Zone Agtech, Switch Bioworks, Exacto LLC, Informa Ag, GALY Co. , Syngenta Biologicals, AGRIVI, Provivi, Hatcher+ Mandalay Venture Partners- This Week in AgTech

Anna: 00:00

Welcome to Agtech Digest, your source for the latest in agricultural technology and innovation. I'm your host, Anna. Today, we've got an exciting lineup of topics that are shaping the future of agriculture. We'll start by looking at the latest funding rounds in the AgTech sector, where companies like Switch Bioworks, Exacto LLC, and GALY Co. are securing significant investments for their innovative projects. Then, we'll explore new developments in AgTech, such as the launch of Zone Agtech's AgXis Program in Quebec, which aims to tackle labor shortages and inefficiencies with cutting-edge technologies. We’ll also highlight some groundbreaking strategic partnerships, including Syngenta's collaboration with Provivi for advanced pest control solutions,and the launch of an AI-powered agronomic advisor by AGRIVI and BADMC in Barbados. Plus, we'll dive into other notable news, from Biotalys's biofungicide trials in the Netherlands to Ceres Imaging’s rebranding and Plenty's vertical farming research expansion. Lastly, we'll give you a heads-up on some upcoming events in the agricultural industry that you won't want to miss. Stay tuned for all that and more!

Anna: 01:07

Harnois Greenhouses introduces Vermax, a revolutionary energy-efficient greenhouse design that's poised to reshape sustainable agriculture. This cutting-edge greenhouse leverages patented energysaving technologies to drastically reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Vermax system is semi-enclosed, allowing for precise control over the internal climate, thereby ensuring optimal growing conditions throughout the year while significantly lowering operational costs. In addition to its impressive energy efficiency, the Vermax design can lower greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2,000 tonnes annually. This step towards environmental sustainability is achieved without compromising the productivity that growers rely on. Harnois’ vision of developing the first-ever netzero glass greenhouse is becoming a reality with Vermax, paving the way for a more sustainable future in agriculture. Discover more about this transformative greenhouse technology and how it can benefit your operations on the Harnois Greenhouses website.

Anna: 02:05

In this week's funding rounds, the AgTech sector witnessed substantial financial support, signaling a strong investment interest in agricultural innovations. Switch Bioworks successfully raised $17 million in Series Seed financing. These funds will focus on the development, scaling, and field trials of their carbon-neutral biofertilizer. The funding round was led by Change Forces Capital, with contributions from several notable investors such as the Grantham Foundation, Astanor Ventures, and Acre Venture Partners. Exacto LLC, a leader in resource efficiency and soil and water management solutions, received a strategic growth investment from S2G Ventures and Skyline Global Partners. This investment is intended to further consolidate Exacto’s position in the market and accelerate the development of new technological solutions, enhancing efficiency across the agricultural supply chain. Meanwhile, GALY Co. closed a significant $33 million Series B financing round led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures. With new investments from global retail giants like H&M Group and Inditex, GALY aims to expand its innovative cellular agriculture platform and advance its flagship product, GALY Cotton. Lastly, Inform Ag has completed a $7 million funding round led by Rural Funds Group. This capital injection will help Inform Ag to bolster its growth, allowing for the enhancement of its product offerings and better service to the agricultural community. These funding milestones reflect the growing optimism and support for advancements in agricultural technology.

Anna: 03:36

Zone Agtech has recently introduced the AgXis Program in Quebec, aiming to tackle labor shortages and operational inefficiencies in the agricultural sector. The initiative is set to benefit producers by offering 25 priority technologies specifically designed for five key sectors: strawberries and raspberries, apples, potatoes, greenhouses, and market gardening. By partnering with organizations like Epsilia, Taste of the North, and Univerco, AgXis promotes collaboration among producers, researchers, and tech companies. This approach ensures that the innovations are not only relevant but also easily adaptable to real-world agricultural needs. The program's goal is to accelerate the adoption of these new technologies, thereby enhancing sustainability and competitiveness within Quebec's agricultural community. Selected AgTech companies stand to gain significant support through the AgXis Program, receiving up to $50,000 in resources. This includes coaching and expert consultations, workshops, field visits, and access to market opportunities, as well as testing sites and introductions to potential funding opportunities. Applications are currently open until September 20 on the Zone Agtech website.

