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Study Reveals Gaps in Sustainability Monitoring of Cocoa Farms

Climate Challenges Threaten Banana Production

Banana cultivation, essential for many tropical countries, faces increasing climate challenges. With temperature variations, extreme weather events, and diseases exacerbated by climate change, producers must adapt. Agritech innovations, such as advanced genetics and sustainable farming practices, could provide solutions to preserve this iconic crop and ensure food security.

2026 Yields: Several Summer Crops at Historically Low Levels

Heatwaves: Alsace bets on legumes and builds its plant protein sector

Legumes in Alsace: A Response to Climate Challenges

In response to the challenges posed by heatwaves and droughts, a group of Alsatian farmers is turning to legumes such as chickpeas and lentils. These crops, which require less water and pesticides, represent a promising alternative for sustainable agriculture. The initiative, led by farmers like Cédric Steinlé, is beginning to gain traction in the region, highlighting the importance of adapting agricultural practices to new climatic realities.

Brazil: Soybean Area Growth Hits a Standstill

China Warns of Increased Pests and Rice Diseases in 2026

Chinese authorities anticipate above-normal pressure from pests and diseases on mid- and late-season rice crops in 2026. Favorable weather conditions for bio-aggressors and low varietal resistance could impact over 62 million hectares of rice fields.

Mars Integrates Natural Menthol from Shubh Mint into European Gum Industry

Mars has begun incorporating natural menthol from its Shubh Mint program into gum production in Europe, targeting the UK and Poland. Launched in 2017, this program has improved farming practices and enhanced climate resilience for farmers in India, where 80% of natural menthol is produced. Through sustainable agricultural techniques, farmers' incomes have doubled, and thousands of women have been trained, contributing to significant changes in their communities.

InterGrain Leads National Faba Bean Breeding Program in Australia

InterGrain, an Australian plant breeding company, has been selected to lead a national faba bean breeding program in collaboration with the GRDC and the University of Adelaide. This $9.5 million program over 2.5 years aims to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, thereby consolidating breeding efforts for improved efficiency. InterGrain is committed to quickly translating breeding results into benefits for farmers while addressing the growing demand for plant-based proteins.

The Farm France: A Fragile Recovery Amid Ongoing Challenges

Launch of a $230.7 Million Investment Platform for Permanent Crops in Australia

The Canadian investment group La Caisse and Australian agricultural asset manager GO.FARM have announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing permanent crops in Australia. With an initial commitment of $230.7 million (A$330 million), the platform seeks to transform underutilized land into sustainable farming operations through investments in irrigation, infrastructure, and agricultural technologies.

Terrena Completes Acquisition of Cerdys, a Major Step for French Horticulture

The French agricultural cooperative Terrena, through its subsidiary Hortival Diffusion, has finalized the acquisition of Cerdys to strengthen its activities in ornamental plants. This operation brings together two complementary players in horticulture and aims to consolidate production, logistics, and the development of a sustainable horticultural sector in the Grand Ouest.

Controlled Environment Agriculture: Hippo Harvest Raises $30 Million to Accelerate Development of Robotic Greenhouses

American company Hippo Harvest, a producer of leafy greens, has announced the closing of a $30 million Series C funding round led by Cox Farms. This funding will allow it to expand its facilities in California and develop a next-generation robotic growing system aimed at commercializing indoor-grown spinach.

Drought: Corn Production in France Hits Historic Low

The 2026 campaign is set to be particularly challenging for French corn. Over 70% of the territory is now under water restrictions, cultivated areas have decreased by up to 35% in some regions, and national production could reach its lowest level since 1990, highlighting the extent of the challenges posed by drought and heatwaves.

Hippo Harvest Raises $30 Million to Accelerate Robotic Greenhouses

Hippo Harvest, a producer of organic leafy greens, has announced the closing of a $30 million funding round led by Cox Farms. This funding will allow the expansion of its facilities in Hollister, CA, and the development of a next-generation robotic growing system, thereby increasing its production capacity and speeding up the commercialization of indoor-grown spinach. By utilizing autonomous mobile robots, the company aims to optimize its yields while reducing costs, addressing the growing market demand for certified organic vegetables.

American investment firm Paine Schwartz invests in Bloom fresh to accelerate varietal innovation in fruits

American investment firm Paine Schwartz Partners, a leader in sustainable private equity, has completed a minority investment in the Spanish company Amfresh Group and its subsidiary Bloom fresh. This operation, which is part of a long-standing relationship, aims to support innovation in agricultural genetics, with Bloom developing over 100 fruit varieties for thousands of producers worldwide.

Micro-Carbon and Integrated Protection: American Company Huma Unveils New Formulation Technology to Enhance Treatment Efficacy

American company Huma® has launched Proud 4™, an innovative solution that combines the functions of nematicide, miticide, fungicide, and insecticide. Aimed at specialty crop growers, this formulation seeks to replace harmful chemicals while providing broad-spectrum control of both aerial and underground pests for specialty crops. With Micro-Carbon technology, Proud 4 enhances the absorption of active ingredients in soil and leaves.

Dutch Rijk Zwaan Expands Melon and Watermelon Offerings with New Resilient Varieties

At its global event, Dutch company Rijk Zwaan showcased innovative solutions for melons and watermelons, aimed at enhancing crop security and improving product quality. The new varieties, such as Galuna™, resistant to powdery mildew, and concepts like Candy Ball™, reflect a commitment to diversification and optimizing consumer experience.

Biomethane, Heat and CO₂: Methanization as a Decarbonization Lever for Horticultural Greenhouses in Australia

The Canadian company Anaergia Inc. has signed a contract to provide technology and equipment for an anaerobic digestion facility at Goodness Grown Farm in Australia. This innovative project, supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, aims to process 120,000 tons of agricultural and commercial waste annually, generating over 100 terajoules of biogas. The recovered heat and CO₂ will be used for the energy needs of a nearby greenhouse.

Vertical Farms: Demand-Driven Planning Becomes a Profitability and Waste Reduction Lever

British companies Harvest London and Crate to Plate have received financial support from the ADOPT program of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to deploy Ani, a production planning platform that links confirmed customer orders to real-time crop planning. This project, taking place across multiple sites in London, aims to enhance the efficiency of controlled environment farms, with estimates of resource and waste reduction.