Key Takeaways
- In this week’s AgTech Digest, multiple funding rounds were announced in biocontrols, regenerative agriculture, and vertical farming.
- New innovations include AI-powered irrigation, modular green ammonia production, and vertical farming expansions.
- Plasma seed treatment is gaining traction, with insights from Zayndu’s CEO on its future.
- Research highlights include nanobubbles, AI dairy monitoring, and poultry disease prevention.
- The AgTech Directory has introduced new features, including a job board and project-sharing capabilities.
Industry Funding & Investments
Recent AgTech Funding Announcements
GreenLight Biosciences Secures €35M Loan
- Company: GreenLight Biosciences España
- Funding: €35M loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Purpose: Accelerating R&D and commercialization of RNA-based biocontrol solutions
- Impact: Supports the development of ten biocontrol products targeting pest control, fungal diseases, and honeybee protection
FBN® Launches Regenerative Agriculture Land Loan Pilot
- Company: Farmers Business Network (FBN®)
- Funding: $750K from Walton Family Foundation
- Objective: Provide interest rate discounts for farmers implementing soil health and water conservation practices
- Expansion Plans: Additional funding anticipated via Climate United & EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
GoodLeaf Farms Receives Investment for Vertical Farming Expansion
- Company: GoodLeaf Farms
- Investor: Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
- Goal: Support food security and local leafy green production
- Growth: Expanded operations in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, serving 2,700 retail and foodservice locations
Editorial Spotlight: Indoor Farming & Alternative Proteins
Can Peas Be Grown Profitably Indoors?
- Market Importance: Peas are a key ingredient in plant-based protein products, projected to grow significantly by 2040.
- Challenges:
- Longer growth cycles (6-8 weeks) compared to leafy greens.
- Labor-intensive harvesting due to a lack of automation.
- High energy costs associated with LED lighting.
- Controlled environments needed for optimal pollination and flowering.
Read the full editorial for a deeper analysis.
Innovations & Technology
AI-Powered Irrigation & Green Ammonia
AI Climate Prediction for Precision Irrigation
- Company: WayBeyond
- Technology: AI-driven climate forecasting integrated into the FarmRoad platform
- Benefits: Reduces water waste, prevents disease risks, and optimizes fertigation strategies
Modular Green Ammonia System Launched in North America
- Companies: Landus & TalusAg
- Objective: Develop a localized green ammonia production system
- Impact: Reduces dependency on global supply chains and stabilizes fertilizer pricing
Research & Scientific Developments In Our AgTech Digest
Latest AgTech Research Insights
Nanobubble Technology Shows Promising Results
- Company: Edible Garden AG
- Findings: Increased crop yields, shorter harvest cycles, and improved plant health
- Next Steps: Expanding trials to refine applications in controlled environment agriculture
AI-Based Multi-Camera Dairy Cow Monitoring
- Institution: Tokyo University of Science
- Technology: AI-powered, non-contact monitoring system for dairy cows
- Benefits: Eliminates wearables, enhances barn management, and improves milk quality
Algal-Based Poultry Disease Prevention
- Company: ZIVO Bioscience
- Study: Second collaboration with the University of Delaware on avian influenza prevention
- Potential Impact: Reducing disease spread and combating drug resistance in poultry production
Upcoming AgTech Events
- Indoor Ag-Con | March 11 – 12, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA
- VIV Asia | March 12 – 14, 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand
- World Agri-Tech San Francisco 2025
For more updates, industry insights, and exclusive interviews, subscribe today to get the edition every Friday.
