McLean, Virginia-headquartered Mars Inc., renowned for its M&Ms chocolates, is delving into gene-editing technology to fortify cacao plants against diseases and climate variations that have led to soaring prices within the industry. By teaming up with biotech firm Pairwise, recognized for its expertise in CRISPR gene editing, Mars aims to enhance the strength and sustainability of cacao crops through the application of advanced genetic tools. This strategic investment is anticipated to expedite the process of developing novel traits for cacao cultivation.
The exact financial details of Mars’ investment and the specifics of its collaboration with Pairwise, situated in Durham, North Carolina, have not been publicly disclosed. The surge in cocoa prices over the past couple of years can be primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions and disease outbreaks in West Africa, a prominent cocoa-producing region globally. Acknowledging the potential of CRISPR technology, Carl Jones, the Plant Sciences Director at Mars, emphasized the utility of this tool in enhancing crop resilience against climate adversities, diseases, and resource limitations.
With an annual sales figure of $55 billion, Mars stands out as the largest privately held entity in the Washington region, extending its influence beyond confectionery into pet care products and veterinary services. Employing over 150,000 individuals worldwide, Mars recently unveiled plans to channel an additional $2 billion into expanding its manufacturing footprint in the United States. This strategic move aligns with Mars’ commitment to fostering sustainable practices and enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative gene-editing solutions.
Key Takeaways:
– Mars Inc. partners with Pairwise to leverage gene-editing technology for bolstering cacao plants against diseases and climate shifts.
– The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of resilient traits in cacao crops to address the challenges faced by the cocoa industry.
– Mars’ investment in gene editing underscores its dedication to enhancing crop sustainability and resilience to climate change.
– The company’s strategic move echoes its broader commitment to innovation and sustainability across its diverse product portfolio.
Tags: biotech
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