Author: Hithaishi CB

Ministry creates a Technical Working Group (TWG) Philippines Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has created a technical working group tasked to further streamline administrative procedures and policies and remove non-tariff barriers on agri imports. The DA chief designated Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulations Asis Perez to head the TWG that would make it easier for importers to secure licenses or exempt licensed importers from submission of registration requirements. The TWG was also mandated by Sec. Tiu Laurel to consult with the National Economic and Development Authority’s Committee on Tariff and Related Matters to support the followings: -…

The $2 million annual fund designed to attract innovative problem solvers to address key challenges in kiwifruit industry New Zealand headquartered, Zespri has announced the first three pilots from its new innovation fund, ZAG. These pilots will focus on the colour of RubyRed kiwifruit, the tracking of kiwifruit bins, and the use of biochar on kiwifruit orchards. ZAG has been designed to allow Zespri to accelerate its kiwifruit innovation work through broadening its efforts through collaborating with global innovators, with an impressive range of ideas submitted from around the world. The $2 million annual fund launched late last year is…

Providing intellectual property rights to academic research globally to enable solutions to complex challenges and driving sustainability in food and agriculture Syngenta Group, the global agri-tech company, will provide rights to selected genome-editing and breeding technologies for academic research globally, as part of its commitment to foster innovation and drive sustainability in agriculture. These rights are accessible through its innovation collaboration platform Shoots by Syngenta. The initiative is expected to have tremendous potential to not only result in exciting technology innovations, but to also drive critical crop solutions that will support farmers worldwide. The rights to certain intellectual property are related…

Carnegie Mellon researchers develop sustainable solutions for Global food security Researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University are using findings from nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to understand the new field of Plant Nanobiotechnology, address unsustainable agricultural practices, and meet increasing global food demands. Currently, agriculture accounts for 14-28% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of all freshwater withdraws. This, in addition to a range of other factors from extreme weather events, rampant crop pests, and rapidly degrading soil underlines the need for new agricultural practices and technologies. Researchers highlight that Plant Nanobiotechnology…

PCR/qPCR solution will support surveillance and monitoring of the current H5N1 strain of bird flu in response to multi-state outbreak in U.S. dairy cows Integrated DNA Technologies launched the Avian Influenza Type A (H5) Primers and Probe Set to enable researchers to identify, target, and trace the presence of clade 2.3.4.4b of the H5N1 virus across bird, environmental, dairy cow, and poultry farm samples. Amidst growing concerns from U.S. federal, state and local agencies over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) detections in dairy cows, Integrated DNA Technologies launched the Avian Influenza Type A (H5) Primers and Probe Set to…

Zespri has appointed Jason Te Brake as Chief Executive Officer, Zespri Chairman Nathan Flowerday has announced. Jason Te Brake has led global supply chain and the New Zealand supply business as Zespri’s Chief Operating Officer. He will succeed outgoing CEO Daniel Mathieson. Flowerday says, “Jason is an outstanding executive with the strong commercial and stakeholder management experience we were looking for. He has a clear strategic vision to help Zespri and the industry achieve its immense potential and the operational expertise to ensure we do so. Chairman Nathan Flowerday said “There is significant and growing demand for Zespri Kiwifruit which…

Parternship expansion includes the distribution of spinach, lettuce, watermelon, and melon seed varieties in California, Arizona, and Nevada BASF’s vegetable seed business, operating in the market under the Nunhems® brand, has announced the expansion of its distribution partnership with TS&L Seed Company to reach more growers. Effective June 10, 2024, TS&L will distribute Nunhems® spinach, lettuce, watermelon, and melon seeds in California, Arizona, and Nevada. This expansion further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between the two companies, ensuring that BASF | Nunhems genetics are available to growers who can benefit from them. In addition to the expanded distribution, TS&L’s product development team will…

The collaboration is set to elevate Syensqo’s agribusiness capabilities and forge stronger ties within the dynamic regional agribusiness ecosystem Syensqo teams up with Agtech Innovation located in the Piracicaba Technology Park, São Paulo, Brazil to boost Syensqo’s agribusiness capabilities and strengthen connections within the South American agribusiness ecosystem. “Demonstrating Syensqo’s keen interest in innovation within the South American agricultural landscape, our partnership with Agtech Innovation positions us to establish robust connections with both major corporations and burgeoning startups,” says Ana Paula Bodemeier, Research & Innovation Agro Lab manager for LATAM at Syensqo. Agtech Innovation, is recognized as a leading center for agricultural…

“PV + ” model, boosts economic benefits and biodiversity in greening agriculture, aquaculture, and more industries. China’s Trinasolar with it’s PV technology has the ability to reduce carbon emissions and restore ecological systems. As a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, Trinasolar has been actively promoting innovation, facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future. Additionally, it has promoted the “PV + ” model, which boosts economic benefits and biodiversity in greening agriculture, aquaculture, and more industries. PV + Agriculture: empowering sustainable farming The Kohirā Solar Farm Project, the largest solar farm in New Zealand to…

A major investment in 2024-25 budget to help farmers and producers protect and adapt against the impacts of climate change, build more resilience Australia is ensuring the agriculture and land sectors can meaningfully contribute to the whole-of-economy transition to net zero. Hence Government is investing $63.8 million over ten years to support initial emissions reduction efforts. In addition, helping regional and rural communities prepare for the next drought and manage climate risk is a key feature of the Albanese Government’s $519.1 million spend from the Future Drought Fund (FDF). Support for farmers and regional communities in this Budget includes: $235…