Agroceutical Products Ltd is developing a reliable UK supply of **galanthamine**, a licensed medicine used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and found naturally in daffodils. Our main research project, **GalanCEAmine**, uses controlled-environment farming and a new extraction process to increase the amount of this valuable molecule we can obtain from plants grown in Britain. To scale up responsibly, we must measure galanthamine **accurately and consistently** at every stage of production---from chopped plant material to purified extracts. Today, those measurements are difficult because the samples are complex and suitable reference standards are scarce. Without trustworthy numbers we cannot optimise our process, prove quality to partners, or plan commercial manufacturing. This A4I project teams Agroceutical with the UK's **National Measurement Laboratory (NML)** to close that gap. Together we will create robust, transferable laboratory methods to quantify galanthamine across all our process steps. The work includes selecting and qualifying reference materials, developing state-of-the-art mass-spectrometry tests, checking recovery and precision in real samples, and writing easy-to-use standard operating procedures. NML will also train our team so the methods can be run in-house and by external quality-control laboratories. **What this delivers for the UK** * A metrology-grade toolkit that turns promising lab results into **trusted, decision-ready data**. * Faster optimisation of a UK-grown, plant-based source of a critical medicine ingredient. * Stronger foundations for regulatory engagement and future manufacturing in the UK. * Know-how that can benefit other British SMEs working with complex natural products.

**Bracken for the Circular Economy (BraCE)** is a project that transforms bracken, an invasive fern covering approximately 100,000 hectares in Wales, from a costly agricultural burden into a valuable resource for sustainable peat-free growing media. With government commitment to phase out peat use, there is urgent demand for alternatives to imported materials in the peat-free market, where wood fiber (44%) and bark (16%) are leading components alongside coir (20.7%), the last facing supply vulnerabilities and high carbon emissions. This innovative project is led by Agroceutical, a Welsh farmer organisation with academic support from Professor Prysor Williams team @ Bangor University, technical expertise from Melcourt Industries as consultants, and advanced materials research from Hendwr Ltd. The farmer-led approach addresses this challenge through systematic development of bracken-based growing media, ensuring practical solutions driven by real-world expertise. **BraCE** will investigate optimal harvesting strategy: spring (March-May) for maximum biomass from green fronds, versus autumn (October) for naturally dried material with reduced processing needs, enabling maximum biomass to maximize farmer/compost operator benefits. The technical approach focuses on evidence-based processing using fermentation in farm silage infrastructure to reduce ptaquiloside (the bracken toxin) levels, with optional enhancement through Hendwr's biodegradable materials for premium applications. The project will evaluate Hendwr's biobased additives that can enhance water retention properties while improving nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition availability, enabling bracken-based products to compete effectively with traditional materials while maintaining cost competitiveness and providing enhanced plant nutrition benefits. **BraCE** technical approach focuses on evidence-based processing using fermentation in farm silage infrastructure to reduce ptaquiloside (the bracken toxin) levels, with complementary enhancement technologies for value-added applications. Welsh farmers lead harvesting work packages for implementable solutions. **BraCE** creates economic opportunities: farmers gain revenue streams worth £1,000-2,000 per hectare annually, while the industry secures sustainable alternatives offering cost advantages. Hendwr benefits through research partnerships and potential commercial applications of specialized materials to the growing media industry. **BraCE** establishes Wales as a center for sustainable growing media innovation, contributing to the £250-350 million UK growing media market while supporting peatland conservation and rural development. Expected outcomes include validated protocols for seasonal materials, optimized formulations, and a scalable supply chain ready for replication. Commercialization through industry networks will deliver products to retail and commercial growers, with EU expansion potential. **BraCE** exemplifies circular economy principles, turning waste into value while boosting Wales' sustainable horticulture and rural economies.

The **Wool2Lube Project** aims to address two critical challenges: the underutilization of Welsh sheep wool and the growing global demand for sustainable, eco-friendly lubricants. Welsh sheep farming is a cornerstone of the rural economy, producing over 16,500 tons of wool annually. However, much of this wool, particularly from hill and mountain sheep, is coarse and of low commercial value, leaving farmers with limited economic returns. **Wool2Lube** seeks to transform this underutilized resource into **a high-value product: lanolin-based biolubricants.** Through an innovative process using liquid CO₂ and green co-solvents, we aim to extract lanolin from wool in a sustainable and efficient manner, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods that recover only 20% of available lanolin. This eco-friendly approach reduces water and chemical use, aligning with the UK's goals for sustainable development and carbon reduction. The **extracted lanolin will be refined and formulated into biolubricants** designed for industries such as agriculture, marine, and metalworking, where products used in open environments must be biodegradable and safe. These industries face growing regulatory demands to adopt eco-friendly lubricants, particularly for equipment exposed to open-air conditions where oil leaks could damage ecosystems. Lanolin-based biolubricants offer distinct advantages, including excellent rust resistance and hydrophobic properties, making them well-suited for use in harsh environments **Wool2Lube** will deliver multiple benefits: * **Economic Impact**: Create new revenue streams for Welsh farmers by adding value to low-market-value wool, supporting rural communities. * **Environmental Benefits**: Promote the use of biodegradable lubricants, reducing reliance on petroleum-based alternatives and mitigating pollution risks. * **Innovation and Growth**: Position the UK as a leader in sustainable lanolin processing and biolubricant development, opening new market opportunities domestically and internationally. By demonstrating the feasibility of this sustainable solution, the **Wool2Lube Project** will pave the way for future innovations in green chemistry and material valorization. This project is expected to deliver scalable results within one year, creating a model for similar applications worldwide.

