Agri-Tourism: Turning Farms into Destinations in APAC

Londerzeel –  Certis Belchim, an innovative Crop Protection company with a market-leading portfolio of biological products and Elicit Plant, a pioneering agri-biotech company jointly announce a strategic partnership for the co-development of an innovative bio-solution for potatoes, designed to address rising challenges due to climate change faced by farmers across Europe. This collaboration combines Elicit Plant’s cutting-edge R&D expertise, with Certis Belchim’s strong position in innovative crop solutions and recognized leadership in potatoes across Europe. Together, the two companies aim to enhance farmers’ profitability by safeguarding yields and quality, even under increasingly challenging climatic conditions. Improving crop tolerance to abiotic stress, especially drought ‑ related stress in potatoes This partnership addresses critical challenges faced by potato growers across Europe due to increasing climate uncertainty and resulting water scarcity and allow them to adopt sustainable farming practices that strengthen crop resilience. The co-development agreement will accelerate the creation of a potato-specific formulation combined with an application method that fits usual spraying programmes, ensuring optimal yield and quality. This collaboration is a key success factor in bringing a solution to market quickly while balancing environmental sustainability, crop resilience, and economic viability. In the first phase of the partnership, Elicit Plant achieved an important initial milestone with its EliTerra® Platform, delivering several product candidates based on its disruptive phytosterols technology. These bioactive compounds have shown their ability to enhance the resilience, productivity and quality of potato crops under climate stress. Elicit Plant and Certis Belchim will carry out an expanded field‑trial programmes to refine the solution and confirm its performance across a wide range of soil and climate conditions. Together, the partners aim to co-develop a solution designed to meet potato growers’ needs and practices that is grounded in proven scientific advancements and results, and which will allow them to transition to sustainable and resilient potato production. An ambitious collaboration for sustainable agriculture This strategic alliance reflects a shared ambition to support the transition toward more resilient, high-performing and sustainable agricultural systems. By focusing on a crop- specific co-development approach and leveraging complementary expertise, the partnership aims to deliver tangible value to potato growers while addressing environmental and water availability challenges. “ Innovation will play a critical role in helping potato growers address the agronomic challenges posed by climate change and in driving more sustainable potato production. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting modern, high ‑ performing, and environmentally responsible agriculture. The co ‑ development of a biostimulant specifically designed for potatoes underscores our determination to deliver cutting ‑ edge innovation for this key crop and to strengthen our leading, seed ‑ to ‑ store potato plant ‑ health portfolio, ” said Mark Waltham , CEO of Certis Belchim. “Developing crop-specific bio-solutions is central to Elicit Plant’s strategy, and partnering with Certis Belchim, a leader in the European potato market, reflects our new approach to expanding our product portfolio by co-developing innovative solutions for new crops with leading crop experts, combining our phytosterol-based scientific expertise to strengthen agricultural resilience in the face of climate challenges,” said Jean-François Déchant , CEO of Elicit Plant. ...Read more

In high-value agriculture, produce for dehydration, such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers, must meet strict standards for dry matter content, color uniformity, and microbiological safety. While the fresh market values visual appeal, the dehydration industry focuses on consistent chemical composition and yield efficiency. Smart farming is transforming this sector by combining high-definition farm cameras with real-time agronomic data, turning fields into data-driven production systems. What Is the Strategy for Precision Dehydration? For dehydration-focused crops such as onions and garlic, profitability is governed not merely by fresh yield but by the dehydration ratio—the quantity of fresh produce required to produce 1 kilogram of dried output. While high water content may inflate field yield, it also raises drying time, energy consumption, and processing costs. Precision agriculture addresses this challenge by deliberately balancing biomass growth with nutrient density to maximize dry matter content. Through dry-matter optimization, farmers use soil sensors and localized weather intelligence to apply controlled stress at specific growth stages. This approach encourages plants to accumulate sugars and starches rather than excess water, resulting in higher solid recovery during dehydration.  Barn Owl  is used in some operations to provide continuous visual field awareness that supports these agronomic decisions. The company received recognition in the Farm & Ranch Camera category for its off-grid monitoring focus. Equally critical is crop uniformity. Dehydration processes rely on automated slicing and consistent drying, which demand bulbs of similar size and density. Data-driven agronomic practices ensure uniform nutrient distribution across the field, preventing undersized or oversized produce that can compromise processing efficiency and product quality. Integrated Intelligence and Sustainability Outcomes Visual intelligence forms the operational backbone of modern dehydration farming. Multispectral and thermal cameras deployed in the field serve as continuous quality sentinels. By analyzing vegetation indices such as NDVI, these systems can detect early signs of disease—such as Botrytis in onions—well before symptoms are visible to the human eye.  