https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/livestock/poultry poultry https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4691/thailands-broiler-industry-faces-feed-cost-squeeze-as-exporters-look-to-2027-recovery.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4691/thailands-broiler-industry-faces-feed-cost-squeeze-as-exporters-look-to-2027-recovery.html Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:20:00 +0530 Thailand’s broiler industry is entering 2026 under pressure from higher feed and operating costs, weaker export demand and geopolitical disruptions, but the sector is positioning for a modest recovery in 2027 as tourism improves and exporters pursue new openings in Europe and halal markets. The immediate challenge is a sharp deterioration in the cost equation. Broiler production is projected to fall by about 2 per cent in 2026 from the previous year, reversing the expansion seen in 2025 when Brazil’s highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak redirected international demand towards Thai poultry. Lower feed costs during that period also encouraged producers to increase output. As restrictions on Brazilian poultry shipments were subsequently lifted by importing countries, Thailand faced renewed competition in its traditional export markets. The production base remains concentrated in Central Thailand, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of national broiler output. Lopburi, Chonburi and Kanchanaburi are among the leading production centres, supported by access to feed ingredients, transport infrastructure and integrated poultry operations. Lopburi alone accounts for about 18 per cent of national production, according to the USDA-FAS assessment. For producers, feed remains the central pressure point. Feed accounts for roughly 60–70 per cent of broiler production costs, while about 60 per cent of feed inputs are imported. That exposure leaves the sector vulnerable to international commodity prices, currency movements and supply disruptions. Feed corn prices climbed to around $ 0.36 per kg between March and June 2026, an increase of about 8 per cent from the previous year. El Niño conditions added another layer of pressure by affecting bird appetite and extending production cycles. The squeeze has extended beyond feed. Industry contacts cited in the USDA-FAS report have reported a 30 per cent increase in packaging costs as fuel prices rose. At the farmgate, broiler prices declined 13 per cent in the first half of 2026 from the corresponding period a year earlier, reflecting stronger price competition following Brazil’s return to global markets. The cost structure is also feeding into a wider debate over Thailand’s trade policy. Kasikorn Research estimates that allowing corn imports from suppliers outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations could reduce feed costs by as much as 8 per cent. Such a shift could improve the competitiveness of Thai poultry producers while potentially easing pressure on domestic food prices, although it would represent a change in the country’s existing agricultural trade framework. Domestic demand has provided some cushion, but it has not been immune to the broader economic slowdown. Poultry consumption fell 0.6 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2026 amid weaker GDP growth, higher living costs and softer tourism. Volatile oil prices and higher airfares also affected travel activity, indirectly weighing on food consumption linked to tourism. Government support has helped prevent a sharper demand contraction. The Thais Help Thais Plus: 60/40 programme, launched between June and September 2026, provides co-payment support for eligible purchases, with the government covering 60 per cent of qualifying spending. The programme has channelled additional purchasing power towards smaller vendors, although concerns have emerged over possible price increases and misuse. The early registration response was substantial, with 26 million people enrolled and around $ 433 million spent during the first week. The programme could provide some support to poultry consumption through the second half of 2026. The USDA-FAS expects domestic chicken consumption to increase by about 2 per cent in 2027, assuming fuel prices stabilise and tourism recovers. Exports remain the more complicated part of the recovery equation. Thai chicken shipments fell 3.4 per cent in the first half of 2026, while full-year exports are projected to decline about 2 per cent from 2025. Higher freight and insurance costs have added to the pressure, with tensions in the Middle East forcing vessels serving European and UK routes to take longer journeys around the Cape of Good Hope. The disruption has been particularly visible in the Middle East, where Thai poultry exports fell by more than half to just over 6,000 tonnes during the first six months of 2026. China has presented another obstacle. Import restrictions resulted in shipments being suspended from 17 of Thailand’s 22 approved processing plants, contributing to a 41 per cent decline in exports to China and Hong Kong during the first half of the year. With established markets becoming more difficult, Thai exporters are looking for diversification. The European market could offer an opening following the EU’s decision in May 2026 to remove Brazil from its list of approved chicken exporters over concerns related to antimicrobial-use compliance. If Brazil does not regain access after the review process, Thai suppliers could seek to capture additional European demand. Halal poultry is another strategic avenue. Thailand has been seeking to expand its halal food exports, creating a potential route into Middle Eastern markets once shipping conditions become more favourable. The opportunity, however, will depend on logistics, certification, pricing and the broader geopolitical environment rather than market access alone. Trade protection remains another structural feature of the sector. Thailand maintains high tariffs and restrictive import permit arrangements for poultry, with US chicken meat subject to tariffs of around 30–40 per cent and import permit fees of approximately $ 200 per tonne. These measures protect domestic producers but also limit the competitive pressure and sourcing flexibility available to the market. The supply outlook points to a gradual rebalancing. Ending chicken stocks are expected to increase from around 133,000 tonnes in 2025 to 148,000 tonnes in 2026 as weaker export demand leaves more product in the domestic market. In 2027, stocks are projected to fall to about 138,000 tonnes as processors draw down inventories against improving consumption and export demand. The USDA-FAS expects Thailand’s chicken production and exports to each increase by about 1 per cent in 2027. That outlook does not represent a return to the exceptional conditions that supported the sector’s expansion in 2025, but rather a more measured recovery built on improving tourism, potential gains in the European market and greater diversification into halal destinations.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4670/japan-pork-costs-rise-to-record-as-egg-prices-stay-elevated.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4670/japan-pork-costs-rise-to-record-as-egg-prices-stay-elevated.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:10:27 +0530 Japan’s retail pork and egg prices have reached record or near-record levels in September, adding to pressure on consumers as higher import costs, global pork demand and lingering effects of last year’s avian influenza outbreak reshape the country’s food market. The average retail price of pork loin rose to 293 yen per 100 grams in September, the highest level recorded since Japan’s agriculture ministry began its survey in August 2003. The latest data underline the sustained strength of the domestic pork market as consumers increasingly turn to locally produced meat. The average price of a 10-egg pack reached 309 yen during the latest reporting month, matching the record high previously recorded in March, May and June. Egg prices remain elevated as the Japanese market continues to absorb the effects of last year’s avian influenza outbreak, while seasonal egg-based products launched by fast-food chains have added to demand. Pork prices are also being shaped by developments beyond Japan’s domestic supply chain. Rising prices for imported pork, partly reflecting the yen’s depreciation, have made domestic pork relatively more attractive to consumers. At the same time, stronger pork demand in global markets is adding to the pressure on international supplies and prices. The latest figures come from the agriculture ministry’s monthly retail price survey, which covers 470 stores across Japan, with 10 stores surveyed in each of the country’s 47 prefectures. The September survey was conducted from September 7 to 9. The simultaneous strength in pork and egg prices highlights the different forces influencing Japan’s animal-protein markets. Pork is facing a combination of currency-driven import costs and stronger demand for domestic product, while eggs continue to reflect supply disruptions from avian influenza alongside seasonal consumption patterns.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4561/alveo-and-agrinerds-build-data-driven-early-warning-system-for-avian-influenza.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4561/alveo-and-agrinerds-build-data-driven-early-warning-system-for-avian-influenza.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:11:01 +0530  AlveoTechnologies, Inc., a global leader in rapid, point-of-need molecular diagnostics for early disease detection, today announced a strategic partnership with AgriNerds Inc, which has developed the Waterfowl Alert Network, a first-of-its-kind dynamic surveillance and awareness program that predicts historic and daily waterfowl activity around the nation's poultry and livestock farms. The partnership will pair Alveo's unique, rapid, molecular diagnostic with AgriNerds' Waterfowl Alert Network, a proprietary system that uses a combination of satellite imagery, weather radar, and telemetry to create daily farm-level HPAI risk scores based on remote sensing and HPAI surveillance data. To defend against HPAI and otherpathogens, poultry producers have heavily invested in strengthening their biosecurity programs, but farms continue to suffer from HPAI outbreaks triggered by migratory birds, which is the source of infection for 68 per cent of US H5N1 outbreaks since 2022, according to the APHIS. Currently, producers typically take one of two strategies for testing. Most test only when animals display flu-like symptoms, but this approach risks detecting the virus too late to prevent it from spreading. Some conduct periodic blind surveillance testing, which has the advantage of enabling early detection, but can be expensive. Alveo and AgriNerds are partnering to develop a new rapid and targeted approach: dynamic surveillance that alerts farmers when the risk of infection is high. AgriNerds' Waterfowl Alert Network will use radar imagery to detect migratory bird movements, analyze the data using AI-powered pattern recognition software, and generate daily risk scores it shares with customers. When risk escalates, Alveo's on-farm molecular test will help farms to conduct asymptomatic surveillance testing that provides precise results in under an hour, as opposed to waiting days for traditional PCR results to arrive from a lab. This targeted, risk-based testing approach is designed to lower costs and increase effectiveness, so farmers can detect thevirus early and reduce its spread. “To stop the spread of HPAI, producers need tools that will enable them to monitor risk and, when it’s elevated, employ rapid, accurate tests so they can take quick action and prevent further infection," said Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo Technologies “This dynamic solution will aggregate and simplify rich data from AgriNerds’ and deliver sophisticated risk assessments to users phones in a simple red, yellow and green format. They can then run surveillance tests based on informed risk and rapidly respond if bird flu is detected.” The two organizations will use this feedback loop to strengthen the accuracy of risk assessments over time. As positive and negative test data accumulate across regions and seasons, both the risk alerts and testing guidance will become increasingly precise and valuable, securing the nation’s food supply as well as producers’ businesses. "Biosecurity extends far beyond the facility's fence line," said Maurice Pitesky, professor at UC Davis and CEO and co-founder of AgriNerds. "Our Waterfowl Alert Network gives farmers visibility into the dynamic risk landscape around their operations. When paired with Alveo's testing capability and rapid results, farmers can respond to real risks in real time. In this way, agriculture can move past reactive disease management to adopt a proactive, risk-informed approach." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/7/4495/geopolitics-reshapes-poultry-economics-as-feed-energy-and-health-costs-rise.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/7/4495/geopolitics-reshapes-poultry-economics-as-feed-energy-and-health-costs-rise.