Key Takeaways:
- Syngenta acquired Intrinsyx to bolster its biologicals platform, while Bayer exits seed treatment equipment in the U.S.
- Cibus gained approval for commercializing gene-edited rice in Ecuador, classified as non-transgenic.
- CNH and Microsoft launch initiatives in AI, student education, and equipment upgrades, with CNH targeting $550M in savings by 2030.
- Chris Laudando outlines a founder-led model for AgTech innovation, prioritizing farmer-first tools and local ownership.
- Good Agriculture shares how it supports regenerative farmers with back-office automation and operational services.
Plant Science & Crop Protection: Acquisitions, Approvals, and Shifts
Syngenta has acquired California-based Intrinsyx, a move aimed at integrating the company’s bio-based nutrient management technology into Syngenta’s global biologicals portfolio.
Cibus received regulatory approval in Ecuador to commercialize its HT1 and HT3 gene-edited rice traits without the restrictions applied to transgenic crops. Developed using the company’s RTDS® platform, the move aligns with Ecuador’s seed laws.
ADAMA’s Gilboa™ fungicide earned official FRAC classification, marking a milestone toward a European rollout by 2029. The product targets nucleic acid metabolism in fungi.
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds and Tropic have partnered to accelerate disease-resistant vegetable breeding through GEiGS® technology.
Meanwhile, Bayer is closing its U.S. seed treatment equipment facility in Minnesota, marking a strategic exit as the company continues to restructure around core crop protection assets.
A new partnership between Verinomics and Pinnacle Seed targets disease resistance and yield improvements in leafy greens, with new varieties expected in 2026.
Inside the Founder’s Mind: Chris Laudando’s Ground-Up Approach
In this week’s editorial, Laudando & Associates founder Chris Laudando outlines a bootstrap-led model of AgTech development. His company prioritizes modular tools like the L&Aser™️ weed control unit and supports early-stage innovators through the Catalyzer program.
Laudando describes a cautious industry facing “cooperation embargoes” from larger firms and calls for a decentralized future where farmers own their AI and tech infrastructure. “We’re not just building tech for farmers—we’re trying to put ownership back in their hands.” — Chris Laudando
Read the full editorial here.
Precision Agriculture: Tech Rollouts and Capital Trends
Al Dahra is scaling Syngenta’s Cropwise® across 220,000+ farms globally to digitize operations and accelerate sustainable practices.
Fieldin and ARAG launched a real-time digital flow monitor for spray efficiency in permanent crops. The tool tracks weather, application accuracy, and chemical use.
AgTech VC funding reached $1.6 billion in Q1 2025 across 137 deals, according to PitchBook. Although deal volume dipped, average round sizes and valuations remain stable—especially in ag biotech and precision ag. Most exits occurred via acquisition.
CNH announced a strategic roadmap emphasizing AI, machinery innovation, and $550 million in savings by 2030. The plan includes predictive maintenance systems and a refreshed product lineup.
Microsoft and the National FFA expanded their FarmBeats for Students initiative to 185 schools, introducing AI-driven ag education kits.
Ag Services: Good Agriculture Helps Farmers Reclaim Their Time
Good Agriculture, a U.S.-based startup, provides administrative and financial support to regenerative farmers. Combining AI and human expertise, the company handles grant tracking, bookkeeping, and more.
Founded by Alex Edquist and Kirsten Simmons, the company is addressing a persistent pain point: many regenerative producers lack time for operations outside of farming itself.
Plans for 2030 include full-stack farm operational support. Read the full interview here.
Other Industry Headlines
- Gardin raised $4.5M in Seed 2 funding to expand deployment of its optical photosynthesis and AI analytics platform across greenhouses and polytunnels.
- Sollum Technologies and Delphy completed trials on far-red LED strategies in cucumbers to support plant health during low-light periods.
- PowerPollen secured U.S. Patent 12,245,587 for particulate-assisted pollen storage.
- ZIVO Bioscience wrapped a collaborative study with the University of Delaware on mitigating LPAI using algal-based formulas.
- Anu™ partnered with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana to manufacture compostable seed pods. Indiana Governor Mike Braun toured the new Bloomington facility.
Upcoming AgTech Events
- 2nd International Electronic Conference on Entomology | May 19–21, 2025
- Transform Food & Agriculture Europe 2025 (Reuters Events)
- Commercial UAV Expo | Sept 2–4, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA
- Taiwan Smart Agriweek | Sept 3–5, 2025 | Taiwan
- Global Vertical Farming Show 2025 | Sept 10–11, 2025 | Dubai, UAE
- SPACE 2025 | Sept 16–18, 2025 | Rennes, France
- Discover other events here.
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