Celebrating 50 Years of OMEX
When a visionary innovation in agriculture becomes a standard for an entire industry
In 2026, OMEX proudly marks a remarkable milestone with 50 years of innovation, progress, and partnership across the globe. What began in 1976 as a modest liquid fertilizer operation, based in repurposed military buildings on Bardney Airfield in Lincolnshire, England, has grown into a globally recognized organization serving customers in more than 85 countries. Our founder was a visionary in creating a sector to adequately place liquid fertilizer where and when it matters to maximize efficiency and preserve yield and quality.
From the very beginning, OMEX was driven by a clear and enduring belief: that by combining science, innovation, and practical agronomy, growers can achieve better, more consistent results. Fifty years later, that philosophy remains at the core of everything we do, guiding our research and development, shaping our technologies and products, and supporting the farmers who rely on our solutions to grow highly dense and nutritious food.
While our origins are firmly rooted in the United Kingdom, Canada has become an essential and valued part of the OMEX story.
Innovation has defined our history
Over the past five decades, OMEX has continually evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of agriculture, investing in research, technology, and product development at every stage of its journey.
Some of the major milestones that have shaped the company include the rebranding from OMNIA Fertilizers to OMEX Agriculture in 1985. In fact, OMEX is a short for OMnia Exploration, reflecting the broader vision our founder had for the future of the company. In 1990, OMEX Environmental was established as our liquid expertise expanded into water treatment and renewable energy solutions. Shortly after that, came the global expansion with the Launch of OMEX Agrifluids, now exporting advanced crop nutrition products to more than 85 countries worldwide. The development of manufacturing and operational capacity across Canada and the United States of America allowed us to locally service farmers across the North American continent and to continuously advance the science of soil, seed and plant nutrition and innovate in the sector of seed treatments, biostimulants, foliar nutrition, elicitors and plant health promoters to support modern, sustainable agriculture.
These achievements are a testament to OMEX’s commitment to continuous improvement and its willingness to adapt, innovate, and lead in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.
Our innovation continued and adapted to the Prairies and across Canada
OMEX established its Canadian presence in 1998, recognizing the unique opportunities and challenges within Canadian agriculture. This commitment was strengthened with the construction of a production facility in Oak Bluff, Manitoba, which positioned OMEX Canada at the heart of the Prairies.
From this base, OMEX Canada has focused on delivering specialized crop nutrition solutions tailored to Canadian conditions. In a country where farmers must navigate short growing seasons, unpredictable weather patterns, and increasing pressure to maximize productivity, precision and performance are critical.
OMEX Canada was built with those realities in mind, and our portfolio includes advanced seed treatments solutions that promote germination in cold and wet conditions and allow for strong early growth and development to outcompete weeds and tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses. Our PRIMER® seed dressing concept has become a standard in the industry to a point that when our competition come up with a seed dressing, they refer to it as “Primer”. Our STARTER® fertilizers are strategically-placed, phosphorus-rich and high performing in-furrow liquid that optimize crop emergence and establishment in ideal and less than ideal conditions. Our in-depth knowledge of soil- and plant-science allows us to design FOLIAR® nutrition programs that maximize nutrient uptake and enhance efficiency while providing the crops with the BIOSTIMULANTS® and PGR® effects that allow them to withstand abiotic stress and become more resilient. Our experts in plant pathology allowed us also over the years to offer solutions that strengthen crop health through ELICITORS® and minimize the development of resistance to some of the active ingredients the farming communities rely on to control diseases and pests.
Over more than two decades, OMEX Canada has grown alongside the industry, building strong, lasting relationships with Ag Retailers, agronomists, and growers in the Prairies and across Canada. Through changing markets and evolving farming practices, our unwavering commitment has remained constant by delivering reliable, science-backed solutions that help Canadian growers succeed in their operations.
Fostering relationships and growing through the decades
A 50-year milestone is about far more than products or facilities.The success of OMEX has been made possible by the dedication and expertise of our employees, the trust of our distribution partners, the insight of agronomists and researchers, and most importantly, the confidence of growers who choose our products season after season.
Partnerships have always been fundamental to our approach. Nowhere is that more evident than in Canada, where agriculture is both a vital industry and a way of life. Canadian growers operate in some of the most demanding environments on the planet. From family farms to large-scale operations, they demonstrate ingenuity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to innovate and grow the best crops in the world. Their passion and determination continue to inspire us and drive our own pursuit of excellence.
Our first 50 years were visionary, our future looks more impactful on the generations to come
In the years to come, OMEX will be focused on optimizing life’s essentials: food, energy, and water – so that people and planet can thrive for generations to come. Across our global operations, we continue to invest in science-led solutions that improve crop productivity and nutrient efficiency, support cleaner, more sustainable energy systems, and enhance water management and environmental stewardship.
For OMEX Canada, this means continuing to innovate, developing advanced crop nutrition products and programs that help Canadian growers improve efficiency, preserve and maximize yield potential, and build resilient farming operations for the years ahead.
A Thank You! and a Celebration
As we mark 50 years of OMEX, we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey:
- Growers
- Ag retailer and distribution partners
- Employees and agronomists
- Suppliers and communities
Your trust, collaboration, and shared commitment have helped shape OMEX into the company it is today.
Here’s to 50 years of innovation, partnership, and growth—and to the next 50.