Top Countries To Start A Business in AgriTech

Agritech, or agricultural technology, uses tech to boost farming productivity.

As the global population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the pressure to produce more food is growing.

Enter agritech, a sector that is changing the way that food is grown, harvested, packaged and exported.

In 2022, the global agritech market was worth $23.5 billion and is only expected to keep increasing.

For entrepreneurs and tech startups, the global issue of food scarcity is a problem to solve. If you’re thinking of putting your mind to this, you might be wondering: Which country is best to do it in?

Here, we take a look at the top countries leading the agritech sector, and why each one is driving innovation.

 

What Problems Does Agritech Solve?

 

Agritech companies are setting out to tackle a number of problems when it comes to how we grow food.

Key areas include:

Productivity: Farming, especially in a changing climate, can be tough. In countries with variable weather, climate change can have a huge impact on productivity, massively reducing yields. Agritech can help monitor elements like temperature, water and chemical composition of soil to help boost productivity.

Water usage: Agriculture uses a lot of water, but water shortages, especially in countries with droughts, can be a huge problem for farmers. Agritech helps with monitoring, smart irrigation and optimisation, helping to save water.

Tracking crop and animal health: Disease, underfeeding and poor animal health can massively impact farmers’ bottom lines. Likewise, disease can also impact crops. Having technology to track and manage the health of crops and animals can help combat this early on, reducing losses where possible.

Food insecurity: According to the WHO, around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in eleven people globally. More productive farming and urban farming technologies are helping people grow food in previously unused spaces to help close this gap.

So, if you are thinking about solving one of these problems – the next question is, where?

 

 

Top Countries For Starting An AgriTech Business

 

1. USA

 

The USA has a fast-growing agritech sector that is drawing in a lot of global interest. In fact, it currently ranks 2nd on the list of top agricultural producing countries in the world. (Tractor Junction)

According to USDA Economic Research, the largest agricultural industries in the country are: cattle, corn, soybeans, dairy and wheat.

The US not only has a strong startup sector and VC funding to help boost new businesses, but is also home to some of the world’s top agricultural Universities, meaning it has a well educated workforce ready to go.

 

2. Netherlands

 

As the second largest exporter of agricultural products after the United States according to Yahoo Finance, the Netherlands is making huge strides in agritech.

In fact, according to National Geographic, farmers in the Netherlands have reduced water usage needed for crops by around 90% and with over 500 agritech startups already in the country, it’s certainly an exciting and innovative ecosystem to be involved in.

 

3. New Zealand

 

Agriculture is a huge industry in New Zealand, making up $1.5 billion of the country’s export economy. Because of this, the government actively tries to push it forward, incentivising companies with financial support in the sector.

With around 290 agritech startups operating in the country according to Yahoo Finance, it’s certainly a hotspot for agricultural innovation.

 

4. Germany

 

As the biggest economy in Europe and the second largest agricultural output provider (after France), it’s no surprise that Germany is leading the charge around European agritech.

Leading in research and development in the sector, it has over 450 agritech startups currently operating in the country, driving forward Europe’s agritech revolution.
 

5. Israel

 

As a country located in a desert, Israel has become a leader in agricultural tech, specifically around water preservation and irrigation systems. With a huge network of venture capitalists in the country, it’s a great economy for aspiring agritech entrepreneurs to innovate in.
 

6. France

 
With agriculture making up around 2% of the country’s GDP, it’s one of the biggest agricultural hubs in Europe.

The country is home to around 440 agritech startups, innovating in sectors like data gathering, cattle health and integrating agriculture with IT.
 

7. Japan

 

Japan is 8th when it comes to global agriculture production, especially when it comes to rice, grains, fish and vegetables.

Currently, Japan’s government is highly invested in increasing the country’s self-sufficiency food ratio, making it an exciting country for agritech startups to grow within.
 

8. Turks and Caicos

 

With a growing economy, a favourable tax environment and a great climate for agriculture, Turks and Caicos is becoming a growing agritech economy.

Though the islands are known mainly for tourism, their strides in technology and business friendly environments are making them a great option for new and developing businesses.

 

AgriTech in 2025 And Beyond

 

Whether you’re looking to reduce water waste, monitor crops or boost productivity in new ways, the agritech sector is certainly becoming increasingly important for global growth.

When it comes to the best countries to innovate within, there are amazing options all over America, Europe, Asia and The Caribbean. All you need to do is choose the region that best suits your business and then start sewing your seeds for growth!