Celleste Bio, Toesca , Astarte Capital , AGEYE, Rosy Soil, Silal, KEZAD, xFarm Technologies, Syngenta, PlantArcBio, ToolGen, MyEasyFarm, Saint Louis Sucre, Dubois Agrinovation, NANO, Vert2Grow, IBMA, FAO, Topian, IBM, Farmblox, Vertiberry, AgVend, Oaken, ADAMA- This Week in AgTech

Anna: 00:00

Welcome to another episode of AgTech Digest, your go-to source for the latest in agricultural technology. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how innovative greenhouse designs are transforming berry production, offering tailored solutions that range from cost-effective open-field structures to advanced high-tech systems that boost yields, extend growing seasons, and enhance resource efficiency. We'll also dive into this week's top funding rounds and partnerships, spotlighting breakthroughs in sustainable cocoa production, AI-powered precision farming, and gene-edited crop advancements. Plus, we’ll unveil cutting-edge products aimed at improving soil health, farm automation, and year-round food production. There's a lot to unpack, so let's dive in!

Anna: 00:47

Harnois Greenhouses offers a complete range of greenhouse solutions for berry production, from cost-effective open-field options like TunnelPro Plus to advanced high-tech gutter-connected greenhouses like Luminosa. These structures provide extended growing seasons, better crop protection, and increased yields. Backed by a team of agronomists and equipment experts, Harnois delivers turnkey systems tailored to growers' needs and budgets. As technology advances, greenhouse berry production continues to play a vital role in sustainable, year-round farming.

Anna: 01:21

Several notable funding rounds and investments have propelled advancements in agricultural innovation this week, highlighting diverse initiatives in sustainable cocoa production, regenerative agriculture, and AI-driven farm management. First, Celleste Bio, founded in 2022, secured $4.5 million in seed funding to advance its cell-cultured cocoa production. This funding will help meet growing chocolate demand, reduce environmental impact, and address supply chain challenges by developing sustainable, year-round cocoa production technology. Next, Toesca Asset Management and Astarte Capital Partners launched a $350 million regenerative agriculture investment platform focused on permanent crops. This platform aims to develop high-performance orchards using sustainable practices, aligning with global food security and healthier diet trends in Latin America. Meanwhile, AGEYE announced a strategic investment partnership with MANN+HUMMEL to enhance farm management software, automation, and filtration disinfection technologies. The collaboration seeks to improve indoor farming systems by enabling healthier, more productive practices and leveraging AI-driven crop optimization. Finally, Rosy Soil, a sustainable soil solutions company, raised $3.6 million in seed funding. This investment will scale operations and expand biochar-based products, offering a peat alternative that enhances soil health, reduces habitat loss, and supports sustainability.

Anna: 02:51

The future of agriculture is being shaped by dynamic conversations and emerging trends.First, the biologics market is experiencing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, with Fleming emphasizing the growing consolidation driven by the need for profitability and scale. Looking to the future, technologies such as AI and IoT are expected to revolutionize the biologics sector. These innovations will enhance product development and improve operational efficiency, creating new opportunities for sustainable growth in agriculture.

Anna: 03:25

Strategic partnerships are driving key innovations and sustainability efforts in agriculture this week. First, Silal and KEZAD Group announced the launch of Sky Berries ( 50,000 sqm for premium berries) and Project Ripe (100,000 sqm for high-value crops). These initiatives aim to boost local food production, reduce imports, conserve water, and cut carbon emissions, supporting the UAE's food security goals. Next, xFarm Technologies and Syngenta France are collaborating to enhance the Quali’Cible tool with geospatial AI for French farmland monitoring. This partnership will improve precision in crop identification, simplify compliance, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Meanwhile, PlantArcBio and ToolGen have partnered on a joint effort to develop gene-edited soybeans with enhanced herbicide tolerance. This collaboration aims to increase yields, reduce agriculture's environmental footprint, and offer farmers a flexible, efficient weed management solution. Additionally, MyEasyFarm and Saint Louis Sucre are deploying an MMRV tool to support regenerative farming across 60 French farms. This partnership will help monitor progress, reduce costs, and promote agro-ecology through data-driven insights. In another collaboration, Harnois Greenhouses and Dubois Agrinovation are offering innovative greenhouse and irrigation solutions for open-field and berry producers. The goal is to boost productivity, extend growing seasons, and optimize resource use in crop production. Meanwhile, NANO Nuclear Energy and Vert2Grow Energy Solutions have signed an MOU to integrate microreactor technology with vertical farming. This partnership will deliver sustainable energy and food production for remote communities, addressing critical food security and power needs. Finally, the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) and FAO have signed a Letter of Intent to advance biocontrol in global agriculture. This partnership aims to transition agriculture toward greener practices, improve biodiversity, and enhance climate resilience through biocontrol solutions.

