AI to Automation – Major Updates Across the Agriculture Sector

Key Takeaways

The Reservoir launches a 40-acre nonprofit innovation farm to support 50+ startups in Salinas, CA.
AGCO expands its North American PTx™ precision ag dealer network with Trimble integration.
Ecorobotix introduces AI-based lettuce thinning; Complete Farmer scales its African tech platform.
Bayer rolls out virus-resistant tomatoes; BrightFarms opens a new greenhouse in Georgia.
Partnerships between Source.ag & Harvest House, and Lufa Farms & Walmart Canada signal momentum in AI and CEA retail integration.

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AgTech Highlights: Investment, Collaborations & Startup Support

The Reservoir Launches Agricultural Innovation Hub in Salinas

The Reservoir signed a long-term lease for 40 acres in Salinas, California, to create Reservoir Farms, a nonprofit incubator for AgTech startups. The initiative aims to bridge innovation and deployment by testing automation and robotics on real plots, supporting over 50 startups and creating 500+ jobs.

AGCO Grows PTx™ Dealer Network with Precision Ag Rollout

AGCO Corporation is expanding its precision ag footprint with a North America-wide rollout of PTx Trimble solutions. All production ag dealerships are expected to offer these services by end of 2025.

Treefera Raises $30M to Enhance AI-Powered Commodity Intelligence

Treefera secured Series B funding led by Notion Capital. The funds will expand the company’s real-time AI-based supply chain platform across the U.S., APAC, and Europe.

Ecorobotix Unveils Lettuce Thinning AI

Swiss firm Ecorobotix introduced a lettuce thinning algorithm for its ARA UHP Sprayer, reducing manual labor and improving crop uniformity. It’s now available as a subscription-based upgrade.

Kubota & Agtonomy Partner on Smart Machinery

Kubota and Agtonomy are rolling out smart ag solutions in key U.S. states. Their joint offering combines Kubota’s machinery with Agtonomy’s data automation platform.

Interview Spotlight: Complete Farmer’s Digital Ecosystem in Africa

Complete Farmer uses AI, satellite imagery, and soil data to assist smallholder farmers. Now serving 70% smallholders, the platform aligns protocols with market demand and offers commission-based access. Future growth will focus on pan-African expansion and end-to-end digital agriculture.

Read the entire conversation here.

Plant Science Updates: AI Tools, Fungicides, and Crop Innovation

AI-Powered Grain Quality Tool from Protein Industries Canada

A $3M project aims to enable real-time soybean analysis using smartphone imaging, led by Protein Industries Canada and targeted at food processors and ingredient manufacturers.

FMC & Corteva Agreement to Expand Fungicide Access

FMC and Corteva will co-market fluindapyr, targeting foliar diseases in corn and soybeans. Corteva’s commercial launch is expected in 2026 pending regulatory approvals.

Advanta Seeds Acquires Corn Germplasm Pipeline

Advanta Seeds is expanding its European portfolio by acquiring germplasm and hybrid assets from K-Adriatica, strengthening its regional corn breeding program.

Oxford University & Wild Bio Launch Chloroplast Genomics Project

The OPTIMiSE project under ARIA’s Synthetic Plants initiative focuses on improving crop resilience through chloroplast genome engineering.

Bayer Releases Virus-Resistant Tomato Varieties

New hybrids resistant to ToBRFV target beef, cherry plum, and cocktail tomatoes. Commercial rollout expected in 2025.

Koppert to Distribute Amoéba’s Biofungicide

Koppert has secured exclusive rights to distribute Willaertia magna C2c Maky-based biofungicide in Europe and the U.S. The launch is planned for early 2026.

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): Facility Launches, Tech, & Closures

BrightFarms Opens Greenhouse in Georgia

BrightFarms’ new eight-acre greenhouse in Macon will supply 22,000 lbs of lettuce daily, with future expansion plans to 32 acres. The site supports 125+ jobs.

Signify Adds New Philips GreenPower TLF LEDs

New 800W and 1040W LEDs feature 4-channel control and GrowWise integration, enabling tailored light recipes and higher uniformity.

Harvest House & Source.ag Collaborate on Yield Forecasting AI

Europe’s largest tomato grower cooperative is integrating Harvest Forecast, Source.ag’s AI platform, across 600+ hectares, improving forecasting and CRM integration.

Bushel Boy Farms Closes MN and IA Sites

Bushel Boy’s greenhouse operations in Owatonna and Mason City have been sold to Best Boy Farms after recent penalties and expansion struggles.

Walmart Canada Teams with Lufa Farms for Rooftop Greenhouse Sales

The Marché Central Supercentre in Montreal now offers produce grown in an onsite 127,000 sq ft rooftop greenhouse by Lufa Farms.

Weston Family Foundation Launches Scaling Phase of Innovation Challenge

Four Canadian teams have entered the next stage of the $33M Homegrown Innovation Challenge, testing sustainable year-round berry production systems.

Other News: Robotics, Policy, and Regenerative Ag Partnerships

Arugga AI Farming Launches ‘Louie’ Robot for Tomatoes & Cucumbers

The plant-lowering robot handles 300 plants/hour and is operational across 1 hectare—addressing labor challenges in greenhouse operations.

Brazilian Carbon Farming Deal: MyEasyFarm x Conectta Carbon

The strategic partnership promotes regenerative agriculture and verifiable carbon credits under the VERRA VM0042 methodology in Brazil’s MATOPIBA region.

Tomorrow.io & Philippines’ NIA Partner for Micro-Weather Forecasts

The U.S.-based weather intelligence firm is deploying satellite-based AI forecasts at farm level across the Philippines, boosting climate resilience.