THE MICROBIAL REVOLUTION

NEW EDGE MICROBIALS MANAGING DIRECTOR BEN BARLOW LOOKS TO A DISTANT HORIZON FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY – AND THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

- STEVE CROWE

IN FOCUS

NAME: Ben Barlow

COMPANY: New Edge Microbials

POSITION: Managing Director

LOCATION: Albury, Australia

The long game can be a tough one to play in business. Demands for short-term gain year in, year out, can be a drag on long-term prospects as stakeholders demand immediate returns.

There are, however, some industries that can only be viewed as long-game prospects. Agriculture is prisoner to its reliance on crop success, determined as much by climate as it is human endeavour. It can be a roller-coaster ride through famine and plenty, requiring a firm grasp of farming principles and technology, business acumen and a large dollop of patience.

But it’s a calling with lifelong appeal to Ben Barlow, Managing Director of New Edge Microbials (NEM). His love of farming combines naturally with his expertise in economics and business management to drive a company that sits at the cutting edge of biotechnology, and feeds his insatiable curiosity for the new.

“Agriculture I understand very well. I understand its cycles,” he reflects. “If you look at the investment community, the general feeling about agriculture is that it’s big, robust and risky. Those who actually understand it and have a long-term view have done well out of agriculture – over a long time. That’s what attracts me to it.”