AI-assisted international press reviewPress review
AgriPass Raises $7.5 Million for Its Weeding Robot
The American startup AgriPass has completed a $7.5 million funding round to accelerate the commercial deployment of RHIC, its human-inspired robotic weeding platform. The technology combines computer vision and contextual AI to target weeds at the root while minimizing soil disruption and herbicide use. The funds will be used to prepare for industrial production and expand commercial operations in Europe and the United States.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "AgriPass raises $7.5M seed round to scale human-inspired AI ..." - 9 March 2026
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AI-Designed Toxins Could Revolutionize Biopesticides
A study shows that peptide toxins targeting insect sodium channels can serve as a basis for new biopesticides. Researchers have resolved the structure of the NavPaS channel bound to two insect-selective toxins, Av3 and LqhαIT, using cryo-EM. With AI-assisted protein design tools, the insecticidal efficacy of LqhαIT has been doubled, paving the way for more targeted and potentially safer pest control agents.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Structural insights into insect-selective sodium channel tox..." - 9 March 2026
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Tribute to Rob Trice, Pioneer of Agrifoodtech
The agrifoodtech sector has lost one of its architects, Rob Trice, co-founder of Better Food Ventures and The Mixing Bowl. A pioneering investor and tireless connector, he helped shape the emerging agrifoodtech ecosystem—a term he played a key role in popularizing. Supporting over 25 founders, he championed clear-sighted innovation rooted in agricultural realities. A respected voice, often critical, always committed.
Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Remembering Rob Trice, a founding voice in agrifoodtech" - 7 March 2026
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TotalEnergies Releases Independent Assessment of Tilenga Project in Uganda
TotalEnergies' Tilenga project in Uganda, which has acquired over 2,100 acres of land, has undergone an independent assessment confirming the compliance of the acquisition and resettlement program. With 99% of compensations settled, an action plan will be implemented to support affected households and ensure transparency in grievance management and community engagement.
Source: Totalenergies, published under the title "Tilenga Project: TotalEnergies Publishes Independent Assessm..." - 7 March 2026
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Bayer CropScience: Strong Growth in 2025 Despite Market Challenges
The German group Bayer AG recorded a 1.1% increase in sales in 2025, reaching €45.575 billion, despite a context marked by regulatory pressures and price fluctuations. The Crop Science division supported this performance through the growth of corn seeds. Bayer also unveiled a new five-year strategic plan and aims to launch 10 flagship products within the next decade while continuing to resolve glyphosate-related litigation in the United States.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Analytical review of Bayer CropScience’s annual report 2025:..." - 6 March 2026
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Veridi and Wageningen Develop AI to Identify Nematodes with 96% Accuracy
Dutch startup Veridi Technologies, in collaboration with Wageningen University, has developed an artificial intelligence system capable of identifying the nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi with 96% accuracy. Integrated into the Nemascopeâ„¢ platform, this technology aims to assist farmers in better monitoring soil health and reducing the use of chemical treatments amid tightening European regulations.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Veridi Technologies & Wageningen Automates Nematode Identifi..." - 6 March 2026
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Ascribe Bio Raises $12 Million for Its Biofungicide Phytalix®
The American startup Ascribe Bio has raised $12 million in a Series A round co-led by Corteva and Acre Venture Partners. This funding will support the launch of Phytalix®, a biofungicide aimed at enhancing crop disease control, as well as expanding production capabilities and regulatory efforts in the United States and Brazil.
MADISON HONG, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Ascribe Bio Secures $12 Million Series A Funding to Advance ..." - 6 March 2026
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EagleNXT Strengthens Its Presence in Europe with eBee X Drone Order
EagleNXT, a provider of drone solutions, has announced the sale of 15 eBee X drones to a defense integrator in Europe. These drones, compliant with NDAA standards, are designed for mapping, 3D modeling, and intelligence support missions. With a 90-minute endurance and a coverage of 1,250 acres per flight, they meet the growing demand for reliable and integrated UAS technologies. This transaction highlights EagleNXT's ongoing expansion in the European market, following successes with clients such as NATO and the U.S. Army.
Source: Ageagle Aerial Systems, published under the title "EagleNXT Expands European Defense Footprint with 15-Unit eBe..." - 6 March 2026
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Iberdrola Strengthens Its Position in Australia with Wind Farm Acquisition
Iberdrola has completed the acquisition of the Ararat wind farm, the largest in its Australian portfolio, as part of its investment strategy focused on renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency. This move enhances the company's production capacity and commitment to renewables, aiming for 95% renewable energy in Victoria by 2035.