Swineworks  operates in parallel agricultural production environments where consistency and data-driven oversight are essential to performance. Early intervention through targeted, spot-specific treatments minimizes crop loss while significantly reducing chemical residues, an essential requirement for sustainable, clean-label dehydrated products. The same visual systems guide harvest timing with high precision. Computer vision algorithms monitor physiological indicators such as neck fall and leaf senescence in onions and garlic, enabling harvest at the exact point of maturity. This timing is crucial to preserving flavor intensity, pungency, and shelf life in the final dehydrated flakes or powders. The full value of these technologies emerges when data streams are integrated into a unified decision-making framework. Soil sensors track nutrient profiles, including sulfur levels, which are critical for pungency. Weather stations forecast fluctuations in humidity and temperature that increase fungal risk. Satellite imagery highlights spatial variability across large fields, enabling variable-rate fertilization, while smart irrigation systems prevent waterlogging that reduces dry matter and promotes rot. Beyond operational efficiency, precision farming for dehydration delivers measurable sustainability benefits. Accurate irrigation guided by evapotranspiration data can reduce water consumption by 30–40 percent. Higher dry-matter crops shorten industrial drying cycles, lowering energy use and associated carbon emissions. Comprehensive data logs create end-to-end traceability, effectively serving as a digital birth certificate for each batch. This not only ensures compliance with global food safety standards but also meets growing consumer expectations for transparency and environmental responsibility. Integrating farm cameras with agronomic data transforms dehydration crop production from guesswork to a precise science. By prioritizing internal crop quality over external appearance, smart farming delivers an efficient, sustainable, and high-quality process from field to flake. ...Read more

Latin America is emerging as a leader in the global movement toward sustainable intensification. As a major exporter of soybeans, corn, and specialty fruits, the region is adopting biological pest control as a key component of its agricultural strategy. Production companies are now industrializing biological solutions for use across millions of hectares of conventional row crops, rather than limiting them to organic farming. This shift demonstrates a strong integration of biotechnology with large-scale agriculture, transforming crop protection in tropical and subtropical regions. The Industrial Renaissance: Scaling Bio-factories and Advanced Formulations A significant transformation in the Latin American biological sector is the shift from artisanal, on-farm production to technologically advanced industrial manufacturing. Earlier, biological control in the region depended on the small-scale production of microbial agents. Currently, the sector is defined by the emergence of biofactories that employ advanced fermentation technologies and stringent quality-control protocols. These facilities are engineered to stabilize living organisms, including specialized bacteria, fungi, and viruses, ensuring their viability from production to deployment in challenging environments such as the Cerrado and the Pampas. Advancements in formulation technology have been a primary driver of industry growth. Contemporary production firms prioritize extending the shelf life and UV resistance of microbial products. The development of liquid and dry formulations compatible with existing sprayers and seed-treatment machinery has reduced barriers to adoption for large-scale producers. Encapsulation technologies enable beneficial fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to remain dormant until exposure to target pests, thereby maintaining high efficacy under variable tropical climatic conditions. This level of industrial precision has established biologicals as a dependable, integrated component of modern agricultural practices. In addition, macro-biological production, which includes the mass-rearing of predatory insects and parasitoid wasps, has experienced significant growth. Automated rearing systems facilitate the weekly output of billions of beneficial organisms. These natural enemies are frequently deployed using drones, representing a technological advancement that enables precise application across extensive monocultures. The integration of living technology with digital agriculture characterizes the region’s emerging production paradigm, in which biological agents are supported by advanced delivery infrastructure. Strategic Integration in the Tropical Heartland: Row Crops and Export Standards Although biologicals have traditionally been used in greenhouse horticulture, their rapid adoption in large-scale row-crop sectors in Latin America, particularly soybeans, corn, and sugarcane, now characterizes the industry's current landscape. In Brazil and Argentina, biological inputs are applied to more than 150 million hectares. This widespread adoption is