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Spearhead Bio Raises $1.62 Million to Revolutionize Agricultural Genomic Engineering

American startup Spearhead Bio, spun out from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, has raised $1.62 million to accelerate the development of TAHITI, its genomic editing technology that complements CRISPR for inserting or replacing large DNA sequences in crops.

Genetically Modified Trees to Save Florida's Citrus Industry

In response to the threat of greening disease, Florida farmers are adopting CRISPR-modified trees. The company Soilcea hopes its rootstock, CarriCea T1, will restore citrus production, which has been severely impacted since the disease's arrival in 2005. Initial results are promising, but true evaluation will occur over the long term with fruit harvests.

US Precedent Revives Patent Debate in Europe Over New Genetic Techniques

As Europe has just adopted its new framework on new genetic techniques (NGTs), Inf’OGM has unearthed a report published in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding competition in the seed sector. The document already highlighted the tensions between intellectual property, innovation, competition, and access to seeds.

CHS Invests $700 Million in Soybean Processing Plant in Wisconsin

CHS, the largest agricultural cooperative in the United States, plans to build a soybean processing plant in Evansville, Wisconsin, with a capacity of 80 million bushels per year. This $700 million project aims to enhance oilseed processing capabilities and create market opportunities for local producers. Construction is expected to begin soon, leading to permanent jobs and increased demand for locally grown soybeans.

Agroview: Aerial Imagery Enhances Agricultural Insurance

A spin-off from the University of Florida, the American startup Agriculture Intelligence is developing Agroview, a plant-scale crop analysis platform derived from university research and supported by the USDA's SBIR program. By combining aerial images, drones, and satellites, the tool claims an error rate of less than 5% for orchard inventory and has a presence in 30.5% of the U.S. market for tree crop insurance.

Google Funds Water-Efficient Irrigation in Texas Rice Fields

Specializing in agricultural sustainability programs, American company AgriCapture partners with Google and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to reduce water consumption in Texas rice fields. Google will finance the installation of more water-efficient irrigation systems and provide incentives to producers, with a stated goal of saving 5.4 billion gallons of water over 6,000 acres.

Carbon Robotics Launches Carbon Autonomy Ready Program with Great Plains Manufacturing

Carbon Robotics, a global leader in physical AI for agriculture, has announced the launch of its Carbon Autonomy Ready program, with Great Plains Manufacturing as the first member. This program aims to integrate various agricultural equipment to automate real-time adjustments, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for farmers.

Plantd Transforms Construction Waste into Biochar for Agriculture

Plantd, an American startup specializing in bio-based construction materials made from grasses, is now valorizing a portion of its waste into biochar intended for soil amendment, following a closed-loop production model. Rich in silica, this biochar is presented as capable of improving certain soil properties and helping to reduce fertilization needs.

Homestead Capital Achieves First Closing of $150 Million for U.S. Agriculture Fund

Xylem Strengthens Its Pump Offer for Agriculture and Industry with Cornell and Roper Pump Acquisition

American water technology specialist Xylem is set to acquire Cornell Pump and Roper Pump for $1.46 billion. This move expands its range of pumps aimed at irrigation, agricultural fluid transfer, and industrial applications, amid a backdrop of consolidation in the hydraulic equipment sector.