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This Week's AgTech Updates: Pairwise, AdvanSix, Catalera, BrightFarms, Voltalia, Biotalys, ProGro BIO, LandScan, CropX, John Deere, and CIBO Technologies

Author

Sepehr Achard
September 20, 2024

In partnership with Harnois Greenhouse

Welcome to this week's AgTech digest!

This week’s newsletter highlights notable developments in the AgTech sector, including significant funding rounds focused on gene editing, fertilizer production, and subsoil data initiatives.

We also examine the industry’s ongoing transition towards biological pest control, along with updates on new facility openings, patents, and acquisitions aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture.

Dive into the details below!

What We Are Covering Today?

Estimated Reading Time: 6 - 7 minutes
Listening Time: 13 - 14 minutes

SPONSORED BY HARNOIS
Harnois Greenhouses: Low to High-TechPoly Greenhouse Solutions for Berries 

Greenhouse-grown berries offer numerous benefits over traditional open-field cultivation, including extended growing seasons, better crop protection, and increased yields.

At Harnois, we provide a full range of greenhouse structures for berry production, from cost-effective open-field solutions like TunnelPro Plus to advanced high-tech gutter-connected greenhouses like Luminosa.

We offer turnkey solutions, backed by a team of agronomists and equipment experts, ensuring growers get tailored systems that fit their needs and budgets. As technology evolves, greenhouse berry production will continue to play a crucial role in sustainable, year-round farming.

FUNDING & INVESTMENTS
Funding & Investments This Week: Gene Editing, Fertilizer Production, and Subsoil Data

pairwise gene edited berries

Image provided by Pairwise

This week’s investments focus on gene editing advancements, sustainable fertilizer production, and subsoil data initiatives. Here are the highlights:

  • Pairwise, a gene-editing company specializing in plant breeding, closed a $40 million Series C funding round.

    • Led by Deerfield Management and joined by Corteva Inc., along with returning investors Aliment Capital and Leaps by Bayer.

    • The funding will support Pairwise’s development of gene-edited crops like seedless berries and pitless cherries, advancing its work in both specialty and commodity crops.

  • AdvanSix secured a $12 million USDA grant through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.

    • The grant will boost domestic production of ammonium sulfate as part of AdvanSix’s SUSTAIN initiative, adding 200,000 tons annually to the U.S. market.

    • The expansion will maintain energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support over 800 jobs in central Virginia, helping reduce reliance on imported fertilizers and enhancing U.S. supply chain resilience.

  • Varda joined the €6 million DeepHorizon project, funded by Horizon Europe, to combat subsoil degradation across Europe.

    • As a data service provider, Varda will use its SoilHive platform to enhance data sharing and discoverability.

    • The project, involving 16 companies and universities, aims to unlock subsoil potential through data collection, modeling, and stakeholder engagement.

THE TRANSITION TO BIOLOGICALS
The Transition to Biological Products in Agriculture: Insights from Catalera’s CEO

Image provided by Catalera

As regulatory pressure, climate change, and pest resistance challenge traditional pest control, Catalera vows to provide biological solutions. CEO Matthew Dahabieh discussed the company’s vision and challenges.

  • Regulatory Push: Governments, including the EU and EPA, are targeting significant pesticide reductions due to environmental concerns.

  • Pest Resistance: Over 500 pest species have developed resistance to insecticides, necessitating alternative solutions.

  • Catalera’s Approach: Dahabieh emphasizes the need for biological products to diversify crop protection while synthetic chemicals phase out slowly.

Innovation and Challenges

  • Tailored Solutions: Catalera’s Product Success Process addresses specific regional pest issues, like fall armyworm in Brazil.

  • Patented Technology: Focuses on overcoming barriers like efficacy and cost, improving adoption of biologicals.

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Approval for biological products can take 5-7 years in Europe and 3 years in the U.S. Dahabieh advocates for a “fast track” for biologicals.

