EcoPhage and CNI AG Signed a Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement for GoldenEco® in the U.S. Market

Strategic partnership will support the commercialization of EcoPhage's innovative phage-based biological solution for bacterial diseases in tomatoes and peppers

REHOVOT, Israel, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EcoPhage, a leader in the development of sustainable phage-based biopesticides for the control of bacterial plant diseases, today announced that it has entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with CNI AG for the marketing and sales of its innovative biological product, GoldenEco®, in the United States.

The agreement represents an important milestone in EcoPhage's commercial expansion in the U.S. market and brings together EcoPhage's proprietary phage-based technology platform with CNI AG's extensive distribution network and strong relationships with independent agricultural retailers across the country.

GoldenEco® is a phage-based biological product developed to address bacterial diseases affecting tomatoes and peppers, including diseases caused by Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas species. EcoPhage submitted GoldenEco® to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in late 2023 and currently expects regulatory approval later this year.

A New Approach to Bacterial Disease Management

Bacterial diseases remain a significant challenge for growers, while disease-management programs have historically relied heavily on copper-based products. The emergence of resistance, concerns regarding environmental and chemical footprints, and evolving regulatory requirements are increasing the demand for innovative and more sustainable solutions.

EcoPhage's proprietary research and development platform is designed to identify, develop, and optimize phage-based solutions targeting bacterial plant pathogens across multiple crops. The platform supports the development of natural, non-GMO and zero-residue biological products, with the potential to provide effective disease management while supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.

Expanding Access to Biological Solutions for U.S. Growers

CNI AG, founded in 1974 by independent agricultural business owners, is a nationwide wholesale distributor supplying crop protection products, fertilizers, and seeds to independent agricultural retailers. CNI AG operates 24 distribution centers across 40 states and serves more than 600 independent agricultural retailers.

Through this partnership, EcoPhage and CNI AG will work together to introduce GoldenEco® to the U.S. agricultural market and provide growers with access to EcoPhage's new biological approach to bacterial disease management.

"We are excited to see GoldenEco® receive EPA approval and to help bring this innovative phage-based technology to U.S. growers", said Conner Maple, CNI AG's Business Unit Lead, Specialty Ag. "Bacterial diseases remain a significant challenge in tomato and pepper production, and growers are looking for additional effective and sustainable tools. GoldenEco® represents an important addition to the biological toolbox, and we look forward to working closely with EcoPhage and growers to support its introduction and adoption across the U.S."

"We are thrilled to partner with CNI AG, an organization with an extensive network and strong relationships throughout the U.S. agricultural retail channel," added Guy Elitzur, CEO of EcoPhage. "This agreement is an important step in our U.S. commercial strategy and reflects the growing demand for effective and sustainable biological solutions for bacterial diseases. We believe GoldenEco® has the potential to provide growers with a valuable new tool for disease management while supporting efforts to reduce reliance on conventional copper-based programs."

With EPA approval now secured, the parties are moving forward with their collaboration to bring GoldenEco® to U.S. growers and provide an effective biological tool for managing bacterial diseases in tomatoes and peppers.

About CNI AG

Founded in 1974 by independent agricultural business owners, CNI AG is a nationwide wholesale distributor serving independent agricultural retailers across the United States. The company distributes crop protection products, fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs through its network of 24 distribution centers across 40 states, serving more than 600 independent agricultural retailers

About EcoPhage

EcoPhage is an agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative biological solutions for the control of bacterial plant diseases. Based on its proprietary phage discovery and development platform, EcoPhage develops targeted, natural, non-GMO and zero-residue biopesticides designed to provide effective disease management across a broad range of crops.

The company is advancing a growing pipeline of phage-based products targeting important bacterial diseases and is focused on delivering sustainable solutions that support growers and the future of modern agriculture.

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SOURCE EcoPhage