Editor’s note: Agtech Seedlings is a weekly roundup of the latest in agriculture technology news, digging into venture funding, product announcements and other innovation milestones. Have news to share? Email us here.
Lucent Bio expands into US, EU and Brazil
Canada-based Lucent Biosciences will expand its presence into the U.S., Europe and Brazil as it sees growing demand for its seed coatings and micronutrient fertilizer alternative products.
The startup aims to enter the U.S. market through distribution agreements, including a recently announced deal with Van Diest Supply. The company is also collaborating with Brazil's farm industry and research corporation Embrapa to support advanced agricultural practices, according to a release.
"By joining forces with industry leaders and local experts, Lucent Bio aims to leverage collective expertise and resources as we address pressing challenges and seize opportunities in diverse agri-food systems globally," Michael Riedijk, founder and CEO, said in a statement.
Lucent Bio hopes its microbial fertilizer Soileos, which claims to deliver nutrients more efficiently by activating the soil's microbiome, will appeal to U.S. farmers in the Midwest and support crops including corn, soybean, and wheat. The startup in January also announced the launch of Nutreos, a biodegradable micronutrient seed coating meant to comply with the EU's ban on microplastics.
Corteva, AgPlenus announce 'milestone' in tackling herbicide resistance
AgPlenus, which designs crop protection products using predictive analytics, said a partnership with Corteva has led to the discovery of a new family of molecules that could address weeds' growing resistance to herbicides.
The two companies will now focus on bringing the class of molecules, known as APCO-12, to market via a commercial-level product.
A lack of innovation in the herbicide sector has allowed weeds to become more resistant to existing crop protection products. Herbicide-resistant weeds hurt crop yields and could act as a host for disease, among other challenges.
"Farmers are in dire need of new technologies to address weed resistance challenges," Vid Hegde, Corteva vice president of crop protection discovery and development, said in a statement. "The collaboration with AgPlenus has accelerated the identification of a class of herbicide chemistry that targets a new mode-of-action for weed control, something the industry has been lacking for decades."
Tyson looks to invest in supply chain startups
Tyson Foods' venture capital arm is inviting startups focused on improving food supply chains to showcase their tech, giving them the chance to potentially partner with the meat giant in the future.
Tyson Ventures is asking startups to apply to its third installment of the Tyson Demo Day at the company's headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas. The meatpacker is looking for pitches from startups focused on innovations in areas including logistics, warehousing, traceability, animal welfare, plus inventory and supplier management.
“Following the event, successful startups may engage in continued conversations with Tyson Foods, paving the way for further high-impact opportunities," Brady Stewart, chief supply chain officer and group president of beef and pork, said in a statement.
Interested startups have until May 3 to apply.
Oishii breaks indoor farming funding drought with $134M fundraising round
Indoor strawberry grower Oishii is looking to break into new markets after a major $134 million fundraising round.
The New Jersey-based company said the funding will pave the way to "mainstream adoption of vertical farming in the U.S.” The startup aims to invest in expanded distribution and advanced robotics in the future.
Oishii CEO and co-founder Hiroki Koga told Agriculture Dive that the startup's success is in part due to the company's intentional choice to grow fruits over leafy greens. The company's roots in Japan, which has long been a leader in controlled environment agriculture, has also given it a leg up over competitors. Read more about Oishii's fundraising round here.
Chipotle ups its agtech spend
Burrito chain Chipotle is investing another $50 million into its venture fund supporting farming and restaurant innovation.
The investment doubles the size of its Cultivate Next initiative, which currently includes funding for robotics, agricultural market platforms, fertilizer and meatless proteins.
Chipotle in December announced minority investments in Greenfield Robotics’ weed-cutting bots and in Nitricity, which makes nitrogen fertilizer using solar power. Last April, regenerative agriculture became part of Chipotle’s priority areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Learn more about Cultivate Next.
