Birmingham, AL and Washington, DC – October 11, 2018 – Kirchner Group, a leading asset manager and boutique advisor to companies and investors in the agriculture technology and life sciences sectors, announced today that it will advise the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) newly formed International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture (ICASA). Antibiotic resistance is a growing global issue. As more bacteria develop the ability to defend themselves against the chemicals designed to destroy them, our food supply and safety is threatened. As a result, constant development of new antimicrobials are required to combat the bacteria.

“We are excited to work alongside FFAR on this important initiative,” commented W.B. (Bud) Kirchner, CEO and Founder of Kirchner Group. “On the back of almost four decades of multifaceted experience in both the agriculture and health sciences sectors, we are well positioned to help create value within the consortium and look forward to working closely with FFAR.”

FFAR provided $7.5 million for ICASA to support antimicrobial stewardship and to prevent antibiotic resistance. ICASA advances antimicrobial research by bringing new ideas to the forefront, accelerating innovation, using partnerships for scaling advances and leveraging resources and funding. ICASA is an industry-oriented program because the current food and agriculture industry functions as a global supply chain, affecting all aspects of food supply and safety. The industry’s potential to drive real changes and the key to widespread adoption, from producer to consumer depends on its understanding of economic feasibility.

“The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research was created to facilitate partnerships across the agriculture sector to promote the development of more sustainable practices,” stated FFAR Executive Director, Sally Rockey, Ph.D. “This consortium will construct those synergistic partnerships to enhance efforts in combating antibiotic resistance, an increasing concern for our food supply and safety. We are pleased to have Kirchner Group, with their breadth and depth of expertise and relevant experience, collaborating with us.”

A number of high profile corporations and producers have already committed to join the consortium. FFAR is facilitating the establishment and success of the consortium, and the Kirchner Group partnership brings a deep understanding of potential consortium members as well as valuable industry, commercial and transactional insight and perspectives. Kirchner will provide insight and feedback on planning and strategy as well as facilitate introductions to select key companies, organizations and individuals who might be interested in joining or assisting the initiative. Kirchner Group will also participate in select meetings of the consortium and affiliated working groups.
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research is still welcoming participants for the consortium.

For more information please contact Dr. Tim Kurt, FFAR Scientific Program Director at tkurt@foundationfar.org.