Field Forward

Featuring Vertical Future, AeroFarms, Sollum Technologies, Pacific Plant Nutrients, Bayer, Ambienta, NuCicer, Growers Edge, John Deere, DTN, Lindsay Corporation, Hesai and more!

Author

Diletta Di Iorio
August 01, 2025

Good Morning Growers,
This week’s edition features key moves in agtech, plant science, and controlled environment agriculture. Vertical Future, Sollum Technologies, and AeroFarms push forward in CEA, while Pacific Plant Nutrients introduces its organic biostimulant, Mineral Max AG. In plant science, Bayer and Ambienta advance weed control and sustainable inputs. On the tech front, Growers Edge, DTN, and John Deere roll out tools to optimize farm operations, finance, and diagnostics—reflecting a clear trend toward scalable, climate-smart ag solutions.

A big thank you to Chris Rawley for joining us as our guest in the iGrow Network’s first Live Interview Session, "What Makes a Startup Fundable in AgTech?" 
His insights made it an incredibly valuable discussion. Thanks as well to everyone who tuned in and participated, what an amazing session it was!
And a warm welcome to all our new members! We’re thrilled to have you in the iGrow Network and look forward to sharing the latest innovations, opportunities, and updates in AgTech with you. Instant access here!

What We Are Covering Today:

Estimated Reading Time: 6 - 7 minutes

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Catch the full recap on this week’s AgTech Digest Podcast—available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite

AGRITECH
AgTech’s Highlights: New Acquisition, New Initiative, & More!

Growers Edge Acquires FarmTest Platform

  • Growers Edge acquired FarmTest, a platform for automated field performance testing.

  • Enhances field-level data validation and integration with Crop Plan Warranty.

  • Follows Growers Edge’s acquisition of Agcor; part of its ag fintech ecosystem vision.

  • Aims to improve profitability and risk management for farmers.

Lindsay Corporation Introduces TowerWatch™

  • Lindsay Corporation launched TowerWatch™, a tower alignment monitor for Zimmatic™ pivots.

  • Integrated with FieldNET™ Premier, it reduces troubleshooting time by up to 75%.

  • Allows remote detection of faults, saving water, energy, and labor costs.

  • Available on new pivots and as a retrofit for existing systems.

Hesai Technology Teams Up with Agtonomy and Alpha Werke

  • Hesai Technology partnered with Agtonomy and Alpha Werke to develop autonomous farm robots.

  • Uses JT series 3D lidar sensors for real-time perception in tasks like weeding, spraying, and hauling.

  • Designed to tackle labor shortages, cost pressures, and climate challenges.

  • Sensors are compact, weather-resistant, and built for precision agriculture.

DTN Unveils Operational Decisioning Platform

  • DTN launched the Operational Decisioning Platform, integrating AI, sector data, and real-time insights.

  • Supports agriculture, fuel logistics, and other weather-sensitive industries.

  • Designed to improve margin protection, risk reduction, and operational resilience.

  • Targets leadership teams needing fast, confident decisions in volatile markets.

John Deere Launches Operations Center™ PRO Service

  • John Deere unveiled Operations Center™ PRO Service, a digital support tool for machine maintenance.

  • Replaces Customer Service ADVISOR, adding features like remote diagnostics and software updates.

  • Priced at $195 per machine annually for US and Canadian markets.

  • Provides secure, machine-specific access for owners and third-party technicians.

INTERVIEW
Inside Mineral Max AG: A Q&A with Paul Gaylon, COO of Pacific Plant Nutrients

Mineral Max AG is an organic biostimulant made from blue-green algae, humates, Azomite, kelp, and coconut shell carbon.

  • Mineral Max AG is a certified organic biostimulant crafted from natural ingredients such as Klamath Lake blue-green algae, humates, Azomite, Icelandic kelp, and coconut shell carbon. The product is designed to support regenerative agriculture by enhancing microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and water retention in the rhizosphere.

  • “These five ingredients were selected for their synergy and shared geological history,” said Paul Gaylon, COO of Pacific Plant Nutrients. “They function cooperatively to enhance microbial activity and nutrient cycling in the rhizosphere.”

