Eden Research (EDEN), a sustainable biopesticide and plastic-free formulation technology company, has applied for Ecovelex™ authorisation in the UK, following a recent application in the EU.
Developed in collaboration with Corteva Agriscience, Ecovelex™ is designed to replace banned chemicals and address crop destruction by birds. The product utilises plant-derived chemistry and the Sustaine® microencapsulation system, offering a sustainable solution for farmers to meet consumer and regulatory demands.
Eden submitted its regulatory application to Austria in late May 2023, with a review and authorisation timeframe of 18 to 24 months. The UK's review and approval process are expected to be similarly timed.
Sean Smith, CEO of Eden Research plc, said: "Following our three-year collaborative development efforts with Corteva, we are pleased to be pursuing regulatory clearance in our home country. I am particularly proud of our Oxfordshire-based team that led the technical development of Ecovelex, and we can truly say that this is a home-grown solution to a problem that impacts farmers in the UK and elsewhere every year. Eden's collaboration with Corteva Agriscience over the past several years has been highly productive, and I am pleased to see the first commercial benefits from these activities within reach.
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A significant milestone for Eden, with the news marking the company’s entrance into the seed treatment market.
The seed treatment market in Europe is projected to register a CAGR of 5.7% between 2023-2028, with the non-chemical or bio-based seed treatment growing at the fastest rate, due to the shift in preference for organic products. According to a 2022 report by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, in Europe, 17.1 million hectares were managed organically in 2020, up from a measly 1.4 million 30 years ago. Once regulatory approval for Ecovelex™ is received, Eden is in a strong position to capitalise on this market trend.
Among its other products on offer, Eden also has two commercialised eco-friendly crop protectors, Mevalone and Cedroz. These two products are also well-positioned, as growers are having to meet pressure on improving crop yields while also being conscious that high levels of pesticide residue are now a focus for the consumer.
Amid consumer concerns about pesticide residues on produce, governments worldwide are revisiting maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides and bolstering residue testing capabilities. This is part of a broader initiative to ensure public health and safety while promoting transparency in the agricultural sector.
As a result of the increased transparency over farming practices and enforcement of MRLs in recent years, consumers have become more aware of the use of crop production products and have continued to demand produce that is free from pesticide residues. Consequently, the EU has pledged to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides by 50% by 2030. Such EU regulations are likely to remain in place and become law in the UK as well.
As the authorisation process moves forward for Ecovelex, Eden Research looks set to solidify its position in the market and offer a viable, eco-friendly alternative for growers looking for sustainable agricultural solutions.
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