News and Analysis on Global Agri-Tech Innovation, Investment and Regulation
Spreading crushed volcanic rock on farmland could help capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and even boost crop yields, a new Anglo-French study suggests. But success depends on local soil conditions
TerraBlaster digs into soil health metrics with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Major grocers actively investing in farm-level innovation
The International Fertiliser Association (IFA) has announced the 13 finalists for the first-ever IFA Cultivate Challenge
Soil Capital is paying increasing numbers of farmers for soil health improvements and emissions reductions. But economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and unclear sustainability policy risk slowing the pace of corporate decision-making
Waypoint Analytical expanded its laboratory footprint with a facility in Grand Island, Nebraska, which is helping Midwest farmers understand soil metrics, as many growers face threats to their livelihoods
ProGro Bio is moving into the fungicide and pesticide market, pending EPA approval of its Rhizol product for use as a biocontrol, as the company begins to fundraise for its Series A round
Land x Launch New Zealand brings together five agtech start-ups to address critical gaps in soil health management with innovative solutions
A new soil study on Maharashtra’s Akole and Nandurbar regions uncovers strong agricultural potential alongside significant challenges, with researchers calling for urgent intervention.
Dutch-based precision ag company Doktar is primed for expansion after securing €7.5 million in funds, it tells us
Miraterra accelerates its revenue plan with the purchase of Trace Genomics
World Agri-Tech South America Summit 2025
Seed and crop protection company Corteva eyes biologicals growth in Brazil, as ag biologicals start-up Symbiomics closes its Series A for an undisclosed amount of money and advances the use of biologicals in the region
Modern farmers are increasingly recognising the need to embrace new agricultural technologies. But despite growing interest, some barriers to adoption remain
A two-year field study from China reveals that using an optimum combination of organic and chemical fertilisers enhances soil and grain output
Wood ash as potassium fertiliser alternative increases komatsuna biomass by 3.31 times, according to a study from Japan
With the fear of getting rejected by traditional financial institutions a huge deterrent to trying innovative practices, finance providers InSoil and Key Carbon have joined forces to raise €100 million to give to European farmers to adopt regenerative...
Usage of Pivot Bio’s biologicals grew in 2024, reducing synthetic fertiliser dependence and associated environmental impacts, like nitrate leaching
A new study from China reveals the three bacteria that rice plants recruit to help it cope with cadmium soil contamination
A report from the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) shows that farmers who adopt to regenerative agriculture can achieve significantly higher overall productivity and input efficiency compared to conventional practices. Which...
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.
Critics have rounded on the assumption that no-till farming is a foundational practice within regenerative agriculture. The issue could have widespread implications for the sector
Investors are being called to promote regenerative farming and greener inputs as Brazil’s fertiliser expansion risks undermining its net-zero targets and pose risks to public health.
Regenerative agriculture is more than a trend: it’s a fundamental rethink of how we grow, source and sell food. As pressure mounts to deliver food that does more than just taste good, food producers have a pivotal role to play
Start-up profile
Soil regeneration start-up CroBio is using biotechnology to prevent crop loss from drought conditions. It tells us how it is taking on an ‘incredibly challenging’ global regulatory environment, and how its product is helping farmers navigate a...
Earthsense is aiming to expand its autonomous AI-powered robots across Asia by 2026.
Public-private collaboration is vital for agriculture to move towards regenerative farming practices, according to a new report by Carlsberg Group.
From gut health to mental health and immune system health, the growing understanding of the link between soil health and human health is driving development of new technologies in agriculture that aim to improve both soil quality and human wellbeing. But...
Social enterprise Wild Asia is championing a traditional approach to palm oil farming, encouraging smallholders to stop seeing the crop as a commodity and adopt regenerative methods.
Sustainable agriculture in South East Asia is lagging behind due to policy gaps, insufficient investments, and weak local demand, says experts.
Agroecology - a means of integrating more sustainability and nature into agricultural practices – does not need to be at the expense of yields, provided the right data and expertise is followed.
As the US biofuels sector awaits clarity over industry incentives from the new Trump administration, winter oilseed crop producer CoverCress remains confident that demand for renewable fuel feedstocks can continue to grow.
UK specialist bank Oxbury – which provides financial services to British farmers and the agricultural sector – has launched a new loan facility to incentivise and reward farmers to make sustainable changes.
ADM has partnered with Berlin-based Klim to expand its regenerative agriculture programme across Germany.
With DDT soil pollution still a major problem in many parts of the world, researchers in Sweden have developed a new method to manage ecological risks from the toxin by binding it with biochar.
Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum as a sustainable farming pathway, offering flexible solutions that can adapt to local conditions while contributing to broader environmental goals. However, its implementation requires careful planning,...
The coffee giant has unearthed a new solution for disposing of spent coffee grounds in the UK.
Experts are meeting in Spain to highlight the role of regenerative agriculture in reducing the climate footprint and boost the profitability of crops.
UK-based CapChar has developed a ‘plug and play’ way for biochar to be produced on farm. It’s time this “remarkably simple material” was supported, its co-founder says.
Integrating organic and inorganic fertilisers can improve eco-efficiency and sustainability in rice cultivation, which could hold significant implications for rice growers in mid-latitudes.
The two biggest global climate funds are failing to get finance to grassroots farmer organisations where it can have the most impact, claims new researched released during the Food, Agriculture, and Water Day at the COP29 climate summit.
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.
French insect company Innovafeed is celebrating after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded it an $11 million grant as part of its Fertiliser Production Expansion Programme (FPEP).
Genomic selection (GS) has shown promise in enhancing fruit and vegetable crops but significant challenges remain, limiting its full potential in the sector, says new research.
The Danish company has secured €3.5 million in seed funding to develop a sustainable and decentralised method for producing ammonia.
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.
Gene editing technology could help the global wine industry combat the effects of climate change, says Lithuanian specialist Caszyme.
Private equity firm and renewable energy investor Capital Dynamics has raised €185 million to finance two of Italy's largest agrivoltaics projects in Sicily.
Induced resistance, where plants’ immune systems are activated in a controlled way that prepares them to fight pests and disease, could help build a sustainable and resilient agricultural system, according to researchers.
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.