#AdvancingAgriscience

Your go-to source for all the latest developments, trends, and insights in the world of agriscience – focusing on AgTech, CEA/Vertical Farming and all things Sustainable Farming.

Whether you're an experienced professional in the industry or are just beginning to explore the innovative world of AgTech and its applications, this newsletter is designed for you.

Stay informed, stay ahead of the curve, and join the conversation about the future of this exciting field.

Expect to read all things Big Market news/ Trends and Innovative Start-ups to watch

If you're interested in contributing to an upcoming edition or collaborating on a future project, Please feel free to reach out.

𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐨 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰'𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬

In China, scientists are utilizing CRISPR gene-editing technology to hasten the domestication of wild plant species, a process known as de novo domestication. Jiayang Li and his team at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology in Beijing are specifically focused on Oryza alta, a wild rice species from South America. The primary goal is to eliminate the seed-shattering trait and enhance other desirable characteristics of this potential future crop.

A notable breakthrough in de novo domestication was achieved with wild South American tomatoes (Solanum pimpinellifolium). In 2018, scientists successfully edited six key regions of the plant's genome, resulting in plants that resembled domestic tomatoes. These genetically modified tomatoes produced ten times as many fruits as their wild counterparts, showcasing the potential of CRISPR technology in creating commercially viable crops.

However, challenges persist, including the complexity of wild plant genomes and ethical considerations surrounding potential exploitation of Indigenous knowledge associated with these crops. Efforts are underway to address these concerns, emphasizing the inclusion of Indigenous communities in the research process and ensuring fair benefit-sharing.

Despite these challenges, de novo domestication holds significant promise for revolutionizing global food resilience. As scientists bridge the gap between technological advancements and botanical understanding, the prospect of customizable and modifiable plant development for sustainable agriculture, exemplified by the success with tomatoes, emerges as a potential breakthrough in our approach to tomorrow's crops.

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

In a world where "ancient wisdom meets futuristic technology," sustainable agriculture emerges as the hero in the ongoing battle to support our planet, its people, and the entire food production chain. Drawing inspiration from civilizations that thrived on cyclical flooding and terraced farming thousands of years ago, modern-day sustainable agriculture is steering us away from the pitfalls of mechanization and industrialization.

Indigo Ag, a trailblazer since 2013, combines science and technology to revolutionise agriculture. Their Market+ Source program acts as a bridge, connecting farmers, agribusinesses, and consumer goods companies in a collaborative effort to source sustainable crops and quantify impact throughout the supply chain. This not only benefits the environment but also aligns with corporate climate targets and standards like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and Science Based Target initiative.

Jyoti Shankar , a principal data scientist at Indigo Ag, unveils the complex yet fascinating world of sustainable agriculture data. Remote sensing, soil samples, and market data are meticulously analyzed to project the impact of regenerative farming practices, providing accurate measurements crucial for global consumer brands' Scope 3 emissions accounting.

The success stories from farmers like Jeff Murphy in Kansas underscore the importance of experimentation and tinkering. Reduced tillage, increased cover crops, and judicious use of chemicals translate to lower carbon emissions, greater water conservation, and a healthier ecosystem. As consumers and investors increasingly demand sustainability, Indigo Ag's data-driven approach ensures a clear business case for climate solutions, making the next "Field of Dreams" a blockbuster of environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

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