Fertilizing the Future: Innovations and Insights with Yara’s Commercial Director, Karolina Frackowiak
Anyone with an interest in agriculture is likely familiar with Yara, the largest producer of fertilizers globally, renowned for its innovative contributions to the field. With a rich history spanning 118 years, Yara is a global entity that boasts high-tech laboratories and research centers across various nations, operating in 60 countries.
To understand what distinguishes Yara’s fertilizers and to gain insight into their innovative process and commitment to environmental responsibility, we spoke to Karolina Frackowiak, the Commercial Director of Yara's Eastern European office and the Head of Sales and Marketing Department.
What distinguishes Yara’s fertilizers in the global market?
“Yara strives to meet one of agriculture's main challenges: producing sufficient agricultural products to feed the global population while minimizing environmental damage. Our team works assiduously to develop products that are not only of high quality but also environmentally friendly, offering farmers effectiveness, ease of use, and high yield with a low environmental footprint.”
What considerations are crucial when developing a new product?
“Innovation is paramount at Yara. Every new concept undergoes meticulous evaluation to ensure alignment with strategic goals, response to global challenges, innovation, and added value for customers. A considerable portion of our research is dedicated to studying the raw materials used, exploring their properties, quality, and effects.”
How crucial is the role of innovation and the adoption of new practices in agriculture?
“The evolution of the agricultural sector is vital in addressing emerging challenges, primarily climate change and rising global demand for agricultural products. Embracing modern methodologies, exploring new solutions, and promoting sustainable agriculture are pivotal for enhancing crop yield and conserving soil quality for future generations.”
Can you share about Yara’s Research and Development centers and laboratories?
“Yara’s commitment to innovation is reflected in our world-class R&D centers located in Germany and our research farm in Finland. Our laboratory in Great Britain conducts hundreds of thousands of soil tests, serving farmers globally. Collaboration with farmers enables us to understand their challenges better, and we also partner with approximately 100 research institutes and universities worldwide.”
How would you describe Yara’s partnership with "Agrosphere" in Georgia?
“‘Agrosphere’ has been a trusted and reliable partner for over 18 years. The company’s continuous growth, progress, and extensive knowledge in agricultural sciences make our collaboration highly successful and mutually enriching.”
What, in your opinion, is the primary agricultural challenge in Georgia?
“The predominant challenge for Georgian farmers is the knowledge gap. Both Yara and Agrosphere’s teams are dedicated to knowledge transfer, organizing seminars and workshops to educate partners and customers. Georgia possesses immense agricultural potential, and we are confident that with time, it will not only satisfy domestic demand but also emerge as an exporter of various agricultural products.”