Food industry looks to scale regenerative agriculture despite weakened climate rules

Danone and other companies say collaboration — not regulation — will be key to lowering emissions and transforming the way their products are grown. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 18, 2024

Agtech Seedlings: Bayer tests generative AI in farming

Also in this week's agriculture technology news: Farmers Business Network's lending unit finances over $1 billion in loans, and Source.ag launches an autonomous tool for irrigation control.

By Agriculture Dive staff • March 15, 2024

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Top 5 stories from Agriculture Dive

Declining farm income and other production challenges have pushed farmers to rethink their operations and adopt new technology in a bid to diversify potential revenue streams. 

By Agriculture Dive staff

Manure is hitting the walls as farm protests build around the world

The animated outcries, sparked by Ukrainian grain import measures last year and fueled by a complex set of farmer frustrations, are picking up steam in major agricultural regions.

By David Silverberg • March 14, 2024

Avocado giant Mission Produce bets on mangoes to fuel growth

The California-based producer has reinvested in areas to support sourcing of the popular tropical fruit, as sales grow for avocados and blueberries.

By Nathan Owens • March 13, 2024

Unilever sets new climate goals to reduce agriculture emissions

The consumer goods company said it plans to reduce scope 3 emissions from forest, land and agriculture by 30% before the end of the decade.

By Zoya Mirza • March 13, 2024

ADM overhauls nutrition unit amid DOJ subpoena over accounting practices

The commodities giant reduced its number of brands in the segment by over two-thirds as it deals with potential fallout from an investigation into its financial reporting.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 12, 2024

Fresh Del Monte brings petite pineapples to market in effort to avoid waste

The company’s latest offering, Precious Honeyglow, is available year-round nationwide through specialty foods distributor Melissa’s Produce.

By Nathan Owens • Updated March 15, 2024

US corn exports to Mexico expected to hit record high

Sales are shifting away from China as drought conditions fuel import demand south of the border.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 11, 2024

Haskap berries: The next cold-hardy superfood?

Breeders hope farmers will scale production of the antioxidant-rich fruits, which can thrive in harsh climates.

By Leah Borts-Kuperman • March 8, 2024

Texas fires leave ranchers with few options to feed cattle

The USDA is providing producers with emergency assistance and supporting relocation efforts that allow livestock to graze on certain conservation lands.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 8, 2024

Laser weeding robots and smart sensors: How Braga Fresh uses AI on the farm

While the adoption of autonomous tech remains sluggish, the family-owned produce company shows how innovation can help increase productivity and address sustainability.

By S.L. Fuller • March 7, 2024

Bayer isn’t splitting up, for now

Company shares fell after executives disclosed plans to, at least temporarily, keep its three main divisions under one roof.

By Jacob Bell • March 6, 2024

USDA counters claims over misuse of climate funds

An Environmental Working Group report says the majority of climate-smart agriculture funding go toward projects with no proven sustainability benefits.

By Nathan Owens • March 6, 2024

Lundberg Family Farms expands regenerative rice portfolio

The family farm uses the “dry up” method to tackle weeds instead of dousing their fields with chemical herbicides.

By Jennifer Lawinski • March 5, 2024

As courts target dicamba, what’s next for the controversial weedkiller?

Disgruntled farmers are asking for refunds as legal uncertainty rekindles debate over the damage the herbicide can wreak on surrounding crops. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 4, 2024

Vertical strawberry grower Oishii clinches $134M amid indoor farming woes

An intentional choice to grow artisanal fruit rather than leafy greens has allowed the firm to avoid the financial difficulties facing others in controlled-environment agriculture, according to the company’s CEO.

By S.L. Fuller • Feb. 28, 2024

US approves expanded E15 sales for Midwest states starting in 2025

Farm groups applauded the decision, though expressed concern that the implementation timeframe is a “double-edged sword” for consumers and growers.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 26, 2024

Agtech helped transform Europe’s potato industry. Here’s how.

If we want to unlock sustainability in agriculture, farmers have to be on board.

By Charles Miller • Feb. 23, 2024

Pivot Bio pays out more than $6M to farmers who improve fertilizer sustainability

More food and beverage companies are joining the biotech firm's program that rewards growers who move away from conventional crop protection products.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 22, 2024

Pesticide chlormequat found in Cheerios, other oat-based foods: report

The chemical, which is associated with reduced fertility and isn't approved for use on U.S. food crops, was identified in 80% of participants in a new study from the Environmental Working Group.

By S.L. Fuller • Feb. 21, 2024

Syngenta to expand use of CropX soil monitoring system

One of the world's largest seed companies is offering farmers more digital solutions to boost productivity and sustainability.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 21, 2024

Food inflation declines in January but remains a potent force

Grocers have been working to demonstrate to shoppers that they have taken steps to help make a trip to the supermarket more affordable.

By Sam Silverstein • Feb. 20, 2024

EPA allows farmers to use existing dicamba supply amid legal uncertainty

The decision comes a little less than a week after a federal court in Arizona revoked approval for three popular weedkillers.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 15, 2024

Biden admin urged to evaluate ocean shipping costs amid Red Sea crisis

Facing hefty surcharges to move freight, some agriculture producers are pulling back on exports. 

By Alejandra Carranza • Feb. 12, 2024

USDA predicts major drop in farm income for 2024

Higher production expenses, combined with lower commodity prices and government payments, will likely create headwinds for producers.

By S.L. Fuller • Feb. 12, 2024