Key Takeaways:
- Land O’Lakes unveils AgRogue Growth Partners, a cooperative-led initiative to fast-track ag innovation.
- Coalition of retailer-owners will invest up to $7 million in each of 10–15 companies.
- Focus areas include crop inputs, ag data, supply chain processes, and new business models.
- Trusted retail–farmer relationships will be leveraged to speed adoption at the farm gate.
- Managed by Radicle Growth, the program will scout and support breakthrough startups globally.
Land O’Lakes Drives Innovation Through AgRogue Growth Partners
Land O’Lakes, Inc. today announced its participation in AgRogue Growth Partners, a new investment initiative designed to accelerate the discovery, funding, and adoption of breakthrough technologies in agriculture. The program will harness the cooperative model and the trusted relationships between retailers and farmers to overcome barriers that have slowed technology adoption on farms.
Through the initiative, Land O’Lakes and a coalition of retail-owner cooperatives will invest up to $7 million in each of 10 to 15 agtech companies. Areas of focus will include innovations in crop inputs, ag data, supply chain systems, business models, and other solutions that deliver measurable impact for farmers and their communities.
“We believe the key to jumpstarting the adoption of modern ag technologies lives in the partnership and trust between retailers and growers,” said Jason Trusley, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Land O’Lakes, Inc. “This platform represents a focused strategy that builds on the strength of Land O’Lakes’ co-op model and our retail owners to assist Radicle Growth in finding, funding, and scaling new innovation.”
Tackling Industry Challenges Head-On
AgRogue Growth Partners launches at a pivotal time for U.S. agriculture. Net farm income for row crop producers remains under pressure, while public funding for agricultural research has dropped to levels not seen since the 1970s. Meanwhile, global competitors like China are dramatically increasing their investments.
“Right now, we’re seeing a wave of necessary innovation stall before it reaches the farm gate—often lacking the local trust and infrastructure needed to succeed,” said Brett Bruggeman, chief operating officer and executive vice president of ag business at Land O’Lakes, Inc. “Our cooperative system is uniquely positioned to bridge that gap and get proven innovation into farmers’ hands faster.”
A National Retailer Coalition with Global Reach
Founding retail partners include Keystone Cooperative (Indiana), Central Valley Ag (Nebraska), Farmers Cooperative – Dorchester (Nebraska), Farmward Cooperative (Minnesota), Alabama Farmers Cooperative (Alabama), and GreenPoint Ag (Alabama). The program will be managed by Radicle Growth, a leading agtech investment firm, which will identify and vet startups from around the world.
“AgRogue Growth Partners represents an exciting new chapter in agricultural innovation, driven by a commitment to farmer success,” said Kevin Still, president and CEO of Keystone Cooperative. “By uniting our strengths, we’ll focus on creating new opportunities for farmers to thrive—providing them with the tools and resources they need to grow a more reliable, abundant food supply.”
