Harpenden, UK — FA Bio, a pioneer in microbial solutions for regenerative agriculture, today announced a sponsored proof-of-concept (PoC) with Bayer’s Crop Science division, co-sponsored by EIT Food, to advance fungal bioinsecticides targeting Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) in oilseed rape (OSR). The collaboration validates FA Bio’s discovery platform with one of the world’s largest agriculture innovators to support the discovery of nature-based regenerative alternatives to conventional pesticides.
FA Bio enters this PoC with strong momentum, building on recent success in discovering systemic fungal bioinsecticides for aphid control that outperformed commercial benchmarks. The CSFB programme leverages FA Bio’s proprietary discovery platform, with the objective of moving rapidly from lab to field to develop high-performing candidates and practical application routes that fit farm operations.
“Regenerating agriculture means delivering tools that are effective, affordable and improve soil health,” said Angela de Manzanos Guinot, CEO of FA Bio. “Partnering with Bayer, with the support of EIT Food, demonstrates strong market pull for biologicals that help growers protect yields while rebuilding resilient agroecosystems.”
Building on FA Bio’s proprietary microbial library, the PoC will fast-track a select group of soil-native fungal candidates with strong bioinsecticidal and endophytic activity. The programme is designed to move quickly, comparing application methods to pinpoint farmer-friendly use at scale. Clear and thorough criteria, focused on CSFB control and measurable OSR plant performance, will generate the evidence needed to progress towards product development and regulatory strategy planning.
“Our team has screened hundreds of soil-native fungal isolates and identified candidates with compelling insecticidal activity,” said Andrea Gonzalez Gonzalez, Head of Research at FA Bio. “This PoC lets us validate those leads under rigorous experimental conditions, evaluate application routes for real-world farms, and create the data package that de-risks the path to product development.”
Partner with us:
FA Bio welcomes interest from formulation and manufacturing experts, seed and crop-input integrators and grower networks for multi-region validation and scale.
Contact info@fa-bio.net.
About FA Bio
FA Bio discovers and develops fungal-based biological solutions that improve crop resilience and productivity. Using proprietary sampling and high-throughput screening, FA Bio identifies microbial candidates for biocontrol and biostimulation, enabling farmers to protect yields, rebuild soil health and advance regenerative agriculture.
Learn more at www.fa-bio.net.
About EIT Food
EIT Food is Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). It works to transform our food system through innovation, education and entrepreneurship.
