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The Decline of Meat Alternatives Continues in the U.S., but Plant Proteins Gain Ground in Beverages

In 2025, sales of plant-based meat and dairy products in the U.S. saw a significant decline, while plant-based beverages recorded substantial growth. Despite a challenging investment climate, the plant protein sector continues to evolve, with companies adapting and diversifying their products.

Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "US alt-meat slump continues, but plant protein gains tractio..." - 22 April 2026

More Efficient Roots for Circular Agriculture: Traditional Sorghum Optimizes Recycled Phosphorus Use

A study from the University of Queensland reveals that traditional sorghum varieties are more effective at absorbing recycled phosphorus, highlighting the importance of roots in crop selection. In the face of volatile mined resources, the future of agriculture may hinge on a circular nutrient economy, enabling us to feed the world while reducing reliance on conventional fertilizers.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Future food needs new underground strategy" - 22 April 2026

Launch of the #DigitAg Scientific Society for Responsible Digital Agriculture

The #DigitAg scientific society, born from ten years of interdisciplinary research, aims to unite stakeholders in digital innovation in agriculture. With a focus on agroecology and international partnerships, it seeks to transform the agricultural sector in the face of contemporary challenges while supporting research and training for young researchers. Its launch is part of the MEDVALLÉE MONTPELLIER initiative, aimed at creating an exemplary ecosystem in global health.

Source: Agroparistech, published under the title "Lancement de la société savante #DigitAg" - 20 April 2026

Food Security in the Gulf: Balancing Ambitions and Realities

Recent geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East have reignited concerns about the resilience of food supply chains in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Giovanni Angiolini, representative of Dutch agritech companies, emphasizes the need to treat food production as a long-term investment. Despite notable progress, challenges remain, particularly regarding regulations and infrastructure. Circular models already developed for Qatar and Oman could serve as a foundation for other GCC countries.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Gulf Food Security Needs Execution, Not Just Ambition" - 18 April 2026

Gotham Greens Expands to Texas with New Hydroponic Greenhouse

Gotham Greens, a major player in indoor agriculture, inaugurates its first hydroponic greenhouse in Texas, aiming to provide fresh and sustainable produce while creating local jobs. This 210,000 square-foot facility, which employs advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact, could reduce water usage by 90% and land use by 97% compared to traditional farming.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Gotham Greens Latest News: Expanding to Texas" - 17 April 2026

The French Poultry Sector Confronts Public Reluctance: 53% Oppose Chicken Coop Installations

The French poultry sector faces social acceptability challenges that hinder its development, despite a competitive production capacity. With a growing dependence on imports, informing the public about food sovereignty issues becomes crucial. The self-sufficiency rate for chickens dropped from 70.7% in 2024 to 67% in 2025, increasing reliance on imports.

Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "La ferme France et la compétitivité intra-UE (4/4) : en poul..." - 17 April 2026

Tropic's Non-Browning Banana Approved in Japan and Brazil

Tropic, a pioneering company in agricultural biotechnology, has received regulatory approval for its non-browning banana in Japan and Brazil, two crucial markets for fresh produce. This advancement marks a turning point in sustainable fruit production, helping to reduce food waste and enhance sustainability.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Tropic’s non‑browning banana approved in Japan and Brazil" - 15 April 2026

A New Gene Discovered That Protects Rice from Bacterial Disease

Chinese researchers have identified the Xa48 gene, capable of protecting rice from a threatening bacterial disease, a crucial advancement for global food security in the face of climate challenges. By combining this gene with an ancient one, they have created a strengthened immune network, enabling the development of more resilient rice varieties while reducing pesticide use and maintaining high yields even under extreme climatic conditions.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "New gene found to shield rice from global pathogen" - 15 April 2026

Crop Genetics: A Strategic Shift Towards Wheat and Rice

Investments in crop genomics are shifting focus from corn and soybeans to wheat and rice, which are vital for global food security. This change is accompanied by a new priority on survival traits, addressing the growing climate challenges. Recent regulatory approvals and initiatives in India illustrate this dynamic, while innovative collaborations aim to integrate smallholders into this genomic revolution.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "The Staple Crop Shift: How Crop Genomics Is Turning to Wheat..." - 24 March 2026

Agrifoodtech Funding Stalls as Dynamics Shift

AgFunder's report on agrifoodtech investment for 2026 reveals a funding stagnation at $16.2 billion, with increasing focus on upstream startups and a rise in debt financing. Despite growing environmental challenges, interest in deep technologies is strengthening, although investors remain cautious due to past failures. Companies must navigate a changing market to attract the necessary capital for growth.

Jennifer Marston, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "New report: Agrifoodtech funding is flat but the story is sh..." - 18 March 2026

Local Bounti Raises $15 Million Through Convertible Note

The American controlled-environment salad producer Local Bounti has raised $15 million through a convertible note from an existing investor. This operation, the second in less than a year, comes as the company seeks to strengthen its financial position, despite sales growth and cost-cutting efforts, amid pressure from NYSE market capitalization requirements.

