Upstream Biotechnology and Bene Seeds have announced a strategic business and R&D partnership. Together, they will work to create new tomato varieties that combine genetics for both excellent flavor and shelf life with broad-spectrum disease resistance. These new varieties will be suitable for growth in a wide range of different geographies and will make premium, heirloom-quality tomatoes available to the mainstream markets.
"Field tomatoes and protected tomatoes are vulnerable to many common diseases. By breeding genetics for broad-spectrum disease resistance into tomato varieties, we can significantly reduce crop losses, ensuring more consistent yields and higher-quality fruit," said George Greene, Founder and CEO, Upstream Biotechnology. "This not only enhances the reliability and sustainability of tomato production but also supports growers in meeting the growing demand for premium tomatoes while reducing the need for chemical treatments."
Jen Greenstein, Senior Director of Investments at NC Biotech, added "Upstream leverages unique technical capabilities initially developed at Duke University and supported by a loan from the NC Biotech Center. They are an impressive company within the growing NC agtech hub, and this strategic partnership with Bene Seeds will be mutually beneficial."
For more information:
Upstream Biotechnology
https://www.upstreambiotech.com/