Moa Technology partners with Croda to develop next-generation bioherbicide

Moa Technology, a leading agricultural biotechnology company, has formed a strategic partnership with Croda International, a global life sciences and consumer care company, to use ocean science to address the global issue of declining food crop yields.

The partnership aims to develop the next generation of bioherbicides for land-based farms by combining Croda’s extensive research into the marine microbiome, developed by its Canadian Nautilus Biosciences subsidiary, with Moa’s own unique herbicide discovery engine. Croda’s advanced manufacturing capabilities will help introduce new products identified in the collaboration into the field.

Croda estimates the $5 billion biopesticides market is growing at about 8% a year as farmers urgently need better ways to deal with weeds and pests that are becoming resistant to traditional methods. Fast-growing herbicide-resistant weeds such as hogweed, horsetail and waterhemp can reduce crop yields by more than 50%, threatening the food security of millions of people around the world.

Virginia Corless, CEO of Moa Technology said: "We can’t wait to start using the rich data in the Croda Marine Library to create the biopesticides of the future. Croda's choice to partner with us on this exclusive 10-year agreement is a recognition of Moa's cutting-edge research and development capabilities. It is also a recognition of the tremendous progress we have made in finding new ways to solve the huge problem of global food security."

Dave Cherry, Vice President of Life Sciences Strategy at Croda said: "This collaboration will enable Croda to work with Moa to use their biotechnology platform to screen our extensive library of natural marine compounds and explore new approaches to sustainable agriculture. Together we can unlock potential business solutions as we work to build mutually beneficial relationships between Croda and nature for a prosperous planet and society. We are excited to partner with Moa to explore new opportunities in this space."