Future Vision

  • Global Expansion: Catalera is expanding beyond North America into Brazil.

  • 2030 Outlook: The company aims to drive the adoption of biological products, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and addressing pest challenges.

NEW FACILITY
New Facilities: BrightFarms and Voltalia Expand

Image provided by BrightFarms

BrightFarms Opens New Greenhouse Hub in Illinois

  • Location: Yorkville, Illinois (Chicago metro area).

  • Expansion Plan: First of three new regional hubs planned for 2024 (others in Texas and Georgia).

  • Impact: Will boost capacity to produce 150 million pounds of pesticide-free leafy greens annually, serving the Eastern and Central U.S..

Voltalia Launches Agrivoltaic Demonstrator in France

  • Location: Poisy, Haute-Savoie, France.

  • Project Focus: Studying the interaction between solar panels and cattle farming.

  • Capacity: 250 kW demonstrator.

  • Goal: Co-using land for solar energy and agriculture, targeting 50% of solar capacity on co-used land by 2027.

PATENTS & CERTIFICATIONS
Product Patents and Organic Certification: Biotalys, ProGro BIO, and LandScan

This week saw important developments in patent approvals, organic certification, and precision agriculture technologies. Here are the key updates:

  • Biotalys Secures Patents for Protein-Based Biofungicide EVOCA™

    • Patents Secured: Biotalys received patents for EVOCA™ from the EPO and USPTO.

    • Next Steps: Under regulatory review in the U.S. and Europe, Biotalys is also seeking protection in Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa.

    • Future Outlook: EVOCA will lead into EVOCA NG, its first commercial fungicide.

  • ProGro BIO’s Rhizol Soil Inoculant Receives OMRI Organic Certification

    • Certified Organic: Rhizol soil inoculant is now OMRI-certified, promoting soil health with 35 microbial isolates.

    • Regenerative Focus: Supports organic farming and reduces reliance on chemical inputs.

  • LandScan Granted Patent for Precision Farming with Digital Twin Technology

    • New Patent: LandScan patented its Digital Twin technology (US 12,092,625) for precision farming.

    • Adoption: Early users like Olam and Mars report improved crop management and sustainability.

OTHER NEWS
Other News: Acquisitions, Sustainability, and Tech Innovations in Agriculture

  • CropX Acquires EnGeniousAg for Advanced Nitrogen Sensing

    • Acquisition: CropX's sixth acquisition brings in-field nitrogen sensing technology to its agronomic platform.

    • Impact: The integration helps farmers optimize nitrogen use, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact, aligning with CropX’s mission for sustainable farm profitability.

    • Expansion: Follows CropX’s acquisition of Green Brain in December 2023.

  • John Deere’s See & Spray™ Saves 8M Gallons of Herbicide

    • Tech Impact: John Deere’s AI-powered See & Spray™ technology reduced herbicide usage by 59% across 1 million acres in 2024.

    • Savings Guarantee: A new Application Savings Guarantee in 2025 will ensure farmers only pay if they save on herbicide costs.

    • Availability: Available on John Deere and Hagie sprayers, offering a sustainable option for weed control.

  • GOTS and Marple Achieve 97% Accuracy in Satellite Cotton Monitoring

    • Project Success: GOTS and AI firm Marple's pilot project in India achieved 97% accuracy in detecting cotton fields, supporting organic cotton certification.

    • Technology: The project uses AI and satellite data to identify organic and near-organic farms, improving the Global Fibre Registry for cotton production.

    • Expansion: The project will extend to other regions and crops.

  • CIBO Technologies Expands EQIP Solution to 19 States

    • Program Expansion: CIBO’s EQIP solution now covers 19 states, helping farmers access government and corporate funding for conservation.

    • Funding Increase: The USDA increased the EQIP budget by $1.65 billion in 2024, supporting more sustainable practices.

    • Future Plans: CIBO aims to expand the program further and introduce more funding options in 2025.

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