time, and costs. We also choose safer, more environmentally friendly raw materials. We chelate elements using natural methods without mineral or synthetic acids. Such chelates help plants absorb nutrients faster, leach less, and avoid accumulation in the soil.
Our biological products (inoculants and biostimulants) improve soil structure, increase nutrient efficiency, reduce nutrient leaching into groundwater, and contribute to long-term soil health,” the managers explain.
According to M. Urmonas, farmers’ and manufacturers’ perspectives on sustainability do not always align, which is why the company invests heavily in education and advisory services.
Looking Ahead
Agroconsult LT’s director reveals that the company’s long-term vision is to continue developing new products, offering farmers economically viable solutions based on trial results, and expanding export opportunities. Currently exporting to 10 foreign markets, the company is preparing to register its products in the United States.
“Our growth has been driven by several key factors. One of them is choosing the right partners. From the very beginning, we have worked with Scandagra, sharing a common vision, drive, and working principles. We also place strong emphasis on consistent market development: as a new brand abroad, we invest in product promotion, registration, farm trials, and long-term customer relationships.
Of course, one of the most important reasons for our success is growing farmer trust. Both in Lithuania and abroad, more and more farmers are convinced of the quality of our products and return to them year after year,” says E. Butnoris.
“In the future, we aim to expand not only our fertilizer range but also our portfolio in other agricultural areas. Our direction will be shaped by climate change, farmers’ needs, and crop price dynamics. Therefore, we will continue to focus on innovation, research, and trials. The company’s success is inseparable not only from strong partners but also from farmers themselves.”
Source: www.ukininkopatarejas.lt