Author: Hithaishi CB

China 2025 grain output is projected to hit 709 million tonnes China is poised to see a further increase in its grain output in 2025, building on last year’s record-high of 706.5 million tonnes, while also strengthening its capacity to supply grain and other major agricultural products, reports China’s Federal News outlet. A new study report indicates country’s 2025 grain output is projected to hit 709 million tonnes, pushed up by the increased efforts to boost per unit crop yield on a large scale and growing enthusiasm for grain planting and production, according to the report released by the Chinese…

State-of-the-art laboratories, growth chambers, and phenotyping and experimental facilities, including greenhouses, net-houses, and open-field research plots Aligning with the key objectives of Silal’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, the UAE has launched “Silal’s Innovation Oasis (iO)” facility specialising in agricultural R&D technologies as a national effort to advance sustainable farming practices and strengthen UAE food security. His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, witnessed the inauguration of Silal’s Innovation Oasis (iO). Spanning over 300,000 square metres, iO is a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, startups and academics. The…

Discusses investment opportunities and policy coordination related to the planned 20-hectare Korea Agriculture Machinery Industry Complex in Nueva Ecija A delegation from the Department of Agriculture (DA), led by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., recently visited the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) in South Korea to discuss investment opportunities and policy coordination related to the planned 20-hectare Korea Agriculture Machinery Industry Complex in Nueva Ecija. “This project plays a crucial role in realizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a modernized Philippine agriculture—one that ensures food security and uplifts the lives of our farmers. It will also attract…

Aim to help Indonesian companies achieve regulatory compliance, enhance ESG data transparency, and streamline sustainability reporting MVGX Tech Pte Ltd and BDO in Indonesia have announced the expansion of their commercial partnership with the launch of a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered sustainability reporting platform. This latest collaboration builds on the partnership between the two companies, first established in September 2023, to provide decarbonisation solutions for Indonesian businesses through MVGX’s Carbon Connect platform. MVGX is the Sustainability Partner of BDO, one of Indonesia’s largest accounting & advisory firms. Building on this foundation, both companies aim to help Indonesian companies achieve regulatory…

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…

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)…

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…

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…

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…

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…