In The Spotlight
Desert Control deploys soil-saving tech across 160 acres of Oasis Date's organic Medjool date palms in California. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Desert Control AS, a pioneer in soil and water conservation technology, has secured an agreement through its U.S. subsidiary, Desert Control Americas Inc., with Oasis Date, North America’s largest date grower and processor
The partnership will deploy Desert Control’s Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) solution across 160 acres of organic Medjool date palms at Oasis Date’s Corn Springs Ranch in California.
The NOK 1.5 million deployment follows a successful pilot project initiated in July 2024, which covered 13 acres of date palms. The pilot showcased notable improvements in water retention, soil health, and overall performance. The expanded 160-acre rollout, scheduled for completion in Q1 2025, marks a significant step in scaling Desert Control’s innovative soil and water conservation technology across Oasis Date’s operations.
“Oasis Date is setting the standard for sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and we are proud to collaborate on this initiative,” stated Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of Desert Control. “By implementing Liquid Natural Clay, we can help Oasis Date conserve water, improve soil health, and enhance yields, reinforcing their position as a leader in environmentally conscious farming.”
Managing over 5,000 acres of date farms and producing over 1 billion dates annually, Oasis Date is the majority supplier for Natural Delights, North America’s top Medjool date brand. As the world’s first and only Regenerative Organic Certified date farm, Oasis Date exemplifies its commitment to environmental sustainability and farmworker welfare.
“Oasis Date is a strong leader in their industry, and their dedication to sustainability and regenerative farming practices aligns perfectly with our vision,” said Marty Weems, managing director of Desert Control Americas. “We are honored to work with Oasis Date utilising our soil and water conservation technology to reduce operational costs and safeguard the long-term prosperity of their ranch and farming operations.”
Desert Control’s LNC technology transforms sandy, fast-draining soils into fertile, water-retentive ground, reducing irrigation needs and promoting healthy plant growth. This collaboration also opens opportunities for broader adoption of LNC technology across Oasis Date’s extensive operations in California and Arizona.
NaFarm Foods wins 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize for innovative food preservation solutions in Nigeria. (Image source: AETOSWire)
NaFarm Foods, an innovative agricultural solutions provider based in Kaduna, Nigeria, has been awarded the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category
This prestigious award recognises the company’s exceptional efforts in combating post-harvest losses, improving food security, and advancing sustainable farming practices throughout Nigeria.
NaFarm Foods’ flagship innovation, the Hybrid Solar Food Dryer, addresses the critical issue of food spoilage by harnessing both solar heat and electricity generated from solar panels to ensure efficient drying, even in challenging weather conditions such as rain or clouds. With a drying capacity of 500kg per unit, the dryer retains the nutritional quality of food while minimising energy costs. The technology has already benefitted over 80 communities across six Nigerian states, significantly reducing post-harvest losses for more than 65,000 farmers and contributing to food security and rural economic empowerment.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz, director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised NaFarm Foods for its impactful solution, commented, “NaFarm Foods’ innovative approach to sustainable food preservation not only improves food security but also empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth, by creating income-generating opportunities. This aligns with the Prize’s mission to drive progress and improve livelihoods.”
Fatima Jimoh, CEO of NaFarm Foods, expressed, “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. It signifies global recognition of our efforts to tackle food insecurity and promote equitable and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria and beyond. This opportunity inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, knowing that our work is not only transforming lives locally but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. For us, this is more than an achievement, it’s a call to action to drive greater impact.”
The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer offers a solution to food preservation challenges by reducing spoilage rates, cutting greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food, and lowering dependence on fossil fuels. With a whole-of-life cost of less than 1 cent per 100 litres, the dryers are affordable and viable for smallholder farmers and food processors. By 2030, NaFarm Foods aims to empower two million farmers and cut carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tonnes annually.
The US$1mn prize will enable NaFarm Foods to scale operations, producing and distributing 100,000 dryers across Nigeria and West Africa. The company also plans to expand training programmes to empower 25,000 women and youth, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable economic growth. NaFarm Foods intends to establish distribution hubs and implement advanced cluster mapping systems to ensure broader access to its technology and enhance the marketability of agricultural produce.
