Growth Momentum

Featuring Local Bounti, Cropin Technology, Dole, MAVRK Capital, Rantizo, Protein Industries Canada, Solynta, Mars, Bloom Fresh, Village Farms, CEA Advisors, AeroFarms, and Hort Americas.

Author

Diletta Di Iorio
August 08, 2025

Good Morning Growers,
This week’s edition highlights key developments across AgTech, plant science, and controlled environment agriculture. From new funding rounds and strategic initiatives to high-tech breeding methods and regulatory enforcement, the sector continues to evolve toward smarter, more sustainable solutions. Local Bounti, Cropin Technology, and MAVRK Capital lead in financing and operational growth, while Dole refocuses its core business. In plant science, advances in non-GMO soybeans, true potato seeds, and cacao gene editing signal a push for innovation and resilience. Meanwhile, Village Farms, AeroFarms, and CEA Advisors expand their CEA footprints—underscoring momentum across indoor and controlled environment systems.

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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AGRITECH & AGRIBUSINESS
AgTech & Agribusiness’ Highlights: New Funding, Initiative & More!

Local Bounti Secures $10M Convertible Note Financing

  • Local Bounti Corporation raised $10 million through a convertible note with an existing investor.

  • The note carries a 6.0% annual interest rate and matures in five years.

  • Includes a warrant to purchase up to 550,000 shares at $0.125 per share.

  • The financing reduces the company’s principal debt and supports operational growth.

Cropin Technology Wins €700K EIT Food Contract

  • Cropin Technology secured a €700,000 contract from EIT Food to deploy its FIRST Potato AI initiative.

  • The initiative promotes regenerative potato farming with data-driven, farm-level decision support.

  • Cropin’s platform uses real-time data and predictive analytics for irrigation, input use, and residue management.

  • Pilot programs will launch in Denmark, Germany, and the UK, with expansion talks underway.

Dole Sells Fresh Vegetables Division for $140M

  • Dole plc sold its Fresh Vegetables Division to Arable Capital’s og Holdco LLC for $140 million.

  • The deal includes $90 million in cash, a $50 million seller note, and a $10 million earn-out potential.

  • The division covers lettuce, broccoli, celery, and salad kits, employing over 3,000 workers.

  • Dole retains facilities in Huron, CA, and Yuma, AZ, as part of a broader streamlining strategy.

MAVRK Capital Announces First Close of Second Fund

  • MAVRK Capital closed the first round of its second fund focused on produce-related receivables.

  • Targets growers, distributors, and retailers across the U.S., Latin America, and South America.

  • Valley Strong Ventures is the anchor investor, with several hundred million committed.

  • The fund aims to bridge institutional capital with global food production needs.

Rantizo Rebrands as American Autonomy, Shifts to Software

  • Rantizo sold its drone spraying operations to an AgTech investment group.

  • The company has rebranded as American Autonomy, Inc., focusing on software development.

  • Its AcreConnect™ platform will remain central, supporting spray drone operator management.

  • The shift marks a strategic focus on digital tools in aerial agriculture.

PLANT SCIENCE
Plant Science Updates: New Initiative, Expansion & More!

Protein Industries Canada Launches Soybean Initiative

  • A $3 million initiative from Protein Industries Canada will support a $4.3 million project to strengthen the non-GMO soybean sector.

  • Led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd., the project targets early-maturing, high-protein soybean varieties for northern climates.

  • Includes development of a new whole-soy plant-based protein product for domestic and export markets.

  • Aligns with Canada’s "Road to $25 Billion" strategy to boost the plant-based food sector.

Solynta Promotes True Potato Seeds (TPS)

  • Solynta’s hybrid breeding approach replaces traditional seed tubers with true potato seeds (TPS), enabling more efficient and scalable potato farming.

  • The non-GMO model supports reduced crop losses and pesticide use, with trials underway in Kenya, Canada, and East Africa.

  • Public release of its diploid potato genome supports open innovation.

  • By 2030, Solynta aims for TPS to become a global standard in the potato supply chain.

Mars and Pairwise Partner on Gene-Edited Cacao

  • Mars has partnered with Pairwise to apply its Fulcrum® gene editing platform to cacao crop development.

  • The collaboration includes access to CRISPR tools like the SHARC™ enzyme to improve cacao resilience.

  • Objectives include enhancing resistance to climate stress, disease, and environmental challenges threatening global cacao supply chains.

Bloom Fresh Expands IP Enforcement on Table Grapes

  • Bloom Fresh is intensifying intellectual property enforcement ahead of peak table grape season.

  • The company protects premium grape varieties such as SWEET GLOBE, COTTON CANDY, and ALLISON.

  • Enforcement includes customs programs, DNA testing, and collaboration with Breeders Alliance.

  • Stakeholders are encouraged to report unauthorized produce to protect quality and grower interests.

CEA
CEA Updates: New Expansion, Funding & More!

Village Farms International Cannabis Expansion

  • Village Farms International will expand cannabis production by converting part of its Delta 2 greenhouse in British Columbia.

  • The CAD $10 million project will add 40 metric tonnes of annual production capacity by Q1 2027.

  • Expansion will be funded from existing cash and supports the company's scale-up strategy for global markets.

CEA Advisors Deploys Growtainer® Lab

  • CEA Advisors delivered a Tissue Culture Micropropagation Growtainer® Lab to Nash Nurseries in Michigan.

  • The modular lab enables scalable, sterile plant propagation in controlled environments using insulated shipping containers.

  • Suitable for diverse sectors including horticulture, agriculture, and botanical research.

AeroFarms Secures New Financing

  • AeroFarms refinanced its debt and secured additional equity funding to support operations and expansion.

  • Funds will sustain the Danville, VA facility and cover pre-construction for a planned second vertical farm.

  • The financing package includes contributions from existing investors and a new loan facility.

Hort Americas & Avé Organics Launch Organic Fertilizer

  • OAN 10‑0‑0®, a new liquid organic nitrogen fertilizer, has been launched for North American growers.

  • The product is OMRI-approved, pathogen-free, LGMA compliant, and provides a 50/50 nitrate-ammonium nitrogen blend.

  • Packaged in 270-gallon totes, it's aimed at organic and hydroponic growers seeking sustainable crop nutrition solutions.

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OTHER NEWS
Other Updates: New Initiative, Acquisition & More!

  • AgVault introduces integrated fermentation technology to enhance ethanol plant profitability. New system enables production of high-grade yeast for animal feed markets. 35% ROI reported from co-located facilities producing 16,000 tons annually. Precision fermentation process improves efficiency, lowers production costs.

  • Iris Nevins, a software engineering leader, has acquired Agricruit, shifting her focus from tech to agriculture recruitment. The firm was founded in 2020 by Kale Klendworth and has built national recognition in ag staffing. Agricruit operates Agtalent, a proprietary job board, and an internal applicant tracking system.

  • AgLaunch officially opens the application window for its 2026 AgLaunch365 Accelerator, with a final deadline of September 15, 2025. The program embeds startups directly into field operations with a national farmer network for real-world validation. Accepted startups receive $100K in investment, on-farm trials, data access, and support from ag sector partners.

  • SatSure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd. enters strategic partnership with Kenya’s KALRO. Collaboration aims to improve agricultural productivity through satellite-based analytics. Focus areas include crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and climate resilience.

  • Lightstar Renewables announces the Plains Road Agrivoltaics project in Montgomery, NY. Project integrates solar energy generation with continued agricultural use. DiMartino Farm to maintain hay production while adding new vegetable acreage. Expected to power 466 homes annually while supporting long-term farm viability.

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