‘Pick low-hanging fruits’: Three key opportunities that can unlock Asia’s agrifood potential
Asia’s agrifood sector has three untapped opportunities: precision agriculture, farmer empowerment through financial inclusion, and food waste reduction.
Innovation & trends
Does TIME’s best invention list mark a shift in how the world views agtech?
Agtech companies are celebrating recognition in TIME magazine’s best inventions for 2024. Does it mark a turning point in wider perceptions of the industry?
Scientists are learning to help tomatoes beat the heat
By studying tomato varieties in exceptionally hot growing seasons, biologists at Brown University have identified the growth cycle phase when tomatoes are most vulnerable to extreme heat, as well as the mechanisms that make the plants more heat tolerant.
Innovafeed gets $11m USDA grant to bring insect fertiliser to the US
French insect company Innovafeed is celebrating after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded it an $11 million grant as part of its Fertiliser Production Expansion Programme (FPEP).
What solutions does the UK agri-supply industry want to achieve resilience?
A new report flags the growing demand for data, circular innovation and market access for precision bred commodities in the UK.
The challenges genomic selection has to overcome to revolutionise fruit, vegetable crop breeding
Genomic selection (GS) has shown promise in enhancing fruit and vegetable crops but significant challenges remain, limiting its full potential in the sector, says new research.
Health, well-being of women in farming need greater focus amid gender bias concerns
There are significant gaps in research on the health and well-being of women in farming, raising concerns about the agricultural sector’s lack of gender-specific studies.
Gene editing promises to futureproof the wine sector
Gene editing technology could help the global wine industry combat the effects of climate change, says Lithuanian specialist Caszyme.
$151 billion needed annually to close ‘critical’ climate finance gap for smallholder farmers
New estimates from the nonprofit One Acre Fund reveal what it calls the true cost of supporting global smallholders to build long-term resilience for themselves and the environment.
Dry chain technology offers scalable solution for seed storage in tropical climates: Global study
Dry chain technology is gaining importance as a scalable, practical solution to address seed storage challenges in tropical climates, according to a study by researchers in Europe, the Americas, the UK, APAC and Oceania.
What does Bowery’s closure tell us about the future of vertical farming?
Bowery Farming may not be the last vertical farming company to fail before the sector begins a period of more stable scaling and growth.
Study says ‘vaccinating’ plants could reduce pesticide use and secure global food supplies
Induced resistance, where plants’ immune systems are activated in a controlled way that prepares them to fight pests and disease, could help build a sustainable and resilient agricultural system, according to researchers.
New project will tackle antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture
Scientists at have been awarded funds to support the roll out of a new vaccine that could deliver major benefits to the aquaculture industry.
AgTech Investor Profile
'Everybody forgets it all starts with the farmers': Spin out fund pledges rural America focus
Silicon Valley has changed the world in the last 20 years; the way we communicate, the way we work, the way we shop. In the US, it has also transformed agricultural innovation. And not always for the better.
Garbage in, garbage out: Artificial intelligence could become ‘crucial’ nutraceutical industry tool if 'care is taken'
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nutraceuticals industry could become a ‘crucial’ component of innovation and regulatory compliance processes, but care must be taken regarding the information that is fed into the technology.
Watch: Farms are crying out for innovation, says UK-Agri-Tech Centre CEO
Farmers are not resistant change, says Phil Bicknell, CEO at the newly merged UK-Agri-Tech Centre. But the “three Cs” of communication, collaboration and cash are needed to help them adopt newer sustainable practices.
Watch: Gates Ag One discusses the tech solutions on its radar
The innovation being eyed by Gates Foundation's agtech arm has potential to be deployed in richer nations, says Trey Key, its director of business development. But he warns that ag requires more time for technology integration compared to other sectors.
Last chance to register for FREE webinar dissecting Asia’s growing agri-food ecosystem
AgTechNavigator's FREE AgTech Innovation and Investment – APAC editorial webinar takes place on November 6. Register your attendance today so you don’t miss out. The event will start on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM SGT (Singapore).
Study: Drones prove effective way to monitor maize re-growth
Chinese scientists are using drone-based hyperspectral imaging to combat the effects of maize lodging.
WATCH: Henry Dimbleby says the link between human and soil health is set to explode
Knowledge about the impact of regenerative farming on human health will snowball in the next few years, believes Henry Dimbleby – the former UK food tsar and founder of restaurant chain Leon who is now managing partner of the investor Bramble Partners.
WATCH: Microsoft and Syngenta discuss the impact of AI in ag
GenAI and AI platforms continue to develop at a fast pace, experts from Microsoft and Syngenta Group told the recent World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London. But ‘humans in the loop’ are needed to develop dependable frameworks for validating...
The end of the era of ‘nice to have’ products? 5 insights from McKinsey’s latest farmer survey that you can’t ignore
Cautious farmers are more concerned with ROI and less willing to experiment with new products and technologies, according to a new global report from McKinsey.
Wine and coffee by-products could power next generation batteries
Creating effective batteries is a critical part of renewable energy plans – and wine and coffee could hold the answer to cheaper, more efficient and more eco-friendly battery tech.
‘We still have work to do’: Agreena celebrates milestone but insists efforts are needed to scale regen ag
Danish company Agreena is now working with more than 2,300 farmers to transition a total of 4.5 million hectares to regenerative agriculture across Europe – up by 2.5 million hectares in a year.
