iGrow AgriBusiness News

🚀 The latest in AgTech is here! This week’s AgTech Digest covers major funding rounds, new product launches, and industry shifts shaping the future of agriculture. 🌱 80 Acres Farms secures $115M to expand its vertical farming technology. 🦠 IBI-Ag raises $6.1M for bio-insecticide development, backed by Corteva. 💧 Netafim introduces Hybrid Dripline, a clog-resistant irrigation solution for greenhouses, orchards, and vineyards. ✈️ Pyka unveils Pelican 2, an autonomous electric crop-spraying aircraft, now FAA-approved for commercial use. 🤖 Carbon Robotics launches LaserWeeder G2, using AI & laser technology to eliminate weeds without herbicides. 📈 BASF considers an IPO, signaling a potential restructuring of its Agricultural Solutions division. 🌿 AgPlenus discovers a new Mode of Action fungicide for wheat disease control. 📩 Read the full edition at 👉 https://lnkd.in/e8PHKw2E 🎧 Listen to the episode here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e6HYe9Ca

Verdant Partners LLC Global Food & Agribusiness Review Sees M&A Declines in 2024, But Rebound Expected in 2025 The Verdant Food and Agribusiness M&A Review & Outlook – 2024, published by Verdant Partners, reports a 24% decline in global M&A activity in the agribusiness sector. Lower commodity prices, shifting consumer demand, and tighter capital markets led to a slowdown in deal-making, particularly in crop inputs, animal health, and processing. Despite these challenges, biologicals, robotics, and specialty ingredients remained key areas of investment, with strategic acquisitions continuing in these high-margin sectors. Garrett Stoerger, Managing Partner at Verdant Partners, commented: “2024 was a year of market correction, but 2025 presents renewed opportunities for strategic consolidation and investment in high-growth segments like biologicals, automation, and specialty ingredients.” Article in the first comment 👇 Follow iGrow AgriBusiness News for more!

🚜 Understanding Trump’s New Tariffs: What It Means for U.S. Agriculture & AgTech 🌍📉 With President Trump implementing new tariffs on key imports—including 10% on all Chinese goods and 25% on steel & aluminum—the agricultural sector is bracing for potential ripple effects. 🔹 What’s at stake? Farmers have seen the impact of retaliatory tariffs before, with U.S. agricultural exports dropping $27 billion in 2018-2019. Sectors like soybeans, livestock, and specialty crops could once again face disruptions as trading partners respond. 🔹 Impact on AgTech & Equipment Providers Startups reliant on imported components (e.g., sensors, microchips) may see rising costs, while large equipment manufacturers could pass price increases onto farmers. At the same time, some U.S.-based suppliers may benefit if demand shifts toward domestic manufacturing. 🔹 Investment Trends: Cause for Concern or New Opportunities? Despite trade policy uncertainty, AgTech investment grew during Trump’s first term, reaching $7.9 billion in 2020. Some believe automation & domestic production could thrive under these new conditions, while others argue that existing inefficiencies remain the bigger challenge regardless of the new trade policies. A special thank you to Austin Maness, COO of Harvest Returns, for sharing valuable insights on the broader impact of tariffs on AgTech and controlled environment agriculture. 💡 Will these tariffs accelerate innovation in U.S. agriculture, or create new financial burdens? Drop your thoughts 👇 Read our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/eWg-v63S iGrow News

AGCO Corporation and SDF Partner to Expand Massey Ferguson’s Low-Mid Horsepower Tractor Portfolio AGCO Corporation entered into a supply agreement with SDF, a manufacturer of tractors, harvesters, and diesel engines. This partnership will allow Massey Ferguson to expand its low-mid horsepower tractor offerings, with SDF producing models up to 85 horsepower for most global markets. The collaboration is part of AGCO’s strategy to enhance Massey Ferguson’s product range, ensuring farmers have access to efficient, reliable, and cost-effective equipment tailored to their needs. Luis Felli, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Massey Ferguson, stated: “AGCO and Massey Ferguson’s Farmer-First approach is centered on creating a consistently exceptional experience for our farmers. We are extremely proud to have a partner like SDF who shares our passion for serving the world’s farmers. This partnership will strengthen Massey Ferguson’s position in the low-mid horsepower tractor segment globally, allowing us to provide more farmers with straightforward, dependable, and high-quality equipment to drive their productivity and maximize profit.” Article in the first comment 👇 Follow iGrow AgriBusiness News for more!

Excited to be attending Gulfood - The World's Biggest Annual F&B Event next week! 🌍🍽️ If you're also attending and want to connect feel free to DM me—always happy to meet industry peers, exchange insights, and explore potential collaborations. Looking forward to great conversations and new opportunities! See you there! 👋

Stratovation Group Study Reveals Specialty Crop Grower Perspectives on Agricultural Biologicals A new study by Stratovation Group provides insights into specialty crop growers’ perceptions of biological agricultural inputs, revealing key trends, barriers, and opportunities in the sector. The research, conducted in collaboration with Western Growers, The Agricultural Retailers Association, The Fertilizer Institute, and D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services, surveyed 257 specialty crop growers nationwide to understand how and why they use biologicals in their operations. “This research is about listening to the people who matter most—farmers and growers,” said Cam Camfield, Founder and CEO of Stratovation Group. “Their insights and experiences are essential to shaping the future of biologicals.” Article in the first comment 👇 Follow iGrow AgriBusiness News for more!

