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AgTech Navigator News

  • Heritable has received $5 million to develop the Joint AI-driven Smallholder Omics Analytics (JASON) project, which aims to enhance crop resilience in Africa using AI, genomics, and remote sensing. This initiative seeks to identify climate-adapted germplasm and gene targets to improve crop resilience against climate stressors like drought and heat. With Africa's rapid climate changes affecting smallholder farms reliant on rain-fed agriculture, this project is crucial in accelerating the discovery of climate-resilient traits, thereby bolstering food security and reducing risk in the region. The Gates Foundation's investment underscores the project's potential impact on global agricultural development.
  • A report by Arla Foods and Harper Adams University highlights the UK agriculture sector's critical labour shortages, warning of impacts on food security and affordability if not addressed. Despite 38% of young people considering agricultural careers, only 4% work in the sector, hindered by a lack of information and misconceptions about farming. The report recommends a national careers campaign, strengthened agricultural education, and clearer career pathways to attract and retain talent. With coordinated government, education, and industry action, the sector can secure a skilled workforce to meet future food security and climate goals.
  • Ag companies are making appointments to go after opportunities in robotics, carbon removal, crop inputs, and regenerative agriculture.
  • Expo AgriTech 2026 in Malaga highlighted ten key trends shaping the future of farming, including the monetisation of carbon credits, succession challenges due to an aging farmer population, and tightening regulations and global competition. Innovations in data spaces, cybersecurity, soil health, and water scarcity solutions were also discussed, along with new business models like direct-to-consumer sales and circular economy practices, while cooperatives were urged to adopt technology for competitiveness.