In a significant boost for agricultural technology, California-based startup Agtonomy has announced it has raised $32.8 million in funding from various investors. The company is focused on enhancing its autonomous software solutions, particularly for specialty crop automation. With this latest round of funding, Agtonomy aims to expand its paid pilot program for vineyards and other permanent crop producers by an impressive 500%.
Previously, Agtonomy had already made strides in its pilot program, launched earlier in the year, where they paid wineries and producers to test their innovative software products. This funding will not only facilitate the expansion of these agricultural initiatives but will also allow Agtonomy to explore technology solutions for additional industrial markets, broadening its scope beyond agriculture.
As part of this strategic expansion, Agtonomy has announced that Sterling Anderson, a notable figure who played a pivotal role in the development of Tesla’s Autopilot, will be joining their board of directors. This addition is expected to bring significant expertise to Agtonomy, enhancing corporate strategy and governance as the company seeks to maximize its potential in the agtech landscape.
The funding round was led by Autotech Ventures, with participation from Rethink Food and existing investor Toyota Ventures. This strategic investment not only underscores the growing interest in agtech innovations but also positions Agtonomy as a key player in the field of autonomous farming technologies.
USDA Revamps Acreage Reporting for Indoor Farmers
In a bid to accommodate the growing indoor farming sector, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revamped its acreage reporting system. This overhaul aims to simplify the reporting process for vertical farmers, allowing them easier access to USDA program benefits.
Under the new system, producers can now report acreage-based crops at a minimum size of .000001 acre, equivalent to a small 2.5-inch by 2.5-inch area. This change marks a significant improvement from the previous minimum reporting requirement of .0001 acres, or approximately four square feet. The new reporting capabilities enable vertical farmers to distinguish between various alternative growing methods, such as crops produced using multi-level systems or within multiple levels of a building.
Accurate crop acreage reporting is essential for determining eligibility for various USDA programs, including Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. These reports are also critical for calculating losses under various disaster programs. The FSA Administrator highlighted that this update would streamline the reporting process for small-scale agricultural producers, particularly urban and innovative growers, making it more reflective of their unique operations.
Verdant Robotics Launches Precision Weeding Technology
In another exciting development within agtech, Verdant Robotics has unveiled the Sharpshooter, a groundbreaking precision weeding system designed to revolutionize how farmers manage their crops. The Sharpshooter promises significant reductions in chemical inputs, claiming a decrease of over 96%, while also cutting hand-weeding costs by an average of 65%.
This innovative device attaches to the backs of trailers and boasts the ability to cover up to five acres per hour. According to the company’s projections, farmers can expect to see a return on investment within one to two years of using the Sharpshooter.
Beyond its weeding capabilities, the Sharpshooter leverages machine learning technology to provide detailed plant-level data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding cost control and climate action. The CEO of Verdant Robotics expressed that the Sharpshooter is the culmination of extensive research, field testing, and valuable feedback from growers. He emphasized its unmatched speed, efficiency, and versatility, which collectively empower farmers with the savings, precision, and control needed for modern agricultural practices.
The Future of Agtech
The recent advancements in agtech, as highlighted by Agtonomy, USDA’s reporting updates, and Verdant Robotics’ new technologies, underscore a significant shift in how agriculture is approached in the modern era. The integration of autonomous technologies, improved reporting systems, and precision tools offers exciting possibilities for farmers to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, staying informed about these developments is crucial for stakeholders across the industry. The ongoing investments in agtech innovation not only signal a commitment to improving agricultural practices but also reflect a broader trend towards integrating technology into the fabric of farming.
The potential for agtech to transform the landscape of agriculture is immense, and with continued support from investors, government agencies, and innovators, the future of farming looks promising. These developments not only aim to solve current challenges in agriculture but also set the stage for a more sustainable and efficient food production system.
Conclusion
The latest news in agtech highlights a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, investment, and collaboration aimed at modernizing agriculture. With companies like Agtonomy leading the charge in autonomous technology, USDA enhancing its support for indoor farming, and Verdant Robotics pushing the boundaries of precision agriculture, the industry is well-positioned for a transformative era. As stakeholders navigate these changes, the focus will remain on leveraging technology to drive efficiency, sustainability, and growth in the agricultural sector.
The ongoing dialogue between technology and agriculture promises to yield not only economic benefits but also solutions to pressing environmental challenges, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for food production.
