Unique Berry Varieties in the Works
April 17, 2020 Food tech firm Pairwise and noted berry breeder/agricultural research company Plant Sciences Inc. (PSI), have announced a business partnership to offer new types of black and red raspberries as well as blackberries.
According to Pairwise, it will use its gene-editing capabilities and access to critically important germplasm provided by PSI to improve taste and convenience, as well as increase shelflife and off-season availability of berries.
The collaboration builds on a public/private partnership Pairwise and PSI had previously established with USDA and several academic institutions to identify diverse, novel types of berries that are not broadly bred for commercial sale today.
“Now more than ever, people are focused on their food options and looking for ways to make healthy choices at home,” says Pairwise CEO Tom Adams. “Through the collaboration with PSI, we are moving from science partnerships to product partnerships that will bring new berries to market.”
As part of the collaboration, PSI will use its commercial nurseries to grow plantlets for these varieties. Pairwise and PSI will ultimately license farmers to plant, grow, and produce the new selections.
The companies report that teams have already begun working together and will be establishing timelines for each product’s development and availability. Initial berries are expected to be available in the next few years.
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