Jord BioScience, FMC, Syngenta, Ceres Biotics, Ounce of Hope, Acadian Plant Health, ProGro BIO, AdeptAg, FGM, CoStar Group, Ag-Analytics, AEH Group - 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’re diving into a week packed with exciting advancements. From significant funding that promises next-gen crop inputs to the introduction of a breakthrough herbicide tackling resistant weeds, innovation is in full swing. We'll explore new biostimulants enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, organic certifications boosting sustainable farming, and advanced solutions for managing abiotic stress. Plus, we’ll break down the latest trends in U.S. indoor and vertical farming, real-time H5N1 testing needs, and smart tech collaborations improving indoor crop yields. There's a lot to cover, so let's get started!

Anna: 00:49

Plant science developments are blossoming this week, with exciting innovations and breakthroughs making headlines. Kicking things off, Jord BioScience secured Series B funding to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation crop inputs. This investment will bring advanced biological solutions to farmers worldwide, benefiting corn, soybeans, canola, wheat, and specialty crops. Meanwhile, FMC made a groundbreaking move by producing the first commercial batch of Dodhylex active herbicide for rice. This marks the first new herbicide mode of action in over 30 years, offering a powerful tool against resistant grass weeds. Regulatory submissions are underway, with full launches expected in 2026. In other news, Syngenta Crop Protection partnered with Ceres Biotics to expand the VIXERAN biostimulant, which enhances nitrogen use efficiency and reduces environmental impact. The solution uses Azotobacter salinestris bacteria to improve nitrogen absorption from leaves and roots. Additionally, Ounce of Hope achieved OMRI certification for its fish-based fertilizer and soil conditioner, ensuring its products are safe for organic farming without jeopardizing certification status. This milestone boosts consumer trust and adoption of sustainable agricultural products. Amid growing climate challenges, Acadian Plant Health launched an abiotic stress management (ASM) portfolio designed to help plants endure extreme weather, drought, and flooding. This innovative approach targets and mitigates environmental stressors using biological compounds, providing critical support to growers facing climate-related crop challenges. Finally, ProGro BIO completed a large-scale trial of its Rhizol microbial inoculant across 26 states. The results were impressive, demonstrating higher yields, improved soil health, and stronger pathogen resistance. With these promising outcomes, ProGro BIO plans to expand its microbial solutions for sustainable farming. With such dynamic progress from Jord BioScience, FMC, Syngenta, Ceres Biotics, Ounce of Hope, Acadian Plant Health, and ProGro BIO, the future of plant science and sustainable agriculture looks brighter than ever.

Anna: 03:08

This week’s editorial dives into the strong growth trajectory of the U.S. indoor and vertical farming industry, with indoor farming expected to reach eight point six four billion dollars by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of eleven point nine percent. Vertical farming is also set to expand significantly, growing from seven hundred and thirty five point six million dollars in 2023 at a CAGR of nineteen point one percent. Key players driving this market include Gotham Greens, Little Leaf Farms, Oishii, Local Bounti, 80 Acres Farms, and more. Technological advancements are playing a crucial role, with AI-driven climate control, automation, blockchain, and precision agriculture boosting efficiency across operations. Despite this progress, high costs and scalability remain significant hurdles for the industry. However, trends in technology and local food production are expected to drive further adoption and expansion in the coming years.

Anna: 04:10

This week’s interview highlights the urgent need for improved H5N1 surveillance and testing infrastructure in the U.S., with Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo Technologies, emphasizing how delays in lab-based diagnostics pose significant risks to the poultry and dairy industries. Faster on-farm surveillance could enhance efficiency and reduce costs, offering a proactive approach to disease management. Policy recommendations include expediting regulatory approvals for rapid tests, launching pilot programs for on-farm diagnostics, and boosting vaccination and biosecurity measures. Additionally, increased investment in decentralized testing solutions could strengthen the industry's resilience against H5N1 and similar threats.

