Inside Mars' Gene-Editing Tech That's Transforming Farming
Mars, the world-famous confectionary producer, has entered into a strategic technology partnership with a biotechnology firm Pairwise.
This partnership is unlike the vast majority of corporate alliances, however, insofar as it seeks to fundamentally change the paradigm of its industry.
The two organisations have partnered with the intention to introduce advanced gene-editing tools to the process of cocoa production and farming, which in turn could help to address some pressing challenges across cocoa supply chains worldwide.
The collaboration centres on implementing Pairwise's Fulcrum gene editing platform, which combines AI and CRISPR technology to accelerate crop improvements.
The platform has demonstrated a 72% success rate in targeted crop enhancements, showing promise for transforming cocoa cultivation.
Technology meets agriculture
Founded in 2017, Pairwise emerged from the work of scientists specialising in CRISPR technology. The company's Fulcrum platform integrates AI capabilities with gene-editing tools, supporting agricultural research programmes worldwide.
The platform was specifically designed to enable precise genome editing in agriculture, facilitating the development of new plant traits and varieties.
Its architecture ensures compatibility across diverse crops while maintaining precision in gene expression modification.
"At Mars, we believe CRISPR has the potential to improve crops in ways that support and strengthen global supply chains," says Carl Jones, Plant Sciences Director at Mars.
Digital transformation in agriculture
Through this licensing agreement, Mars gains access to Pairwise's advanced CRISPR tools, including the SHARC enzyme for new product development.
The technology will enable Mars to modify cacao plants at the genetic level, optimising their potential.
Traditional breeding methods typically require years of development and often yield inconsistent results.
The implementation of this technology allows Mars to select optimal crop traits efficiently, potentially advancing cocoa production.
"Our focus is to transparently and responsibly conduct CRISPR research in plant science that helps crops better adapt to climate challenges, disease pressures and resource constraints," Carl adds.
Technology-driven sustainability
The technology partnership arrives at a crucial time, as cocoa prices reach record highs due to poor harvests and climate impacts. West Africa, which produces 70% of global cocoa, faces challenges including drought, ageing trees and disease affecting crop yields.
"We're pleased to provide Mars with access to our Fulcrum platform for their cacao research and development initiatives," says Ian Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Pairwise.
"Plant breeding innovation has the potential to help address important agricultural challenges, and we look forward to supporting Mars' research goals."
The traditional three-to-five-year growth cycle for cacao trees to produce cocoa pods presents a significant challenge in meeting current demand.
The implementation of gene-editing techniques promises faster testing of new plant varieties, potentially identifying more sustainable and efficient production methods.
This technology-driven approach aims to accelerate crop breeding, strengthen value chains and increase cocoa yields, ultimately addressing supply chain pressures and potentially reducing chocolate production costs.
