Triple Helix Releases Report: “Catalyzing U.S. AgTech Innovation: Opportunities for the Federal Government” – Business Wire

Report on Catalyzing U.S. AgTech Innovation: Opportunities for Federal Government Support

Introduction

The Triple Helix Institute for Agriculture, Climate, and Society (Triple Helix), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering cross-sector engagement in agriculture technology (AgTech), has released a pivotal report titled Catalyzing U.S. AgTech Innovation: Opportunities for the Federal Government. Presented at a Capitol Hill briefing supported by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), the report highlights critical opportunities for federal government action to enhance AgTech development. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Context and Importance of Federal Support in AgTech

Historically, U.S. leadership in agricultural innovation has been driven by robust federal investment combined with collaboration among research institutions and private sector stakeholders. However, recent decades have seen a decline in public sector support, threatening national agricultural competitiveness and security. Notably, the European Union and China now outpace the U.S. in agricultural research and development expenditure.

Given increasing challenges such as pests, diseases, extreme weather events, and supply chain volatility, enhancing American agricultural resilience is imperative. Emerging AgTech innovations present transformative potential to boost productivity and sustainability, necessitating immediate prioritization to secure future generations’ food security and environmental health.

Key Findings from Triple Helix’s Initiative

Triple Helix conducted extensive roundtable discussions across New York, Illinois, California, and North Carolina, engaging diverse stakeholders including academic researchers, startup founders, investors, commodity groups, farmers, and agribusiness leaders. These consultations identified three critical areas where federal government intervention is essential to strengthen the U.S. AgTech ecosystem:

1. Prioritizing Proactive Discovery-Stage Research and Data Accessibility
2. Facilitating Entrepreneurial Translation and Scale-Up
3. Building an Efficient AgTech Implementation Ecosystem

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Advancing AgTech innovation supports sustainable agriculture practices that increase food production and improve nutrition.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Federal support in research and development fosters innovation and infrastructure critical to AgTech growth.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Enhancing agricultural resilience through technology addresses climate-related challenges such as extreme weather and greenhouse gas emissions.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The report emphasizes cross-sector collaboration among government, academia, industry, and farmers to achieve shared objectives.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Dr. Sarah Garland, Founder and Executive Director of Triple Helix, emphasized the necessity of federal leadership: “Catalyzing the American AgTech sector requires effective collaboration across research, investment, and policy. Reestablishing and optimizing federal government leadership in this space is crucial.”

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski highlighted the importance of federal investment in agricultural research, stating: “Their research is essential to strengthening American agriculture, lowering food costs, improving nutrition, and supporting the farmers who power our economy. Staying at the top of agricultural technology is key to maintaining our global leadership in this vital sector.”

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Triple Helix report outlines actionable opportunities for the federal government to reinforce the U.S. AgTech innovation ecosystem. Prioritizing strategic investments and fostering collaboration will be vital to advancing sustainable agriculture, enhancing resilience to climate change, and securing America’s agricultural future.

Access to Full Report

The full report is available at: https://www.triplehelix.institute/resources/agtech-federal-government-2025

About Triple Helix Institute for Agriculture, Climate, and Society

Triple Helix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to building cross-sector awareness and engagement around agriculture technology. Rooted in scientific evidence and interdisciplinary approaches, the institute promotes unity and shared values to create a resilient agricultural future. Previous reports by Triple Helix have addressed:

• AgTech for Biodiversity Conservation
• AgTech for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

These publications connect ambitious agricultural goals with innovative technologies to support sustainable development and climate action.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article focuses on agricultural productivity, resilience, and innovation, which are directly related to ending hunger and achieving food security.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Emphasis on AgTech innovation, research, and development aligns with fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article mentions climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through agricultural technology.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – References to biodiversity conservation through AgTech connect to sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development and innovation.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
4. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 2:
   • Increase in agricultural productivity and resilience (implied through references to innovation and technology adoption).
   • Reduction in food costs and improved nutrition (mentioned by Congresswoman Budzinski).
2. Indicators for SDG 9:
   • Level of federal investment in agricultural research and development (noted as declining and compared internationally).
   • Number of AgTech startups and scale-ups supported (implied through entrepreneurial translation and ecosystem building).
3. Indicators for SDG 13:
   • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (referenced in related reports).
   • Measures of agricultural resilience to extreme weather and pests (implied through focus on resilience).
4. Indicators for SDG 15:
   • Conservation status of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes (implied through AgTech for biodiversity conservation).
   • Extent of sustainable land management practices adopted.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: businesswire.com