Source: Iberdrola, published under the title "Iberdrola accelerates growth in Australia with the acquisiti..." - 6 March 2026
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Sweet Potato Demand Soars, Breton Production Struggles to Keep Up
Sweet potato consumption in France tripled between 2015 and 2018, reaching 75,000 tons by 2024, while national production remains limited to about 10,000 tons. Since 2019, the Interprofessional Technical Center for Fruits and Vegetables (CTIFL) has been testing its cultivation in Brittany, demonstrating feasibility with yields of 2 to 3.5 kg/m². However, competition from imports and market uncertainty still hinder the establishment of producers.
Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Cultiver de la patate douce en Bretagne ? Chiche ou pas chic..." - 6 March 2026
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Amatera Raises 6 Million Euros to Develop Climate-Resilient Crops
The French startup Amatera has raised 6 million euros to accelerate the development of more climate-resilient crops. Its platform combines plant cell biology, robotics, and AI to quickly identify high-performing plant traits. The company initially targets crops like coffee and grapes, whose particularly long selection cycles pose a major challenge in the face of climate change.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Amatera raises €6M to speed up the development of climate re..." - 6 March 2026
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Vietnam Embraces Japanese Technologies to Optimize Rice Cultivation
The National Center for Agricultural Promotion of Vietnam, the Vietnamese agribusiness group Loc Troi, and the Japanese company Newgreen have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy Japanese technologies in rice farming in the Mekong Delta. The project includes the use of the Aigamo robot, equipped with AI and GPS, to improve rice quality while reducing methane emissions. The initiative also aims to expand sustainable rice cultivation areas.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Viet Nam to apply Japanese technology in rice production" - 6 March 2026
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Swiss Parliament Accelerates Pesticide Approval Process
The Swiss Senate has voted in favor of a simplified authorization procedure for pesticides already approved in Europe, emphasizing the urgency for rapid approval. This initiative, backed by the Centre party, aims to facilitate access to new products while maintaining controls in sensitive areas. Left-wing parties criticize this move, arguing that an adequate procedure has been in place since 2025, raising concerns about public health and nature conservation.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Swiss parliament backs faster approval of pesticides" - 6 March 2026
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Evogene Leverages AI to Design New Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Molecules
Israeli biotech company Evogene has refocused its strategy around its ChemPass AIâ„¢ platform, dedicated to the design of small molecules for agriculture and pharmacy. Developed in collaboration with Google Cloud, the technology reportedly achieves 90% accuracy in molecular design. This repositioning comes amid a restructuring context: revenues fell to $3.9 million in 2025 (down from $5.6 million in 2024) and the company recorded a net loss of $7.8 million, while significantly reducing its operations and expenses.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Evogene sharpens agricultural focus in 2025 results, highlig..." - 6 March 2026
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Coffee: A Key Pest Shows Resistance to Insecticides in Brazil
The coffee borer (Leucoptera coffeella), a major pest in Brazilian plantations, is showing increasing signs of resistance to neurotoxic insecticides. According to a study, between 34.3% and 62.9% of populations are at risk of control failure depending on the molecules used, with particularly high resistance levels noted for abamectin and chlorpyrifos. These findings highlight the need to enhance monitoring and integrate alternative strategies in coffee pest management.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Control failure risk, resistance and enzymatic activity of n..." - 6 March 2026
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Launch of Four New Fragrance Creations by Takasago in 2025
Takasago, under the direction of perfumer Claire Liégent, unveils four new fragrance creations for 2025. Each one explores diverse themes ranging from excess to intimacy, including the distillation of rose and illusion. These perfumes, while refined, do not fall within the realm of plant technologies or agritech applications, focusing instead on the art of perfumery.
Source: Takasago, published under the title "Première Peau - Insuline Safrine, Doppel Däncers, Rose Monot..." - 6 March 2026
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Greenhouses: Dynamic LED Lighting Becomes the New Standard
Dynamic LED lighting systems are gaining traction in commercial greenhouses. According to Sollum Technologies, these devices allow for the adaptation of the light spectrum to the crops and growth stages, rather than imposing a fixed spectrum. The stakes go beyond yield gains: return on investment and integration with AI-driven climate and energy management systems are set to define the next generation of horticultural technologies.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Abhay Thosar on How Dynamic LED Lighting Is Reshaping Greenh..." - 5 March 2026
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MANE and Arzeda Partner for Innovative Sugar Reduction Solutions
In response to the growing demand for natural, low-sugar food products, MANE and Arzeda announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to market next-generation sweetening solutions using ViaLeafâ„¢ Reb M technology, enhancing production efficiency and addressing current reformulation challenges. Through this alliance, both companies combine their expertise to deliver high-quality sweet products without compromising on taste or cost, while meeting public health requirements.
Source: Mane, published under the title "Mane and Arzeda team up to offer next-gen sugar reduction so..." - 5 March 2026
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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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