Acadian Plant Health is expanding its direct commercial and technical presence in California, adding two territory sales representatives as it takes responsibility for marketing and distributing its Acadian and Acadian Organic products across the state and the United States.

Michael Lombardi and Eric (Rick) Ebbinghausen joined Acadian as Territory Sales Representatives effective Sept. 1. They will work directly with retailers, pest control advisers, crop consultants and growers, providing local sales support and connecting customers with Acadian’s technical resources.

The company says the expanded presence is intended to strengthen product education, field demonstrations, trials, new product introductions and market development.

Acadian says the move comes as California growers contend with drought, heat and water restrictions that can affect crop productivity and quality. The company’s products are based on Ascophyllum nodosum, a species of brown seaweed, and the company has conducted research and commercial work in California crops for decades.

Alessandro Mariani, Acadian’s vice-president of commercial operations for North America, said California is a key market for the company and that establishing a larger direct presence demonstrates its long-term commitment to growers and customers.

The investment will focus on expanding the local team and technical capabilities while giving customers more direct access to Acadian’s products and expertise, Mariani said.

Lombardi and Ebbinghausen will work with Mariani, Western Business Manager Richard Rasmussen, Marketing Manager for North America Ted Walter, and Regional Technical Advisor Andres Gauge.