Sistema.bio secures US$3.5mn from Novastar Ventures to expand biogas solutions for farmers, driving sustainable growth and climate resilience. (Image source:
Sistema.bio, a global leader in biogas technology, financing, and services for family farmers, has announced Novastar Ventures as its latest investor
Novastar participated in Sistema.bio’s recent internal financing round, contributing US$3.5mn of the total US$7.75mn raised. This investment will help accelerate Sistema.bio’s expansion into new African markets, new agricultural and energy products, and support its overall growth.
Joyce Cacho, board chairman of Sistema.bio, stated, “Novastar Ventures’ investment strengthens Sistema.bio’s mission to empower low-resourced farmers with sustainable solutions that drive economic growth, climate resilience, and regenerative agriculture. Together, we are scaling impactful technologies that benefit both people and the planet.”
Novastar’s contribution supports Sistema.bio’s efforts to empower family farmers through innovative technology and financing that transforms farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. Steve Beck, co-founder and managing partner at Novastar, emphasised, “Sistema.bio’s innovative technology and financing empowers family farmers to transform farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. This unlocks economic, health, and productivity benefits for farmers, building their resilience to climate change while reducing substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Sistema.bio is the first investment from our third fund, the Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III (NVIII), which invests in transformative businesses that align the economic interests of Africa’s growing population with planet-positive technologies. We are excited to partner with Sistema.bio at this inflection point, as the company unlocks carbon markets to accelerate growth and serve more farmers with the tools to build resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems.”
Sistema.bio’s biogas systems and digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) technology align closely with Novastar’s mission to work with bold entrepreneurs in Africa, creating lasting value for both people and the planet.
Alex Eaton, CEO and co-founder of Sistema.bio, added, “We have known the Novastar team for some time and are excited to welcome them now to Sistema.bio’s family of investors. Their investment bolsters our ambition to scale our services across Africa, empowering even more farmers with impactful solutions. It also reinforces our commitment to climate action as we work toward achieving a 1% reduction in annual global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”
Along with Novastar’s contribution, Sistema.bio has raised a total of US$18.5mn in 2024, with a focus on expanding geographically and adding new products. This funding will address the global demand for renewable energy, promote regenerative agriculture, and support carbon emission reduction initiatives. The investment sets the stage for Sistema.bio’s anticipated Series C round, helping the company continue leading in biogas technology and advancing its mission to support smallholder farmers worldwide.
E.L.Y. Crop Protection is based on Microsoft’s Phi-3 SLM and is available on the Azure AI model catalog. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
GenAI presents itself as an invaluable tool in modern farming due to its ability to drive innovation and efficiency
With passing years, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly engrained in our everyday life. This is the case in agriculture too, where the integration of AI technologies is helping to solve real-world challenges through automation. Among the different types of AI technologies available, generative AI, also known as GenAI, presents itself as an invaluable tool in modern farming, due to its ability to drive innovation and efficiency.
Besides automating tasks like crop monitoring and disease detection, GenAI also helps farmers cut costs by optimising resource allocation and reducing waste. It also empowers farmers to make data-driven decisions regarding planting schedules, pest control strategies and harvesting times. GenAI is also capable of predicting climate patterns, allowing farmers to customise their farming practices to suit local conditions. This in turn makes it easy for them to prepare for and adapt to numerous climate change challenges.
Boosting productivity with E.L.Y.
German multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, Bayer’s crop science division in collaboration with Microsoft, recently launched Expert Learning for You (E.L.Y.) Crop Protection, aimed at simplifying crop management and supporting farmers in their success. The GenAI model helps navigate complex agronomic information, while delivering faster and more accurate results to farmers and customers who are seeking detailed information about Bayer’s agricultural products.
Global business lead for GenAI, Dan Kurdys argued against the common misconception that GenAI could inadvertently contribute to unemployment by displacing jobs. "GenAI is not about replacing people or taking away jobs," Kurdys emphasised. "It's about augmenting our everyday work and providing easy access to information that would otherwise be locked away in the minds of a few agronomists and their laptops. It's about saving institutional knowledge when someone retires or leaves the company, and I strongly believe it's a tool that can be used by Bayer and others to better serve farmers."
