Introduction
Regenerative farming is a sustainable approach to agriculture that has recently gained significant attention. This eco-friendly method of farming has numerous advantages for the planet, society, and the food industry.
In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of regenerative farming, its influence on the agriculture sector, and five pioneering advancements that are revolutionizing the realm of sustainable farming. We’ll also highlight the benefits of working with regenerative farming companies and give a list of the top 40 regenerative farming companies to watch in 2023.
What is regenerative farming?
Regenerative farming is a holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture that prioritizes the health of the soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Unlike conventional farming practices that calculate heavily on chemical inputs and tillage, regenerative farming utilizes natural processes to promote soil health, sequester carbon, and increase adaptability to climate change. This approach to farming is important because it can help mitigate the environmental impacts of agriculture, improve food security, and give economic benefits to farmers.
The example of regenerative soil management.
How does regenerative farming help the environment?
Regenerative farming is a sustainable farming practice that promotes agricultural sustainability, climate-friendly farming, and sustainable farming techniques. By promoting soil health and biodiversity, regenerative farming helps to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emigrations, and promote water conservation. Additionally, regenerative farming practices can help reduce the use of synthetic diseases, fungicides, and herbicides, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
Future of regenerative farming and its impact on the agriculture industry
The future of regenerative farming looks bright, as further farmers and consumers are feting the benefits of this sustainable approach to agriculture. In the coming years, regenerative farming is expected to play an increasingly important part in the agriculture industry, with further farms adopting regenerative practices and more consumers demanding sustainably produced food. This shift towards regenerative farming has the potential to transform the agriculture industry by promoting sustainable farming practices, reducing environmental impacts, and improving food security.
5 Innovations in regenerative farming that are changing the landscape of sustainable agriculture
Regenerative farming is constantly evolving, and new innovations are emerging that can help enhance the sustainability of agriculture. Here are 5 innovations that are changing the landscape of sustainable agriculture:
- Regenerative Agriculture Solutions: These solutions aim to promote soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting regenerative farming practices.
- Agroforestry Solutions: These solutions involve the integration of trees into farming systems, which can help improve soil health, sequester carbon, and promote biodiversity.
- Carbon Sequestration Techniques: These techniques aim to capture and store carbon in soil and vegetation, which can help mitigate climate change and promote soil health.
- Regenerative Soil Management: This involves the use of cover crops, crop rotations, and reduced tillage to promote soil health, reduce erosion, and increase soil organic matter.
- Sustainable Livestock Management: This involves the use of holistic grazing management, pasture rotation, and other sustainable practices to promote soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve animal welfare.
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What are the benefits of working with regenerative farming companies?
Working with regenerative farming companies has numerous benefits, including:
- Supporting sustainable farming practices.
- Promoting soil health and biodiversity.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts.
- Improving food security and access to sustainably produced food.
- Supporting local economies and farmers.
40 Best Regenerative Farming Companies to Watch in 2023
The order does not follow a ranking.
1. Azolla Projects
Azolla Projects
Azolla Projects is a company that aims to restore the natural balance of the Earth by promoting regenerative farming practices. They use technology to help farmers adopt regenerative farming methods, such as measuring soil health, optimizing irrigation, and enhancing biodiversity. Azolla Projects also uses artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning to analyze satellite imagery and provide farmers with insights and recommendations on how to improve their yields and reduce their environmental impact.
Based in Spain, Azolla Projects was founded in 2020 and has not publicly disclosed its funding volume.
Omdena teams and Azolla deployed an online dashboard visualization application. The dashboard includes various machine learning models to predict SOC. Source: Omdena.
2. Indigo Ag
Indigo
Indigo Ag is a company that uses natural microbiology and digital technologies to improve grower profitability, environmental sustainability, and consumer health. The company was founded in 2014. Indigo Ag has raised $1.2 billion in funding.
Indigo Ag leverages powerful microbiology, machine learning, and digital technologies to make agriculture more productive, profitable, and sustainable. They use machine learning to help farmers adopt sustainable practices that lead to the production of high-quality, registry-issued carbon credits.
3. Symbrosia
Symbrosia is a company that uses technology to improve regenerative farming practices. They use AI and machine learning to develop solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve ocean health.
Based in Hawaii, Symbrosia’s mission is to produce healthier and more sustainable seafood while also promoting the health of ocean ecosystems. Symbrosia was founded in 2018 and has raised $7 million in Series A funding to date.
