World’s Largest Vertical Farming Research Center: Advancements in Agtech Seedlings
Plenty Launches World’s Largest Vertical Farming Research Facility
Plenty Unlimited Inc., a leader in greenhouse agriculture, has finalized the designs for a groundbreaking advanced research center, located in Laramie, Wyoming. This facility is anticipated to be the largest indoor farming research and development (R&D) center globally.
The new center aims to expedite the deployment of new crops and broaden research beyond just produce, extending into food ingredients and pharmaceuticals, as announced by the company this past Wednesday.
“There’s a tremendous opportunity to utilize this new platform for R&D and indoor farming to create a worldwide network of research centers, enhancing our influence on the future of plant science and indoor agriculture,” stated Plenty CEO Aruma Kukutai.
In July, Plenty indicated plans to establish operations in the Middle East through a partnership with Mawarid Holding Investment, with an investment of hundreds of millions into vertical farms in Abu Dhabi that specialize in indoor strawberry growth.
Plenty, which counts Whole Foods and Walmart among its clients, leverages cutting-edge genetics, hardware, and data analytics technology to cultivate various crops indoors, including berries, tomatoes, peppers, and squashes. The forthcoming facility in Wyoming will enable Plenty to accelerate crop development and diversify its plant portfolio.
“What we’re establishing in Wyoming is genuinely unparalleled globally—you’d need to visit Wageningen in the Netherlands to find something similar,” added Plenty CEO Aruma Kukutai.
To assist with infrastructure and construction expenses for the anticipated 60,000-square-foot facility, Plenty has secured a $20 million grant. Groundbreaking is slated for spring 2025, aiming for an opening in the summer of 2026.
Syngenta Partners with Provivi for Sustainable Pest Control in Asia
Syngenta Biologicals is joining forces with the agtech firm Provivi to develop a pheromone-based crop protection solution, aimed at controlling harmful pests impacting corn and rice yields in Asia.
The two companies are working on two specific pheromone solutions designed to aid farmers in managing issues with yellow stem borer in India and fall armyworm in Thailand, with an anticipated market launch in 2026.
Pheromones present a powerful, safer pest control method by disrupting mating behaviors, thus curtailing the reproduction and spread of harmful organisms, according to a recent release.
Previous collaborations between Syngenta and Provivi include the launch of Nelvium, another pheromone-based pest control product, in Indonesia for combating rice stem borer insects.
“Farmers require effective solutions to address pest pressures while maintaining sustainability on their farms, particularly as pest threats evolve due to climate change,” Jonathan Brown, Syngenta’s global head of biologicals and seed care, stated.
Mizzou’s Agriculture Dean Elected as President of Institute of Food Technologists
The Institute of Food Technologists has appointed Christopher Daubert as its new president, effective September 1.Daubert, who is the vice chancellor and dean of the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, succeeds Sean Leighton, formerly the global vice president of food safety, quality, and regulatory at Cargill, Inc.
Prior to his role at the University of Missouri starting in 2017, Daubert spent over 20 years at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, where he led the food, bioprocessing, and nutrition sciences department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Penn State University and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University.
“IFT represents all my professional aspirations—mentor exceptional students; develop healthy, safe, and sustainable food products; and advocate for the crucial role and impact of food science,” remarked Daubert.
Additionally, IFT has announced that Bigelow Tea’s Vice President, Peggy Poole, will take over as president-elect, beginning September 1, 2025. Poole possesses over 40 years of leadership experience in various food companies, including Kraft Foods, Häagen-Dazs, and Leprino Foods.
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.