Key Takeaways
- Verinomics and Pinnacle Seed sign a 5-year strategic partnership focused on developing disease-resistant, high-yield leafy green varieties.
- Initial commercial launch of improved leafy green genetics targeted for 2026, addressing disease pressure and input cost concerns.
- Technologies leveraged include Genova™ (genomic-assisted breeding) and Genesis™ (transgene-free gene editing).
- Joint initiative merges Pinnacle’s germplasm expertise with Verinomics’ advanced genomic tools for accelerated variety development.
- Partnership welcomes collaboration with growers, processors, and retailers for upcoming field trials and evaluations.
Verinomics & Pinnacle Seed’s Partnership Overview: Addressing Supply Chain and Agronomic Challenges
Verinomics, a leader in agricultural genomics and gene editing, and Pinnacle Seed, a major supplier of elite leafy green varieties, announced a 5-year strategic collaboration aimed at reshaping leafy green production. The alliance will focus on developing next-generation varieties that offer improved disease resistance, higher yields, and enhanced agronomic traits.
The initiative responds directly to persistent issues in leafy green cultivation, including rising input costs, increasing pathogen resistance, and the need for better processing adaptability.
Technology + Germplasm: A New Innovation Engine
Under the partnership, Pinnacle Seed will provide its proprietary germplasm and deep market understanding, while Verinomics will apply its Genova™ and Genesis™ platforms:
- Genova™: genomic-assisted breeding for rapid identification and selection of beneficial traits
- Genesis™: a transgene-free gene editing system designed to maintain non-GMO status while achieving targeted genetic improvements
Dr. Stephen Dellaporta, Founder of Verinomics, stated, “By joining forces, we’re creating an innovation engine that can rapidly identify, develop, and deploy high-value traits—getting improved varieties into growers’ hands faster than ever before.”
Product Launch Timeline and Industry Engagement
The first commercial varieties born from this partnership are expected in 2026, with disease resistance as the initial target trait. These will undergo extensive field trials beginning in 2025, with performance updates shared by both companies.
Mike Vanoli, CEO of Pinnacle Seed, added, “Together, we’re developing varieties that don’t just incrementally improve on existing options — they fundamentally change what’s possible in leafy green production.”
The companies are inviting collaboration with forward-looking stakeholders across the supply chain, including growers, processors, and retailers.
A Complementary Approach to Innovation
Both partners emphasize that genomic tools serve to enhance—not replace—traditional breeding. The alliance combines advanced breeding strategies and high-performing germplasm with cutting-edge genomics to unlock improvements neither method could deliver alone.
