Netafim, Treetoscope, Ag Partners, Solinftec, Phytech, Landus, Agtonomy, Arcadea Group, Agdata, Ridder, KUBO, Certhon, Priva, IGS, Vertical Future, LettUs Grow, IUNU, CleanGreens, GreenLife, BCF Life Sciences, EF Polymer, FMC

Anna: 00:00

Welcome to another episode of AgTech Digest, your go-to source for the latest in agricultural technology. In this week’s roundup, we explore how AI and automation are transforming precision agriculture from real-time plant sensing and smart irrigation advisors to solar-powered autonomous robots cutting herbicide use and improving sustainability. We’ll also look at new aerial crop monitoring tools delivering predictive insights, along with next-gen autonomy platforms streamlining equipment management. On the global front, greenhouse and aeroponics projects are scaling up to meet food security goals, while Europe’s indoor farming sector is gaining momentum through AI, modular systems, and renewable energy. Plus, we spotlight major acquisitions, funding rounds, and a breakthrough herbicide launch shaking up crop protection. There's a lot to cover, so let's get started.

Anna: 00:56

Big developments are unfolding in AgTech and Precision Agriculture this week, as a wave of cutting-edge tools, AI-powered platforms, and strategic partnerships signal a transformative shift in the industry. Netafim has partnered with Treetoscope to integrate real-time plant sensing technology into its GrowSphere platform. This integration follows a successful pilot program in Turkey that resulted in improved crop monitoring and water savings. With promising results, the partnership plans to expand across North and Latin America in 2025, with a global rollout scheduled for 2026. Meanwhile, Ag Partners and Solinftec have launched a statewide deployment of Solix autonomous robots in Kansas. These solar-powered robots provide AI-driven agronomic insights aimed at reducing herbicide use by up to 95%, minimizing soil compaction, and improving overall sustainability in farming operations. Their use of solar energy further enhances environmental performance, making them a key player in eco-friendly innovation. At the same time, Phytech has introduced its AI-Based Irrigation Advisor, a platform that leverages IoT field data to support irrigation planning and decision-making. The advisor delivers personalized recommendations based on tree behavior, soil moisture levels, and environmental factors. It is specifically designed to serve farms of all sizes, improving water usage and boosting operational efficiency. In aerial monitoring, Landus has launched SkyScout, an advanced crop monitoring solution that utilizes drones, fixed-wing aircraft, and AI to track field conditions from planting through harvest. SkyScout delivers thermal imagery and predictive analytics every 12 days, providing valuable insights for decision-making related to seed selection, tillage, nutrient application, and disease management. Additionally, Agtonomy has unveiled the third generation of its autonomy platform. This updated version introduces fleet intelligence, support for mixed equipment, and broader agricultural applications. It features cellular and Starlink connectivity along with vision-based navigation, allowing a single operator to manage more than ten machines simultaneously. The platform now also supports the Bobcat CT4045 tractor, marking a significant step forward in equipment integration. Finally, Arcadea Group has acquired Agdata Holdings, the developer behind the Phoenix farm management software. This acquisition strengthens Arcadea’s AgTech portfolio and supports long-term innovation an market growth. The Phoenix platform will continue to serve its current users while adding new features and capabilities under Arcadea’s ownership. Together, these developments reflect the rapid evolution of precision agriculture, where smart technologies, sustainable solutions, and collaborative innovation are driving the next era of farming.

Anna: 03:51

This week’s editorial dives into the future of Europe’s indoor farming sector, highlighting strong market growth, emerging trends, and rising innovation across the continent. As of 2024, the indoor farming industry in Europe is valued at $13.28 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of twelve point nine percent through 2030. Leading the way is greenhouse farming, currently valued at $25.48 billion, with a forecasted CAGR of nine point nine percent. In 2024 alone, indoor farming startups raised $102 million in funding, with investments largely focused on scaling automation, artificial intelligence, and overall system scalability. The core markets driving this momentum include the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. Meanwhile, regions such as Scandinavia and Eastern Europe are emerging players, fueled by increased focus on food security and access to innovation funding. In terms of technology, hydroponics continues to dominate the space, while alternative systems like aeroponics and fogponics are experiencing notable growth, Key industry trends shaping the future include the integration of AI, modular farming designs, renewable energy solutions, and advanced automation. Major players leading the charge include Ridder, KUBO, Certhon, and Priva, along with rising innovators such as IGS, Vertical Future, and LettUs Grow.

