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After New Molecules, Agrochemistry Focuses on Improving Existing Substances

The agrochemical industry is turning to the optimization of existing molecules, such as glufosinate-ammonium, through isomeric enrichment technologies that enhance herbicide efficiency and reduce operational volumes required. Companies are exploring alternative innovation pathways to the discovery of new molecules, aiming to maximize the value of active ingredients in the face of increasingly stringent regulations and high development costs.

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.

Canola: Australia Invests in Genetics to Enhance Frost Tolerance, Acid Soil Resilience, and Yield Efficiency

Microbial Fertilizers: A Beneficial Bacteria-Enriched NPK Fertilizer Hits the Market

Two Ukrainian companies, BTU and BINFIELD, announce the industrial production of an NPK fertilizer incorporating beneficial microorganisms directly into the granules. This innovative approach, developed over five years, aims to enhance the efficiency of nutrients already present in the soil through five selected bacterial strains, while providing measurable yield gains for several crops.

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.

Agricultural Robotization: A French Kit to Autonomize Tractors of All Brands

The French company Latitude GPS is marketing a retrofit kit that enables continuous variable transmission tractors of all brands to operate autonomously. This system, which includes multiple sensors and cameras for 360° vision and emergency stop devices, addresses labor challenges in agriculture, with a return on investment estimated between 3 and 4 years. The kit costs between 85,000 and 95,000 euros and can be transferred from one tractor to another.

Iberdrola investit 4,5 milliards d'euros dans l'électricité à Bahia jusqu'en 2030

Iberdrola annonce un investissement majeur dans les infrastructures électriques de Bahia, visant à renforcer l'économie locale et à soutenir le développement durable. Ce projet, qui s'inscrit dans un cycle d'investissement de 9 milliards d'euros au Brésil, comprend la construction de nouvelles sous-stations et de lignes haute tension, et souligne l'importance de l'électrification pour le développement économique et social de la région.

Iberdrola célèbre son Family Day avec près de 3 500 participants

Iberdrola a récemment tenu son Family Day à Madrid et Bilbao, rassemblant près de 3 500 employés et leurs familles pour une journée d'activités variées. Cet événement, qui favorise les interactions en dehors du cadre professionnel, a été marqué par la participation de la direction et a suscité un fort enthousiasme, consolidant son statut d'événement incontournable pour les employés et leurs proches.

Iberdrola et Vodafone s'allient pour des solutions énergétiques intégrées en Espagne

Iberdrola España et Vodafone España annoncent un partenariat stratégique pour offrir des services combinés d'énergie renouvelable et de télécommunications. Cette initiative vise à simplifier l'accès à des solutions intégrées pour les consommateurs, tout en proposant des avantages financiers sur une période de deux ans. L'alliance pourrait toucher jusqu'à 16 millions de clients, renforçant ainsi l'engagement d'Iberdrola envers une approche centrée sur le client, alliant électrification et services à valeur ajoutée.

Connected Greenhouses: Belgian Startup Raises €500,000 to Develop Real-Time Plant Health Sensor

Belgian startup Sensie has successfully raised €500,000 to develop its wireless sensor technology, enabling greenhouse growers to measure real-time physiological signals of crops, such as growth and stress. With its Sensie Omni product, the company aims to fill a gap in professional horticulture by integrating plant data with climate and irrigation information.

Agritech in 2026: Acquisitions Replace Fundraising

In 2026, the Agritech sector experiences a wave of consolidation marked by ten strategic acquisitions in May, with no bankruptcies. This trend results from a funding correction that began in 2022, where established companies seek to integrate proven technologies to accelerate their development. The acquisition of Bluewhite by Elbit Systems highlights the growing importance of agricultural autonomy, seen as essential technology by defense players. Meanwhile, the number of commercial partnerships is increasing, signaling greater integration in the sector.

Seed Coating: A Biopolymer Double Layer Enhances Conservation, Protection, and Yield of Oilseeds

A new biopolymer double-layer seed coating has been designed to counter yield losses in oilseed crops by integrating specific fungicides and biofertilizers. Results show superior germination rates (78.8–86.7%) compared to untreated seeds, with reduced seedling mortality by 60 to 75%.

Agricultural Drones: A Study Identifies Optimal Flight Speeds to Enhance Spraying Efficiency in Rice Fields

A recent study highlights the impact of the airflow generated by plant protection drones on pesticide application in rice fields. By employing innovative techniques such as aerial photography and machine vision, researchers analyzed the disturbances in the rice canopy caused by the rotors. The findings indicate that optimal flight speeds of 3 to 4 m/s allow for better droplet deposition efficiency, while higher speeds lead to losses in effectiveness.

An RNA Spray Against Potato Blight Recognized Among Sweden's Most Promising Agricultural Innovations

An innovative RNA-based spray targeting potato blight has been included in the IVA (Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences) list of high-potential projects for sustainable agriculture. This development could revolutionize crop protection by reducing economic losses from this disease, estimated at over five billion euros annually in Europe, while adhering to new environmental regulations. Greenhouse trials show a reduction in infections by up to 70%, with no negative impact on plant growth, paving the way for field trials and upcoming commercialization.

Bio-based Materials: A Laboratory Develops Glue-free Wood Panels to Reduce Environmental Impact

FMC Corporation nomme Brian Angeli président de l'Amérique du Nord

FMC Corporation a annoncé la nomination de Brian Angeli au poste de président de FMC Amérique du Nord, à compter du 1er août 2025. Fort d'une expérience de plus de dix ans au sein de l'entreprise, Angeli a occupé plusieurs postes clés, notamment en stratégie d'entreprise et en marketing. Sa connaissance approfondie des technologies d'agriculture de précision et des besoins du marché est perçue comme un atout majeur pour diriger l'introduction de nouvelles solutions pour les agriculteurs et distributeurs en Amérique du Nord.

FMC Corporation : Intervention de son PDG et CFO à la Conférence de Bank of America

Pierre Brondeau, PDG de FMC Corporation, et Andrew Sandifer, CFO, prendront la parole lors de la conférence mondiale sur l'agriculture et les matériaux organisée par Bank of America. Cet événement, prévu pour le 25 février 2026, mettra en lumière les enjeux et les innovations dans le secteur, avec un webcast en direct disponible pour les investisseurs.

European Commission Adopts New Regulation on Plant Protection Product Labeling

Regulation (EU) 2026/1123, adopted by the European Commission, introduces modernized labeling requirements for plant protection products, emphasizing transparency and sustainability. Starting in 2028, digital labeling will be mandatory, facilitating access to up-to-date information. This regulation also strengthens alignment with CLP (classification, labeling, and packaging) regulations, introduces new environmental and safety requirements, and notably supports precision agriculture practices.

Autonomous Weeding: Cropr Launches Weedr, Its AI-Powered Laser Robot

The Dutch company Cropr has unveiled Weedr, an autonomous laser weeding robot that employs advanced technologies such as machine vision and artificial intelligence to target weeds without the use of herbicides. This technology addresses the growing demand for herbicide-free management in Europe, amid strict regulations and labor shortages.