Key Takeaways
- This week’s developments in agtech reflect both growth & strains in various segments.
- Dow divests Telone™ soil fumigant to streamline its portfolio; TriCal Soil Solutions takes over the product.
- GreenLight Biosciences advances RNA herbicide development targeting resistant weeds.
- Freight Farms ceases operations amid broader AgTech sector strains, while Planet Farms secures €200M for European expansion.
- Thomas Gent highlights farmer-led narratives and regenerative agriculture in the UK.
- Additional updates include legal disputes, greenhouse projects, biotech funding rounds, and upcoming global AgTech events.
Listen To The Entire Episode Below
Crop Protection Updates This Week
Dow Streamlines Focus with Telone™ Sale
Dow has sold its Telone™ soil fumigant to TriCal Soil Solutions for $121 million. The transaction reflects Dow’s strategy to concentrate on core downstream markets. TriCal will focus on expanding the product’s reach with targeted investments.
GreenLight Biosciences Advances RNA Herbicides
GreenLight Biosciences announced significant progress on its RNA-based herbicide targeting horseweed in soybeans. Greenhouse and field trials have shown promising results with minimal environmental impact. Commercialization preparations are now underway.
Jord BioScience Reports Positive Soybean Results
Jord BioScience reported yield increases of up to 3.1 bushels per acre in soybean trials using microbial inputs. These microbes are being integrated into standard seed treatments, supported by data-driven optimization.
Rainbow Crops Secures Funding to Scale AI Breeding Platform
With investment from PINC, Rainbow Crops will scale its Trait Foundry™ platform. The AI-powered technology aims to improve drought tolerance, heat resilience, and resource efficiency in crop breeding.
Growth & Strains in Vertical Farming
Freight Farms Ceases Operations
Freight Farms, known for its container-based farming solutions, shut down on April 30, 2025. The closure follows failed merger discussions and ongoing profitability challenges common across the vertical farming industry.
Planet Farms and Swiss Life Asset Managers Announce €200M Partnership
Planet Farms entered a joint venture with Swiss Life Asset Managers to develop large-scale vertical farming infrastructure in Europe. Backed by up to €125 million from Swiss Life, initial projects will roll out in Italy, the UK, and Scandinavia.
Greenhouse and Horticulture News
ams OSRAM Files Patent Lawsuit Against Nature Fresh Farms USA
ams OSRAM has filed a lawsuit over alleged unauthorized use of its hyper-red LED technology in horticultural lighting. The case centers around seven U.S. patents.
DENSO and Delphy Partner for Smart Greenhouse Solutions
DENSO and Delphy signed an MoU to co-develop integrated greenhouse systems combining robotics, climate control, and crop data management. Full implementation is targeted by 2030.
VegPro Opens Vermax Glass Greenhouse in Quebec
VegPro launched a $135 million, 5.2-hectare glass greenhouse in Quebec for year-round leafy greens production. The facility includes advanced water recirculation and energy efficiency features.
Regenerative Agriculture Interview
Thomas Gent Shares Insights on UK Agriculture
Thomas Gent discussed the evolution of regenerative agriculture at his family farm, which began transitioning in 2008. He emphasized the importance of soil health, reduced inputs, and creating habitats for biodiversity. Gent also highlighted his collaboration with Agreena for carbon credits and shared how necessity led to the development of patented direct drill technology. He called on farmers to lead sustainability discussions themselves.
Read the entire conversation here.
Other Key Industry Updates
Ag Biotech and Private Credit Developments
- Growers Edge secured new funding led by S2G Investments and others.
- Moolec Science announced a merger with Bioceres Group and others.
- Hoofprint Biome raised $15 million to commercialize its methane-reducing cattle feed additive.
- Harvest Returns launched its second Private Credit Fund aimed at U.S. farmers.
- Innov8.ag acquired 2nd Sight Bioscience, expanding its data ecosystem.
- Boomitra completed its first issuance of soil organic carbon credits supporting Indian smallholder farmers.
Upcoming AgTech Events
- 2-Day Plant Empowerment Workshop | May 6–7, 2025 | UK
- 2nd International Electronic Conference on Entomology | May 19–21, 2025
- Reuters Events: Transform Food & Agriculture Europe 2025
- Commercial UAV Expo | September 2–4, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA
- Taiwan Smart Agriweek | September 3–5, 2025
- Global Vertical Farming Show 2025 | September 10–11, 2025 | Dubai, UAE
- SPACE | September 16–18, 2025 | France
Discover other events here.
Directory Members
Established Plan Members:
SpectraGrow, LettUs Grow, Harvest Returns, Women in CEA, Harnois Greenhouses, Verde Compacto
Scale-Up Plan Members:
Sollum Technologies, Babylon Micro-Farms, Ounce of Hope Aquaponics, Grow-Tec
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