April 11, 2026

Spotlight Stories

Spotlight 1 – AgTech Navigator talks about why South American agriculture faces its defining moment in 2026. Ready the story, here.

Spotlight 2 – The Packer looks into how the conflict in Iran is raising prices in the American produce aisle. Check it out, here.

Spotlight 3 – AgFunder News discusses how alternative lender Steward is bridging the gap for capital availability in the regenerative agriculture space. Take a read, here.

Industry Updates

United Chestnuts released a new podcast entitled, “Growing Pains: Scaling Your Chestnut Orchard.” The company recently sat down with Sandy Russell of Chestnuts in the Ozarks to discuss management of the critical middle ground between the farm gate and the consumer’s table. As the U.S. chestnut industry grows and expands, commercial buyers will be looking for quality and consistency from all growers in the marketplace. What does this mean for smaller growers? Collaboration is the key to successfully navigating a changing landscape, ahead. [link]

Pesticide maker Syngenta said it would begin selling in South America this year a new weedkiller capable of eradicating grass weeds that have evolved to resist other common crop sprays, and threaten soybean and cotton crops. The chemical, called Virestina, is part of a multibillion-dollar race among agriculture companies like Syngenta, Bayer and Corteva. The companies are pushing to research, develop and market herbicides after a decadeslong lull in launching new weedkillers. Syngenta, owned by China National Chemical Co., said the weedkiller will launch in June in Argentina, the world’s third-largest soybean producer, after recently being approved for use there. The company aims to obtain approvals in Brazil and Australia next, while the U.S. is expected later because of its longer regulatory process, Syngenta said. [link]

U.S. sheep and lamb producers have a new opportunity to enhance the profitability and sustainability of their operations. The American Lamb Board has received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Advancing Markets for Producers grant to help producers improve efficiencies and increase productivity. The 150 producers accepted into the program will work with a Technical Assistance (TA) Provider to establish operational plans, implement recommended changes, and organize farm data to identify best management practices for productivity improvements by amplifying beneficial sheep practices, production data, and metrics specific to their operations and the region. Producers enrolled in the program will be paid up to $23,000 to develop and implement improved sheep and land stewardship management practices such as prescribed grazing, cover crop planting, range planting, tree or shrub enhancement, silvopasture, cross-fencing and brush and pest (weed) management, among others. [link]

The expansion of ethanol production from Brazil’s second-crop corn could play an important role in supporting the growth of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market, while also limiting land-use changes and greenhouse gas emissions, a new study has found. The study was published in Agricultural Economics and was undertaken by Agroicone in partnership with Iowa State University, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay, and Indiana University Indianapolis. It explored how rising demand for corn ethanol in Brazil, which is partly being driven by demand for SAF, could impact agricultural markets, land use, and carbon emissions. [link]

Natural Grocers is introducing Natural Grocers Brand Regenerative Organic Certified Pasture-Raised Eggs, a new private-label offering that reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting regenerative agriculture, humane animal care, and small family farmers. The new eggs are Regenerative Organic Certified, meeting industry-leading standards for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness. They are also Certified Humane Raised & Handled and come from pasture-raised hens that live outdoors and engage in natural behaviors, including foraging and roaming on open land. Since its launch in 2016, Natural Grocers Brand Products has grown to feature more than 900 high-quality products, available exclusively at Natural Grocers stores. Each product is developed to meet the company’s strict quality standards while remaining Always Affordable, reflecting its belief that access to high-quality, responsibly produced food should not be a luxury. [link]

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced an initial award of $32.8 million in grants under the new Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative (GRACI), supported by funding from McDonald’s USA, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and several key McDonald’s USA beef and beverage suppliers. Nearly $42 million in total conservation impact will be generated through this first round of awards from the Initiative, achieved by leveraging an additional $9.1 million in matching contributions from grantees. This initial investment will advance voluntary conservation practices benefiting both wildlife and ranchers across nearly 2.5 million acres of U.S. grasslands. Launched in 2025, this landmark seven-year initiative aims to invest more than $200 million to benefit America’s iconic grasslands, cattle ranching communities, and wildlife populations that depend on healthy soils, productive habitats, and plentiful water. The six grants announced to American Bird Conservancy (ABC), American Farmland Trust, Mule Deer Foundation, National Audubon Society, Sand County Foundation, and University of Missouri are the first to be awarded through this historic investment. [link]

Sazerac recently approached Jack Daniel’s maker Brown-Forman about a potential deal, according to people familiar with the matter. Sazerac’s interest comes as Brown-Forman has been in deal talks with another competitor, French spirits-maker Pernod Ricard. Alcohol companies have been dealing with slowing sales as Americans drink less and choose alternatives such as cannabis and THC beverages. Many see dealmaking as a path to boost growth or pare expenses. [link]

The PepsiCo Foundation will carry out the second edition of VivaOliva, its program promoting the use of regenerative agriculture in olive cultivation in Jaén, Spain. The initiative also promotes economic inclusion, supports generational renewal in the countryside, and encourages the professionalization of the sector through sustainable farming practices. VivaOliva combines practical training and hands-on support in regenerative agriculture techniques applied to olive groves, aiming to improve soil health, optimize water use and conservation, and contribute to environmental protection. In collaboration with Earthworm Foundation, The Sustainable Smallholder, and The Regen Academy, the PepsiCo Foundation will organize three field-based thematic sessions in Jaén—in March, May, and September—where farmers will learn and experience these practices firsthand. Additionally, the program includes eight workshops and personalized technical advice to facilitate the adoption of more sustainable farming models. [link]

A new urban farm has successfully taken root at Marsh Creek Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, marking a major milestone in a dynamic partnership with Raleigh City Farm. The transformation of 1.5 acres at Marsh Creek Park features a central growing space and teaching garden, building upon the park’s existing raised beds, pollinator gardens, and edible landscaping. Additional enhancements will include an outdoor prep and teaching area, supporting a wide range of educational and community programs. Raleigh City Farm, a nonprofit urban farm founded in 2011 in downtown Raleigh, has brought its expertise and mission to “connect and nourish the community through regenerative agriculture” to this new site. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity, strengthening local food systems, and creating hands-on learning opportunities in Raleigh’s public spaces. [link]

In Case You Missed It…

In late February, the retailer Target said it will only carry cereals made without certified synthetic colors at its stores, citing sales data and customer research showing a shift toward foods made without artificial additives. See more, here.