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:47:17 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Eric Cheah, Head of Poultry, ASEAN, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Boehringer Ingelheim, examines how geopolitical disruptions, particularly those affecting major energy and maritime corridors, are reshaping the risk landscape for Asia-Pacific poultry. He explains why feed remains the dominant cost pressure, while rising energy, logistics and veterinary input costs add further strain to producers across ASEAN, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Cheah argues that although countries with stronger domestic feed capacity may have greater short-term resilience, no poultry market is completely insulated from global supply-chain pressures. He stresses that vaccination, biosecurity and effective flock-health management must remain priorities, as cutting disease-prevention investment can ultimately increase mortality, reduce productivity and undermine affordability. The interview highlights the growing convergence of feed security, energy security and biosecurity, with production efficiency becoming increasingly critical for maintaining resilient poultry systems. Cheah also positions poultry as a strategic food-security asset in the region, calling for stronger regional cooperation, supply-chain resilience and alignment among stakeholders to safeguard affordable protein supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is traditionally viewed as an energy chokepoint, but with rising spillovers into feed grains, veterinary inputs, and logistics, is the global poultry industry now effectively being reshaped by energy geopolitics rather than agricultural fundamentals? All industries are being affected by the geopolitics situation, and global poultry industry is of no exclusion. Rising logistics and energy costs impact all aspects of poultry production with feed accounting for the largest share of production costs. Veterinary related cost for farm operations are comparatively a much smaller component. That said, agricultural fundamentals still matter. Factors such as crop harvests, feed ingredient availability, and global supply and demand continue to play a major role in determining feed prices. While geopolitics can create short-term disruptions, the industry's long-term direction remains closely tied to these fundamentals. Across ASEAN, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, poultry systems vary in scale and integration—but are they all now exposed to a single shared vulnerability: imported feed inflation driven by energy-linked commodity pricing? Feed costs are certainly one of the major areas affected by energy-linked commodity prices, and they can account for up to 60 per cent of total poultry production costs. However, the degree of exposure varies from country to country, depending on the extent to which individual markets rely on imported feed ingredients. In the near term, countries with stronger domestic feed production capabilities may be relatively less affected by international disruptions. However, they are not completely insulated. Over time, higher fertilizer prices and increases in the cost of other agricultural inputs can also raise the cost of producing feed domestically. Therefore, even markets with stronger domestic feed capacity can eventually feel the effects of broader global cost pressures. To what extent is poultry health management—vaccines, diagnostics, and biologics—becoming a second inflation channel in addition to feed, as pharmaceutical supply chains tighten under global freight and energy stress? Poultry health management costs can increase as a result of higher transportation expenses, cold-chain requirements and the overall cost of delivering veterinary services. However, compared with feed, animal health generally represents a smaller proportion of total poultry production costs. At the same time, poultry health management should not be overlooked simply because it represents a smaller cost component. Reducing investment in disease prevention and control can ultimately have much more serious consequences for producers. Disease outbreaks can result in higher mortality, poorer flock performance and increased production costs. Maintaining strong vaccination, biosecurity and disease-management programmes therefore remains essential for sustainable poultry production. In an environment where producers are already facing cost pressures, maintaining flock health is critical to ensuring that production efficiency is not compromised. Is the poultry trade across Asia-Pacific still best understood as a set of regional markets, or has it effectively become a synchronized system where shocks in energy corridors instantly transmit into protein pricing across continents? The poultry trade continues to differ significantly from one country to another. Some countries are net exporters of poultry products, while others are net importers. Although disruptions in major energy corridors can affect producers across global markets, the nature and magnitude of the impact are not necessarily the same in every country. For example, poultry producers operating advanced climate-controlled housing systems may face higher operating costs when energy prices increase. However, electricity tariffs, production systems and market structures vary significantly between countries. As a result, an increase in energy costs does not automatically translate into a corresponding increase in poultry or protein prices for consumers in every market. The ability of individual markets and producers to absorb or manage these cost increases depends on their specific production structures, operating environments and overall efficiency. In highly import-dependent markets like South Korea and parts of ASEAN, is poultry affordability increasingly determined not by domestic production efficiency but by external geopolitical risk embedded in feed and input pricing? Countries that are more dependent on imported feed ingredients are naturally more exposed to fluctuations in feed costs arising from external developments. However, this makes domestic production efficiency even more important, rather than less important. Good farm management, strong biosecurity and effective vaccination programmes can help improve feed conversion and overall flock performance. When birds remain healthy and productive, producers are able to make better and more efficient use of available feed resources. Therefore, even when external geopolitical factors create pressure on feed and other input costs, maintaining strong production efficiency can help producers manage those pressures and support both production and affordability. Australia and New Zealand are often considered more resilient due to domestic feed capacity—does the current global shock validate that assumption, or are even these systems now structurally exposed through imported veterinary inputs and energy-linked logistics? Australia and New Zealand may be relatively better positioned in the short term because of their domestic feed production capacity. However, this does not mean that they are completely insulated from global developments. There is still exposure to increases in veterinary input costs, logistics expenses and broader supply-chain pressures. Even where feed can be produced domestically, other components of the production system remain connected to global markets. Furthermore, while feed remains the largest cost component in poultry production, increases in fertilizer prices and the cost of other agricultural inputs could eventually have a flow-on effect on the cost of domestic feed production. Therefore, domestic feed capacity provides a degree of resilience, but it does not eliminate exposure to wider global supply-chain and cost pressures. As feed and poultry health costs rise simultaneously, are producers globally being forced into a structural consolidation cycle that favors vertically integrated agribusiness players over independent growers? With rising costs, the situation favours poultry production systems that are able to manage output efficiency most effectively. Integrators are likely to have an advantage when it comes to managing feed-related costs because of their scale and ability to coordinate different parts of the production system. However, independent growers can also have an advantage in terms of agility. They may be able to adapt more quickly to changes in market conditions and modify their production strategies accordingly. Ultimately, success is not determined solely by whether a producer is vertically integrated or independent. It depends on how effectively producers manage flock health, production efficiency and overall operating costs in a changing environment. How significant is the role of maritime insurance premiums and freight volatility—rather than actual feed shortages—in reshaping poultry trade flows between exporting hubs like Australia/New Zealand and importing ASEAN economies? Maritime insurance premiums and freight-market dynamics are outside my area of expertise, so I would defer to logistics and trade specialists on their specific significance and impact on regional poultry trade flows. From a poultry producer's perspective, however, reliable access to feed ingredients, animal health tools and stable supply chains remains a key consideration. Any factor that affects the movement and availability of these inputs can influence production planning and market dynamics. For producers, therefore, the broader issue is ensuring that critical inputs remain reliably accessible and that supply chains are sufficiently stable to support continuous production. Is the Asia-Pacific poultry ecosystem entering a phase where biosecurity, feed security, and energy security are converging into a single integrated risk framework rather than separate policy domains? Biosecurity, feed security and energy security are interconnected elements of poultry production. A disruption in feed or energy security can put production and biosecurity at risk, particularly when it affects the ability of producers to maintain effective disease-control and prevention measures. Likewise, disease challenges can reduce production efficiency and increase costs. Poor flock health can affect productivity and feed utilisation, creating additional pressure at a time when producers may already be dealing with higher input costs. For this reason, these risks should not be viewed in isolation. Maintaining resilience across feed supply, energy availability and disease prevention is important for the overall sustainability and efficiency of poultry production. At what point does poultry shift from being treated as a commodity market into a strategic food security asset across ASEAN, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—requiring coordinated regional buffers for feed, veterinary inputs, and trade stability? Poultry meat and eggs remain among the most affordable and accessible sources of protein across many countries in the region. For that reason alone, poultry plays an important role in food security and is already much more than just another commodity. We are also seeing greater attention being given to strengthening domestic production capabilities and reducing vulnerabilities within food and agricultural supply chains. This is particularly important during periods of uncertainty, when disruptions can affect the availability and cost of critical inputs. Regional cooperation, transparency and greater alignment among stakeholders can help support a stable supply of feed ingredients, animal health resources and poultry products for consumers. Strengthening these areas will be important in ensuring that poultry continues to provide an affordable and reliable source of protein across the region. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4453/australias-inghams-invests-50mn-in-ai-enabled-poultry-breeding-farms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4453/australias-inghams-invests-50mn-in-ai-enabled-poultry-breeding-farms.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:31:41 +0530 Inghams Group Limited announced a significant expansion in its Victorian poultry breeding operations. In partnership with ProTen, Australia’s largest corporate meat chicken grower, Inghams is investing in two new, state-of-the-art poultry breeder production farms in Charlton, Victoria. The collaboration capitalises on ProTen’s proven expertise in poultry farm development and operations, ensuring the delivery of world-class production facilities. The project represents an investment of approximately $50 million and will see the construction of 16 highly automated production sheds across the two farms, with construction commencing in August 2026 and operations expected to begin in the first half of 2029. The new facilities will be managed by Inghams following completion. Once completed, the breeder farms will incorporate the latest technology in egg grading and sorting, utilising artificial intelligence-based systems to assess each egg produced. The scale of the investment and advanced automation will enhance Inghams’ operational efficiency and contribute to reduced transport costs. This project represents a major commitment to regional Victoria and is expected to create employment opportunities within the local Charlton community during both the construction and operational phases. Inghams’ General Manager, Farming & Milling, Sheridan Alfirevich said: “This development represents an important investment in our Victorian farming operations and the Charlton community. Building on our long-standing presence in the region, these new state-of-the-art breeder farms will meaningfully expand our national breeding capacity and deliver world-class animal welfare and biosecurity outcomes. We are excited about the project and look forward to continuing to grow alongside the Charlton community for many years to come.” ProTen Chief Executive Officer, James Wentworth said: “We are pleased to partner with Inghams in creating this state-of-the-art facility that will help feed Victoria into the future. We are also very grateful for the support Buloke Council has provided for the project.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4357/guangzhou-guangxing-poultry-equipment-expands-global-footprint-with-intelligent-livestock-farming-solutions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4357/guangzhou-guangxing-poultry-equipment-expands-global-footprint-with-intelligent-livestock-farming-solutions.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:22:08 +0530 Guangzhou Guangxing Poultry Equipment Group Co., Ltd. is strengthening its position in the global livestock equipment industry by expanding its portfolio of intelligent farming technologies and automated production systems designed to improve productivity, enhance animal welfare and support the modernization of commercial livestock operations. Backed by decades of manufacturing expertise and continued investment in research and development, the company is positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of the global poultry and swine sectors. The company is capitalising on a growing global shift towards automated livestock production as producers increasingly seek solutions that improve operational efficiency, reduce labour dependence, strengthen food safety and promote sustainable farming practices. Rising demand for high-quality animal protein, coupled with increasing pressure to optimise production performance, continues to accelerate investment in intelligent agricultural equipment across international markets. Guangzhou Guangxing has developed an integrated portfolio of livestock equipment that spans poultry, swine and egg processing operations. Its pig farming solutions include automated feeding systems, durable housing infrastructure, ventilation technologies, waste management systems and intelligent environmental control equipment designed to improve herd health, operational efficiency and resource utilisation while reducing labour intensity on commercial farms. The company has also expanded its value-added processing capabilities through advanced egg grading technology that enables commercial producers to automatically classify eggs according to weight and quality standards. The automated grading systems improve processing efficiency, minimise product damage, reduce manual handling and help processors deliver more consistent product quality to downstream markets. Research and development remain central to the company's long-term growth strategy. Dedicated engineering teams continuously evaluate emerging agricultural technologies, customer requirements and market trends to develop equipment that combines engineering precision with practical farming applications. Continuous product optimisation enables Guangzhou Guangxing to respond to changing industry requirements while improving equipment reliability and ease of operation. Quality assurance is embedded throughout the manufacturing process, with stringent controls covering raw material selection, precision machining, welding, assembly, surface treatment and final inspection. The company's manufacturing facilities incorporate advanced fabrication technologies, automated production equipment and standardised manufacturing processes to ensure consistent product quality and long-term operational reliability under demanding farming conditions. Sustainability has become an increasingly important component of the company's product development strategy. Guangzhou Guangxing integrates energy-efficient ventilation systems, optimised feeding technologies, waste management solutions and environmentally responsible engineering principles into its equipment portfolio, enabling livestock producers to reduce resource consumption while supporting more sustainable farming operations. The company also places strong emphasis on animal welfare by designing equipment that promotes stable environmental conditions, effective ventilation, hygienic housing and efficient feeding systems that contribute to healthier livestock and improved production performance. Recognising the diverse requirements of modern livestock enterprises, the company provides OEM and ODM manufacturing services that allow customers to customise equipment according to production scale, farm layout, climatic conditions and local regulatory requirements. At the same time, Guangzhou Guangxing continues to integrate digital technologies, including smart monitoring systems, automated feeding controls, environmental sensors and data-driven farm management tools, helping producers transition towards more intelligent and connected farming operations. The company's growing international presence reflects increasing demand for reliable agricultural equipment across global markets. Its products are deployed across commercial poultry farms, pig farms, egg processing facilities and integrated livestock operations, supported by comprehensive technical consulting, installation guidance, operator training and after-sales services. Guangzhou Guangxing has also strengthened procurement, production planning, inventory management and logistics coordination to improve supply chain resilience and ensure dependable product delivery for international customers. As livestock production becomes increasingly automated and data-driven, Guangzhou Guangxing expects continued demand for intelligent farming equipment that enhances productivity while supporting sustainable agricultural development. The company plans to expand investments in advanced manufacturing technologies, smart livestock systems, product innovation and global market development as it strengthens its role in the evolving agricultural equipment industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4240/eco-animal-health-launches-ecovaxxin-ms-across-european-union.