News

How can European agriculture navigate a turbulent global trade environment, balancing disruption from US policy, rising protectionism, and the evolving ambitions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)?

Farmers are eager to innovate, adopt digital technologies, and improve sustainability, yet unstable regulations, complex bureaucracy, and unclear market demand continue to slow adoption, according to a panel at the recent Animal AgTech Innovation Summit.

Ostara, a US-based company, has developed a unique phosphate fertiliser that releases nutrients only in the presence of plant roots, significantly improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The company, which started with technology for nutrient recovery from wastewater, raised $70 million in 2022 and is planning further expansion to meet growing demand, primarily in North America, with potential future markets in Brazil. Despite initial low awareness, Ostara is gaining traction among large farms and consumer product companies, pressuring big agrichemical companies to take notice of their innovative approach.

PepsiCo and Soil Capital have partnered to promote regenerative agriculture among rapeseed farmers in Europe, covering 35,000 acres in the UK, France, and Belgium. The initiative provides financial incentives, agronomic guidance, and digital tools, aiming to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and secure key ingredients for brands like Lay's and Walkers. Farmers, who must have a minimum of 100 hectares, are supported in adopting practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping. Progress is tracked with an ISO-certified MRV system, and early results show significant environmental benefits, with potential expansion depending on outcomes.

A $14 million investment from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program aims to support over 1.5 million smallholder farmers in Africa by unlocking $200 million in private sector lending. The initiative targets agribusinesses and start-ups in Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia, reducing the risk of lending to smallholder farmers and strengthening the agricultural value chain.