https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/country/spain spain https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/3744/dunhamtrimmer-highlights-shift-toward-engineered-nutrient-systems-at-nai-2026.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/3744/dunhamtrimmer-highlights-shift-toward-engineered-nutrient-systems-at-nai-2026.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:29:42 +0530 The global specialty fertilizer market is entering a new phase of technological convergence, moving beyond conventional nutrient formulations toward integrated performance systems, according to insights shared by Vatren Jurin, Chief Technology Officer and Partner at DunhamTrimmer. Jurin is set to present “Market Trends for Specialty Fertilizers” at the NewAG International Conference & Exhibition 2026, scheduled for April 28–29 in Madrid. Drawing on a synthesis of global patent activity, academic research trends, and proprietary market intelligence, Jurin’s analysis points to a structural transformation in how innovation is defined within the fertilizer industry. Rather than focusing on nutrient composition alone, companies are increasingly prioritizing delivery mechanisms, nutrient-use efficiency, and integration with advanced materials and biological components.“This is a transition from standalone products to engineered systems designed to deliver specific agronomic outcomes,” Jurin noted. “The value is shifting toward those capable of designing and controlling these complex systems.”Structural Pressures Driving InnovationThe shift is being accelerated by a convergence of systemic challenges affecting global agriculture. Persistent inefficiencies in nutrient uptake, tightening regulatory frameworks—particularly in Europe—rising input costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions are forcing the industry to rethink traditional approaches.These pressures are catalyzing demand for precision-driven solutions that maximize nutrient efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. As a result, innovation pipelines are increasingly concentrated around controlled-release technologies, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, and integrated biological solutions.One of the most notable developments is the growing role of biologicals within fertilizer systems. Rather than being marketed as standalone inputs, biostimulants and microbial products are now being co-developed with fertilizers to enhance nutrient availability and plant response. However, Jurin emphasized that formulation complexity introduces new technical challenges, particularly in ensuring product stability and compatibility across diverse conditions.Convergence of TechnologiesJurin’s research highlights four primary areas of convergence shaping the next generation of specialty fertilizers: advanced delivery systems, inhibitors and stabilizers, materials science, and biological integration.Controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers continue to evolve, supported by innovations in polymer coatings and carrier materials. At the same time, inhibitors targeting nitrogen loss pathways—such as volatilization and leaching—are gaining traction as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.Materials science is also playing a critical role, enabling the development of novel carriers and formulations that improve nutrient uptake efficiency. Meanwhile, biological integration is redefining product design, with companies seeking to combine chemical and biological modes of action within a single platform.“The challenge is no longer just innovation, but integration,” Jurin explained. “Ensuring that these components work together in a stable and predictable way is now central to product development.”Market Outlook: Toward Multi-Functional SystemsLooking ahead, the specialty fertilizer market is expected to continue its transition toward multi-functional, co-engineered systems. These solutions will combine nutrients, biological agents, and advanced materials to deliver targeted agronomic performance, tailored to specific crops, geographies, and environmental conditions.In this evolving landscape, competitive advantage will increasingly depend on data integration and system design capabilities. Companies that can effectively translate scientific insights into scalable commercial solutions are likely to capture a disproportionate share of market value.DunhamTrimmer positions itself as a strategic intelligence provider in this space, leveraging what it terms “International Bio Intelligence” to help stakeholders interpret complex data signals and anticipate market direction.NAI 2026: Focus on Innovation and Market AccessThe NewAG International Annual 2026 will reflect these industry dynamics through a dual-track program covering specialty fertilizers and biological agricultural inputs. The event will showcase advancements in sustainable fertilization, BioAg technologies, and regulatory-driven innovation across Europe.Key themes include next-generation fertilizer formulations, biostimulants and biocontrol strategies, and the integration of circular economy principles such as waste-to-fertilizer solutions. Participants will also gain insights into European market trends and opportunities, particularly in the rapidly expanding BioAgTech segment.With a strong emphasis on scientific research, field validation, and commercial scalability, the conference aims to bridge the gap between innovation and market adoption. Networking opportunities with regional distributors and industry stakeholders are expected to further support market entry and expansion strategies. