Key Takeaways
- FA Bio has been awarded grant funding from Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme Nutrient Management Competition, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
- The project aims to develop a microbial bioproduct that enhances nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) in wheat crops, helping farmers maintain high yields with reduced inputs.
- Wheat covers 75-80 million hectares across Europe and the US, but only 40-60% of applied nitrogen is absorbed by plants, leading to environmental concerns.
- FA Bio will leverage AI, machine learning, and bioinformatics to screen microbial candidates, with promising strains undergoing glasshouse trials and field validation.
- The initiative aligns with FA Bio’s mission to support sustainable agriculture by reducing input reliance and improving crop productivity.
FA Bio to Develop Microbial Bioproduct for Improved Wheat Nutrient Efficiency
FA Bio, an agricultural microbial discovery and development company, has been awarded funding from the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to advance a feasibility project aimed at improving nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) in wheat farming. The project, delivered through Innovate UK, focuses on developing a microbial bioproduct that optimizes wheat’s ability to absorb nutrients, reducing nitrogen fertilizer waste and environmental impact.
According to Angela de Manzanos Guinot, CEO and Co-Founder of FA Bio: “We are thrilled to receive this support from Innovate UK, which allows us to demonstrate the power of microbes as wheat biofertilisers. This funding reinforces the importance of nature-based solutions in tackling agricultural challenges and underscores the potential of microbes in regenerating crop production.”
Tackling Nitrogen Inefficiency in Wheat Production
Wheat is Europe’s most widely cultivated crop and ranks third in acreage in the US, covering 75-80 million hectares across both regions. However, only 40-60% of applied nitrogen fertilizer is absorbed by plants, leading to:
- Nitrogen leaching, which can contaminate water supplies.
- Emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more potent than CO₂ over a century.
- Economic losses for farmers due to volatile nitrogen fertilizer prices.
By improving NUE, FA Bio’s microbial innovation seeks to increase crop yields while minimizing fertilizer use, supporting both economic and environmental sustainability.
Microbial Discovery and Advanced Screening Process By FA Bio
FA Bio will utilize its expertise in microbial isolation, culturing, fermentation, and formulation alongside leading UK research institutions. The project will follow a structured development process:
- Microbial Screening – Using AI, machine learning, and bioinformatics, FA Bio will analyze microbial strains from its proprietary library.
- Glasshouse Trials – Selected microbes will be tested for their effect on wheat nutrient uptake and growth.
- Granular Formulation – High-performing microbial strains will be refined into a farm-ready bioproduct.
- Field Trials – Final formulations will be validated in real farming environments to assess their impact on wheat production.
This approach aligns with FA Bio’s commitment to developing nature-based agricultural solutions that promote soil health and sustainable farming.
Advancing Regenerative Agriculture with Microbial Innovation
FA Bio’s research supports a wider transition to regenerative agriculture, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs while enhancing soil fertility and crop resilience.
Angela de Manzanos Guinot emphasized the impact of microbial biofertilizers: “By improving nutrient use efficiency, microbes can help growers boost yields, cut costs, and reduce their environmental impact. This project is an exciting step towards a future where sustainable agriculture and productivity go hand in hand.”
