Evolva and Valent BioSciences Corporation (VBC), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Company, have signed an exclusive agreement to co-develop and commercialize a class of high-value active ingredients for use as next-generation agricultural bioactives.
For competitive reasons, the ingredients are not being identified at this time.
Bioactives are being used increasingly around the globe because they help growers improve crop yields without any negative effects to either human health or the environment. They are used in both organic and conventional agriculture and horticulture. Along with crop rotation and integrated pest management strategies, bioactives play an important role in sustainable farming.
The collaboration will start by developing yeast strains that make the desired ingredients. Evolva has the primary responsibility for this phase while VBC will be responsible for commercialization. The companies will work together on scale-up and manufacturing. The first products from the collaboration are expected to be launched in 4-5 years.
Source: www.agprofessional.com