Phytech, Rivulis, Netafim, Lumo, AvidWater, GEODNET, Burro, AdeptAg, Growers Edge, AQUAOSO Technologies, Koppert, Amoéba, Sound Agriculture, BMO, S2G Ventures, Advancing Eco Agriculture, USDA, Biofiltro USA Inc., Reve Solutions, ADAMA Ltd., EFSA, IGS, ESG - This Week in AgTech

Anna: 00:00

Welcome to another episode of AgTech Digest, your go-to source for the latest in agricultural innovation! Today, we’re exploring strategic partnerships reshaping the agri-tech landscape. From precision irrigation and biofungicides to autonomous robots and climate risk tools, these collaborations are tackling key challenges like water efficiency, labor shortages, and sustainability. We'll also spotlight significant funding announcements driving advancements in nutrient efficiency, regenerative farming, and domestic fertilizer production. Plus, we’ll dive into exciting new products like a carbon-negative vertical farm and cutting-edge pest management solutions. There’s so much to unpack—let’s dive in!

Anna: 00:47

Strategic partnerships are reshaping the agricultural landscape, addressing critical issues like water efficiency, labor shortages, and sustainable farming practices. To begin, Phytech has partnered with Rivulis and Netafim to integrate real-time monitoring technology into precision irrigation systems. This collaboration aims to improve yields and water efficiency, with Rivulis becoming a shareholder in Phytech and leveraging its extensive retail network to expand technology adoption. Next, Lumo and AvidWater are working together to expand Lumo’s smart irrigation systems across California. These systems feature innovative smart valves that provide real-time flow data, enable remote operation, and have already been deployed in over 70 vineyards, showcasing their effectiveness in water management. Transitioning to robotics, Burro is enhancing its autonomous robots’ GPS precision through a partnership with GEODNET. By incorporating RTK corrections, these robots can now perform reliably even in areas with limited GPS coverage, providing greater flexibility for users. Furthermore, Burro has joined forces with AdeptAg to address agricultural labor shortages and improve efficiency. As part of this effort, 10 Burro Grande robots will be deployed by the Petitti Family of Farms in 2025. In the financial realm, Growers Edge has acquired AQUAOSO Technologies to strengthen agricultural lending practices. This acquisition equips lenders with tools for assessing climate risks, improving farmland valuation models, and streamlining loan processes, ensuring more informed financial decisions. On the crop protection front, Koppert and Amoéba have introduced AXPERA, a biofungicide developed from amoeba lysate to combat fungal diseases. Preparations for European approval, expected by late 2025, are already underway, alongside plans for distribution, financing, and production. These strategic collaborations underscore the power of partnerships in advancing agricultural technology and creating innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Anna: 02:55

Funding announcements are driving significant advancements in agriculture, supporting innovations in nutrient efficiency, regenerative practices, and supply chain resilience. Sound Agriculture has raised twenty five million dollars in a Series D extension, with funding co-led by BMO Impact Investment Fund and S2G Ventures. This investment will help expand nutrient efficiency solutions and drive profitability. The company’s flagship products, SOURCE and BLUEPRINT, are designed to enhance soil health and nutrient efficiency. Additionally, the Efficient Acre program incentivizes growers to adopt optimized nutrient use practices. In another development, Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) has secured a three point eight million dollar grant through the USDA's Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (F P E P). The funding will upgrade AEA’s Aurora facility, which was launched in 2023, to improve production capacity, streamline delivery, and reduce the environmental footprint, further advancing regenerative agriculture initiatives. Meanwhile, the USDA has announced a $116 million allocation to expand fertilizer production across nine states, with projects including Biofiltro USA Inc. and Reve Solutions. This initiative aims to strengthen domestic fertilizer supply chains, lower input costs, and provide farmers with more options. Since 2021, a cumulative $517 million has been invested to support rural economic growth and enhance supply chain resilience. These funding efforts underscore the critical role of financial support in driving sustainable innovation, addressing supply chain challenges, and supporting the future of agriculture.

Anna: 04:43

New products and projects are pushing the boundaries of agricultural innovation, addressing critical challenges with cutting-edge solutions. ADAMA’s Feralla, a novel active ingredient for slug and snail management, has received a positive assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This groundbreaking product is distinguished by its rapid stop-feeding effect, enhanced pellet integrity, and low active ingredient concentration. Next on the horizon is approval from the EU Commission, which will mark a significant milestone for its release into the market. Meanwhile, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) and Empire State Greenhouses (ESG) have partnered to develop the Carbon-Negative GigaFarm, 385,000 square foot facility in Cobleskill, New York. This ambitious project incorporates a circular production model, featuring 100 IGS Growth Towers, renewable energy integration, and 98% water efficiency. The GigaFarm is set to produce over eight million pounds of fresh produce annually, significantly reduce energy costs, and establish a climate-resilient agricultural framework. These innovative advancements underscore the transformative potential of new products and projects, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.

Anna: 06:03

In other AgTech news this week, several exciting developments are shaping the future of farming through innovation and strategic shifts. Plenty Unlimited is pivoting its focus to strawberries, launching commercial production at its Richmond Farm with an emphasis on premium, year-round local fruit. As part of this shift, the company is closing its Compton leafy greens farm due to rising costs in California. Plenty extended thanks to Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, the City Council, and the community for their support during the farm’s operation. In soil science, Soilytix GmbH has made waves with a groundbreaking study linking soil microbiome data to global crop yield predictions. Using a machine learning model, the study successfully predicts 65% of local maize yield variability and performs effectively across global datasets from North and South America and Asia. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, underscores the power of microbiome insights in improving agricultural productivity. Meanwhile, BW Fusion has introduced BioBoost, a new seed treatment for corn and soybeans powered by Environoc 401. This treatment enhances seed germination, plant metabolism, and root-to-shoot ratios, resulting in stronger plants and better yields. Trials conducted in 2024 demonstrated significant yield increases and improved plant structure, marking a major step forward for crop health technologies. Finally, the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Program has opened applications for its 2024/2025 cohort. Supported by Goumbook, Saudi Awwal Bank, HSBC, EIT Food, and the Climate Champions Team, the program aims to address food security, biodiversity loss, climate change, and water management challenges in arid regions. By fostering scalable, nature-based solutions for small to medium farmholders, this initiative strives to enhance farming in areas facing saline soils and water scarcity. These updates highlight the continued momentum of AgTech innovation, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and global collaboration to address agriculture’s most pressing challenges.

Anna: 08:14

Looking ahead to upcoming industry events, mark your calendars for the 2nd International Conference on CEA on February 25th, 2025, in Plymouth, UK. Next, World Agri-Tech San Francisco 2025 will be a key event for the AgTech community. Finally, the Indoor Ag Con will take place on March 11th to 12th, 2025, in Las Vegas, USA. These events offer great opportunities to connect with leaders and innovators in the agricultural technology space.

Anna: 08:41

That wraps up today's episode of AgTech Digest. We covered the latest in agricultural technology, from exciting partnerships and acquisitions to innovative new products and significant funding rounds. The agtech sector continues to drive sustainability and efficiency, with advancements in smart irrigation, autonomous robotics, and soil health technology. With key collaborations enhancing GPS precision and tackling labor shortages, as well as funding fueling regenerative agriculture and nutrient efficiency solutions, it's clear the future of agriculture is on a path to smarter, more sustainable practices. Thanks for joining me, I'm Sherna, signing off. Stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible!