Europe: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

European Hackathon "Youth for Bioeconomy": 4 Student Projects on Circular Economy and Biosolutions

The Youth for Bioeconomy Hackathon, organized by AgroParisTech, brought together students and companies to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Four projects were awarded, highlighting the importance of bioeconomy in agriculture, water, and biodiversity sectors, including TerraLoop for circular bioconversion and BioKube for water sanitation using biochar.

Biomethane: In France, the State Prepares to Shift Public Support to Production Certificates

Starting in 2026, biogas production certificates (BPC) will become the main support mechanism for the sector, replacing the purchase obligation. This change aims to meet biomethane production targets, which have already exceeded forecasts, reaching 9.1 TWh in 2023. However, the high production costs lead to a significant financial commitment from the State of 17 billion euros for 2019-2028, with the additional costs being passed on to consumers.

PepsiCo and Fertiberia Accelerate Low-Carbon Fertilizer Transition in Europe via Green Hydrogen

PepsiCo and Fertiberia announce a long-term collaboration to decarbonize potato and corn farming in Europe, utilizing green hydrogen-based fertilizers on 400,000 acres by 2030. The initiative aims for 50% low-carbon fertilizers in PepsiCo's European supply chain by 2030. Fertiberia will supply up to 150,000 tons of low-emission fertilizers, reducing emissions from potato and corn farming by up to 20%.

Europe: Towards an Evolution of the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Drones in Crop Protection

As the demand for sustainable agriculture rises, drones are emerging as essential tools for European farmers. However, current regulations hinder their adoption. An initiative from 15 member states calls for a modernization of guidelines to integrate these innovative technologies.

Synthetic Fuels: SAF+IG Invests €700 Million in Port-la-Nouvelle for 75,000 Tonnes/Year Facility

Canadian company SAF+IG announces the construction of a synthetic fuel production unit in Port-la-Nouvelle, aiming for commissioning in 2031. This €700 million project targets an annual production of 75,000 tonnes of synthetic fuels and the creation of 100 skilled direct jobs in the region.

Europe Grants First Emergency Approval for RNA Insecticide Against Potato Beetle in Belgium

This marks a first in Europe. Belgian authorities have granted an emergency use authorization for Calantha®, an innovative RNA-based insecticide aimed at combating the potato beetle during the 2026 growing season. Calantha® has been developed to meet environmental standards, with no detectable residues on crops. It is designed to be safe for bees and other non-target organisms, addressing growing environmental expectations.

In the Face of Asian Dominance, Dualsun Bets on a European Solar Sector

UV-C in Agriculture: Kubota Invests in UV Boosting to Cut Fungicide Use

Kubota strengthens its commitment to agricultural sustainability by investing in UV Boosting, a French startup that uses UV-C flashes to enhance crops' natural defenses. This technology promises to reduce fungicide use by 25% to 75% and improve plant resistance to abiotic stress while increasing yields. It is being applied to various crops (grapes, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables) across several European countries.

Brussels Revises Pesticide Residue Thresholds: Trade, Competitiveness, and Agricultural Innovation Challenges

Ongoing discussions in Brussels regarding maximum residue levels (MRLs), market access standards ensuring consumer exposure to pesticide residues remains within safe limits, could have significant implications for food safety, supply chains, and innovation. CropLife Europe calls for a rigorous impact assessment to ensure any legislative changes are evidence-based and consider overall economic and trade effects.

Blight-resistant potatoes: Switzerland tests new selection techniques without foreign DNA

Agroscope (Swiss competence center in agronomic and agri-food research) is conducting a trial on cisgenic blight-resistant potatoes, authorized by the Federal Office for the Environment. This project aims to develop varieties without foreign DNA, thereby reducing the need for plant protection products and improving resistance to extreme climatic conditions.