–News Direct–

The Liechtenstein Group, known for its commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovative technologies, is leading a funding round of 22.5 million in the US company PowerPollen. PowerPollen has developed a unique pollination technology that allows pollen to be collected, preserved, and applied on-demand. This technology promises significantly better pollination and thus higher crop yields.

Pollen from wind-pollinated crops usually survives only a few minutes to hours at most. Climate change drought, excessively high temperatures, pollinator decline, and extreme weather events has made the pollination of these plants even more complex. PowerPollen's technology offers a contemporary solution to these challenges in commodity crops, ensuring more stability and consistency in agricultural yields.

PowerPollens patented technology and hardware collects pollen from male plants, and then preserves the viability of the pollen up to four years for future application. Using a custom applicator, the pollen can be applied precisely at the right time and under ideal conditions in the fields. Yield improvements of over 20 percent with corn seeds significantly contribute to improving global food security. Targeted pollination "on demand" reduces the need for male plant rows, leading to reduced land use, as well as lower water and resource consumption.

In recent years, PowerPollen has proven its technology through successful partnerships with industry leaders, such as Bayer and Corteva for corn, and BASF for wheat, and underscores the value of leveraging scale-up innovation, like PowerPollen, to meet the worlds goals for more sustainable food production.

"For years, our technology has proven effective in corn and continues to demonstrate strong potential for applications in other crops. With the new financing, we'll continue to advance our technology, aided by the expertise and global network of the Liechtenstein Group," said Todd Krone, Co-Founder and CEO of PowerPollen.

PowerPollen Rice Joint Venture Leverages On-Demand Pollination for Hybrid Rice

As well as taking a stake in PowerPollen's parent company, the Liechtenstein Group has also established a promising joint venture with PowerPollen, PowerPollen Rice, which focuses on the development and commercialization of the pollination technology to rice.

Hybrid rice, with a 20 percent or higher yield advantage over conventional pure line varieties, remains a cornerstone of global food security. Traditional rice cultivation poses escalating environmental and economic risks, including groundwater depletion, methane emissions and labor challenges. Enabling better hybrid rice pollination systems has the potential to increase the global rice value and sustainable production.

"We are absolutely convinced of the technology and its importance for more sustainable agriculture and global food security. For RiceTec, our rice seed company, the technology also has enormous potential to further increase the efficiency of this staple food crop for billions of people worldwide," said Johannes Meran, CEO of the Liechtenstein Group. "Through RiceTec genetics and PowerPollens technology, we can unlock untapped efficiencies in hybrid rice production, setting the stage for a significant leap forward in global food security and climate change mitigation.

This research collaboration will result in commercialization of PowerPollens technology for rice seed production by 2027.

About Liechtenstein Group

The Liechtenstein Group is an international group of companies and investment platform owned by the Foundation Prince Liechtenstein, operating in the areas of Food & Agriculture, Forestry, Renewable Energy and Real Estate. The Group pursues a long-term investment strategy with an international orientation, focused on its four core sectors. Through its activities, the Liechtenstein Group aims to make a positive contribution to the sustainable development of these industries. Liechtenstein Group's portfolio companies include, among others, rice seed company RiceTec, N-Drip, the LIECO Group, TESVOLT, PV-Invest, Wilfersdorf Estate and Forestry Operations, Kalwang Forest, and Liechtenstein Real Estate. Further information may be found at www.lgroup.com.

About PowerPollen

PowerPollen offers a breakthrough, scalable technology to collect, preserve and apply pollen on-demand to help improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of modern farming practices. Following multiple seasons of year-round field trials, PowerPollens patented pollination technology increased yield by more than 20% in commercial hybrid corn seed production fields. The company has applied its technology across thousands of commercial acres over the past several years. PowerPollen is headquartered in Iowa with additional research operations in Puerto Rico and Texas. Learn more about how PowerPollens on-demand pollination technology works at www.powerpollen.com

Contact Details

The Liechtenstein Group

Julia Holter

[email protected]

AgTech PR for PowerPollen

Jennifer Goldston

[email protected]

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/liechtenstein-group-invests-in-powerpollen-to-unlock-potential-for-major-food-crops-485467953

Liechtenstein Group

COMTEX_451652822/2655/2024-04-30T07:04:00

GAC, a leading automobile manufacturer, has officially launched its highly anticipated M8 and M6 Pro models in the Philippines, expanding its local offerings to seven nameplates. The unveiling of these luxury MPVs promises to redefine the mobility experience for Filipino consumers, offering unparalleled performance, safety, and innovation.

On March 22, nearly 300 distinguished guests attended the launch event for M6 Pro. Among the attendees were executives from GAC’s esteemed partner, Astara Philippines, as well as dealer partners, motoring and lifestyle media, and VIP guests. Brand ambassadors Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, one the country’s most iconic power couples in show business, also graced the event and shared their insights in an exclusive interview on stage.

Blending practicality and sophistication, the M6 Pro is designed for modern families on the go. With a wheelbase of 2810mm, this spacious MPV features second-row captain’s chairs with dual-zone automatic air conditioning for unparalleled comfort. Safety details include front dual and curtain airbags, an ADAS system, and ISOFIX anchors for children’s seats to ensure a secure journey.

To celebrate the M6 Pro’s release, GAC displayed the seven-seater family SUV in public for three days, offering local customers a chance to experience the model’s abundant space, optimal comfort, and versatility in person. The event, themed “GAC Family Day”, featured test drives, educational safe driving lectures, along with family-friendly activities in park-like settings across Manila.

Prior to the M6 Pro launch, the introduction of the M8 to the Philippine market several weeks ago has already generated significant excitement among automotive enthusiasts in the country.

With its commanding front grille and sharp contour lines, the M8 is designed for customers who prioritize luxury and style in their road traveling. Following a 2-2-3 configuration, the premium MPV comes equipped with power-adjustable seats in the first and second rows, along with a foldable feature for flexible cargo space. The roomy, deluxe cabin features a 14.6-inch multifunctional touchscreen and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel.

The M8 and M6 Pro mark the first installment of several new models planned for launch by GAC in the coming year. With the release of the two models, GAC is poised to set a new benchmark in the country’s luxury MPV landscape, marking another significant milestone in its mission to drive success across the globe.

https://www.gac-motor.com/en/media/newsdetail/id/339.html

Media Contact

Name
GAC Motor
Contact name
Brian Wu
Contact address
No. 633 East of Jinshan Road, Panyu District
City
Guangzhou
State
Guangdong
Country
China
Url
https://www.gac-motor.com/

COMTEX_451672372/2737/2024-04-30T15:15:20