Key Takeaways
- This week’s AgTech Digest: TECHCOOP raises $70 million Series A to expand its digital agritech solutions.
- Solis Agrosciences secures Series A funding to scale agricultural research and commercialization.
- Netafim introduces Hybrid Dripline for enhanced precision irrigation.
- Pure Harvest & PlanTFarm launch a high-tech CEA facility in the UAE.
- Yamaha Motor establishes Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. for AI-driven farm automation.
Funding & Investment Announcements
TECHCOOP Secures $70M to Expand Digital Agritech Solutions
- What happened? Vietnam-based TECHCOOP raised $70 million in Series A funding, consisting of $28 million in equity and $42 million in debt financing.
- Why does it matter? The funding will support digital agritech expansion, supply chain integration, and risk control measures for global growth.
- Who invested? Co-led by TNB Aura and AVV, with new participation from BlueOrchard, FMO, AppWorks, and Capria Ventures.
- What’s next? TECHCOOP plans to expand financial inclusion, scale its platform, and strengthen agricultural resilience.
Solis Agrosciences Secures Series A for Commercial Growth
- What happened? Solis Agrosciences received Series A funding from Cultivation Capital to expand its commercial services and R&D.
- Why does it matter? Solis provides capital-efficient access to agricultural research, genomics, and gene editing for AgTech startups.
- What’s next? Expansion of research infrastructure and commercialization of new agricultural technologies.
Horticoop Invests in REKA Group to Boost Regenerative Agriculture
- What happened? Horticoop invested in REKA Group BV, a company specializing in regenerative soil improvement.
- What’s next? Horticoop and REKA aim to scale regenerative solutions for climate-resilient farming.
This Week’s Editorial: Climate Change and Seed Breeding Innovations
Adapting Seed Breeding to Climate Change
- Field Selections in Grower Conditions – Moving from controlled environments to real-world farm trials.
- Government Incentives – Policies supporting climate-resilient seed development.
- Technology in Breeding – Advances in CRISPR gene editing, AI-driven breeding, and molecular markers.
- What’s next? Increasing focus on:
✅ Drought-tolerant, pest-resistant seed varieties
✅ Expansion of organic seed certifications
✅ Variety selection for vertical farming and CEA
Read the full editorial here.
This Week’s Interview: Netafim’s Hybrid Dripline for Precision Irrigation
- What’s new? Netafim launched Hybrid Dripline, designed for clog resistance, easier installation, and precision irrigation.
- How does it compare to traditional drip irrigation?
✅ Larger cross-section reduces clogging risk
✅ Optimized for low-quality water environments
✅ Fully integrates with precision farming systems - Sustainability benefits:
♻️ Made from recyclable materials
🚜 Reduces material waste
💰 Lowers labor costs
Read the full interview here.
New Product & Facility Announcements
Pure Harvest & PlanTFarm Open High-Tech Farming Facility in UAE
- What’s new? A Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facility focused on:
✅ Reducing livestock feed import dependence
✅ Producing fresh Korean strawberries in the UAE
✅ Enhancing food security with precision climate control
SweetWater Launches DRONEZONE™ RECHARGED
- What’s new? A plant growth regulator (PGR) extending stress resistance in crops from 2 weeks to 30 days.
- Why does it matter?
✅ Improves drought and stress resistance
✅ Optimized for drone-based applications
✅ Extends defense to 60 days with two-pass application
Tidal Grow AgriScience Introduces Four Regenerative Ag Products
- What’s new? Launch of biofertilizers and biostimulants to support soil health and nutrient efficiency.
- Product highlights:
✅ Tidal Grow® GENBOOST – Activates plant defense mechanisms.
✅ Tidal Grow® Chroma – Enhances plant health and yield.
✅ Tidal Grow® Oceanic – Boosts soil fertility using seafood-based biofertilizers.
Lumo Integrates Real-Time Pressure Monitoring in Smart Irrigation
- What’s new? Smart irrigation system now offers real-time pressure tracking to:
✅ Detect irrigation failures before they impact crops
✅ Optimize water distribution and efficiency
✅ Improve pump and infrastructure management
Mergers & Acquisitions in AgTech
Yamaha Motor Launches Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. for AI & Robotics
- What’s new? New company dedicated to autonomous farming equipment and AI-driven solutions.
- What’s next? Scaling AI-powered spraying, weeding, and crop management automation.
Staphyt Merges with Héliantis Group to Expand Seed Research
- What’s new? Expanding seed trial capabilities across Europe.
- Why does it matter?
✅ More advanced disease-resistant seed trials
✅ Expanded research in climate-adapted seed development
Syngenta Acquires Novartis’ Natural Compounds & Genetic Strains
- What’s new? Strengthening biological crop protection and soil health solutions.
- What’s next?
✅ Expanding bioengineering capabilities
✅ Accelerating next-gen sustainable biologicals
Other Notable AgTech News
- Planet Labs signs multi-year agreement with Bayer for satellite imagery analytics.
- Farmers Edge partners with Conduit to support digital financing for ag businesses.
- UPL Corp receives emergency approval for KASUMIN® 2L bactericide in California almond orchards.
- NRGene Canada develops clubroot-resistant canola traits using genomic marker-assisted breeding.
- Lundberg Family Farms introduces Black Pearl Rice, a high-yield variety developed for California’s Sacramento Valley.
Read the latest agribusiness updates here.
Upcoming AgTech Events
📅 World Agri-Tech San Francisco 2025
📅 Indoor Ag-Con | March 11 – 12, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA
📅 VIV Asia | March 12 – 14, 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand
📅 2nd International Electronic Conference on Entomology | May 19 – 21, 2025
📅 Reuters Events: Transform Food & Agriculture Europe 2025
Stay informed and register for upcoming events here.
Read the entire newsletter edition here.
