by Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr.

The agreement granting Agrispecialist, Inc. (ASI) exclusive rights to produce, market, and distribute BIO-N, a biofertilizer developed at UPLB-BIOTECH, is the culmination of a careful and transparent decision-making process. 

It addresses critical shortcomings in the biofertilizer market, specifically in the availability of BIO-N, which UPLB had hoped to address through the establishment of BIO-N mixing plants all over the country in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) from 2004 to 2022. However, as of 2022, only 20% of the DA’s 83 BIO-N mixing plants has remained operational. This limited production capacity has hindered farmers’ access to BIO-N. 

Through the exclusive agreement, ASI is now positioned to produce BIO-N at scale, ensuring its availability across the country. This empowers farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices while reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs.

By facilitating broader access to this innovative technology, the agreement helps address the challenges of inadequate biofertilizer supply and dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers like urea. 

The licensing arrangement underwent rigorous scrutiny by the Fairness Opinion Board (FOB), convened by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This review ensured compliance with Republic Act No. 10055, the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009. The FOB concluded that the terms of the agreement are fair, equitable, and beneficial to the public. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) further reviewed the agreement to confirm adherence to national intellectual property laws, underscoring the integrity of the process.

The licensing agreement includes provisions for UPLB to conduct regular inspection of ASI’s facilities to ensure compliance with strict quality standards set by UPLB-BIOTECH. These measures protect farmers from substandard products and preserve the integrity of this publicly funded technology. Additionally, royalties and upfront payments from the agreement will be reinvested in research and development, advancing UPLB’s mission to support the agricultural sector.

Despite the exclusivity of the agreement, ASI has expressed a commitment to collaborate with existing mixing plants and stakeholders, ensuring inclusivity while maintaining product quality. This collaborative approach balances innovation with inclusiveness, allowing the benefits of the agreement to extend to various sectors of the agriculture industry.

We encourage concerned organizations to engage with UPLB for an open and constructive dialogue to better understand the rationale behind this arrangement. Such discussions will highlight its alignment with the shared goal of supporting Filipino farmers and enhancing the nation’s food security.

UPLB remains committed to innovation and public service. We will continue conducting relevant research and strengthen our technology transfer capacity that will advance Philippine agriculture.