Eden Research PLC receives green light to sell its sustainable bio-fungicide in

() said it has received authorisation to sell its sustainable bio-fungicide in Australia for use on wine and table grapes.

It will go on the market under the name of Novellus, providing a residue-free solution for the common disease Botrytis cinereal when one is most needed.

That is because the world’s sixth-largest wine producer is phasing out conventional chemicals, meaning the Eden product will provide growers “with a much-needed sustainable solution to the disease”.

“The bio-fungicide is well-placed to meet the needs of growers within its authorised markets as it is highly efficacious and MRL-exempt, helping them to address consumer demand for quality produce free from chemical residues,” the company said.

The product, known in Europe and Africa as Mevalone, will be marketed and distributed in Australia by commercial partner, Sipcam.

It has been approved by 11 other countries, including the top wine-producing nations.

Australia is a key market for Eden where viticulture contributed $45.5bn to the domestic economy last year.

“Australia’s grape growing industry is sizeable and well-regarded, and Novellus will provide farmers with an efficacious solution to protect against botrytis, contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth,” Sean Smith, Eden’s chief executive said in a statement.

“The approval also represents a geographical expansion for our business, and we look forward to continuing our work with Sipcam to increase our activities in the region.”

Eden develops sustainable biopesticides and plastic-free formulation technology for use in global crop protection as well as the animal health and consumer products industries.

It has two products on the market: Mevalone/Novellus and Cedroz – the latter protects against soil-based pests called nematodes.

It also has partnerships with industry big hitters such as Eastman, Sipcam Oxon (which is also a major shareholder) and SumiAgro that have helped opened the doors to deals in Mexico, Portugal, Italy and the Benelux countries to name a few.