Alora, based at Norwich Research Park, has announced Adam Helms as its new chief executive.

The company is using gene editing to make targeted changes to the DNA of crops, such as rice, giving them improved traits.

These include tolerance to salt, extreme heat, and disease resistance, enabling crops to be grown on the ocean's surface and in warm climates without the use of chemical pesticides or large areas of land.

Alora, based at Norwich Research Park, has appointed Adam Helms as its new CEO (Image: Supplied)

The appointment of Mr Helms means founding CEO Luke Young has moved into the role of chief technology officer where he will lead Alora's research and development.

Fellow company co-founder Rory Hornby will continue in his role as chief operating officer.

“Alora has generated compelling early trait data and I’m excited to join the team to advance that science towards commercial relevance," Mr Helms said.

"Our priority this year is building proof points that matter to partners and investors by validating traits across multiple lines, crops and geographies to enable substantive industry discussions."

© Norwich Evening News