New Energy Farms (NEF) today announced its partnership in the US sugarcane market to develop NEF CEEDS technology there.

Dr. Ryan Viator has been named a NEF CEEDS Technology Development Partner in Louisiana to develop the product for the production of 500,000 acres of sugar cane in the state. Testing will begin this season in Louisiana to evaluate current varieties established as CEEDS.

Dr. Viator is a leading American sugarcane expert who, for the past 5 years, has consulted throughout Louisiana on sugarcane and soybeans, in addition to conducting contract research on sugarcane, soybeans, and sorghum. Before working as a consultant, he worked for 10 years as a research agronomist and crop physiologist in the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Ryan has a family history of growing sugarcane, and his family currently operates a sugarcane farm in the Teche region of Louisiana.

NEF developed and patented CEEDS technology for the multiplication and planting of sugar cane crops worldwide. CEEDS are small coated propagules directly drilled in the field like conventional seeds. The technology allows producers to stop planting large tons of sugar stalks or billets and instead accurately plant CEEDS sugarcane propagules. NEF has already authorized CEEDS for commercial use of sugarcane in other key sugarcane markets, including Brazil, Central America, and Australia.

"NEF is extremely pleased to be working with someone with the expertise of Dr. Viator, who is highly respected by the sugar cane industry there," said Dr. Paul Carver, CEO of New Energy Farms.