motivated by the recognition that biological agents provide distinct mechanisms of action that complement conventional chemical treatments. The integration of microbial fungicides and bionematicides into standard spray programs enables production companies to support farmers in maintaining high yields while preserving soil ecological balance. The economic rationale for this transition is closely linked to international trade. As global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, adopt stricter standards for chemical residues, Latin American exporters increasingly utilize biological solutions to ensure compliance with these residue-free requirements. This trend is particularly pronounced in the specialty crop sectors of Chile, Peru, and Colombia. For exporters of grapes, avocados, and coffee, biological pest control serves as a strategic tool to maintain market access and secure premium prices. Production companies are developing export-ready portfolios that conform to global regulatory frameworks, thereby transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage for agribusinesses in the region. The role of biologicals in soil health has become a central theme in regional crop protection. Bionematicides and bio-fungicides are increasingly applied as seed treatments to protect the rhizosphere from the onset of planting. Such early-stage interventions promote robust root system development and enhance the plant’s capacity for carbon sequestration and nutrient uptake. By prioritizing the below-ground ecosystem, production firms are shifting the industry’s emphasis from pest eradication to proactive plant health management, resulting in more resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding climate-related pressures. Regulatory Harmony and the Future of Regional Innovation The expansion of the biological industry in Latin America is driven by a progressively sophisticated regulatory environment that acknowledges the distinct characteristics of bio-inputs. Multiple countries in the region have implemented dedicated fast-track processes for registering biological products, reflecting their favorable safety profiles relative to conventional synthetic molecules. This regulatory flexibility has positioned Latin America as a global testbed for biological innovation. Both international and domestic companies are selecting the region to introduce new strains and formulations, as the regulatory pathway is transparent and underpinned by scientific frameworks that emphasize ecological health. Public-private partnerships play a significant role in this transformation. National agricultural research organizations have cataloged the region’s extensive biodiversity over several decades, identifying native microbial strains naturally adapted to local pests and climates. Production companies license this indigenous knowledge to develop "tropicalized" biologicals. In contrast to products imported from temperate climates, these locally derived solutions are specifically optimized for the high temperatures and distinct pest complexes of the Southern Hemisphere. Emphasizing local bioprospecting ensures that the industry remains anchored in the region's unique biological heritage while addressing global market demands. The industry is shifting toward a holistic bio-integrated model, requiring the redesign of crop protection strategies rather than simply replacing inputs. Future advancements will likely focus on semiochemicals, such as pheromones that disrupt pest mating cycles, and on induced systemic resistance, where biological treatments enhance a plant’s immune response. As these technologies advance, Latin America is expected to remain a leading center for biological pest control, demonstrating that large-scale, high-yield agriculture can succeed alongside natural processes. ...Read more

As the global investment landscape continues to evolve, farmland investment services have emerged as a strong and increasingly attractive asset class. Covering the acquisition, management, and optimization of agricultural land, this sector is witnessing rapid growth fueled by powerful global trends and innovative advancements. Once viewed primarily as the domain of traditional farmers, farmland has now become a strategic asset for a broad spectrum of investors seeking stability, diversification, and sustainable long-term value. At its core, the allure of farmland stems from its intrinsic value and its vital role in global food security. With a steadily growing global population projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, the demand for food, fiber, and bioenergy is on an inexorable upward trajectory. This fundamental supply-demand creates an inherent upward pressure on the value of productive agricultural land. Unlike many other asset classes, farmland offers tangible security, serving as a real asset that typically demonstrates lower volatility compared to financial markets. This characteristic provides a valuable hedge against economic fluctuations, making it an attractive component for portfolio diversification. Beyond its role in food production, farmland also offers the potential for multiple revenue streams. These can include income from leasing the land to agricultural operators, direct crop sales, or participation in agribusiness ventures such as dairy or poultry farming. The consistent income generation, coupled with the potential for long-term capital appreciation, forms a compelling investment proposition. Evolution of Investment Structures The farmland investment services industry has evolved to cater to a broad spectrum of investors, offering various structures to access this asset class. Direct land ownership, where investors acquire land for crop or livestock production, provides direct control over management decisions and potential for capital appreciation. However, for those seeking more passive involvement or diversification across multiple properties, alternative structures have gained prominence. