Precision Progress

Featuring updates from Verdi, Javelot, BeeHero, CNH, ADAMA, Spearhead Bio, Bayer, OnePointOne, Concert Bio, Inari, TTA-ISO, and Green Automation

Author

Sepehr Achard
May 16, 2025

Good Morning, Growers.
This week’s edition is packed with updates across plant science, precision ag, and crop protection—from gene-edited rice approvals to strategic pivots by industry giants.

What We Are Covering Today:

Estimated Reading Time: 5 - 6 minutes

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AGRITECH & PRECISION AG
AgTech & Precision Ag Highlights: Funding Round, Expansion & More!

Verdi raises $6.5M to scale smart irrigation

  • Canadian AgTech startup Verdi secured $6.5 million in seed funding, bringing total funding to $9.5 million.

  • The round was led by SVG Ventures with participation from strategic investors.

  • Verdi’s platform automates irrigation using patented smart devices that don’t require expensive infrastructure upgrades.

  • The company plans to expand across North America.

  • It also aims to collaborate with major food and beverage companies.

Javelot enters U.S. grain storage market

  • France-based Javelot announced its expansion into the U.S. market.

  • The company develops post-harvest storage optimization solutions for grain.

  • Its platform includes both hardware and software for monitoring grain quality and standardizing storage practices.

  • Plans include opening a U.S. headquarters in Chicago.

  • Local hiring is underway to support regional operations.

BeeHero launches solar-powered HeroLink

  • BeeHero unveiled HeroLink, a fifth-generation solar-powered gateway.

  • HeroLink transmits data from in-field and in-hive sensors to the cloud.

  • Designed for year-round deployment in remote regions with limited power access.

  • Will launch during Australia's almond pollination season in July.

  • Supports the company’s Global Million Hives Initiative for scalable pollination solutions.

Reservoir Farms opens robotics incubator in California

  • Reservoir Farms launched the first on-farm robotics incubator in Salinas Valley.

  • Focuses on developing automation tools for specialty crops like strawberries, broccoli, and romaine.

  • Startups will co-develop technologies with growers directly in working farm environments.

  • The incubator aims to accelerate commercialization of field-ready ag robotics.

CNH and Starlink partner to connect rural farms

  • CNH Industrial partnered with Starlink to bring high-speed satellite internet to farmers.

  • Applies to Case IH, New Holland, and STEYR-branded equipment.

  • Enables real-time machine data, improved fleet coordination, and remote updates.

  • Aims to bridge connectivity gaps in underserved rural regions.

  • Enhances precision agriculture adoption and digital farm management.

THIS WEEK’S EDITORIAL
LandWise Analytica Eyes Global Reach with AI-Powered Land Suitability Modeling

  • AI for land evaluation: LandWise Analytica delivers crop-specific land assessments across North America, soon expanding globally.

  • Real-time insights: Their tool generates land suitability and yield predictions in under 10 minutes using AI and satellite data.

  • Data with purpose: The company blends high-quality climate, soil, and satellite datasets to identify optimal land use and reduce agricultural inefficiency.

  • Farmer-first data ethics: Co-founder Patrick McMillan acknowledges risks around data misuse and calls for stronger data protections.

  • Validated by research: The model’s methodology has been peer-reviewed and published in Nature Communications.

PLANT SCIENCE
Plant Science Updates: Product Registration, Restructuring & More!

ADAMA registers new dual-mode herbicide in U.S.

  • ADAMA Ltd. has launched Temper™ More herbicide in the United States.

  • Designed for use in soybean, corn, and cotton production, it combines immediate burndown with extended residual control.

  • Targets herbicide-resistant weeds like common waterhemp.

  • Utilizes ADAMA’s proprietary Sesgama® Formulation Technology, it aims to reduce the need for multiple herbicide applications through early-season suppression.

Spearhead Bio introduces TAHITI gene editing system

  • Agbiotech startup Spearhead Bio unveiled its TAHITI (Transposase Assisted Homology Independent Targeted Insertion) platform.

  • Enables precise integration of genetic traits without homologous recombination.

  • Can be applied to both transgenic and non-transgenic crops, the system may accelerate trait development timelines.

  • Spearhead Bio will apply TAHITI to develop novel crop traits across various species.

Bayer restructures Crop Science division in Germany

  • Bayer announced a strategic restructuring of its Crop Science operations in Germany to improve profitability & resilience to international pricing pressure.

  • The Frankfurt site will close by the end of 2028, affecting ~500 positions and the Dormagen site to focus on strategic crop protection technologies.

  • Generic production activities to be phased out, impacting ~200 additional jobs.

  • Global R&D activities will be centralized at Monheim am Rhein, consolidating resources and reducing operational costs.

CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE
CEA Updates: Partnerships, Tomato Yield, R&D Facility & More!

OnePointOne and AutoStore pilot automated vertical farm in Phoenix

  • Opollo Farm, a fully automated vertical farming system, is now operating in pilot phase in Phoenix, Arizona.

  • Developed by OnePointOne and AutoStore, the platform uses robotic technology for plant care and harvesting.

  • Features include high-density cultivation, hydroponics, and full environmental control.

  • Designed to address labor shortages and water scarcity through automation and efficiency.

  • The platform is being evaluated for potential commercial expansion.

Concert Bio reports yield boost in hydroponic tomatoes

  • Concert Bio validated performance of its microbial inputs in hydroponic tomato trials, in collaboration with Fyto.

  • Candidate 2, derived from its AI-driven plant microbiome platform, showed a 15% increase in total fresh fruit yield.

  • The results confirm the potential of targeted microbiome products in soilless environments.

  • The company continues to explore additional microbial candidates for commercial use.

Inari expands R&D with new Ghent facility

  • Inari opened a new controlled environment research site in Ghent, Belgium.

  • The facility includes greenhouse compartments and walk-in growth chambers for indoor plant testing.

  • Expands Inari’s European capacity for early-stage seed development and testing.

  • Strategically located amid evolving EU genomic and biotech policies.

  • Enables faster innovation cycles aligned with regional regulatory frameworks.

TTA-ISO introduces FlexFixer transplanting automation

  • TTA-ISO launched FlexFixer, a nursery automation tool for filling empty cells in transplant trays.

  • Utilizes dual vision systems and a multi-axis robotic arm to identify and fill gaps.

  • Designed to improve uniformity, reduce manual labor, and increase efficiency.

  • Integrates easily with existing transplanting lines across various nursery setups.

  • FlexFixer is part of TTA-ISO’s broader automation product suite post-merger.

Green Automation completes leafy greens system at Haven Greens

  • Green Automation finalized the setup of its automated production system at Haven Greens in King City, Ontario.

  • The system enables high-yield, efficient production of three leafy green varieties: Baby Green Leaf, Baby Red + Green Leaf, and Baby Spring Mix.

  • Supports local food production as an alternative to imported greens.

  • Emphasizes labor efficiency and consistent quality through automation.

  • Ongoing support includes remote maintenance and technical services.

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OTHER NEWS
Other Updates: Carbon Removal, Drones, a Report & More!

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