Plans to turn pongamia oil into biofuel move up a gear
Terviva, the company aiming to plant 200 million pongamia trees over 10 years for food, feed and fuel, has received investment from Chevron Renewable Energy Group, as mining giant Rio Tinto also looks to pongamia as a feedstock for renewable diesel...
Gene editing set to boost Africa’s pressured yam production
A project by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, in partnership with US tech company Pairwise, will employ gene editing to support the yam in industry in Nigeria and wider region.
‘Aggressive’ usage of technology by young and growing farms revealed
A new report shows a rise in digital payment adoption among US farmers, reflecting a broader industry shift towards digital solutions. But costs are still a concern for younger tech adopters.
Smallholder farmers in Africa call for improved access to technology
Smallholder farmers in Africa benefit from regenerative agriculture through a diverse set of practices but need better access to technology.
Study: Biochar ineffective as feed additive for reducing methane in dairy cows
A recent Swiss study has found that biochar (BC), a substance gaining popularity in agriculture for carbon storage and soil improvement, does not effectively reduce methane emissions.
M&S employs precision ag to deliver eco-friendly parsnips in time for Christmas
UK retailer Marks & Spencer has begun using drones and robot tractors to produce lower carbon parsnips.
Recoup launches gut-friendly beverage at Sprouts, raises awareness on benefits of regen ag
Recoup’s prebiotic sparkling beverages hit the shelves at 420 Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide, as the company leans into gut health and regenerative agriculture claims to deliver consumer demands for functional and environmental benefits.
Is carbon capture and storage really a feasible option to combat climate change?
Two studies investigate the potential of carbon capture and carbon sequestration in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Overheard at World Agri-Tech – 11 talking points for the sector to ponder
From regen ag to AI and biologicals… what’s hot and what’s not in agtech? This and much more was discussed at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London.
Smart lighting key to future-proofing vertical farming, say scientists
Using dynamic environmental control or manipulating light according to the needs of specific crops could make them grow stronger and healthier in an indoor setting while minimising energy use, according to new research.
Chiquita announces ‘major milestone’ in banana breeding
Chiquita has announced the introduction of Yelloway One, a banana hybrid resistant to Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and partially resistant to Black Sigatoka. These fungal diseases are among the most significant threats to global banana production.
Farmers globally demand agricultural innovation: Bayer survey
Farmers around the world are crying out for agricultural innovation amid widespread concern over climate breakdown, a new survey has found.
Is New Zealand getting closer in its ‘holy grail’ quest to cut methane emissions?
Kiwi scientists have unveiled a new company, called Lucidome Bio, to spearhead the next phase of methane vaccine research the country.
Ahold Delhaize and General Mills join forces to scale regenerative agriculture
The US food giants have announced an innovative approach to address Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions within their shared value chain.
Project aims to create a unified methodology for the UK ag sector
Lloyds Banking Group and Soil Association Exchange have joined forces to offer what they call a ‘first of its kind’ environmental baselining assessment in a bid to create more sustainable and profitable farming practices.
Agtech investor profile
Serra Ventures on why investors will continue to be drawn to the rewards of agri-tech
It’s currently a challenging time for venture capitalists in the sector. But Tim Hoerr, founder and CEO of Serra Ventures, can’t think of a better category to be in.
'Seasonality can kill you as a company': Can a new standards framework help bring successful products to market quicker?
A new standard-setting playbook edited by Leaps By Bayer, the impact investment arm of Bayer, aims to spur innovation and investment across the sector.
Global partnership aims to develop pest-resistant sugarcane
PlantArcBio, an Israeli company specialising in gene discovery and biological components to enhance agricultural crop traits, has announced a global research and development collaboration with Brazilian sugarcane company Centro de Tecnologia Canavieria...
‘Every industry needs to start somewhere’: Calls for more insect farming R&D amid recent criticism
Insect farming allows us to farm sustainably and enrich foods in a way that harms the planet significantly less than traditional protein sources, an expert insists.
‘Powerful validation of our approach to regenerative agriculture’: Why Microsoft is backing Farmland LP
The still nascent carbon credit market for agriculture has received a boost with the news that Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund is backing Farmland LP. Will it be enough to propel the regenerative soil carbon credit market?
Innovation Insider Country profile
India: Are the bets back on?
After the crisis in funding in 2023, India’s agtech landscape is adjusting. But can investment be directed to the right places? Harry Holmes investigates.
How AI can slash indoor farming energy use
Integrating artificial intelligence into today’s environmental control systems could reduce energy consumption for indoor agriculture by 25% – potentially helping to feed the world as its population rises, Cornell University engineers have found.
UK bank HSBC offers farmers discounted loan fees to support sustainable practices
Farming businesses on the journey to more sustainable practices can now receive discounts on loan fees as part of a new HSBC UK initiative.
First plant sustainability index launched to cut environmental impact of growing crops
Global genetic improvement consultancy AbacusBio has launched what it calls the world’s first sustainability index for plants to help reduce the environmental impact of growing crops.
Save the bees: new brand lifts off to preserve falling populations
Agtech company Terra Vera has launched a new division to address the critical issue of declining bee populations.
‘Fast and efficient’: How new near-infrared and machine-learning tech could enable on-the-ground chemical testing of agri products
Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and machine learning can provide quick, accurate, and cost-effective product analysis of the chemical composition of agri materials, removing the need for expensive lab tests and putting the tech in the hands of workers...