Sultech Global Innovation and Canlin Energy have partnered to develop Alberta’s first commercial micronized sulfur manufacturing facility, highlighting efforts to convert oil and gas by-products into higher-value agricultural inputs. The plant, located at Canlin’s Wildcat Hills Gas Plant west of Calgary, is under construction and scheduled to begin operations in 2027. Supported by a US$5 million investment from Emissions Reduction Alberta, the facility will produce 50,000 metric tons of micronized elemental sulfur annually to improve soil health, crop quality, and fertilizer efficiency.

Founded in 2014 in Alberta, Sultech specializes in micronized elemental sulfur technology, converting recovered sulfur into ultra-fine, sprayable formulations that improve nutrient availability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fertilizers. Its flagship product, SulGro™65, addresses widespread sulfur deficiencies in soils while minimizing nutrient losses. The Alberta facility will serve as a North American production hub and support a broader strategy to integrate energy and agriculture value chains and advance circular-economy practices.

Sultech is also expanding internationally. In November 2025, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with ADNOC Sour Gas at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi to study and pilot a similar micronized sulfur facility in the United Arab Emirates. The project will integrate Sultech’s patented process at the Shah Gas Plant, one of the world’s largest ultra-sour gas operations, demonstrating the potential to convert sulfur by-products into high-efficiency agricultural and clean-technology inputs. The global micronized sulfur market is expected to exceed USD 800 million by 2030 as demand increases for low-impact, high-performance crop nutrition solutions.

Sources: World Fertilizer, Calgary.tech

Tecnomyl introduced Orano, a new fungicide, at Innovar Feria Agropecuaria 2026 in Paraguay, where at the end of 2024 it opened a modern factory for bioinputs TECNOMYL Biotech. This launch supports the company’s strategy to strengthen integrated crop protection and coincides with Tecnomyl’s 35th anniversary, highlighting ongoing investment in regional growth and advanced agricultural technologies.

Orano combines three active ingredients: fluindapyr, prothioconazole, and mancozeb, integrating carboxamide, triazole, and multi-site modes of action. The formulation targets key soybean and corn pathogens, including Cercospora and Bipolaris species, and supports resistance management. According to company executives, Orano delivers broad-spectrum disease control and improved performance through its liquid formulation, especially with mancozeb, enhancing application efficiency and field adherence.

Tecnomyl positions Orano as a key part of early-season disease management, where maximizing fungicide efficacy is essential. The company also announced growth in its biological and seed portfolios, including new pest control solutions and a corn hybrid developed with Agroceres, supporting its broader integrated farm management strategy.

Source: AgroPages

BASF Agricultural Solutions has announced a €40 million ($43 million) investment to modernize and expand its vegetable seed processing facilities in Nunhem, the Netherlands. This project will add approximately 6,000 square meters to the existing 20,000 square meter site and will support BASF’s portfolio of over 1,200 seed varieties across 20 crops, including tomatoes, onions, and carrots. The investment aligns with the company’s strategy to meet increasing global demand for high-quality seeds.

Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. The upgraded facility will process seeds from BASF’s global network, with enhanced cleaning, testing, and packaging capabilities. Maximilian Becker, Senior Vice President at BASF Nunhems, stated that the investment aims to strengthen supply reliability and product quality for growers worldwide.

The expansion will renovate and upgrade existing buildings and add new facilities with advanced processing technologies. BASF stated that the site will be fully powered by renewable energy upon completion, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. The company introduces 80 to 100 new vegetable seed varieties each year through conventional breeding methods, addressing challenges such as climate stress, labor shortages, and disease pressure in agriculture.

Forage crops progress through distinct developmental stages, each characterized by specific nutrient requirements. Synchronizing fertilization with these phases enables producers to prevent deficiencies that can lead to irreversible yield losses. Early growth is particularly dependent on phosphorus for root establishment, whereas later stages require balanced applications of nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients to support biomass accumulation, flowering, and seed development.

In addition to primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), forage systems require meso- and micronutrients to support physiological processes such as photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and protein synthesis. Deficiencies during critical growth stages can disrupt plant development, decrease stand density, and ultimately reduce both yield and forage quality.

