A research team developing the UK's first genome-edited hemp seed aims to raise £2m to accelerate the development.
Precision Plants is leading hemp innovation in the UK through the research and development of hemp using genome editing technology, CRISPR-Cas9.
Precision Plants is in its third year of research and has already successfully validated its method to introduce DNA into the hemp genome as well as the process for precise genome editing to improve specific genes in hemp DNA – in order to develop a hemp seed that is stable and grows consistently with certain traits and characteristics ideally suited for UK farmers.
Mark Turner, co-founder of Precision Plants, commented: ''It's critical that we develop our first genome-edited hemp seed faster as farmers are in desperate need of crops that repair farming incomes and land and achieve regenerative agriculture principles developing a superior hemp seed, precision-tailored for UK growing climates with characteristics that optimize hemp for fiber and seed and at the same time improves soil health and sequesters up to 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare each year – more than any other crop or woodland, meaning that farmers do not need to set aside land for woodland, peat bogs and salt marshes to suck up carbon dioxide – has to be a priority."
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