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Hemeris: a deeptech startup cleanses seeds using plasma technology

eAgronom Reaches Milestone with €1.46 Million Paid to Farmers Through Sale of 29,000 Carbon Credits

eAgronom, the Estonian agricultural technology company, has sold 29,000 Verra-certified carbon credits, generating €1.46 million. This transaction marks a turning point for 150 farmers engaged in regenerative agricultural practices across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, covering 28,000 hectares. The environmental impact is equivalent to removing approximately 6,300 gasoline cars from the road for a year. eAgronom aims to reach one million credits by 2026-2027.

Nouvelles techniques génomiques : enjeux de propriété et d'innovation en agriculture

L'adoption par l'Union européenne des nouvelles techniques génomiques (NTG) soulève des questions cruciales sur la propriété des semences et la concentration du marché. Alors que ces technologies promettent d'améliorer la résistance des plantes face aux défis climatiques, le débat sur les brevets et la protection des caractères génétiques préexistants s'intensifie. Les semenciers indépendants craignent une privatisation du vivant, tandis que la coexistence entre agriculture biologique et NTG pose des défis techniques et juridiques. Qui contrôlera réellement les semences de demain ?

NTG Reform: KWS, Bayer, Syngenta, and Cibus See a Turning Point for European Variety Innovation

The European Union's approval of the regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGT) marks a turning point for innovation in plant breeding. Companies like KWS and Cibus express their satisfaction, emphasizing that this framework will enable the development of more resilient and sustainable crops while facilitating the adoption of modern methods by farmers.

Solar Foods sécurise 89,2 millions $ pour sa production de protéines de l'air

La startup finlandaise Solar Foods a levé 77,8 millions d'euros pour développer une usine de protéines à partir de gaz, avec un objectif de production de 3 200 tonnes par an d'ici 2028. La décision d'investissement finale est attendue en 2026, alors que l'entreprise renforce son réseau de partenaires et sécurise des accords clients. Son ingrédient phare, Solein, a déjà reçu des approbations réglementaires dans plusieurs régions, répondant à une demande croissante sur le marché des protéines alternatives.

Food Resilience: Technology Alone Won't Suffice Without Policy Transformation

European Parliament Adopts GMO Directive for New Genomic Techniques

On June 17, the European Parliament approved the revision of the 2001 GMO directive, allowing the use of new genomic techniques (NGTs) in agriculture. This decision, welcomed by rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd, aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of farms. Unlike traditional GMOs, NGTs rely on targeted mutagenesis, introducing traits already present in the species.

NGT: European and American Seed Companies Welcome End of Regulatory Uncertainty

The recent adoption of the regulation on new genomic techniques (NGT) by the European Parliament marks the end of nearly a decade of legal uncertainty. Euroseeds and ASTA welcome this advancement, highlighting its potential to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of European agriculture and paving the way for increased collaboration between the EU and the United States.

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The James Hutton Institute partners with PhenomUK, a £35 million project aimed at developing crops resilient to climate challenges. This program, supported by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) and led by BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), establishes a phenotyping infrastructure to assess crops in various environments. Utilizing advanced technologies, it will enable rapid testing of crop performance under environmental stress.

The EU Modernizes Seed Regulations to Enhance Biodiversity and Variety Innovation

The European Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a major reform of the rules governing the production and marketing of plant reproductive material (PRM). This initiative aims to modernize an outdated legislative framework, enhance biodiversity, and ensure the quality of PRM, while facilitating innovation and reducing bureaucracy for operators.

Roots, Organic Matter, Resilience: Will Soil Health Become a Food Sovereignty Issue in Europe?

At a conference, former French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie highlighted the degradation of European soils, emphasizing their crucial role in food sovereignty and the need for a common vision for their protection. He also discussed the impact of climate change on agriculture, advocating for agronomic practices that promote deeper roots, essential for soil health and resilience against climate crises. Denormandie calls for a nuanced approach to agricultural debates, stressing the importance of a collective response at the European level.

In the Netherlands, Biocontrol of Pests Becomes the Norm in Greenhouse Cultivation

According to preliminary data from Statistics Netherlands, biological pest control is now ubiquitous in greenhouse crops, with adoption reaching 94% in 2024. This stable trend compared to 2020 conceals notable increases in the use of certain agents, particularly predatory mites and thrips, which have seen significant growth in usage. Microbiological agents, such as bacteria, are also increasingly integrated into cultivation practices.

A New Dutch Center Merges Agronomic Trials and Data to Design Tomorrow's Varieties

The newly inaugurated Rijk Zwaan Open Field Testing Center in the Netherlands is designed to enhance practical research on field crops. This state-of-the-art facility allows for the evaluation of 20 field crops, including lettuce, brassicas, spinach, and chicories, featuring amenities such as a digital phenotyping lab for precise variety assessment.

EU Fails to Reach Compromise on Pesticide Regulation Reform

Negotiations for a compromise on new pesticide rules in the EU, proposed by Cyprus, have stalled. This text aimed to facilitate the use of organic pesticides while granting unlimited approvals for certain synthetic substances. Disagreements among member states, particularly regarding the restriction of imports of products containing banned pesticide residues, hindered the agreement.

AgTech Investment in Europe by 2026: Significant Dynamics Ahead

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The registration of the SOLHY019 variety by Solynta in the Dutch national register marks a significant advancement for the potato industry. This global first, derived from true hybrid seeds, validates the company's breeding technology and paves the way for broader adoption of hybrid varieties. This variety promises improved agronomic performance, increased disease resistance, and more efficient seed distribution.

Low-Input Wheat Varieties: COPE Focuses on Nitrogen Efficiency with New Strain to Address Margin Pressures

British company COPE is set to unveil its new winter wheat variety, Chessum, at Cereals 2026, taking place from June 10 to 11, addressing the growing needs of farmers for low-input crops. With high nitrogen use efficiency and resistance to diseases such as yellow rust and septoria, Chessum aligns with a more sustainable crop management approach while maintaining grain quality potential.

A French Company Secures Emergency Authorization in Italy for Its Biofungicide Against Basil Downy Mildew

Amoéba, a French company specializing in natural microbiological solutions, has received a 120-day emergency authorization for its biofungicide AXPERA in Italy, aimed at combating basil downy mildew that can destroy up to 80% of crops. This measure addresses the growing pressure on basil producers, a key market in Europe, where conventional solutions are increasingly limited and inadequate.

Plant Health: A €6 Million European Project to Coordinate Responses to Agricultural and Forest Pests

The PhytoPRISM project, led by the University of Warwick in England, aims to create an innovative platform to coordinate the fight against pests threatening agriculture and forests in Europe. With a budget of €6 million, it brings together 15 research institutions and stakeholders from 8 countries and introduces epidemiological modeling tools to help authorities make informed and effective decisions.

Vertical Agriculture: To Tackle Climate Challenges, a Spanish Company Aims to Grow Hops Directly for Brewers

In response to climate challenges threatening hop production, the Spanish company Ekonoke is innovating with indoor hop farms, ensuring brewers a reliable and local supply amidst climate risks. By leveraging long-term contracts and vertical farming technology, the company aims for industrial expansion while validating its performance before attracting new investments.