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:50:16 +0530 Codex and FAO officials detail how updated standards aim to protect consumers without triggering disproportionate trade disruption for export-dependent economies In an exclusive Agrospectrum and NUFFOODS Spectrum interview with global food-standards leaders — Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary; Lingping Zhang, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Gracia Brisco, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; and Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat — CAC48 emerges as a decisive moment for Codex amid rising geopolitical fragmentation. The experts reaffirm Codex’s science-based, consensus-driven mandate, which shaped major reforms including additive reviews, aflatoxin updates, pesticide-residue reference guidelines and new maximum lead levels for spices. They underline how improved Codes of Practice, surveillance support and harmonised quality parameters enable consumer protection while minimising trade disruption for export-reliant economies. Looking ahead, they highlight the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which places digital traceability, climate-risk foresight, and advanced analytical technologies at the core of modernising global food safety governance. Edited excerpts; Codex at a Geopolitical Crossroads The 48th Session saw critical standards adopted across additives, contaminants, and fresh-produce quality. At a time when food systems face geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain shocks, and rising protectionism, how does Codex ensure these standards remain science-led, globally harmonized, and insulated from political pressure? The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is a Member-driven body with its commitment to a science-based approach to standard setting enshrined in its procedures. Its work is guided by its strategic goals, and its core values of collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency. Codex texts are the benchmark for food safety under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and are relevant to the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) where WTO members refer to harmonization with international standards such as the Codex Alimentarius for food-related issues such as labelling. Codex standards play an important role in addressing specific trade concerns or for dispute settlement cases. Wherever you are, whatever you do, safe food is an everyday need. And it is a global commodity. These aspects are integral to every discussion in the Codex Alimentarius Commission. “Together” was also the theme of CAC48, which served to highlight that when it comes to food safety and quality it is only by working together that we can effectively and efficiently ensure food is safe and of good quality.  The GSFA Overhaul: Science, Safety, and Consumer Trust More than 500 food additive provisions were reviewed, leading to revocations and new inclusions. What principles guided the reassessment—particularly for colourants like annatto extracts—and how does FAO ensure regulators and industry transition smoothly to these updated provisions without disrupting product availability or trade flows? All Codex work is conducted following approval by CAC. Thus, the decision for reassessment was taken by Members. In the case of annatto extracts, this decision was based on: The need to align the General standard for food additives with relevant sections of commodity standards. In this case, for example, there was a need to align with the Standard for fermented milks, which does not provide for the addition of annatto extracts in plain milk. Codex texts are developed through consensus by all its Members in a deliberate manner that often spans a timeframe of several years. The national Codex contact points serve as a primary node to disseminate all applicable information to national stakeholders. In addition, FAO provides support when requested by Member Countries to strengthen national Codex structures, thereby enhancing national capabilities in disseminating all relevant Codex texts to national stakeholders. Aflatoxins in Peanuts: New Science, New Responsibilities The revised Code of Practice on aflatoxins integrates updated agronomic science, maturity-stage tables, and roasting effects. How will FAO help producing countries—especially smallholder-dependent economies—translate these best practices into field-level change? Are new surveillance, extension, or capacity-building mechanisms planned? FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly. FAO and Codex furthermore have published numerous guidance documents, codes of practice and related texts that is publicly available, ready to be used by any other organization that would like to use this information in order to support producers of peanuts. Lead Limits in Spices: Balancing Public Health and Trade facilitation With new maximum levels now set for dried bark (cinnamon) and culinary herbs, exporting nations such as —India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia—face compliance pressure. How does Codex balance the dual mandate of protecting consumers health while ensuring fair practices in trade, in this case, preventing trade disruptions for economies reliant on spice exports? The mandate to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade is the statutory purpose of CAC. This means that, when it comes to food safety standards such as maximum levels for contaminants in foods, CAC will not establish more stringent measures than necessary to protect consumers health so that the measures themselves do not become a technical barrier to trade which may then translate in trade disruption that may impact economic growth and ultimately food security.   