Mosaic Biosciences and Elicit Plant have launched a joint development program to identify and develop a biological solution aimed at helping canola growers maintain yields under water-stress conditions in North America.

The agreement will combine Mosaic Biosciences’ focus on crop resilience with Elicit Plant’s proprietary EliTerra technology platform, which is designed to help plants use water more efficiently during periods of limited moisture.

The companies said the program will target one of the most significant production challenges facing canola growers as weather variability increases across major growing regions.

Canada grows nearly 22 million acres of canola each year, with additional production in the northern United States. Annual canola production typically ranges from 17 million to 19 million metric tonnes, making it Canada’s largest oilseed crop.

“Addressing water stress is a key focus area for Mosaic Biosciences. We believe that partnerships play an essential role in accelerating innovation and bringing new biological solutions to growers. This program combines complementary expertise to advance solutions that can help canola producers maintain productivity under increasingly challenging growing conditions,” said Jeff Wheeler, Vice President – Biosciences at The Mosaic Company.

Under the agreement, the companies will conduct an agronomic evaluation program across major North American canola-growing regions. The field trials are intended to assess a potential product that could help protect yield potential when water availability becomes limiting.

Elicit Plant’s EliTerra technology is based on phytosterols, plant-derived molecules that the company says strengthen crops’ natural stress-response mechanisms by improving water-use efficiency.

“Canola is a strategic crop for Canadian agriculture and is particularly exposed to climate-related risks. Through EliTerra innovative technology, which helps plants optimize their water use efficiency, we aim to develop a solution that can help growers preserve yield potential when water availability becomes a limiting factor,” said Eran Kosover, Chief Commercial Officer at Elicit Plant.

The companies said the evaluation program is intended to develop a field-validated solution that is practical for growers and can help protect canola yields during periods of water stress.

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Our industry is looking to answer one of agriculture’s most pressing questions – how do we make water go further? Water is the theme of New AG International’s September-October 2025 issue. Read the entire issue here.