MADISON HONG, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Local Bounti Secures $15M Convertible Note From Strategic In..." - 18 March 2026

Protix Shifts Focus to Asia for Insect Farming

Protix, the Dutch pioneer in insect farming, is changing course by focusing on Asia, where production costs and regulations are more favorable. CEO Maiko van der Meer announces a strategy of acquisition and construction to develop facilities for aquaculture, livestock, and pet food. While Europe remains a development hub, Protix is betting on joint ventures with local partners in Asia to overcome the economic and regulatory challenges faced in Europe and North America.

Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Dutch insect ag firm Protix shifts focus to Asia: ‘We could ..." - 18 March 2026

Food Sovereignty: The Fruit and Vegetable Sector Faces a Competitiveness Challenge

In 2025, the French fruit and vegetable sector reported a trade deficit of €8.5 billion – €3.6 billion for fruits, €895 million for vegetables, and €4.0 billion for processed products – with a self-sufficiency rate limited to 42.9% for fruits and 67.7% for vegetables. In response to this decline compared to European competitors, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a plan to regain 5 points by 2030 and 10 points by 2035, focusing on competitiveness, processing, and exports.

Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Souveraineté 2035 (3/6) : en fruits et légumes, « un seul ma..." - 17 March 2026

Tropic Raises $105 Million to Develop Genetically Modified Tropical Crops

Tropic, a global leader in genetically modified tropical crops, has recently announced the closing of a $105 million funding round to support the commercial expansion of its banana and rice varieties. This funding, co-led by the Forbion Bioeconomy fund and Corteva, addresses a growing global demand for sustainable and resilient food solutions. With non-browning and long shelf-life banana varieties already on the market, Tropic plans to accelerate its production and expand its crop portfolio to tackle food security challenges.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Tropic raises $105 million Series C to scale commercial roll..." - 13 March 2026

Salads and Leafy Greens: A Global Market Exceeding $80 Billion with Private Labels Gaining Ground

The leafy greens market, valued at over $80 billion, sees private label brands gaining ground, accounting for up to 30% of salad sales in the United States. In a sector characterized by high concentration in processing and distribution — with the top five retailers controlling up to 80% of food sales — price pressure is intensifying. For independent producers and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) players, market access increasingly relies on contracts securing volumes and outlets.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Why Private Label Is Reshaping the Leafy Greens Market" - 10 March 2026

NuCicer Launches Large-Scale Production of High-Protein Chickpeas

American startup NuCicer partners with U.S. agricultural company Stricks Ag to deploy 10,000 acres of high-protein chickpeas starting in the 2026 season. This marks the first large-scale commercial application of its predictive breeding technology, aiming to accelerate the introduction of more nutritious plant-based ingredients into the food industry.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "NuCicer and Stricks Ag announce large-scale commercial chick..." - 9 March 2026

Durum Wheat: Cultivation Halved in France Since 2010

FRANCE. The area dedicated to durum wheat has decreased from 505,000 hectares in 2010 to 196,000 hectares in 2026, jeopardizing the sector. A sovereignty plan of 43 million euros aims to support research and promote contracts, which the sector wants to increase from 30% to 50% to secure producers' incomes. Despite this decline, France remains self-sufficient in durum wheat but still imports nearly 60% of its pasta.

Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Blé dur : « Dérisquer la production par la contractualisatio..." - 9 March 2026

Tribute to Rob Trice, Pioneer of Agrifoodtech

The agrifoodtech sector has lost one of its architects, Rob Trice, co-founder of Better Food Ventures and The Mixing Bowl. A pioneering investor and tireless connector, he helped shape the emerging agrifoodtech ecosystem—a term he played a key role in popularizing. Supporting over 25 founders, he championed clear-sighted innovation rooted in agricultural realities. A respected voice, often critical, always committed.

Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Remembering Rob Trice, a founding voice in agrifoodtech" - 7 March 2026

Sweet Potato Demand Soars, Breton Production Struggles to Keep Up

Sweet potato consumption in France tripled between 2015 and 2018, reaching 75,000 tons by 2024, while national production remains limited to about 10,000 tons. Since 2019, the Interprofessional Technical Center for Fruits and Vegetables (CTIFL) has been testing its cultivation in Brittany, demonstrating feasibility with yields of 2 to 3.5 kg/m². However, competition from imports and market uncertainty still hinder the establishment of producers.

Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Cultiver de la patate douce en Bretagne ? Chiche ou pas chic..." - 6 March 2026

Vietnam Embraces Japanese Technologies to Optimize Rice Cultivation

The National Center for Agricultural Promotion of Vietnam, the Vietnamese agribusiness group Loc Troi, and the Japanese company Newgreen have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy Japanese technologies in rice farming in the Mekong Delta. The project includes the use of the Aigamo robot, equipped with AI and GPS, to improve rice quality while reducing methane emissions. The initiative also aims to expand sustainable rice cultivation areas.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Viet Nam to apply Japanese technology in rice production" - 6 March 2026