Arcadia Biosciences Inc., an innovative U.S.-based plant
biotechnology company and Belgium-based SESVanderHave Seeds, the
world's second-largest sugar beet seed company, today announced that
they have signed an agreement to develop and commercialize nitrogen
use efficient sugar beet varieties using Arcadia technology and
SESVanderHave seed and plant breeding capabilities.
Under the agreement SESVanderHave receives an exclusive global
license to develop and commercialize sugar beets using Arcadia's
proprietary Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) technology. Arcadia receives
technology license fees and a share of commercial revenue from future
product sales. The companies will form a collaboration to optimize
research, product development, and commercial activities.
Commercial sugar beet production is nitrogen-intensive, and
nitrogen fertilizer is one of the largest production costs incurred by
sugar beet farmers. As is the case with most crops, sugar beets
typically absorb less than one-half of applied nitrogen. Unutilized
nitrogen may escape into ground or surface waters, or be volatilized
as nitrous oxide, a highly potent greenhouse gas.
Because NUE sugar beets will require less nitrogen fertilizer for
production, farmers are expected to benefit from reduced costs,
enhanced yields, and improved profitability - making them more
globally competitive. At the same time, benefits to the environment
are expected from reduced nitrogen emissions.
"Today's sugar beet farmers are under significant cost and
environmental pressure," said John Akers, president and CEO of
SESVanderHave. "Although NUE sugar beets will not be commercialized
for a number of years in the future, we need to start looking for
solutions now if our customers are to remain competitive and able to
do their part to protect our environment."
"The capabilities and market position of SESVanderHave make them
an ideal partner for the development and commercialization of NUE
technology in sugar beets," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of
Arcadia. "NUE sugar beets will give farmers more choices for
increasing their global competitiveness while benefiting the
environment."
Field tests conducted by Arcadia during five growing seasons in
various U.S. regions demonstrate that NUE crops achieve higher yields
than the control variety, while using as much as two-thirds less
nitrogen fertilizer. Arcadia has also demonstrated similar results in
rice through greenhouse tests.
About SESVanderHave
SESVanderHave, a new company as a result of a merger between SES
and VanderHave, having a 100 percent focus on the development,
production and distribution of higher yielding and more competitive
sugar beet varieties. More then 175 years of combined experience
creates a starting point for a strong future. A leading company that,
as a result of a good interpretation of the market needs, research and
development, provides a sustainable contribution to sugar beet
growing. For more information, please visit www.sesvanderhave.com.
About Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.
Based in Davis, California, USA, Arcadia Biosciences is an
agricultural biotechnology company focused on the development of
agricultural products that improve the environment and enhance human
health. For more information, please visit www.arcadiabio.com.
