Europe: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Solar Foods sécurise 89,2 millions $ pour sa production de protéines de l'air

La startup finlandaise Solar Foods a levé 77,8 millions d'euros pour développer une usine de protéines à partir de gaz, avec un objectif de production de 3 200 tonnes par an d'ici 2028. La décision d'investissement finale est attendue en 2026, alors que l'entreprise renforce son réseau de partenaires et sécurise des accords clients. Son ingrédient phare, Solein, a déjà reçu des approbations réglementaires dans plusieurs régions, répondant à une demande croissante sur le marché des protéines alternatives.

Food Resilience: Technology Alone Won't Suffice Without Policy Transformation

European Parliament Adopts GMO Directive for New Genomic Techniques

On June 17, the European Parliament approved the revision of the 2001 GMO directive, allowing the use of new genomic techniques (NGTs) in agriculture. This decision, welcomed by rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd, aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of farms. Unlike traditional GMOs, NGTs rely on targeted mutagenesis, introducing traits already present in the species.

NGT: European and American Seed Companies Welcome End of Regulatory Uncertainty

The recent adoption of the regulation on new genomic techniques (NGT) by the European Parliament marks the end of nearly a decade of legal uncertainty. Euroseeds and ASTA welcome this advancement, highlighting its potential to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of European agriculture and paving the way for increased collaboration between the EU and the United States.

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The James Hutton Institute partners with PhenomUK, a £35 million project aimed at developing crops resilient to climate challenges. This program, supported by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) and led by BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), establishes a phenotyping infrastructure to assess crops in various environments. Utilizing advanced technologies, it will enable rapid testing of crop performance under environmental stress.

The EU Modernizes Seed Regulations to Enhance Biodiversity and Variety Innovation

The European Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a major reform of the rules governing the production and marketing of plant reproductive material (PRM). This initiative aims to modernize an outdated legislative framework, enhance biodiversity, and ensure the quality of PRM, while facilitating innovation and reducing bureaucracy for operators.

Roots, Organic Matter, Resilience: Will Soil Health Become a Food Sovereignty Issue in Europe?

At a conference, former French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie highlighted the degradation of European soils, emphasizing their crucial role in food sovereignty and the need for a common vision for their protection. He also discussed the impact of climate change on agriculture, advocating for agronomic practices that promote deeper roots, essential for soil health and resilience against climate crises. Denormandie calls for a nuanced approach to agricultural debates, stressing the importance of a collective response at the European level.

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.