Wilbur-Ellis, a leader in agricultural solutions, announced a new US market development agreement with Talam Biotech. Talam is a startup focused on biological technologies. Their approach uses natural microbes to limit heavy metals uptake by crops.
John Chrosniak, CEO of Talam Biotech, said, “Reducing heavy metal exposure in food requires action at the farm level. Collaboration with innovators like Wilbur-Ellis is crucial to unlock our technology’s potential.”
Talam’s researchers have created a technology that uses soil microbes. These microbes reduce the bioavailability of toxic heavy metals to plants. Less metal uptake means fewer contaminants in grains, vegetables, and fruits. This can benefit human health and crop yields.
Chris Wooley, Portfolio Manager at Wilbur-Ellis, said, “Talam’s technology can help farmers address heavy metals in food. It also has the potential to improve crop yields.” He added, “We’ve seen promising early results and look forward to helping bring this innovation to US farmers.”
Heavy metals naturally exist in the environment but are also introduced by human activities. They can contaminate water and soil used for farming. Concerns about arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury have grown. These metals impact human health and are increasingly scrutinized by regulators.
A survey by the International Food and Information Council last fall found that 64% of Americans are “very” or “extremely concerned” about heavy metals in food. Baby food was the top concern. Many consumers have changed their eating habits because of these worries.
In early 2025, the US FDA released action levels for lead in baby food. California’s Bill AB899, requiring testing and disclosure of heavy metals in baby foods, also took effect. Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois have passed similar legislation recently.
Talam plans to launch a wheat product in 2027. They will follow with products for vegetables, grains, and root crops.
