Agriculture / Agribusiness

CNTA AgrilFoodtech sandbox

© CNTA (National Center for Food Technology and Safety)

Spain Launches Europe’s First AgriFoodtech Sandbox to Drive Technological Advancements in Food Production

The Spanish government, alongside the regional governments of Navarra and La Rioja, has introduced Europe’s first AgriFoodtech Sandbox, designed to accelerate technological advancements in the agrifood industry. Managed by the National Center for Food Technology and Safety (CNTA), the initiative will offer a controlled environment where innovative products, processes, and technologies can be tested under regulatory oversight. The sandbox will allow startups, companies, and industry groups to experiment with novel approaches in the agrifood value chain. These include new ingredients, food preservation methods, packaging strategies, and ways to enhance resource use and waste recovery. Through this initiative, selected projects will gain access to CNTA’s scientific and technological resources, as well as regulatory support to validate and refine their innovations. Spain takes the lead The launch …

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ProVeg New food hub

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Why Diversification is the Key to Resilient Agriculture

As Europe’s farmers face multiple threats – climate change, financial pressures, changing consumer demands, and shifting policy – many are wondering: what does a viable, sustainable path forward look like? In the latest episode of the New Food Hub Podcast by ProVeg International, host Gemma Tadman dives into that question with Simon Kraemer, a regenerative agriculture expert working with farmers across Europe through the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture. Their conversation explores the complex landscape of diversification – what it means in practice, how it’s being implemented, and why it’s critical for the future of farming. Despite the challenging agricultural landscape, Simon explains that farmers are motivated and excited by the concept of ‘sustainability’ and with this, diversifying to growing plant proteins or adopting regenerative …

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Four cows in a field

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Study: Grass-Fed Beef is Up to 40 Times More Carbon Intensive Than Other Proteins

A new study published in the journal PNAS has debunked the idea that grass-fed beef is an environmentally friendly option. The research finds that even under the most optimistic scenarios, grass-fed beef is not less carbon-intensive than industrial beef and is three to 40 times as carbon-intensive as most plant-based and animal-based alternatives. This makes beef the most resource-intensive of common foods. It is sometimes claimed that cattle grazing enhances soil carbon sequestration. However, the study authors find that the evidence for this is not conclusive, and that even if it were true, the effect would not be impactful enough to reverse beef’s carbon intensity. Contrary to popular belief, grass-fed beef may even be worse for the environment than industrial beef, since animals are fattened …

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SIMPLi Founders with their products in front of a sprouts market

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SIMPLi: “Consumers Today Are Becoming More Aware of How Processed Foods Impact Their Health”

Founded in 2020, SIMPLi is redefining ethical sourcing and regenerative organic agriculture. At the heart of this fast-growing company is Sarela Herrada, a native Peruvian and Indigenous entrepreneur, who, alongside her husband Matt Cohen, built SIMPLi to challenge the status quo in the food industry. With a commitment to fair supply chains and nutrient-dense, traceable ingredients, the company has rapidly become a leader in regenerative organic foods—securing partnerships with major retailers and foodservice providers alike. At Natural Products Expo West 2025, we sat down with Herrada to discuss SIMPLi’s journey, its latest partnerships, and the future of regenerative agriculture in plant-based food. SIMPLi started with a strong mission to create a more transparent and ethical food system. What inspired you to take this path? Sarela …

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farm

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What Do We Really Know About American Farmers? A Financial Perspective on Agriculture’s Future

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an Advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an Advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth and whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcasts The Plantbased Business Hour and Upside & Impact: Investing for Change. In a recent episode of the Upside & Impact: Investing for Change podcast, former Deputy Under Secretary for the USDA, Sanah Baig, provided an in-depth look at the current state of American farming and the economic realities shaping its future. As impact investors, we at VegTech Invest see both challenges and opportunities in this evolving agricultural landscape, particularly as it relates to sustainability, food security, and the role of innovation …

