Soils, Inputs & Water: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

The United States Invests $500 Million to Revive Fertilizer Production

In response to soaring fertilizer prices driven by the conflict in Iran, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has announced a $500 million investment to bolster domestic production. This program aims to support the construction and expansion of fertilizer plants in the U.S. to quickly meet market demands and relieve pressure on American farmers. This initiative comes amid rising agricultural costs and trade disruptions.

Yara Strengthens Its Position with Acquisition of Ammonia Plant in the U.S.

Norwegian company Yara International ASA has announced the acquisition of the Gulf Coast Ammonia plant in Texas for $1.3 billion, as part of its energy diversification strategy and competitiveness enhancement. With a capacity of 1.3 million tons per year, the plant is expected to achieve stable production by the end of 2026, thereby strengthening ammonia supply for its internal and external customers. This operation is part of a financial discipline framework aimed at maximizing shareholder value.

Dried Corn in Drying Soils: What Decision Should Be Made?

Since mid-May 2026, water shortages and heatwaves exceeding 36°C have hindered the flowering of unirrigated corn in the Grand Ouest. To guide farmers facing the drying of their fields, ARVALIS identifies three key thresholds of water stress (simple gray curling, loss of 30% of leaves, or agony with fewer than two green leaves). A crucial diagnosis for each plot to urgently decide between waiting, direct grazing, or early silage.

IMAD Acquires 35% Stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds, Global Seed Leader

Vilmorin & Cie (Limagrain Group) has finalized the entry of IMAD, the Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, with a 35% stake in its subsidiary Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS). This major financial alliance is accompanied by a strategic research agreement with Silal (IMAD's agritech branch) to develop vegetable seeds suited for arid and desert conditions. With a projected revenue of €839 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, LVS is accelerating its international development while maintaining unchanged governance under the French cooperative.

BASF Launches Melyra and Inveris Gold in India to Combat Crop Diseases and Pests

BASF Agricultural Solutions has introduced Melyra® and Inveris® Gold, two new crop protection solutions aimed at Indian farmers. Melyra®, a next-generation fungicide, utilizes the Revysol® molecule for effective disease control, while Inveris® Gold, a dual-action insecticide, targets pests affecting vegetable crops.

Bioplastics: Lactips Launches Enosis®, a New Generation of Biodegradable Polymers for Agricultural Applications

Seed Treatment: Non-Thermal Plasma, A Residue-Free Technology to Enhance Crop Vigor

Non-thermal plasma seed treatment, an innovative technology developed by the American startup Sylvarum, uses electric discharges to enhance germination and control pathogens. With promising results from several pilot programs, this approach could transform agricultural practices for large-scale crops. Despite challenges related to technology acceptance, advancements made pave the way for large-scale commercialization.

In Response to Evolving Agricultural Diseases, Seed Companies Accelerate Discovery of New Plant Resistance Traits

Resurrect Bio, a British biotechnology company, and Bejo, a Dutch leader in plant breeding, announce a development agreement to explore new disease resistance approaches in spinach, focusing on downy mildew, a major threat to global production. This collaboration aims to combine Bejo's crop improvement expertise with Resurrect Bio's targeted trait discovery method to identify resistance mechanisms for developing more resilient spinach varieties.

Precision Irrigation: Komet Irrigation Invests in Data to Optimize Agricultural Water Use

Austrian company Komet Irrigation has launched a new engineering and digital systems division, with significant investment, to enhance data collection on pivot irrigation. The recently opened Komet Experience Hub in Brazil will serve as a research and training center, aiming to generate measurable data on sprinkler wear and the optimization of irrigation systems.

InSoil Raises €120 Million to Accelerate Regenerative Agriculture Funding in Europe

InSoil, a European agricultural financing company, has secured a €120 million loan from Pollen Street Capital to support SMEs adopting sustainable farming practices. This funding, backed by the European Investment Fund, addresses a €62 billion need in the sector while enabling InSoil to expand its impact on soil health and the modernization of agricultural equipment.