Kilter, Pymwymic, Nufarm, Hort Innovation, Source Agriculture, Ascribe Bioscience, Conexus Credit Union, Solis Agrosciences, Ferris Genomics, Veea Inc., LatConnect60, Spire Global, Conduit, Farmers Edge, Lystek, Lallemand Plant Care.- This Week in AgTech

Anna: 00:00

Welcome to another episode of AgTech Digest, your go-to source for the latest breakthroughs in agricultural technology. Today, we’re exploring cutting-edge innovations like a revolutionary energy-efficient greenhouse design that slashes energy use and carbon emissions while boosting productivity. We’ll also spotlight a precision weeding robot cutting herbicide use by 95%, a new 60 million dollar venture fund fueling sustainability in horticulture, and a 100 million dollar agricultural growth fund empowering producers. From strategic partnerships advancing genomic research and climate-smart farming to exciting product launches improving seedling vigor and waste management, this episode highlights the transformative trends shaping the future of agriculture. Let’s dive in!

Anna: 00:50

Harnois Greenhouses proudly presents the Vermax glass greenhouse, a groundbreaking innovation in energy-efficient design for sustainable agriculture. Using patented technologies, it provides growers with a solution to reduce energy consumption while maintaining ideal growing conditions year-round. Amid rising energy costs, Vermax’s semi-enclosed system efficiently manages the internal climate, significantly cutting energy expenses. This design reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2,000 tonnes annually, promoting environmental sustainability without compromising productivity. With a vision to pioneer agricultural sustainability, the aim is to develop the first-ever net-zero glass greenhouse. Vermax is a pivotal step toward this goal, pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency and supporting growers in reducing their carbon footprint while enhancing productivity.

Anna: 01:43

Several significant funding rounds have made waves in the agricultural technology sector this week. Kilter has raised $8.6 million in Series A funding, co-led by Pymwymic and Nufarm, to scale its precision weeding technology. The Norwegian agtech company’s AX-1 autonomous weeding robot uses Single Drop Technology to cut herbicide use by 95% and reduce labor costs. The funding will help Kilter expand globally, develop new applications, and adapt AX-1 for additional crops. The company is targeting challenges like herbicide resistance, labor shortages, and regulatory compliance, with plans to enter markets in Australia and New Zealand through a partnership with Nufarm. Hort Innovation, a grower-owned not-for-profit, has launched a $60 million venture fund in partnership with Artesian to support horticulture startups. The fund will accelerate innovation in sustainability, productivity, consumption, and workforce development. CEO Brett Fifield emphasized the fund’s commitment to supporting fresh ideas for sustainable, cost-effective growing, with the Artesian partnership aiming to enhance productivity and drive industry-wide innovation. Source Agriculture has made a strategic investment in Ascribe Bioscience to advance sustainable crop protection technologies. The investment will help strengthen sustainable farming with Phytalix, a plant vaccine derived from natural soil microbiome molecules. Phytalix is non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-GMO. Using advanced metabolomics, Ascribe Bioscience identifies soil molecules that enhance plant health and productivity. Conexus Credit Union in Saskatchewan has unveiled a one hundred million dollar Ag Grow Fund to support agricultural producers. The fund offers up to $2 million per producer for eligible purchases, with benefits including discounted interest rates, no application fees, and age-inclusive eligibility. This initiative is designed to facilitate reinvestment and growth in farming operations.

Anna: 03:46

This week’s strategic partnerships highlight how collaboration is fueling innovation in agriculture and resource management. Solis Agrosciences has acquired Ferris Genomics, integrating advanced sequencing and bioinformatics tools for plant and animal research. The acquisition supports the enhancement of breeding programs and agricultural innovation. Tools like whole-genome sequencing, skim sequencing, and genomic-driven breeding program development are now part of Solis' operations. Since its founding in 2022, the company has continued on a growth trajectory, with Ferris laboratories fully integrated into its operations. Moving along, Veea Inc., in collaboration with Mainstream Fiber Networks, Microclimates Inc., and AmeriCrew LLC, has launched a Climate Smart Agriculture initiative at Cyr Farm in Fowler, Indiana. Using Veea’s Edge Platform with LoRaWAN connectivity, the initiative delivers significant results: more than 20% crop yield improvement, 30% energy savings, 40% water reduction, and 20 to 40% labor cost reductions. Lastly, LatConnect60 has partnered with Spire Global to provide actionable soil moisture data for agriculture and forestry. This partnership combines Spire’s GNSS-R data with LatConnect60’s satellite fleet to offer solutions for water management, crop stress monitoring, and environmental sustainability. The collaboration features dynamic dashboards with daily updates and actionable maps, empowering resource managers and policymakers to make informed decisions. These partnerships highlight how collaboration drives innovation and sustainability in agriculture, addressing challenges with advanced technology and strategic integration.