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4240/eco-animal-health-launches-ecovaxxin-ms-across-european-union.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:06:14 +0530 ECO Animal Health Group plc has commercially launched ECOVAXXIN MS, its vaccine against Mycoplasma synoviae (M. synoviae), across the European Union, marking a significant milestone in the company's transition from research and development to commercial vaccine innovation. The launch was officially unveiled at a dedicated event in Madrid, Spain. The introduction of ECOVAXXIN MS represents the first product to emerge from ECO Animal Health's proprietary research and development pipeline, strengthening the company's presence in the global poultry vaccine market and expanding its portfolio beyond anti-infective therapeutics. The vaccine has been developed to provide active immunisation for future layer and breeder chickens from four weeks of age, helping protect flocks against diseases associated with Mycoplasma synoviae infections. It is designed to reduce air-sac lesions, foot-pad lesions and egg production losses, improving both flock health and production efficiency. Addressing a Costly Poultry Disease Mycoplasma synoviae remains one of the most economically significant bacterial pathogens affecting commercial poultry production worldwide. In laying hens, infections can reduce egg production by approximately 5 to 10 per cent, while also increasing disease-related welfare concerns and production costs. By reducing the clinical impact of the disease, ECOVAXXIN MS aims to help poultry producers improve flock performance, minimise production losses and enhance overall farm profitability. Andrew Buglass, Chief Commercial Officer, ECO Animal Health, described ECOVAXXIN MS as a best-in-class vaccine supported by the company's established commercial infrastructure and extensive European distribution network. He said the company expects the vaccine to deliver meaningful health and productivity benefits for commercial layer and breeder operations while providing a strong platform for future growth across key poultry-producing regions. Leveraging an Established Commercial Network ECO Animal Health plans to commercialise the vaccine through the extensive distribution network it previously established for its poultry antimicrobial brand Aivlosin. The company has already secured strategic distribution partnerships across major poultry-producing countries in the European Union, providing access to markets representing more than 220 million layer birds annually. This established commercial footprint is expected to accelerate product adoption while ensuring broad availability of the vaccine across Europe's key egg-producing regions. Global Expansion Plans Underway Building on the European launch, ECO Animal Health is pursuing regulatory approvals for ECOVAXXIN MS in several international markets, including the United States, Latin America and Asia, reflecting growing global demand for advanced poultry disease prevention technologies. The international expansion strategy aligns with increasing industry efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare through vaccination as poultry producers seek to reduce disease-related production losses, improve animal welfare and optimise antibiotic stewardship. With poultry production continuing to expand worldwide and pressure mounting to improve productivity through sustainable disease management, the commercial launch of ECOVAXXIN MS marks an important step in ECO Animal Health's ambition to establish itself as a leading innovator in poultry vaccines and livestock health solutions.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4239/european-commission-approves-zoetis-poulvac-procerta-hvt-nd-vaccine.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4239/european-commission-approves-zoetis-poulvac-procerta-hvt-nd-vaccine.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:57:49 +0530 Global animal health company Zoetis has received European Commission (EC) marketing authorisation for Poulvac® Procerta® HVT-ND, a recombinant vector vaccine designed to protect chickens against both Newcastle disease (ND) and Marek's disease through a single administration. The approval marks another milestone for Zoetis' poultry vaccine portfolio, providing European poultry producers with an additional tool to strengthen flock health and reduce losses associated with two of the industry's most economically significant viral diseases. The vaccine can be administered either in ovo during embryo development or through subcutaneous injection at hatch, delivering immunity against both diseases with a single dose while simplifying vaccination programmes for commercial poultry operations. Addressing a Persistent Poultry Health Challenge Newcastle disease remains one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting poultry worldwide and is classified as a notifiable disease under European Union animal health legislation. Recent outbreaks reported in Germany, Spain and Poland have reinforced concerns over the disease's continued impact on poultry production, trade and food security across Europe. Poulvac Procerta HVT-ND employs a herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) vector, an established vaccine platform widely used in poultry health for nearly two decades. The recombinant vaccine expresses an antigen from the Newcastle disease virus, enabling birds to develop immunity against Newcastle disease while simultaneously protecting them from Marek's disease. According to Kevin Esch, Executive Vice President and President, Research and Development at Zoetis, the approval expands disease prevention options for poultry producers while reinforcing the company's long-standing commitment to advancing poultry health through innovative vaccine technologies. He noted that the European authorisation also creates new export opportunities for poultry producers, particularly in Southeast Asian markets where the vaccine has already been approved, supporting international trade while strengthening disease control efforts. Expanding the Procerta Vaccine Portfolio The newly authorised vaccine becomes the third product within Zoetis' Poulvac Procerta recombinant vaccine portfolio to receive European Commission approval. The portfolio already includes Poulvac Procerta HVT-IBD, which protects against infectious bursal disease and Marek's disease, as well as Poulvac Procerta HVT-IBD-ND, approved in 2025, which provides simultaneous protection against Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease and Marek's disease through a single-dose vaccination programme. The latest approval further broadens the company's disease prevention options, allowing poultry producers to select vaccination strategies based on regional disease prevalence and production requirements. Timely Approval Amid Rising Disease Pressure Zoetis said the approval comes at an important time for the European poultry sector as recurring outbreaks continue to threaten commercial production across several countries. Julia von Gablenz, Regional President for Europe and the Middle East at Zoetis, said the continued emergence of Newcastle disease across Europe underscores the need for effective vaccination programmes and integrated flock health management. She added that the company looks forward to working closely with veterinarians and poultry producers to support the vaccine's adoption as part of comprehensive disease prevention strategies. Strengthening Global Poultry Disease Control Poulvac Procerta HVT-ND is approved for the active immunisation of one-day-old chicks as well as 18–19-day-old embryonated eggs, offering producers greater flexibility in vaccination scheduling. Already authorised in more than 35 countries worldwide, the vaccine strengthens Zoetis' global poultry health portfolio and reflects the increasing adoption of recombinant vector vaccine technologies designed to improve disease protection while simplifying vaccination protocols. As poultry producers face mounting challenges from transboundary animal diseases, evolving disease epidemiology and increasing biosecurity requirements, advanced combination vaccines such as Poulvac Procerta HVT-ND are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving flock health, safeguarding productivity and supporting sustainable poultry production worldwide. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4167/indonesias-wmu-bets-big-on-cage-free-eggs-as-animal-welfare-demand-reshapes-poultry-industry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4167/indonesias-wmu-bets-big-on-cage-free-eggs-as-animal-welfare-demand-reshapes-poultry-industry.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:14:06 +0530 Indonesia's poultry sector is witnessing a significant shift toward higher animal welfare standards, and PT Widodo Makmur Unggas Tbk (WMU) is positioning itself at the forefront of that transformation. The integrated poultry farming and processing company has unveiled plans to more than double its cage-free egg production capacity, aiming to become the largest cage-free egg producer in Southeast Asia by 2027. The move reflects a broader evolution in food supply chains across the region, where multinational corporations, hospitality groups and food-service operators are increasingly adopting cage-free sourcing commitments in response to changing consumer expectations and sustainability requirements. WMU currently operates a cage-free flock of approximately 200,000 laying hens and plans to increase that number to 500,000 hens by 2027. If achieved, the expansion would place the company among the region's largest producers of cage-free eggs and strengthen Indonesia's position in the rapidly growing premium egg market. The company's strategy comes as cage-free production transitions from a niche category to a mainstream procurement requirement among major global food brands. More than 2,000 food companies worldwide have committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs, including several international brands with significant operations in Indonesia such as KFC, Burger King, Hyatt and Marriott. For WMU, the expansion is not merely a production increase but a strategic bet on a structural change in consumer behavior and corporate sourcing practices. Demand for cage-free eggs has been accelerating across Indonesia's food-service, hospitality, restaurant and catering sectors as companies seek to align their supply chains with international animal welfare standards. The trend is increasingly being reinforced by consumers who are paying closer attention to how food products are produced and sourced. Consumer sentiment appears to support that shift. Survey data from GMO Research indicates that 55% of Indonesian consumers prefer products made using cage-free eggs, while 72% believe food companies should implement animal welfare standards throughout their supply chains. These findings suggest that cage-free eggs are no longer viewed solely as a premium ethical product but are becoming part of a broader conversation around responsible food production. WMU's growth strategy currently focuses on business-to-business sales, supplying cage-free eggs to commercial customers across food service, hospitality and restaurant segments. However, the company is also preparing to enter the consumer retail market with its own cage-free egg brand, signaling confidence that demand will extend beyond institutional buyers into household consumption. The move mirrors developments in more mature food markets, where cage-free eggs have steadily gained market share as consumers increasingly associate animal welfare with food quality, sustainability and responsible production practices. Beyond ethical considerations, cage-free systems are also attracting attention for their potential food safety advantages. Research from the European Food Safety Authority suggests that the risk of Salmonella contamination on cage-free farms may be significantly lower than in conventional caged production systems, adding another layer of appeal for food companies and consumers alike. The shift also aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards across global food supply chains. As multinational companies strengthen sustainability commitments, suppliers that can meet animal welfare requirements are likely to enjoy a competitive advantage in securing long-term contracts and accessing premium markets. Industry observers view WMU's expansion as an important milestone for Indonesia's poultry sector, which has traditionally focused on production efficiency and affordability. The emergence of cage-free farming at scale suggests the market is beginning to evolve toward higher-value production systems that balance productivity with welfare and sustainability considerations. The company's investment also highlights a broader transformation taking place across Southeast Asia's food industry. As incomes rise and consumers become more conscious of production practices, demand is increasingly shifting toward products that offer assurances around quality, safety, sustainability and animal welfare. For Indonesia, one of the region's largest food markets, that transition could create significant opportunities for producers willing to adapt early. WMU's expansion plan signals that cage-free eggs are no longer a peripheral trend but an emerging growth segment with the potential to reshape poultry supply chains across the region. By investing ahead of demand and positioning itself as a large-scale supplier, the company is betting that the future of egg production in Southeast Asia will be defined not only by volume, but by how those eggs are produced. If consumer preferences, corporate commitments and regulatory trends continue moving in the same direction, WMU's wager on cage-free production could become one of the most significant shifts in Southeast Asia's poultry industry over the next decade. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4102/philippines-seeks-to-more-than-double-corn-import-quota-as-feed-cost-risks-mount.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4102/philippines-seeks-to-more-than-double-corn-import-quota-as-feed-cost-risks-mount.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:51:28 +0530 The Department of Agriculture wants to raise the country’s corn minimum access volume to 500,000 metric tons, aiming to safeguard feed supplies, contain food inflation and cushion livestock producers from rising input costs and weather-related risks The Department of Agriculture (DA) has proposed a substantial increase in the country’s minimum access volume (MAV) for corn, seeking to more than double the current quota as policymakers move to pre-empt potential supply shortages and rising feed costs that could ripple through the food chain. The proposal would raise the corn MAV to 500,000 metric tons from the current 216,940 metric tons, allowing a larger volume of imports to enter the country at a preferential tariff rate of 5 per cent. Imports exceeding the quota would continue to face a 15 per cent tariff. The recommendation has been submitted to the MAV Management Committee—comprising key economic officials—for evaluation before being elevated to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for final approval. The move reflects growing concern within the agriculture sector that domestic corn supplies could come under pressure from a combination of adverse weather conditions, elevated fertilizer prices and rising logistics costs. Feed Supply Concerns Take Center Stage Corn occupies a critical position in the Philippines’ food production system, serving as one of the primary ingredients in animal feed and accounting for a significant share of production costs for poultry and livestock producers. Any sustained increase in corn prices typically feeds into the cost of raising chickens, producing eggs and maintaining hog inventories, eventually translating into higher prices for consumers. Agriculture officials are increasingly concerned that production conditions could deteriorate later this year as farmers confront rising input costs and the possibility of stronger El Niño conditions that may affect planting and harvest outcomes. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country produced an estimated 8.3 million metric tons of corn in 2025. However, industry groups have warned that future production could face headwinds from elevated fertilizer prices, weather-related uncertainties and softer planting intentions among growers. Global Risks Add to Domestic Pressures The proposal comes amid heightened uncertainty in global commodity and energy markets. Agriculture authorities have highlighted the continuing impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions have contributed to higher shipping and fertilizer costs. The resulting increase in freight and farm input expenses has raised production costs across the agricultural sector, adding another layer of risk to domestic food supply chains. These concerns have become more pronounced as inflationary pressures have resurfaced after a period of moderation. After months of easing food prices—supported largely by lower rice costs—headline inflation began accelerating in March as higher global oil prices filtered through the economy. Inflation rose to 4.1 per cent in March, surged to 7.2 per cent in April and remained elevated at 6.8 per cent in May, highlighting the speed with which external shocks can influence domestic prices. Because feed costs represent a major expense for poultry and livestock operations, policymakers view corn supply management as an important tool in preventing broader food inflation. Balancing Imports and Farmer Protection While the proposed quota expansion would increase access to imported corn, the DA has emphasized that the measure is intended as a targeted contingency mechanism rather than a permanent shift in trade policy. Officials said additional imports would be activated only when market conditions justify intervention and would be managed carefully to avoid undermining local corn producers. The strategy reflects a balancing act facing many agricultural economies: ensuring adequate supply and stable food prices while preserving incentives for domestic production. By increasing flexibility in corn imports ahead of potential supply disruptions, the government hopes to strengthen feed security, support the poultry and livestock industries and prevent cost pressures from cascading through the broader food system. For policymakers, the proposal is as much about inflation management as it is about agriculture—an effort to insulate consumers from future price shocks while maintaining stability across one of the country’s most important food supply chains. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4064/philippines-reopens-poultry-trade-with-argentina-following-avian-influenza-clearance.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/4064/philippines-reopens-poultry-trade-with-argentina-following-avian-influenza-clearance.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:38:14 +0530 DA lifts import restrictions after Argentina regains bird flu-free status, expanding supply options for poultry producers and supporting food security goals The Philippines has reopened its market to poultry and poultry-related imports from Argentina after veterinary authorities confirmed the successful containment of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak that prompted trade restrictions earlier this year. The decision, announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA), restores access to Argentine poultry products, breeding materials, and genetic resources, broadening the country’s sourcing options as it seeks to strengthen food security and maintain supply stability. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed a new department circular revoking the temporary ban imposed under earlier regulations that had suspended imports of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and poultry semen from Argentina. The move follows official notifications from Argentine animal health authorities confirming that the outbreak has been fully resolved and that no additional cases have been detected. Argentina has subsequently regained its disease-free status under internationally recognized animal health standards. According to the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), a risk assessment determined that imports originating from Argentina now pose a negligible risk of introducing avian influenza into the Philippines, paving the way for the resumption of trade. “Restoring access to poultry products and breeding materials from Argentina strengthens our supply options at a time when food security remains a national priority,” Tiu Laurel said. He noted that diversifying import sources enhances supply chain resilience, supports the requirements of the domestic poultry industry, and contributes to price stability while maintaining strict biosecurity safeguards. Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience The reopening is expected to benefit poultry breeders, integrators, hatcheries, and food processors that depend on imported genetics and poultry inputs to sustain production efficiency and productivity. Industry participants frequently maintain diversified sourcing networks to mitigate risks associated with disease outbreaks, trade disruptions, and logistical challenges in key exporting countries. Although Argentina is not among the Philippines’ largest poultry suppliers, its re-entry into the market expands procurement flexibility at a time when governments and industry stakeholders are increasingly focused on strengthening food system resilience. The restored trade relationship may also support the long-term development of the domestic poultry sector by providing additional access to breeding stock and production inputs. Risk-Based Disease Management The decision underscores the Philippines’ risk-based approach to animal health management and agricultural trade. The DA routinely imposes targeted import restrictions on countries affected by avian influenza and other transboundary animal diseases while restoring market access once competent veterinary authorities verify disease containment and compliance with international animal health standards. Under the new directive, imports of poultry products processed or produced after the issuance of the circular may resume in accordance with existing import regulations and sanitary requirements. The order will take effect 15 days after publication and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register, formally reopening poultry trade between the Philippines and Argentina and reinforcing efforts to secure stable food supplies through diversified global sourcing. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3979/uk-study-uncovers-genetic-drivers-of-vaccine-escape-in-h5-avian-influenza.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3979/uk-study-uncovers-genetic-drivers-of-vaccine-escape-in-h5-avian-influenza.html Thu, 28 May 2026 13:57:14 +0530 Research integrates antigenic mapping and structural modelling to track mutations affecting immune protection in poultry The UK’s The Pirbright Institute has identified key genetic mutations in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein of H5 avian influenza viruses that significantly influence vaccine effectiveness in poultry, offering new insights into how viral evolution may undermine existing disease control strategies. The findings, published in the Journal of Virology, stem from a multidisciplinary study combining phylogenetic analysis, antigenic cartography, structural modelling, and experimental validation. Together, these approaches enabled researchers to map the molecular drivers behind antigenic drift in highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Since its emergence in 1996, the H5 avian influenza lineage A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/GD) has diversified into more than 30 genetically and antigenically distinct clades. Among them, clade 2.3.4.4b has become globally dominant in recent outbreaks, affecting domestic poultry, wild birds, and an expanding range of mammalian hosts. While vaccination remains a cornerstone of avian influenza control in poultry and a critical tool in reducing zoonotic spillover risks, the rapid evolution of the virus continues to challenge vaccine efficacy. Frequent mismatches between vaccine strains and circulating field viruses can reduce immune protection and allow continued viral spread. In the study, researchers used reverse genetics to generate recombinant viruses representing multiple H5 clades, enabling detailed analysis of their antigenic relationships through haemagglutination inhibition assays and antigenic cartography. This allowed the team to visualize immunological distances between viral strains and assess how they evolve over time. The analysis identified 48 candidate amino acid positions in the HA protein associated with antigenic variation. Experimental validation further confirmed four mutations—R82K, A83T, T204I, and F229Y—as having significant effects on antigenicity, with three of them (R82K, T204I, and F229Y) newly recognized as important determinants of immune escape. Researchers noted that some of these mutations have already been detected sporadically in recent outbreaks, including the ongoing H5N1 epizootic in North American cattle, suggesting their potential role in shaping future viral evolution and vaccine performance. The study also found that clade 2.3.4.4 viruses are not only genetically distinct but also antigenically separated from other H5 lineages, with substantial diversity even within the clade itself. This complexity presents ongoing challenges for vaccine seed strain selection and underscores the need for more precise antigenic matching in poultry vaccine development. In addition, variations in glycosylation sites on the HA protein were identified as another mechanism contributing to immune evasion, as these modifications can shield viral epitopes from antibody recognition and enhance vaccine escape potential. According to lead author Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease group at The Pirbright Institute, the findings provide a practical framework for improving vaccine design and selection strategies, with implications for both animal health and zoonotic disease prevention. Overall, the study offers a comprehensive model for tracking antigenic drift and anticipating viral changes, potentially supporting more effective surveillance systems and more resilient poultry vaccination programs in the face of rapidly evolving avian influenza threats. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3970/philippines-launches-poultry-livelihood-program-amid-egg-oversupply-and-rising-production-costs.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3970/philippines-launches-poultry-livelihood-program-amid-egg-oversupply-and-rising-production-costs.html Thu, 28 May 2026 12:46:34 +0530 Calabarzon rollout aims to help farmers offset losses while stabilizing local egg market conditions The government is set to launch a new poultry livelihood initiative in the Calabarzon region aimed at increasing egg production and supporting farming communities through sustainable enterprise development. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office in Calabarzon, local government units, and other stakeholders, has signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the Livelihood Opportunities and Viable Enterprise (LOVE) for Agricultural Farming Communities: Chicken Layer Project. Under the program, selected beneficiaries across the provinces of Calabarzon will receive starter poultry packages consisting of layer chickens, cages, feeders, nipple drinking systems, feeds, vitamins, medications, and disinfectants. Each province will have 11 identified beneficiaries who will participate in the rollout. BAI Director Christian Daquigan said the initiative is designed to strengthen the local poultry sector while improving the welfare of farming households. He emphasized that boosting productivity at the community level will also help ensure more stable access to affordable and nutritious eggs for Filipino consumers. The program will be implemented jointly by the DA regional office, BAI, LGUs, the National Livestock Program, and the Agricultural Training Institute, with support from participating communities. Officials noted that the initiative is expected to generate additional income opportunities in rural areas, encourage agri-entrepreneurship, and contribute to a more consistent supply of eggs in the market. The project builds on Department of Agriculture guidelines issued in 2025 for the establishment of LOVE initiatives in farming communities, highlighting eggs as a key and affordable source of protein that can support both nutrition and livelihood needs. The rollout comes as the local egg industry faces supply challenges, including an oversupply of small-sized eggs that has pressured farmgate prices, alongside rising production costs driven by global fuel price increases and other external factors. Industry stakeholders also pointed to seasonal demand fluctuations and reduced consumption during school breaks as contributing factors to the current market imbalance. Overall, the program is positioned as both a short-term livelihood intervention and a longer-term effort to strengthen food security and stabilize the domestic egg supply chain in the region. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3956/sustell-and-poultryplan-push-farm-level-data-model-for-emissions-tracking.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3956/sustell-and-poultryplan-push-farm-level-data-model-for-emissions-tracking.html Tue, 26 May 2026 13:56:40 +0530 Partnership targets scalable, consent-based footprinting to meet rising supply chain sustainability demands Sustell has entered into a strategic partnership with PoultryPlan to accelerate the adoption of environmental footprinting in poultry production through simplified, data-driven tools built on primary farm-level inputs. The collaboration is designed to help poultry producers measure, manage, and reduce their environmental impact with greater ease and consistency, while supporting increasingly stringent sustainability requirements across global food supply chains. The joint initiative focuses on enabling scalable and practical footprinting solutions that translate operational farm data into verified environmental performance metrics. The system is intended to support retailers, food companies, and processors that require frequent, accurate emissions reporting as part of broader climate and sustainability commitments. By combining digital farm management capabilities with environmental modelling tools, the partnership allows producers to identify key emission hotspots, particularly in feed usage and resource efficiency, and implement targeted improvement measures. The approach is designed to improve both environmental performance and operational profitability. A core feature of the collaboration is the use of primary farm data for footprint calculations, ensuring that emissions reporting is grounded in real operational inputs rather than broad estimations. Data ownership remains fully with the farmer, with information shared only under explicit consent, reinforcing transparency and control over sensitive operational data. Farmers are expected to benefit from improved visibility into sustainability performance, enabling them to demonstrate measurable progress to downstream partners and potentially unlock value-added opportunities linked to sustainability compliance and reporting standards. According to PoultryPlan leadership, the integration is intended to reduce complexity in farm management by converting existing operational data into actionable sustainability insights without adding administrative burden. Representatives from Sustell noted that environmental footprint reporting has become a structural requirement in modern food supply chains, and scalable digital tools are essential to meeting these expectations efficiently and credibly. The partnership positions both companies within a growing shift toward data-driven agriculture, where environmental performance is increasingly measured, verified, and integrated directly into commercial decision-making across the poultry industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3925/leong-hup-international-posts-stronger-fy2025-profit-despite-revenue-softness-and-currency-headwinds.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3925/leong-hup-international-posts-stronger-fy2025-profit-despite-revenue-softness-and-currency-headwinds.html Mon, 18 May 2026 15:15:13 +0530 Integrated poultry major benefits from resilient regional demand and lower feed costs, as disciplined operations lift margins and strengthen balance sheet Leong Hup International Bhd, one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated poultry producers, delivered a resilient financial performance for FY2025, reporting a 16.3 per cent increase in net profit to RM501 million ($107 million) despite a moderation in revenue to RM8.82 billion ($1.88 billion) from RM9.30 billion a year earlier, underscoring the group’s ability to preserve earnings momentum amid currency volatility and mixed livestock market conditions. The company said sustained regional demand for poultry—widely regarded as the most affordable and accessible protein source across Southeast Asia—combined with easing feed ingredient costs, helped offset pressure from weaker livestock contributions and foreign exchange translation effects across its multi-country operations. Executive Chairman Lau Chia Nguang said the group’s integrated farm-to-plate model continues to be a key competitive advantage, enabling tighter cost control and operational efficiency across its core markets, which include Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. He noted that population growth and rising disposable incomes continue to support long-term poultry consumption trends across the region. Feed cost dynamics provided meaningful support during the year, as global prices for corn and soybean meal eased on the back of stronger harvests in the United States, Brazil and Argentina. Lau said improved crop output helped ease supply constraints, while internal feed mill optimisation and procurement strategies further strengthened cost efficiency across the value chain. Currency movements, however, created a more complex earnings environment. While a stronger ringgit helped reduce the cost of imported feed inputs domestically, it also resulted in translation losses when consolidating earnings from overseas subsidiaries. “As a result, reported revenue and earnings from certain regional markets were impacted, particularly during the later part of the year,” Lau said. Indonesia remained the group’s largest revenue contributor at RM3.3 billion ($702 million), followed by Malaysia at RM2.3 billion ($489 million), Vietnam at RM1.6 billion ($340 million), Singapore at RM814 million ($173 million), and the Philippines at RM790 million ($168 million), reflecting the company’s broad regional footprint and diversified earnings base. Despite revenue softness, profitability improved across the group, with earnings per share rising 19.5 per cent to 14.04 sen, compared with 11.75 sen in FY2024. For the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2025, Leong Hup reported a net profit of RM179 million ($38 million) on revenue of RM2.27 billion ($483 million), supported by steady demand and disciplined cost management. The group also strengthened its financial position during the year, reducing net debt to RM870 million ($185 million) from RM1.22 billion ($260 million), while improving its net gearing ratio to 0.24 times from 0.37 times. Lau said the company remains focused on prudent capital allocation and efficient cash flow management to support long-term growth and operational resilience. Overall, FY2025 performance reflects a business navigating a complex macroeconomic landscape—balancing currency volatility and uneven livestock revenues against structurally strong poultry demand and improving global feed cost dynamics—while continuing to reinforce its position as a leading integrated protein player in the region. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3754/bird-x-bets-on-integrated-deterrent-systems-to-drive-next-phase-of-growth.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3754/bird-x-bets-on-integrated-deterrent-systems-to-drive-next-phase-of-growth.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:26:06 +0530 Combination of chemical and behavioral solutions reflects shift toward smarter pest control strategies Bird-X, Inc today announced the expansion of its liquid bird deterrent portfolio with the launch of two new products—Avian Control Repellent and InvisiDye UV Marker—marking a strategic move to address growing demand for adaptable and effective bird control solutions across commercial, industrial, agricultural, and landscaping environments. The introduction comes at a time when pest management operators are increasingly seeking targeted, scalable solutions capable of addressing complex bird-related challenges in diverse settings. With these additions, Bird-X aims to strengthen its position in the professional pest control segment by offering tools that combine immediate efficacy with longer-term behavioral conditioning. Avian Control Repellent, an EPA-registered liquid concentrate, is designed to repel pest birds through flexible application methods, including fogging, hazing, and spraying. The product utilizes Methyl Anthranilate (MA) as its active ingredient, triggering a sensory response in birds upon contact with treated surfaces or airborne droplets. This response prompts birds to vacate the treated area without causing long-term harm, aligning with industry trends toward humane and non-lethal deterrent solutions. Complementing this approach, InvisiDye UV Marker introduces a behavioral reinforcement mechanism by adding a visual cue to the repellent system. While not a deterrent on its own, the ultraviolet fluorescent dye works in conjunction with MA-based repellents such as Avian Control and Bird Stop. Birds exposed to the combined treatment experience both a sensory and visual signal, gradually associating treated areas with discomfort. Over time, this conditioning effect supports preemptive avoidance behavior, reducing repeat incursions. The dual-product strategy reflects a broader shift in pest management toward integrated solutions that blend immediate control with sustained behavioral modification. By enabling operators to tailor applications based on site conditions and infestation intensity, Bird-X is positioning its offerings to meet the evolving expectations of professional users who require precision and adaptability. According to company leadership, the expanded portfolio is designed to address a wide spectrum of use cases, from residential and commercial properties to large-scale agricultural operations. The products are labeled for use against a range of bird species, including starlings, pigeons, gulls, blackbirds, and crows, among others, further broadening their applicability. The launch builds on Bird-X’s existing lineup of liquid deterrents, including Bird Stop, 4 The Birds, and Bird Proof Gel, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation in non-lethal pest control technologies. As regulatory scrutiny and environmental considerations continue to shape the pest management industry, solutions that balance effectiveness with safety and compliance are expected to gain traction. With the addition of Avian Control Repellent and InvisiDye UV Marker, Bird-X is signaling a strategic focus on advanced deterrent systems that integrate chemical and behavioral science, positioning itself to capture emerging opportunities in a market increasingly defined by precision, sustainability, and performance. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3751/ivory-coast-flags-new-h5n1-outbreak-in-poultry-farm.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/3751/ivory-coast-flags-new-h5n1-outbreak-in-poultry-farm.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:34:17 +0530 H5N1 detection in Eastern Region raises concerns over livestock health and supply chains Ivory Coast has reported a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), underscoring renewed risks to poultry production and regional livestock health systems. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the outbreak was detected at a poultry farm in the eastern district of Koun-Fao, near the border with Ghana. The virus has resulted in the death of approximately 95,000 birds, highlighting the severity of the infection and its rapid impact on commercial flocks. Authorities indicated that the outbreak forms part of a broader global pattern of avian influenza spread, which has continued to disrupt poultry industries across multiple geographies in recent years. The H5N1 strain, known for its high pathogenicity, poses a significant threat to animal health and can trigger substantial economic losses due to mortality, culling and trade restrictions. The incident has prompted heightened surveillance and monitoring efforts by national veterinary authorities, with measures expected to focus on containment, biosecurity reinforcement and preventing further transmission within and beyond the affected zone. Industry observers note that outbreaks of this nature can have cascading effects on poultry supply chains, impacting feed demand, farm incomes and export potential, particularly in regions where poultry farming plays a critical role in food security and rural livelihoods. The latest development reinforces the need for strengthened disease preparedness, regional coordination and investment in veterinary infrastructure to mitigate the recurring risks posed by transboundary animal diseases. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/2964/al-ain-farms-consolidates-five-leading-producers-into-single-uae-poultry-and-egg-platform.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/2964/al-ain-farms-consolidates-five-leading-producers-into-single-uae-poultry-and-egg-platform.html Tue, 27 May 2025 15:23:38 +0530 Al Ain Farms Group has announced the merger of five major poultry, egg, and food producers into a single national platform, consolidating key UAE food brands under one umbrella. The announcement was made at the "Make it in the Emirates" forum, underscoring the company’s commitment to strengthening food security, local production, and brand unity in the UAE’s agrifood sector Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG) has officially merged five of the UAE’s leading food brands—Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Golden Eggs (Al Jazira Poultry Farm), and Saha Arabian Farms—into a single national food production platform. The announcement was made at the “Make it in the Emirates” forum, signaling a major step toward strengthening the country’s food self-sufficiency and industrial coordination. Backed by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding, AAFG brings together operations across dairy, poultry, juice, and eggs to streamline supply chains and enhance food security in line with the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051. The group now controls a significant share of the UAE’s poultry and dairy production, with plans to expand through innovation, automation, and partnerships in research and integrated farming. The consolidation builds on a legacy that began in 1981, when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established Al Ain Farms to produce fresh milk locally. Four decades later, the unified entity aims to meet growing domestic demand while reducing reliance on imports, maintaining a 24-hour farm-to-shelf delivery model, and supporting regional food supply needs. While the five brands will retain their individual identities, they will benefit from shared infrastructure, technology, and expertise to deliver higher quality products more efficiently. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/2927/poultry-vaccine-production-takes-center-stage-in-egypt-south-korea-investment-talks.