Oxford's Eden Research awarded two organic certifications in Greece

Eden Research plc, the Milton Park Oxfordshire-based company which develops sustainable biopesticides and plastic-free formulation technology for use in the global crop protection, animal health and consumer products industries, has been awarded organic certification in Greece for two of its products, Mevalone and Cedroz.

Eden’s regional partner, K&N Efthymiadis (KNE), received the certification, which comes after Eden’s three EU-registered active ingredients were authorised for use in organic farming in 2020.

Cedroz is currently distributed in Greece by KNE on behalf of Eden’s distribution partner in close to 30 countries around the world, Eastman Chemical Company. It is registered and used on a range of crops, both indoors and outdoors, including strawberries, tomatoes, aubergine, peppers, okra, cucumber, courgette, pumpkin, melon, and watermelon.

Cedroz, a bionematicide, targets a pest known as root knot nematodes, a worm-like parasite, prevalent in countries with hot climates or short winters, which causes considerable damage to crops around the world.

Mevalone, Eden’s biofungicide which is used on a number of different crops such as grapes, kiwis, olives and tomatoes, is also distributed by KNE.

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With fruit and vegetable crops making up 18.8 per cent of Greece’s total agricultural production, Greece is a major market for the commercialisation of both products, with Greece’s main vegetable export, tomatoes, shipping to 40 countries internationally, primarily in Europe, the Middle East and the USA.

Organic farming is also on the rise in the nation, making up 10 per cent of Greece’s agriculture in 2021 – a trend which aligns with Europe’s broader transition to organic farming.

Sean Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Eden, said: “We are pleased to begin selling our products to organic farmers in Greece. The country is already an important market for us and will now continue to grow in significance.

“We are seeing a consistent rising demand for organic produce amongst consumers and growers. This is also supported by regulation. Under its Farm to Fork strategy, the EU has proposed that at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land should be farmed organically by 2030, and the action plan supporting this change has now reached the public consultation phase.

“We are, therefore, delighted that Eden’s products can provide growers with effective and sustainable solutions that meet organic standards. Organic status also provides further differentiation for our products within the market for conventionally grown produce, where Cedroz and Mevalone deliver performance that is equivalent to conventional chemical pesticides but with all of the benefits of a sustainable solution, including maximum residue level exemptions and low pre-harvest intervals.”

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