Key Takeaways
- Jord BioScience secured Series B funding to advance biological crop inputs.
- FMC introduced Dodhylex™ Active, the first new herbicide mode of action in over 30 years.
- Syngenta and Ceres Biotics expanded the VIXERAN® biostimulant to improve nitrogen efficiency.
- Ounce of Hope received OMRI certification, making its fish-based fertilizer organic farming-approved.
- Acadian Plant Health launched an abiotic stress management portfolio to help crops withstand environmental stress.
- ProGro BIO completed trials of Rhizol microbial inoculant, showing yield improvements and pathogen resistance.
AgTech Weekly: Plant Science & AgTech Updates
Jord BioScience Secures Series B Funding
- What happened? The company completed its Series B funding round.
- Why it matters: The funding will accelerate next-gen biological crop input development and commercialization.
- Who benefits? Farmers growing corn, soybeans, canola, wheat, and specialty crops will gain access to new biological solutions.
FMC Introduces Dodhylex™ Active Herbicide
- What happened? FMC produced its first commercial batch of Dodhylex™ Active, a herbicide designed for rice crops.
- Why it matters: It represents the first new herbicide mode of action in over 30 years, targeting resistant grass weeds.
- What’s next? Regulatory submissions are in progress, with commercial availability expected in 2026.
Syngenta & Ceres Biotics Expand VIXERAN® Biostimulant
- What happened? The companies expanded the availability of VIXERAN®, a biostimulant that improves nitrogen use efficiency.
- How it works: Uses Azotobacter salinestris bacteria to enhance nitrogen absorption through plant leaves and roots.
- Why it matters: Reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and lowers environmental impact.
Ounce of Hope Earns OMRI Certification
- What happened? The company’s fish-based fertilizer and soil conditioner received OMRI certification.
- Why it matters: The product is now approved for organic farming, allowing growers to use it without risking their certification.
- Impact: This certification boosts credibility and market adoption among organic farmers.
Acadian Plant Health Unveils Abiotic Stress Management Portfolio
- What happened? Acadian Plant Health launched a new portfolio of solutions to help plants withstand drought, flooding, and temperature extremes.
- Why it matters: Climate variability is increasing, and these biological solutions help mitigate stressors.
- Who benefits? Growers dealing with climate-related crop challenges.
ProGro BIO’s Rhizol Microbial Inoculant Shows Strong Results
- What happened? ProGro BIO completed large-scale trials of Rhizol across 26 U.S. states.
- Why it matters: Results showed higher yields, improved soil health, and increased pathogen resistance.
- What’s next? The company plans to expand microbial solutions for sustainable farming.
Read the latest plant science news here.
Interview in AgTech Weekly: H5N1 Surveillance and Testing Infrastructure in the U.S.
Current Issues
- Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo Technologies, discusses delays in H5N1 diagnostic testing, which impact poultry and dairy industries.
Need for Real-Time Testing
- Faster on-farm testing solutions could reduce risks and lower response times.
Policy Recommendations
- Faster regulatory approvals for rapid tests.
- Pilot programs for on-farm diagnostics.
- Increased investment in decentralized testing solutions.
Read the full interview here.
Indoor Farming & Technology Updates
AdeptAg Partners with FGM for Labor-Saving Tech
- What happened? North American AdeptAg partnered with Denmark’s FGM Moving Gutter Systems to optimize space efficiency and plant growth for leafy greens.
- Why it matters: AdeptAg will be the exclusive North American distributor, providing on-site support and local servicing.
- Solutions provided: The company offers irrigation, seeding, harvesting, and automation technologies for indoor farming.
Square Roots Japan Expands Modular Farming
- What happened? Tokyo-based Square Roots Japan is collaborating with traditional farmers to support specialty crop cultivation.
- Why it matters: Uses a modular, data-driven approach to help farmers adapt to climate variability.
- What’s next? Expansion plans are underway, backed by Collaborative Fund.
Read the latest greenhouse news here.
AgTech Weekly Innovations
Cordulus Enhances AI Rain Forecasting
- What happened? Cordulus AI-based forecasting showed 52% greater accuracy than traditional methods.
- How it helps farmers: Provides real-time updates every 10 minutes, assisting with sowing, spraying, and harvesting decisions.
CoStar Group Acquires Ag-Analytics
- What happened? The acquisition integrates AcreValue® farmland insights into CoStar’s Land.com network.
- Why it matters: Enhances land valuation, geospatial mapping, and soil data for investors and landowners.
AEH Group Selects VitalEdge for Digital Transformation
- What happened? AEH Group is implementing e-Emphasys ERP to streamline CRM, equipment inspections, and field services.
- Why it matters: Improves workflow efficiency, customer service, and business intelligence in Australia and New Zealand.
Read the latest AgTech news here.
Agribusiness Market Trends & Updates
Corn Acreage Set to Increase in 2025
- What happened? CoBank predicts a 5% rise in U.S. corn acreage, reaching 87.06 million acres.
- Key drivers: Export demand, ethanol production, and tight global stocks.
- Challenges: Trade disputes with Canada and Mexico could affect demand.
Bushel Plus Expands into U.S. Market
- What happened? The company is introducing harvest optimization tools, including SmartPan System and MAD Concaves.
- Why it matters: These tools help farmers reduce grain loss and improve harvesting efficiency.
Mars & Fonterra Launch $27M Climate-Smart Dairy Program
- What happened? A $27 million initiative aims to cut dairy emissions by 50% by 2030.
- Who benefits? 2,000 dairy farmers will receive funding, with 165 awarded incentives each year.
Read the latest agribusiness news here.
Upcoming Agriculture & AgTech Events
- World Agri-Tech San Francisco | March 11 – 12, 2025
- Indoor Ag Con | March 11 – 12, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA
- VIV Asia | March 12 – 14, 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand
For a full list of upcoming AgTech and CEA events, click here.
Read the entire edition here.