Anna: 05:22

Controlled Environment Agriculture continues to attract major investment and global attention, with new projects driving innovation in greenhouse and aeroponic systems. IUNU has secured $20 million in funding to accelerate the growth of its LUNA platform, which supports real-time forecasting, crop steering, and labor management. The investment will be used to scale operations across North America and Europe, focusing particularly on vine crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. LUNA is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing ERP and climate control systems, enabling precision yield forecasting and enhancing operational efficiency. Meanwhile, CleanGreens and GreenLife are expanding their aeroponics facility in Kuwait to 24,000 square meters, making it one of the largest aeroponics greenhouses in the world. This project utilizes CleanGreens’ patented system, which is specially adapted for arid climates and low water usage. The expansion aims to significantly boost local food production while conserving vital resources across the Middle East.

Anna: 06:28

This week’s interview spotlights BCF Life Sciences and its bold ambition to become a global leader in amino acid-based biostimulants by 2030. Founded in France 37 years ago, the company initially focused on converting poultry feathers into keratin-derived amino acids. In 2017, BCF Life Sciences expanded into the plant care space, moving beyond foliar use into seed treatment and in-furrow applications, with a particular emphasis on crops like corn. The company’s current focus areas include developing amino acid–micronutrient combinations to enhance bioavailability and deliver targeted agronomic benefits. Operating as a B2B business, BCF offers turnkey formulations tailored for distributors and agribusinesses across both horticulture and row crops, including wheat, corn, and soybean. Following the implementation of the 2019 EU biostimulant regulation, the company plans to increase production capacity by 50% and aims to double its plant care sales to between 20 and 25 million euros. With a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, transparency, and research and development, BCF Life Sciences is strategically positioning itself as a top-tier provider in the growing amino acid-based biostimulant market.

Anna: 07:48

Crop protection is making bold moves this week with major funding rounds and impactful product launches shaping the global agricultural landscape. EF Polymer has raised 1 billion Japanese yen in a Series B round to accelerate its research and development, expand business operations, and scale international manufacturing. The company specializes in bio-based super absorbent polymers aimed at agriculture, horticulture, and urban greening, with product trials already underway in more than 20 countries. Beyond agriculture, their innovative polymers are also being adapted for use in personal care, cosmetics, and industrial products such as biodegradable ice packs. EF Polymer’s market footprint currently includes Japan, the U.S., and France, with an increasingly global presence. Meanwhile, FMC has introduced Keenali, a new herbicide set to debut commercially in Peru by August 2025. Powered by Dodhylex, the first new herbicide mode of action in over 30 years to be recognized by both the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), Keenali is classified as Group 28. It is designed for pre- and early post-emergence weed control in Japonica and Indica rice. Regulatory filings are also underway in Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, signaling broader regional expansion.

Anna: 09:15

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the 2-Day Plant Empowerment Workshop in the UK on May 6th to 7th, 2025, Following that, the 2nd International Electronic Conference on Entomology will take place from May 19th to 21st. Later in the year, Reuters Events will host Transform Food & Agriculture Europe 2025, followed by the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas from September 2nd to 4th. The Taiwan Smart Agriweek will follow closely from September 3rd to 5th, before the Global Vertical Farming Show in Dubai on September 10th to 11th. Finally, wrap up the season at SPACE in France from September 16th to 18th, 2025.

Anna: 09:56

That wraps up today’s episode of AgTech Digest. We explored a wide range of innovations shaping the future of agriculture—from AI-driven irrigation advisors and solar-powered autonomous robots, to aerial crop monitoring, advanced greenhouse platforms, and strategic acquisitions. We also highlighted Europe’s growing indoor farming market, major funding rounds for precision greenhouse tech, and ambitious expansion plans in biostimulants and crop protection. It’s clear the agtech sector is moving full speed ahead toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and global impact. Thanks for joining me, I’m Anna, signing off. Stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible!