Core Insights - Cibus is participating in a significant research project funded by the UK Government to develop durable resistance to Light Leaf Spot disease in oilseed rape, which has caused yield losses of up to £300 million in recent years [1][3][5] Group 1: Project Overview - The project is part of the Farming Innovation Programme, with Defra investing in mid-stage precision breeding projects to enhance the resilience and productivity of UK agriculture [2][5] - Cibus will utilize its proprietary Rapid Trait Development System™ to create precise gene edits in elite oilseed rape breeding lines, aiming to combat Light Leaf Spot disease [3][4] Group 2: Collaboration and Goals - The LLS-ERASED project involves a consortium of 12 industry and academic partners, targeting the UK's most destructive oilseed rape disease to deliver high-yielding varieties with durable, multi-disease resistance [3][4] - The project aligns with the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023, positioning England as a global hub for gene-edited crop development [4] Group 3: Funding and Support - The Defra Farming Innovation Programme, in partnership with Innovate UK, will provide at least £21.5 million in funding for 15 innovation projects aimed at developing sustainable crops and supporting farmers [5]
Cibus Partnering with The John Innes Centre for UK Government's Farming Innovation Programme Precision Breeding Initiative