🌱 This Week in AgTech Funding, Investments & Innovations 🌱 💰 Major investments in biocontrols, regenerative ag, and vertical farming are shaping the future of agriculture. Here are the top 10 updates from this week: 🔹 GreenLight Biosciences secures a €35M EIB loan to accelerate RNA-based biocontrols for pest control, fungal diseases, and honeybee protection. 🔹 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. launches a Regenerative Ag Land Loan Pilot with $750K from Walton Family Foundation, offering 7-year interest rate discounts for farmers adopting soil health and water conservation practices. 🔹 GoodLeaf Farms, Canada’s largest vertical farm operator, lands an FCC investment to expand leafy greens production across Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec. 🔹 BiocSol, a UCLouvain spin-off, raises €4.4M to scale biofungicide R&D and bring two products to the global market. 🔹 ICIG Ventures backs Ascribe Bio to commercialize Phytalix, a natural biofungicide with secured IP and pending U.S. & Brazil regulatory approvals. 🔹 WayBeyond’s AI-powered irrigation helps farmers reduce water waste and optimize fertigation with real-time climate data. 🔹 Saudi Arabia completes its largest vertical farm (20,000 sqm, 19 layers) with AI-driven monitoring and 90% water savings. YesHealth Group 🔹 Landus & Talus Renewables unveil North America’s first Green Ammonia system, cutting carbon intensity in biofuel feedstocks by 25%. 🔹 Zayndu Ltd CEO shares insights on plasma seed treatment, now covering 120+ species & 200 varieties for enhanced germination and resilience. 📅 Upcoming Events: 🌍 World Agri-Tech SF 2025 🏢 Indoor Ag-Con 2025 🌾 Reuters Events: Transform Food & Agriculture Europe 2025 🔗 Read the full AgTech Digest: https://lnkd.in/eDKzh4Py 🎧 Listen to the latest episode: https://lnkd.in/eiw-cQf4

FoodChain ID and &Wider Partner to Enhance Worker Condition Monitoring in Supply Chains The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) have introduced stricter requirements for businesses operating in the EU. Companies must now identify, monitor, and mitigate human rights and social risks within their operations and supplier networks. To meet these demands, FoodChain ID, a leader in certification and sustainability services, and &Wider, a due diligence data company specializing in worker engagement, have joined forces. Their new monitoring and auditing service offers brands greater visibility into working conditions, ensuring they remain compliant while improving overall supply chain transparency. “FoodChain ID brings over 25 years of experience in sustainability services and auditing to our partnership with &Wider,” said Dr. Chetan Parmar, Senior Vice President of Technical Services for Europe and Asia at FoodChain ID. Article in the first comment 👇 Follow iGrow AgriBusiness News for more!

Syngenta Seeds Announces New Distribution Model for NK® Soybeans in Canada Syngenta Seeds has announced a strategic shift in how NK® traited soybeans will be distributed in Canada. Beginning with the 2026 crop season, Pitura Seeds will manage distribution in Western Canada, while Jackson Seed Service will handle the Eastern Canada market. This change is designed to enhance market responsiveness and ensure growers have continued access to top-performing NK soybean genetics. “The strategic relationships with Pitura Seeds and Jackson Seed Service combine each organization’s local expertise with Syngenta’s market-leading NK soybean genetics, ensuring continued success for growers,” said Dan Wright, Head of Syngenta Seeds. Article in the first comment 👇 Follow iGrow AgriBusiness News for more!

🚀 Big News for the AgTech Community! 🚀 We’re thrilled to introduce major updates to the AgTech Directory—your go-to platform for connecting with industry leaders, clients, and talent. 🌱💡 🔹 What’s New? ✅ Job Board – Post job openings and connect with top talent in the AgTech sector. All listings will also be featured in our AgTech Digest newsletter for maximum reach! ✅ “Share Your Project” Feature – Need innovative solutions? Submit your project, and we’ll match you with relevant companies that can help you succeed. ✅ SEO-Optimized Company Profiles – Your directory listing will now be optimized for search engines, increasing visibility and driving more traffic to your business. 💡 Why Join the AgTech Directory? 🔸 Increase Visibility – Get discovered by thousands of industry professionals and potential clients. 🔸 Make Direct Connections – Engage with companies, suppliers, and partners in the AgTech ecosystem. 🔸 Customizable Profiles – Share press releases, events, and company updates in one central hub. 🔥 Sign Up Today & Get 10% Off! 🔥 Use coupon code: U3ZlFGlf at checkout to claim your 10% discount on any plan. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your AgTech business! 👇 Join today and start making meaningful connections! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e8x9wEUn iGrow News | Vertical Farming Podcast | Horti-Generation | Harvest Returns