b"To learn more about Healthycrop, watch our interview.leadership roles within large Danish corpo-rations. Over time, she realized her passion for building impactful venturesones that merge technical innovation with commer-cial viability. This passion ultimately led her to co-found and join Healthycrop full-time, driven by the belief that transforming food production systems to be more sustaina-ble demands bold innovation. For Hede, Healthycrop represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in global agricul-ture by combining her scientific background with entrepreneurial drive.THE HEART OF THE INNOVATIONAt the heart of Healthycrops innovation is Nepenthesin, a protease enzyme that plays a key role in enhancing a plant's natural resistance to fungal infections. Originally identified in barley, Nepenthesin is cru-cial to the plants defence system; whenNepenthesin, a protease enzyme, plays a key role in enhancing a plants natural resistance to it's absent, susceptibility to fungal attacksfungal infections.significantly increases. Hede explains that fungal pathogens invade crops by breakinglosses and the presence of mycotoxins tial partnerships, elevating the companys down plant cells with their own enzymesdangerous compounds produced by fungalprofile within the agricultural biotech com-to extract nutrients. However, when a plantinfections. According to the FAO, up to amunity. Although formal agreements are expresses higher levels of Nepenthesin, itquarter of all crop products are contami- still under negotiation and remain confi-degrades those fungal enzymes, effectivelynated with mycotoxins, leading to signif- dential, the award has significantly boosted cutting off the pathogens nutrient supply. icant health and economic consequences. Healthycrop's visibility and credibility.Unlike traditional fungicides, whichLooking to the future, Healthycrop target specific points and can lead to resist- RISING RESISTANCE is preparing to navigate a complex regula-ance over time, Nepenthesin works byThere's also a broader public health dimen- tory and commercial landscape. One major attacking fungal enzymes at multiple sitession: the heavy use of agricultural fungi- challenge, especially in Europe, is themaking it exceptionally difficult forcides has contributed to rising resistance inuncertainty surrounding New Genomic pathogens to adapt. Furthermore, its activ- fungi that infect animals and humans. ATechniques (NGT) legislation. Despite ity is naturally regulated, activating onlystudy from University of Aarhus revealedthis, Hede remains optimistic, express-when infection is present, which ensures athat around 4% of mould species are alreadying confidence that regulatory clarity will targeted and efficient defence mechanism.resistant to azoles, a commonly used class ofemerge in the near future.This biochemical strategy represents a dura- antifungal drugsa figure thats expected ble and fundamentally different approach toto climb. Healthycrops approach offers aFOCUSSING ON TRAIT crop protection. promising path to slow or halt the devel- DEVELOPMENTopment of such resistant strains, ensuringRather than creating new crop varieties REDUCING YIELD LOSSES that antifungal treatments remain effectivethemselves, Healthycrop focuses on trait Healthycrops mission also aligns closelyin the future. developmentpartnering with seed com-with global sustainability objectives, par- panies to integrate their fungal-resistant ticularly in terms of environmental andA PRESTIGIOUS AWARD traits into elite genetic lines. A recent col-human health benefits. Reducing relianceIn 2024, Healthycrops efforts were rec- laboration with the Irish company Haggard on chemical fungicides, Hede points out,ognized with the prestigious InnovActionStores on fungal-resistant potatoes exempli-helps protect biodiversity and drinkingAward at Euroseedsa milestone thatfies this approach. As additional partner-water quality while lowering the climateHede describes as particularly meaningfulships begin to take shape, Healthycrop is footprint of agriculture. More importantly,due to its endorsement by an industry-spe- positioning itself at the forefront of a more crops with natural fungal resistance con- cific jury. The accolade has opened doors toresilient, sustainable future for global agri-tribute to food security by reducing yieldnumerous strategic discussions and poten- culture. 20ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | SEPTEMBER 2025"