Crop.Zone

The founder, Dirk Vandenhirtz, is a biologist and ecotoxicologist by training and a serial entrepreneur in the AgTech sector, having previously founded LemnaTec GmbH in 1998. His background in ecotoxicology and experience in developing agricultural technologies informed the creation of Crop.Zone, aiming to address the environmental impact of chemical herbicides. The company's business model involves providing its technology as a complete system that integrates with existing farm machinery, such as standard tractors and sprayers. The system is available to farmers and contractors through distribution partners, including Nufarm, Kamps de Wild, and fenaco. Revenue is generated from the sale of these systems and likely the accompanying conductive liquid.

Crop.Zone serves both conventional and organic farmers looking for effective, residue-free crop and weed management solutions. The technology is used for several applications, including pre-harvest desiccation in crops like potatoes and cereals, weed control, and managing cover crops. The company has received significant investment to scale its operations, including an $11 million funding round in 2022 to enter serial production and expand into new markets. Crop.Zone has also engaged in strategic collaborations, such as working with John Deere to develop a 24-meter wide system to cater to larger North American farms.