Key Takeaways

• Ecorobotix unveiled its 2026 spraying algorithms, expanding precision herbicide use in vegetable farming.
• Messium secured £3.3M for AI-based nitrogen monitoring, while BIOWEG raised €16M to scale biodegradable inputs.
• PlantArcBio gained new patents for its DIPPER™ gene-editing platform supporting CRISPR technologies.
• Additional highlights include BASF’s xarvio expansion, Row 7’s Whole Foods launch, and INNOFarms.AI’s robotics debut.
• Major funding rounds closed at feld.energy (€10M) and Nofence (€30M), strengthening AgriTech momentum.

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Ecorobotix Launches 2026 Spraying AI

Ecorobotix announced new precision spraying algorithms, enabling the safe use of non-selective herbicides in vegetable farming. Its Plant-by-Plant™ AI now distinguishes between monocots and dicots across multiple crops, protecting sensitive varieties like broccoli and cauliflower while addressing challenges such as volunteer potatoes in carrot fields. Commercial rollout is expected in March 2026.

Messium Secures £3.3M for Nitrogen Tools

UK-based Messium closed a £3.3 million seed round co-led by UKI2S and Expansion. The company uses hyperspectral satellite imaging and AI to deliver lab-grade nitrogen insights at 5-meter resolution. Funding will support international scaling of the platform, which aims to boost yields, lower input costs, and enhance sustainability.

BIOWEG Raises €16M to Scale Biodegradable Materials

German biotech BIOWEG raised €16 million in Series A financing to construct its first industrial bacterial cellulose facility. Backed by Axeleo Capital, the EIC Fund, and others, the company is developing biodegradable inputs for agriculture, cosmetics, and home care using food industry by-products and precision fermentation.

PlantArcBio Expands Patent Portfolio

PlantArcBio announced U.S. and South Korean patents for its DIPPER™ gene-expression platform, which enhances CRISPR crop editing. The high-throughput in planta technology supports improvements in yield, drought tolerance, herbicide resistance, and nutrition. The patents strengthen the company’s intellectual property portfolio and accelerate commercialization opportunities.

Additional Updates Across AgTech

• BASF: Expanding its xarvio FIELD MANAGER platform to Argentina and Brazil by late 2025, with France and Germany to follow.
• PATS: Raised €2.7M to scale its AI-powered pest detection and drone-based control technology.
• Tidal Grow: Introduced alignN®, a foliar nitrogen product designed for broadacre crops.
• La Zone Agtech & Fasken: Partnered to provide legal and strategic support to startups in Quebec.
• Row 7 Seed Company: Launched its new Sugarcone cabbage in 325 Whole Foods Market locations across the U.S.
• Moleaer & Xylem: Announced a global partnership to scale nanobubble water treatment technology.
• Nasekomo: Achieved a milestone in Black Soldier Fly reproduction with its FlyGenetics program.
• INNOFarms.AI: Debuted its GrowSmartRobotics platform for controlled-environment agriculture at GVF 2025 Dubai.

Funding Highlights

• feld.energy raised €10M to scale its Agri-PV technology, enabling dual land use for farming and solar energy.
• Nofence secured €30M in Series B financing, reported as the largest AgriTech round in Europe so far in 2025, to expand its virtual fencing technology for livestock.

Industry Initiatives

• McDonald’s USA launched the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative, committing $200M over seven years to regenerative grazing and conservation across 4M acres.
• Agreena’s AgreenaCarbon Project received verification under Verra’s VCS Program, issuing 2.3M carbon credits.
• IICA urged greater prioritization of rural youth in sustainable development strategies.