AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

India: Future Leader in Agritech IPOs, Says Mark Kahn of Omnivore

According to Mark Kahn, co-founder of Omnivore, a Mumbai-based venture capital fund specializing in agritech and food systems, India currently offers one of the most promising environments for agritech investment, with several IPOs expected. He highlights the growing maturity of the ecosystem and the potential of local startups in areas such as biomanufacturing and robotics.

Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "India will see IPOs in agritech before America or Europe, sa..." - 17 February 2026

Soils, Inputs & Water

Sipcam France Reports €55M Revenue for 2024-2025, Aiming for €80M in Five Years

Sipcam France, a subsidiary of the Italian agrochemical group Sipcam Oxon, has recorded a revenue of €55 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, marking a milestone in its development in the French market. Driven by the launch of eight new products and an investment of about 5% of its revenue in R&D, the company now aims for €80 million in revenue within five years, in a persistently constrained market.

Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "Une première campagne réussie pour Sipcam France" - 17 February 2026

RegulationsBiotech & Genetics

Biotech Regulation: Innovation at the Expense of Precaution?

The European Commission recently presented a proposal for a regulation aimed at strengthening the biotechnology and bioproduction sectors. This text, part of a series of legislative initiatives, seeks to simplify authorization procedures and reduce regulatory constraints. However, this approach raises concerns about public health and environmental protection by redefining priorities in favor of industrial interests and startups.

Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "Règlement biotech : la précaution sacrifiée au nom de l’inno..." - 17 February 2026

Soils, Inputs & Water

An 80% Drop in Nitrogen Fertilizer Imports Raises Supply Concerns

Copa-Cogeca, representing European farmers, is alarmed by an 80% drop in nitrogen fertilizer imports in the EU, a direct consequence of the carbon border adjustment mechanism. This situation raises concerns about fertilizer stocks as critical application periods approach, while the suspension of the CBAM is being considered but not yet in effect. The latest figures from the European Commission highlight the impact of this policy on agricultural supply.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Les importations d’engrais ont chuté de 80 % avec la taxe ca..." - 17 February 2026

Investors

Tereos Modernizes Its Industrial Tool in Nesle to Enhance Picardy Wheat

The French cooperative group Tereos, a major player in grain processing, has inaugurated its Nesle mill, rebuilt after a fire, following a €62 million investment. This modernized site aims to strengthen starch production while integrating more efficient and sustainable technologies, contributing to the valorization of wheat produced in the region.

Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "Nesle : Tereos inaugure le nouveau moulin de son amidonnerie" - 17 February 2026

Investors

Koppie Secures Funding for Pea-Based Coffee Alternative

Belgian startup Koppie, specializing in producing a pea-based coffee alternative, has recently secured funding to increase its production capacity to 1,000 tons by 2026. With innovative fermentation and roasting technology, Koppie aims to address sustainability challenges and coffee price volatility while partnering with industry players to develop hybrid products. Its business model, based on utilizing existing infrastructures, allows it to optimize costs and position itself in a rapidly changing market.

Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Alt-coffee startup Koppie nets new funds to build 1,000-ton ..." - 17 February 2026

Mechanization & Robotics

Ropa Unveils Potato Harvester with Assisted Traction

At Agritechnica 2025, German manufacturer Ropa showcased the Keiler 2 RK22, a potato harvester optionally equipped with a powered axle. Each wheel features a hydraulic motor, enhancing traction in challenging conditions. A control system allows for adjustments in assistance and pressure to optimize the machine's performance and maneuverability.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Ropa motorise entièrement l’essieu de sa Keiler 2 RK22" - 17 February 2026

Investors

Bloemteknik Secures Funding to Develop Autonomous Lighting Platform for Greenhouses

The British startup Bloemteknik, specializing in lighting solutions for greenhouses and vertical farms, has secured over £707,000 in funding from Innovate UK to develop its autonomous platform GreenFingers. Also supported by a £2.5 million investment from Foresight Group, the company aims to accelerate its development and international expansion.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Bloemteknik Secures £707,000 Innovate UK R&D Support for Gre..." - 17 February 2026

Agrifood

SIA'PRO 2026: Towards Concrete Solutions for Agriculture

SIA'PRO 2026, taking place in Paris from February 23 to 25, 2026, as part of the International Agricultural Show, aims to address contemporary agricultural challenges through strategic themes. By bringing together farmers and experts, this event will highlight innovative and practical solutions to enhance farm performance while considering market developments and societal expectations.

Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "SIA PRO 2026 : des réponses concrètes aux grands enjeux agri..." - 17 February 2026

Energy & Construction

Equinor ASA: Shares Traded Without Dividend Q3 2025

Starting today, Equinor ASA shares will be traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange without including the cash dividend for the third quarter of 2025, set at $0.37. This announcement is made in accordance with disclosure obligations under Norwegian securities law, with a record date of February 16, 2026.