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canada soybeans

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Canada Launches Support Program for Domestic Reformulation Amid US Trade Uncertainty

Protein Industries Canada has introduced a $3 million program intended to support Canadian ingredient manufacturers and food processors as they adapt to shifting trade dynamics with the United States. The new initiative is designed to facilitate the development or reformulation of products using Canadian-grown ingredients for the domestic market. The Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program will reimburse up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a funding cap of $200,000 per project. To qualify, projects must involve at least one of the following components: reformulating products with domestically produced ingredients, scaling up and commercializing Canadian food products for Canadian consumers, or scaling up domestically produced ingredients for use by Canadian manufacturers. Emphasis on Canadian crops Projects must use Canadian feedstocks or ingredients derived from …

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Elaniti

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Elaniti Raises Funding to Accelerate Soil Microbiome Intelligence, Enabling the Transition to Regenerative Farming

British agritech startup Elaniti has closed a funding round that aims to accelerate the development of its soon-to-launch flagship product, a digital tool enabling agribusinesses to decode the microbial composition of soil. Using AI and DNA sequencing, the tool enables farmers to optimise productivity in both the short term and long term while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. This could be crucial in transitioning to sustainable, regenerative agriculture and a more plant-based food system. Participants in the funding round included biotope by VIB, Planetary Impact Ventures, and Paulig Group’s CVC arm, PINC. The round adds to non-dilutive funding received by the company from Innovate UK in January, bringing the total amount raised to €1.5 million. Elaniti will use the funding to strengthen its team and …

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Riku and Anna Väänänen

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Riku Väänänen: “It’s About Creating a System Where Every Stage of Production Respects Both Nature and Animal Welfare”

Riku and Anna Väänänen are a Finnish couple who left their corporate careers in Switzerland to pursue their passion for winemaking in the renowned Côtes de Bourg region of Bordeaux. Since 2016, they have been producing high-quality vegan and organic wines at Château Puybarbe, earning consistent praise from top wine critics, with all their wines scoring over 90 points from Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, and other respected reviewers. Their portfolio includes four distinct red wines and a celebrated rosé, Annabel. In this exclusive interview, Riku Väänänen shares his remarkable journey from the corporate world to sustainable viticulture. He discusses his dedication to soil regeneration, organic farming, and vegan winemaking, explaining why he chose to certify Château Puybarbe under the Biocyclic Vegan Standard. Riku also highlights the …

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new harvest

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Canadian Government Invests $1M in Cellular Agriculture Research for the Prairies

The Government of Canada has allocated CAD 1 million in funding through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) to support the Cellular Agriculture Prairies Ecosystem (CAPE) Project, an initiative led by New Harvest Canada. The funding will be matched by contributions from regional partners, bringing the total investment to approximately CAD 2.4 million over three years. The CAPE Project is designed to establish a cellular agriculture research and innovation network across the Prairie provinces, with a focus on utilizing local agricultural resources for biomanufacturing. The initiative will involve collaboration between industry and academic institutions, including the University of Alberta, University of Manitoba, and Lethbridge Polytechnic, among others. Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, states, “Alberta’s farmers and producers work hard to feed our communities and drive our …

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EU’s New Food & Farming Plan Criticized for Ignoring Climate and Fair Pricing Solutions

The “vision” presented today by the European Commission to transform EU food and farming policy is weak and disappointing, according to the TAPP Coalition, a European network of 80 food companies and non-governmental organizations, including farmers, campaigning for fair and real (higher) prices for animal proteins and lower prices for healthy and sustainable food. Director Jeroom Remmers, said: “The new EU vision for agriculture and food lacks a vision on how competition and climate targets can be perfectly combined […] to achieve the 2040 and 2050 climate targets.” At an Agri-ETS conference organized by the TAPP Coalition, FoodDrinkEurope and Rabobank last Monday, various stakeholders confirmed the benefits of a system that provides farmers with a new net financial flow for climate solutions: higher prices for …

