Vera and Slava Strogolov are scientists and beekeepers who believe that microbes can change the world. They put their passion into practice through their business, Strong Microbials, the first company to create probiotics for honeybees. Welcome to our Business Allies community, Strong Microbials!
Certified Naturally Grown (CNG): How did Strong Microbials get started?
As scientists, we found work in the agricultural probiotics industry. This work was very interesting for years before we started our own business. Vera holds a Ph.D. in biology from Marquette University. Slava is a microbiologist who graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is also a Veteran and has served as a field medic in the U.S. Army. Together, we use the power of science and microbes to transform the agricultural industry, creating a healthier world, and a stronger future. In 2012, we started Strong Microbials to grow the beneficial microbes ourselves. Through our friendship with two master beekeepers and a gift of two hives from them, we began our beekeeping journey. With the support, and feedback of these master beekeepers, SuperDFM-HoneyBee was born, and Strong Microbials became the first microbial company to create probiotics for honeybees.
CNG: What are Strong Microbials’ core values?
Research, quality and integrity.
At Strong Microbials, we believe in the power of microbes to change our world. Our research has proven that inoculants and probiotics hold an important key to preserving our resources and unlocking potential energy. We have proven that creating the right balance for an optimal ecosystem makes way for a prosperous future.
CNG: How did you make the decision to support CNG as a Business Ally?
We’ve worked with farmers and beekeepers who talked about or supported CNG, including the former editor of Bee Culture magazine Kim Flottum. We found that we share in the goals and values of Certified Naturally Grown and want to support this network of responsible farmers and beekeepers.
CNG: How could Certified Naturally Grown benefit Strong Microbials’ customers?
We hope that through our relationship with CNG more of our customers become aware of best practices consistent with natural standards, as well as knowledge of the CNG certification available to them. We hope that this will increase the value of their agricultural product, and help them reach new consumers.
CNG: What are some exciting developments at Strong Microbials our CNG community can look forward to?
Strong Microbials is anticipating the completion of some interesting scientific studies in the near future. We will also be launching new microbial products, and registering new microbial strains in the coming months and years.
CNG: If you had a magic agricultural wand, how would you use it to improve farm systems in North America?
We already see more responsible agricultural antibiotic use, brought on by the FDA Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), in the past decade. Farm systems in North America are replacing the antimicrobial and antibiotic treatments with microbial and probiotic treatments. We are excited to see these changes that will benefit both farmers and consumers.
CNG: Is there anything else CNG beekeepers and farmers should know?
Microbes Rule! They are the unseen factor in everything on the farm – soil, plant, and animal health!