Galanthamine is a key treatment for Alzheimer's Disease, the leading cause of dementia and a leading cause of death in the UK. Daffodils are the principal natural source of galanthamine, but their production is constrained by a long production cycle, seasonality, and exposure to weather and crop disease related losses. Galanthamine production is heavily influenced by environmental conditions, leading to inconsistent yield. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) provides the opportunity to optimise conditions for plant growth and galanthamine production, in a disease-free environment, accelerating production and creating a reliable, consistent and sustainable supply. Green chemistry extraction processes will minimise environmentally polluting inputs, energy use and waste. The project will develop optimised CEA 'recipes' (lighting, plant nutrition and environmental parameters) for daffodil bulbs cultivation and year-round supply of natural galanthamine. Green chemistry processes using renewable and biodegradable solvents and eco-friendly extraction methods and their scalability will be explored and optimised to minimise environmental footprint. Sustainability will be measured using robust, recognised Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) methodology. The project supports development of sustainable supply chains for a key drug with increasing demand from an ageing population.

As we age there is reduction in the effectiveness with which our gastrointestinal tract functions, which has the consequence of reducing the absorption of nutrients from our diet. This is one of the contributors to the malnutrition suffered by many older individuals. Interestingly the changes to gastrointestinal tract functioning also leads to increased inflammation throughout our bodies as well as increased inflammation in our brains. This age-related increase in inflammation has been termed "inflammaging", and contributes to the age-related diseases and conditions that have a common feature of increased \[dysregulated\] inflammation, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint disease and cognitive decline. Therefore, the gut-brain axis plays an important role in age related cognition decline. The reduced function of the gastrointestinal tract also alters drug absorption, and decreases protection against ingested pathogens \[microbial, fungal, and viral\]. The latter point is significant because the gastrointestinal tract provides the largest surface area of contact between us and our environment. The research team has the combined expertise required to address the consequences of reduced gastrointestinal tract function in ageing. The three Companies involved, Agroceutical Products Ltd (Wales), Neurodyn Life Sciences Inc (Canada), and PostBiotics Inc. (USA), have used a common approach to exploit natural product-based strategies to maintain and extend the human health-span. They will collaborate with Aberystwyth University's Departments of Life Sciences and Psychology. This academic team are experienced in working on translational Research and Development with the Food, Drink and supplement industry partners. Neurodyn Life Sciences Inc., has developed a natural product-based formulation called Cerbella, that is composed of a proprietary blend of specific components of ginseng, green tea, and essential fatty acids \[Omega-3's\]. This formulation has been demonstrated clinically to improve the efficiency of brain function in healthy elderly people. Postbiotics Inc., has developed a dietary supplement POZIBIO, based on a component of bacterial cell walls that improves gastrointestinal tract function by restoring the protective mucus layer that coats the intestine lining facing the ingested food that is being digested and absorbed. We will determine if the improved function of the _Gut & Brain_ following intervention with both POZIBIO and/or Cerbella leads to an overall health benefit when compared with placebo control. We intend to examine changes in cognition and blood inflammation indicators, in an older people cohort who receive POZIBIO and Cerbella in their diet.