Critical growth stages and nutrient demand

The table below summarizes key development phases, critical timing, and nutrient priorities in forage crops:

Deficiency symptoms by growth stage

Nutrient shortages often manifest differently depending on the development phase:

Role of meso- and micronutrients

In addition to macronutrients, several elements play essential roles in forage crop physiology:

Fertilizer strategies across growth stages

Implementing a stage-based fertilization strategy enhances nutrient use efficiency and overall crop performance:

• Early stages: Phosphorus-rich fertilizers support root development and stand establishment
• Vegetative growth: Nitrogen applications drive biomass and protein formation
• Reproductive phases: Potassium and boron improve flowering, seed set, and quality
• Late stages: Potassium and calcium enhance structural strength and seed maturation

Comprehensive fertilization programs typically integrate base NPK applications with targeted micronutrient supplementation, particularly in intensive forage systems or soils identified as deficient.

Integrated nutrition approach

Contemporary fertilization strategies prioritize flexibility in both application methods and nutrient formulations. Solid nitrogen fertilizers are commonly used for broadcast applications, whereas liquid solutions facilitate more precise timing and nutrient uptake. Compound NPK blends deliver balanced nutrition at sowing, and water-soluble formulations enable targeted nutrient delivery during critical growth stages.

A comprehensive nutrient management program, aligned with crop developmental stages and supported by both macro- and micronutrients, is essential for sustaining forage yields and enhancing feed quality in increasingly cost-sensitive production environments.

Agriodor, a France-based agricultural technology company, has raised €15 million (~$16 million) in a Series A round to support the expansion of its crop protection technology into Europe, North America and Latin America.

The round was led by Crédit Mutuel Impact through its Environmental and Solidarity Revolution Fund, with participation from Région Sud Investissement, CAAP Création, Capagro, CapHorn and SWEN Capital Partners.

Founded in 2019 as a spin-off from INRAE, the company develops crop protection products based on plant-derived compounds that influence insect behavior. The approach is intended to reduce reliance on conventional insecticides by attracting, repelling or disrupting pests.

Proceeds from the funding will be used to expand research and development, scale the company’s technology platform and support commercial rollout in international markets.

Agriodor’s first product, targeting aphids in sugar beet, is being deployed in France under an agreement with Syngenta. The company is developing additional applications across other crops and pest categories, including fruit flies and whiteflies.

The technology relies on reproducing naturally occurring plant signals to alter insect behavior. The company says this allows for shorter development timelines and lower costs compared with conventional pesticide development.

Agriodor employs 42 people across research sites in Rennes and Aix-en-Provence and holds eight patents across three patent families. It has established research partnerships in Europe, China and Brazil as it expands its development pipeline.

AgroPlantae has acquired the crop technologies product portfolio of Kemin Industries, expanding its offering in biological crop protection and plant nutrition. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The deal includes a range of botanical-based biopesticides and soil and plant health products used in specialty crops and greenhouse production, including brands such as TetraCURB MAX and PathoCURB. Related commercial operations will also transfer to AgroPlantae.

Sales managers from Kemin’s crop technologies unit will join AgroPlantae as part of the transaction and remain in their current territories. The companies have assured product formulations, manufacturing processes and regulatory approvals will remain unchanged, with both sides working to maintain supply and customer support during the transition.

The acquisition broadens AgroPlantae’s portfolio of plant-extract-based inputs, adding to its existing range of biostimulants and specialty nutrients. The Fresno, California-based company was founded in 2009.

For Kemin, a privately held ingredient manufacturer with operations in more than 90 countries, the move will allow continuity for customers in its crop technologies segment as the business transitions to AgroPlantae.

AgroSpheres has opened a commercial biomanufacturing facility in Charlottesville, as agricultural technology companies seek to expand domestic production of biological crop inputs and reduce reliance on imported chemical ingredients.

The 12,500-square-foot site includes a commercial-scale fermentation operation—an area where U.S. capacity remains constrained relative to demand from biotechnology firms. Industry participants have increasingly pointed to a shortage of domestic infrastructure, with some companies relying on overseas partners for production.

The facility is designed to support current output and future expansion, with capacity to treat hundreds of thousands of acres annually. AgroSpheres plans to scale production further as it advances additional products in development.

The Charlottesville-based company develops biological crop protection products using its AgriCell platform, which it says enables the delivery of active ingredients at lower doses. Its first commercial product, a thyme oil-based biofungicide, has received approvals in multiple U.S. states and is being used by some specialty crop growers, including vineyards.