E.L.Y. Crop Protection is based on Microsoft’s Phi-3 SLM and is available on the Azure AI model catalog. Its ability to offer an affordable, bespoke and scalable foundation for agricultural entities irrespective of their size, makes it a game-changer for farmers. GenAI has a great potential for future growth in the agriculture sector, with its market size projected to reach US$2.19mn by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 30%.
Despite its numerous benefits however, deploying GenAI in agriculture comes with two main challenges that have a restraining effect on market growth. These include high upfront costs and privacy concerns, both of which can be addressed through efficient collaboration among farmers, technology developers and policymakers.
The conference will cater to a global audience covering a diverse range of presentations, species, meetings, discussions, workshops and more. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Africa's biggest aquaculture meeting — the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 — will be held from 24-27 June in Kampala, Uganda
Aquaculture has a tremendous potential to contribute to sub-Saharan Africa's food security, while also boosting job opportunities across the continent. Over the years, aquaculture production has seen a 11% growth, with tilapia being the most-farmed fish in sub-Saharan Africa. Recognising its significance, the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) has established annual conferences to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and foster collaboration in the sector.
Sponsored by the EU-funded TRUEFISH Project, the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 is a World Aquaculture Conference, incorporating both the continental event and the showcase global event. Besides addressing key African topics such as tilapia and catfish production, the conference will also cater to a global audience covering a diverse range of presentations, species, meetings, discussions, workshops and more.
The FAO, the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are few among the many developmental partners that are expected to participate.
With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. (Image source: Heliospectra)
Heliospectra AB, a global leader in smart LED lighting for controlled environments, recently announced the launch of its Dynamic MITRA X multi-channel LED solutions
Featuring advanced 3-channel and 4-channel configurations, the new lighting systems bring unmatched precision and customisation in combination with the new Spectrum Design Tool and Dynamic Zoning, allowing growers to optimise crop growth, quality, and operational efficiency.
The new MITRA X C3 and C4 multi-channel systems seamlessly integrate with Heliospectra’s HelioCORE software, which enhances light management capabilities for both professional growers and researchers. The launch of these systems has been a stepping stone for the company to introduce its proven dynamic lighting technology to greenhouses, empowering growers with greater flexibility while maintaining the efficacy that defines their solutions.
With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level.
“The modularity of MITRA X allows growers to customise installations and adapt to their unique needs, whether they require static, flex, or dynamic lighting solutions, said CEO Heliospectra, Bonny Heeren. “As we have supplied the Agtech and research segment with the dynamic spectrum for more than 10 years, it was a natural next step for us to introduce it also in our MITRA X platform to bring control and flexibility also to greenhouse growers.”
This partnership represents a significant step forward in the application of advanced GPS technology in agriculture. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Agricultural robotics leader, Burro has announced a strategic partnership with GEODNET, a blockchain company providing precise GPS positioning solutions, to integrate GEODNET's cutting-edge RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS technology into Burro's autonomous robots
This partnership represents a significant step forward in the application of advanced GPS technology in agriculture, enhancing the capabilities of robotic systems that are already transforming farming practices.
Through this agreement, GEODNET will provide RTK corrections and base stations to Burro, enabling their robots to operate efficiently in regions lacking current GPS coverage. The ability to rapidly deploy new base stations will ensure greater flexibility for Burro's customers, allowing them to scale operations quickly and effectively.
"We are pleased to partner with Burro, whose innovative robotic solutions are redefining modern agriculture,” commented founder of GEODNET, Mike Horton. “By integrating GEODNET’s RTK technology, we’re not only ensuring precision and reliability for Burro’s robots but also advancing the accessibility of high-performance GPS for the agricultural sector. This partnership underscores our commitment to enabling transformative applications of GPS technology."
