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Une scène poétique avec un livre ouvert et des fleurs violettes reposant sur une pierre à l'extérieur.

Vilmorin & Cie Transfers Genective Patents to The Traits Company, Shifts R&D Focus

French seed company Vilmorin & Cie, a subsidiary of the Limagrain group, announced on October 23 the transfer of intellectual property developed by Genective to The Traits Company, a technology partner of seed group GDM. Specializing in genetically modified traits for insect resistance in corn and soybeans, Genective's work is now being valued by a new player. Vilmorin & Cie aims to concentrate part of its investments on genomic editing and artificial intelligence-assisted selection tools.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Vilmorin & Cie announces the sale of the intellectual proper..." - 26 October 2026

Moissonneuse-batteuse récoltant des cultures dans un champ ensoleillé en Mecklembourg-Poméranie-Occidentale, Allemagne.

The BIOCRAFT Project: A European Alliance for Resilient Potatoes and Rice

Launched in October as part of Horizon Europe, the BIOCRAFT project brings together partners from four European countries to develop potato and rice varieties that are more resilient to drought, diseases, and other environmental stresses. Coordinated by the German Fraunhofer IME institute, it will combine biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and soil microbiome research. The consortium will also explore the production of biomolecules from these crops.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "New European project combines AI and biotechnology to streng..." - 26 October 2026

Vue rapprochée de pommes de terre biologiques fraîchement récoltées empilées dans un panier tissé.

Netherlands: HZPC Develops Antioxidant-Enriched Potatoes Without Color Change

Dutch breeder Royal HZPC Group, with support from Wageningen University & Research, has developed potatoes with an increased concentration of kaempferol, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties. This innovation allows for the preservation of a white or yellow flesh, unlike naturally occurring varieties rich in these compounds. HZPC is now exploring commercial applications for this trait, intended for integration into future varieties.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Royal HZPC Group applies for patent on potatoes with signifi..." - 26 October 2026

TRITON: $50 Million to Accelerate Climate-Resilient Crop Development

The TRITON program, coordinated by Wageningen University & Research, aims to rapidly develop crops capable of withstanding extreme climate conditions. With a funding of $50 million, it will implement advanced techniques such as genomic editing and artificial intelligence to meet farmers' needs and enhance global food security.

dr. SC (Stacy) Pyett, Source: Wur, published under the title "Major international research programme to accelerate breedin..." - 26 October 2026

Gros plan d'une transaction au marché fermier avec des produits frais.

US: IMIO Raises $12 Million to Industrialize Microbial Solutions

American startup IMIO has raised $12 million from investors led by Sofinnova Partners, with participation from Chipotle's fund. The company will develop a laboratory and production capabilities for microorganisms in Chicago, aimed at accelerating the decomposition of crop residues and releasing their nutrients. According to the company, trials on over 10,000 acres have shown an average yield gain of 11.9 bushels per acre for corn.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "IMIO raises $12M to scale reliable biologicals and improve s..." - 26 October 2026

US: Liberation Bioindustries Seeks $25 Million to Complete Its Facility

Despite having already secured $125 million, Liberation Bioindustries, which specializes in large-scale precision fermentation, is struggling to finalize funding for its 600,000-liter fermentation facility in Indiana. Following unsuccessful discussions for a sale or partnership, the company is now looking for an additional $25 million. The construction has fallen behind schedule, and commissioning now hinges on securing new financing.

Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "‘No acceptable offers’ for Liberation Bioindustries as firm ..." - 26 October 2026

Lidea Celebrates 20 Years of Dentés Tropicaux® Genetics for Corn

Twenty years after the launch of its Dentés Tropicaux® genetics, the French seed company Lidea claims 2.5 million hectares cultivated with its corn hybrids in Europe. Developed to combine yield potential with adaptation to climate stresses, this genetics has undergone several generations of varietal selection. The group continues its improvement efforts to meet the evolving cultivation conditions.

Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "Lidea souligne 20 ans de progrès avec la génétique Dentés Tr..." - 26 October 2026

Un scientifique effectue une expérience chimique dans un laboratoire en portant un équipement de protection complète, illustrant la science moderne.

Launch of the TWB Consortium: A New Boost for Industrial Biotechnology

Established in 2012 in Toulouse, the pre-industrial demonstrator TWB (Toulouse White Biotechnology) officially launched its new consortium on October 15, 2026, following the signing of a ten-year agreement between INRAE, INSA Toulouse, and CNRS. The goal is to strengthen collaborations between research and industry, particularly in fermentation and bioproduction, and to accelerate the industrial development of innovations.

Source: Inrae, published under the title "Coup d’envoi officiel du consortium TWB pour accélérer l’inn..." - 16 October 2026

Argentina Registers Its First Genetically Modified Potato Variety

Argentina has reached a significant milestone by registering its first genome-edited potato variety, OLI INTA, developed by INTA. This innovation aims to enhance tuber quality by reducing browning and mechanical damage, while adhering to a regulatory framework similar to that of conventionally bred varieties. OLI INTA could transform potato production and pave the way for further applications in Latin America.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Argentina registers its first gene-edited potato variety" - 16 October 2026

ClimateCrop Aims to Boost Plant Growth by Targeting Starch Metabolism

Israeli startup ClimateCrop focuses on neutralizing a starch regulation mechanism to enhance crop yields. By targeting a specific group of proteins, it aims to increase starch accumulation by 10 to 15%, providing plants with more energy to grow and withstand environmental stresses. Preliminary results on crops like potatoes and tomatoes are promising, and the technology could have wide-ranging applications in agriculture.

Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "🎥 ClimateCrop bets on starch ‘off switch’ to improve crop p..." - 14 October 2026

Un tracteur fertilisant un champ rural avec du fumier liquide pour l'agriculture.

Bayer Partners with Switch Bioworks to Develop Programmable Nitrogen Biofertilizers

California-based startup Switch Bioworks has teamed up with Bayer Crop Science to develop genetically modified microorganisms that can fix nitrogen only after they have established themselves on plant roots. This technology aims to enhance the efficiency of biological fertilization. Field trials have been authorized in the United States and Brazil.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Deep tech pioneer Switch Bioworks announces collaboration wi..." - 14 October 2026

Michelin and Danone Accelerate Biotechnology Industrialization in Clermont-Ferrand

In Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin and Danone have joined forces around the Biotech Open Platform, a facility aimed at speeding up the industrial scaling of biotechnology. Located on a former industrial site, it focuses on the fermentation of microorganisms – bacteria, yeasts, and microalgae – to produce bio-based ingredients and materials intended primarily for the agri-food and health sectors.

Source: Usine Nouvelle, published under the title "À Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin et Danone veulent passer la bio..." - 9 October 2026

Une prise de vue rapprochée détaillée de bananes biologiques fraîches et mûres mettant en valeur leur couleur jaune vibrante et leur texture.

CRISPR-Edited Bananas Set to Hit the UK Market Soon?

British company Tropic has developed bananas using CRISPR-Cas9 technology that significantly reduce browning after cutting. Aimed at minimizing food waste, this innovation has passed several regulatory hurdles, particularly in the UK, paving the way for potential commercialization. Tropic believes it could also cut CO₂ emissions related to the supply chain by over 25%.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Gene-edited bananas that don’t go brown could hit UK superma..." - 9 October 2026

Une femme joyeuse dans un cadre rural répand des graines dans le champ, transmettant tradition et agriculture.

US Invests $180 Million in Seed Sovereignty Initiative for Genetic Resources

The United States is mobilizing $180 million to better understand and utilize its plant genetic resources. Announced on October 6 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Seed Sovereignty Initiative plans to sequence collections of major crops from a national bank housing over 600,000 samples of 16,000 species over two years. The goal is to accelerate variety selection and reduce foreign dependencies in a sector deemed strategic.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "USDA announces $180 million Seed Sovereignty Initiative to s..." - 9 October 2026

Gros plan sur les mains d'une femme âgée tenant des grains dans une ferme vietnamienne.

Harmoniz Acquires Dutch Seed Company HW Seeds to Enhance Tomato Selection

Israeli seed company Harmoniz, formed from the merger of TomaTech and Nirit Seeds, has acquired Dutch firm HW Seeds, a specialist in tomato breeding for greenhouse cultivation. This acquisition aims to strengthen their genetic resources and accelerate the development of new varieties, with a particular focus on taste qualities.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Harmoniz announces acquisition of HW Seeds" - 9 October 2026

Verley Moves Towards 200,000-Liter Tanks for Precision Fermentation

French startup Verley is gearing up to commercialize beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) proteins at scale, targeting innovative applications in the agri-food sector. With a €32 million funding round, it focuses on optimizing purification processes and expanding into North American and European markets while meeting regulatory requirements.

Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "🎥 Verley progresses towards 200,000-L tanks as precision fe..." - 9 October 2026

Scientifique en équipement de protection examinant des échantillons de vaccin dans un laboratoire stérile.

VitalForce Develops RNA Interference Biopesticide Against Fall Armyworm

Brazilian company VitalForce is investing in biological crop protection technologies, utilizing RNA interference to target the genes of harmful insects. In the face of economic and climate challenges, the company emphasizes the importance of technical efficiency for agricultural profitability. Biological inputs promise to optimize resources and enhance crop resilience while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. VitalForce is also developing solutions for major pests, with a product expected on the market by 2027-2028, advocating for an integrated approach to biological products in crop management.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Vital Force uses COVID-19 vaccine technology in bio-inputs" - 9 October 2026

Carte détaillée mettant en évidence la Chine et les pays asiatiques environnants en flou.

Plant Biotechnologies: Four Barriers Hindering Innovation in China

In China, the development of plant biotechnologies faces four major obstacles: insufficient cooperation between public research and businesses, complex authorization procedures, uncertainties regarding intellectual property, and market acceptance challenges. A study advocates for an evolution of the institutional framework to accelerate varietal innovation.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Researchers recommend policy solutions for bio-breeding bott..." - 9 October 2026

Seed Patents: A Barrier to Innovation in Agriculture?

The recent case between Corteva and Inari highlights the tensions between protecting innovation and access to biological resources. Patents, intended to stimulate research, can actually lock access to essential seeds, raising questions about competition and farmers' rights. A settlement was reached, but the stakes remain crucial for the future of seed innovation.

Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "Le droit des brevets, un possible frein à l’innovation semen..." - 9 October 2026

Un centre de jardinage intérieur vibrant avec une variété de plantes et deux clients en train de faire des achats.

How Computomics Uses AI to Predict Future Crop Varieties' Performance

Sebastian Schultheiss, CEO of Computomics, explains how machine learning is revolutionizing crop selection by integrating genetic, environmental, and phenotypic data to predict plant performance. The company's innovative approach allows for the identification of complex relationships and optimization of field trials, all while ensuring the protection of client data.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "5 Q’s with Sebastian Schultheiss, CEO of Computomics" - 6 October 2026