Agtech Seedlings: Bonsai Robotics secures $15M to advance automated fruit harvesters

Also in this week’s farm technology news: CH4 Global begins large-scale production of methane reduction feed additives and an indoor greens grower expands and rebrands.

By Nathan Owens • Jan. 31, 2025

Farmland loans for regenerative agriculture: FBN and Walton family launch ‘first-of-its-kind’ lending program

Amid a downturn in the farm economy and federal funding uncertainty, a new pilot offers additional incentives for producers to adopt sustainable practices. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 31, 2025

Zeldin is confirmed as the new EPA administrator. What’s next?

Agriculture groups welcomed the former New York representative’s approach to deregulation and his support for extending year-round access to E15.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Jan. 30, 2025

Lend an ear: Corn-based material introduced for biodegradable packaging

Corn Next believes it has cracked the corn code for more sustainable packaging and is eyeing a move to Illinois to be closer to supplier ADM.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 28, 2025

Investment in agtech startups plummeted in 2024

Deal activity fell 25% during the year with a string of companies declaring bankruptcy, but Pitchbook analysts say a rebound could still happen.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 27, 2025

Agriculture Dive to stop publishing

On Feb. 1, 2025, Agriculture Dive will stop publishing. We hope our daily coverage of the agriculture space was helpful to you.

By Davide Savenije • Jan. 23, 2025

USDA releases guidance on climate-smart crops in biofuels

The interim rule gives insight into how farmers can access renewable fuel tax credits, though a Trump administration freeze on recent federal regulations is creating more uncertainty.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 22, 2025

Agtech seedlings: Amazon-backed Windfall Bio hits commercial milestone for methane-eating microbes

Also in this week's farm technology news: Syngenta to speed up biostimulant development with AI, and Pilgrim's Pride expands its renewable gas efforts at a South Carolina plant.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 17, 2025

Chipotle invests to reduce methane emissions from cows

The restaurant chain's venture fund is also backing efforts to produce plant-based meat from duckweed.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 15, 2025

EPA warns PFAS in biosolid fertilizers could pose health risks

The agency said farmers could be at risk due to the chemicals leaching into food and water in its draft risk assessment, now open for comment. 

By Jacob Wallace • Jan. 15, 2025

USDA invests $180M in biofuels and clean energy projects

The Biden administration has doled out $3.3 billion to expand solar, wind and biofuels infrastructure across rural America.

By Nathan Owens • Jan. 13, 2025

Agtech seedlings: Bayer, European refinery to scale US biofuel production

Also in this week's farm technology news: Inari raised $144 million to bring gene-edited seeds to market and an Israel-based startup looks to develop its computer vision technology for horticulture.

By Nathan Owens • Jan. 10, 2025

5 agriculture trends to watch in 2025

It could be a tumultuous year for farmers with experts predicting low commodity prices, extreme weather events and changes in food policy to reshape industry priorities.

By Sarah Zimmerman , Nathan Owens • Jan. 8, 2025

Food’s guide to shrinking the climate crisis: Q&A with Mark Easter

The researcher at Colorado State University examines the environmental impact of the U.S. food system, one crop at a time.

By David Silverberg • Jan. 2, 2025

Farm bill extended in last minute funding deal: What to know

The final agreement is set to provide farmers with $10 billion in one-time economic payments to offset income losses.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 21, 2024

Agtech seedlings: Plenty closes flagship indoor lettuce farm in California

Also in this week's farm technology news: Growers Edge acquires fintech to help lenders better assess climate risks on farms, and Sound Agriculture raises $25 million for sustainable fertilizer solutions.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 20, 2024

US Forest Service to launch national apprenticeship program

The new initiative with Institute for Workplace Skills & Innovation America is intended to address workforce gaps and create career paths for diverse communities.

By Carolyn Crist • Dec. 19, 2024

Another farm bill extension is inevitable. But can farmers still get economic relief?

House Republicans proposed $10 billion in one-time payments to offset financial losses in the agricultural sector.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated Dec. 18, 2024

Dole pushes back at plan for landfill near Hawai’i pineapple plantation

The produce giant said it was worried the proposal could impact farming operations in the state.

By Nathan Owens • Dec. 17, 2024

Jackfruit rises in popularity as plant-based meat alternative

The hefty, meaty fruit native to South Asia is gaining traction among consumers and CPGs. 

By Jesse Klein • Dec. 17, 2024

Biogas investment tax credit finalized with favorable language for RNG

The final rule clarifies who can participate in a lucrative credit program for clean energy investments. Developers are expected to rush to qualify before the end of the year.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 16, 2024

AgroLiquid acquires Monty’s Plant Food to expand sustainable crop nutrition

The deal allows the liquid fertilizer company to move into soil health markets.

By Nathan Owens • Dec. 13, 2024

Where is the food tech sector headed? Cocoa and coffee alternatives provide a clue

As alternatives to commodities gain traction, companies can create opportunities for investment in both alternative and incumbent solutions, the head of climate tech at J.P. Morgan writes.

By Kelly Belcher • Dec. 12, 2024

Farm conservation funding hit a record high in 2024. A majority of farmers still got nothing.

Close to two-thirds of applicants for the USDA’s flagship climate programs were rejected despite increased investment from the Inflation Reduction Act.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 11, 2024

Campbell’s launches regenerative agriculture pilot for potatoes with grocer Ahold Delhaize

The Stop & Shop owner has worked with some of the largest food companies to transform supply chains for well-known brands.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 10, 2024