Biotalys EVOCA Protein-Based Biofungicide (AGROBODY)

Biotalys NV is an agricultural technology company founded in 2013 as a spin-off from VIB and headquartered in Ghent, Belgium. It develops protein-based biocontrols that aim to give growers the performance and consistency of chemical crop protection with the clean safety profile of biologicals, protecting crops in the field and after harvest.

Its AGROBODY Foundry platform uses a targeted, automated discovery process to generate protein actives with new modes of action, which are produced through an industrial-scale bioprocess and formulated to fit farmers' practices. The first product, EVOCA, is a biofungicide against key pathogens in grapes and other high-value crops, assigned a new class by FRAC and designed for spray rotation programs. The company is building a wider pipeline against pests and diseases across the food value chain.

• AGROBODY Foundry: proprietary platform that generates protein-based crop protection actives with novel modes of action.
• EVOCA biofungicide: first product, targeting key pathogens in grapes and other high-value crops.
• Rotation fit: designed for use in spray programs alongside existing fungicides.
• Industrial bioprocess: actives are produced at industrial scale and formulated for standard farm practice.
• Post-harvest focus: the platform aims to extend protection of produce after harvest.
• AGROBODY 2.0: next-generation version of the platform for a broader pest and disease pipeline.

• Crop protection companies licensing a protein-based biofungicide for fruit and vegetable portfolios in Southeast Asia.
• Grape and fruit growers in Ninh Thuan and the Mekong Delta adding a new FRAC class to rotation programs.
• Post-harvest operators evaluating protein biocontrols to extend shelf life of export fruit.

• New mode of action: EVOCA's active substance has its own FRAC class, helping manage resistance in spray rotations.
• Clean safety profile: protein-based actives combine biological-like safety with chemical-like consistency when used per label.
• Regulatory progress: approved by the US EPA in December 2025, with Florida and California registrations in 2026 and EU review under way.
• Faster discovery: the company states its automated platform is faster and significantly cheaper than developing chemical actives.

Fungicide resistance and stricter residue limits are pushing growers of grapes, fruit and vegetables toward biocontrols that perform consistently. Vietnamese exporters of fruit such as dragon fruit, mango and durian face the same residue pressure and need new modes of action for rotation.

Founded in 2013 as a VIB spin-off, headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, and publicly listed. EVOCA won the World BioProtection Award 2022 for Best BioFungicide and bronze at the 2024 Bernard Blum Awards; the company was named Sustainable Crop Protection Company of the Year at the 2024 AgTech Breakthrough Awards. EU final decision on EVOCA expected in 2027.