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​​​​​​​APS Webinar Series | Bridging Science and Markets: Commercializing Biocontrol for a Sustainable Future

​Seizing the Market: Trends, O​pportunities, and Scaling Strategies for Biocontrol Agents

Michael Frodyma | NewLeaf Symbiotics​

Dr. Michael Frodyma represents NewLeaf Symbiotics, a venture-funded agricultural biologicals company engaged in discovery, development, production, and commercialization of products containing beneficial plant bacteria, based in EDGE at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St Louis, MO. With over 30 years’ experience in both academic and commercial positions, Dr. Frodyma is Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, responsible for the commercial production of PPFM-based products as well overseeing the fermentation and formulation research teams. He received his BS in Marine Molecular Biology from the Florida Institute of Technology, and then obtained a PhD in Bacterial Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison working on thiamin and purine metabolic crosstalk in Salmonella enterica. After a post-doc studying psychrophiles at Penn State, Dr. Frodyma then spent 14 years working at Novozymes (now Novonesis) in various research and management roles using microbes for industrial and agricultural applications.

Fabio Sgarbi | StrategicAg Consulting

With more than 25 years of hands-on experience in crop protection, biotechnology, seeds, and biological products, Fabio Sgarbi has built a career across leadership roles at some of the most influential companies in agribusiness, including Monsanto, Bayer, BASF, and Indigo Ag. His professional journey spans Brazil, Latin America, and global markets, combining “on the job” expertise with a visionary, creative, and holistic approach to solving complex agricultural challenges.

As the Founder and CEO of StrategicAg Consulting, Fabio applies this extensive corporate experience to deliver tailored, high-impact strategies that anticipate trends, connect international companies to the Brazilian market, and generate measurable results. His boutique consulting model ensures direct access to his expertise, blending strategic vision with practical, field-tested solutions.

Throughout his career, Fabio has led global product portfolios, driven innovation in biotechnology and crop protection, and developed new business models in collaboration with startups, cooperatives, and multinational agribusinesses.

His specialties include: strategic planning in agriculture, market analysis, innovation adoption, international agribusiness connections, and high-performance team building.