Brazilian Sugarcane group partnerships with Benson Hill Biosystems
Date:07-29-2014
Brazil's Sugarcane Technology Center (CTC) and the American biotechnology company Benson Hill Biosystems, announced partnership in developing sugarcane traits to increase productivity. The joint venture will use the technology called Setaria viridis to generate products even more adapted to demands.
"The increased productivity of crops, improving the photosynthesis of varieties, has the potential to significantly change the Brazilians sugar and ethanol market. The focus on development of photosynthesis traits makes Benson Hills the ideal partner. We are very satisfied to work together and look ahead to incorporate these promising technologies in our pipeline", said William Burnquist, Director of Improvement at CTC.
Even though Brazil has nine million hectares to produce over 400 tons of sugarcane biomass per hectare, the sugarcane fields face the challenge of increasing yields. "CTC has a background of offering an ideal channel to the biggest sugarcane market in the world" said Matthew Crisp, president and CEO at Benson Hill Biosystems. "This organization has a vision of aptitude, commitment, and zeal for innovation leverage by small companies like Benson Hill to add value and increase the business sustainability. We are eager for a productive partnership in a long-term basis", concludes him.