4. California Ag Solutions
California Ag Solutions
California Ag Solutions use technology to improve regenerative farming practices. They use AI and machine learning to develop solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. Based in Fresno, California, the company is committed to improving agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impact.
California Ag Solutions uses technology to promote regenerative farming practices by providing growers with data-driven insights and precision agriculture tools. California Ag Solutions was founded in 2004 and has not publicly disclosed its funding volume.
5. AppHarvest
AppHarvest
AppHarvest is an indoor farming company that operates some of the world’s largest high-tech indoor farms in the United States with robotics and artificial intelligence.
They use AI and machine learning to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. AppHarvest was founded in 2017 and has raised $150 million in funding.
6. CropX Technologies
CropX Technologies
CropX is a data-driven farming company that uses AI and machine learning to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage.
The company generates irrigation maps and automatically applies the right amount of water to different parts of the same field. CropX was founded in 2013 and has raised $28 million in funding.
7. Trace Genomics
Trace Genomics
Trace Genomics is a genomics and soil science company that uses machine learning to provide targeted database insights and actions for partners.
Trace Genomics has developed the first analytics engine that learns as it maps the living soil. Trace Genomics was founded in 2015 and has raised $27 million in funding.
8. FarmWise
FarmWise
FarmWise is a robotics and AI company that develops autonomous weeding machines for farmers. The machines use computer vision and machine learning to identify weeds and remove them without damaging crops.
FarmWise was founded in 2016 and has raised $19.6 million in funding.
9. The Yield Technology Solutions
The Yield Technology Solutions
The Yield is an agricultural technology company that uses IoT and predictive analytics to help farmers make more informed decisions about their crops. The Yield’s Sensing system uses sensors to collect data on weather, soil moisture, and other factors that affect crop growth.
The system then uses predictive analytics to provide farmers with insights into how their crops are growing and what actions they can take to improve yields. The Yield was founded in 2014 and has raised $11 million in funding.
10. Terramera
Terramera
Terramera is an agricultural technology company that uses AI and machine learning to develop sustainable crop protection products.
Terramera’s Actigate Targeted Performance technology uses nanotechnology to deliver plant-based active ingredients more effectively than traditional chemical pesticides. Terramera was founded in 2010 and has raised $45 million in funding.
11. Freight Farms
Freight Farms
Freight Farms is a Boston-based agriculture technology company that manufactures and sells “container farms”: hydroponic farming systems retrofitted inside intermodal freight containers. Their mission is to create a more sustainable and connected food system by providing the tools that enable fresh food production in any environment.
Freight Farms’ technology uses scalable farming which is a hydroponic growing system assembled inside an upcycled shipping container and capable of producing a variety of lettuces, herbs, and hearty greens.
They also develop a software platform that allows customers to remotely control farm components, automate tasks, and analyze growing data. Freight Farms was founded in 2011 and has raised $363K in funding.
12. Ceres Imaging
Ceres Imaging
Ceres Imaging is an agricultural technology company that uses aerial imagery and machine learning to help farmers optimize crop yields and reduce water usage.
Ceres Imaging’s technology provides farmers with detailed information about their crops, including plant health, water stress, and nutrient levels.
The technology can also help farmers identify areas of their fields that need more or less water. Ceres Imaging was founded in 2014 and has raised $35 million in funding.
13. Soil Scout
Soil Scout
Soil Scout is an agricultural technology company that uses IoT and wireless sensors to help farmers monitor soil moisture levels and other environmental factors that affect crop growth. Soil Scout’s sensors can be placed up to two meters deep in the soil, providing farmers with real-time information about soil conditions.
The sensors use low-power wireless technology to transmit data to the cloud, where it can be analyzed using machine learning algorithms. Soil Scout was founded in 2013 and has raised $4.5 million in funding.
14. Farmer’s Business Network, Inc.
Farmer’s Business Network, Inc.
Farmers Business Network (FBN) is an agricultural technology company that uses data analytics and machine learning to help farmers make better decisions about their crops. FBN’s platform provides farmers with real-time information about crop prices, weather patterns, and other factors that affect crop yields.
The platform also allows farmers to share information with each other, helping them to make more informed decisions about their crops. FBN was founded in 2014 and has raised $1.1 billion in funding.