Anna: 05:39

Exciting new products, facilities, and services are taking the agricultural technology sector to the next level. First, Topian and Van der Hoeven opened a high-tech greenhouse in NEOM’s Oxagon, focusing on climate control, cooling tech, and AI-driven crop trials. This facility aims to produce 4,000 tons of fresh produce annually while advancing sustainable food production in arid regions. Next, IBM and Texas A&M AgriLife Research launched SWAT VEXA, a free AI-powered virtual assistant offering personalized soil and water insights. This tool is designed to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity through resource management and ecosystem sustainability. Meanwhile, Farmblox, a cloud-based farm automation platform, expanded its operations to almond and nut orchards, integrating sensors and equipment for efficient farm management. The expansion aims to reduce labor costs, optimize water use, and support carbon credit initiatives, enhancing sustainability and profitability. In addition, Vertiberry, supported by Zone Agtech, opened a pesticide-free Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facility in Quebec to produce strawberries year-round. This initiative aims to meet local strawberry demand sustainably while leveraging clean energy resources. Furthermore, AgVend rolled out Nexus, a digital suite with six modules to optimize ag retail operations. The platform is designed to improve sales, procurement, financing, inventory management, and product education for ag retailers and growers. Additionally, Oaken, in partnership with Sower Legacy Farmland Fund, introduced estate planning tools, including a 721 Exchange solution for farmland transitions. This service aims to simplify farmland asset management and facilitate generational transitions. Finally, ADAMA launched Gilboa, a fungicide targeting diseases in cereals and oilseed rape. This product is designed to enhance disease management for crops like wheat, barley, and oilseed rape, supporting global agriculture.

Anna: 07:48

In the latest AgTech news, major developments are making waves across the industry, from acquisitions to program expansions and new integrations. First, Weenat acquired CoRHIZE to enhance soil moisture analysis and irrigation management. This acquisition aims to provide real-time insights for sustainable farming, expanding the reach to over 30,000 farmers in 15 countries and beyond. Next, Agtonomy launched a rental program for automation tools in Washington State, targeting the permanent crop industries. The program is designed to increase efficiency, save time, and support growers with risk-free evaluations and worker upskilling. Meanwhile, CropX integrated with CLAAS to enhance precision agronomy. This integration of agronomy and machinery platforms allows for advanced data analysis and decision-making to optimize precision farming with actionable insights and efficient data use. Additionally, Attune Agriculture received EPA approval for its Entrapment insecticide, a non-systemic insecticide with Rhexalloid Technology. The product is designed to provide effective pest control and support resistance management strategies for diverse crops. Finally, U.S. farmer sentiment surged to its highest level since 2021, according to the Ag Economy Barometer. The sentiment index rose to 145 in November, reflecting increased optimism in financial performance, investment, and an improved outlook on agricultural regulations, tax environments, and future prosperity, despite ongoing trade concerns.

Anna: 09:22

Looking ahead to upcoming industry events, mark your calendars for World Agri-Tech Middle East 2024 in Dubai. This will be followed by World Agri-Tech San Francisco 2025, two major conferences focused on the latest innovations in AgTech. For those interested in indoor agriculture, Indoor Ag Con will take place in Las Vegas, USA, from March 11th to 12th, 2025. These events will bring together key players from around the world to discuss trends, share insights, and shape the future of agricultural technology.

Anna: 09:53

That wraps up today's episode of AgTech Digest. We explored the latest advancements in agricultural technology, from low-tech to high-tech greenhouse solutions to new funding rounds fueling innovation. Highlights include seed funding for sustainable cocoa production and the launch of a major regenerative agriculture investment platform. Strategic partnerships are also playing a key role, with collaborations aimed at enhancing geospatial AI for precision farming and offering innovative turnkey solutions for crop production. We also saw exciting new products, including a high-tech greenhouse in an innovative region and an AI-powered virtual assistant for agriculture. With these developments in mind, the future of agriculture is looking more sustainable and tech-driven than ever before. Thanks for joining me, I'm Anna, signing off. Stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible!