FRANCE. The area dedicated to durum wheat has decreased from 505,000 hectares in 2010 to 196,000 hectares in 2026, jeopardizing the sector. A sovereignty plan of 43 million euros aims to support research and promote contracts, which the sector wants to increase from 30% to 50% to secure producers' incomes. Despite this decline, France remains self-sufficient in durum wheat but still imports nearly 60% of its pasta.
Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Blé dur : « Dérisquer la production par la contractualisatio..." - 9 March 2026
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The agrifoodtech sector has lost one of its architects, Rob Trice, co-founder of Better Food Ventures and The Mixing Bowl. A pioneering investor and tireless connector, he helped shape the emerging agrifoodtech ecosystem—a term he played a key role in popularizing. Supporting over 25 founders, he championed clear-sighted innovation rooted in agricultural realities. A respected voice, often critical, always committed.
Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Remembering Rob Trice, a founding voice in agrifoodtech" - 7 March 2026
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Sweet potato consumption in France tripled between 2015 and 2018, reaching 75,000 tons by 2024, while national production remains limited to about 10,000 tons. Since 2019, the Interprofessional Technical Center for Fruits and Vegetables (CTIFL) has been testing its cultivation in Brittany, demonstrating feasibility with yields of 2 to 3.5 kg/m². However, competition from imports and market uncertainty still hinder the establishment of producers.
Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Cultiver de la patate douce en Bretagne ? Chiche ou pas chic..." - 6 March 2026
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The National Center for Agricultural Promotion of Vietnam, the Vietnamese agribusiness group Loc Troi, and the Japanese company Newgreen have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy Japanese technologies in rice farming in the Mekong Delta. The project includes the use of the Aigamo robot, equipped with AI and GPS, to improve rice quality while reducing methane emissions. The initiative also aims to expand sustainable rice cultivation areas.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Viet Nam to apply Japanese technology in rice production" - 6 March 2026
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The coffee borer (Leucoptera coffeella), a major pest in Brazilian plantations, is showing increasing signs of resistance to neurotoxic insecticides. According to a study, between 34.3% and 62.9% of populations are at risk of control failure depending on the molecules used, with particularly high resistance levels noted for abamectin and chlorpyrifos. These findings highlight the need to enhance monitoring and integrate alternative strategies in coffee pest management.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Control failure risk, resistance and enzymatic activity of n..." - 6 March 2026
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A study conducted by researchers from the Leibniz Institute DSMZ, the Italian National Research Council, and BASF-Nunhems reveals the emergence of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) strains capable of simultaneously overcoming the resistances of both tomatoes and peppers. This finding, published in Virology, challenges certain agronomic practices such as the rotation of resistant varieties and underscores the need to enhance monitoring and management strategies for the virus.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Tomato and pepper production faces emerging threats" - 5 March 2026
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With 150.18 million tons produced in 2024-2025, India has become the world’s leading rice producer, surpassing China. This growth is driven by an 18% increase in cultivated areas since 2019-2020, supported by new varieties and favorable monsoons. However, the expansion of rice cultivation intensifies pressure on water resources, prompting the government to encourage crop diversification.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "India Overtakes China as World's Largest Rice Producer — But..." - 4 March 2026
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Global wheat production reaches new heights, yet resource distribution and trade stagnate, leaving many importing countries reliant. While France struggles to meet its organic wheat needs, China moves towards grain self-sufficiency. Geopolitical and climatic challenges exacerbate the difficulties for Middle Eastern and African nations, complicating the situation further.
Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "Blé dans le monde : l’abondance ne profite pas à tous" - 25 February 2026
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SIA'PRO 2026, taking place in Paris from February 23 to 25, 2026, as part of the International Agricultural Show, aims to address contemporary agricultural challenges through strategic themes. By bringing together farmers and experts, this event will highlight innovative and practical solutions to enhance farm performance while considering market developments and societal expectations.
Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "SIA PRO 2026 : des réponses concrètes aux grands enjeux agri..." - 17 February 2026
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British start-up The Bland Company has raised $2.67 million to develop technology capable of transforming agricultural by-products into functional plant proteins. These proteins aim to replace eggs in various food products, providing a solution to the volatility of egg prices and supply chain challenges. With a clean and adaptable processing method, the company hopes to revolutionize the food supply chain while meeting the growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "The Bland Company raises $2.7m to functionalize plant protei..." - 11 February 2026
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