Source: Equinor, published under the title "Ex. dividend third quarter 2025 today – OSE" - 16 February 2026

Biotech & GeneticsInvestors

CryoBio Develops a Natural Molecule-Based Frost Protection Product

The French start-up CryoBio has raised $1.3 million to develop a frost protection solution inspired by natural antifreeze molecules. The goal is to move to field trials to reduce agricultural losses caused by late frosts.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "CryoBio Raises $1.3M Pre-Seed Round to Develop Frost Protect..." - 16 February 2026

Energy & Construction

Khimod Develops CO₂ Methanolization Technology for Low-Carbon Fuels

The hexagonal start-up Khimod, which develops processes to convert CO2 and hydrogen into low-carbon methanol, has recently achieved a milestone in validating its technology, paving the way for industrialization. This approach could contribute to the development of sustainable fuels for maritime transport and aviation.

Source: Actu Environnement, published under the title "Comment Khimod envisage de casser les coûts de production du..." - 16 February 2026

Soils, Inputs & Water

Velox™, a Certified Biostimulant to Enhance Nutrient Uptake in Plants

The American company Redox Bio-Nutrients, specializing in plant nutrition solutions, announces that its biostimulant Velox™ has received certification from The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), confirming its effectiveness and safety. This product, designed to optimize nutrient uptake through complexation technology, joins two other certified solutions in the group's portfolio and contributes to the development of more sustainable agricultural practices.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Velox™ joins growing list of certified biostimulants from Re..." - 16 February 2026

InvestorsMiddle East

Engazaat Launches Fund to Finance Water, Energy, and Agriculture Projects in the Middle East

Engazaat, an asset manager based in Egypt, announces an investment of over $100 million to expand its operations in the water, renewable energy, and agriculture sectors in the Middle East. This initiative is part of a $250 million portfolio and employs a Build–Own–Operate model to optimize operational efficiency. The launch of the $200 million SAVE fund aims to support sustainable infrastructure projects, integrating energy and water systems to enhance agricultural production.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Engazaat Plans $100M Regional Expansion Across Water, Energy..." - 16 February 2026

Soils, Inputs & WaterEurope

Biosolutions: A Brazilian Player Calls for Regulatory Changes in Europe

At the BioSolutions forum in Brussels, Jonas Hipólito, president of the Brazilian company Biotrop, emphasized the need for increased adoption of biological inputs in Europe, despite regulatory challenges. He highlighted the differences between Brazilian and European approaches, where profitability and sustainability must be balanced. Biotrop, with a team already in Europe, is preparing to overcome these obstacles and meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Biotrop sees European biologicals breakthrough, despite regu..." - 16 February 2026

AI & Data

ReGrow Deploys Oracle Platform to Oversee Agricultural Operations Reconstruction in Israel

The American company Regrow, specializing in data platforms for sustainable agriculture, has selected the Oracle Agriculture Data Intelligence platform to support the restoration of its agricultural operations. By combining satellite data, sensors, and field information, the solution provides real-time visibility into soil health and crop development, while leveraging AI to anticipate yields and risks.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Oracle Selected by ReGrow Israel to Strengthen Agricultural ..." - 16 February 2026

AI & DataOceania

Indo-Pacific Countries Leverage AI to Help Farmers Adapt to Climate Change

The Australian scientific agency CSIRO and partners from the Quad group (U.S., India, Japan, and Australia) are developing artificial intelligence projects to assist farmers in managing crops and pests in a changing climate. These initiatives aim to create practical tools, such as mobile applications and disease detection systems, to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems across the region. By fostering collaboration among nations, this initiative addresses common agricultural challenges while supporting food security.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "CSIRO supports AI projects for future-ready agriculture unde..." - 16 February 2026

Biotech & GeneticsNorth America

Mercy Corps Ventures and Salicrop: A Pilot Project for Climate-Resilient Tomatoes in Mexico

Mercy Corps Ventures has selected Salicrop for a pilot project aimed at testing a non-GMO seed treatment technology designed to enhance tomato resilience against heat and salinity. This initiative, part of a water security program, targets farmers in Baja California facing extreme climatic conditions. Crop trials are scheduled for the 2026 season, with rigorous monitoring of agronomic performance and sustainability indicators.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Mercy Corps Ventures Launches Pilot with Salicrop to Support..." - 16 February 2026

Studies & ReportsSoils, Inputs & Water

Biochar as a Biological Regulator Against Soil Acidification

A recent study shows that applying alkaline biochar in plantations exposed to acid rain can enhance nitrogen availability in the soil. After two years of experimentation, researchers observed an increase in pH and various nitrogen fractions, confirming biochar's potential as a lever for sustainable nutrient management in acid-stressed environments.

Source: Springer, published under the title "Biochar-driven biological regulation dominates acid-hydrolyz..." - 15 February 2026

EuropeSoils, Inputs & Water

White Clay: An Innovative Solution Against the Spotted Wing Drosophila

Fruit growers from the Dephy group in Aveyron are exploring the use of white clay to combat the spotted wing drosophila, a pest threatening cherry trees. After two years of experimentation, the results are deemed encouraging, suggesting that this approach could reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while promoting more sustainable farming practices.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Cerisier : la piste de l’argile pour lutter contre la drosop..." - 15 February 2026