15. Solinftec
Solinftec
Solinftec is an agricultural technology company that uses IoT and artificial intelligence to help farmers optimize their operations. Solinftec’s platform provides farmers with real-time information about crop yields, weather patterns, and other factors that affect crop growth.
The platform also uses artificial intelligence to analyze this data and provide farmers with recommendations on how to improve their operations. Solinftec was founded in 2007 and has raised $120 million in funding.
16. TerViva
Terviva
TerViva is an agricultural technology company that uses technology to grow and process pongamia trees for use in animal feed and biofuels. Pongamia trees are a sustainable alternative to soybeans and other crops used in animal feed and biofuels.
TerViva’s platform uses data analytics to optimize the growth of pongamia trees and improve their yields. TerViva was founded in 2009 and has raised $40 million in funding.
17. Farmer’s Edge
Farmers Edge
Farmer’s Edge is an agricultural technology company that uses precision agriculture to help farmers optimize their operations. Farmer’s Edge’s platform provides farmers with real-time information about crop yields, weather patterns, and other factors that affect crop growth.
The platform also uses artificial intelligence to analyze this data and provide farmers with recommendations on how to improve their operations.
Farmer’s Edge was founded in 2005 and has raised $215 million in funding. Farmer’s Edge went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange in February 2021.
18. InnerPlant
InnerPlant
InnerPlant is an agricultural technology startup that uses nanotechnology to help plants communicate with farmers. InnerPlant’s platform uses nanosensors to detect changes in plant health and send alerts to farmers when plants are under stress or need water.
The platform also uses artificial intelligence to analyze this data and provide farmers with recommendations on how to improve their operations. InnerPlant was founded in 2018 and has raised $5 million in seed funding.
How do you measure impact?
InnerPlant measures impact through the shocking numbers that underly the massive agricultural inefficiencies our technology addresses.
Studies show that farmers lose as much as 40% of yields or $220B worldwide due to pathogens in spite of overapplication that sees as much as 30% or $250B of pesticides wasted – negatively impacting our air, water, and soil.
InnerPlant engineers crops that emit fluorescent signals, unique to a particular stress, so the plants can communicate their needs to farmers before problems affect yields without the blanket application of chemicals. Using advanced proprietary algorithms, the signals are detectable in daylight from tractors, drones, and even as far away as space.
There is no other technology that marries plant biology, physics, and the use of satellites to detect plant stress at scale to boost yields and sustainability while reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
19. Full Harvest
Full Harvest
Full Harvest is a food tech startup that helps farmers sell their surplus produce to food and beverage companies. Full Harvest’s platform uses artificial intelligence to predict demand for produce and match farmers with buyers who need it.
The platform also helps farmers reduce food waste by finding buyers for products that would otherwise go unsold. Full Harvest was founded in 2015 and has raised $32 million in venture capital.
20. AgriCapture
AgriCapture
AgriCapture is a mission-driven company that certifies Climate-Friendly practices on farms, ranchlands, and grasslands and quantifies associated GHG emissions reductions, enabling producers to generate revenue for their sustainable management practices.
They are technology and data-enabled to provide agricultural solutions to climate change. AgriCapture completed the largest-ever cover crop project in the Mississippi River Valley to improve soil health and fight climate change.
The 4,000 acres of cover crops are expected to sequester 2,440 metric tons of carbon annually. AgriCapture was founded in 20171 and has raised $2M in funding.
21. HerdX
HerdX Inc.
HerdX is an agricultural technology company that develops a livestock tracking system that utilizes smart tags, readers, and specialized water troughs to track and manage herd animals and deliver verified product data.
Their technology follows verified data throughout the entire supply chain, to generate data that creates operational efficiencies, and enhances animal health while reducing the need for unnecessary antibiotics.
This helps farmers and ranchers know their herds even better and deliver clean, traceable meat to consumers at restaurants and grocery stores. HerdX was founded in 2010 and has raised $400K in funding.
22. Alesca Life
Alesca Life
Alesca Life is an agriculture technology company that provides a vertically integrated solution for indoor farming. They use IoT sensors and data analytics to optimize crop growth and reduce water usage.
Alesca Life’s technology allows for the production of fresh produce in any environment, regardless of climate or geography.
They also develop a software platform that allows customers to remotely control farm components, automate tasks, and analyze growing data. Alesca Life was founded in 2013 and has raised $10M in funding.