Although spices and culinary herbs are consumed in small amounts, as opposed to other foods, it remains important to assess the safety of lead levels in these foods due to the impact of lead toxicity on human health that may include neurodevelopmental effects such as decreases in Intelligence Quota (IQ) and attention span in children, impaired renal function, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, impaired fertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes and therefore the ALARA continued to apply when CCCF discusses risk management considerations related to health and trade so that while ensuring the safety of the food, this does not imply high rejections rate of lot consignments, at import control point. CCCF does provide support to Codex Members to enable them to comply with MLs, by developing codes of practice, a compendium of risk management measures and practices to assist in reducing food contamination, in this case CAC40 adopted in 2017 the Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxins in spices (CXC 78-2017). FAO does have a role to play in assisting countries with the implementation of the CoP, helping them to identify specific risk management measures that may not be included in the CoP, as they are usually overarching texts, that can complement the measures applicable worldwide that are described in these CoPs. The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted MLs for lead in spices and culinary herbs, specifically, dried bark (cinnamon) and dried culinary herbs. The MLs are 2.5 mg/kg for lead in spices, dried bark and 2.0 mg/kg for lead in culinary herbs, dried and will now be added to the General Standard for contaminants and toxins in food and feed (CXS 193-1995).  Pesticide Reference Materials: A Quiet but Critical Reform The guidelines allowing extended use of pesticide reference materials beyond labelled expiry dates could significantly reduce laboratory costs and waste. What drove this reform? And how does FAO envision it strengthening residue monitoring systems in low- and middle-income countries where testing infrastructure remains limited? Pesticide residues in food are a subject of particular concern for consumers and in the food trade. To ensure the safety of food, the regulation of pesticide use, and relevant residues, must be enforced and guaranteed. Part of the process of testing for pesticide residues relies on laboratories being able to access what are known as reference materials, or RMs. But these are costly and sold with 2-to-5-year short-term expiry dates, though there is no requirement to find maximum shelf life. This can force laboratories to buy new RMs more frequently than potentially necessary. This leads to additional work and additional costs, and that can hinder how much testing can be done.  The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted guidelines that provide a scientifically sound framework to monitor the purity and stability of reference materials under defined conditions, which, if implemented correctly, may allow continued use of RMs beyond their expiry date - where purity remains within acceptable limits. This reduces recurring costs, minimizes waste, and ensures confidence in the reliability of pesticide residue analysis.  The work on the development of guidelines for monitoring the purity and stability of reference materials of pesticides during prolonged storage commenced at CCPR51 in 2019, when some delegations expressed concerns regarding the limitation of the use of reference materials beyond the expiry date, leading to significant recurring costs for laboratories. As chair of the electronic working group (EWG), India led the work to develop these guidelines. FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly.  Read more about this work in the 2025 edition of the CODEX magazine   Standard for Fresh Dates: Trade Enablement for Climate-Stressed Regions The new standard comes after a decade of negotiations and is deeply important for date-producing regions across the Middle East and North Africa. How will harmonized quality parameters—size, colour, uniformity, defects—reshape global trade? Can such standards help climate-stressed producers secure better prices in high-value retail markets ? By adopting the new Standard for fresh dates, Codex Members now have an international reference that provides the baseline for international trade of this commodity upon which trading partners can agree on additional quality provisions based on their consumers’ preferences. For producing countries, this opens up trade possibilities across the globe, which, in many cases, will support the livelihoods of small producers, bolster economies and provide a safe, good quality product for consumers worldwide. Castilla Lulo (Naranjilla): Regional Standards as a Strategic Tool This new regional standard reflects the fruit’s cultural importance and emerging trade value in Latin America. What criteria does Codex use to decide when a product merits a regional rather than global standard? And do regional standards serve as testbeds for potential future global adoption? When considering new work proposed by FAO/WHO regional coordinating committees, CAC considers, amongst other things, whether the new work is justified on the grounds that the product in question is significantly traded intraregionally and that there is no significant trade between or within other regions When a commodity for which there is a regional standard, sees increased trade at a global level, the coordinating committee concerned, or a Member, can propose extension of the territorial application of the standard. This involves new work, which has to be approved by CAC. CAC48 approved, for example, new work on converting the Regional standard for laver products (Asia) to a worldwide standard, work that will be carried out by the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP). The Next Frontier: Modernizing Codex for a New Era of Food Risks From AI-driven food systems to precision fermentation, novel ingredients, and climate-linked contaminants, food safety risks are evolving faster than many national regulatory systems. What are FAO’s top priorities for modernizing Codex over the next decade? How will future standards incorporate digital traceability, climate risk modelling, and new analytical technologies? FAO is a parent organization of Codex, together with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, work prioritization in Codex is the remit of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. CAC47 adopted the Codex strategic plan 2026–2031 and CAC48 its monitoring framework. The purpose of the Codex strategic plan and its renewal and renegotiation every five years is to ensure that Codex work is aimed at achieving the most appropriate objectives. FAO has a very long-standing tradition to inform the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its subsidiary bodies with all relevant information to facilitate forward looking workplanning. FAO continues to offer its support to all its members and the members of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to assist in national capacity building activities to strengthen food control systems, food safety governance and all related aspects. The new strategic plan has as its first Strategic Goal to: Respond to Members’ needs for protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade in an evolving global landscape, by developing science-based standards and related texts 1.1 Foresight and horizon-scanning activities are used to support the identification of issues likely to impact food safety, quality and trade. 