Author: Hithaishi CB

[ hithaishi.cb@mmactiv.com ]

Checkerspot Achieves Breakthrough in Sustainable Oil Production with First-Ever High-Oleic Palm Oil Alternative via Microalgae Fermentation Checkerspot, a pioneering biotechnology company has developed the world’s first high-oleic palm oil alternative produced entirely through microalgae fermentation. Utilizing the microalga Prototheca moriformis, Checkerspot employed classical strain improvement techniques to enhance oil yield and composition. The result is an oil that closely matches the fatty acid profile of conventional high-oleic palm oil, offering over 55% oleic acid and 32% palmitic acid. Notably, this achievement was accomplished without genetic engineering, aligning with growing consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients. “This milestone underscores our commitment to…

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The Future Food Innovation Ecosystem, comprising the Future Food Lab (FFL), Food Innovation & Resource Centre (FIRC), at SP campus is envisioned as a centre for sustainable food research, development, and commercialization. Umami Bioworks, a leading cultivated seafood company, has officially set up a new R&D joint laboratory at Singapore Polytechnic (SP), marking an exciting step forward in its mission to strengthen ties within Singapore’s alternative protein ecosystem. This strategic collaboration represents a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable and innovative food future. Through this collaboration, Umami Bioworks and SP’s School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS)…

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Sienz, a global leader in providing innovative technology solutions for fruit and vegetable packinghouses Sunkist Growers acquired a minority stake in Sienz, a global leader in fruit and vegetable packinghouse technology. With this strategic investment, Sienz assumed full responsibility for providing critical parts, service, and ongoing support to Sunkist’s packinghouse equipment customers worldwide. Sienz will also collaborate with Sunkist to develop new technologies. Lisa Park, Chief Financial Officer at Sunkist Growers, Inc. said “With Sienz, we are ensuring to have access to best-in-class technology and service. Our aspirations do not end at the packinghouses but extend to the full value…

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Singapore site will be a critical manufacturing hub for microencapsulated solutions Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company announced the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Singapore. This strategic capacity expansion is Milliken’s first chemical plant in Asia and grows the company’s manufacturing footprint to meet increasing demand for advanced material solutions in the region. The new operation is Milliken’s latest investment in Encapsys’ microencapsulation technology and provides greater flexibility and speed in supporting customer needs. Acquired by Milliken in 2021, Encapsys is a world leader in microencapsulation, with more than 70 years of pioneering patented solutions. “Milliken’s decision to…

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Strategic UAE-Gates Foundation partnership announced at COP28, which earmarked $200 million to support agricultural innovation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) At the 17th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, in a bold step towards global pest control and sustainable agriculture, UAE, Gates Foundation and ICARDA have officially launched the International Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control, a science-led partnership bringing together world-leading institutions, researchers, and policymakers to combat one of the most destructive pests affecting palm cultivation worldwide. The Consortium was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Khalifa Award’s Board of…

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Lavie Bio improves agriculture productivity and sustainability through microbiome-based ag-biological products Evogene Ltd. a leading computational biology company focused on revolutionizing life-science-based product discovery and development, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which ICL, will acquire the majority of activity of Evogene’s subsidiary, Lavie Bio Ltd. As part of the agreement, ICL will also acquire Evogene’s MicroBoost AI for AG platform. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2025, subject to the fulfillment of customary closing conditions. Lavie Bio is a recognized leader in the ag-biologicals industry with a robust pipeline of microbiome-based ag-biological products. Key assets to be transferred…

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Thailand strives to peruse the opportunity of exporting an estimated volume of 20–30 durians containers per day estimated at 4 billion baht A Chinese company in Kunming is expected to increase durian imports from Thailand to around 20–30 containers per day. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), revealed that the department has instructed commercial attachés posted abroad to explore trade opportunities and Thai export potential. The latest update came from Nat Wimonchan, Director of the Thai trade center in Kunming, People’s Republic of China, who led senior ministry officials to inspect logistics routes and trade…

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P151 million allocated for the facility to develop immunization shots against infectious diseases, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Avian Influenza (AI). The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) officially inaugurated the vaccine unit at the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD). This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the development of shots to immunize animals against infectious diseases, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Avian Influenza (AI). These infectious diseases are major threats to the country’s livestock and poultry industries, as well as national food security. The DA has allocated P151 million for a three-year…

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IPHA utilizes intermittent irrigation, which alternates between wet and dry cycles in rice fields. Indonesia’s Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, has instructed all regional centers to implement water-saving rice irrigation (IPHA) technology to boost agricultural efficiency and productivity.“This technology enhances agricultural efficiency through modern methods. It not only reduces water consumption but also improves crop quality and yield. This technology enables more accurate and efficient water management. With consistent yields above 6 tons per hectare, this technology offers a sustainable solution for Indonesian agriculture” said Hanggodo.The initiative involved optimizing existing irrigation infrastructure managed by River Basin Centers across various…

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EF Polymer is a pioneering deep-tech startup focused on creating 100% organic super absorbent polymers (SAP) to significantly benefit farmers and reduce production costs EF Polymer, a deep-tech startup developing 100% organic super absorbent polymers, announced that it has raised JPY 1 billion (approx. $6.6 million) in the first close of its Series B round. A new overseas manufacturing facility will be established with funds raised to accelerate R&D and business development. Founded with a mission to solve global water challenges and improve farmers’ livelihoods, EF Polymer has created a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived absorbents, helping reduce water and fertilizer use in agriculture…

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