Anna: 04:46

This week has been significant for strategic partnerships in the AgTech sector, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Let's dive into the highlights. Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi have announced a collaboration focused on developing pheromone-based pest control solutions. This initiative targets major pests like the Yellow Stem Borer in India and Indonesia, and the Fall Armyworm in Thailand. The partnership is set to bring new, non-toxic products to the market by 2026. By leveraging pheromones, these solutions aim to preserve biodiversity while effectively managing pests, aligning with Syngenta’s sustainability goals. In Barbados, AGRIVI has teamed up with the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation to launch an AI-powered agronomic advisory platform. This platform, accessible via WhatsApp, offers farmers real-time agronomic advice around the clock. It represents a significant step forward in supporting Barbados' food security and promoting the digitalization of its agricultural practices. Lastly, Hatcher+ and Mandalay Venture Partners have joined forces to invest in agrifood tech startups. Their first joint investment focuses on Cropify, an AI-powered grain grading company. This partnership aims to drive innovation across the food supply chain by combining Hatcher+’s AI-driven platform with Mandalay’s agrifood expertise. These partnerships underscore the AgTech sector's dedication to advancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency through innovative collaborations.

Anna: 06:14

In other AgTech news this week, we have several notable updates. First, Biotalys has received approval from the Dutch regulator CTGB to conduct large-scale greenhouse trials of its biofungicide candidate, EVOCA. These trials will cover 70 hectares of crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries, and the harvested produce is approved for human consumption. Next, Ceres Imaging has undergone a rebranding to CeresAI, reflecting its increasing focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning within the agricultural industry. The company also announced a Series D funding round led by Remus Capital to support its expansion in agribusiness and financial services. Additionally, Netafim has introduced its innovative GrowSphere system, designed to enhance farm efficiency. By integrating hydraulic, operational, and agronomic management into a single system, GrowSphere aims to reduce manual labor and optimize water and fertilizer use. Furthermore, Plenty Unlimited Inc. is also expanding its research and development capabilities with the construction of the world’s largest vertical farming research center in Laramie, Wyoming. This new facility will leverage advanced plant science research, custom technology, and AI-driven platforms to explore new possibilities in indoor farming. Lastly, the Rouge AgTech Accelerator is offering a unique opportunity for startups to test their solutions on 86,000 square meters of real rice farmland. This initiative provides access to valuable Asian crop and climate data, fostering innovations tailored to global agricultural standards. These developments underscore the dynamic progress within the AgTech sector, driving sustainability and efficiency forward.

Anna: 07:54

There are some exciting events coming up in the AgTech world that you won't want to miss. First on the list, we have the 5th Global Vertical Farming Show, taking place in Dubai on September 9th and 10th, 2024. This event is perfect for those interested in the future of vertical farming and sustainable urban agriculture. Next, mark your calendars for the Re-Nuble x USDA Climate Smart Commodities Webinar on September 11th, 2024. This webinar will delve into strategies and technologies aimed at making commodities more climate-resilient and sustainable. From September 11th to the 13th, head over to Taipei, Taiwan, for Taiwan Smart Agriweek. This event focuses on innovations and advancements in smart agriculture, offering valuable insights for those looking to integrate technology into their farming practices. Another key event is the 5th Urban Agri World Summit in Durban, happening from September 18th to the 20th. This summit will explore the challenges and opportunities in urban agriculture, providing a platform for leaders and innovators to share their knowledge. Don't forget about the Chemical Industry Regulations Conference, scheduled for September 24th to the 26th. This conference is essential for staying up-to-date on the latest regulatory changes affecting the agricultural industry. Lastly, the Women in Agribusiness conference will be held from September 24th to the 26th in Denver, USA. This event aims to empower women in the agri-business sector through networking opportunities, workshops, and inspiring keynote speakers. Be sure to check out these events to stay informed and connected in the fast-evolving world of AgTech.

Anna: 09:26

Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of Agtech Digest. I'm Anna, and I hope you found today's updates informative. Stay connected with us for more news and insights in agricultural technology. Until next time!