Good morning growers,

From biologicals and AI breeding to controlled environments and drone automation, agricultural innovation is accelerating across sectors. This week’s AgTech Digest highlights how companies are scaling sustainable technologies, advancing regulatory milestones, and expanding globally—underscoring a year defined by precision, partnerships, and platform growth.

And, a warm welcome to our new iGrow Network members. We’re glad to have you on board and look forward to keeping you updated on the latest innovations, opportunities, and trends in AgTech. Not a member yet? Register now to join the network!

Estimated Reading Time: 8 - 10 minutes

OUR LATEST AGTECH INTELLIGENCE DASHBOARD SNAPSHOT

Plant Science 2025: Biologicals, AI, and Genomics Lead Activity

Regulatory momentum is lifting biologicals and alternative chemistries, with new approvals and clearances (e.g., Biotalys EVOCA 10/31; BASF Zorina™ 10/16; FireHawk Bioherbicide™ 5/19; ADAMA Temper™ 5/13). Field results back commercialization (DPH Biologicals 4/24; Concert Bio 5/16; Enko 5/21; NRGene Green 9/5), while launches in stress management and nutrition (Acadian Plant Health 2/20; Lucent Bio 6/25) point to resistance management, residue-light solutions, and input efficiency as near-term priorities.

Capital and deals concentrate on AI breeding, gene editing, and data platforms—financings (Wild Bioscience $60M 10/17; Inari $144M 1/7; Treefera $30M 6/3; Solynta €20M 7/21) alongside partnerships (Profluent–Corteva 10/7; Micropep–Corteva 6/18; Syngenta–Tropic 5/6; Mars–Pairwise 8/8). Portfolio moves (Corteva separation, FBN spinoff 10/2; Miraterra–Trace Genomics assets 7/8; ICL–Lavie Bio 4/15) and activity centered in Europe/North America—with growing Middle East links—signal tighter focus on scalable platforms and routes to market.

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

AGTECH
New Funding Round, Initiative & More in AgTech

Agtonomy Secures $18M Series B to Scale Agricultural Automation
Agtonomy closed an oversubscribed $18 million Series B round led by DBL Partners with participation from Nuveen and existing investors. The funding will accelerate its physical AI platform for tractors and field machinery, expand commercial operations, and strengthen OEM partnerships to address labor shortages and boost on-farm efficiency.

California AgTech Alliance Launches $15M Statewide Innovation Program
The California AgTech Alliance has launched a $15 million initiative to advance technology deployment, workforce training, and regional collaboration. Backed by UC ANR, CDFA, and GO-Biz, the program will establish nine innovation hubs to support climate resilience, equitable access, and sustainable agricultural growth statewide.

Fieldwork Robotics Advances AI-Driven Raspberry Harvesting in Portugal
Fieldwork Robotics and the Research Centre for Sustainability are leading a 24-month R&D program to optimize robotic raspberry harvesting for Driscoll’s Reyna™ and Maravilla™ varieties. Partnering with Lusomorango, INIAV, Driscoll’s, and Maravilha Farms, the project explores AI efficiency and night operations to address labor shortages and enhance yield quality.

Agreena Introduces Agatha, an AI Assistant for Regenerative Agriculture
Agreena has launched Agatha, an AI assistant within the AgreenaGro platform that uses satellite imagery to support data-driven crop planning, pest detection, and regenerative practice assessment. Currently in beta, it complements farmers’ expertise while ensuring GDPR-compliant data use.

Thunderstruck Ag Launches eCommerce Platform for Farmer-Invented Technologies
Thunderstruck Ag has launched an eCommerce platform providing farmers and dealers 24/7 access to farmer-developed products. The site enables direct orders, bulk management through a dealer portal, and detailed product information to simplify purchasing and expand access to on-farm innovations.

PLANT SCIENCE 
New Acquisition, Registration & Funding For Plant Science

Planasa to Acquire Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI)
Planasa has agreed to acquire Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI), expanding its global footprint in plant genetics and sustainable innovation. IFSI will retain operational independence while gaining access to EW Group’s resources to advance research and develop climate-resilient plant varieties. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval.

Plastomics Raises $5.8M to Advance Chloroplast Engineering in Crops
Plastomics has secured $5.8 million in Series B funding from investors including Fulcrum Global Capital and Missouri Technology Corporation. The funding will advance its chloroplast engineering platform for corn and soybean innovation, enabling field trials and transgenic trait development aimed at improved pest and herbicide resistance.

