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sustainable agriculture

RunFaster4EU launches to demonstrate more sustainable oil crop cultivation on marginal lands

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RunFaster4EU has launched to demonstrate more sustainable oil crop cultivation on marginal lands and upgrade two flagship Italian plants for bioproducts.

As Europe seeks to accelerate its green transition, new solutions are needed to produce high-value bio-based products without compromising food production or natural ecosystems. Marginal lands, often overlooked, may hold the key.

Launched in July 2025, RunFaster4EU is a flagship European project that aims to transform such lands into more sustainable sources of bio-based raw materials for cosmetics, bioplastics, bio-stimulants, bioherbicides, dielectric fluids, feed ingredients and NIPU (Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes) for vertical gardens and more. [Read more…] about RunFaster4EU launches to demonstrate more sustainable oil crop cultivation on marginal lands

BlueRedGold raises €2.7 million to commercialize indoor saffron production through robotics and automation

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PINC, the venture arm of international food company Paulig, has led a €2.73 million investment round in Swedish AgriTech innovator BlueRedGold, alongside The Food Tech Lab and PolarVentures.

The funding will accelerate the company’s development of the world’s first scalable indoor saffron cultivation system, enabled by advanced robotics and AI.

The investment marks a significant step in Paulig’s ambition to shape the future of food and reinforce its leadership in sustainability, while supporting PINC’s role in backing bold FoodTech solutions with global relevance. [Read more…] about BlueRedGold raises €2.7 million to commercialize indoor saffron production through robotics and automation

Dürr unveils ready-made high-tech vertical farm facility

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The mechanical and industrial plant engineering company Dürr is entering a new industry with its “EcoY turnkey vertical farm” – or ready-made vertical high-tech farm system.

The company is combining its expertise in plant engineering – particularly in the demanding field of ventilation and energy-efficient climate control technology for paint shops – with the know-how of Clean Air Nurseries Agri Global (CAN-Agri), a specialist in innovative farming technologies.

EcoY, a resource-saving turnkey system solution, leverages natural sunlight and utilizes up to 95 percent less water than conventional cultivation methods. The overall concept of the plant, developed using patented technology, is revolutionizing vertical farming. [Read more…] about Dürr unveils ready-made high-tech vertical farm facility

Vertical farming company 80 Acres acquires three indoor facilities from Kalera

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80 Acres Farms is expanding its footprint with the acquisition of three indoor vertical farms and related IP previously owned by Kalera. The farms are strategically located in Georgia, Texas, and Colorado.

As the demand for fresh, local, pesticide-free produce continues to grow, 80 Acres Farms is leveraging more than a decade of industry learnings by acquiring and revitalizing existing vertical farming facilities.

The company is turning these assets into productive farms through its Infinite Acres technology, proven operational expertise, and commercial relationships. [Read more…] about Vertical farming company 80 Acres acquires three indoor facilities from Kalera

Swiss Life invests €200 million into vertical farming venture with Planet Farms

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Swiss Life Asset Managers, the investment arm of Swiss Life Holding AG, has partnered with Milan-based agritech company Planet Farms to launch a new joint venture aimed at expanding vertical farming operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The joint venture will receive up to €200 million ($227 million) in initial funding, with Swiss Life contributing as much as €125 million, according to a statement issued Tuesday confirming earlier reporting by Bloomberg News.

The initiative includes a flagship 20,000-square-meter vertical farm located near Como in northern Italy, which currently supplies fresh produce to supermarkets and food service providers in both Italy and Switzerland.

The partners plan to replicate the model in additional markets, including the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

Planet Farms, founded in 2018 by Luca Travaglini and former Goldman Sachs banker Daniele Benatoff, specializes in sustainable, high-tech farming systems designed to reduce water usage and eliminate pesticides.

Guggenheim Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Planet Farms on the transaction.

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