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/2927/poultry-vaccine-production-takes-center-stage-in-egypt-south-korea-investment-talks.html Mon, 19 May 2025 14:29:13 +0530 Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, met with representatives from one of South Korea's top poultry vaccine manufacturers to explore investment opportunities in Egypt’s poultry vaccine sector. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister Mostafa El-Sayyad and senior officials from the ministry Minister Alaa Farouk emphasized the Egyptian government’s strong backing for investments that align with national priorities, particularly in agriculture and related sectors. He highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing the investment climate, streamlining procedures for investors, and integrating the private sector into key development initiatives. Recognizing the strategic importance of the poultry and veterinary vaccine industries, Farouk stressed their vital role in ensuring food security and providing affordable animal protein. He affirmed Egypt’s readiness to support these investments through technical bodies like the Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute and the General Authority for Veterinary Services, ensuring smooth implementation and regulatory compliance. Farouk also pointed out that this collaboration could create significant employment opportunities by bringing Korean expertise and advanced technologies to Egypt. Establishing a vaccine production facility could strengthen Egypt’s export capacity, positioning the country as a regional leader in veterinary vaccine production, especially for Africa and the Middle East. The Korean company, with over 50 years of experience and a portfolio of 85 veterinary vaccines, expressed interest in building a manufacturing plant in Egypt with an annual production capacity of 200 million doses. They also acknowledged Egypt’s competitive advantages, including its expertise in producing pathogen-free fertilized eggs. Company representatives offered to collaborate with Egyptian research institutions, providing training and knowledge exchange to develop local talent and stay updated with the latest vaccine technology advancements. In closing, Minister Farouk instructed the General Authority for Veterinary Services and the Serum and Vaccine Research Institute to work closely with the Korean company to explore cooperation opportunities and resolve any investment challenges. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1507/kemin-biologics-launch-mefluvac-h5-plus-8-vaccine-to-tackle-avian-influenza.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1507/kemin-biologics-launch-mefluvac-h5-plus-8-vaccine-to-tackle-avian-influenza.html Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:58:23 +0530 Partners with ilender empower the Peruvian Poultry Industry Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80% of the world with its products and services, will launch the MEFLUVAC™ H5 PLUS 8 vaccine in partnership with ilender in Latin America to assist in building immunity against the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza. Kemin Biologics, the global veterinary vaccine division of Kemin, will debut the new vaccine in Peru at the event and roadshow starting on October 30 in the Peruvian cities of Lima, Trujillo and Chincha. At this event, policy and distribution stakeholders, along with customers from the poultry meat and layer industries, will gather to discuss vaccinology and risk management programs. The industry leaders will focus on the importance of addressing major pathogens that compromise animal performance and food security for the growing population. "We are excited to introduce our technology and best practices to empower the poultry industry in Peru and Latin America to mitigate the growing threat of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza," said Dr. Ricardo Neto, Technical Service Manager, Kemin Biologics. "The high degree of homology with local strains makes MEFLUVAC™ H5 PLUS 8 the vaccine of choice." Kemin Biologics is a global leader in providing integrated, custom solution platforms for building immunity and protecting animal performance to ensure animal welfare is put at the top of their priorities in order to prevent hunger and disease associated with malnutrition. "The launch of MEFLUVAC™ H5 PLUS 8 is a major milestone for Kemin Biologics' expansion into the Latin America market," said Dr. Matias Jansen, Regional Business Director, Kemin Biologics. "Together with our partner, ilender, we will be able to reach producers all across Peru and support them with vaccination strategies that are based on our expertise and experiences from all over the world." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1409/singapores-smu-researchers-embarks-into-multinational-study-on-consumer-acceptance-of-lab-brewed-eggs.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1409/singapores-smu-researchers-embarks-into-multinational-study-on-consumer-acceptance-of-lab-brewed-eggs.html Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:20:42 +0530 Partner with Europe's leading precision-fermentation company Formo, Europe's leading precision-fermentation company, has partnered with the Singapore Management University (SMU) to examine consumer demand for a new class of products - precision-fermentation egg consumers products. The study 'Not getting laid: consumer acceptance of precision fermentation made egg' published in Frontiers, a peer-reviewed journal and open science platform, was conducted by Formo Bio GmbH researcher Oscar Zollman Thomas, and SMU's Professor of Communication Management Mark Chong, Professor of Psychology Angela Leung, research fellow Tricia Marjorie Fernandez and Psychology PhD student Shu Tian Ng. They surveyed 3,006 from across three continents in Germany, USA and Singapore to assess consumer demand, demographic predictors and motivating factors behind the embrace of an egg product made without chickens, instead using proteins produced by bio-designed microbes. The debut of a precision-fermentation egg product marks a widened application of the company's protein production platform, demonstrating the company's ambition, and abilities to tackle ethical bottlenecks beyond dairy. An estimated 60% of the world's chickens reside in factory farms, thus the impetus Europe & Singapore, 19 September 2023 (Tuesday) created acceptable replacements is critical, with demand growing from both consumers and industrial food manufacturers for ethical, functional alternatives.  The findings of Formo's research suggest that lab-brewed egg products are likely to find an enthusiastic market, with a substantial percentage (51% to 61%) of participants expressing a willingness to try the products. Interestingly, those consuming organic eggs and plant-based eggs displayed the highest willingness to embrace this new class of products. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1192/australias-states-and-territories-sign-up-for-new-national-poultry-standards.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1192/australias-states-and-territories-sign-up-for-new-national-poultry-standards.html Tue, 18 Jul 2023 08:14:00 +0530 Poultry standards is an important step towards harmonising national animal welfare legislation and providing clarity and consistency to industry, consumers and trading partners. Agriculture ministers from all states and territories have now endorsed the new Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry. The poultry standards were finalised by the Independent Poultry Panel commissioned by all agriculture ministers. The standards are the culmination of an extensive stakeholder and public consultation process and underpinned by contemporary animal welfare science. Assistant Secretary for Animal Welfare, Dr Carol Sheridan said the endorsement of the poultry standards is an important step towards harmonising national animal welfare legislation and providing clarity and consistency to industry, consumers and trading partners. “The poultry standards introduce a range of welfare measures for chickens, ducks, pigeons and emus, including a focus on light, water and ventilation,” Dr Sheridan said. “The standards also allow for a range of egg production systems, such as larger furnished cages, barns and free range, that producers can choose from to best suit their business.” While the standards propose a phased approach to banning conventional cages, implementation is a matter for the states and territories. Consumers also have a choice about the products they purchase and some retailers have already announced that they will introduce a ban on products from conventional cages. Till date, the Australian Government has invested $5 million over 4 years to renew the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. ABARES forecasts egg production for 2022-23 to reach $4.66 billion. ABARES forecasts the value of poultry meat to continue to rise and is estimated to be worth $3.4 billion over 2022-23. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1116/taiwans-tfda-launches-2023-inspection-project-for-liquid-egg-product-manufacturers.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1116/taiwans-tfda-launches-2023-inspection-project-for-liquid-egg-product-manufacturers.html Fri, 30 Jun 2023 09:05:41 +0530 TFDA aims to conduct inspections and sampling tests on liquid egg manufacturers in cooperation with local government health departments The liquid egg is the product obtained by removing the eggshell. It is widely used in the bakery and food service industries because it saves time and labor in egg breaking. However, it is susceptible to microbial contamination during production caused by raw egg shells, the production process, equipment, and personnel handling. In order to maintain the safety and hygiene of liquid egg products, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is launching the "2023 Inspection Project for Liquid Egg Product Manufacturers" to conduct inspections and sampling tests on liquid egg manufacturers in cooperation with local government health departments.     This project will focus on compliance with the Registration of Food Businesses, Regulations on Good Hygiene Practice for Food (GHP), Regulations on Food Safety Control System (HACCP), and other regula-tions, as well as the legality of raw materials and product labeling. Mean-while, raw eggs will be sampled and tested for animal drugs and pesticide residues, and finished liquid eggs will be sampled and tested in accord-ance with the Sanitation Standard for Microorganisms in Foods.     TFDA urges the food industry to implement self-regulation and com-ply with the relevant provisions of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation to ensure the health and safety and quality of liquid egg prod-ucts. Violations will be dealt with in accordance with the law for the pro-tection of food hygiene and consumer safety. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1104/cp-foodss-chicken-gets-ready-for-the-space-mission-improving-food-safety-standards-for-astronauts.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1104/cp-foodss-chicken-gets-ready-for-the-space-mission-improving-food-safety-standards-for-astronauts.html Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:28:58 +0530 The company is collaborating with Nanoracks LLC and Mu Space and Advanced Technology Co., Ltd. Thailand-based Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is embarking on a stellar new venture: sending the chicken into space as part of the Thai Food – Mission to Space program. The company is collaborating with two global partners, Nanoracks LLC, the US leading provider of space innovation, and mu Space and Advanced Technology Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of space technology solutions in Southeast Asia, to send chicken to space. This spearheads a unique initiative to elevate Thai chicken's safety standards to those required for space-grade food - some of the strictest known to mankind. The chicken products associated with the project will be subjected to rigorous certification processes to ensure compliance with stringent space safety standards, thus making them astronaut-friendly. The realisation of this endeavour will be an important milestone for CP Foods, solidifying the global recognition and compliance of their chicken's safety standards with the demanding Space Food Safety Standards. This aligns with NASA's uncompromising food safety requirements, boosting Thailand's national pride for adhering to the most elevated safety standards worldwide. Alongside this revolutionary initiative, CP Foods will host a forum titled ‘Thai Food - Mission to Space,’ which will bring together international experts to discuss the elevation of Thai food to space-level safety standards. This forum will examine the significance of meeting space standards for Thai food, the innovations transforming the Thai livestock industry, and the sector's future implications. The forum's speakers include former NASA astronaut Michael Massimino, former NASA food scientist Vickie Kloeris, and several highly respected individuals from the scientific, medical, and livestock development sectors.  Prasit Boondoungprasert, CEO of CP Foods, asserted that this groundbreaking initiative showcases the company's commitment to the safety of its chicken meat, positioning it among the world's most trusted meat brands. The quest to achieve Space Food Safety Standards is anticipated to bring immense national pride to Thailand. "At CP Foods, our top priority is food safety and quality. Our collaborations with experts like NANORACKS LLC and MU Space have cemented our readiness to demonstrate that Thai chicken adheres to space-level safety standards. Our chickens will be subjected to rigorous safety and quality standards checks, including exhaustive inspections for residues and contaminants as per NASA's requirements," said CEO Prasit. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1063/greater-commercial-lending-completes-36-7-mn-in-financing-for-poultry-in-iowa.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1063/greater-commercial-lending-completes-36-7-mn-in-financing-for-poultry-in-iowa.html Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:02:46 +0530 USDA-Guaranteed Loan to Help Strengthen Critical Supply Chains and Rural Food Systems Greater Commercial Lending (GCL), which provides government-guaranteed loans to businesses and organisations in under-served and rural communities, has completed $36.7 million in financing for Pure Prairie Poultry in Charles City, Iowa. The loan package, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program, will help Pure Prairie Poultry renovate and expand its existing poultry processing plant and purchase additional equipment to ramp up operations to full capacity. With government-guaranteed financing, Pure Prairie Poultry will be able to strengthen supply chain resiliency, advance production and restore a market for regional farmers while increasing regional jobs. "USDA-guaranteed loans are a vital tool in building stronger rural communities and enhancing critical supply chains," said Jeremy Gilpin, executive vice president of GCL, one of the largest providers of USDA loans. "GCL remains dedicated to facilitating access to affordable financing for organisations in rural areas. These loans help bolster local economies and create jobs, while also improving access to essential goods and services for consumers across the country." Pure Prairie Poultry delivers premium quality chicken products raised in cooperation with family farmer partners in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, using strict animal welfare standards. Chickens are fed a vegetarian diet with no animal byproducts and without the use of antibiotics. Products are air-chilled, highly trimmed and contain no added ingredients. At full capacity, Pure Prairie Poultry will have a network of over 75 barns located within a 250-mile radius of the plant to provide locally sourced birds for distribution in the region. The plant will bring more than 520 jobs to the surrounding communities. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1062/thailand-exports-duck-meat-to-australia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1062/thailand-exports-duck-meat-to-australia.html Wed, 14 Jun 2023 09:39:10 +0530 Thailand expects to export some 1,200 tons to Australia during the first calendar year, generating some 400 million baht in revenue Thailand has begun exporting cooked duck meat products to Australia after 7 years of negotiations. The first 20 tons were shipped out of Thailand, with some 1,200 tons of cooked duck meat expected to go to Australia in the first calendar year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and food product manufacturer Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) celebrated the first shipment of cooked duck meat products to Australia, the first-ever export of cooked duck meat from Thailand to the Oceanian country. Prayoon Inskul, Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said Thailand and Australia have been in negotiations since 2016, while the success of cooperation between the Thai government and private sector has resulted in Thailand being the first country in the world allowed to export ready to eat duck products to Australia. The first shipment consisted of 20 tons of cooked duck meat. The country now expects to export some 1,200 tons to Australia during the first calendar year, generating some 400 million baht in revenue. Prasit Boondoungprasert, CEO of CPF said this shipment reflects the capability of Thai businesses to produce world-class agricultural goods, while Australia itself is a high potential market with increasing demands for ready-to-eat duck products, with the current figure of duck consumption at around 50,000 tons per year. CPF has been exporting duck products to several international markets, including Germany, England, the EU, Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. The company is targeting a 500-600 ton duck export to Australia, consisting of grilled duck, shredded duck meat, and grilled duck with flour wrap. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1061/new-trial-from-brazil-shows-effects-of-stalosan-f-for-piglets.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1061/new-trial-from-brazil-shows-effects-of-stalosan-f-for-piglets.html Wed, 14 Jun 2023 09:26:49 +0530 According to the trial, enteric diseases in the farrowing phase are relevant problems due to economic losses Vilofoss, a global leader in the premix and animal nutrition sector, shared a new trial on a sow farm in Brazil that showed good effects for Stalosan F for piglets in the farrowing phase. According to the trial, enteric diseases in the farrowing phase are relevant problems due to economic losses. However, piglet losses (pre-weaning mortality rate) are only part of the economic problem. Future consequences of the non-uniformity of weaned piglets and the gut health of these animals are ignored. Therefore, strategic procedures focused on reducing infective pressure can be important control tools. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the concept of an environmental dry-cleaning procedure based on a mineral technology product used in farrowing piglets, naturally challenged by enteric agents. The trial was performed on a sow farm with 2 300 females, located in the West of Santa Catarina in Brazil. The result of this trial showed that the use of the environmental dry-cleaning concept was able to reduce the incidence of litters with diarrhea, the prevalence of omphalitis and the fall behind the rate in piglets, contributing to greater weight at weaning and homogeneity of the litters. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1060/usda-centre-allows-platform-technology-vaccines-to-pork-industry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/1060/usda-centre-allows-platform-technology-vaccines-to-pork-industry.html Wed, 14 Jun 2023 09:01:30 +0530 Animal health company Medgene granted a second Platform technology license to provide solutions for pork producers The USDA Centre for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has allowed animal health company, Medgene, a license to produce and market a USDA - approved Platform Vaccine to the pork industry. The license applies to the use of their Platform technology to produce vaccines addressing disease targets such as Rotavirus, Porcine Circovirus, Influenza A, and Sapovirus. Medgene's vaccine approach leverages a USDA-approved ‘platform technology’ that is safe and easily adapted to multiple animal disease targets. The result is the development of vaccines and an understanding of how diseases move across species and geographies in a fraction of the time of traditional vaccine approaches.  Dr Clayton Johnson, Director of Veterinary Services for Carthage Veterinary Service, LTD, stated, "Medgene's approach to Platform Vaccines allows us to keep our standards of animal health at the highest level possible." Medgene announced licensure on June 8 at the World Pork Expo, held on the Iowa State Fair fairgrounds, located in Des Moines, Iowa. Mark Luecke, Medgene CEO, stated, "The pork industry's importance to our nation's food supply can't be overstated. We've been working on getting the power of Platform technology into the hands of pork industry veterinarians for many years. Our license means we can bring the safety, speed, and value of this technology to work for the good of the industry." Medgene's Rotavirus, Porcine Circovirus, Influenza A, and Sapovirus vaccines are available to licensed veterinarians. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/955/japfa-delivers-23000-live-chickens-from-indonesia-to-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/955/japfa-delivers-23000-live-chickens-from-indonesia-to-singapore.html Thu, 18 May 2023 10:10:33 +0530 A first ever remarkable supply chain achievement to ship 23,000 fresh live chicken from Indonesia to Singapore via sea route by Japfa Group Singapore headquartered, Japfa Ltd, a leading vertically integrated industrialised agri-food company has delivered 23,000 live birds via sea route to Singapore. This is the first time live chickens are delivered to Singapore from Indonesia. The shipment represents a noteworthy achievement and will test a new method of supplying fresh chicken to Singapore, with the birds transported live by sea and slaughtered at the destination. The chickens were raised by PT Ciomas Adisatwa in Bintan, Kepulauan Riau a province of Indonesia. PT Ciomas Adisatwa is a subsidiary of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk, which in turn is a subsidiary of Japfa Ltd. Japfa Group which adheres to the compliances with a goal to provide nutritious and affordable staple proteins in an efficient and sustainable way. This first shipment has opened new opportunities to provide not only fresh chicken but also other staple protein foods to Singapore. Tan Yong Nang, Chief Executive Officer of Japfa, said: “We are pleased to contribute to Singapore’s food security strategy by providing fresh chicken to local consumers. As a leading industrialised agri-food player, with more than 50 years of experience in producing staple protein foods in Asia, we can meet Singapore’s demand and standards based on our attention to quality and our vertically integrated business model from poultry feed production and breeding to farming and food processing. This shipment is the result of the combined efforts of Japfa, Singapore and Indonesia’s authorities, and we look forward to expanding further our contribution to feed Singapore consumers with nutritious proteins”. Japfa is one of the largest poultry producers in Indonesia and in the region, boasting high standards in quality, food safety and ESG. Japfa’s activities are critical to feeding people in Indonesia as the Group supplies approximately 20% of poultry products in the market. Japfa is committed to continue to invest in the Bintan project to support Singapore’s food security strategy. Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic ofIndonesia, Dr. Ir. Nasrullah, said: "Export to Singapore is a testimony to Indonesia's livestock product quality and ability to meet international standards of food safety requirements. The national broiler meat production in 2022 was recorded at 3.67 million tons. This shows that Indonesia can fulfil the needs for poultry and derivative products not only in Indonesia but also globally.” Japfa places a strong emphasis on quality and safety throughout its operations. The company’s farms and processing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adhere to the highest international standards of animal welfare, food safety, and environmental sustainability, such as the closed-house systems for poultry production. Japfa’s standards compliance with regional and international certifications. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/937/shanghai-cooperation-organization-sco-member-countries-adopts-the-smart-agriculture-project.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/937/shanghai-cooperation-organization-sco-member-countries-adopts-the-smart-agriculture-project.html Mon, 15 May 2023 14:02:35 +0530 Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, and Pakistan, adopted the Smart Agriculture project under the Chairmanship of India On 12 May 2023, the 8th meeting of Agriculture Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries was held under India's Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar's chairmanship. A number of SCO member countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, and Pakistan, adopted the Smart Agriculture project. The discussions among SCO Agriculture Ministers strengthened the multinational cooperation in food security and nutrition. India's Union Minister Tomar said "India values its relations with SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions. In order to maintain the normal functioning of the food supply chain in the present conditions, there is a need for close contact and cooperation between various countries for food and nutrition security. India is the largest employer globally in the agriculture sector, where more than half of the population engaged in agriculture and allied sectors." India has increased its budget allocation in the agriculture and allied sectors by over 5 times in 10 years from 2013-14. Simultaneously, India is registering significant growth in exports of agricultural and allied products, which crossing ₹4 lakh crore. India is a leading producer of many commodities like cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, fish. India is also promoting organic farming and natural farming with emphasis on sustainable productivity, food security and soil health. To increase the economic potential of small and marginal farmers, India is initiating 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). For rural infrastructure ₹1 lakh crore fund has been allocated. Indian agriculture ecosystem has been adopting digital technologies in order to help farmers access these and take advantage of them. Most of the agricultural schemes are being digitized and brought on a single platform, such as Agristack and India Digital Eco-system for Agriculture, National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture, and more. Further, India is making persistent efforts in building a self-reliant agriculture sector coupled with innovation, digital agriculture, climate-smart technologies, the development of high-yielding, biofortified varieties, and agricultural research. Efforts are being made to improve the life and livelihood of the farmers by making their agriculture sustainable and friendly. In addition, India has launched an Electronic National Agriculture Market to increase market access for farmers besides programs to create new irrigation infrastructure, conserve soil fertility including balanced use of fertilizers, providing farm-to-market connectivity, ICT linkages, and more. ** ₹ 1 lakh crore = USD $ 1 trillion ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/934/evonik-boosts-probiotic-production-to-enhance-animal-nutrition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/934/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. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/877/vietnam-retrospects-domestic-poultry-market-operations-to-boost-the-livestock-industry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/877/vietnam-retrospects-domestic-poultry-market-operations-to-boost-the-livestock-industry.html Tue, 02 May 2023 10:46:47 +0530 MARD identified the challenges at poultry farming enterprises and assured localities and businesses with better policies to support poultry farmers Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is evaluating the government policies to address the challenges and requirements to revive domestic poultry and livestock industry. MARD held a conference in Hanoi discussing "Assessment of the current situation and proposed solutions to poultry production in the new situation" chairing Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Phung Duc Tien identified the challenges faced by poultry farming enterprises and assured localities and businesses that support policies for poultry farmers would be implemented accordingly. Vietnam is one of the countries with the largest total poultry herd in the world, and the second largest poultry herd in the world. In the period from 2018 to 2022, the poultry herd increased rapidly from 435.9 million heads to 557.3 million heads. The average growth rate is 6.3%/year. Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Production Tong Xuan Chinh said that "In the first quarter of 2023, poultry production across the country developed stably. Poultry flock is estimated at 551.4 million heads, up 2.4%; poultry meat production was estimated at 563.2 thousand tons, up 4.2%; Eggs are estimated at 4.7 billion eggs, up 4.5% over the same period in 2022". As part of the Strategy for Livestock Development, with a vision to 2030, Vietnam aims to maintain the total flock of chickens from 500 to 550 million heads, of which 60% are raised by the public method by 2021-2030. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien urged on improving the competitiveness of the poultry industry, developing breeding of indigenous breeds, high-value specialties, and ensuring safety. biology, disease, food safety and sustainable development. Representatives of businesses and poultry farmers urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to consider proposing preferential credit policies, reducing corporate income tax in the field of livestock production, continuing to see consider reducing import tax on animal feed ingredients and having specific policies to support domestic enterprises and domestic breeders to be able to compete fairly with FDI enterprises. Furthermore, the Ministry recommended localities and businesses focus on slaughtering, processing, deep processing, enhancing poultry product value, meeting international standards for export, and strengthening digital transformation in poultry and the livestock industry as a whole. Based on that, a database will be in place to assess and forecast the livestock market, allowing producers to develop production to suit the evolving situation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/863/aleph-farms-launches-new-product-brand-aleph-cuts.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/863/aleph-farms-launches-new-product-brand-aleph-cuts.html Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:15:49 +0530 The world’s first cultivated steak is anticipated to launch in Singapore and Israel later this year Aleph Farms, an Israeli food technology company announced the launch of its first product brand, Aleph Cuts. Under the Aleph Cuts brand, the company will market its first product, the Petit Steak, the world’s first cultivated steak anticipated to launch in Singapore and Israel later this year, pending regulatory approvals. Developed in partnership with brand and experience design agency, BOND, this branding initiative distinguishes Aleph Farms’ products and builds momentum ahead of commercialisation and subsequent engagement with customers and end consumers. “With the launch of Aleph Cuts, we are introducing our product through an epicurean lens to connect people to our incredible ‘new take on steak,’ sharing what this choice means in an engaging and authentic way,” said Nicky Quinn, VP of Marketing at Aleph Farms. “Iconic brands aren’t built overnight or by one person or team. We look forward to co-creating our brand over time with consumers, so we can best serve their evolving needs.” The visual identities for Aleph Farms and Aleph Cuts are part of a unified system designed to support the scale of Aleph Farms’ growing product portfolio. The brands are related through visual elements such as the wordmark, icon, and colour palette but evoke different aspects of the Aleph ethos: Aleph Farms is more pragmatic and focuses on technology and innovation, while Aleph Cuts is more emotional and focuses on educating about the product and celebrating culture through the lens of food. They share a new icon inspired by the company’s previous ox head symbol, reflected in the letter A in Aleph but flipped, creating a mirror effect that compels the viewer to see familiar things in a new way. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/833/medgene-to-leverage-platform-technology-in-avian-influenza-rd-study.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/833/medgene-to-leverage-platform-technology-in-avian-influenza-rd-study.html Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:48:20 +0530 Uses platform technology approved by the USDA for influenza vaccines to create novel vaccine for avian influenza Medgene, a South Dakota-based (the US) animal health company, will be conducting a study to test a vaccine produced by its USDA-approved platform technology against a variant of avian influenza. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, or bird flu) has become widespread among wild birds and created significant economic loss to the U.S. poultry industry. The H5N1 HPAI variant is being described as the largest bird pandemic recorded, resulting in the destruction of millions of commercially raised geese, turkeys and chickens, as well as killing untold numbers of wild birds.  While the total economic impact of HPAI is difficult to measure, the need for potential solutions is urgent. Dr. Alan Young, Chief Technology Officer for Medgene, will be leading the study using the company's platform technology that has been approved by the USDA for swine and cattle vaccines and an influenza variant that is known to cause disease in both the swine and turkey industries.  This platform technology allows influenza vaccine for swine to be adopted to address influenza in turkeys as well as the H5N1 variant in all birds. Medgene's platform technology is faster and tailored for specific vaccines to address the multiple variants of H5N1, whereas traditional vaccines can take years to develop, test, and achieve regulatory approval.  The study is expected to begin in May 2023 with results in approximately six weeks from the start date.  Young added, "We're expecting to see strong evidence for immunity against avian influenza.  Once we observe the desired response, we'll be able to make a HPAI vaccine option available if the USDA determines that vaccination is an appropriate option for some or all sub-species of poultry, such as turkeys or pheasants which add millions of dollars to the economies of states like South Dakota.  Additionally, our platform technology permits differentiation of infected and vaccinated animals." Medgene has previous experience in providing vaccines under emergency conditions.  In 2021, the company was issued Emergency Use Authorization to produce and distribute the only vaccine against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) approved in the United States. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/776/vietnam-and-australia-strengthen-cooperation-in-livestock-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/776/vietnam-and-australia-strengthen-cooperation-in-livestock-agriculture.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:56:10 +0530 Collaboration with the Australian Meat and Cattle Association aims to implement the project "Improving animal welfare in Vietnam" from 2020 to 2023 Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien met with a delegation of Australian Senators to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. "The two agriculture sectors of Vietnam and Australia complement each other. Both countries produce high-quality agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. Vietnamese shrimp products have always strived to build a biosafety zone for the Vietnam Australia shrimp farming area" said Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien. An exchange program in the field of technology and a farm visit to Northern Australia have been coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Northern Australian Farmers' Association regarding bilateral cooperation activities. Collaboration with the Australian Meat and Cattle Association to implement the project "Improving animal welfare in Vietnam" from 2020 to 2023 and build 02 concentrated animal slaughtering areas in Long An and Quang Ninh. A project to link farmer production activities into the beef supply chain in Vietnam was also implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's collaboration with the University of Tasmania. In March 2023, the Ministry also coordinated with the Australian embassy to organize a seminar on trade promotion and Vietnamese-Australian cuisine. Together with the German and Swiss governments, the Australian government supports the project "Adapting to climate change in the Mekong Delta" to strengthen water security and respond to climate change. The project aims to improve the management and use of land, water, and mangroves in coastal areas of the Mekong Delta in order to adapt to climate change. In addition, the Australian Government supports Vietnam in carrying out activities and series of events on disaster prevention and emergency response in the ASEAN region. In the field of agricultural scientific research, the Australian International Agricultural Research Organization and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have collaborated on the project "Support for greenhouse gas inventory and development of solutions." The two sides are completing procedures to sign a cooperation agreement on "Beef supply chain" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wet rice farming in Vietnam. In August 2017, the Australian Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries signed a "Memorandum of Understanding on Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing" to combat legal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. In addition to strengthening bilateral relations in depth, the Memorandum of Understanding lays the groundwork for regular cooperation between the two governments in addressing illegal fishing by vessels flying the flags of the two countries. To promote open markets for agricultural products in both countries, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien suggested strengthening cooperation between the quarantine agencies for animals, plants, and aquatic animals, the Australian agricultural counselor, and the Department of International Cooperation. In his request to the Australian side, Phung Duc Tien asked them to coordinate and create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in Australia. In order to increase efficiency and impact for the agricultural sector, both sides must be focused on grants and research cooperation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/751/sfa-fines-28000-for-failing-to-arrange-inspection-of-meat-products.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/751/sfa-fines-28000-for-failing-to-arrange-inspection-of-meat-products.html Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:16:44 +0530 For failing to arrange for SFA to do the proper checks, the company was fined $15,000 The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) fined $ 28,000 a food importer company Orca Marketing for failing to arrange inspection, examination and certification by SFA for food imports.   According to the SFA, Orca Marketing Pte Ltd had imported consignments of chilled whole lamb carcase and beef tenderloin in Jan 2021 and Jun 2021 respectively. On both occasions, the company failed to arrange for SFA to inspect, examine and certify the consignments and proceeded to sell the products.   For failing to arrange for SFA to do the proper checks, the company was fined $15,000, while its director Christopher John Moore was fined $13,000 for failing to prevent the offence from being committed. In Singapore, upon import of meat and fish products, importers must arrange for these products to be inspected, examined and certified by an authorised examiner before it is sold, distributed or exported. Meat or fish products which are found to be unfit for human consumption will be seized and disposed of. Those found guilty of failing to arrange for the required checks for products before they are sold can be jailed for up to 12 months, fined up to $10,000, or both. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/715/singapore-to-import-chicken-eggs-from-indonesia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/715/singapore-to-import-chicken-eggs-from-indonesia.html Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:58:22 +0530 Indonesia is a new source to export chicken eggs to Singapore The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved egg import from Indonesia to mitigate egg demand in Singapore.  According to the SFA, Indonesia is a new source to export chicken eggs to Singapore. SFA has accredited 18 countries to export eggs to Singapore including Indonesia. In December SFA approved egg import from Brunei. In 2019, 12 countries were exporting eggs to Singapore. Recently many countries were affected by bird flu outbreaks, which impacted egg and poultry production. At that time Singapore government temporarily imposed a ban on the import of poultry products from five countries. Singapore’s egg supply accounts for about 70 per cent. Singapore is developing its fourth egg farm, after getting fully operational, local egg farms will fulfil 50 per cent of Singapore’s egg demand. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/672/international-poultry-council-ipc-endorses-principles-to-reduce-amr-reliance-on-animals.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/672/international-poultry-council-ipc-endorses-principles-to-reduce-amr-reliance-on-animals.html Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:33:00 +0530 Designates eight private-sector organizations in lead to endorse the council's antimicrobial use stewardship principles to optimize animal health The International Poultry Council (IPC) has recognized eight private-sector organizations to endorse its new stewardship principles stating the significance of "responsible antimicrobial usage" in farms. Advanced within Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation (TRANSFORM), a USAID-funded activity led by Cargill, the principles guide poultry farmer actions to avoid the need for use of antimicrobials, yet when needed, ensure they are used according to stewardship principles. These international leaders, representing over 15% percent of the global broiler production, include six associations and two companies, and together they represent a collective effort in reducing reliance on antimicrobials globally. These organizations are recognized as leaders for adopting the antimicrobial use stewardship principles and serve as an example for others that want to make a tangible impact on global health security.    Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) Federación Nacional de Avicultores de Colombia (FENAVI) Poultry Federation of India (PFI) Unione Nazionale Filiere Agroalimentari Carni e Uova (UNAITALIA) Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Association (TBA) Vietnam Poultry Association (VIPA) DABACO Group, a Vietnam-based company Kenchic Limited, a Kenya-based company "Critical actions for addressing antimicrobial use start at the farm," said Robin Horel, IPC president. "We commend these organizations for acknowledging the importance of intentional antimicrobial use not only for the benefit of animals, but for the impact on human health by reducing the risk of resistant pathogens spreading around the world." By adopting the principles, the organizations are committed to encouraging or taking action that centers around four key points. First, taking a risk-based approach to understand specific use of antimicrobials. Second, adopting management practices to reduce the need for antimicrobials. Third, using antimicrobials only in compliance with national authorizations and finally, that antimicrobials critically important for human medicine should be used for therapeutic purposes only and under a supervising veterinarian's diagnosis and oversight. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/663/zoetis-advances-biodevice-business-in-apac-with-new-learning-center.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/663/zoetis-advances-biodevice-business-in-apac-with-new-learning-center.html Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:45:00 +0530 Aims to advance biodevice business with regional training and demonstration centers Zoetis is raising customer service in Asia Pacific with a new Biodevice Learning Center in Pathumthani, Thailand. This is the company’s first in the region and will provide regular training and routine device demonstrations for customers of the Embrex line of in-ovo vaccination biodevices. “We have observed growing demand for biodevice equipment for in-ovo vaccination and service among hatcheries throughout Southeast and South Asia. We have made it a priority to contribute to the learning and advancement of our biodevice colleagues,” said Arkhom Cheewakriengkrai, Vice President of Southeast Asia and South Asia. