Author: Hithaishi CB

(VAN) Viet Nam FST-WG shared 2025 activities and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening coordination, resources for agri-food systems transformation On January 9, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ( FAO ) in Vietnam and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organized the ISG Plenary Meeting Advancing the food systems transformation toward green, low-emission, and sustainability: Partnership and innovation. In his opening remarks, Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department (MAE), emphasized that the food systems transformation has gradually been embraced and is becoming increasingly widespread from the…

Partnership will leverage Corteva technology and bp integrated downstream capabilities to produce and deliver biofuel feedstocks to global marketsCorteva Inc. and BP announced the launch of Etlas, their new 50:50 joint venture that will produce oil from crops – including canola, mustard and sunflower – for use in the production of biofuels like sustainable (or synthetic) aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD). Etlas will harness both Corteva’s century-long expertise in seed technology to develop crops ideally suited to produce SAF and RD as well as bp’s expertise in refining and marketing fuel for the commercial transportation market. Etlas aims…

Export 100,000 metric tons of raw sugar to the US The Department of Agriculture has approved the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s plan to export 100,000 metric tons of raw sugar to the US in an effort to reduce domestic raw sugar supply, which was a result of last crops 130,000 tons increase in local farmer production, and help lift sagging farmgate prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said allocating part of the record harvest for export under the US tariff-rate quota will help soak up excess raw sugar and ease downward price pressure that has plagued producers despite previous…

Australia allocated over $2 billion to enhance Australia’s biosecurity system, including enforcement activities. Australia enforces strict biosecurity measures at airports, seaports, and mail centres to prevent and respond to non-compliance, with penalties including fines, prosecution, imprisonment, and visa cancellations to protect agriculture, food supply, trade, and the economy. Individuals and businesses ignoring these requirements face strong consequences, as breaches could harm crops, livestock, ecosystems, and cost the economy billions. Enhanced resourcing and enforcement activities, such as inspections and detector dog operations, have intercepted thousands of high-risk items, leading to significant penalties like heavy fines, imprisonment, and revocation of registrations. While Australia’s biosecurity system is built on partnership and shared responsibility, individuals and…

Agri-technology market hub, from 8–10 September 2026 Taiwan Smart Agriweek, one of the leading smart solutions and technology expos for the agricultural industry in Asia, will be held in TaiNEX 1, Taipei , a strategic gateway to Asia’s agri-technology market hub, from 8–10 September 2026. The event brings together innovators and solutions providers—from agriculture and aquaculture farming, animal health and nutrition, processing, distribution, to waste recycling—connecting them with industry stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and research institutions. Building on recent momentum—with over 770 booths, 21,000 visitors from 69 countries, generating USD 88 million in procurement—Taiwan Smart Agriweek continues to…

Strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture and food security Malaysia will send a delegation to the United States to inspect and benchmark its food safety and agricultural control systems, a move linked to commitments under the Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART). The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) said the planned working visit will involve officials from the ministry, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), and the Department of Agriculture (DOA), following a courtesy call by David Gamble, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy to Malaysia, on KPKM secretary-general Isham Ishak at Wisma Tani last Monday. The…

Biological plant protection products emerging to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, support integrated pest management (IPM), and advance ecological and organic farming. Vietnam’s agriculture is stepping up its transition towards a greener, safer and more sustainable development model, aligned with efforts to ensure food safety and public health, limit adverse impacts on the environment and agro-ecosystems, and enhance the value and competitiveness of agricultural products at home and abroad. Against this backdrop, biological plant protection products have emerged as an important solution to gradually reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, support integrated pest management (IPM), and advance ecological and organic farming.…

Strengthens Saskatchewan’s agri-food innovation ecosystem and expand Canada’s global leadership in biotechnology and fermentation. The Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Co. Ltd. at its LGCY: Innovation Hub in Saskatoon. This strategic partnership underscores GAAP’s commitment to working with industry partners to strengthen Saskatchewan’s agri-food innovation ecosystem and expand Canada’s global leadership in biotechnology and fermentation. Through this MOU, GAAP and 9 Mile Legacy will collaborate to establish fermentation scale-up capacity within the biotechnology sector, with a focus on supporting and incubating fermentation-based innovation projects. The agreement establishes a…

Addresses the pressing production challenges for growers, combining high yield potential, disease resistance, and labor efficiency Bayer announced the launch of Baya Solara, the first commercial strawberry variety from Bayer’s De Ruiter brand. The launch is a vital part of the company’s strategic expansion into the strawberry market and follows Bayer’s acquisition of the strawberry assets from UK-based NIAB in 2023. The introduction of the new variety reinforces Bayer’s commitment to providing innovative solutions to protected culture growers and sets a new standard in soft fruit cultivation. Strawberries are among the fastest-growing fruit crops, with year-round demand exceeding supply. “Our…

Indovinya launches solutions to address challenges of applying biologically based products amid rising demand for sustainable crop protection The use of biopesticides has been steadily gaining ground as an alternative to conventional agrochemicals. However, the adoption of biological inputs still presents technical and application barriers. With this in mind, Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, introduces SURFOM® ETHOS — a product line designed to meet the unique demands of biologically based formulations, focusing on optimized performance, from the lab to the field. The portfolio consists of customizable components such as surfactants, thickeners, antifreeze agents, and polymers. These ingredients enhance…