Author: Hithaishi CB

The honey bee industry is worth more than $14 billion annually in Australia’s agriculture A new global innovation challenge has been launched to find technologies for detecting and managing European honey bee mites. This project aims to improve Australia’s ability to detect exotic mites at the border and provide beekeepers with technology to manage Varroa mite effectively. The honey bee industry is critical to Australia’s agriculture, not only producing honey and wax but also pollinating crops, with the industry worth more than $14 billion annually. Mites like Varroa are threatening Australia’s honey bee industry.  Honey bee mites, such as Varroa…

CF Industries announces Joint Venture with JERA Co., Inc., and Mitsui & Co., Inc., for production and offtake of Low-Carbon Ammonia CF Industries Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest producer of ammonia, has formed a joint venture with JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), Japan’s largest energy company, and Mitsui & Co., Inc. (Mitsui), a leading global investment and trading company, for the construction, production and offtake of low-carbon ammonia. Greenfield low-carbon ammonia is primarily used in the agricultural sector as a fertilizer, particularly for nitrogen. it also has potential for use as a low-emission fuel in industries like maritime shipping, power generation, and even…

Partnership delivers third agrivoltaics project, supporting dual use of land for solar energy generation and future sheep grazing in north island location Trinasolar, a global smart photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions provider, has partnered with Lodestone Energy to bring Te Herenga o Te Rā, one of New Zealand’s latest and largest agrivoltaics farm, into operation this year. Once fully operational, the 42MWp farm will generate 69 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power nearly 10,000 homes, and is the first solar project in New Zealand to feed directly into the grid. Situated along the border of the Waiotahe River in the Ōpōtiki District, the converted dairy…

The European Commission has funded the project Harnessing Robotics, XR/AR, and 5G for Safe, Sustainable, and Smart Agriculture – $4.97M AgriRobot, a pioneering agritech company developing safety software for autonomous agricultural robots, has joined the AgRibot project as an official partner. The project, which received a €4.97 million grant from the European Commission, is strategically designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in European agriculture, including labour shortages, unsafe working conditions, and the pressing demands for both enhanced productivity and greater sustainability. Over the next four years, the AgRibot project will develop and field-test six state-of-the-art robotic systems…

The funds will support the establishment of 5 new plantations in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania. The Australian government is providing more than $2.3 million in plantation grants to help the forestry industry supply domestically sourced sustainable timber. In addition to supporting sustainable forestry, the government is investing in forest industry innovation, manufacturing, and skills. As part of the most significant forest industry support package in Australia’s history, around $300 million will be provided to help improve the sector’s capacity and capability. The Support Plantation Establishment program is providing grant funding to help establish up to 36,000…

Forum attracted delegates from trade agencies, chambers, and companies, culminating in on-site agreements worth over $2 billion spanning agriculture, mining, and CISCE participation The China-Brazil Economic and Commercial Forum took place in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 28, bringing together high-profile government officials and business leaders from both countries. Keynote speakers included Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT); Luiz Augusto de Castro Neves, President of the Brazil-China Business Council; and Yu Peng, Consul General of China in São Paulo. In his address, Ren Hongbin highlighted the enduring partnership between China and Brazil, emphasizing CCPIT’s commitment to expanding economic collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).…

Futureco Bioscience and Sumitomo Corporation to evaluate proprietary biological crop protection technology In a strategic move to advance sustainable agriculture and biological innovation, Futureco Bioscience, a Spanish biotechnology manufacturer specializing in environmentally responsible crop protection and biostimulation, has signed a global evaluation with licensing option agreement with Sumitomo Corporation, one of the world’s largest integrated trading companies. The agreement concerns a proprietary biological crop protection technology, developed and patented by Futureco Bioscience, which is currently undergoing registration in both Europe and the United States. The agreement, signed by Rafael Juncosa, President & CEO of Futureco Bioscience and Marcos Mares, Director of the Global Business Development Office of the Agribusiness…

Costs efficient approach to LED lighting and effective root zone management, combined with climate control and active dehumidification Philips Horticulture LED Solutions and Grodan are further exploring ways for growers to reduce energy costs by using LED lighting and effective root zone management, along with climate control and active dehumidification. Producing high-quality, year-round tomatoes with reduced energy input and lower costs is made possible when all aspects of the cultivation strategy are under control. The Botany Research Centre began researching low-energy tomato growing under full-LED lighting in late 2023 and early 2024, in collaboration with Grodan and Philips Horticulture LED Solutions’…

Adaptation of Nidec Drives white paper “Irrigation in Agriculture”, which discusses the use of variable speed drives in irrigation As the global population grows and climate change intensifies, the agricultural sector is under increasing pressure to produce more food while reducing its environmental impact. One of the most promising solutions to emerge is the use of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS’s), which harness solar energy to power irrigation pumps. These systems, combined with advanced control technologies, are revolutionising farming practices, offering a sustainable path forward for the industry. The Challenge of Traditional Irrigation Irrigation is essential for global food production, with…

Partners with small and medium scale organic and biodynamic farms to restore farmland and surrounding ecosystems Todd, a generative agriculture firm is introducing the world’s first regeneratively grown seed products, developed to reverse the damage caused by over-farming and synthetic fertilizers, by exhibiting tolerance to regenerative farming practices that heal the earth. Committed to setting a new standard in regenerative agriculture, Todd has transformed into a renowned agriculture firm by partnering with small and medium scale organic and biodynamic farms to restore farmland and surrounding ecosystems. This restoration is achieved by naturally enriching soil, increasing biodiversity, and restoring watersheds. Todd has…