Anna: 04:55

In the latest indoor farming developments, North American company AdeptAg has partnered with Denmark’s FGM Moving Gutter Systems to enhance space optimization and plant growth for leafy greens. As the exclusive North American distributor, AdeptAg will provide on-site support and domestic service, resolving remote support challenges previously faced with European providers. The company also offers comprehensive solutions for irrigation, seeding, harvesting, and automation, supporting growers with advanced technology. Meanwhile, Tokyo-based Square Roots Japan is making significant strides in modular indoor farming by collaborating with traditional farmers to safeguard specialty crops. Their innovative, data-driven platform features smart software, crop recipes, and R&D services to help farmers adapt to climate challenges. Backed by Collaborative Fund, Square Roots Japan has exciting expansion plans on the horizon.

Anna: 05:52

Agriculture technology continues to evolve with key innovations in data and AI driving progress in the sector. Cordulus has enhanced its AI-driven rain forecasting system, making it 52% more accurate than traditional methods. Trained on over 8 million rainfall events in Europe, the system provides real-time updates every 10 minutes, helping farmers optimize sowing, spraying, and harvesting. The company is also expanding hyperlocal forecasting with thousands of weather stations, offering more precise insights. Meanwhile, CoStar Group has acquired Ag-Analytics and is integrating AcreValue farmland insights into its Land.com Network. This acquisition provides valuable land valuations, geospatial mapping, and soil data, helping investors and landowners gain better market transparency and easier access to capital for agricultural investments. Additionally, AEH Group has selected VitalEdge for its digital transformation, implementing e-Emphasys ERP to streamline CRM, equipment inspections, and field service operations across Australia and New Zealand. This move aims to improve workflow efficiency, customer service, and business intelligence, further advancing the AgTech landscape.

Anna: 07:10

In agribusiness news, several key trends and industry updates are shaping the market. According to a CoBank report, U.S. corn acreage is set to increase by 5% in 2025, reaching eighty seven point zero six million acres. This rise is driven by strong export demand, ethanol production, and tight global stocks, though trade disputes with Canada and Mexico may impact demand. In addition, Bushel Plus is expanding into the U.S. market, introducing harvest optimization tools like the SmartPan System and MAD Concaves. These tools help farmers reduce grain loss, save fuel, and improve efficiency, as the company expands its U.S. distributor network with precision ag dealers. Meanwhile, the European Union has unveiled its vision for agriculture and food, focusing on competitiveness, sustainability, and support for rural communities, based on Strategic Dialogue recommendations and EU citizen priorities. On the climate front, Mars and Fonterra have launched a $27 million climate-smart dairy program aimed at reducing dairy emissions by 50% by 2030, impacting 26,000 hectares. This program will provide investments for 2,000 dairy farmers, with one hundred and sixty five receiving rewards each year. Finally, Sipcam Agro USA has opened a new 12,000 square-foot formulation plant for fungicides and insecticides in the U.S., improving supply chain reliability, cost control, and formulation flexibility.

Anna: 08:40

Looking ahead to upcoming industry events, mark your calendars for the 2nd International Conference on CEA in Plymouth UK on February 25, 2025. Following that, the World Agri-Tech San Francisco 2025 will be a key gathering, and then the Indoor Ag Con will take place in Las Vegas, USA from March 11th to 12th. Additionally, VIV Asia will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from March 12th to 14th, offering more opportunities to connect and learn. Later in the year, the 2nd International Electronic Conference on Entomology will be held from May 19th to 21st 2025, with Reuters Events: Transform Food & Agriculture Europe 2025 rounding out this exciting season of industry events.

Anna: 09:25

That wraps up today's episode of Agtech Digest. We explored the latest developments in the agricultural market. From the predicted rise in U.S. corn acreage and the expansion of harvest optimization tools to climate-smart dairy programs and new manufacturing facilities, it’s clear that the agribusiness sector is making strides in efficiency and sustainability. With key players enhancing their operations, such as the expansion into the U.S. market and the opening of new formulation plants, along with impactful partnerships and investments, the future of agriculture is shaping up to be more innovative and resilient than ever before. Thanks for joining me, I'm Anna, signing off. Stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible!