News and Analysis on Global Agri-Tech Innovation, Investment and Regulation
The Norwegian company behind the Thorvald autonomous robot – which zaps powdery mildew with high-intensity UV-C light – has raised £8.4m to scale operations both in the UK and US
Growers have another option to gain weather-related field data, courtesy of an Omron weather sensor
One of Europe’s largest asset managers entirely focused on environmental sustainability has entered the sustainable agriculture sector with acquisition of Spanish biological crop solutions platform Agronova
A great agtech funding realignment is underway, as money moves from biotech to precision ag companies
TRIC Robotics’ automated agriculture robots called Luna address pest and disease problems without chemical inputs, while also addressing labour challenges for US strawberry growers
Dutch-based precision ag company Doktar is primed for expansion after securing €7.5 million in funds, it tells us
The agtech sector has language issues that impact understanding and adoption within the agricultural sector, experts have warned
Saga Robotics, the company behind the Thorvald robot, has announced a new three-way partnership in the UK with Bitwise Agronomy and Chambers Farm
Millimetre-wave (MMW) radar can reliably identify individual fruit trees in tough conditions, potentially enabling more precise, targeted spraying
Modern farmers are increasingly recognising the need to embrace new agricultural technologies. But despite growing interest, some barriers to adoption remain
The rapid expansion of AI applications in agriculture – particularly those collecting data and providing real-time advice – will significantly impact workforce needs in the sector, according to the UK-based Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture...
Start-up profile
African smallholders are often in fragmented, remote areas, isolated from the supply chain. By connecting them with resources, data and buyers in international markets, Ghanaian start-up Complete Farmer aims to boost their productivity, incomes and,...
The British company – which uses electricity to eliminate weeds and replace chemical herbicides – celebrates raising $15 million from international investors and the UK government. It will be used to accelerate sales and expand RootWave’s product...
Farm-ng expects to grow its robot sales threefold in 2025 as it unlocks further capabilities with a recent software update
Kubota’s partnership with Agtonomy is just one piece of the tractor maker’s broader innovation strategy
Estonian-based precision ag expert Paul-Tech has updated its soil station – which monitors nutrient movement through the soil – to measure nitrogen availability in real time. It claims the development is the first time this data is available to farmers...
State of the Sector
In this ‘State of the Sector’ exclusive report, we explore the innovations advancing crop protection and challenges hindering it in the face of mounting pressure to feed a growing population.
US farmer-owned agricultural cooperative Landus has launched a new drone and fixed-wing scouting tool and aerial technology platform to give farmers faster, more accurate, and actionable insights into crop health
A new on-farm incubator in the Salinas Valley offers real-world testing and farmer insight
Swiss company AdAstra Sustainability has launched what it says is the first open-data technology to make deforestation and land conversion impacts visible in agricultural supply chains at 30-meter resolution, allowing for more targeted interventions to...
‘Consistent, reliable capital is needed to scale innovation in agriculture and animal health’
Improved policies worldwide have been cited for the accelerated adoption of drones for agriculture use by 90% since 2020, says Chinese giant DJI.
Meet Ecorobotix, the Swiss start-up backed by BASF and Yara whose AI-driven precision farming technology promises to cut chemical use by up to 95%, helping farmers save money while also protecing the environment.
Financial risk is one of the most critical barriers to agricultural innovation, says US-based Growers Edge
Will ‘science of spread’ ensure adoption of digial tools by farmers?
With a three-decade career at the company, CNH International’s chief technology officer Jay Schroeder has significantly boosted R&D in the agriculture segment. We caught up with Schroeder at the recent World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco...
The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit hit San Francisco last week. Here’s some topics that stood out.
Rapid space technology advancements could bring about a tech revolution in the agricultural industry, according to a joint report from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
The Japanese car giant has unveiled new company Yamaha Agriculture as it warns that labour shortages are becoming an existential crisis for global speciality crop growers. Can its high-tech solutions succeed in what it admits is a quintessential...
Tool gives real-time insights into carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of feed
Cordulus, which provides AI-powered weather forecasting, has unveiled its newest rain prediction model, which it claims sets a new benchmark for accuracy in weather forecasting.
American drone makers believe that innovation and competition will grow as the government considers curbs on Chinese vehicles over security fears. But Chinese drone makers are fighting back against what they call ‘baseless allegations’, while...
The Dutch company has raised new investment of €2.25 million from Navus Ventures, ROM InWest and Rabo Ventures. This funding will enable the Amsterdam-based company to accelerate its international growth.
São Paulo-based Marvin says a deal with the world’s largest pulp supplier Suzano validates its AI-powered land use and supply chain management technology.
With climate change hastening the need for locust control, researchers at Cambridge University have developed a new way to predict when and where desert locusts will swarm, so they can be dealt with before the problem gets out of hand.
Building on a tie-up announced in 2023, UAE-based agri-tech company Silal and Bayer are expanding their strategic partnership through a detailed memorandum of understanding.
The Danish start-up has raised more than €2.5 million to accelerate development of autonomous agricultural safety software.
‘Small but mighty’ technology could help improve crop yields and boost agricultural productivity, according to scientists in Japan.
Asia’s agrifood sector has three untapped opportunities: precision agriculture, farmer empowerment through financial inclusion, and food waste reduction.
Indigo Ag and Truterra’s new strategic collaboration is aimed at simplifying, expanding and accelerating the adoption of ag sustainability solutions.
A $1 billion scheme aims to give hundreds of millions of farmers across Asia, Latin America and Africa greater access to weather data to help them manage the effects of climate change.
Agtech companies are celebrating recognition in TIME magazine’s best inventions for 2024. Does it mark a turning point in wider perceptions of the industry?
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is partnering with EIT Food, the world’s largest food innovation community, to launch a new accelerator bub for start-ups in the EU.
A new report flags the growing demand for data, circular innovation and market access for precision bred commodities in the UK.
Pitchbook’s new Q3 2024 agtech report reveals investor confidence is returning. Venture capital funding is on the rise. But deal counts continue to decline and exit opportunities remain limited.
Country profile
French agri-tech is alive with innovation despite recent company woes and the government falling short on its ambitions to help the sector go global.
Trump’s return to the White House is expected to have a significant bearing on the agtech sector. Here’s how.
Carbon farming in Europe is still a relatively new and emerging market, but Patrick Pagani, deputy secretary general of influential agricultural lobby group Copa-Cogeca says there is confidence that carbon credits will prove a viable income source for...
Farmers are not resistant change, says Phil Bicknell, CEO at the newly merged UK-Agri-Tech Centre. But the “three Cs” of communication, collaboration and cash are needed to help them adopt newer sustainable practices.
Progressive regulatory frameworks, together with more collaboration with data, are needed to scale effective innovation, says BASF’s Neil Key.