Eden Research applies for Ecovelex approval in the UK

Biopesticide specialist Eden Research announced its application for the authorisation of ‘Ecovelex’ in the United Kingdom on Monday, following its recent application in the European Union.

The AIM-traded firm said the development of Ecovelex - a seed treatment solution aimed at combating crop destruction caused by birds - had been a collaborative effort between Corteva Agriscience and Eden Research over the last three years.

It said the introduction of Ecovelex into the seed treatment market was expected to offer a viable alternative to conventional chemicals that had been banned in both the EU and the UK.

Crop losses caused by birds, particularly in maize and other crops, posed significant challenges to farmers.

Ecovelex addresses the issue by targeting the birds' olfactory system, creating an unpleasant taste or odour that repels them, Eden Research explained.

The approach ensured that the seeds remained intact while the birds were unharmed and free to seek alternative food sources.

“Following our three-year collaborative development efforts with Corteva, we are pleased to be pursuing regulatory clearance in our home country,” said chief executive officer Sean Smith.

“I am particularly proud of our Oxfordshire-based team that led the technical development of Ecovelex, and we can truly say that this is a home-grown solution to a problem that impacts farmers in the UK and elsewhere every year.

“Eden's collaboration with Corteva Agriscience over the past several years has been highly productive, and I am pleased to see the first commercial benefits from these activities within reach.”

Smith noted that in late May, Eden submitted the regulatory dossier and application to Austria, which would act as the interzonal rapporteur member state on behalf of the EU.

“Review and authorisation can take between 18 and 24 months, with each EU member state then able to ratify the authorisation or require additional information before granting local authorisations.

“It is anticipated that review and eventual authorisation in the UK will take a similar amount of time, though it should be noted that the pace of regulatory actions is controlled by the relevant authorities with whom Eden will work to ensure that we are able to bring our effective, sustainable solution to the aid of farmers affected by bird damage to their crops as quickly as possible.”

At 1610 BST, shares in Eden Research were down 1.81% at 9.23p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.