Enigma - a Collaborative Research Model

SOLVING AGRI-FOOD CHALLENGES

Enigma is Fera’s strategic R&D model established to support continued research, innovation and knowledge transfer across the agri-food sector through a joined-up approach with Fera and industry partners.

Thought to be one of the first research models of its kind in the agri-food sector, Enigma relies on industry collaboration to address exacting industry challenges.

Each Enigma project will be co-sponsored by industry partners enabling Fera to deliver world-class science to find end-to-end solutions to sector challenges.

With access to internal knowledge, expertise and a rich network of academics internationally, Fera’s aim with each Enigma project is to help create sustainable food production systems that are truly fit for the future.

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ONGOING & UPCOMING PROJECTS

Fera has undertaken comprehensive sector market research to identify the exacting challenges faced by the agri-food sector to set the agenda for upcoming Enigma projects. Explore our projects below:

Wireworm continues to be a problem for potato and carrot growers and is increasingly being seen in other crops such as cereals, field beans, sugar beat, onions and maize. The pattern of wireworm damage is changing, however the industry is yet to understand why and how these damage patterns are altering.

Fera has identified that R&D is required to understand in greater detail the lifecycle of the pest to enable producers to successfully use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to control wireworm. Further research into the identification of wireworm species is also required.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT, OR TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA I - SUSTAINABLE WIREWORM IPM*

Know your Wireworm. Protect Your Crops.
Our new DNA barcoding service gives you precise wireworm species identification – critical for understanding risk and tailoring effective IPM strategies.

CLICK HERE

Wireworm Identification Test

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENIGMA I

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was first reported in the UK in 2019 and affects tomato and sweet pepper crops. Since then, it has caused significant economic losses for growers, and has the potential to continue to impact commercial production due to reduced crop quality and yield.

The Fera team will work in partnership with growers on in field detection and surveillance methods as well as understanding resistance and tolerance in new varieties.

With the support of industry partners, 'ENIGMA II' will focus on key outputs including:

A scientific assessment of currently available approaches for infield detection of ToBRFV on leaf, fruit and swab (Dipstick, LAMP, RPA).
Working with project partners to develop ‘holistic’ surveillance approaches to develop a way to monitor a site across a growing season in the most effective way.
The development of practical grower-led suitable diagnostics through advancements in the development and validation of automated extraction to results systems.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA II - MANAGING ToBRFV IN THE TOMATO SECTOR

CLICK HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENIGMA II

Vertical and controlled environment farming is an increasing part of UK, European, and global food production. However, this emerging and growing industry is currently not effectively represented in terms of certification standards.

This project will seek to understand and develop standardised food safety approaches that can be used by vertical and controlled environment producers, and the wider industry, to provide a consistent approach to food safety control.

With the support of industry partners, 'ENIGMA III' will focus on key outputs including:

A desk-based review of the guidance, standards, and legislation currently in place globally concerning vertically and controlled environment farming.
Working with project partners of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and vertical and controlled environment farming companies in developing grower-led and industry leading approaches to food safety guidance and standards.
Scientifically validated approaches for individual vertical farming companies to further embed food safety in their businesses.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA III - FRESH PRODUCE FOOD SAFETY IN VERTICAL FARMING

CLICK HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENIGMA III

Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) is a leading cause of spraing disease in potatoes, rendering masses of them unfit for the market. The current standard tests for pre planting detection of TRV are ineffective.

With the support of industry partners, 'ENIGMA IV' will focus on key outputs including:

Develop a meaningful and validated diagnostic service for infield identification of TRV in the soil.
Lowering testing costs and faster turnaround times while reducing waste across the system.
Provide a meaningful risk assessment package for spraing in potatoes.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA IV - IMPROVING PREDICTIVE DIAGNOSTICS FOR TOBACCO RATTLE VIRUS IN THE POTATO SECTOR

CLICK HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENIGMA IV

Since the ban on neonicotinoid seed treatments, farmers have relied heavily on pyrethroid insecticides to control Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle. This overuse has led to beetle resistance, reducing the profitability of growing Oil Seed Rape (OSR).

This project will seek to transfer the efficacy of combined products demonstrated in the laboratory into practical use in the field, towards improving OSR yields through a sustainable use of pesticides.

With the support of industry partners, 'ENIGMA V' will focus on key outputs including:

Scientific evaluation into the efficacy of botanical pesticides and optimise product applications.
Understand which biopesticide/pyrethroid combinations will be selected for evaluation their efficacy and potential use in the field.
Working with partners to improve control of cabbage stem flea beetles on Oil Seed Rape.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA V - IMPROVING CONTROL OF CABBAGE STEM FLEA BEETLES ON OIL SEED RAPE

CLICK HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENIGMA V

EXPLORE OUR BLOGS TO READ MORE ABOUT ENIGMA NEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM OUR EXPERTS

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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A
PARTNER?

Join Enigma projects to connect scientists with industry partners, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation. Benefits include:

Open Innovation – Collaborate to find comprehensive solutions to industry challenges.
Shaping Research - Influence the research program through regular communications.
Direct Contact - Dedicated Enigma partner manager.
Access to Results - First access to project results via reports and events.
Industry Network - Expand your contacts and professional development.
Acknowledgement - Recognition on the Enigma webpage and in communications.
Project Updates - Regular updates via webinars and e-newsletters.
Communications Pack - Demonstrate your involvement with Enigma projects with provided partner packs.

FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A PARTNER?

Please get in touch with us to find out more about pricing.

CAN I BE INVOLVED IN MORE THAN ONE PROJECT AT A TIME?

Yes, partners can choose to be involved in as many Enigma projects as they like. Please keep an eye on the website for upcoming projects that may be relevant to you.

DO I HAVE TO BE A PART OF THE PROJECT FOR THE WHOLE DURATION?

Yes, by committing to be part of the proposed Enigma project, the expectation is that you remain a partner from start to end. Projects may vary in length so please ensure you are aware of the length of the project you are aligned with.

WILL CONFLICTING PARTNERS STILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED IF MY ORGANISATION SIGNS-UP TO A SPECIFIC ENIGMA PROJECT?

The ambition with Enigma is to build a network of industry partners who can work collaboratively to find solutions to industry challenges. Therefore, each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether there is a conflict between potential partners. If you have any concerns, please raise these when you express initial interest in a project.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT UPCOMING ENIGMA PROJECTS AND TO BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON INISIGHT FROM CURRENT PROJECTS, SIGN-UP TO OUR MAILING LIST HERE.

Enigma - a Collaborative Research Model

Know your Wireworm. Protect Your Crops.Our new DNA barcoding service gives you precise wireworm species identification – critical for understanding risk and tailoring effective IPM strategies.

Know your Wireworm. Protect Your Crops.
Our new DNA barcoding service gives you precise wireworm species identification – critical for understanding risk and tailoring effective IPM strategies.