The project received support from state and local economic development programs in Virginia, including grants and workforce training initiatives. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger attended the facility’s opening and said the investment aligns with the state’s focus on agricultural innovation and supply chain resilience.

AgroSpheres has invested about $10 million in the project to date and plans to increase that to $25 million while expanding its workforce over the remainder of the decade.

OCI Global sold 2 million common shares in Methanex Corporation for approximately $116.6 million, reducing its stake in the company. The shares were sold at $58.30 each in a block trade on April 13, according to a company statement.

After the transaction, OCI’s stake in Methanex decreased from approximately 6.0% to 3.4%, leaving it with 2.6 million shares. The sale was conducted through its subsidiary, OCI Chemicals, as part of portfolio management.

OCI stated that its position in Methanex may change further based on market conditions and company performance. It may acquire additional shares or sell its remaining holdings in the future.

North Carolina farmers are increasingly using compost as fertilizer prices remain high, partly due to geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Higher costs for key inputs such as fertilizer and diesel are putting pressure on producers across the state, according to industry data and farmer reports. A recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey found that only 19% of Southeast farmers had secured fertilizer supplies before planting season, highlighting the ongoing strain.

Michael Fine, owner of Seven Sisters Farm in Denton, is combining compost with conventional fertilizers to manage costs and maintain yields. He applies compost to about one-third of his 6-acre farm, a process that requires more labor and time but provides agronomic benefits. Fine notes that compost improves nutrient retention and reduces runoff, leading to healthier soil and potentially more nutrient-dense crops. He still relies on commercial fertilizers for crops like watermelons, where immediate nutrient availability is essential.

Experts note that composting provides long-term benefits for soil health but does not fully replace synthetic fertilizers, especially on large-scale farms. Biswanath Dari, assistant professor of soil science at North Carolina A&T State University, describes composting as a gradual process that improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient-holding capacity over time. While large-scale adoption is possible, he emphasizes that conventional fertilizers remain necessary to meet row crops’ immediate nutrient needs.

Source: Spectrum News One

China is becoming less prominent as a major exporter in the global fertilizer market because its government is focusing more on ensuring local farmers have an affordable supply. Tighter export controls and higher production costs are likely to affect fertilizer prices and availability in key importing regions such as Brazil, India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.

China has been one of the world’s top producers and exporters of fertilizers, especially phosphates and nitrogen-based products, with exports worth over USD 13 billion in 2025. Since mid-March, the government has tightened export controls through the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine system, limiting shipments of phosphates and most nitrogen fertilizers, including urea. These steps aim to keep enough supply at home during the busy planting season, and the government has also released reserves to help keep local prices steady. Exports, especially of nitrogen products, are expected to slowly pick up again after May.

Higher sulfur costs are making fertilizer production more difficult. Sulfur, which is essential for making phosphate fertilizers, has become more expensive due to supply constraints and political tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for sulfur trade. These higher costs have led China to produce less phosphate and to temporarily ban exports until August. At the same time, strong domestic demand means there is less urea available for export, and shipments are unlikely to resume before May. Ongoing disruptions in the Arab Gulf, a major global urea supplier, are further tightening the supply situation.

China will likely remain an important player in the global fertilizer market, especially in Asia-Pacific. However, its exports will be guided more by local needs than by international demand.

Thailand’s government has approved a 30 billion baht (approximately $820 million) loan program aimed at reducing production costs for farmers by improving access to fertilizer and other key agricultural inputs. The scheme, to be implemented through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), will allow eligible farmers to borrow up to 100,000 baht (about $2,700) at a subsidized interest rate of 3%, down from the standard 6%.

Under the program, which runs through April 2029, borrowers must complete training in cost management and efficient farming practices provided by BAAC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, or partner institutions. Loan funds are restricted to the purchase of fertilizer, certified seeds, and approved planting materials through authorized channels. The initiative is part of broader efforts to cushion farmers from volatile fertilizer, energy, and transport costs, while encouraging a shift toward more precise and sustainable agricultural practices.

