Europe: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

In the Netherlands, Biocontrol of Pests Becomes the Norm in Greenhouse Cultivation

According to preliminary data from Statistics Netherlands, biological pest control is now ubiquitous in greenhouse crops, with adoption reaching 94% in 2024. This stable trend compared to 2020 conceals notable increases in the use of certain agents, particularly predatory mites and thrips, which have seen significant growth in usage. Microbiological agents, such as bacteria, are also increasingly integrated into cultivation practices.

A New Dutch Center Merges Agronomic Trials and Data to Design Tomorrow's Varieties

The newly inaugurated Rijk Zwaan Open Field Testing Center in the Netherlands is designed to enhance practical research on field crops. This state-of-the-art facility allows for the evaluation of 20 field crops, including lettuce, brassicas, spinach, and chicories, featuring amenities such as a digital phenotyping lab for precise variety assessment.

EU Fails to Reach Compromise on Pesticide Regulation Reform

Negotiations for a compromise on new pesticide rules in the EU, proposed by Cyprus, have stalled. This text aimed to facilitate the use of organic pesticides while granting unlimited approvals for certain synthetic substances. Disagreements among member states, particularly regarding the restriction of imports of products containing banned pesticide residues, hindered the agreement.

AgTech Investment in Europe by 2026: Significant Dynamics Ahead

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The registration of the SOLHY019 variety by Solynta in the Dutch national register marks a significant advancement for the potato industry. This global first, derived from true hybrid seeds, validates the company's breeding technology and paves the way for broader adoption of hybrid varieties. This variety promises improved agronomic performance, increased disease resistance, and more efficient seed distribution.

Low-Input Wheat Varieties: COPE Focuses on Nitrogen Efficiency with New Strain to Address Margin Pressures

British company COPE is set to unveil its new winter wheat variety, Chessum, at Cereals 2026, taking place from June 10 to 11, addressing the growing needs of farmers for low-input crops. With high nitrogen use efficiency and resistance to diseases such as yellow rust and septoria, Chessum aligns with a more sustainable crop management approach while maintaining grain quality potential.

A French Company Secures Emergency Authorization in Italy for Its Biofungicide Against Basil Downy Mildew

Amoéba, a French company specializing in natural microbiological solutions, has received a 120-day emergency authorization for its biofungicide AXPERA in Italy, aimed at combating basil downy mildew that can destroy up to 80% of crops. This measure addresses the growing pressure on basil producers, a key market in Europe, where conventional solutions are increasingly limited and inadequate.

Plant Health: A €6 Million European Project to Coordinate Responses to Agricultural and Forest Pests

The PhytoPRISM project, led by the University of Warwick in England, aims to create an innovative platform to coordinate the fight against pests threatening agriculture and forests in Europe. With a budget of €6 million, it brings together 15 research institutions and stakeholders from 8 countries and introduces epidemiological modeling tools to help authorities make informed and effective decisions.

Vertical Agriculture: To Tackle Climate Challenges, a Spanish Company Aims to Grow Hops Directly for Brewers

In response to climate challenges threatening hop production, the Spanish company Ekonoke is innovating with indoor hop farms, ensuring brewers a reliable and local supply amidst climate risks. By leveraging long-term contracts and vertical farming technology, the company aims for industrial expansion while validating its performance before attracting new investments.

Agricultural Robotization: A French Kit to Autonomize Tractors of All Brands

The French company Latitude GPS is marketing a retrofit kit that enables continuous variable transmission tractors of all brands to operate autonomously. This system, which includes multiple sensors and cameras for 360° vision and emergency stop devices, addresses labor challenges in agriculture, with a return on investment estimated between 3 and 4 years. The kit costs between 85,000 and 95,000 euros and can be transferred from one tractor to another.