10147111SECURESeed II: Scaling Sustainable Seed Coatings for Field TrialsActiveCollaborative R&DInnovate UK**SECURESeed II: Scaling Sustainable Seed Coatings for Field Trials** is a critical project aimed at addressing the urgent need for sustainable plant protection products. This highly innovative project is focused on improving the performance of **Plant Beneficial Microbes (PBMs)** through advanced seed coating technology using 100% plastic free, natural and waste materials. Led by MarinaTex, in collaboration with **Cranfield University, Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) and Elsoms Seeds** the project aims to scale field trials of this innovative coating, designed initially for **vining pea seeds**---a key crop for UK agriculture. Vining peas are predominantly grown in Eastern England, with the majority cultivated east of the A1, spanning from Lincolnshire to Essex, covering approximately 34,000 hectares from East Anglia to Dumfries in Scotland. At the heart of SECURESeed II is the goal to **enhance the effectiveness of PBMs in the field,** which play a critical role in promoting plant health and resilience. PBMs can boost crop growth, protect against pests, and improve resilience to environmental stress, but they need the right conditions to thrive. This is where SECURESeed's **coating technology** comes in. By creating a **protective, nutrient-rich coating**, the project ensures that PBMs can stay viable longer, adhere more effectively to seeds, and deliver maximum benefits to crops. This project doesn't just stop at improving crop performance. The coating is also **plastic-free**, offering a sustainable alternative to the synthetic materials traditionally used in seed treatments. With the upcoming **2028 EU ban on microplastic seed coatings**, SECURESeed II positions itself as a future-ready solution for farmers who want both improved yields and environmental compliance. Field trials will be conducted by **PGRO** across Lincolnshire under the scientific guidance of **Cranfield University**, to ensure the technology performs under real-world agricultural conditions. These trials will focus on demonstrating improved **germination rates, better yield,** healthier plants, and overall better crop resilience, directly addressing the challenges farmers face today. As the agricultural sector grapples with the need for **sustainable intensification**, SECURESeed offers a timely, practical solution. By improving the survival and efficacy of PBMs while reducing the environmental footprint, this project supports the UK's broader goals of achieving **net-zero emissions** and advancing **sustainable farming practices**.