Key Takeaways
- An Michiels has been appointed Co-Chair of OlsAro’s Board, bringing extensive experience from Bayer, Limagrain, and Syngenta.
- OlsAro is set to launch its first commercial salt-tolerant wheat variety by 2026/27, with up to 50% higher yields in saline soils.
- The company is conducting field trials in six countries, including India, Morocco, and Egypt, for salt-tolerant and heat-resistant wheat.
- OlsAro’s seed genetics platform reduces development time and lowers regulatory hurdles compared to gene-editing approaches.
- The company is expanding its climate-resilient traits to other cereals, including maize, rice, and barley, to strengthen global food security.
An Michiels Joins OlsAro as Co-Chair
OlsAro, a Swedish agritech company specializing in climate-resilient cereals, has appointed An Michiels as Co-Chair of its Board. Michiels, a seasoned industry leader with prior roles at Bayer, Limagrain, and Syngenta, will co-chair alongside Marika King, Head of PINC, as OlsAro continues its expansion into global markets.
“We are excited to welcome An Michiels as co-chair,” said Elén Faxö, CEO of OlsAro. “Her deep industry knowledge and experience will be instrumental as we gear up our R&D efforts, advance our field trials, and expand into new markets.”
OlsAro’s Fast-Track to Climate-Resilient Wheat
Michiels joins OlsAro at a pivotal stage, as the company moves toward commercializing its first salt-tolerant wheat variety by 2026/27. The wheat has demonstrated up to a 50% yield increase in Bangladesh’s saline soil trials, showcasing its potential to improve food production in challenging environments.
“Cereal grains account for 50% of the world’s diet, yet seed innovation for climate resilience remains significantly underdeveloped,” said Michiels. “OlsAro is changing that by harnessing cutting-edge breeding technologies to tackle critical climate changes.”
Expanding Field Trials Across Key Markets
OlsAro is conducting extensive field trials in six countries, including:
- India
- Morocco
- Egypt
- Bangladesh (ongoing trials)
The company is also screening heat-tolerant wheat varieties, emphasizing its commitment to accelerating seed genetics innovation for climate-challenged regions.
A Platform for Faster Seed Development
OlsAro’s seed genetics platform is designed to integrate into the existing processes of seed companies, offering several advantages:
- Faster seed development compared to traditional breeding.
- Lower regulatory barriers compared to gene-editing-based solutions.
- Adaptability across multiple geographies for greater commercial impact.