1.2 Scientific advice that addresses the needs identified by CAC and its subsidiary bodies is primarily provided by FAO and WHO and their joint scientific advisory bodies, informed by globally representative data and appropriate international expertise and methodology. 1.3 Scientific advice is used by CAC and subsidiary bodies in line with Codex risk analysis principles. 1.4 Codex standards and related texts are developed, reviewed and adopted in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner. Thus, with reference to FAO’s foresight programme ( https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/foresight/en/ ), Codex will aim to keep ahead of emerging trends Codex work is already addressing some of the key emerging issues and adapting based on Members’ priorities: Digital traceability is already a key topic of discussion in the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), and work is ongoing to develop texts for the digitalization of national food control systems. CAC47 adopted the Codex Committee on Food Labelling’s (CCFL’s) Guidelines on the provision of food information for pre-packaged foods to be offered via e-commerce New food sources and production systems have been discussed extensively in Codex in recent years. In this context several areas of new work are under discussion which will help define how codex addresses this emerging area moving forward. Changing climate is also impacting food safety and this is also impacting the standard setting work of Codex. For example, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF) elaborated and CAC47 adopted the Code of practice for the prevention or reduction of ciguatera poisoning, in response to the evolving nature of this issue, which is related to climate factors. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene developed and CAC46 adopted Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing in response to Members concerns about the need to ensure that in the context of water resource challenges, the safety of food was not negatively impacted. There is a continued emphasis, particularly within CCCF, on the issue of mycotoxins, the threat of which is evolving and possibly expanding as climate factors change. —---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/3196/new-biomethane-plants-to-be-constructed-in-spain-by-anaergia-s-r-l-technical-support.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/3196/new-biomethane-plants-to-be-constructed-in-spain-by-anaergia-s-r-l-technical-support.html Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:58:23 +0530 By leveraging infrastructure and equipment, Anaergia anticipates revenue of C$184 million Anaergia Inc., through its subsidiary Anaergia S.r.l., has signed a Binding Agreement with a leading Spanish company specializing in renewable gas infrastructure projects. Under the terms of the Agreement, Anaergia will provide a range of services as well as its cutting-edge technology and equipment for over 15 new biomethane production plants across Spain. Anaergia will be responsible for the supply and construction of concrete tanks with Triton™ digesters, a proprietary technology featuring a patented configuration that significantly enhances process efficiency. In addition, the company will supply advanced mixing systems, also part of its proprietary technology, along with other critical components to facilitate the seamless operations of the plants. Anaergia is to commence activities on the first project this month, with all the projects in the development plan expected to be fully operational and integrated into Spain’s gas pipeline network within forty-eight months. Anaergia anticipates total revenue of C$184 million from this Agreement, making it the Company’s largest capital sale to date. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing Spain’s renewable energy sector, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. The scale of this historic Agreement for Anaergia highlights the advantages of our strategic focus on leveraging proprietary technologies for the benefit of our customers, and underscores our growing presence and activities in Europe. This opportunity to demonstrate the value of our innovative solutions and to support the global transition to renewable energy.” said Assaf Onn, CEO of Anaergia. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/2864/spain-and-china-sign-cherry-export-protocols-to-boost-trade-with-asia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/2864/spain-and-china-sign-cherry-export-protocols-to-boost-trade-with-asia.html Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:56:49 +0530 In 2024, agricultural products worth 1.864 billion euros were exported to the Asian country. Spain Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, and the Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, Sun Meijun, have signed new protocols for the export of cherries to the Asian country, China. The agreement, signed by the Spanish and Chinese governments, increase the export capacity of cherry in Spanish sectors. Since 2018, both countries have signed 10 protocols—both signed today—on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for the export of agricultural and food products from Spain to China, which also include olive paste, pet food, feed oats, almonds, and