Author: Hithaishi CB

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…

Early ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) The European Union FTA Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of the deal with the largest trading bloc in the world. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says all parties involved in the committee process agreed to complete the legislative process by the end of March. An earlier entry into force will also see tariff savings of $43 million for NZ kiwifruit exporters, on top of the $3 million for onion exporters this season. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says all parties involved in…

Policymakers, scientists, technology experts, and farmers convened to contextualize the current landscape, identify barriers and opportunities, and chart the future of digital agriculture in the Philippines The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna became a hub of digital agricultural innovation as it hosted the Philippine leg of the highly anticipated ICTforAg 2024. This year’s theme, “Localizing Impact through Inclusion, Inspiration, and Innovation,” underscored the need to tailor digital solutions to local agricultural landscapes’ unique challenges and opportunities. Co-hosted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI),…

The collaboration aims to provide farmers with a more sustainable input solution while helping to reduce Scope 3 emissions UK-based CCm Technologies is an innovative environmental technology company which combines captured carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with recycled nutrients from other agricultural waste, such as livestock manure and digestates, to produce organo-mineral fertiliser. Its flagship product, CCm Growth®, contains nitrogen, phosphate and potash, but due to the inclusion of natural organic material, it also holds valuable fibre to help deliver organic matter and carbon back to the soil to improve soil health and sustainability. Frontier will have an exclusive distribution agreement across…