Anna: 05:31

Fresh product launches are reshaping the landscape of AgTech, bringing cutting-edge solutions to the forefront of agriculture. First, Conduit has launched a new e-commerce platform designed to enhance farmer profitability and streamline supply chain inefficiencies. The platform offers loans of up to $1 million at 0% interest for over two years, eliminating annual interest expenses that exceed 8%. As part of its Cyber November promotion, that runs from November 25th to December 2nd, Conduit is providing free glufosinate or glyphosate with crop protection bundles for corn and soybean growers. Moving on, Farmers Edge has introduced Managed Technology Services tailored for insurers, agribusinesses, and financial institutions. The service aims to address AgTech challenges while reducing technology costs by 30 to 50%. It includes consulting, outsourcing, data licensing, ESG reporting, and integrates AI/ML models, SaaS tools, and Carbon Intensity Scoring. Strategic partnerships with advisory firms ensure smooth digital transformation for clients. Additionally, Lystek International has initiated the LysteMize Livestock Waste Characterization Study, a four-year project funded by $585,000 from Canada’s Energy Innovation Program. The study focuses on assessing livestock waste from over 10 farms in Ontario using Lystek THP systems. It aims to develop circular economy solutions for livestock waste management by 2027. Finally, Lallemand Plant Care has introduced LALRISE SHINE DS, a dry seed treatment for corn and dry bean growers. The treatment improves seedling vigor, root growth, and nutrient uptake, increasing root mass growth by 20% and nutrient uptake by 28%. It combines Pizazz seed finisher with Bacillus velezensis, offering flexibility for commercial or on-site seed treatment processes. These product launches highlight the ongoing innovation in AgTech, offering solutions to improve profitability, sustainability, and operational efficiency for farmers and agribusinesses alike.

Anna: 07:40

This week’s global AgTech news highlight key developments and innovative strides that are shaping the future of agriculture. Agri-TechE has called for a renewed government agri-tech strategy with the release of its "Back to the Future" report. The report reflects on the 2013 strategy and outlines current challenges such as regulatory lag, scaling solutions, investment gaps, and on-farm fatigue. It also highlights opportunities in conversational AI, advanced sensors, genetic tools, renewable energy, livestock wearables, and metabolic sequencing. Laudando & Associates has launched the Catalyzer Incubator, a new AgTech incubator program aimed at supporting bootstrapped entrepreneurs. The program provides business consulting, engineering development, advanced facilities, and tech expertise, with pilot projects focused on pollinator monitoring, greenhouse phenotyping, and laser weeding. Hygrozyme, a Canadian company, is focusing on sustainable plant development with products that are compatible with external solutions. Trusted by long-time customers, Hygrozyme continues to offer versatile plant development solutions. To conclude, Amoéba is advancing its biofungicide trials in vineyards. In a 2024 trial in Southwest France with IFV+, the AXPERA biofungicide reduced downy mildew symptoms by 57.7% with a reduced copper dosage. The product outperformed standard copper treatments, with further integration into viticulture planned.

Anna: 09:11

Looking ahead to upcoming industry events, mark your calendars for World Agri-Tech Middle East 2024 in Dubai and World Agri-Tech San Francisco 2025. For those focused on controlled environment agriculture, Indoor Ag Con will take place in Las Vegas on March 11th to 12th, 2025. These events will highlight the latest innovations in AgTech and provide valuable networking opportunities.

Anna: 09:35

That wraps up today’s episode of AgTech Digest. We’ve covered a range of exciting developments in the agricultural technology sector, from substantial funding initiatives to new product launches and impactful partnerships. The focus on sustainability, innovation, and efficiency is stronger than ever, as the industry works to address challenges like resource management, crop protection, and climate change. With the rise of cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaborations, the future of farming is becoming smarter, more sustainable, and increasingly tech-driven.Thanks for joining me, I'm Anna, signing off. Stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible!