By Agroempresario.com

In a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, innovation is paramount. Jacqueline Heard, CEO of Enko Chem, emphasizes the critical need for groundbreaking solutions in the ag biologicals sector to tackle pressing challenges. The industry, known for its history of inefficacious products, must pivot toward sustainable and effective alternatives that meet both regulatory standards and farmers' needs.

Enko Chem is leading the charge with its AI-driven platform, ENKOMPASS, which significantly reduces the time and cost associated with product development. “You can’t spend a lot of money on things that are never going to work from a regulatory or commercial perspective,” Heard asserts, recognizing the delicate balance between innovation and practicality.

During a recent interview at the World Agri-Tech show in the UK, Heard unveiled a new mode of action discovery capability within the ENKOMPASS platform. This innovative approach allows for rapid identification of targets that can be drugged to produce desired phenotypic effects, potentially shortening the discovery process to less than four months. “This capability addresses one of the bottlenecks in the industry, especially with insecticides,” she explains, underscoring the need for timely solutions.

The need for diverse modes of action is more pressing than ever, particularly given the lack of new herbicide modes in the past three decades. Heard highlights the importance of designing selective chemistry that minimizes risk to beneficial organisms and human health. “If it’s not specific to the pest, you at least need to have a handle on designing chemistry that is very selective,” she notes, advocating for a responsible approach to product development.

However, the regulatory landscape presents significant challenges for the ag biologicals industry. With prolonged discovery times and stringent regulations, traditional methods of product development are becoming increasingly untenable. “We can’t do things the way we used to,” Heard warns. “Old solutions aren’t sustainable or feasible in today’s environment.” Enko Chem aims to navigate these hurdles by prioritizing efficiency and sustainability in the early stages of product development.

Furthermore, Heard has been actively involved in creating the Ag Playbook, an initiative designed to foster a common understanding within the industry. “The road to commercialization is not just about an interesting discovery; it’s about whether it can become a viable product,” she stresses. This collaboration seeks to encourage innovators and enhance the overall success rate of new agricultural products.

While there have been concerns regarding the slowdown in progress within biologicals and alternative crop protection, Heard remains optimistic. She notes that access to capital is crucial for fostering innovation and that a more diverse range of funding sources is needed to support the industry’s growth.

In conclusion, the dichotomy between chemicals and biologicals is a false narrative, according to Heard. “We need as much innovation as possible to solve all the issues facing agriculture,” she asserts. By embracing both modalities, the agricultural sector can ensure the development of effective, sustainable solutions that benefit growers and the environment alike.

As the demand for safer and more efficient agricultural practices continues to rise, Enko Chem's commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it at the forefront of the ag biologicals revolution.