AI-assisted international press reviewPress review
AGCO Strengthens Its Board of Directors with James C. Collins, Jr.
AGCO, a global leader in agricultural machinery, has announced the appointment of James C. Collins, Jr. to its board of directors, highlighting his expertise in innovation and sustainable agriculture. Collins, former CEO of Corteva Agriscience, will bring valuable experience to support AGCO's 'Farmer-First' strategy aimed at developing smart farming solutions. This appointment comes amid a transformation and industrialization of agricultural practices.
Source: Agco, published under the title "AGCO Appoints James C. Collins, Jr. to its Board of Director..." - 5 March 2026
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A New Strain Threatens Tomato and Pepper Production
A study conducted by researchers from the Leibniz Institute DSMZ, the Italian National Research Council, and BASF-Nunhems reveals the emergence of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) strains capable of simultaneously overcoming the resistances of both tomatoes and peppers. This finding, published in Virology, challenges certain agronomic practices such as the rotation of resistant varieties and underscores the need to enhance monitoring and management strategies for the virus.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Tomato and pepper production faces emerging threats" - 5 March 2026
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Iberdrola: MeteoFlow, a Globally Recognized AI Project for Sustainability
Iberdrola has been recognized for its MeteoFlow platform, which uses artificial intelligence to predict renewable electricity production. Selected by IRCAI, this initiative illustrates the positive impact of AI on sustainability, facilitating the integration of renewable energies and improving electric grid management. Since 2004, MeteoFlow has evolved to provide accurate forecasts, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy model.
Source: Iberdrola, published under the title "Iberdrola, in the world's top 100 AI projects to promote sus..." - 5 March 2026
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Sale of Shares by Equinor ASA Associate: 241 Shares at 299 NOK
Martin Møllerstad Li, a close associate of Hilde Møllerstad, a member of the Equinor ASA board, sold 241 shares of the company on March 4, 2026, at a unit price of 299 NOK. This transaction is part of the transparency obligations imposed by European market abuse regulations and Norwegian securities legislation.
Source: Equinor, published under the title "Notifiable trading" - 4 March 2026
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India Surpasses China to Become the World’s Leading Rice Producer
With 150.18 million tons produced in 2024-2025, India has become the world’s leading rice producer, surpassing China. This growth is driven by an 18% increase in cultivated areas since 2019-2020, supported by new varieties and favorable monsoons. However, the expansion of rice cultivation intensifies pressure on water resources, prompting the government to encourage crop diversification.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "India Overtakes China as World's Largest Rice Producer — But..." - 4 March 2026
Read moreIberdrola: Global Leader in AI for Sustainability with MeteoFlow
Iberdrola has been recognized by IRCAI for its MeteoFlow platform, which uses artificial intelligence to predict renewable electricity production. This project, ongoing since 2004, illustrates the company's commitment to sustainable innovation, facilitating the integration of renewable energies and contributing to a cleaner, more efficient energy model. MeteoFlow, which combines advanced weather models and Big Data technologies, enables accurate forecasts, thereby enhancing electric grid management and energy planning.
Source: Iberdrola, published under the title "Iberdrola, en el top 100 mundial de proyectos de IA para el ..." - 4 March 2026
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Symrise: Organic Growth and Enhanced Profitability by 2025
In 2025, Symrise AG reported a solid organic growth of 2.8% and achieved its highest profitability level in a decade, with an adjusted EBITDA of €1.081 million. The company implemented efficiency measures that saved €50 million, exceeding targets. The Flavor, Nutrition & Health segment recorded a growth of 2.6%, while the Fragrance & Care segment grew by 3.2%. Symrise also announced a share buyback program and a dividend of €1.25 per share, strengthening its market position.
Source: Symrise, published under the title "Symrise delivered solid organic sales growth and strong prof..." - 4 March 2026
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AGCO Wins Davidson Award for OutRunâ„¢ Solution | Tillage
AGCO was awarded for its OutRunâ„¢ | Tillage solution at the Commodity Classic, highlighting its efforts towards agricultural autonomy by 2030. This technology enables autonomous tillage using existing tractors, facilitating remote management of agricultural operations and addressing labor challenges. With seven AE50 awards in 2026, AGCO demonstrates its commitment to innovation and efficiency in the agricultural sector.