The European Commission has approved €144 million (USD 156 million) in French state aid for LAT Nitrogen’s ABC Ottmarsheim project, removing a key regulatory barrier for a low-carbon hydrogen facility in eastern France. The funding will support the installation of a 50 MW electrolyzer at the Ottmarsheim-Chalampé industrial zone, enabling the production of renewable hydrogen for ammonia manufacturing.

The project aims to replace up to 15% of fossil-based hydrogen in ammonia production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to conventional methods. The facility is expected to produce about 6,600 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen annually, supporting 36,000 tonnes of carbon-free ammonia output and avoiding over 46,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The Commission stated that the measure aligns with EU climate objectives, including the Hydrogen Strategy and Renewable Energy Directive, which promote renewable hydrogen in industry. While the grant covers part of the capital investment, LAT Nitrogen noted that final project approval depends on achieving sustainable operating economics through additional funding or sufficient market demand for green products.

Corteva has appointed Luther “Luke” Kissam as chief executive officer of its planned standalone crop protection business, in support of its strategy to separate the unit later this year. Kissam will join on June 1 as CEO of the crop protection division and will lead the new publicly listed company once the separation is completed, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The future company, referred to as “New Corteva,” will focus on innovation-driven growth in crop protection, emphasizing nature-inspired technologies and an asset-light operating model. Board Chair Greg Page stated that Kissam was chosen after a comprehensive search, citing his proven ability to drive growth and deliver integrated, market-focused solutions.

Kissam previously served as chairman, president, and CEO of Albemarle until 2020. He also held senior roles at Merisant and Monsanto. Corteva stated that the leadership team will present strategy and growth plans at an investor day on September 15 at the New York Stock Exchange.

Koppert has introduced a new biological fungicide, KC2404, which is expected to receive regulatory approval in the third quarter. The product was presented to growers and advisors during Crop Health Days at the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk, Netherlands, providing an early preview of a solution for controlling powdery mildew and other fungal diseases in multiple crops.

The fungicide is formulated from a lysate of Willaertia, a single-celled amoeba found in thermal waters near Lake Annecy, France. Produced in bioreactors under controlled conditions, the lysate contains bioactive compounds that inhibit fungal spore germination and activate plant defense mechanisms. According to the company, the product has shown broad-spectrum activity against pathogens such as powdery mildew, rust fungi, Cladosporium leaf spots, and oomycetes, including Phytophthora and downy mildew.

Trial data from 2024 cucumber tests under high disease pressure showed infection levels of about 12% in KC2404-treated plants, compared to over 20% for a biological reference and more than 40% in untreated controls. Efficacy improved further when combined with an adjuvant, approaching that of chemical standards. The product also offers operational benefits, such as no maximum residue limits and no required re-entry or safety intervals. Certification for organic use is in progress.

Initial registration applications include cucumber, tomato, and eggplant, targeting powdery mildew and Phytophthora. Koppert plans to expand approvals to additional crops and regions, with application frequencies projected at up to 10 treatments per cycle in cucumber and up to 12 annually in other crops, including ornamentals and strawberries.

Rovensa Next is expanding the use of artificial intelligence and structured training programs across its global operations, aiming to improve how agronomic knowledge is delivered to distribution partners and growers.

The initiative combines an internal AI-based knowledge platform with a formal training academy, as companies across the crop inputs sector face increasing demand for more tailored and evidence-based recommendations tied to biological products.

Rovensa Next’s platform aggregates more than 10,000 internal documents and data from over 4,000 trials, organizing information by crop and geography. The system is designed to help field teams access technical material more quickly and standardize recommendations across markets.

The company began piloting the platform in 2025 and is expanding its rollout this year, with initial deployment planned in 15 countries.

Alongside the technology, Rovensa Next has introduced a Training Academy focused on strengthening technical and commercial capabilities. The program includes structured learning modules, simulations and field application, with an emphasis on consultative approaches to product recommendations.

The program is intended to improve consistency in how advice is delivered to distributors, particularly as biosolutions require more localized and integrated application strategies than conventional inputs.

The rollout is underway across several regions, including North America, Europe and Latin America.

SUBLIME Energie has inaugurated what it describes as the first system capable of liquefying biogas directly on a farm, marking a shift in how anaerobic digestion outputs can be processed and transported. The prototype, named “Charlie,” has been commissioned in Plélo, in France’s Brittany region, and enables farms to convert biogas into a liquefied form on-site without relying on connection to gas grid infrastructure. The approach is designed to address longstanding constraints in the sector, including small production volumes, high capital costs and limited access to gas networks.

