About Us
Sustainable Growing Solutions was founded in 2014 and produced its first broad spectrum microbial species inoculant, MetaGrow™ ST. We have since developed a range of microbial inoculants with extremely high populations and broad spectrum species diversity. Unlike other inoculant producers, we do not emphasize 'silver bullet' benefits. We believe in providing maximum diversity of microbes and their metabolites - to 'flood the zone' so that nature can sort out which species and combinations will be most effective in a given situation. Included in that diversity is a best-in-class diversity and population of Nitrogen-fixing microbes.
We also produce a range of complementary microbial food and fertilizer blends that facilitate successful colonization, growth and sustained support of a healthy microbial community.
SGS microbial products have been used on over 70 crops – from almonds and apples to wheat and corn, throughout North America.
The company founders each have 45 years of experience using organic and sustainable inputs on our own farm and started using microbial products 40 years ago. Gus Olson, cofounder of SGS, developed his first biological product 30 years ago. SGS is based in Clarksburg, California in the heart of the California Central Valley. We serve farms throughout the US through our consultant-dealers who provide MetaGrow microbials in proven integrated crop programs.
Meet Dave Olson
CEO, Sustainable Growing Solutions
Dave Olson leads SGS, connecting decades of hands-on farming with the development of diverse microbial inoculants and complementary fertility products.
A sixth-generation California farmer, Dave began testing organic inputs with his father more than 40 years ago. His background spans agricultural engineering studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, soil science, precision agriculture and remote sensing.
At SGS, he focuses on turning microbial diversity into practical crop programs, working with growers and consultants to support healthier soils and stronger farming systems.
Production closer to the growers we serve
SGS supports growers from the West Coast to the Midwest. Alongside our Clarksburg, California operation, we have a second production location in Nebraska.
That puts production closer to farms in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and surrounding Midwest states, strengthening our ability to serve growers and the consultants who support them.
Our work starts with biology. From microbial cultures to complementary microbe foods, we produce inputs designed to work together in practical crop programs.
Related documents
Grower & agronomist endorsements
MetaGrow Products Rated 4 of the Top 10 Biological Products in the Country
Four SGS products rank among AgList’s ten most-endorsed biologicals. AgList is an independent platform where growers and agricultural professionals share their product experiences.
Explore the AgList leaderboard
MetaGrow™ F
Fungal dominant microbial inoculant
13 endorsements
MetaGrow™ C
Chitin metabolism microbial inoculant
6 endorsements
MetaGrow™ 5X+
Concentrated microbial inoculant
4 endorsements
MetaGrow™ Decomposer
Crop residue decomposition inoculant
2 endorsementsRankings and 25 total endorsements verified October 2, 2026. View SGS on AgList.
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Let’s Find the Right Starting Point
Every operation is different.
Tell us what you're growing, where you're located, and what you're trying to accomplish. We'll help identify which SGS strategies or products may make sense for your farm.