Ag-robotics holds tremendous promise for the green transformation of food systems by enhancing sustainability and productivity. Innovations such as robots with advanced sensors and AI enable the precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, while robotic weeders and laser systems minimize the need for herbicides, protecting biodiversity. Advanced robotic irrigation can cut water use by over 90%, and autonomous electric machines reduce carbon emissions. Autonomous machines can also be lighter, reducing soil compaction. Robotic systems support soil health through reduced tillage and enable data-driven, sustainable farm management. As labor shortages and sustainability demands intensify, ag robotics is poised to unlock a $100B+ market by 2035. However, despite these significant benefits, widespread adoption faces serious barriers, and the true potential will only be realized by understanding where automation truly creates value.

Investing in the Green Transformation of Agrifood: Five Years of Progress, and a Call to Action

In January 2025, the AgreenaCarbon Project reached a significant milestone by becoming the first large-scale agricultural cropland project registered under Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) VM0042 methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for the regenerative agriculture movement and the soil carbon sector, steering much-needed carbon finance to European farmers.

The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) underpins Re:food’s approach to investing. It is the structure we used to plan out where to focus our sourcing and investing efforts. We caught up with Karl-Henrik Robèrt, a world-renowned sustainability pioneer, the founder of The Natural Step, and one of the creators of the FSSD. He gave us his thoughts on the framework (which he describes as the Operating System for sustainable development) and his guidance for organizations applying it to develop or improve their sustainable development programs.