RE:Croptimal ?I think Croptimal should only be developed to the extent that established industry partners want to participate in it's development, Eurocontrol should not pursue this tough market on it's own, as they have already demonstrated good judgement in this regard by initiating this project in collaboration with Netafim.
The first step was to develop the testing device, which Netafim seams intent to equip their representatives with to fine tune the nutrient additions in their base of installed "Nutrigation" systems around the world. The next step has been outlined in the January 9th PR by Dubi Raz, Netafim's Agronomy Director, said,: On future development he added, "The strategy of Croptimal to develop an IN LINE / Online water analysis system meshes with Netafim's development plans to further improve crop analysis and optimize irrigation / nutrigation recommendations to growers with the aim of assuring sustainable higher yields while protecting the environment." This In-line system, if successfully developed, will be sold into Netafim's huge base of installed systems, to provide precise real-time adjustments to metering pumps adding nutrients to irrigation water.
As such, I only support further expansion of the Croptimal business with support of established industry partners, who would likely want an equity stake and benefit from the growth of this business, so I fully support the spin-out WITH AN ESTABLISHED INDUSTRY PARTNER. I believe a spin-out would only require a majority vote from the BOD. I also believe the shares of the new company would initially be held by Eurocontrol, then any distribution would ned to be distributed proportionatley to Eurocontrol shareholders.
There are great possibilities to expand this effort, possibly with another partner in the agricultural analytical testing business (SGS, Eurofins, etc.), agricultural equipment (FMC, John Deere, etc), or agricultural suppliers (Isreal Chemicals, Mosaic Co., Koch Agronomic Services, etc.).......this could get really interesting.....but it could also be a big mistake if the company tries to go it alone, which I think they understand based on their past model of R&D.