Agriculture might seem eco-friendly, but it’s one of the top contributors to carbon emissions globally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2021 data, it’s responsible for at least 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. And the waste it generates only adds to the problem.
Despite using pesticides, about 40% of food crops worldwide are lost to diseases and pests, says a report from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in 2023. But now, companies like SatAgro, Climate FieldView, and InnerPlant, based in California, are tackling this issue.
InnerPlant, for instance, uses genetic engineering to help crops “talk” to farmers. They’ve developed a technology that makes plants emit a signal when they’re stressed. This signal can be detected by devices attached to satellites, drones, or tractors.
“As the plant responds to environmental stressors like pests, fungi, or lack of nutrients, it sends out signals. We use this information to help farmers figure out which parts of their fields need attention and which are okay without additional chemicals,” explains Shely Aronov, CEO of InnerPlant.
By interpreting these signals, farmers can avoid wasting money on unnecessary chemicals. Aronov estimates that farmers currently overspend on chemicals by up to 30%.
“We aim to cut out all the unnecessary chemical use in our food production and the extra costs it brings to farmers without benefiting them,” Aronov adds.
The technology has big potential and could be licensed to major seed companies. InnerPlant would earn royalties from this, making it attractive to investors.
“If this technology becomes standard in every corn or soybean seed in North and South America, covering hundreds of millions of acres, even a few dollars per acre could mean significant revenue for this business,” says Tom Biegala, founding partner of Bison Ventures, one of InnerPlant’s investors.
Apart from Bison Ventures, InnerPlant is also backed by John Deere, MS&AD Ventures, UpWest VC, and Bee Partners, with a total funding of $22.3 million.
InnerPlant is already working closely with both small and large farmers. Some have even paid to get early access to the technology, which will initially focus on soybeans before expanding to other crops.
