Arcadia Biosciences commercializing low nitrogen sugar beets

Arcadia Biosciences of Davis, California today announced it's working with a Belgium-based firm to introduce varieties of sugar beets that require less nitrogen fertilizer.

Under the agreement, SESVanderHave Seeds 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 product sales.

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 potent greenhouse gas.

Because NUE sugar beets will require less nitrogen fertilizer for production, the companies say, farmers are expected to benefit from reduced costs, enhanced yields, and improved profitability. 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.

The companies don't expect NUE sugar beets to be commercialized for a number of years in the future.

Field tests conducted by Arcadia during five growing seasons in various U.S. regions showed NUE crops achieved higher yields, while using as much as two-thirds less nitrogen fertilizer. Arcadia says it's also obtained similar results in rice in limited testing.

Arcadia Biosciences calls itself an agricultural biotechnology company focused on the development of agricultural products that improve the environment and enhance human health.

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