Author: Suchetana Choudhuri
First tranche deal values business at $4 billion, with full buyout in sight Olam Group Limited has completed the first tranche of its strategic stake sale in Olam Agri to Saudi Agriculture & Livestock Investment Company, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing restructuring strategy. The transaction involves the sale of a 44.58 per cent stake for approximately $1.88 billion, implying a 100 per cent equity valuation of $4.00 billion for Olam Agri, subject to closing adjustments. Following the completion, SALIC becomes the majority shareholder with an 80.01 per cent stake, while Olam Group retains 19.99 per cent, positioning Olam…
Focus on precision automation as labor costs and shortages reshape agriculture Kubota Corporation is sharpening its push into next-generation agricultural technology with a strategic investment in Agtonomy, a U.S.-based innovator focused on automation platforms for precision farming. The move builds on an existing partnership between the two companies, launched in 2024, and signals Kubota’s intent to accelerate the commercialization of AI-driven, autonomous solutions for specialty crops—a segment increasingly under pressure from labor shortages and rising input costs. Scaling Automation in High-Value Agriculture Agtonomy operates at the intersection of physical AI and farm automation, developing systems that enable autonomous operations tailored…
Regulatory process also advancing in key markets California and Europe Biotalys , an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company developing protein-based biocontrols for sustainable crop protection, today announced that its innovative biofungicide EVOCA has achieved state registration in Florida. This marks the first approval of an AGROBODY biocontrol by a U.S. state, underscoring a significant milestone for the company and the broader biocontrol sector. The Florida Department of Agriculture accepted EVOCA with the broad label previously approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This state recognition confirms the product’s robust regulatory profile and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in the region,…
Investment push targets processing, traceability, and export readiness Khanh Hoa province is steadily transforming its livestock sector from fragmented, small-scale operations into a modern, technology-driven value chain, underpinned by biosafety, digitalisation, and strategic investment. The transition reflects a broader effort to enhance productivity, ensure disease resilience, and unlock higher value from livestock production. In recent years, the province has accelerated the adoption of industrial-scale farming models, supported by science-led practices and stringent biosecurity standards. With a network of 368 livestock farms focusing on key segments such as pigs, poultry, and cattle, the shift is marked not only by scale but…
Certification highlights rising demand for high-quality, traceable teas Vietnam’s premium tea segment has received a significant boost as Hong Thai Shan Tuyet tea, cultivated in Tuyen Quang Province, has been officially awarded the prestigious 5-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) certification by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The recognition underscores the product’s exceptional quality, heritage value, and growing prominence in both domestic and international specialty tea markets. Developed by Son Tra Cooperative in Hong Thai Commune, the tea originates from ancient Shan Tuyet tea forests located at elevations exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level. The region’s cool, mist-laden climate…
Tainan projects highlight scalable approaches to carbon storage and sustainability Taiwan’s evolving approach to climate action and carbon sequestration drew global attention as international experts, including representatives from the United Nations Development Programme and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, conducted a multi-site field assessment across Tainan City. The visit highlighted the growing international relevance of the “Taiwan Model,” an integrated framework that combines technology, ecology, and community-driven governance to advance net-zero goals. The delegation, comprising scientists, policymakers, and students, undertook on-ground evaluations across five districts—Liujia, Dongshan, Baihe, Houbi, and Yanshui—to examine carbon sink potential within diverse agricultural and…
Peptiva Rhyzo features microencapsulation for improved microbial performance Agronova Biotech has introduced Peptiva Rhyzo, a next-generation soil-applied biostimulant designed to strengthen root development and improve soil functionality under challenging agronomic conditions. The launch reflects the company’s continued focus on advancing biological solutions that support early-stage crop establishment and long-term productivity. Engineered to act directly within the rhizosphere, Peptiva Rhyzo combines two carefully selected Bacillus strains—Bacillus siamensis PB12 and Bacillus halotolerans PB13. These microorganisms work synergistically to enhance nutrient availability, stimulate beneficial microbial activity, and improve soil structure, creating a more balanced and efficient environment for plant growth. A key differentiator…
Platform integrates machinery data to improve operational efficiency In a significant step toward advancing digital agriculture, Syngenta has introduced Cropwise Operations to the Brazilian market, strengthening its Cropwise platform with a powerful new layer focused on real-time farm execution. The launch marks a strategic effort to address a long-standing challenge in agriculture—the disconnect between crop planning and on-ground implementation. Designed as an integrated operational management tool, Cropwise Operations provides farmers with end-to-end visibility into activities within the farm gate. By capturing and analysing real-time data from field operations, the system enables producers to monitor execution closely, identify inefficiencies, and make…
Stake to rise to 55.81 per cent as company strengthens Brazil presence In a strategic move to reinforce its presence in one of the world’s most critical agricultural markets, UPL Limited has announced a further equity investment in its associate entity, Sinova Inovacoes Agricolas S.A.. The investment, valued at approximately $ 86.7 million (BRL 450 million), will be channeled through UPL’s subsidiary in Brazil and is aimed at strengthening Sinova’s financial position. The capital infusion is designed to support working capital requirements while also enabling a reduction in existing debt, thereby enhancing the operational resilience of the Brazilian entity. Following…
Focus on yield stability, resistance, and suitability for different cultivation windows Reinforcing its commitment to innovation in organic agriculture, Rijk Zwaan has unveiled an updated portfolio of spinach varieties tailored for organic growers across Europe. The latest offering combines proven performers with new introductions, each selected for their strong resistance profiles, yield stability, and superior product quality under diverse growing conditions. As demand for reliable organic crops continues to rise, the company’s enhanced range addresses a critical need among growers for varieties that can withstand evolving disease pressures and climatic variability. According to crop coordinators Wim in ’t Groen and…