Author: Hithaishi CB

Enable faster scaling and broader adoption of biological solutions BASF Agricultural Solutions successfully closed its acquisition of AgBiTech. This follows the agreement with private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners and other shareholders signed in January 2026, and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The acquisition is expected to enable faster scaling and broader adoption of biological solutions and reinforces BASF’s commitment to offer farmers more effective and diversified insect control options. “The biologicals market continues to expand at a strong pace. Acquiring AgBiTech strengthens our position in this attractive segment and complements our existing portfolio with proven biological technologies. We warmly…

Integrating Hamlet Protein’s capabilities with Royal Agrifirm Group’s nutritional expertise and global network Royal Agrifirm Group has reached an agreement to acquire Hamlet Protein, a global leader in specialty soy-based protein ingredients for young animal nutrition. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary conditions. This acquisition is an important step in expanding the Specialties business of Royal Agrifirm Group, which provides high-value nutritional solutions and technical services to the feed industry. Its portfolio includes advanced premixes, concentrates, functional feed ingredients, farm minerals and young animal nutrition concepts that help feed manufacturers and integrators improve…

World’s largest ever project of its type takes major step toward defining the metrics and indicators for measuring ecosystem services. Leaders from the global forestry sector met last week in Tokyo to advance the Forestry Natural Capital Project, where they collectively identified metrics to measure and report the seven chosen ecosystem services provided by sustainable managed forests. This major step forward builds on Part 1 of the project in which participants identified and prioritised the seven ecosystem services to use for this pilot: carbon, habitat and biodiversity, water quality and quantity, air quality, recreational, and sustainable timber supply. The Tokyo…

Efforts to reduce dependence on inorganic fertilizers, boost farm yields, and advance the broader goal of sustainable, food-secure agriculture The Philippines is taking proactive steps to address concerns over a potential fertilizer shortage as tensions in the Middle East pose risks to global supply routes. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. reassured stakeholders that the country has sufficient sources and viable alternatives to mitigate the impact of rising prices. This comes amid the Department of Agriculture’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers, enhance farm productivity, and support sustainable, food-secure agriculture. These initiatives reflect the critical role of…

New entity targets >200 MWp of clean energy deployment across Vietnam within three years, backed by institutional committed capital of up to USD 100 million — spanning onsite solar, solar farms, and battery storage for the C&I (commercial and industrial) sector August Energy and Mega Energy announced the formation of August Mega Energy, an exclusive partnership purpose-built to serve the commercial and industrial (C&I) clean energy sector in Vietnam. August Energy, backed by institutional committed capital of up to USD 100 million — comprising equity and debt financing — working with Mega Energy, is targeting >200 MWp of deployed capacity over three years…

Driving Nation-Building and Smallholder Transformation Aonic, a Malaysia-based company, focuses on developing drone solutions to modernize agriculture and industrial sectors by addressing challenges such as labor-intensive and hazardous work. One of its primary applications is replacing manual spraying in agriculture, which traditionally requires significant human effort and exposes workers to risks. By introducing drones for these tasks, Aonic helps improve operational efficiency, increase yields, and reduce resource consumption. According to internal performance data, Aonic’s agriculture drones have shown measurable benefits, including a 50% increase in farmers’ income, a 54% boost in farm output, and a 75% reduction in water use for…

Enhance community products and packaging for sustainability Thailand’s Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Northeastern Network Operations Unit, conducted a workshop titled “Enhancing Agricultural Production with Modern Technology and Smart Farming through the SGi-Farm Geo-Informatics Innovation Platform.” The event, aimed at systematically upgrading the capabilities of Thai farmers for smart agriculture, was held at the Ban Faek-Non Samran Community Rice Centre Enterprise in Nakhon Ratchasima and the Isan Khiao Organic Rice Community Enterprise in Khon Kaen. Over the two-day event,…

Focus on biodiversity, fisheries, and young workforce as strategic advantages The Philippines and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) moved to deepen decades-long cooperation in agriculture and food security, as FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu paid his first official visit to the Department of Agriculture (DA) headquarters. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the visit underscores a 48-year partnership focused on transforming food systems, raising farm incomes, and strengthening food security. “Today, that relationship must be further strengthened,” said Tiu Laurel, noting that FAO-backed programs have helped reach farmers and fisherfolk in vulnerable communities. The…

Terra Firma secures 82.15ha Hamilton site in multi-million Western District transaction, underpinning its $550M+ integrated protein infrastructure development. Australia’s Terra Firma Equity Limited announced it has secured a strategically located 82.15-hectare freehold industrial landholding at 8525 Henty Highway, Hamilton, Victoria, establishing the foundation for its flagship infrastructure development, Project Linear Spine – Hamilton Food Park. The acquisition represents a significant private multi-million dollar transaction in Victoria’s Western District, reinforcing the region’s role as a cornerstone of Australia’s agricultural and industrial economy. Hamilton Food Park will be developed as a $550+ million, single-stage, Tier-1 integrated protein processing and export precinct, designed to…

Powered by advanced technology and AI Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, announced it is building a new USD 130 million (GBP 100 million) world-leading research center for agricultural bioscience at its existing R&D hub in Jealott’s Hill, UK. The Biological Sciences Technology and Research center (BioSTaR) will deliver the latest advances in biological sciences, molecular and analytical research and digital innovation to shape the future of sustainable agriculture. Significant investment in cutting-edge AI capabilities will accelerate Syngenta’s ability to design and deliver the next generation of differentiated agricultural solutions to farmers. Once complete, the BioSTaR facility will bring…