Key Takeaways
- This week’s edition focuses on how automation is transforming agriculture, spotlighting the latest innovations and real-world deployments.
- Agricultural automation technologies—robotics, AI, drones, and smart irrigation—are enhancing efficiency, precision, and scalability.
- Companies like Oishii and Reinke are adopting automation to improve operations in areas like harvesting and irrigation.
- Emerging solutions like electric weed control, RNA crop sprays, and microbial sound tech broaden the impact of automation.
- While automation is advancing rapidly, it faces challenges related to affordability, infrastructure, and regulation, though long-term adoption is expected to grow.
Listen To The Edition
This Week in AgTech: Automation-Focused Highlights
This week’s edition highlights the technologies and partnerships shaping the next generation of agriculture. From cutting-edge robotics to smarter irrigation and electric crop protection, automation continues to reshape the AgTech landscape.
📩 Grab a coffee, take a quick break, and catch up on this week’s industry updates.
🚀 Let’s dive in!
AgTech Weekly Highlights: The 2025 GreenTech Rankings Unveiled
TIME & Statista spotlight 250 top global GreenTech firms
- Evaluation criteria: innovation, financial strength, environmental impact
- Notable AgTech mentions: Innovafeed (France), IGS (UK), Pivot Bio (USA), Carbon Robotics (UK), CropX (Israel)
Nutrien’s Illinois Innovation Farm Opens New R&D Facility
- New site supports full-acre agronomic research
- 16-person team focused on synergy between inputs, digital tools, and equipment
Reinke Launches ReinCloud 3 for Smarter Irrigation
- Precision irrigation platform with updated UI, smart dashboard, and telemetry
- Now available on Apple App Store & Google Play
crop.zone Expands Electric Weed Control to U.S.
- Focus on potatoes and non-chemical applications
- Partnership with Big Iron Equipment to improve Midwest grower service
Read the Most Recent Precision Ag News Here
This Week’s Interview: Zespri’s Approach to Kiwi Farming Innovation
Zespri is leveraging its ZAG Innovation Fund to connect with startups and researchers addressing sustainability and productivity in kiwi fruit farming. Their strategy emphasizes:
- Climate resilience
- Long-term profitability
- Collaboration with growers and tech developers
Jiunn Shih highlights the importance of balancing profitability with social and environmental responsibility.
Read the Entire Interview Here
Vertical Farming Updates: Contrasting Stories
Oishii Acquires Tortuga AgTech’s Robotics IP & Team
- Acquisition includes AI models, robotics software, and hardware
- Plans to deploy 50 robots for strawberry harvesting in Jersey City
Plenty Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
- Filed to restructure liabilities while continuing core operations
- Secured $20.7M DIP financing to support transition
Read More Vertical Farming News
Plant Science & Biotech Highlights
GreenLight Biosciences Closes Its Series C With An Additional $25M
- Funds support RNA-based crop protection and pollinator health
Moa Technology Partners with NAICONS
- Using microbial extracts to develop new bio-herbicides
HypeSound Raises €1.2M
- Scaling microbial sound tech platform for bioproduction
Koppert Transfers Biostimulant Portfolio to REKA Group
- Strategic transition to support in-furrow biological applications across Europe
Regen Ag, Lab Analyses & Bankruptcy Updates
- GreenPods receives €2M sustainability loan for almond and olive project
- 20 semi-finalists announced for 2025 MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme
- CE-LINE and Eurofins partner for real-time nutrient and lab data access
- Benson Hill approved for Chapter 11 proceedings
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 | Taiwan
- Global Vertical Farming Show 2025 | September 10-11, 2025 | Dubai, UAE
- SPACE | September 16-18, 2025 | France
AgTech Tools & Directories
🌾 Discover What’s Powering the Future of Farming
🔍 The Ultimate AgTech Directory Is Here
Explore hundreds of vetted AgTech companies, tools, and startups transforming agriculture.
✅ Search by sector, tech, or region
✅ Find partners, products, or inspiration
✅ Stay ahead of what’s next in precision ag & digital farming
🚜 Whether you're an investor, grower, or founder — this is your go-to resource for innovation in ag.
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