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A plant-based food system could promote social justice

Photo: Nandhu Kumar on Unsplash

World Day of Social Justice: How a Plant-Based Food System Could Build Fairer Societies

On World Day of Social Justice, which is observed on February 20, ProVeg International has called for increased recognition of the role of food systems in building fairer societies. The organization notes that industrial animal agriculture is associated with the exploitation of workers, who are often undocumented migrants. Those working in slaughterhouses and factory farms may suffer injuries and repetitive physical strain, and are also at increased risk of psychological distress. in some cases, this leads to depression, PTSD, domestic violence, or suicide. Meanwhile, government subsidies and supply chains favor large agribusiness, making it challenging for small farmers to succeed. Consequently, smallholders often face debt and economic instability. Benefits of a plant-based food system ProVeg argues that a plant-based food system could provide benefits such …

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Pigs in gestation crate

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Study: Up to 96% of Brits Oppose Common Animal Farming Practices

Data from Bryant Research has found that the vast majority of the British public opposes a range of common farming practices. For example, 94% of respondents disapprove of keeping chickens in a cage as small as an A4 sheet of paper, while 96% oppose keeping pigs in cages where they cannot turn around. 87% are against cutting off the beaks of newborn chicks, and 85% oppose killing male chicks because they cannot produce eggs. For every practice studied, disapproval rates are at least 75%. The figures show that these practices remain prevalent despite widespread public opposition. For example, 99% of male chicks in the egg industry are currently killed, while 90% of calves have their horn buds removed with a hot iron. However, prevalence data …

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Founder Selin Arslan on stage

Selin Arslan © Farmhood

Selin Arslan: “We Transform Food By-Products Into High-Value Plant-Based Protein Ingredients”

As the global food system faces mounting challenges from climate change, resource scarcity, and food waste, innovative startups like Farmhood are stepping up to lead the way toward a more sustainable future. Founded by Selin Arslan, an industrial engineer turned sustainability advocate, Farmhood is a food-tech startup on a mission to tackle food waste through cutting-edge, sustainable innovation. With a background in supply chain consulting at firms like EY and a current MSc. focus in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems, Selin combines technical expertise with a passion for creating lasting impact in the food industry. In this interview, Selin shares Farmhood’s journey from concept to reality, including the development of a pilot production facility and the company’s early success, achieving over €30,000 in revenue. We …

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Proveg new food hub

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Diversification as the Key to Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability

European agriculture faces mounting challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic volatility. The urgent need to transform farming systems has never been clearer. But how can Europe’s agricultural sector become more resilient and future-ready? ProVeg International’s policy brief, Future-fit farming: advancing resilience and sustainability in European agriculture, explores actionable steps to diversify and strengthen farming systems. By focusing on sustainability, economic resilience, and ecological health, the roadmap provides clear guidance for farmers, policymakers, businesses, and organisations. Why diversification matters Reliance on monoculture and animal agriculture leaves European farming systems highly vulnerable to climate shocks, market disruptions, and environmental degradation. Diversifying production systems offers critical benefits: Resilience: Diverse systems withstand climate and market pressures more effectively. Sustainability: Reducing reliance on resource-intensive practices conserves natural ecosystems. …

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Arvesta

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Arvesta Launches Benelux’s First Plant-Based Protein Facility, Boosting Local Farming and Innovation

Arvesta, a full-service partner for the agricultural sector, announces the official opening of ‘Nuverta’, its innovative protein facility in Mettet, Belgium. Arvesta states that the facility is unique in Belgium and the Benelux, marking an important milestone in its mission: ‘From Field to Future’. The special feature of this protein plant is its ability to produce high-quality vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials such as yellow peas. This is intended to create new income models for farmers and ensure the production of healthy, local, plant-based products. Vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials The new protein plant in Mettet produces high-quality vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials, in this case yellow peas. The project contributes to the sustainable production of animal and human …

