Agrasys

About Agrasys

Agrasys, established in 2005, is an agricultural biotechnology company operating as a spin-off from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The founders include Cristobal Martinez, Francisco Barro, Paul Lazzeri, and Pilar Barcelo-Ensesa. The company's genesis is deeply rooted in decades of public research, specifically a breeding program initiated in 1977 by Professor Antonio Martín at the CSIC's Institute of Sustainable Agriculture. In 2006, Agrasys acquired the exclusive commercial rights to this program and its primary output, Tritordeum.

The core of Agrasys' business is the development and commercialization of Tritordeum, a novel cereal created through the natural hybridization of durum wheat and a wild barley species. This process does not involve genetic modification. Tritordeum is positioned as a sustainable crop, demonstrating high resistance to drought and heat, thus requiring less water and fertilizer. For consumers, the cereal offers distinct nutritional benefits, including higher levels of protein, fiber, and lutein—an antioxidant beneficial for eye health—compared to common wheat. The grain's composition, with fewer specific gluten proteins, may also make it more tolerable for individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Agrasys' business model revolves around licensing and partnerships. In Spain, the company works directly with grain producers and food manufacturers. For international markets, particularly within the European Union, Agrasys grants commercial licenses to other companies, leveraging their local market expertise for distribution and sales. Its product, commercialized under the trade name Vivagran®, is versatile and can be used in a variety of food products, including bread, pasta, crackers, baked goods, and beer. After facing financial difficulties, Agrasys' assets were acquired by Arcadia Biosciences in 2020/2021, and subsequently by Vivagran, a company formed by former Agrasys employees, which continues the development and marketing of Tritordeum with the support of the original founders on its advisory board.