During the forum, AGRA and IFDC reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation, capacity-building, and partnerships that prioritise soil health. (Image source: AGRA)
AGRA, in partnership with the International Fertiliser Development Center (IFDC) and the Ministry of Agriculture, hosted Mali’s first-ever event specifically dedicated to soils, in celebration of World Soil Day
The event themed: ‘Nourish the Earth, Secure the Future’ focused on preserving the health of arid and semi-arid soils, and marked the beginning of a dedicated national focus on soil health in Mali. It highlighted critical issues of soil degradation and the need to implement collaborative and innovative solutions to restore soil health, safeguard agricultural productivity, and combat food insecurity.
Comprising expert panels and roundtable discussions, the event served as a platform to address soil health and its implications for agricultural transformation, in turn producing actionable recommendations. These included establishing a platform for dialogue, creating synergies of action, updating Mali’s soil mapping, developing targeted policies, and investing in action research on soils.
In his address, the Minister of Agriculture emphasised that sustainable soil management is not only an environmental necessity but also a socio-economic and humanitarian imperative. During the forum, AGRA and IFDC also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation, capacity-building, and partnerships that prioritise soil health.
The event is scheduled to take place from 18-20 March 2025. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The conference was attended by more than 160 representatives from institutions actively involved in food safety initiatives. (Image source: Ministry of Information Eritrea)
The conference will cater to a global audience covering a diverse range of presentations, species, meetings, discussions, workshops and more. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Africa's biggest aquaculture meeting — the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 — will be held from 24-27 June in Kampala, Uganda
Aquaculture has a tremendous potential to contribute to sub-Saharan Africa's food security, while also boosting job opportunities across the continent. Over the years, aquaculture production has seen a 11% growth, with tilapia being the most-farmed fish in sub-Saharan Africa. Recognising its significance, the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) has established annual conferences to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and foster collaboration in the sector.
Sponsored by the EU-funded TRUEFISH Project, the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 is a World Aquaculture Conference, incorporating both the continental event and the showcase global event. Besides addressing key African topics such as tilapia and catfish production, the conference will also cater to a global audience covering a diverse range of presentations, species, meetings, discussions, workshops and more.
The FAO, the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are few among the many developmental partners that are expected to participate.
SuperKlean’s special-designed dairy nozzle make the milking process faster and more efficient. (Image source: SuperKlean)
The workshop underscores the power of a collaborative approach in strategic planning. (Image source: AU-IBAR)
NaFarm Foods wins 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize for innovative food preservation solutions in Nigeria. (Image source: AETOSWire)
NaFarm Foods, an innovative agricultural solutions provider based in Kaduna, Nigeria, has been awarded the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category
This prestigious award recognises the company’s exceptional efforts in combating post-harvest losses, improving food security, and advancing sustainable farming practices throughout Nigeria.
NaFarm Foods’ flagship innovation, the Hybrid Solar Food Dryer, addresses the critical issue of food spoilage by harnessing both solar heat and electricity generated from solar panels to ensure efficient drying, even in challenging weather conditions such as rain or clouds. With a drying capacity of 500kg per unit, the dryer retains the nutritional quality of food while minimising energy costs. The technology has already benefitted over 80 communities across six Nigerian states, significantly reducing post-harvest losses for more than 65,000 farmers and contributing to food security and rural economic empowerment.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz, director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised NaFarm Foods for its impactful solution, commented, “NaFarm Foods’ innovative approach to sustainable food preservation not only improves food security but also empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth, by creating income-generating opportunities. This aligns with the Prize’s mission to drive progress and improve livelihoods.”
Fatima Jimoh, CEO of NaFarm Foods, expressed, “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. It signifies global recognition of our efforts to tackle food insecurity and promote equitable and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria and beyond. This opportunity inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, knowing that our work is not only transforming lives locally but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. For us, this is more than an achievement, it’s a call to action to drive greater impact.”
The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer offers a solution to food preservation challenges by reducing spoilage rates, cutting greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food, and lowering dependence on fossil fuels. With a whole-of-life cost of less than 1 cent per 100 litres, the dryers are affordable and viable for smallholder farmers and food processors. By 2030, NaFarm Foods aims to empower two million farmers and cut carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tonnes annually.
