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John Cross
Former President and
CEO - Philom Bios
Bridging Biology and
Business
Sunday, September 12, 2010
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Abstract: The
concept of a
phosphate incoculant
to increase plant
phosphate uptake was
unknown in 1985. The
tribulations and
triumphs, blunders
and bonuses of
commercializing
microbial fertility
products will be
reviewed in lurid
detail.
Biography
Trained as a
chemical engineer
John Cross joined the Food Research
and Development
Department of John
Labatt Ltd. in
London, Ontario in
1965. His work
centered on the
development and
commercialization of
new products in the
fermentation, food,
beverage, dairy and
animal feed
industries.
From 1975-1980 he
served as founding
Executive Director
of POS Pilot Plant
Corporation in
Saskatoon.
In 1980 Mr. Cross
was a founding
partner and later
President, CEO, and
Chairman of
Saskatoon-based
Philom Bios Inc.
This company
develops,
manufactures, and
markets high value
inoculants which
increase farmers’
profits by enhancing
the fertility
efficiency of crops
in an
environmentally
benign way. Products
include the world’s
first commercial
phosphate inoculant
and the world’s
first combination
phosphate and
nitrogen inoculant
for pulse crops.
Philom Bios was
acquired by
Novozymes S/A, a
Denmark based
bio-innovation
multinational in
December 2007.
Philom Bios and Mr.
Cross have received
numerous national
and regional awards.
Previously a member
of the National
Research Council of
Canada and Chairman
of the Saskatchewan
Research Council,
Mr. Cross is
currently engaged at
the Board level in
several
agricultural,
research, and
economic development
organizations.
