Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc., a sustainable fertilizer maker that has operations in St. Louis, has hired a new chief technology officer.
Ostara has hired Aaron Waltz as its chief technology officer. The company said Waltz has 20-plus years working in the agriculture industry, having previously held roles at DuPont Pioneer, Concentric Ag and Phospholutions Inc. It didn't immediately say whether CTO is a new position for the firm.
"Aaron's skills are highly complementary to the existing executive team and will enable Ostara to realize our vision of global expansion as we increase production of our portfolio of Crystal Green phosphate fertilizers," said Kerry Cebul, CEO of Ostara. "Aaron's agronomic expertise, diverse science background, and leadership will be critical as we rapidly expand our platform of technologies and significantly increase production to meet grower needs."
Founded in 2005 in Vancouver, Canada, Ostara developed technology to recover nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen from municipal and internal water treatment plants to create eco-friendly fertilizers. It sells its fertilizers, branded as Crystal Green, to agriculture, turf and landscaping customers. In August 2021, Ostara announced plans to build a new $25 million fertilizer production facility at 39 Bremen Ave. in St. Louis' Near North Riverfront neighborhood.
"Ostara has developed a unique foundation of innovative crop nutrition products and technologies that help growers optimize yield, embrace sustainability, and reduce application rates. I am excited to join the organization to build on this foundation and accelerate their adoption," said Waltz.
Ostara in October 2022 said raised $70 million in a Series C funding round, with plans to use the capital to wrap up construction and begin operations at that facility, with plans to make 200,000 tons of fertilizer in St. Louis annually. It expects fertilizer from its St. Louis facility will be ready to sell for the 2024 growing season.