Source: Agco, published under the title "OutRunâ„¢ | Tillage from AGCO's PTx Trimbleâ„¢ Brand Wins 2026 D..." - 4 March 2026
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Certis Belchim and Elicit Plant Join Forces to Develop a Potato Biostimulant
Certis Belchim and Elicit Plant announce a strategic partnership to co-develop an innovative biostimulant for potatoes, aimed at addressing growing climate challenges. This collaboration combines Elicit Plant's R&D expertise with Certis Belchim's leadership position in the European market, with the goal of enhancing farmer profitability while ensuring crop quality and yield in increasingly challenging climatic conditions.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Certis Belchim and Elicit Plant announce strategic partnersh..." - 4 March 2026
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baCta Raises €7 Million to Produce Astaxanthin via Fermentation
The French startup baCta, specializing in the bioproduction of industrial ingredients, announces a funding round of €7 million to accelerate the development of a fermentation process dedicated to producing astaxanthin, a sought-after antioxidant in the cosmetics and nutraceutical sectors.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Can fermentation undercut synthetics? baCta chases astaxanth..." - 4 March 2026
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PlasmaLeap Raises AUD 30 Million for Zero-Emission Fertilizer Production
Australian company PlasmaLeap Technologies, specializing in low-emission fertilizers and fuels, has raised AUD 30 million to accelerate the deployment of its technology across the region.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "PlasmaLeap raises A$30 million to accelerate zero-emissions ..." - 4 March 2026
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Syngenta Ends Paraquat Production in the United Kingdom
Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural technologies, has announced the cessation of paraquat herbicide production by the end of June 2026, due to competition from generic producers. This decision impacts the Huddersfield site, the sole manufacturing facility for this product, and is part of an innovation strategy aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Syngenta to cease paraquat production in the UK in 2026" - 4 March 2026
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Avangrid Extends Power Purchase Agreement with Xcel Energy for MinnDakota
Avangrid, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, has extended its power purchase agreement with Xcel Energy for the MinnDakota wind farm, thereby enhancing renewable energy supply in the region. This 150 MW wind farm, located on the border between Minnesota and South Dakota, plays a key role in providing electricity to thousands of homes and businesses while supporting the local economy through job creation and funding public services via tax revenues.
Source: Iberdrola, published under the title "Avangrid extends power purchase agreement with Xcel Energy f..." - 4 March 2026
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Enel Announces Purchase of 2.76 Million Own Shares in February 2026
Enel S.p.A. disclosed the acquisition of 2,758,741 own shares on the Euronext Milan market between February 23 and 27, 2026, as part of a buyback program aimed at providing additional remuneration to shareholders. The average purchase price was set at €9.7509 per share, totaling €26,900,132.139. With these acquisitions, Enel now holds 139,513,616 own shares, representing approximately 1.3723% of its share capital.
Source: Enel, published under the title "Enel informs about the purchase of treasury shares between F..." - 4 March 2026
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Impact of Interest Rates on Greenhouse Financing
The rise in interest rates has significant repercussions on the financing of greenhouse projects, making capital structure and profitability more sensitive to borrowing costs. Lenders are adopting stricter underwriting standards, requiring a debt service coverage ratio above 1.25x and conservative financial projections. The future of greenhouse expansion will be characterized by a more selective and modular approach, integrating automation systems to optimize efficiency while addressing new economic realities.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "How Interest Rates Impact Greenhouse Financing" - 3 March 2026
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Well Control Incident on Deepsea Bollsta Platform: Equinor Investigation
Equinor has completed its investigation into a well control incident on the Deepsea Bollsta platform that occurred on September 23, 2025. This event, classified as the highest severity level by the company, resulted in a gas and fluid leak, but safety systems functioned as intended, preventing escalation. Corrective measures have been implemented to prevent similar future incidents.
Source: Equinor, published under the title "Investigation following well control incident on Deepsea Bol..." - 3 March 2026
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TotalEnergies and AllianzGI: 800 MW of Energy Storage in Germany
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with AllianzGI to sell 50% of its stake in a portfolio of 11 energy storage projects in Germany, representing a total capacity of 789 MW. This €500 million investment, 70% financed by debt, aims to support the energy transition and enhance the resilience of the German power grid. The projects, developed by Kyon Energy, are set to be operational by 2028 and will utilize next-generation batteries from Saft.
Source: Totalenergies, published under the title "Electricity: TotalEnergies partners with AllianzGI to develo..." - 3 March 2026
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Bindbridge Secures $3.8 Million to Revolutionize Crop Protection
Bindbridge, a biotechnology startup based in Cambridge, has secured $3.8 million in funding to develop innovative crop protection solutions. Utilizing an AI-driven discovery platform, the company aims to design molecular glues that target protein degradation in weeds and pests, addressing the challenges of herbicide resistance and the growing demands for food safety. This approach could transform the agrochemical sector, traditionally constrained by costly and lengthy research methods.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Bindbridge raises $3.8M to deliver next-gen crop protection ..." - 3 March 2026
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Avangrid's Effective Response to Major Snowstorm
Avangrid, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, demonstrated exemplary preparedness during an unprecedented snowstorm in the eastern United States. The utility companies Central Maine Power, NYSEG, and United Illuminating quickly restored power to thousands of customers thanks to well-rehearsed response plans and annual training. This effective response highlights the commitment of the teams and ongoing investments to strengthen the resilience of the electrical grid.
Source: Iberdrola, published under the title "Avangrid distributors demonstrate strong preparedness and re..." - 3 March 2026
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Oil Discovery in the Snorre Area: Rapid Development Expected by Equinor
Equinor and its partners announce an oil discovery in the Snorre area, with significant recoverable volume estimates. The development of this field will be swift and cost-effective, leveraging existing infrastructure, which is crucial for maintaining production amid declining output from existing fields. This innovative approach could transform the exploration and development of subsea fields in Norway.
Source: Equinor, published under the title "Oil discovery in the Snorre area – planning for rapid develo..." - 2 March 2026
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