Author: Hithaishi CB

New center will initiate programs on robust surveillance system for tracking pathogens, a genebank for germplasm, and screening facilities for SBP resistance Food security is threatened by soil-borne pathogens (SBP), especially as climate extremes (temperature, precipitation) become more common. A variety of specific adverse effects are caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, including root rot, wilt, yellowing, and dwarfing. Crop yields can be reduced by 50-75% as a result of these pathogens. Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Vahit Kirişci inaugurated the Center, the first of its kind in Central West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) dedicated to advancing research…

Aims to drive economic growth and sustainability across the region A four-year research, development and extension (RD&E) program is poised to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the northern regions of Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland. The project engages with local stakeholders and has ongoing local oversight: both essential components in ensuring the project delivers on the needs of northern growers and producers and contributes to the long-term growth and prosperity of the northern agricultural sector. The launch of the Cotton Grain Cattle Program is a significant milestone for Northern Australia’s agricultural industry. As it unfolds, it will drive…

Partnering with the private sector to pursue Urban Agriculture Program for food production initiatives on a larger scale In line with the food security agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philipines Department of Agriculture (DA) is partnering with the private sector to pursue food production initiatives on a larger scale. DA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 29 with SM Supermalls and SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) in an effort to develop more urban farming areas in the Philippines. Under the said agreement, the DA, through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), shall provide agricultural…

The new accelerator will bring the number of companies supported by SparkLabs Cultiv8 to 50 at a combined value of more than $1.6 billion SparkLabs Cultiv8, Australia’s most active Agri-Food Tech accelerator, has thrown its weight behind cleantech, funding and supporting ten startups through its new SparkLabs Cultiv8 CleanTech Accelerator. ​The new accelerator will bring the number of companies supported by SparkLabs Cultiv8 to 50. More than $AUD half a billion has been raised by the companies, which boast a combined value of more than $1.6 billion and have created over 750 new jobs. Created in 2017 in partnership with…

World Bee Day 2023 drew attention to the threats endangering these insects and the need to address them The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on May 20, marked World Bee Day 2023 with a global ceremony in which participants emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices that respect pollinators’ vital role in nature. Under the theme “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production”, World Bee Day 2023 drew attention to the threats endangering these insects and the need to address them. The Republic of Slovenia initiated World Bee Day in 2016 at the FAO Regional Conference…

Four-year investment to fast-track aquaculture industry development in Western Australia Western Australia is investing AU$8.5 million over the next four years to drive aquaculture research and development including upgrading facilities at Broome, Pemberton and Albany in the region. The Aquaculture Development Plan identifies opportunities for industry and the State Government to work together on projects which fast-track industry growth by reducing the risk to new and existing industry operators looking to enter or expand aquaculture operations in WA. The funding will be used to implement key projects identified in the Aquaculture Development Plan across Western Australia. Part of the funding will be…

Chinese dairy giant Yili subsidiary Westland Milk Products lays foundation for the new factory in Hokitika to establish itself as the world’s valued bioactive ingredients producer. On May 23, Yili subsidiary Westland Milk Products held a ceremony for the construction of its NZ$70 million ($42.58 million) lactoferrin factory in Hokitika, New Zealand. The investment will enable Yili to rank among the top three global companies in the lactoferrin category with a market share of approximately 10 percent. The ceremony was attended by New Zealand Minister for Trade, Exports and Agriculture and Tasmania West Coast MP Damien O’Connor; the Director General…

Estimates market value of approximately AU$10 million. The Australian avocado industry will soon have access to Thai markets as Western Australian producers of Hass avocados will soon be able to export their produce there. Thailand was Australia’s 12th largest agriculture, fisheries, and forestry export market by value in 2021, worth $1.5 billion, including horticulture at $105 million. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Murray Watt said this was a significant market access win for avocados, with an estimated market value of approximately $10 million. “The Australian avocado industry has recently experienced substantially lower prices on the domestic market due to…

The groundbreaking project developed software to capture and convey data from ASC-certified farms and feed sources through processing, packaging, and transport to retailers. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)’s Key Data Elements (KDE) project has enabled ASC-certified shrimp products to be traced digitally. By harnessing technology to improve the visibility of each product’s route to market, retailers will have a higher level of programme assurance through increased farm origin and supply chain data transparency. The groundbreaking project developed software to capture and convey data from ASC-certified farms and feed sources through processing, packaging, and transport to retailers. With the help of…

Bilateral trade relationship aims to promote Japanese grapes into Vietnam and Vietnamese green-skinned grapefruits into Japan As part of the recent G7 meeting, Vietnam and Japan held their first high-level meeting in Hiroshima to coordinate on how to solve global challenges like food security and environmental protection. During the meeting, the two countries agreed on major directions and specific measures to promote the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan to strengthen defense-security cooperation in the field of industrialization and modernization, as well as building an independent and self-sufficient economy; affirming the importance of boosting investment and trade cooperation between…