This is a 48-month feasibility research project which aims to develop tools which will contribute to the COP26 Global Methane Pledge of cutting global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030\. The project will seek to develop a naturally sourced nutritional additive to reduce methane emissions from ruminants, which currently account for 80% of the total methane emissions from agriculture in the UK. The project will also address the requirement to improve the efficiency of feed utilisation by ruminants, which will reduce the demand for imported high-protein feed materials, supporting sustainable milk and meat production. The rural economy will also benefit through diversification and employment opportunities for farming, an industry currently challenged by post-Brexit pressures. The project is based on greater use of locally available plant-based compounds called alkaloids, which can be extracted from daffodils. As daffodils are grown widely throughout the UK, production and extraction these compounds can be local, sustainable and resilient. Preliminary data estimates that by using a specific alkaloid from daffodils, direct methane emissions from ruminants can be significantly reduced whilst simultaneously improving the efficiency of feed protein utilisation by 50%. Improving feed protein utilisation will lead to increased productivity of the ruminant sector whilst reducing the production of nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas. This would subsequently reduce the requirement for high-protein imported feeds such as soyabean meal, improving the sustainability of British farming. This project presents several benefits to both UK agriculture and wider society. \*Reduce the carbon footprint of the ruminant livestock sector by developing and validating a novel technology geared to boost feed protein efficiency whilst reducing methane emissions (currently more than 90% of the corporate dairy industry emissions are methane produced by cows). \*Improve productivity and resilience in the dairy sector by reducing the need to feed high-cost imported feed materials. \*Establish a UK-based supply chain to support the diversification of UK agriculture and boost the rural economy by providing higher incomes for farmers. \*Improve food security in the UK and provide rural job opportunities.

**NextGenGelCap** is aimed at developing a strong supply chain to support the local production and subsequent export of UK-produced nutraceuticals to the US-Canadian market. At the heart of the program is the development of a new encapsulation technique that will increase drastically the shelf-life of oxygen sensitive nutraceutical formulations, involving new high oxygen barrier edible membrane, and an encapsulation process under nitrogen-blanket. **NextGenGelCap** is led by Agroceutical.

**DAFOMI** is a 5 months feasibility research programme to develop emerging solutions to secure post COVID recovery and sustainable increases in the production of milk and dairy products providing diversification opportunities for farming and employment challenged by COVID-19 and Brexit pressures. **DAFOMI** will directly address the disruption of the wider UK dairy supply chain by providing technologies to improve current protein-feed efficiency, using subproducts of the agricultural industry rich in alkaloids, and enabling future market-growth in speciality dairy products (cheese and others). **DAFOMI** will benefit farmers who rely on ruminants for their livelihoods by providing higher incomes, more plentiful, nutritious, and cheaper food, and by generating patterns of development that provide employment and benefit to rural areas while at the same time impacting positively on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. **DAFOMI** will obtain trial data validating a disruptive technology geared to boost dairy feed protein efficiency. This will reduce the carbon footprint of the sector, by reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions (currently more than 90% of the corporate dairy industry emissions are methane produced by the cows, mostly in the form of methane). **DAFOMI** approach is based on greater use of locally available **alkaloids** very specific plant-based chemicals, to improve feed and animal nutrition. **DAFOMI** targets matching ruminant production to adequate feed preparation to maximize protein feed efficiency and improve milk protein content. **DAFOMI** will improve the country's food security and provide the potential for rural job security and further employment for those losing jobs in other sectors. Preliminary **DAFOMI** data estimate that we could improve feed efficiency evaluations by 5-20%, while simultaneously reducing direct methane emissions by 30-35+%.

Awaiting Public Project Summary

To develop and document a set of records and standard operating procedures to enable galanthamine produced from daffodils to meet the regulatory requirements of the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.

Galantamine is a pharmaceutical product that had been an approved Alzheimer’s Disease treatment since 1998. Galantamine can be synthesised chemically but it is a difficult and expensive process. Producing galantamine from galanthamine extracted from plants is more cost effective, but supplies are limited. Daffodils are an economically feasible plant source for cultivation in the UK, and growing daffodils in upland areas triggers a 50% higher yield of galanthamine. This proposal will deliver a new approach for producing galanthamine based on integrating daffodil growing into existing upland pasture. This will increase the economic sustainability of hill farming by providing farmers with a high value crop while maintaining traditional farming systems in the upland areas. The project will develop the required machinery, quantify the yield of galanthamine achievable, and assess the impact on sheep performance of incorporating daffodil production into grazed pastures.

This short feasibility project aim at improving the industrial process of extraction of Galanthamine, a Daffodil derived alkaloid, presently used for the treatment of moderate Alzheimer’s, the production of anti-nicotine patches, and hair growth stimulants for the cosmetic industry. Galanthamine is one of the few medical drugs that is approved by NICE to treat Alzheimer's, a disease that affects 35 millions of people worldwide. This will support broader activities aimed at developing an UK-based supply chain aimed at producing and selling the pharmaceutical.

Protozoal organisms in the rumen of animals such as cattle and sheep reduce their ability to utilise protein efficiently and increase their production of methane, an important greenhouse gas which may lead to increased global warming. Saponins from ivy have been shown by the team to reduce protozoal growth but the effect wears off as the protozoa remove sugars from the saponins and inactivate them. Glycosidase inhibitors from some food waste materials can slow this inactivation. The team will find the best combinations of saponins and glycosidase inhibitors for commercial production. Other uses are also also being considered by the project partners.