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) focused on farmland allow investors to gain exposure to agricultural real estate through shares traded on exchanges or privately. These REITs typically hold diversified portfolios of farmland, generating income from lease agreements and land appreciation. Similarly, farmland investment funds, including private equity funds and mutual funds, pool capital from various investors to invest in agricultural land and related assets. These funds often employ active management to optimize returns, providing professional oversight for individuals who may lack specialized agrarian knowledge. The emergence of "Farming-as-a-Service" (FaaS) models further streamlines investment, allowing non-agricultural professionals to earn passive income by outsourcing farm operations to expert management firms. Driving Forces of Growth Several key factors are currently fueling the expansion of farmland investment services. The most prominent is undoubtedly the escalating global demand for food. As populations grow and dietary preferences shift, particularly in developing nations, the pressure on agricultural systems to increase output intensifies. This directly translates into heightened demand for fertile land. Furthermore, farmland is increasingly recognized for its role in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. A growing emphasis on regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity is influencing investment decisions. Farmland that adopts eco-friendly approaches can command price premiums and even generate additional revenue streams through carbon credit markets. Government incentives and subsidies promoting sustainable agriculture also play a significant role in making these investments more attractive. The tangible nature of land, combined with its historical track record of outpacing inflation, solidifies its position as a reliable hedge against economic downturns. This inflation-hedging capability is a particularly appealing attribute in the current global economic climate, attracting investors who seek to preserve their purchasing power and secure long-term wealth. The Technological Transformation The farmland investment services sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by rapid technological advancements. These innovations are enhancing efficiency, optimizing yields, and improving the overall management of agricultural assets, making them even more attractive to investors. Precision agriculture platforms, leveraging technologies such as GPS, sensors, and data analytics, enable highly detailed monitoring and management of crops. This allows the precise application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, thereby minimizing waste and maximizing yields. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are being deployed to predict crop diseases, analyze weather patterns, optimize planting and harvesting schedules, and streamline supply chain management. These AI-driven insights enable data-driven decision-making, resulting in more predictable and measurable outcomes. Robotics and automation are also becoming increasingly prevalent on farms, with autonomous machinery performing repetitive and labor-intensive tasks with remarkable precision. Drones equipped with multi-spectral sensors and AI capabilities provide real-time surveillance of crop health, identify pests, and manage fertilizer applications across large-scale farms. The Internet of Things (IoT) integrates various sensors and devices that continuously collect data on soil conditions, moisture levels, and equipment status, providing continuous insights for optimized resource management. Beyond field operations, blockchain technology is enhancing transparency across the agricultural supply chain, providing verifiable records of product journeys from farm to market. This increased traceability builds trust and can contribute to higher market value, particularly for sustainably produced goods. Renewable energy integration, with farms utilizing solar panels, wind turbines, and methane digesters, further reduces operational costs and carbon footprints, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible investments. The future of farmland investment services appears robust and dynamic. The convergence of persistent global food demand, a heightened focus on sustainability, and transformative technological advancements is positioning farmland as a core component of diversified investment portfolios. The industry is shifting towards more sophisticated, data-driven management approaches, enabling greater efficiency and improved returns. As the industry matures, the integration of cutting-edge technologies will become even more pervasive, leading to further optimization of agricultural operations. The growing interest in eco-friendly land management and the potential for new revenue streams from environmental services, such as carbon sequestration, will continue to shape investment strategies. Farmland investment services are poised to continue their trajectory as a stable, income-generating, and environmentally conscious asset class, offering a unique blend of financial security and positive societal impact for the coming generations. ...Read more