AgriTech Review

Plus: Beyond Meat strikes new supply deal with Roquette. The post Agrifood Signals: Havra nets $113m for fresh produce ERP, ZBiotics GM probiotic expands to hospitality sector appeared first on AgFunderNews.

In a landmark initiative set to redefine the agricultural research landscape in Tennessee, the Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg) and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) have synergized their expertise to launch a pioneering joint seed funding program. This collaborative venture is dedicated to addressing some of the most urgent and […]

In a study published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Nagoya University researchers demonstrated that native soil bacteria, when treated with decoy molecules, can degrade non-native compounds, including persistent pollutants such as dioxins, without genetic modification. "In other words, we can effectively give these bacteria capabilities they do not naturally have, while keeping them in their original state," said Professor Osami Shoji, the study's lead author.

Marine biodiversity underpins the functioning of ocean ecosystems and the services they provide to humanity. Paradoxically, despite our profound dependency on biodiversity, we are driving its rapid decline and we find ourselves asking the question of whether we, as a society, have the tools to address it. The fate of marine biodiversity thus lies largely at the intersection of science, policy, society, and industry. All these sectors rely on knowledge to support our economic, cultural, social, and environmental well-being. Knowledge comes from transforming data into usable and actionable information, and data are derived from sustained observations which are driven by requirements of policy, society, industry and science. This interconnectedness across sectors represents both an opportunity for improved coordination toward sustainable development, and a challenge as potential competing priorities are negotiated. Each of these sectors plays a critical role in developing tools to help

New York State and New England have optimal conditions for grass-fed beef production—with an abundance of pasturelands and forage—but higher production costs have made farmers wary of expanding operations. In a new analysis, published in Agricultural Systems, researchers find that grass-fed beef can compete with grain-fed beef in the region, even given those higher costs and prices for consumers—particularly if operations are scaled up, either through larger farms or farm cooperatives, which could drop production costs and prices by 24%.

The AgNet News Hour featured a conversation with Aqua4D manager Jeff Nunes, who explained how new water-treatment technology could help farmers improve irrigation efficiency, reduce line clogging, and better manage ... Read More The post Water Technology Innovation Offers New Option for Growers Facing Quality Challenges appeared first on AgNet West.

Irrigreen, Niron Magnetics, Visana Health, 75F, and Fulcrum are among the Minnesota companies attracting venture capital and federal

Halting and reversing the global decline in biodiversity is now urgent to avoid destabilizing Earth's vital systems that support human well-being. That's the stark message of a new paper published today in Frontiers in Science. The authors warn that without protecting remaining intact biomes and ecosystems, climate and development goals will be impossible to achieve.

Early wheat didn’t just grow—it fought. When humans began cultivating fields, plants that could outcompete their neighbors for sunlight and space quickly took over, evolving upright leaves and aggressive growth. These ancient “warrior” traits helped wheat thrive for millennia. Ironically, modern farming now favors less competitive plants, prioritizing yield over survival battles.

Amity Institute of Horticulture Studies and Research(AIHSR), AIOA, and AFAF organized ICRAHOR-2026 on April 8–9, 2026, focusing on next-generation horticulture driven by technology, sustainability, and innovation to shape the future of farming.

In a remarkable breakthrough that holds immense potential for environmental remediation, researchers at Nagoya University have unveiled a chemical strategy capable of activating native soil bacteria to degrade persistent and toxic aromatic pollutants like benzene and dioxins—without resorting to genetic modification. This innovative method leverages the natural enzymatic machinery of ubiquitous soil microbes, specifically cytochrome […]

Sustainability has become something of a buzzword over the years. From the clothes we wear and the energy that powers our homes to the way we live our lives, the idea of sustainable production and consumption has become commonplace.

Tropical rainforests are home to almost two-thirds of all vertebrate species and three-quarters of all tree species: they are the most species-rich terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. However, over half of these diverse rainforests have already been cleared, and their area continues to decline drastically, primarily for agricultural purposes. Is there a chance of regeneration, and can not only trees but also the unique diversity of thousands of animal species return to cleared areas?

Plant-derived phytochemicals support lasting pig growth and gut health, outperforming antibiotics over time. Efforts to reduce reliance on antibiotic growth promoters in modern pig farming are increasingly turning to plant-derived essential oils as a promising alternative. These natural compounds may offer lasting benefits for animal health and performance. A rare long-term public study led by [...]

Sharing habitat with livestock is changing elephants' gut bacteria in ways that could be harmful to their health, according to new research conducted by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in collaboration with Save the Elephants. The study, appearing in Royal Society Open Science, tracked known individual elephants in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves in Northern Kenya and found that when livestock numbers increased in the reserves, the elephants' gut microbiomes shifted significantly. Microbes commonly found in livestock became more abundant in elephant guts, while beneficial microbes decreased.

For gardeners who love colorful, tidy flower beds, helping pollinators doesn't have to mean going fully wild. A new study from plant biologists at Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden found that some cultivated plants—bred for their vibrant blooms, compact forms and visually appealing uniformity—can still provide meaningful support for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Eating a higher quality plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias compared to eating a lower quality plant-based diet, according to a study published in Neurology. While the study shows an association based on observations, it does not prove that a higher-quality plant-based diet causes a lower risk of dementia.

Scientists have warned that a new UK Government report on global biodiversity loss and national security risks distorting evidence and driving ineffective policy by framing ecological degradation and its impacts on migration as a security threat. The report, "Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security," was published in early 2026 and argues that accelerating biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse pose mounting security threats to the UK.

The convergence of advances in biology and digital manufacturing is catapulting plant molecular farming to a scalable, cost-effective position relative to microbial, mammalian, and cell-free protein expression systems. The post Plant Molecular Farming Comes of Age appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.

Scientists exploring Saudi Arabia’s desert soils have discovered resilient microbial enzymes that could transform drug manufacturing. These glycosyltransferases, shaped by extreme conditions, may enable more efficient, stable, and flexible bioprocessing for complex biologics. The post Redefining Bioprocessing Using Reservoirs of Biochemical Diversity appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.

Deep within the lush expanse of the Chocó tropical rainforest in northwestern Ecuador, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how scientists understand ecological recovery after disturbance. This research, emerging from the Canandé and Tesoro Escondido reserves, employs a meticulous chronosequence approach, providing a novel window into how complex rainforest ecosystems regenerate over time after human land […]

"The independent segment of this industry has been kind of a black box from a sales and marketing analytics perspective," says Pepper CEO Bowie Cheung. The post Inside Pepper’s push to digitize foodservice’s long tail, armed with $50m and agentic AI appeared first on AgFunderNews.

The Animal Health Institute hired Ellen Hart as vice president of regulatory affairs. The House Agriculture Committee has a new member: California Republican Rep. David Valadao.

Some of the conservation projects under a $3.1 billion program that has been rebranded from a focus on climate-smart agriculture to expanding markets for farmers are slowly moving toward approval by USDA.

Read the latest wind industry & renewable energy companies, policy, wind farm projects & technology news, analysis on Windpower Monthly

As fuel prices skyrocket, you may be considering switching from regular diesel to biodiesel. Before you do so, here are the pros and cons of making the change.

Scientists have resurrected an old device to sniff out the exact scents that attract or repel insects, which

Healthy soils are critical to sustaining crop productivity, improving input efficiency, and securing farmer livelihoods while also serving as a key pillar of the One Health approach, which links environmental, … The post ICRISAT and Government of Telangana Upskill Farmers with Soil Health Management Training appeared first on Agriculture Post.

A gene-edited barley designed to cut livestock emissions and boost feed efficiency has become the first crop approved under the UK’s new pre...

In an era marked by escalating environmental crises and the urgent need for sustainable food systems, a new study offers groundbreaking insights into the long-debated efficiencies of agricultural practices. The recent research, published in Scientific Reports, rigorously compares the sustainability and productivity of conventional, organic, and regenerative agricultural methods within maize-soybean rotations. This extensive modeling […]

Scientists have uncovered a hidden molecular process that helps soils retain water. From large-scale farmers to casual home gardeners, people have long observed that adding organic material to soil helps it hold more water. Now, scientists at Northwestern University have identified the underlying molecular process that explains why this happens, showing how organic matter improves [...]

A new study published in the Biodiversity Data Journal provides a profound look at life up to nearly 10 kilometers below the ocean's surface in the Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara trenches. The research catalogs at least 108 distinct organism groups (morphotaxa), including the deepest-ever observation of a fish and a baffling, unidentified animal that has left global taxonomic experts stumped.

Anaerobic digesters converting manure to biogas reduce methane emissions from livestock, but incentives for them have encouraged factory farms to get bigger

Now rolling out to Android users globally, AI Enhance uses generative AI to improve your photos instantly. Here's how to use it, and where it falls short.

In a groundbreaking development in geotechnical monitoring, researchers have introduced a sophisticated intelligent monitoring pipe that leverages cutting-edge optical sensing technologies combined with advanced machine learning algorithms to capture and predict the three-dimensional soil settlement process in unprecedented detail. This innovative system offers a transformative approach to early warning systems for soil instability, which is […]

Rare cattle bloodlines could lose vital protection under new government rules, campaigners have warned, after key genetic lines were exclude...

Orlen Neptun has selected a consortium of Ramboll, Projmors ASE Group, and Enprom to […]

arXiv:2604.03252v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Ensuring digital inclusiveness is a critical priority in agri-food systems, particularly in the Global South, where digital divides persist. The Multidimensional Digital Inclusiveness Index (MDII) offers a comprehensive, human-led framework to assess how inclusive digital agricultural tools (agritools) are. However, the current evaluation process is resource intensive, often requiring months to complete. This study explores whether large language models (LLMs) can support a rapid, AI-enabled assessment of digital inclusiveness, complementing the MDII's existing workflow. Using a comparative analysis, the research benchmarks the performance of four LLMs (Grok, Gemini, GPT-4o, and GPT-5) against prior expert-led evaluations. The study investigates model alignment with human scores, sensitivity to temperature settings, and potential sources of bias. Findings suggest that LLMs can generate evaluative outputs that approximate expert judgment

A 16-year-old boy admits to using livestock steroids for rapid body transformation, highlighting the dangers of the 'lookmaxxing' trend.

Images have long played a powerful role in shaping public perceptions of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), often reinforcing emotional reactions more than scientific understanding. A new experimental study published in the Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) explores how different types of images can influence people's attitudes toward GMOs—and suggests that pictures may reinforce existing views, further polarizing them.

A groundbreaking five-year field investigation has elucidated the remarkable capacity of biochar to not merely amend soil chemistry but to orchestrate a comprehensive and long-lasting transformation of soil ecosystems. This research offers pivotal insights with profound implications for agriculture and environmental sustainability, particularly in mitigating the deteriorating effects of soil acidification—a pervasive global challenge. Soil […]

A groundbreaking advancement in water purification technology has emerged from the innovative transformation of agricultural waste into a highly efficient, environmentally friendly catalyst. This catalyst, derived from nitrogen-doped biochar synthesized using cotton hulls, represents a significant leap forward in ozone-based water treatment processes, demonstrating an ability to degrade persistent chemical pollutants with unprecedented speed and […]

Scientists have uncovered an unexpected way that certain bacteria manipulate plants from within. Plant-infecting bacteria have a surprisingly direct way of taking over crops. Instead of slowly breaking down defenses, many of them inject proteins straight into plant cells, effectively hijacking the system from the inside. For decades, scientists have tried to understand one particularly [...]

Explore how Donald Trump's recent comments about Kamala Harris and the egg industry reveal his political strategy, blending personal insults with economic grievances.

Secretary Kennedy pushes to expand Dietary Guidelines into hospitals as CMS memo targets ultraprocessed foods and sugary beverages in patient meals.

The California legislature reauthorized the Cap-and-Invest program, but neglected agricultural funding despite advocacy for $300 million yearly. A joint hearing highlighted the success of climate smart agriculture programs. With increasing pressures on farmers and ongoing funding inconsistencies, a new bill proposes $400 million annually to support sustainable practices, addressing urgent agricultural needs. The post Joint Legislative Hearing on State Investments in Climate Smart Agriculture Programs – Will California Farmers Get Support?   appeared first on CalCAN - California Climate & Agriculture Network.

A plant uses a rare scent to guide its pollinator to male flowers first and to female flowers later, finds a study led by Kobe University. The work, appearing in Current Biology, uncovers a precise chemical system that not only keeps this partnership specific but also helps ensure it remains beneficial to both parties.

See how RDO's SurePoint’s liquid application system improves accuracy, reduces input waste, and manages nutrients more efficiently. The post Inside Today’s Precision Liquid Fertilizer Application Technology appeared first on CropLife.

Baseus has launched the PicoGo Air in China, a slim 6.9mm magnetic power bank with 5,000mAh capacity, 15W wireless. and 22.5W wired charging.

Prince Andrew's reported refusal to vacate Wood Farm has forced the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh into a Sandringham holiday let, exposing fresh tensions over his post-Epstein status and the King's efforts to slim down the monarchy.

Malaysia is facing renewed pressure to expand palm-based biodiesel as the Iran war drives up fuel costs, but industry and academic observers say high infrastructure costs and slow roll-out make it an unlikely source of quick relief. That tension has sharpened as the government confronts a swelling fuel subsidy bill and greater exposure to imported supply shocks. The finance ministry last month said petrol and diesel subsidies could reach 4 billion ringgit (US$903 million) a month with crude oil...

Concerns have been raised that a £100 million government-backed restart of a major bioethanol plant may fail to support UK farmers, with no ...

India’s agriculture faces growing concerns over the continued use of hazardous pesticides that pose risks to human health, food safety, and ecosystems despite global restrictions. Driven by affordability, weak regulation, and limited awareness, their persistence highlights urgent policy gaps and the need for safer, more sustainable farming practices.

Melting ice, rebounding land, and rising seas will change what resources are available in Antarctica, a new analysis finds.

New robotics and AI tools are helping agriculture address workforce shortages while improving safety, productivity, and long-term sustainability.

Shortlisted for the 2025 Southwood Prize About the research Overview Seeds can accelerate the restoration of degraded landscapes. But where should practitioners source them, especially as the climate changes? In our latest paper, we address this by proposing a spatially explicit tool that identifies the best areas for sourcing seeds for ecosystem restoration under different strategies, from prioritising local seeds to nonlocal seeds preadapted to future …

Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors' favorite stocks over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories. Importance Rank:  1 read more

Retail investors talked up five hot stocks this week (March 30 to April 27) on X and Reddit's r/WallStreetBets: TSLA, MU, RKLB, NKE, BYND. Importance Rank:  1 read more

This hose-attached smart sprinkler maps your yard, rotates on command, and measures water use. Despite these clever features, the results are a little uneven.

China’s Soybean Crisis: A Pathway Through Innovative Cropping Systems and Dietary Reform In the face of mounting global pressures on food security and environmental sustainability, China, the world’s largest importer of soybeans, is confronting a critical challenge. Its burgeoning demand for soybeans, essential for animal feed and food products, has outpaced domestic production capabilities, resulting […]

A groundbreaking study is reshaping the future of rice agriculture by tackling one of its most persistent challenges: simultaneously enhancing crop yields, conserving water, and minimizing environmental pollution. This innovative research introduces a synergistic approach that combines alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation with nitrogen-loaded biochar—a pioneering method that not only elevates rice productivity but […]

A groundbreaking twelve-year field study has emerged, shedding light on the nuanced effects of biochar—a highly porous, carbon-rich substance produced via biomass pyrolysis—on soil carbon sequestration through microbial activity. This investigation reveals that while biochar can significantly bolster the storage of microbial-derived carbon in the upper soil layers of croplands, its impact varies dramatically with […]

A groundbreaking new study, published in the journal Biochar, sheds fresh light on the intricate effects of biochar on soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a highly potent greenhouse gas. Researchers have long touted biochar, a carbon-enriched material derived from biomass, as a promising solution to climate change due to its potential for enhancing soil […]

In an era where precision agriculture is increasingly becoming the linchpin of sustainable food production, a groundbreaking study out of Japan is turning heads in horticultural technology circles. Researchers led by Naito, Kawasaki, and Lee have unveiled a compelling proof-of-concept demonstrating harvest peak control in strawberry cultivation through the innovative use of a cultivation emulator […]

Researchers uncover how trace contaminants move through crops and soils, quietly influencing plant biology and agricultural systems in ways not fully understood. A sweeping international analysis is raising new concerns about what may be quietly entering our food supply. Scientists report that crops can absorb “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs), a broad group of modern [...]

From drying garlic faster to moving mulch with ease, our readers share their most creative garden solutions

Gene drives—a genetic engineering approach that quickly spreads specific genetic changes throughout a population, whether to kill it off or add a new trait—may have potential for controlling weeds. But so far, gene drives have primarily been studied in mosquitoes, and have yet to be deployed in the real world.