persimmons. The new agreement for cherry exports opens up this product to the Asian country. The processing, packaging, storage, and transportation of cherries destined for export will be carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. It will also be responsible for ensuring that only cherries from registered orchards can enter the packaging warehouse for selection and processing. This protocol will be valid for three years from today, the date of signing. In total, Spanish sales to the Asian country account for 2.5% of agri-food exports. China is undoubtedly a strategic market for numerous Spanish companies and represents significant potential for this country's exports. In fact, it is Spain's ninth largest market in value and the third largest outside the EU after the United Kingdom and the United States. In 2024, agricultural products worth €1.864 billion were exported to the Asian country. This data shows a positive balance of €253 million in the agricultural trade balance with China. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/2269/syngenta-to-invest-9-6-m-euros-to-build-new-innovation-center-in-el-ejido-spain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/2269/syngenta-to-invest-9-6-m-euros-to-build-new-innovation-center-in-el-ejido-spain.html Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:07:35 +0530 With the expansion of vegetable seed research and development centres in El Ejido (Almería) and Murcia (La Puebla), the new technological facilities to be build in Almería Syngenta has announced today a new investment of 9.6 million euros to expand and equip its R&D facilities in El Ejido with the latest technology. The announcement was made at a meeting held with the Department of Urban Development and the Mayor of the town hall of El Ejido and the managers of the Syngenta centre in the town. In the words of José Manuel Zapata, director of Syngenta's research centres in Almería and Murcia: " This new investment will revitalise the rural environment in the province of Almería and strengthen the already recognised international leadership of this province in the development of cutting-edge technologies in plant improvement and protection ".  Last year, the company announced an investment of 2.4 million euros in the expansion of its R&D centres in Almería and Murcia. Now, with this new commitment by Syngenta to Spain, the company is reaffirming its strategy of accelerating innovation in new technologies aimed at boosting the productivity and sustainable profitability of farmers. This large investment is intended to provide the centre with new facilities that will expand the existing lines of research. To this end, a new Plant Innovation Centre will be built. In this new facility, research activities will be carried out on different crops, both in greenhouses and outdoors. The aim is to make this R&D centre a global reference in leafy vegetable crops, tomato, pepper, cucumber, courgette and melon. The announcement took place at the headquarters of the El Ejido City Council, where company representatives shared all the details of the investment with the mayor, Francisco Góngora, who said that " it is wonderful news that an internationally renowned company has decided to build this innovation centre in Spain and to do so specifically in El Ejido ." Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies dedicated to the development and improvement of plant varieties for more than 150 years. Today it is the most global organization in the sector, with research teams operating in more than 60 countries that bring its innovation to the rest of the world.     ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/934/evonik-boosts-probiotic-production-to-enhance-animal-nutrition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/126/934/evonik-boosts-probiotic-production-to-enhance-animal-nutrition.html Mon, 15 May 2023 09:39:50 +0530 Aiming stabilization of farm animals’ gut health, company has doubled the capacity for producing the leading probiotic portfolios such as Ecobiol®, Fecinor® and GutCare®. Evonik, the global leader in specialty chemicals, with a dedicated portfolio of animal health nutrition, has modernized and expanded probiotics production at its site in León, Spain. This lays the foundations for further growth in the Gut Health Solutions business for the company. Company has doubled the capacity for producing the leading probiotic portfolios such as Ecobiol®, Fecinor® and GutCare®. The León site can now produce 6,000 metric tons of blended final probiotic product per year. The new facilities and improved processes not only increase production capacity, but also improve sustainability. In 2022, Evonik has invested in state-of-the-art fermentation capacities, a new cooling circuit system and a new warehouse at the site, which became operational recently. Evonik Animal Nutrition has developed an innovative portfolio of Gut Health Solutions based on probiotics for swine, poultry and aquaculture. Its probiotics line – from the fermentation of active microorganisms to the finished feed additive and pre-blends – have been manufactured in León since 2016. The site has been developed and optimized continuously. With a stronger focus on probiotic-based alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line aims to provide solutions that ensure the well-being and performance of the animal while protecting human health and supplying a growing world population with high-quality animal protein. Probiotics are living microorganisms added to animal feed to maintain or restore the microbial balance in the animals' intestines. “As long as there are enough 'good' bacteria to keep potential pathogens at bay, an animal remains healthy,” explains Torben Madsen, head of Sustainable Healthy Nutrition at Evonik Animal Nutrition. “A stable gut microbiota also strengthens the animal's immune system, helping to prevent disease.” Since January 2023, the site has been exclusively using renewable energy sources for electricity and has significantly reduced energy, fresh water, and raw material usage per product. ]]>