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💰 AgTech Gains
Plenty's Partnership In The UAE, Syngenta's Collaboration With Ginkgo, GrowUp Farms' Funding & More!
Sepehr Achard
July 19, 2024
Good morning, readers!
As we reach the peak of summer, we highlight some important developments this week.
Estimated Reading Time: 7 - 9 minutes
Here’s a Quick Snapshot of What’s Making Headlines:
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Vertical Farming In GCC: A $680M Partnership Between Plenty & Mawarid
Image provided by Plenty
Plenty Unlimited Inc. and Mawarid Holding Investment announced a multi-year partnership to revolutionize fresh produce supply in the GCC region. This collaboration will begin with a significant investment of over US$ 130M to construct an indoor vertical farm in Abu Dhabi. The facility aims to produce over 2 million kilograms of strawberries annually, ensuring a year-round supply of high-quality berries for local markets in the UAE and export demands across the GCC.
Expansion Plans Across the GCC
The joint venture plans to develop up to five farms across the region over the next five years, with an estimated investment of US$ 680M. This initiative is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, boost local food production, and reduce reliance on imports.
Collaboration with Driscoll’s and Technological Advancements
Driscoll pre-committed to the entire production output of the Abu Dhabi farm, ensuring the highest quality standards. The farm, covering approximately 7,500 square meters, will be the world’s first commercial-scale vertical strawberry farm outside North America. Construction is targeted for completion by late 2026. The partnership leverages advanced technology and Mawarid’s expertise in agriculture to address food security and sustainable agriculture challenges in the GCC, as highlighted by Plenty’s CEO, Arama Kukutai, and Mawarid’s Group CEO, Mr. Kashif Shamsi.
DISCOVER THE COMPANY
Hydrosat's VanZyl-1: Revolutionizing Agricultural Water Management
The Satellite. Image provided by Hydrosat
VanZyl-1: In Memory Of Jakob van Zyl
Hydrosat is set to launch its pioneering satellite, VanZyl-1, in July aboard SpaceX's Transporter-11. Named in honor of Jakob van Zyl, a co-founder of Hydrosat and a former leader at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this satellite is designed to provide high-resolution thermal imagery across the globe. The primary objectives of VanZyl-1 are to monitor water stress in agriculture, enhance food security, and provide critical data to improve agricultural and climate models. Pieter Fossel, CEO of Hydrosat, emphasized, “By leveraging our proprietary imagers, VanZyl-1 aims to offer unprecedented insights into agricultural and environmental challenges worldwide.”
Technological Innovations In Thermal Infrared Imaging Technology
VanZyl-1 employs cutting-edge thermal infrared imaging technology, capturing high-resolution images free from the frequency constraints of existing satellite programs. High-resolution satellites typically capture only two images every 16 days, often hindered by cloud cover. In contrast, VanZyl-1 will provide more frequent and reliable data, enhancing the precision of water stress and crop health monitoring.
Fossel noted that most remote sensing solutions in the agricultural sector rely on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurements due to the lack of accessible thermal data. However, NDVI alone has limitations as it primarily assesses plant greenness and doesn't provide direct information about crop temperatures. VanZyl-1’s advanced thermal infrared imaging technology captures high-resolution images of land surface temperatures and evapotranspiration rates. "Understanding crop temperatures is crucial as it directly correlates with plant water stress and health," said Fossel, allowing for more accurate and actionable advisory services.
By offering consistent, high-resolution thermal imagery, even over oceans and at various times of the day, VanZyl-1 surpasses traditional NDVI-based systems, enabling a new level of precision in agricultural monitoring and advisory services.
Impact on Agriculture
VanZyl-1 is expected to significantly influence water management practices in agriculture, especially in regions prone to drought and extreme weather. By providing actionable data on water utilization and crop stress, the satellite enables farmers and governments to make informed decisions to sustain agricultural productivity. Fossel explained, “The enhanced data frequency and resolution will help manage risks in real-time, leading to optimized farming operations and increased crop yields while conserving water.”
Addressing Climate Change
VanZyl-1 addresses the impacts of climate change on agriculture by providing high-resolution thermal imagery to monitor and manage water stress, which is crucial for areas facing increased drought frequency and intensity. The satellite's frequent data collection captures detailed information on land surface temperatures and water utilization, enabling timely responses to water scarcity and variability in water resources. This capability is essential as climate change causes more significant variability in water availability, complicating consistent water management. Additionally, VanZyl-1's data helps optimize irrigation practices, enhancing agricultural productivity and food security, particularly in regions with growing populations.
By offering global coverage and real-time insights, VanZyl-1 supports sustainable farming practices, helping farmers adapt to rising temperatures and climate variability, ensuring efficient use of water resources, and better crop health management. Fossel added, “VanZyl-1 is a vital tool in helping farmers around the world adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.”
Data Utilization and Accessibility
VanZyl-1 collects and analyzes data using seven visible and near-infrared (VNIR) bands at a 30-meter ground sample distance (GSD) and two long-wave infrared (LWIR) bands at a 70-meter GSD. This high-resolution thermal and spectral data provides detailed insights into crop health and water stress. Farmers and agricultural stakeholders can access this data through Hydrosat's data and analytics platform, IrriWatch, which ensures the timely availability of critical information. This platform supports various applications, from optimizing irrigation practices to enhancing climate modeling. By delivering precise, actionable data, VanZyl-1 helps users make informed decisions to improve crop yields and manage resources more effectively. Fossel highlighted, “Our platform is accessible anytime, through a user-friendly web portal, mobile application, and API.”
Future Prospects
Hydrosat's future plans include the launch of additional satellites, with VanZyl-2 scheduled for early 2025 and the goal of having a full satellite constellation operational by 2026. This expansion will further enhance global data coverage and reliability, reinforcing Hydrosat's position as a leader in agricultural technology and climate solutions. The company continues to innovate and drive advancements in thermal imaging and data analytics.
Challenges and Solutions
Developing and deploying VanZyl-1 has been challenging, especially in the company's early stages. The unexpected passing of co-founder Jakob Van Zyl brought uncertainty that could have derailed the project. However, Hydrosat rebuilt its team, brought in new expertise, secured valuable mentorship, and successfully raised over $32 million in venture funding.
VanZyl-1, named in honor of Jakob Van Zyl, embodies his vision of achieving unprecedented results. This satellite is designed to enhance understanding of global water stress, particularly in agriculture affected by drought and insufficient irrigation. Using thermal infrared imagery, VanZyl-1 will measure the impact of climate change and provide actionable data. Fossel emphasized that Hydrosat's determination and strategic approach have turned challenges into a driving force for breakthroughs and progress, making VanZyl-1 a symbol of the company’s commitment to vision, advancement, and growth. “VanZyl-1 represents our commitment to Jakob's vision and our dedication to addressing global agricultural challenges,” Fossel remarked.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaborations and partnerships have been integral to the development and implementation of VanZyl-1. The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has assisted with Landsat calibration, which Hydrosat integrated into its models. Moreover, RIT is supporting VanZyl-1 calibration and validation activities. After the launch, RIT will continue to assist in data calibration from the new sensor, ensuring that the data is accurate and reliable, enhancing the overall impact of VanZyl-1. Fossel commented, “Our partnership with RIT ensures that our data is accurate and reliable, which is crucial for the success of VanZyl-1.”
Final Thoughts
VanZyl-1 represents a significant milestone in Hydrosat's mission to leverage thermal imagery for better agricultural and climate management. By providing reliable, high-resolution data, the satellite is set to revolutionize water stress and crop health monitoring, addressing critical environmental challenges. Hydrosat's ongoing efforts and future projects will continue to drive innovation in agricultural technology, enhancing food security and sustainability worldwide. Fossel concluded, “VanZyl-1 is just the beginning. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability will drive future advancements, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future for agriculture globally.”
BIOLOGICAL SOLUTION
Syngenta Crop Protection and Ginkgo Bioworks Collaborate to Accelerate Biological Solutions
Image provided by Syngenta
Syngenta Crop Protection and Ginkgo Bioworks announced a new collaboration aimed at accelerating the launch of a novel biological solution. Building on their previous work on next-generation seed technology, this partnership seeks to enhance agricultural innovation through advanced biological solutions.
Optimizing Microbial Strain Development
Ginkgo Bioworks plans to develop and optimize a microbial strain to meet productivity targets for a secondary metabolite from Syngenta’s biologicals pipeline. This biological solution aims for successful, cost-effective, and large-scale production, significantly expediting Syngenta’s market launch timeline. Ginkgo will use its Ag Biologicals capabilities, including biological knowledge and machine learning, to guide strain engineering strategies, diagnose strain performance limitations, and discover new biological features.
Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research at Syngenta Crop Protection, emphasized the importance of biological solutions in sustainable agriculture. Syngenta aims to provide farmers with complementary products and technology choices that promote sustainable practices. Magalie Guilhabert, Head of Ag Biologicals at Ginkgo Bioworks, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership, highlighting their goal to achieve productivity levels for the commercial viability of Syngenta’s innovative biological products.
FUNDING ROUND
Generate Capital Invests £38 Million in GrowUp Farms to Scale
Image provided by GrowUp Farms
Generate Capital and GrowUp Farms have announced a significant £38 million investment to meet the rising demand for GrowUp’s ready-to-eat salads.
Expanding Sustainable Agriculture
Generate Capital’s latest investment will be crucial in expanding GrowUp’s capacity at the Kent vertical farm, accelerating its leadership in the UK salad market. This financial boost will also support the company’s brands, Unbeleafable and Fresh Leaf Co., enhance R&D at GrowUp’s Leaf Lab site in Cambridge, and strengthen GrowUp’s impact as a certified B Corporation.
Strengthening Market Position
GrowUp has significantly impacted the UK market, becoming the first vertical farm to supply branded, bagged salads to leading supermarket chains such as Tesco, Iceland, and SPAR. This success highlights the effectiveness of their approach and the high demand for their products. Scott Jacobs, CEO and Co-founder of Generate Capital praised GrowUp’s rapid growth and market acceptance, emphasizing the collaboration's role in accelerating the decarbonization of the food system by providing nutritious, affordable, and sustainable greens to UK consumers and food manufacturers.
OTHER NEWS
AgriTech Weekly: Funding Rounds, Partnerships & More!
Image provided by Biome Makers
💰 Ceragen secured $2 million in a seed funding round. This financing will enable the company to expand its operations and advance its technology in new markets.
🌾 ICL and Lavie Bio Ltd. announced a significant milestone in their joint effort to develop bio-stimulant solutions for row crops facing various abiotic stresses. This achievement marks a rapid advancement in the field within the first 12 months of collaboration, a timeline accelerated by AI.
🧪 Biome Makers announced the latest evolution of its BeCrop® technology with the launch of BeCrop® Farm. This innovative digital platform is designed to maximize the potential of every acre by evaluating over 1,000 parameters, including complex biological data and environmental factors.
🍇 GAMAYA and Terraview have announced their merger, combining their AI-powered platforms to enhance sustainability and climate resilience in global food production. The strategic move aims to address critical issues such as decarbonization and water efficiency in sugarcane and grape crops.
🇰🇪 Bio-Logical secured $1.3 million in funding. This investment will be used to expand its Mt. Kenya biochar facility, addressing the growing demand for carbon removal and supporting climate resilience for Kenyan smallholder farmers.
🤝 Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. announced the signing of an MOU and License Agreement with Nuseed Nutritional US Inc. This strategic move grants Nufarm a commercial license to specific Omega-3 intellectual property assets, materials, and know-how for oil production in Camelina.
📊 CIBO Technologies and Anew Climate, LLC announced an agreement to enhance the Locus Agriculture CarbonNOW® program. This collaboration integrates the CIBO Impact platform to assist growers in monitoring soil carbon results.
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