Indigo Ag Partners with Microsoft for Record Carbon Credit Deal; Cargill to Establish Atlanta Tech Hub
Indigo Ag Partners with Microsoft for Record Carbon Credit Sale
Agtech innovator Indigo Ag has finalized a sale of 40,000 soil-based carbon credits to Microsoft, marking the highest volume of credits delivered to a single buyer in the company’s history.
Microsoft’s acquisition of these credits is part of its strategy to achieve carbon negativity by 2030, as firms seek innovative methods to mitigate their environmental effects and emissions.
Indigo Ag’s CEO, Dean Banks, described this agreement as a significant achievement in the agtech company’s carbon program, which has seen extensive investment to comply with standards set by carbon registries such as the Climate Action Reserve.
“Microsoft stands at the forefront of corporate climate initiatives, playing a crucial role in carbon removal efforts and aligns with our mission to foster a more resilient and sustainable agricultural framework,” Banks stated.
The soil-based carbon credits originate from Indigo Ag’s third carbon crop released in February, resulting in a total of 163,048 credits. Each credit corresponds to the sequestering of approximately 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide by U.S. farmers, who receive compensation from Indigo Ag for their contributions.
Cargill to Launch Atlanta Agtech Center
Cargill Inc. is set to inaugurate an office hub in Atlanta this autumn, aiming to utilize analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance its digital services.
According to the global food powerhouse, the move will involve the recruitment of up to 400 employees with expertise in data engineering, generative AI, SAP systems, and other critical areas.
Cargill expressed its intention to broaden its reach to better cater to clients and propel its expansion via digital advancements that can promote sustainability within the food supply chain.
“Team members at this facility will develop digital solutions that energize our global food supply chain and harness analytics and artificial intelligence for opening new markets, alongside driving technical innovations to render our food systems more sustainable and accessible,” stated Jennifer Hartsock, Cargill’s chief information and digital officer.
Cargill’s digital technology and data division will initially occupy the Atlanta facility, as per the announcement, with the offices anticipated to commence operations this upcoming fall.
Syngenta Collaborates with AI Company to Boost Seed Trait Development
Syngenta Seeds, recognized as one of the leading seed developers globally, is partnering with InstaDeep to enhance the research and development of crop traits using machine learning.
This collaboration combines Syngenta’s expertise in trait R&D with InstaDeep’s large language model, AgroNT, capable of interpreting the genetic codes of various crop species after processing vast datasets of organic molecules.
“Leveraging LLMs to comprehend the intricacies of DNA presents fresh prospects for insights and expedites the delivery of essential traits for farmers to enhance and secure their yields,” remarked Gusui Wu, Syngenta Seeds’ global head of research, in a statement.
The initial focus will be on crafting AI-supported trait designs specifically for corn and soybeans.
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.