Wilbur-Ellis®, Talam Biotech to collaborate on US food crop solution for heavy metals

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Jun 23, 2025, 09:00 ET

Companies enter market development agreement for novel approach to reducing toxic elements in food

DENVER and GROTON, Conn., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilbur-Ellis, a leading provider of innovative solutions for agriculture, announced today that it has entered a US market development agreement with Talam Biotech, a biological technologies start-up, for Talam's natural microbial approach to reducing heavy metal uptake by crops.

"Reducing exposure to heavy metals in food demands a system-wide approach that starts at the farm," said John Chrosniak, Talam Biotech Chief Executive Officer. "Collaboration with agriculture innovation leaders like Wilbur-Ellis is key to unlocking the potential of our technology."

Talam researchers have developed a technology that uses naturally occurring soil microbes to reduce bioavailability of toxic heavy metals to crops. Reduced uptake by plants means less contaminants in grains, vegetables and fruits, with a direct positive impact on human health and crop yield in some cases.

"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," said Chris Wooley, Wilbur-Ellis Portfolio Manager-Specialty Actives. "We've been impressed with Talam's early test results and are looking forward to helping bring this important innovation to US customers."

Heavy metals occur naturally in the environment and are also a result of human activity. They enter the food supply through the water and soil used to grow crops. Improving the understanding of the content and exposure of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in food and their impact on human health has increased consumer concerns and regulatory scrutiny around the world.

An International Food and Information Council survey of US consumers released last fall found that 64 percent of Americans are "very or extremely concerned" about heavy metals in food, with presence in baby food being the top ranking concern. This report also shows that among this group of consumers, half say they have changed their eating habits as a result.

Early in 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration released action levels for lead in baby food. At the same time, California's Bill AB899 introducing requirements for testing and disclosure of heavy metals in baby foods went into effect. Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois have approved similar Bills to California's in the last few months.

Talam anticipates commercial launch of a wheat product in 2027. Additional products for vegetables, grains, and root crops will follow.

About Wilbur-Ellis:
Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading marketers, distributors, and manufacturers of agricultural products and animal nutrients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments, and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales of over $3.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.wilburellis.com.
Wilbur-Ellis Agriculture, with annual sales revenue of $2.5 billion, has over 150 branch locations throughout the U.S.

About Talam:
Talam Biotech is a biological technologies start-up that is unlocking the hidden potential of soil to reduce toxic heavy metals in food. Our novel microbial solutions, derived from natural sources, reduce heavy metal uptake by inhibiting the bioavailability of heavy metals to plants. The team at Talam has extensive experience in understanding the power of microbes and their capacity to reduce contaminants and remediate soil pollutants.

Talam recent investors include some of the most prominent funds in food and agriculture: Corteva Catalyst, the investment and partnership platform of Corteva Agriscience, Farmers Capital Fund – an early and growth-stage fund managed by Open Prairie that represents more than 220,000 family farmers and ranchers, and CT Innovations, the state of Connecticut's venture arm. These investors join long-term Talam shareholders Fulcrum Global Capital and The Yield Lab.

www.talam.com
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SOURCE Talam Biotech, Inc.