The US$1mn prize will enable NaFarm Foods to scale operations, producing and distributing 100,000 dryers across Nigeria and West Africa. The company also plans to expand training programmes to empower 25,000 women and youth, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable economic growth. NaFarm Foods intends to establish distribution hubs and implement advanced cluster mapping systems to ensure broader access to its technology and enhance the marketability of agricultural produce.
Sistema.bio secures US$3.5mn from Novastar Ventures to expand biogas solutions for farmers, driving sustainable growth and climate resilience. (Image source:
The partnership will focus on implementing best-in-class agricultural practices, capacity building programmes as well as undertaking comprehensive vegetable seed trials. (Image source: Bayer)
Desert Control deploys soil-saving tech across 160 acres of Oasis Date's organic Medjool date palms in California. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Desert Control AS, a pioneer in soil and water conservation technology, has secured an agreement through its U.S. subsidiary, Desert Control Americas Inc., with Oasis Date, North America’s largest date grower and processor
The partnership will deploy Desert Control’s Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) solution across 160 acres of organic Medjool date palms at Oasis Date’s Corn Springs Ranch in California.
The NOK 1.5 million deployment follows a successful pilot project initiated in July 2024, which covered 13 acres of date palms. The pilot showcased notable improvements in water retention, soil health, and overall performance. The expanded 160-acre rollout, scheduled for completion in Q1 2025, marks a significant step in scaling Desert Control’s innovative soil and water conservation technology across Oasis Date’s operations.
“Oasis Date is setting the standard for sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and we are proud to collaborate on this initiative,” stated Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of Desert Control. “By implementing Liquid Natural Clay, we can help Oasis Date conserve water, improve soil health, and enhance yields, reinforcing their position as a leader in environmentally conscious farming.”
Managing over 5,000 acres of date farms and producing over 1 billion dates annually, Oasis Date is the majority supplier for Natural Delights, North America’s top Medjool date brand. As the world’s first and only Regenerative Organic Certified date farm, Oasis Date exemplifies its commitment to environmental sustainability and farmworker welfare.
“Oasis Date is a strong leader in their industry, and their dedication to sustainability and regenerative farming practices aligns perfectly with our vision,” said Marty Weems, managing director of Desert Control Americas. “We are honored to work with Oasis Date utilising our soil and water conservation technology to reduce operational costs and safeguard the long-term prosperity of their ranch and farming operations.”
Desert Control’s LNC technology transforms sandy, fast-draining soils into fertile, water-retentive ground, reducing irrigation needs and promoting healthy plant growth. This collaboration also opens opportunities for broader adoption of LNC technology across Oasis Date’s extensive operations in California and Arizona.
E.L.Y. Crop Protection is based on Microsoft’s Phi-3 SLM and is available on the Azure AI model catalog. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. (Image source: Heliospectra)
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Desert Control deploys soil-saving tech across 160 acres of Oasis Date's organic Medjool date palms in California. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
NaFarm Foods wins 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize for innovative food preservation solutions in Nigeria. (Image source: AETOSWire)
Sistema.bio secures US$3.5mn from Novastar Ventures to expand biogas solutions for farmers, driving sustainable growth and climate resilience. (Image source:
E.L.Y. Crop Protection is based on Microsoft’s Phi-3 SLM and is available on the Azure AI model catalog. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The conference will cater to a global audience covering a diverse range of presentations, species, meetings, discussions, workshops and more. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. (Image source: Heliospectra)
This partnership represents a significant step forward in the application of advanced GPS technology in agriculture. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The partnership will focus on implementing best-in-class agricultural practices, capacity building programmes as well as undertaking comprehensive vegetable seed trials. (Image source: Bayer)
SuperKlean’s special-designed dairy nozzle make the milking process faster and more efficient. (Image source: SuperKlean)
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Desert Control deploys soil-saving tech across 160 acres of Oasis Date's organic Medjool date palms in California. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
E.L.Y. Crop Protection is based on Microsoft’s Phi-3 SLM and is available on the Azure AI model catalog. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. (Image source: Heliospectra)
This partnership represents a significant step forward in the application of advanced GPS technology in agriculture. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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