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Equinor and Shell Partner on Bay du Nord Project in Canada
Equinor and Shell have signed an agreement in which Shell will acquire a 30% stake in the Bay du Nord project, located off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This transaction supports the ongoing development of the project, with an investment decision expected by early 2027.
Source: Equinor, published under the title "Equinor and Shell partner on the Bay du Nord project" - 9 October 2026
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Promising Results for ICOTYDE in Psoriasis Treatment Revealed by Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has unveiled results from the ICONIC-LEADa study, showing that ICOTYDE, a targeted oral peptide, offers high and sustained response rates in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. With nearly 72% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin after two years, this innovation could transform treatment options for this chronic disease. The data also confirm a favorable safety profile, with no new safety signals identified, reinforcing ICOTYDE's position as a first-line systemic therapy.
Source: J&j - 9 October 2026
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ABIM 2026: Biocontrol Industry Meeting Set to Take Place in Basel
From October 20 to 22, 2026, the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) will bring together key players in biocontrol in Basel to discuss scientific advancements, innovations, and regulatory developments. This event will provide an opportunity to discover new projects and reward the best innovations in crop protection.
Source: Agro Matin, published under the title "[Agenda] Biocontrôle : l’ABIM se tiendra du 20 au 22 octobre..." - 9 October 2026
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Natural Rubber: Arterris and GuaTecs Move Towards Industrialization
Arterris Innovation and GuaTecs are expanding their guayule trials in Aude by 3.2 hectares. This shrub, capable of producing natural rubber and thriving in poor, arid soils, could pave the way for a new industrial sector. The partners still need to optimize its cultivation and mechanize its harvest, while GuaTecs is seeking to raise 3 million euros to finance a demonstration unit.
Source: Agro Matin, published under the title "Guayule : Arterris et GuaTecs préparent le passage à l’échel..." - 9 October 2026
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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 "Ă€ Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin et Danone veulent passer la bio..." - 9 October 2026
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A New Method for Improved Measurement of Phosphorus in Soils
Researchers have developed a simpler and more cost-effective method for measuring DNA-bound phosphorus in soils. Their work highlights a close association between this fraction of phosphorus and soil microorganisms. This methodological advancement could enhance the understanding of the cycle of this essential nutrient for crops and ultimately contribute to more effective management of phosphorus resources.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "New soil test could reveal how soil microbes help feed plant..." - 9 October 2026
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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 COâ‚‚ 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
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AI Maps Crops in Senegal with 84% Accuracy, Transforming Agriculture
The Tessera artificial intelligence tool, developed at the University of Cambridge, is revolutionizing crop mapping in Senegal, providing an accessible and precise solution for smallholder farms. By enabling better data collection, it could enhance food security in the face of growing climate challenges, particularly during El Niño periods. This technology could transform how governments and NGOs assess agricultural production in developing countries.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "AI tool for mapping smallholder crops proves itself in Seneg..." - 9 October 2026
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Lucent Bio Leverages Starch to Replace Microplastics in Fertilizers
Canadian company Lucent BioSciences secures up to $1.98 million in federal funding to develop a biodegradable starch-based coating for controlled-release fertilizers. The goal is to replace polymer coatings that may leave microplastics in soils while improving nitrogen efficiency and reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertilization.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Lucent BioSciences secures up to $1.98 million in federal fu..." - 9 October 2026
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Zymofix Invests €6 Million to Industrialize Biofertilizer Production
Belgian company Zymofix is investing €6 million in a solid-state fermentation plant in Deinze, aimed at industrializing its production of microorganisms for agriculture. After validating its technology at a pilot scale, the company targets an annual capacity of 300 tons by 2027, which it estimates will be sufficient to cover one million hectares with its biostimulants and biofertilizers.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Zymofix to build flagship microbial manufacturing plant as i..." - 9 October 2026
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Switch Bioworks Authorized to Conduct Nitrogen-Fixing Trials in Brazil
American company Switch Bioworks has received approval from Brazil's National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) to conduct field trials of its nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. The technology aims to reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers through biological nitrogen fixation. Following the United States and Kenya, Brazil becomes a new testing ground for the company, allowing it to evaluate its solutions across additional crop cycles.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Switch Bioworks secures Brazil approval, strengthening its g..." - 9 October 2026
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Nizar Haddad Appointed Director General of ICARDA to Strengthen Arid Land Agriculture
Nizar Haddad took over as Director General of ICARDA, the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas, on October 1, 2026. With over 25 years of experience in agricultural research and development, he leads an institution dedicated to improving crop resilience and agricultural systems facing drought challenges.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "ICARDA appoints Nizar Haddad as Director General" - 9 October 2026
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Concerns Over Regulatory Delays in Brazil's Organic Market Expansion
The Brazilian biocontrol product market reached 1.82 billion reais in the first half of 2026, marking a 9.6% year-on-year increase. Treated areas grew even faster, up 18.3% to 46.2 million hectares. However, this momentum is hindered by the slow implementation of Law 15.070/2024, which is intended to provide a suitable regulatory framework for the development of biological inputs.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Brazil’s biologicals market expands, but regulatory delays r..." - 9 October 2026
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AGREEN STARTUP Connect: A Competition for Agricultural Innovation in France
The Chambers of Agriculture France, in partnership with La Ferme Digitale, have launched AGREEN STARTUP Connect, a national competition aimed at integrating agricultural innovations into daily practices. This initiative allows startups to test their solutions in the field and collaborate with the Chambers of Agriculture to address the concrete needs of farmers. Registrations are open until October 23, 2026, with winners to be announced on November 25, 2026.
Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "Chambres d’agriculture France organise un concours pour l’in..." - 9 October 2026
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CIBIA: A New Facility in Wageningen for Food Innovation
Wageningen University & Research has inaugurated CIBIA, a research facility dedicated to accelerating food innovations. This center supports various stakeholders in developing sustainable and healthy solutions for the food system by integrating advanced technologies and a collaborative approach.
dr.ir. RMAJ (Rianne) Ruijschop, Source: Wur, published under the title "CIBIA, a new Wageningen facility, helps bring food innovatio..." - 9 October 2026
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France Invests €30 Million to Accelerate Alternatives to Pesticides
The French government is mobilizing nearly €30 million to support initiatives aimed at reducing the use of phytopharmaceutical products in greenhouse crops and the hazelnut sector. The Pragmatic, Coop Protect, and Boliid projects exemplify this commitment to transitioning towards more sustainable agricultural practices by integrating agronomic levers and agroecological protection methods.
Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Pragmatic, Coop Protect et Boliid : trois projets pour faire..." - 9 October 2026
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France Allocates €15.3 Million to Accelerate Alternatives to Pesticides
France's Ministry of Agriculture has announced funding for two collective projects aimed at reducing the use of phytopharmaceutical products in large-scale farming and vegetable growing. These initiatives, supported by €15.3 million, bring together farmers, experts, and companies to facilitate the adoption of alternative practices and share the risks associated with this transition towards more sustainable farming methods.
Source: Actu Environnement, published under the title "Alternatives aux pesticides : deux projets soutenus pour les..." - 9 October 2026
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EU Renews Conditional Approval for Spinosad Insecticide
The European Union has renewed the approval of spinosad, a biological insecticide used in both conventional and organic agriculture, particularly against thrips. Marketed by Corteva under the brand Qalcova active, this substance remains valuable amid the reduction of available solutions for certain crops. The renewal comes with restrictions aimed at protecting pollinators and mandates a review of national authorizations for the affected products.
Source: Agro Matin, published under the title "Qalcova active (spinosad) : « maintenir une solution face au..." - 9 October 2026
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Edonia Secures Funding for Innovative Microalgae-Based Protein Ingredient
Edonia, a startup based in the ĂŽle-de-France region, has caught the attention of two new investment funds to support the development of its innovative microalgae-based protein ingredient, aimed at the collective catering sector and food industry manufacturers. Guided by Alpha Capital Partners, this funding round aims to strengthen its position in a rapidly growing market focused on plant-based proteins and sustainable solutions.
Jeremy Guiraud, Source: Cfnews, published under the title "TECH |" - 9 October 2026
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Morocco: Students Design Irrigation System That Recovers Drainage Water
In Casablanca, a group of students from the Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik has developed HERO, an intelligent irrigation system that recovers excess water from the soil for optimization. This project, which received the Eco-Citizenship Award from Vivo Energy Morocco, aims to address the challenges of water stress in Morocco by improving irrigation efficiency. However, real-world testing is necessary to assess its impact on water savings.
Team AgriMaroc.ma, Source: Agrimaroc, published under the title "HERO : des étudiants marocains développent un système pour r..." - 9 October 2026
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