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female farmer spraying veg

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ProVeg Calls for Restructuring of EU Agriculture Subsidies to Prioritise Sustainable Crops

In a new policy brief, ProVeg International has called for the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) subsidies to be restructured to prioritise sustainable crop production. According to the policy brief, subsidies should incentivise farming that enhances nature, improves rural livelihoods, and minimises social and economic costs. ProVeg notes that some agricultural practices have consequences such as deforestation, soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss; in response, production may be intensified even further, creating a vicious cycle of harm. Along with incentives for sustainable crop production, the policy brief also recommends “true-cost accounting” for food production. It argues that if subsidies were allocated according to the true cost of food — accounting for factors such as environmental impact and the economic and human cost of …

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Isabella Righini and Luuk Graamans

Isabella Righini and Luuk Graamans © Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen Research: Assessing the Role of Vertical Farming in Accelerating the Global Protein Transition

In this interview, we discuss with Isabella Righini and Luuk Graamans, researchers in Greenhouse Horticulture at Wageningen University & Research, the role of vertical farming in advancing the global protein transition. Graamans and Righini shed light on promising technological advancements that may soon allow precise control of protein levels in crops. This forward-looking conversation unveils how vertical farming could support protein production to meet future global demands sustainably. You investigated the production of protein-rich crops in your Vertical Farm. Why is it important to prioritize protein-rich crops? Consumers are focusing evermore on new sources of protein, to transition away from meat and dairy consumption. Key motivators for this transition are the diversification of diet and the reduction of the environmental impact associated with food production. …

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cows factory farming

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Report: EU Livestock Farming Has “Major Negative Consequences”, Consumption Patterns Must Change

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) recently hosted its annual Mansholt Lecture, which aims to “inspire European policymakers and stakeholders on critical societal issues, particularly those related to sustainable agri-food systems and the living environment”. This year’s lecture focused on land use, and is accompanied by a report titled Key dilemmas on future land use for agriculture, forestry and nature in the EU. A significant theme is the negative impact of livestock farming and the need for a change in consumption patterns. The report discusses five key dilemmas: Self-sufficiency While the EU has a high level of food security, it is highly dependent on imported raw materials such as fertilisers, energy, and animal feed. The region could produce more protein crops and oilseeds, but it would …

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Veganic Summit 2024

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The 2nd Annual Veganic Summit Celebrates Vegan Organic Farming as a Powerful Solution to Agriculture Free from Animal Inputs

The second annual Veganic Summit kicks off today, based in Quebec Canada, and taking place online from November 8th to 10th. A special event fully dedicated to vegan organic farming and gardening, the summit will allow participants to learn valuable, sustainable, animal-friendly techniques in one place. The Veganic Summit is organized by Meg Kelly and Stephane Groleau from the Veganic Agriculture Network and Learn Veganic of Canada, with UK-based Vegan Organic Network as a key collaborator. Additional collaborators include The Vegan Society (UK), Certified Veganic (Canada), and media partner VeggieVision TV (UK). Following the success of last year’s inaugural summit, which saw over 1,300 registrants gather for the largest event worldwide focused on veganic farming and gardening, the 2024 event anticipates more than 2,000 registrants. …

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UK crops

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What’s Next for the Future of Food in Europe?

The world urgently needs to change the way it produces (and consumes) food. Our current agricultural practices are major contributors to climate change, land degradation, and resource depletion. In fact, the global food system is responsible for a staggering one-third of all global emissions,[1][2][3] with animal-based foods accounting for up to 20% of human-made greenhouse gases.[4][5] Even if we eliminated fossil fuels today, ignoring the food system would make it impossible to keep global warming below 1.5°C.[6] Change needs to happen from the top down – with support from policymakers and policies that can empower and enable food industry stakeholders to build a more sustainable food system. On September 4th, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen received the Strategic Dialogue’s final report …

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