Biotalys Nears EPA Approval for Protein-Based Biofungicide EVOCA
Biotalys announced that the U.S. EPA has issued a proposed registration decision recommending approval of its protein-based biofungicide, EVOCA. The EPA also granted a tolerance exemption for its active ingredient, supporting safer crop use. EVOCA targets botrytis and powdery mildew and will be followed by an enhanced formulation, EVOCA NG.

INTERVIEW
Bill Irby on Drones, Data, and the Future of Precision Agriculture

AgEagle is driving the next phase of precision agriculture through drone-based data and secure, service-driven models. “Why apply inputs across an entire field when technology can pinpoint problem areas?” said Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle.

Irby noted that service-based operations are becoming the dominant model for drone use, led by specialized providers in high-production regions. AgEagle’s integration of multispectral sensors is already showing results in Australia, Spain, and Canada, improving yield, input efficiency, and research precision.

With NDAA compliance now a core priority, Irby said AgEagle is focused on secure, domestic manufacturing and innovation. “Compliance protects data integrity and supports trusted supply chains,” he said. Looking ahead, AgEagle’s roadmap centers on next-generation UAVs and R&D to expand precision agriculture’s reach and profitability.

Discover more here.

CEA
New Initiative, Acquisition & More for CEA

Earnest Agriculture Expands Prairie Power Soybean Project
Earnest Agriculture is expanding its Prairie Power Soybean project and preparing a new funding round to scale production and distribution. Field trials showed a 6% yield increase across multiple U.S. states, with plans to treat over 50,000 acres by 2026. The platform leverages native prairie microbes to enhance soil health and resilience, with Prairie Power Corn set to launch in 2026.

Edible Garden Expands Michigan Facility to Boost Production Capacity
Edible Garden has added a new production line at its Grand Rapids, Michigan facility to improve efficiency and meet rising demand from retailers such as Kroger, Meijer, and Walmart. The upgrade, supported by the GreenThumb® greenhouse management platform, strengthens supply chain resilience and sustainability while enhancing delivery performance ahead of the holiday season.

Gardin and Priva Partner to Integrate Photosynthesis Analytics and Climate Control
Gardin has partnered with Priva to integrate its photosynthesis analytics into Priva’s climate automation system, giving growers unified access to plant and climate data. The collaboration enhances real-time monitoring, early stress detection, and lighting efficiency, promoting data-driven, sustainable crop management in controlled environments.

Nazca Capital Acquires Majority Stake in Hydroponics Firm SanSan
Nazca Capital has acquired a majority stake in Spanish hydroponics company SanSan through its Nazca Small Cap II Fund. Known for its blueberry cultivation systems, SanSan will expand internationally and broaden its product portfolio to include pest control solutions. The partnership supports continued double-digit growth and sustainable agriculture innovation.

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

• PepsiCo updates its Climate Resilience Platform (CRP) to enhance climate modeling and data access.CRP 2.0 introduces new features, broader global coverage, and expanded collaboration with industry partners. The update was co-funded by FFAR, contributing $1 million to advance climate adaptation research.

• $1.2 million awarded to 17 Long Island aquaculture businesses to expand equipment and production. Initiative part of New York’s Blue Food Transformation program to strengthen local seafood systems. Round 2 of the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program to open November 3 with $3 million available.

• Fruitist, a global fresh fruit and healthy snack brand, has raised $150 million in equity financing led by a vehicle managed by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, alongside new and existing investors. The funding will support Fruitist’s global growth, increased production, and rising demand for fresh, healthy alternatives to processed snacks. The brand’s products — including Jumbo blueberries, Snack Cups, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries — are now sold through major U.S. retailers such as Costco, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Publix, and Whole Foods.

• Abu Dhabi has announced a landmark initiative to establish a regulatory framework for novel foods, reinforcing its leadership in global food innovation and sustainable agriculture. The collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) aims to streamline the registration of next-generation food products and position the emirate as a world leader in advanced food technologies.

• The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved Mandala Capital’s SSEA Food Fund at its 43rd Board Meeting. GCF committed $36 million as an anchor investor in the $250 million blended finance fund. The fund will drive climate adaptation and resilience in South and Southeast Asia’s agrifood systems.

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