Agriculture

The fund formed by Millitrust and Earth First Ventures will direct funding towards alternative protein technologies and startups

In 2017, a team of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed alien-like plants that glow to alert farmers when they are attacked by pests or in need of watering. It sounds futuristic but the technology is now being backed by tractor maker Deere & Co and Insurer MS&AD.

The global food system is creaking — creating an impetus for global agriculture companies to invest in new solutions. Corporates took part in agtech deals worth a record $18bn last year. But are they investing fast enough?

After 25 years at the bank, Harrie Vollaard is taking a strategy role with Dutch cooperative enterprise Royal Agrifirm Group.