Wilbur-Ellis, a major agricultural solutions provider, has formalised a market development agreement with Talam Biotech, a biological technologies startup, to advance a new microbial based solution for reducing the uptake of heavy metals in crops. This collaboration is focused on introducing Talam’s naturally derived technology to the US market, starting with applications in wheat cultivation.
Talam Biotech has developed a method that uses naturally occurring soil microbes to reduce the bioavailability of toxic heavy metals in agricultural soils. By limiting the ability of crops to absorb contaminants such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, the technology is intended to lower the levels of these elements in harvested grains, vegetables and fruits. According to the company, this microbial approach can not only contribute to improved food safety but also support crop yield performance in certain conditions.
Talam’s Chief Executive Officer underscored the need for a comprehensive, farm level strategy to address the issue of heavy metals in food. He stated that reducing exposure to these contaminants requires systemic solutions that begin with agricultural practices. He further added that the partnership with Wilbur-Ellis, described as a key player in agriculture innovation, is central to advancing the technology and scaling its adoption across the United States.
“Reducing exposure to heavy metals in food demands a system wide approach that starts at the farm. Collaboration with agriculture innovation leaders like Wilbur-Ellis is key to unlocking the potential of our technology.”
Early Testing Yields Promising Results
Wilbur-Ellis has expressed a strong interest in Talam’s early test outcomes, which indicated potential efficacy in reducing contaminant absorption by crops. Chris Wooley, Portfolio Manager for Specialty Actives at Wilbur-Ellis, commented that Talam’s microbial product may offer growers a proactive tool to mitigate the presence of heavy metals in food. He added that in addition to its environmental and health applications, the technology could also assist farmers in achieving more stable or even enhanced yields.
“Talam’s technology can make farmers significant players in addressing the challenge of heavy metals in food, with the potential to improve yields as well. We’ve been impressed with Talam’s early test results and are looking forward to helping bring this important innovation to US customers.”
The development agreement provides a framework for Wilbur-Ellis to help Talam Biotech navigate market entry, customer education and product distribution for its microbial solution. Initial efforts will focus on wheat, with further expansion into vegetables, grains and root crops anticipated.
Context of Consumer Concern and Regulatory Response
Heavy metals are present in agricultural environments both through natural geologic processes and from human activities such as industrial runoff and long term use of certain pesticides or fertilisers. These elements can enter the food chain via irrigation water and soil, raising concerns over long term exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations such as infants and children.
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Public concern over this issue has risen in recent years. A 2024 survey by the International Food and Information Council revealed that 64 percent of American consumers were very or extremely concerned about heavy metals in food. The most commonly cited area of concern was baby food, where consumers showed the highest level of sensitivity. Among the respondents expressing serious concern, 50 percent reported changing their dietary choices in response to perceived risks.
This growing consumer awareness has been met with regulatory developments. In early 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration issued formal action levels for permissible lead concentrations in baby foods. Concurrently, California’s Bill AB899 came into effect, requiring baby food manufacturers to test for and disclose the presence of heavy metals in their products. Similar legislation has been adopted in Maryland, Virginia and Illinois, reflecting a broader policy trend toward more stringent oversight.
Timeline and Product Roadmap
Under the current agreement, Talam Biotech plans to commercially launch its wheat focused product by 2027. This product will be the first in a series of microbial formulations designed to address heavy metal bioavailability in various crop types. Following the initial launch, the company expects to release additional products tailored for use on vegetables, grains and root crops.
The collaboration between Wilbur-Ellis and Talam Biotech represents a step towards addressing a complex public health concern through preharvest interventions. The two companies will work together to test, validate, and prepare the microbial technology for broader deployment across different geographies and crop systems in the US market.