Innovation in Crop Production with Clare Bend

Clare Bend, Head of Product Development and Sustainability at Origin Enterprises, shares insights on innovative crop production techniques, technologies, and approaches that could reshape UK agriculture. Topics include the impact of regulatory changes, advancements in crop protection, digital farming, and gene editing.

Clare Bend’s Role in Driving Agricultural Innovation

Clare Bend:
I joined Origin Enterprises just over a year ago, and my role focuses on innovation and sustainability in crop production. We operate across multiple countries, including Romania, Poland, and Brazil, where farmers face extreme weather patterns similar to what we’re experiencing in the UK. My goal is to bring these international learnings to benefit UK growers, helping them adapt to changing climates and evolving challenges.

How Regulatory Changes Affect Crop Production

Clare Bend:
With tightening regulations, particularly in the UK and EU, we’re seeing fewer active ingredients available for crop protection. However, the UK’s registration system has recently shown signs of speeding up, which is encouraging. For example, the BASF herbicide Luximo was approved in the UK two years before the EU, which provides UK growers with more timely access to new tools.

New Crop Protection Methods and Alternatives

Clare Bend:
Innovation in crop protection is leading to some exciting new approaches. Technologies like pest-specific RNA aim to enhance plant immunity or control pests by silencing target genes, ensuring safety for non-target species. Physical barriers, such as silicon-based products, and biopesticides derived from insect frass are also emerging. Additionally, peptide analogs, which are highly pest-specific, could become available within five years, offering growers new, targeted options for pest management.

The Role of Biologicals: Bio-Stimulants and Bio-Controls

Clare Bend:
Bio-stimulants and bio-controls have advanced significantly. Improved formulations and adjuvants help these biologicals adhere to plants more effectively without harming beneficial microorganisms. With bio-stimulants now requiring approval in the EU, only data-backed products will stand out, leading to better reliability and increased adoption by UK farmers.

Nutrient Use Efficiency and Soil Health Improvements

Clare Bend:
Nutrient use efficiency is becoming more critical, especially with tools like urease and nitrification inhibitors. There are also innovative microorganism-based products that help solubilize phosphate or fix nitrogen, enhancing nutrient uptake and soil health. Some products are even exploring the use of organic waste materials to create pelleted fertilisers, aligning with circular economy principles and sustainability objectives.

Digital Agriculture Technologies for Enhanced Crop Management

Clare Bend:
Digital agriculture is advancing rapidly, with tools like biodiversity and soil sensors that track in-field conditions in real time. Additionally, new technologies allow for in-field nutrient measurements within plant tissues, enabling more precise nutrient applications. These tools are set to transform crop management by enhancing efficiency and supporting sustainability goals.

Potential of Gene Editing for UK Agriculture

Clare Bend:
Gene editing holds enormous potential for UK agriculture. The Genetic Technology Bill currently going through Parliament could allow for gene editing within the same species, enabling faster development of pest-resistant and weather-tolerant crops.

For instance, sugar beet varieties could be bred for resistance to virus yellows, or heat-resistant varieties could be developed to cope with rising temperatures. While it may take a few years to reach full commercialisation, gene editing could revolutionise crop production.