The system increases the energy density of biogas through liquefaction, allowing it to be transported by road to centralized facilities. There, it is upgraded into bioLNG for use in heavy transport and liquid bioCO₂, which can substitute fossil-derived carbon dioxide in industrial and agricultural applications.

SUBLIME Energie said the model draws on a “hub-and-spoke” logistics approach, comparable to milk collection systems, in which liquefied gas is aggregated from multiple farms and processed at shared hubs. The company argues that this decentralized structure could enable smaller or remote farms to participate in renewable gas production.

The Charlie unit has been installed at the Gazéa farm, an early adopter of anaerobic digestion in Brittany. It is expected to process enough biogas annually to produce around 180 tonnes of bioLNG and 330 tonnes of liquid bioCO₂, with initial output scheduled to begin following commissioning and testing phases this year.

The company said the project represents the final stage of its research and development program, integrating liquefaction and downstream separation technologies into a single operational system.

Industry development has been constrained by the economics of grid injection, which excludes a large share of potential producers. SUBLIME Energie estimates that a significant portion of France’s biomethane potential—26 TWh by 2050—remains untapped due to infrastructure constraints.

The company’s model involves purchasing raw biogas from farmers, offering an additional revenue stream without requiring them to invest in upgrading equipment. Farmers may also participate in project ownership.

Beyond economics, the company positions the technology as contributing to emissions reduction. Anaerobic digestion can reduce methane emissions from livestock waste, while bioLNG can serve as a lower-carbon alternative to diesel in sectors such as heavy transport and maritime applications, where electrification remains limited.

SUBLIME Energie is preparing a next-stage project, “Delta,” which aims to connect around 10 farms to a shared processing hub in the same region. The commercial-scale unit is expected to be operational by 2028, with further expansion planned across France and Europe.

Russia’s shadow market for plant protection products continues to expand despite tighter state controls, highlighting structural weaknesses in the country’s regulatory framework. Data from the “August Checker” verification system show counterfeit or unverifiable products accounted for 18% of samples in early 2026, up from 15% in 2025 and 14% in 2024. Industry estimates indicate illegal pesticides represent 15–20% of usage in commercial agriculture and up to 30% in private household farming.

The federal tracking system FGIS “Saturn,” introduced to ensure the safety of agricultural output and eliminate illicit inputs, has failed to capture the shadow segment, which operates outside official channels. Market participants say increased compliance burdens and stricter penalties have disproportionately affected legitimate producers, while illegal operators remain largely untouched. Critics argue that the system’s reliance on manual data entry and limited automation undermines the accuracy of reporting and shifts focus toward bureaucratic oversight rather than end-product safety.

Demand for crop protection products in Russia remains strong. According to the Russian Union of Chemical Plant Protection Product Manufacturers, consumption exceeded 253,000 tons in 2025, up 12% year on year, with usage increasing approximately 2.5-fold over the past decade. Domestic producers supply around 70% of agricultural demand, with a further 9% manufactured under tolling arrangements. However, this growth and ongoing import substitution have not reduced the share of illicit products.

Industry executives point to flaws in regulatory design as a key driver of the shadow market. Mikhail Danilov, head of Russian agrochemical producer August, said the current system places the heaviest burden on compliant businesses while leaving illegal trade beyond regulatory reach. He described the framework as effectively punitive for law-abiding participants, with severe penalties for administrative violations such as delayed data entry, including potential suspension of operations.

The illicit market encompasses several categories, including stolen genuine products, unregistered imports, and counterfeit pesticides produced in violation of intellectual property rights. Some products are disguised as surfactants or household chemicals to bypass controls, while others are repackaged using original containers or labeling. In addition, certain substances licensed for non-agricultural use are applied illegally in farming. One cited example is isofenphos-methyl, a highly hazardous insecticide that is not approved for agricultural use in Russia but is reportedly smuggled into the country and sold through informal channels.

The use of such products poses risks across the food supply chain and to the environment. Their composition and toxicity are not subject to oversight, and some contain substances that would not meet regulatory approval standards. According to control authorities, up to 15% of tested food samples in 2025 exceeded maximum permissible pesticide residue levels, underscoring concerns over food safety.