23. INFARM
INFARM
INFARM is an urban farming startup that designs and operates modular farms in grocery stores, restaurants, and distribution centers. They use IoT sensors and machine learning algorithms to optimize plant growth and reduce waste.
INFARM’s technology allows for the production of fresh produce in any environment, regardless of climate or geography. INFARM was founded in 2013 and has raised $304M in funding. In 2021, they were acquired by Berlin-based investment firm Atomico.
24. Carbon Robotics
Carbon Robotics
Carbon Robotics is an agricultural technology company that develops autonomous robots for farming. They use AI and machine learning algorithms to optimize crop yield and reduce waste.
Carbon Robotics’ technology allows for the automation of labor-intensive tasks such as weeding and harvesting, which can help farmers reduce costs and increase efficiency. Carbon Robotics was founded in 2018 and has raised $27M in funding.
How do you measure impact?
Carbon Robotics is committed to empowering farmers to operate more efficiently by building innovative agriculture tools, so time and dollars saved are key measures of impact. The company’s LaserWeeder is the first and only commercial laser weeding robot, leveraging sophisticated AI deep learning technology, computer vision, robotics, and lasers to deliver high-precision weed control. The LaserWeeder efficiently identifies, targets, and eliminates up to 99% of weeds, covering two acres per hour. Growers who use Carbon Robotics’ implementation are seeing up to 80% savings in weed management costs and can expect to see an ROI in 1-3 years.
Image source: Carbon Robotics
As the industry faces a labor shortage, farmers are lacking the resources and support to maintain their fields. At 2,000 weeds shot/minute, laser weeding compares to a 50-person hand-weeding crew, offering a reliable and efficient tool for one of growers’ most pressing challenges.
25. Modern Meadow
Modern Meadow
Modern Meadow is a sustainable bio-design technology company that uses nature-inspired proteins to develop solutions that reduce our reliance on petrochemical and animal-derived inputs. Its scalable products drop into existing manufacturing processes, allowing partners to bring sustainable goods to market quickly and without high upfront costs.
The company aims to drive innovation in sustainability and create new solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at www.modernmeadow.com
Modern Meadow was founded in 2011 and has raised $53.5M in funding.
How do you measure impact?
Modern Meadow defines its impact based on our ability to introduce sustainable materials and processes that support a healthier future for the planet. Our goal is to enable alternative, nature-inspired materials to replace animal-derived and petrochemical-based input to build a more regenerative and circular world. Modern Meadow’s innovations are helping our partners develop and deliver more sustainable products at scale – without sacrificing performance or luxury. Sustainability is a core tenet around which we have built our business processes, from the factors we prioritize as we develop solutions to the types of partners and suppliers we work alongside. To measure impact and progress, we identify science-based targets aligned with our sustainability principles and develop key performance indicators. With our lab-to-market innovation process, we can continually ideate, create new platforms, and extend the ones we have as we drive climate action.
26. Green Bio
Green Bio
Green Bio is a South African biotechnology startup that produces natural and organic fertilizers for agriculture. They use biotechnology and data science to optimize plant growth and reduce waste.
Green Bio’s technology allows for the production of high-quality fertilizers without the environmental impact of traditional chemical fertilizers. Green Bio was founded in 2014 and has raised an undisclosed amount of funding.
27. Harvest CROO Robotics
Harvest CROO Robotics
Harvest CROO Robotics is an agricultural technology startup that develops autonomous robots for harvesting strawberries. They use AI and machine learning algorithms to optimize crop yield and reduce waste.
Harvest CROO Robotics’ technology allows for the automation of labor-intensive tasks such as picking strawberries, which can help farmers reduce costs and increase efficiency. Harvest CROO Robotics was founded in 2013 and has raised $23M in funding.
28. Iron Ox
Iron Ox
Iron Ox is an agricultural technology startup that develops autonomous robots for indoor farming. They use AI and machine learning algorithms to optimize crop yield and reduce waste.
Iron Ox’s technology allows for the automation of labor-intensive tasks such as planting, harvesting, and packaging, which can help farmers reduce costs and increase efficiency. Iron Ox was founded in 2015 and has raised $45M in funding.
29. Ginkgo Bioworks
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology startup that designs custom microbes for use in various industries including agriculture. They use synthetic biology and machine learning algorithms to create new strains of bacteria that can be used to improve crop yields and reduce waste.
