For decades, agriculture has used synthetic nitrogen fertilizer to replenish nutrients in soil. But the chemical, used in half of all food production, can have devastating environmental and health effects. Berkeley, Calif.–based Pivot Bio is combatting that with the world’s first microbial biofertilizer for cereal crops like wheat, rye, rice and barley. Dubbed PROVEN, the product replaces synthetic solutions with nitrogen-fixing microbes, which capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. For $20 per acre, compared to nearly $100 for existing fertilizers, farmers gain a more consistent harvest while eliminating 1 gigaton worth of carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions. —Mariah Espada
More Must-Reads From TIME
- About That Devastating Tom-Shiv Scene in Succession's Premiere
- Why Humza Yousaf's Win Is 'Historic' for Scotland
- For Both Donald Trump and Alvin Bragg, the Central Park Jogger Case Was a Turning Point
- If Donald Trump Is Indicted, Here's What Would Happen Next in the Process
- Alison Roman Won't Sugarcoat It
- Why Not All Observant Muslims Fast During Ramadan
- It's Time to Say a Loving Goodbye to John Wick
- Who Should Be on the 2023 TIME100? Vote Now
- Column: Ozempic Exposed the Cracks in the Body Positivity Movement