For those who want a little help composting, take a cue from James Woodford’s experience raising worms – both the small colony of wrigglers he keeps in a sensible bin in his city garden and the dumpster-sized worm farm he has that can turn even animal carcasses into nutrient-dense soil

Kerala’s new ‘state microbe’ and microbiome research hub eye sustainable solutions for health and environment.

In a groundbreaking advancement that merges sustainability with performance, scientists have unveiled a novel thermal insulation material derived entirely from spent coffee grounds. This innovative development offers a compelling alternative to traditional petroleum-based insulators, addressing pressing environmental concerns while maintaining competitive functionality. By leveraging ubiquitous coffee waste and transforming it into a highly porous biochar, […]

In a groundbreaking advancement poised to transform environmental remediation, scientists have unveiled a pioneering method that activates soil’s intrinsic chemical properties to dismantle stubborn antibiotic pollutants without relying on external chemical additives. This innovative approach centers on an iron-enhanced biochar capable of catalyzing the breakdown of antibiotics like sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a commonly detected contaminant in […]

Twenty states and the District of Columbia are opposing Monsanto in a case before the Supreme Court involving whether federal pesticide law preempts lawsuits alleging state failure-to-warn claims.

CapstanAG is known for its Pulse Width Modulation technology that pioneered the efficiency of liquid distribution. The post Nordson Acquires CapstanAG, Expanding Precision Agriculture Division in North America appeared first on CropLife.

Soluna expanded into artificial intelligence in 2024 to shore up declining revenues from its crypto mining business, mirroring an industry-wide shift toward AI workloads.

The new food delivery features showcase Alexa Plus's latest integrations with third-party apps.

AI use remains early, with early adopters using it most for business analysis, writing and planning. The post Bushel’s 2026 State of the Farm Report Examines Early AI Use and Broader Digital Trends in Agriculture appeared first on CropLife.

Advanced technology can help farmers get to the root of a growing problem—overwatering in an era of increasing drought and water scarcity. A new UC Riverside system can map soil moisture tree by tree, so growers water only where and when it's needed.

A surprising new study suggests that genetics may change how diet affects brain health—especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s risk. Researchers found that older adults carrying high-risk APOE gene variants didn’t show the expected cognitive decline if they ate relatively high amounts of meat. In fact, those with these genes who consumed the most meat had slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk, challenging conventional dietary advice.

In the face of mounting water scarcity and extended drought conditions, the agricultural sector is under unprecedented pressure to optimize irrigation practices without compromising crop health. A trailblazing development from researchers at the University of California Riverside introduces a sophisticated robotic system designed to map soil moisture variability on an individual tree basis within citrus […]

An evolutionary “arms race” for light and space drove the early domestication of wheat, according to new research that could provide new insights into crop design. In a new study led by Dr. Yixiang Shan and Professor Colin Osborne, working with international research partners, scientists examined how wild plants responded to early human cultivation. Their [...]

The global 1KOMMA5° group provides home solar battery solutions and has now launched the Heartbeat AI platform to enable homeowners to optimise their energy consumption and accelerate the battery payback timeframe. 1KOMMA5° designed battery hardware uses Lithium Iron Phosphate technology and is controlled by its proprietary circuit board technology. With... The post 1KOMMA5° introduces energy optimisation platform Heartbeat AI in Australia appeared first on green magazine.

A new international study offers insights into the health risks posed by crops' absorption of "contaminants of emerging concern" (CECs) and flags knowledge gaps the authors say must be addressed. CECs include pharmaceuticals, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials and PFAS (commonly known as "forever chemicals"). The researchers warn that even when present at very low concentrations, these chemicals can subtly alter plant physiology, disrupt soil health and pose wider environmental and human health risks.

In an era where sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship are paramount, soil health has emerged as a critical focal point for scientists striving to bolster food security and mitigate climate change impacts. Recent advancements in soil amendment research spotlight hydrochar—a carbon-rich material derived from the hydrothermal carbonization of organic waste—as an innovative and remarkably effective […]

A groundbreaking international meta-analysis has brought to light critical insights regarding the ingestion and bioaccumulation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) by agricultural crops, signaling profound implications for environmental and human health alike. These contaminants, encompassing classes such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—often dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their […]