While manufacturers have introduced anti-counterfeiting measures such as product serialization and mobile verification tools, industry representatives note these systems depend on voluntary use by buyers. They also argue that restricting online sales of pesticides would have limited impact, as professional agricultural producers typically source illicit products through informal distribution networks rather than public marketplaces.

Market participants are calling for a shift in regulatory strategy toward monitoring the safety of final agricultural products rather than focusing primarily on tracking the movement of inputs. Proposed measures include expanded “on-shelf” testing of food products and the development of accredited laboratory networks to detect pesticide residues and other contaminants. Industry groups say a combined approach—linking product safety oversight with supply chain traceability—would better protect consumers while reducing incentives for illicit trade.

A Korean smart farm developer, Firmmit, has launched a 1.5-hectare hydroponic strawberry greenhouse in Uzbekistan’s Yukorichirchik district, converting an idle facility into a high-tech production site aimed at export markets. The project features around 75,000 plants of the Firmmit1943 variety, selected for durability and uniformity, with shipments primarily targeting Russia and Kazakhstan.

The greenhouse relies on hydroponic cultivation with a coco peat substrate and drip irrigation, enabling precise control of water and nutrient delivery. An integrated ICT platform equipped with IoT sensors monitors environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and light intensity in real time. The system is supported by an AI-based nutrient optimization program that adjusts fertigation strategies based on local water quality and solar radiation, enabling consistent crop performance and reducing the risks of soil-borne diseases and salinity.

Despite a shortened first growing season, the facility produced about 30,000 kg of strawberries, generating roughly $476,700 in revenue and achieving a gross margin of 76.4%. Under full-season conditions, output is projected to range from 90,000 to 112,500 kg, with yields up to 1.5 kg per plant. Uzbekistan’s high solar exposure and proximity to regional markets are expected to support further expansion, as the company works with local partners to scale production and strengthen cold chain logistics, positioning the country as an emerging export center for premium strawberries.

The National Garden Bureau has opened applications for its 2026 Therapeutic Garden Grant program, offering a total of $7,500 in funding to organizations that use gardens to support healing and rehabilitation. The initiative, now in its 12th year, is supported by American Meadows, Ball Horticultural Company, and Sakata Seed America.

Since its launch in 2014, the program has distributed more than $62,000 to therapeutic horticulture projects across North America. The grants aim to promote garden-based interventions that contribute to mental and physical well-being, including reducing stress, improving motor skills, and strengthening community engagement. According to the organization, five grants will be awarded in 2026 to nonprofit programs that demonstrate clear therapeutic goals, community reach, and professional oversight.

Applications are open through July 1, 2026. Selected finalists will be evaluated by a panel of experts, with final recipients determined in part through public voting on social media between September 15 and 30. Eligible projects must support activities such as job training, vocational therapy, food production, or environmental education, and be operated or advised by a registered horticultural therapist.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced more than $275 million in fiscal 2026 funding for the U.S. specialty crop sector, backed by the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. The funding will be distributed through key programs including the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program.

Under the new framework, annual funding for research initiatives will more than double to $175 million, while combined support for block grants and multi-state programs will rise to $100 million. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture will oversee research funding, including a new $20 million allocation focused on mechanization and automation to reduce labor costs, while the Agricultural Marketing Service will administer grants aimed at improving marketing, education, and competitiveness.

The announcement follows an earlier USDA commitment of $1 billion in 2026 through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program, underscoring a broader federal push to strengthen domestic production of fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops.

Agri Spray Drones has entered Canada, as changes in pesticide application rules open the market to newer technologies, including aerial spraying systems.

The company’s expansion comes as Canadian regulators introduce more flexible approaches to pesticide use, allowing for alternative application methods beyond traditional ground equipment.

Canadian farmers face ongoing labor shortages and operational constraints, particularly in areas that are difficult to access with conventional machinery. Drone-based systems can be used to apply crop inputs with greater precision and during shorter application windows.

Agri Spray Drones plans to work with regulators and industry groups as Canada continues to develop outcome-based approaches to pesticide oversight, which focus on performance and environmental impact rather than specific application methods.

The company views Canada as a potential base for expansion into other markets where similar regulatory changes are under consideration.