Upstream Biotechnology, Inc., a leader in plant biotechnology, has announced the closing of a seed funding round for its SwitchBlade platform, aimed at enhancing crop resistance to diseases while maintaining optimal yields. This funding, led by LeVert Ventures and supported by major players like Corteva, will accelerate the development of innovative gene regulation technologies, essential for addressing the growing environmental challenges faced by farmers.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Upstream Biotechnology closes seed financing led by LeVert V..." - 4 August 2026
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American biotech company Genvor is evaluating its antimicrobial peptides in a research program focused on sugar beets, in partnership with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The goal is to better control microbial contamination throughout the production chain, from field to processing, in order to improve yields and the sustainability of the sector.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Genvor’s antimicrobial peptides advance into sugar beet rese..." - 30 July 2026
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American biotechnology company Agragene has teamed up with fellow U.S. firm Pairwise to integrate the Fulcrum® CRISPR platform into its technology for controlling spotted wing drosophila. This approach, based on the production of sterile male insects, aims to provide fruit producers with a more targeted biocontrol solution against a pest that has become difficult to manage with conventional insecticides.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Agragene Licenses Pairwise’s Fulcrum Platform for Pest Contr..." - 25 July 2026
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is calling for collaboration with universities and industry stakeholders to develop artificial intelligence tools. These tools aim to analyze the vast germplasm data collected, enabling the rapid identification of key plant traits and improving crop productivity. This project is part of the Genesis Mission, a national initiative to accelerate scientific discoveries in agriculture through AI.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "USDA asks partners to develop AI solutions to accelerate cro..." - 24 July 2026
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American biotech company Switch Bioworks has launched field trials to test nitrogen-fixing microbes designed to colonize corn roots and activate ammonia production. This innovation aims to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers while maintaining agricultural yields. The trials, taking place in the American Midwest, seek to establish the viability of these microbes under variable field conditions, with a commercialization goal set for two to three years. This approach could transform the fertilizer sector by providing a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Switch Bioworks tests ‘switchable’ nitrogen-fixing microbes ..." - 23 July 2026
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Protein Industries Canada, a Canadian organization supporting innovation in plant proteins, has launched a two-year project aimed at creating a national database on peas to assist breeders. Artificial intelligence will be employed to integrate various data sources and accelerate the development of new varieties, as part of a $1.8 million investment.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Protein Industries Canada Launches National Pea Genomic Sele..." - 9 July 2026
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The Purdue Agricultural Economic Barometer, a gauge of American farmer confidence, reveals major concerns regarding input costs and low crop prices. While few farmers see an improvement in their financial situation, the adoption of AI technologies in agriculture elicits mixed opinions, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Farmer Sentiment Falls to 113 in June as Input Cost Concerns..." - 8 July 2026
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Deerpoint Group, an American crop nutrition provider, has appointed Redge Bodily as Chief Revenue Officer. With over 25 years of experience in agriculture, Bodily will lead the company's business strategy and the expansion of its White Boxâ„¢ technology. This innovative platform combines agronomic expertise with field services to optimize the efficiency of nutrients injected directly into growers' irrigation systems.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Deerpoint Group Names Redge Bodily as First Chief Revenue Of..." - 8 July 2026
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The American company Scanit Technologies has introduced the Iowa SporeWarnâ„¢ network, an innovative platform for detecting airborne pathogens, enabling farmers to monitor in real-time the invisible threats to their crops. With autonomous SporeCam sensors, the network provides accurate data on disease pressure, facilitating informed treatment decisions. Covering 500,000 acres of corn and soybeans, this service promises to transform how agronomists and growers manage disease risks by offering daily reports and trend analyses.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Scanit Technologies launches Iowa SporeWarnâ„¢ Network, giving..." - 7 July 2026
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American start-ups SilvaBio and Foray Bioscience join forces to orchestrate the return of the American chestnut, a major forest species that is now functionally extinct. This partnership will combine SilvaBio's genetic selection platform with Foray's groundbreaking technology, capable of producing artificial seeds through the encapsulation of plant embryos. A multi-year roadmap to industrialize large-scale resilient reforestation.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "SilvaBio Partners With Foray Bioscience to Scale American Ch..." - 6 July 2026
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