Ginkgo Bioworks’ technology allows for the production of high-quality crops without the environmental impact of traditional chemical fertilizers.
Ginkgo Bioworks was founded in 2008 and has raised $2.5B in funding. They went public via the SPAC merger with Soaring Eagle Acquisition Corp in 2021.
30. Orbital Insight
Orbital Insight
Orbital Insight is a geospatial analytics startup that uses satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms to analyze agricultural data.
They provide farmers with insights into crop health, yield predictions, and other important metrics that can help them make more informed decisions about their operations. Orbital Insight was founded in 2013 and has raised $78M in funding.
31. CropIn
Cropin
CropIn is an agricultural technology startup that uses AI and machine learning algorithms to help farmers improve crop yields and reduce waste.
They provide farmers with real-time data on crop health, weather patterns, and other important metrics that can help them make more informed decisions about their operations. CropIn was founded in 2010 and has raised $33M in funding.
32. Pivot Bio
Pivot Bio
Pivot Bio is an agricultural technology startup that uses synthetic biology and machine learning algorithms to create new strains of bacteria that can be used to improve crop yields and reduce waste.
They have developed a nitrogen-producing bacteria that can be used as an alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. Pivot Bio was founded in 2011 and has raised $186M in funding.
33. Hazel Technologies
Hazel Technologies
Hazel Technologies is an agricultural technology startup that uses data science and machine learning algorithms to help farmers reduce food waste and improve crop yields.
They have developed a range of products that can be used to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Hazel Technologies was founded in 2015 and has raised $20M in funding.
34. Klim
Klim
Klim is a food tech startup that uses AI and data science to help farmers optimize their crop yields and reduce waste.
They have developed a range of products that can be used to monitor soil health and improve crop quality. Klim was founded in 2019 and has raised $1M in funding.
35. Vestaron
Vestaron Corporation
Vestaron is an agricultural biotechnology startup that uses peptide-based biopesticides to help farmers reduce their reliance on synthetic pesticides.
They have developed a range of products that can be used to control pests and improve crop yields. Vestaron was founded in 2005 and has raised $40M in funding.
36. TruLeaf
TruLeaf
TruLeaf is a Canadian Agtech startup that uses vertical farming technology to grow fresh produce year-round.
They have developed a range of products that can be used to grow leafy greens and herbs in a controlled environment. TruLeaf was founded in 2011 and has raised $10M in funding.
37. Resson
Resson
Resson is a bioinformatics and predictive analytics company that uses large-scale data analytics, together with drones and swarm robotics, to help large and small agriculture companies, agricultural service providers, and individual growers boost productivity and profits with near real-time predictive analysis for crop management.
They are using technology for regenerative farming practices by automating the process of diagnosing crop conditions at the leaf level. Their technology equips labor and farm machinery with real-time insights to manage their field at the plant level for optimal production.
Resson uses AI and machine learning to analyze data from drones and sensors to identify crop stressors such as pests, diseases, and weeds. Resson was founded in 2013 and has raised $30M in funding.
38. Bowery Farming
Bowery Farming
Bowery Farming is a vertical farming company that uses technology for regenerative farming practices. They use machine learning algorithms to optimize growing conditions for their crops.
Bowery Farming has raised over $170 million in venture capital from a mix of tech figures like Amazon consumer CEO Jeff Wilke and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, well-known restaurateurs such as Tom Colicchio, and has secured $300 million in additional funding in May 2021. Bowery Farming was founded in 2015
39. Protera
Protera
Protera Biosciences is a biotechnology company that uses protein engineering and artificial intelligence to build the next generation of functional ingredients for the food industry.
Protera’s technology uses predictive algorithms that calculate millions of amino acid combinations and simulate protein patterns in a matter of seconds. Their technology is based in Deep Learning and allows us to shine a light on a previously untapped universe of proteins.
Protera Bioscience was founded in 2015 and has acquired $10M in Series A funding.
40. Sound Agriculture
Sound Agriculture
Sound Agriculture is a company that uses technology to create sustainable and regenerative farming practices. They are improving how farmers farm and what humans eat by unleashing the natural power that exists in plants to create a more agile and resilient agriculture system.
They use a proprietary technology called Source to create crops that are more resilient and nutrient-dense. Sound Agriculture was founded in 2013. They have raised $22 million in funding.
