Extra Nature, frontrunner in bio-pesticides in Algeria

With demand for green solutions increasing, the young Algerian company Extra Nature is positioning itself at the forefront of bio-pesticide innovation. In collaboration with PUM and within the wider Orange Corners network, entrepreneur Mohamed Karasane is strengthening both his product development and business strategy to contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Extra Nature was founded in 2020 by Mohamed Karasane, together with his wife and sister-in-law. The company initially focused on producing essential oils for the consumer market. As part of the Orange Corners Algeria programme, Mohamed has access to an international network of young entrepreneurs, where access to knowledge, coaching and partnerships plays a key role in business development. Through Orange Corners, the connection with PUM was established.

Building on this foundation, Mohamed began exploring opportunities in organic crop protection in 2024, responding to a growing demand for chemical-free agricultural solutions. This shift is closely linked to developments in the Algerian agricultural sector, where producers increasingly supply fruits and vegetables to European markets. As regulations tighten and consumer awareness grows, the demand for biological alternatives to chemical pesticides is rising rapidly.

Strengthening products and processes

Mohamed worked with PUM expert Gert Versteeg on this transition. The collaboration started online, focusing on the composition and formulation of bio-pesticides. Together, they examined product recipes and discussed the sequence in which new products could be introduced to the market. Gert explains: “We looked closely at the composition of the products and how to translate this into workable formulations at laboratory scale. This gives a solid basis for further development and scaling.”

This exchange enabled Extra Nature to begin formulating products at laboratory scale, strengthening in-house knowledge of biological pesticide development. At the same time, discussions addressed broader organisational questions, including product portfolio choices, production processes and market positioning.

[circle shape=”1″]Continued [/circle] support

The online follow-up became a key element of the collaboration. Through regular exchanges, the focus shifted towards refining product formulations, improving production methods and aligning the business strategy with market requirements.

This ongoing guidance allows Extra Nature to take gradual but well-informed steps towards scaling up production. It also supports the company in preparing for regulatory approval, which is essential for entering the formal market for agricultural inputs in Algeria.

Extra Nature is part of a wider group of entrepreneurs connected to both PUM and the Orange Corners programme. This ecosystem creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, international collaboration and long-term business development, reinforcing the impact of individual projects.

Building impact for farmers and the environment

Although still in an early stage of development, Extra Nature shows clear potential for economic, social and ecological impact. The company is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, with a projected annual increase in turnover and employment as production expands. At the same time, the introduction of effective bio-pesticides contributes to reducing the use of chemical inputs in agriculture. This supports healthier soils, safer working conditions for farmers and improved quality of agricultural products. By focusing on locally produced, sustainable solutions, Extra Nature also strengthens the resilience of the Algerian agricultural sector and opens up new opportunities for farmers aiming to access international markets.