Wilbur-Ellis partners with Talam Biotech to tackle heavy metals in crops

Wilbur-Ellis, a century-old agricultural solutions provider, has entered into a market development agreement with biological technologies start-up Talam Biotech to advance a microbial solution aimed at reducing heavy metal uptake in crops. The collaboration marks Wilbur-Ellis’s latest move to expand its specialty actives portfolio with emerging agtech innovations.

Talam Biotech has developed a soil-based microbial technology that limits the bioavailability of toxic heavy metals—such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury—thereby reducing their absorption by food crops. The approach promises not only improved food safety but also, in some instances, enhanced crop yields.

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

Heavy metals naturally occur in the environment but can also accumulate through industrial and agricultural activity. Their presence in food has come under increased regulatory and public scrutiny, particularly in light of recent US policy actions. In early 2025, the Food and Drug Administration established action levels for lead in baby food. States such as California, Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois have passed legislation mandating heavy metal testing and disclosure for baby food manufacturers.

A 2024 International Food and Information Council survey showed that 64% of US consumers are “very or extremely concerned” about heavy metals in food, with baby food ranked as the top concern. Among those respondents, half reported changing their dietary habits due to the issue.

“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, Portfolio Manager for Specialty Actives at Wilbur-Ellis. “We’ve been impressed with Talam’s early test results and are looking forward to helping bring this important innovation to U.S. customers.”

Talam expects to launch its first commercial product for wheat in 2027, with additional formulations for vegetables, grains, and root crops to follow.

Founded in 1921, Wilbur-Ellis operates over 150 agricultural branch locations across the US and reported $2.5 billion in agriculture-related revenue in 2024. The company has increasingly focused on biologically based inputs to align with environmental and market trends.

Talam is backed by food and ag investors including Corteva Catalyst, Farmers Capital Fund, CT Innovations, Fulcrum Global Capital, and The Yield Lab. The firm positions its technology as a natural, scalable alternative to soil remediation and crop protection strategies that address toxic contaminants at the root level.