Based in Madera, Deerpoint Group has been providing crop nutrition and water treatment solutions for more than 30 years. Photo via Span Development

A leading Central Valley ag company has announced a partnership with an Ohio-based private equity firm.

Deerpoint Group in Madera, a leader in agtech crop nutrition and water treatment, announced this week that it has partnered with a specialty chemical investor group led by Edgewater Capital Partners, based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Billing itself as a “private equity firm with a difference,” Edgewater Capital Partners prides itself on its Midwestern values with its focus on life sciences, specialty chemicals and more.

The partnership marks the next chapter of growth and innovation for Deerpoint and the specialty crop growers it serves, according to a news release.

Deerpoint was founded in 1993 by John and Deborah Miller, and has built a reputation as a provider of high-quality fertigation solutions, fertilizer products, and water treatment services tailored to the needs of the state’s specialty crop producers.

With support from Edgewater, Deerpoint will accelerate innovation, broaden its service capabilities, and continue its mission of advancing sustainable agriculture, according to the release.

“Deerpoint has always been dedicated to helping growers achieve healthier crops and soils, higher yields, and stronger ROI through precision nutrition and water treatment,” said Deborah Miller in a statement. “This partnership with Edgewater allows us to build on that foundation, invest in the next generation of technology, and expand the ways we support the success of specialty crop producers.”

The Millers will be involved with Deerpoint through the end of 2025 to ensure a seamless transition, according to the release.

Deerpoint has been in business for more than 30 years, delivering innovative fertigation services, premium fertilizers, and water treatment programs that improve yields and promote sustainable agriculture.

Edgewater is a sector-focused private equity firm investing in lower middle-market performance materials and services businesses with over 25 years in business.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our communities, and Deerpoint has been a trusted partner to growers for decades. We are proud to support their continued innovation and commitment to helping farmers succeed,” said Chris Childres, managing partner and founder of Edgewater.

In 2023, the equity firm announced the closing of its Edgewater Capital Partners V, L.P. (“ECP V”) fund, with $330 million in capital commitments from leading corporate pension funds, funds of funds, endowments, insurance companies and other institutional investors, according to a news release.