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Sunflower Resilience Under Water Stress: A Challenge to Overcome

At a conference during the Innovagri fair, Matthieu Abella from Terres Inovia highlighted the sunflower's tolerance to water stress, capable of achieving its optimal yield with only 75% of its water needs. However, the exceptional climatic conditions of the summer of 2026 also affected this crop, emphasizing the importance of studying the physiological mechanisms at play to better adapt agricultural practices to climate challenges.

Podcast Episode from September 15, 2026: Innovations in Agritech

In this episode, we explore the latest advancements in agritech, including applications of vertical farming technologies and genomic editing. We also discuss the impacts of new regulations on the industrialization of startups and trends in the biofuels market. Experts share their visions on the future of plant-based proteins and bioproducts in the agri-food sector, while addressing challenges related to soil health and the automation of agricultural equipment.

Absolute Launches INERA Organic Farming Platform in Kenya

Indian company Absolute begins its commercial operations in Africa with INERA, its branch dedicated to biological solutions, by launching six products in Kenya. This launch is part of a strategy to expand into other African and global markets, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity while respecting the environment. INERA partners with local stakeholders to tailor its solutions to the specific needs of Kenyan farmers, in a context where the continent's agricultural productivity remains below global standards.

Yara: Employee and Board Member Stock Purchases Announced

As part of its stock purchase program, Yara has seen 926 employees participate in the acquisition of 58,200 shares, while several board members have also made purchases, complying with PDMR transaction disclosure requirements. Yara, a global leader in crop nutrition, continues to innovate to improve yields and reduce environmental impact.

India Transitions to Digital Licensing System for Pesticides

Starting September 15, 2026, India will implement a fully digital licensing system for pesticides, replacing decades of paper-based compliance. This reform aims to modernize regulations, enhance product traceability, and increase transparency in a rapidly growing agrochemical market. Concerns remain regarding the ability of smaller players to adapt to these new digital requirements.

Biobest Strengthens Its Presence in Morocco with Full Acquisition of Subsidiary

BioFirst Group announces that its division Biobest has finalized an agreement to acquire 100% of its biocontrol agent production subsidiary in Morocco, increasing its stake from 50% to 100%. This transaction, pending approval from the Moroccan competition authority, marks a key milestone in Biobest's development in the region, where beneficial insects for crop protection are produced. BioFirst CEO Jean-Marc Vandoorne emphasizes the company's commitment to providing high-quality biological solutions to growers.

Fertilizer Management: A Climate Pathway for Pakistan

A recent study reveals how smarter fertilizer management can help Pakistan reduce its agricultural emissions while supporting food production, focusing on nitrogen use efficiency, particularly in wheat cultivation, the main source of N₂O emissions.

BASF Prepares for IPO of Agricultural Solutions Division by 2027

BASF has tasked Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and J.P. Morgan with preparing for the IPO of its Agricultural Solutions division, scheduled for 2027. This initiative aligns with the company's 'Winning Ways' strategy, aimed at maximizing the value of this branch as an independent entity. Concurrently, 80% of the business has been separated into distinct legal entities, enhancing agility and customer proximity. A strategic overview will be presented at the Capital Markets Day in November 2026.

Sumitomo Chemical to Participate in SEMICON India 2026

Sumitomo Chemical will participate in SEMICON India 2026, a major international event for the semiconductor industry, to be held in New Delhi. The company will showcase its innovative solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting its commitment to the development of this strategic industry in India and globally.

Sumitomo Chemical and Gutenberg Co., Ltd. Launch LCP Filament for 3D Printers

Sumitomo Chemical and Gutenberg Co., Ltd. have collaborated to develop a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) filament for 3D printers, aimed at meeting the growing demands for advanced applications in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. This innovation overcomes previous limitations of LCP in 3D printing, offering properties of strength and lightweight design while facilitating the creation of complex shapes. Samples will be available in 2026, with potential uses in various sectors such as aerospace and defense.

Eden Research Raises £10.8 Million to Accelerate Biopesticide Development

British company Eden Research has raised £10.8 million to support the development and testing of its biopesticide solutions. The company has also secured new approvals for Mevalone®, targeting downy mildew in vineyards in France and California, as well as a temporary approval in Italy for Ecovelex™, intended for corn seed treatment.

Google Funds Water-Efficient Irrigation in Texas Rice Fields

Specializing in agricultural sustainability programs, American company AgriCapture partners with Google and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to reduce water consumption in Texas rice fields. Google will finance the installation of more water-efficient irrigation systems and provide incentives to producers, with a stated goal of saving 5.4 billion gallons of water over 6,000 acres.

Kazakhstan Innovates with Drones for Crop Protection

Kazakh scientists have developed a revolutionary technology, BioDrop, which utilizes drones to release beneficial insects over agricultural fields. This method is faster and more efficient than manual techniques and could transform pest control while reducing the use of chemical pesticides.

Inauguration of Europe's Largest Carbon Capture Facility at Yara Sluiskil

Today, the largest industrial carbon capture facility in Europe was inaugurated at Yara's plant in Sluiskil, Netherlands. This project establishes the first complete cross-border value chain for the capture, transport, and permanent storage of CO₂, marking a significant advancement in industrial decarbonization and European competitiveness.

Pest Alert: Thrips Parvispinus Threatens Pepper Production in Almería

The detection of Thrips parvispinus across all pepper production areas in Almería raises concerns among farmers. While not all farms are affected, vigilance is essential as the transplanting season comes to a close. Strict control measures and financial support are being implemented to address this invasive threat.

Kekkilä-BVB and Arevo Adapt Crop Nutrition Innovation for Nordic Gardens

European growing media specialist Kekkilä-BVB partners with Swedish AgTech Arevo to integrate its plant nutrition technology, Arginex, into gardening products for Nordic and Baltic countries. Already utilized in agriculture and forestry, this arginine and phosphorus-based formulation aims to enhance nutrient use efficiency and minimize leaching.

Sumitomo Chemical Develops Innovative Alumina to Enhance Ceramic Separation Membranes

Sumitomo Chemical has developed a high-performance alumina technology that improves the permeability of ceramic separation membranes while maintaining their efficiency. This breakthrough, resulting from joint research with Kobe University, could transform wastewater treatment and other industrial applications by reducing contaminant adhesion and increasing filtration flow rates. The results promise more efficient membranes for various sectors, including food processing and biotechnology.

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Lidea Launches Seed Coating to Reduce Nitrogen Inputs

European seed company Lidea has introduced Nitro Boost, a seed coating developed in collaboration with Agronutrition by DSG that combines biofertilization and biostimulation. Targeted primarily at corn and cereals, this solution integrates bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, a biostimulant, and a zinc and manganese complex. According to the seed company, it could reduce mineral fertilizer applications by 20 to 40 nitrogen units per hectare. Over 33 trial sites from 2022 to 2025, Lidea reports yield gains of up to 4.1 q/ha under water stress conditions.

2026 Investor Annual Report: Analysis and Future Perspectives

The 2026 fiscal year annual report for Sumitomo Chemical provides a comprehensive overview of its operations, products, and market trends. It also presents financial statements and strategic projections for the coming years, particularly in the agro-food solutions and sustainable materials sectors.