Key Takeaways
- Vertical Future explores strategic options amid insolvency, while Sollum Technologies and AeroFarms continue CEA growth.
- Pacific Plant Nutrients introduces certified biostimulant Mineral Max AG; insights shared in exclusive Q&A.
- Bayer files for EU approval of herbicide Icafolin; Ambienta and NuCicer expand sustainable crop portfolios.
- Growers Edge acquires FarmTest; John Deere, DTN, and Lindsay Corp launch new ag-tech tools.
- New York State Department of Agriculture announces $2.5M funding round for urban agriculture.
AgTech: Acquisitions, Product Launches, and Digital Services
Several key companies made strategic moves this week to enhance ag-tech services:
- Growers Edge acquired FarmTest, aiming to boost field-level performance data and integrate it with its Crop Plan Warranty.
- Lindsay Corporation launched TowerWatch™, a Zimmatic™ pivot alignment system integrated with FieldNET™ Premier, designed to cut troubleshooting time by 75%.
- DTN unveiled its Operational Decisioning Platform for agriculture and other weather-sensitive sectors, integrating AI and real-time data.
- John Deere introduced Operations Center™ PRO Service, offering diagnostics, software updates, and machine support at $195/year.
Q&A: Pacific Plant Nutrients on Mineral Max AG
In an interview, Paul Gaylon, COO of Pacific Plant Nutrients, provided insight into Mineral Max AG, a certified organic biostimulant composed of ingredients like Klamath Lake algae, humates, Azomite, kelp, and coconut shell carbon.
“These five ingredients were selected for their synergy and shared geological history,” said Gaylon. “They enhance microbial activity and nutrient cycling in the rhizosphere.”
With over 60 field trials, the formulation has shown improvements in crop flavor and resilience. The company is pursuing broader organic certifications and international expansion.
Read the complete interview.
Plant Science & Agribusiness Developments
- Bayer submitted Icafolin for EU approval. The herbicide is designed for post-emergent weed control and is part of Bayer’s CropKey R&D platform.
- Ambienta acquired Spain-based Agronova Biotech, marking its first investment in agriculture and entering the Spanish biostimulant market.
- NuCicer raised $11.5M to scale production of its high-protein chickpea variety.
- Mars, Inc. committed $5M to its “Protect the Peanut” initiative, advancing climate-resilient peanut genetics.
- Acres.com partnered with Lee & Associates to offer land intelligence tools for real estate transactions.
CEA Sector: Mixed Signals from Expansion to Insolvency
- Vertical Future, a London-based vertical farming company, is undergoing insolvency and evaluating a potential sale. Despite this, it remains engaged with partners on space-agriculture projects.
- Sollum Technologies partnered with Greenway Farms to deploy dynamic LED lighting systems for aquaponic lettuce production.
- AeroFarms expanded its retail footprint through Harris Teeter, rolling out microgreens across eight states and D.C.
Urban Ag Support from New York State Department of Agriculture
The New York State Department of Agriculture launched its third round of urban agriculture funding, allocating $2.5 million to bolster food production and distribution in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipal agencies, tribal entities, and educational institutions.
This initiative supports food security, public health, and equitable access to fresh produce through hyperlocal growing systems.
Other Highlights
- Sumitomo Corporation of Americas invested in Grupo Papalotla to support pastureland restoration in Brazil.
- Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK extended their support program for independent oil palm smallholders in Indonesia.
- Wikifarmer expanded into the UK, targeting olive oil supply chain disruptions.
- TELUS Agriculture and Welch’s launched a 10-year partnership for regulatory compliance and traceability improvements.
Upcoming Events in AgTech & CEA
- Commercial UAV Expo | Sep 2–4 | Las Vegas, USA
- Taiwan Smart Agriweek | Sep 3–5 | Taiwan
- Global Vertical Farming Show | Sep 10–11 | Dubai, UAE
- SPACE 2025 | Sep 16–18 | Rennes, France
- AgraME 2025 | Oct 6–7 | Dubai
- Vertical Farming World Congress | Oct 7–9 | Amsterdam
Welcome to Our New iGrow Network Members
A special thanks to Chris Rawley for joining our first live session: “What Makes a Startup Fundable in AgTech?”
To all our new members: Welcome to the iGrow Network—your hub for innovation, funding, and insight in the AgTech space.
