Agriculture and Food Technology Weekly Update: Aerofarms secures equity funding, TerraBlaster earns $4 million, Rihanna supports African women climate entrepreneurs
In the dynamic world of food, agriculture, and technology, several notable developments have taken place recently.
Better Nature, a company focused on combating chicken with tempeh, has raised $1.5M following a successful quarter. Meanwhile, Suplyd has secured $2 million pre-Series A funding to build next-generation restaurant infrastructure.
In a move that could potentially reshape the regulatory landscape, Dr. David Kessler has filed a petition with the FDA requesting the revocation of the GRAS status of processed refined carbohydrates commonly used in ultra-processed foods. The FDA is currently reviewing this petition, signalling a significant challenge to the regulation of refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods.
Juicy Marbles & Friends has launched whole-cut plant-based salmon in the United States, while Just Egg, a plant-based egg alternative, has entered the UK market with an Ocado listing. Terviva has received backing from Nomura to boost SAF feedstocks and reforest degraded land.
In the agricultural technology sector, AeroFarms has raised equity to fund pre-construction activities for a second farm. Cropin has combined AI and regenerative agriculture in a potato project in the UK, while Advancing Eco Agriculture has launched the first AI chatbot for regenerative agronomy.
On the policy front, the US Department of Agriculture has confirmed Lindberg as its top trade official. Foundations have launched a $50 million adaptation and resilience fund for communities facing climate risks.
In the legal sphere, Bayer is aiming to significantly contain glyphosate litigation by the end of 2026. Cargill has secured an initial victory in the erythritol anti-dumping case vs China, but the move has unintended consequences. US senators have asked the FDA to ban dairy-like terms on plant-based product labels.
Lastly, John Deere has launched a digital self-repair tool for tractors, while Beyond Meat has brought in a chief transformation officer and cut more jobs following another challenging quarter. Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation has backed women climate founders in Africa via Gather Ventures, and BioConsortia has secured $15M to scale its nitrogen-fixing seed treatment product.
These developments underscore the ongoing innovation and change in the food, agriculture, and technology sectors, as companies and governments grapple with issues ranging from sustainable food production to climate change adaptation.
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In contrast to these advancements, a local sports league is experiencing a revival with the announcement of new sponsorship deals. The sports community is excited as these partnerships will support the development of upcoming athletes and promote healthier lifestyles among the community.
The newly formed Esports Academy is also drawing attention, as it aims to train students in digital game development and competitive gaming, opening up new career opportunities for those interested in the ever-growing esports industry.
