Key Takeaways
- genXtraits Inc. enters an agreement with The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research to apply proprietary technology for increasing crop Vitamin C levels.
- genXtraits receives an option for an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize crops with improved nutritional content and stress tolerance.
- The partnership aims to breed new enhanced varieties of tomato and other related food crops.
- The initiative addresses the nutritional needs of a growing global population and aims to combat anemia.
- Dr. Oliver Ratcliffe, Co-Founder & President of genXtraits, emphasizes the potential impact of the technology on global nutrition.
A Nutritional Breakthrough
genXtraits Inc. (genXtraits) has announced a significant partnership with The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (Plant & Food Research). The agreement focuses on applying Plant & Food Research’s proprietary technology to increase Vitamin C levels in various crops.
Exclusive Licensing Option
Under the terms of the agreement, genXtraits has received an option to obtain an exclusive worldwide license for Plant & Food Research patents. This license will allow genXtraits to develop and commercialize crops with improved nutritional content and better stress tolerance.
Addressing Global Nutritional Needs
The deal enables genXtraits to breed new enhanced varieties of tomato and other related food crops. These new varieties aim to serve the nutritional needs of a growing global population. Dr. Oliver Ratcliffe, Co-Founder & President of genXtraits, noted the significance of the partnership: “A significant proportion of the world’s population suffers from nutritional deficiency. The proprietary genetic technology that genXtraits has licensed from Plant & Food Research fits perfectly with our in-house R&D platform.”
Combating Anemia and Enhancing Iron Uptake
Dr. Ratcliffe further elaborated on the potential health benefits of the technology, particularly in combating anemia. “The consumption of fruit and vegetables with higher vitamin C levels enhances iron uptake and will combat anemia, which is a major problem in many countries, especially those with a predominantly vegetarian diet,” he said.
Photo by Dani California on Unsplash