  • Backed by over 60 field trials, early applications have shown promising results in crop flavor, growth, and resilience, even with minimal use.

  • Currently certified in Oregon, the company is working through multi-state organic approvals and exploring international opportunities.

  • While not a fertilizer, the formulation aligns with USDA and AAPFCO guidelines, and aims to serve as a biological tool that complements natural soil systems. “We’re open to research partnerships and field collaborations,” he added, pointing to growing interest from farmers, educators, and international contacts.

PLANT SCIENCE & AGRIBUSINESS
Plant Science & Agribusiness Updates: New Initiative, Funding Round & More!

Mars Launches Protect the Peanut Plan

Bayer Files for Approval of New Herbicide Icafolin

Ambienta Acquires Agronova Biotech

  • Ambienta acquired Spain-based Agronova Biotech, a leader in biological crop inputs.

  • First agriculture sector investment for Ambienta and entry into Spanish market.

  • Agronova provides over 800 biostimulant and biocontrol products for stress management.

  • Aims to expand through organic growth and acquisitions, delivering sustainable solutions across Europe.

NuCicer Raises $11.5M to Scale High-Protein Chickpeas

Acres.com Partners with Lee & Associates

  • Acres.com partnered with Lee & Associates to bring land intelligence tools to over 1,400 associates.

  • Tools enhance land transaction efficiency in agriculture, energy, and development.

  • Enables better decision-making through data-driven insights and market clarity.

CEA
CEA Updates: New Expansion, Partnership & More!

Vertical Future Faces Insolvency and Explores Sale

Sollum Technologies Partners with Greenway Farms

  • Sollum Technologies partnered with Maryland’s Greenway Farms to deploy dynamic LED lighting in aquaponic lettuce operations.

  • Uses SF-ONE™ LED fixtures managed via the SUN as a Service® platform.

  • Lighting system enables spectrum and intensity control by growth phase and production zone.

  • Enhances product consistency, energy efficiency, and sustainability outcomes.

  • Supports Greenway’s goal of sustainable aquaponic production of lettuce and fish.

AeroFarms Expands Microgreens Distribution via Harris Teeter

  • AeroFarms expanded its retail footprint with Harris Teeter, offering microgreens in all locations across 8 states and D.C.

  • Includes varieties like Micro Broccoli, Rainbow Mix, Micro Kale, and Super Mix.

  • Indoor farming model promotes year-round availability, extended shelf life, and reduced food miles.

  • Microgreens are grown without soil or pesticides and have 4–40x more nutrients than full-grown vegetables.CE-Line Declares Bankruptcy Amid Commercial Hurdles

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OTHER NEWS
Other Updates: New Initiative, Funding Round & More!

  • Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) has announced a strategic investment in Grupo Papalotla, focusing on its Brazilian operations under Tropical Seeds do Brasil. The partnership aims to scale the use of hybrid pasture seeds for climate-smart livestock farming, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This collaboration supports Brazil’s national goals for pastureland restoration and sustainable beef production.

  • The New York State Department of Agriculture announces third round of funding for urban agriculture initiatives. $2.5 million available to support food production, safety, and distribution in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, municipal entities, and tribal organizations.

  • $30.25 million approved to bolster climate protection and agricultural resilience in northern Benin. Initiative to support 150,000 smallholder farmers, including 30% women and 30% youth. Project introduces sovereign and micro-insurance, early warning systems, and climate-smart farming.

  • Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK extend their collaboration for a fourth year to support independent oil palm smallholders in Aceh Subulussalam. The initiative has trained over 1,580 smallholders and 117 Village Extension Officers (VEOs) since its launch in 2021. The renewed 2025 program will train 500 additional smallholders and 20 more VEOs.

  • Wikifarmer, a Greece- and Spain-based agricultural marketplace, enters the UK market. The initiative aims to streamline olive oil sourcing for UK businesses amid recent price volatility. The Wikifarmer platform removes intermediaries, offering direct trade with verified producers.

  • TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods and Welch’s enter a decade-long partnership to enhance regulatory compliance and supply chain transparency. The initiative aims to implement automated compliance validation and real-time monitoring across Welch’s global operations. TELUS will contribute its proprietary agricultural database and analytics platform to streamline food production workflows.

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