American biotech company Lilac Agriculture has raised $2.3 million to develop a new generation of rhizobium-based inoculants for legumes. Originating from research at North Dakota State University, its platform selects and adapts strains to improve both their nitrogen-fixing capacity and their ability to colonize nodules against naturally occurring soil bacteria. Its first product, PL11, aimed at peas and lentils, is already being marketed on a small scale in the United States, while the company prepares to enter the Canadian market.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Lilac Agriculture closes oversubscribed $2.3 million Series ..." - 23 September 2026
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Brazilian biotech Symbiomics, specializing in the discovery and engineering of microorganisms for agriculture, has partnered with biocontrol product manufacturer Valeouro Biotec to develop new crop protection solutions. The partnership will notably combine sequencing, data analysis, and genomic editing to enhance the performance of microorganisms and shorten development cycles.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Symbiomics and Valeouro forge strategic partnership to advan..." - 23 September 2026
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Independent trials reported by the Swedish plant nutrition company Arevo demonstrate that its Arginex Corn seed treatment allows for a 30% reduction in nitrogen inputs without compromising corn yield, with gains reaching 4.3% in certain trials. Conducted in Europe and South America, these findings will be presented at the Euroseeds 2026 congress in Valencia.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "New corn trial data: Arginex Corn proven to deliver up to 4...." - 22 September 2026
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Agriodor, a company specializing in crop protection solutions based on natural odors, has appointed Cyrille Tardy as its new CEO. With over 20 years of experience in the crop protection industry, Tardy is tasked with accelerating the international deployment of the company's technological platform. He will focus on enhancing research efficiency and establishing strategic partnerships to commercialize Agriodor's innovations, which now extend to various crop types following initial success in sugar beet.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Agriodor appoints Cyrille Tardy as CEO to accelerate its int..." - 22 September 2026
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Researchers from the University of Gdańsk have developed an atmospheric cold plasma formulation to protect crops from bacterial diseases, offering a potential alternative to chemical pesticides. This adaptable method specifically targets plant pathogens while avoiding the accumulation of toxic residues in the environment.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Polish scientists patent plasma-based crop protection method" - 16 September 2026
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Dutch startup Gravity Gardens has secured €2.6 million in funding to develop an innovative seed activation technology that enhances crop establishment without the use of water or chemicals. This funding, which adds to a total of over €3 million, aims to make this technology accessible to more farmers while reducing environmental impact. The company plans to launch industrial-scale equipment by 2027, with ongoing trials on new crops.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Dutch AgTech Gravity Gardens secures €2.6 million to scale i..." - 16 September 2026
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At a conference during the Innovagri fair, Matthieu Abella from Terres Inovia highlighted the sunflower's tolerance to water stress, capable of achieving its optimal yield with only 75% of its water needs. However, the exceptional climatic conditions of the summer of 2026 also affected this crop, emphasizing the importance of studying the physiological mechanisms at play to better adapt agricultural practices to climate challenges.
Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "La tolérance du tournesol au stress hydrique a été mise à ru..." - 16 September 2026
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In this episode, we explore the latest advancements in agritech, including applications of vertical farming technologies and genomic editing. We also discuss the impacts of new regulations on the industrialization of startups and trends in the biofuels market. Experts share their visions on the future of plant-based proteins and bioproducts in the agri-food sector, while addressing challenges related to soil health and the automation of agricultural equipment.
Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Le podcast du 15 septembre 2026" - 16 September 2026
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Indian company Absolute begins its commercial operations in Africa with INERA, its branch dedicated to biological solutions, by launching six products in Kenya. This launch is part of a strategy to expand into other African and global markets, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity while respecting the environment. INERA partners with local stakeholders to tailor its solutions to the specific needs of Kenyan farmers, in a context where the continent's agricultural productivity remains below global standards.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Absolute takes its AI-led biological agriculture platform IN..." - 16 September 2026
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Starting September 15, 2026, India will implement a fully digital licensing system for pesticides, replacing decades of paper-based compliance. This reform aims to modernize regulations, enhance product traceability, and increase transparency in a rapidly growing agrochemical market. Concerns remain regarding the ability of smaller players to adapt to these new digital requirements.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "India shifts pesticide industry to digital-only licensing an..." - 15 September 2026
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