The agriculture industry is gearing up for a challenging year ahead as persistent issues such as a struggling farm economy, trade turmoil, and the slow adoption of innovative technologies continue to impact the sector. However, with challenges also come opportunities, especially as the agricultural sector takes an important role in combatting health crises and addressing global food waste.

Ongoing Struggles in Agtech Funding

By: Ryan Daily, Americas Editor

Industries thrive on evolving buzzwords. In contrast to the rapid shifts in work culture influenced by the Covid pandemic, the agriculture technology sector (agtech) has seen stagnatility. The term “agtech”, while encompassing a broad array of solutions, fails to convey specific problem-solving capabilities, leading investors to grow skeptical.

With PitchBook reporting a continued funding slump in 2025, the outlook for 2026 appears bleak unless companies adopt more versatile marketing strategies. Embracing AI-centric narratives has shown to yield better investor interest.

The success of agtech will depend on its ability to evolve and adapt, distinguishing meaningful innovations amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty.

Food Waste: A Crucial Focus for 2026

By: Gary Scattergood, Editor-in-Chief

The year 2026 must emphasize tackling food waste. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, an alarming 50% of the 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted annually contributes to public health crises. Areas like South Asia suffer from high levels of malnutrition and food loss, yet post-harvest solutions remain largely overlooked.

Positive movements are emerging, with countries collaborating to address food waste. Initiatives like SAPLING are making headway, although more significant systemic support at governmental levels is required.

The Challenge of Adoption in Agtech

By: Amanda Lim, APAC Editor

As 2026 begins, agtech must face its Achilles’ heel: the lack of technology adoption by farmers. Although innovation is plentiful, real-world application remains a challenge. Farmers often need assurances of ROI before investing in new technologies, particularly smallholders who operate under tight financial constraints.

Industry leaders stress the importance of simplifying the transition from research and development to practical use, ensuring technologies are directly beneficial to farmers’ operations.

Health and Agriculture: A Growing Connection

By: Oliver Morrison, Europe Editor

In 2026, the relationship between agriculture and human health is set to take center stage. Recent scientific advancements underscore how farming practices impact food quality and, ultimately, public health. Investors are looking for transparent metrics that will link agricultural practices to health outcomes, shifting the focus from remediation to prevention.

As alternative strategies gain momentum, companies innovating in soil health will likely attract funding. Technologies that trace soil quality’s influence on human health are expected to significantly shape future investments.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability in Agtech

As 2026 unfolds, the agriculture sector must embrace accountability, ensuring that innovations not only exist in theory but deliver measurable results. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the potential for meaningful change in agricultural practices, food quality, and public health is ripe for the taking.