Author: Hithaishi CB

POC included in vivo insect validation of de novo designed proteins IBI Ag Ltd. , a leader in sustainable agricultural solutions, has announced the successful completion of its proof of concept (POC) for the AI-driven platform for de novo design of novel bioinsecticide proteins. This groundbreaking advancement marks a significant step forward in the quest for innovative, environmentally friendly pest control solutions. The POC included the design of new proteins, successfully validated in insect bioassays, demonstrating their efficacy against key agricultural pests. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology and proprietary biological data and IP, IBI Ag has developed a novel approach to…

Measures includes maintaining the cold chain, managing secure storage facilities, handling inventory management and coordinating distribution to vaccination teams operating across multiple provinces The South African government has initiated a nationwide vaccination campaign to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), as announced by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. This campaign is fully funded by the state, ensuring that farmers do not incur any costs for the vaccines administered. The program is part of a broader effort to protect the national herd and mitigate the economic impact of FMD on the agricultural sector. The vaccination drive is progressing steadily, with hundreds of thousands of…

New measures include an expanded national breeding programme and fresh hatchery support for the aquaculture sector Singapore is committing S$70 million (US$55 million) over the next five years to support local farms in expanding production and enhancing capabilities, as part of efforts to strengthen food security amid increasing global uncertainties. New Phase of Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund Announced  The funding, unveiled by Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad, is an extension of the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund, now rebranded as ACT Fund 2. Since its launch in April 2021, the ACT Fund has assisted…

Improved agricultural practices through the RSPO Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard and innovative tools are empowering Thai oil palm farmers to advance Thailand’s climate change mitigation efforts. Thailand is stepping up its fight against climate change through innovative, farmer-focused initiatives that are transforming its agricultural sector into a driver of low-carbon and climate-resilient development. Increasingly affected by climate change, Thailand faces rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and more frequent floods, storms, and heatwaves that threaten its agriculture-dependent economy as well as millions of livelihoods. Though the country emits around 250–260 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually—approximately 0.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions it remains highly vulnerable, ranking 17th…

Launch of the MDS strategically aligns with SEARCA’s 12th Five-Year Development Plan: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) officially launched its newest knowledge-sharing platform, the Meet the Diplomats Series (MDS) at the inaugural session featuring Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines, as the guest of honor. The event brought together a curated audience of diplomatic officials, government representatives, and specialists from the Los Baños Science Community, academe, and partner institutions to witness the launch of a…

The delegation included 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from four state departments of agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg met in Jakarta, Indonesia, to lead an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access and boost U.S. agricultural exports. The delegation includes 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from four state departments of agriculture. “While Indonesia was our 11th largest market in 2024, the opportunities here in the world’s fourth most populous nation cannot be overstated,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “We are here to showcase the strength and diversity of U.S.…

Montel partners with TMU researchers to advance pollinator-independent indoor berry production in Canada Montel Inc., a leading Canadian manufacturer of high-density mobile systems, has announced a strategic partnership with researchers from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to develop a pollinator-independent indoor berry production system. This initiative is supported by the Weston Family Foundation through the Homegrown Innovation Challenge Scaling Phase, which invests in innovative solutions for reliable, year-round berry production in Canada. As part of the collaboration, Montel will construct and host a dedicated pilot farm called MoFarm at its facility in Montmagny, Québec. This facility will serve as a testing…

To examine the monitoring system and digital mapping platform for palm oil supply chain and cultivation areas. The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Malaysia continues to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global leader in sustainable palm oil production. The implementation of two high-impact digital systems, the Sawit Intelligent Management System (SIMS) and GeoSAWIT™, developed by the agency under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). “This integrated digital approach demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring transparency, traceability, and compliance with international sustainability standards,” said Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Plantation and Commodities at a briefing session on both systems…

Revision of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation, as well as food security and the expansion of agricultural input exports. H.E. Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), held a bilateral meeting in Seoul with H.E. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on the occasion of the State Visit to the Republic of Korea by H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil. During the meeting, the two sides discussed practical measures to expand bilateral cooperation in agriculture. The discussions…

Taoyuan District Agricultural and Extension Station’s Chalky rice grains have cloudy patches in their heart or belly, making them look less translucent than regular grains and tend to taste more floury and less chewy. The Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station said it has developed three new rice cultivars that need less water and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions thanks to their tolerance of pests, diseases and extreme weather. Climate change over the years has led to extreme weather events such as droughts, high temperatures and uneven rainfall patterns, the station said on Tuesday last week. High temperatures…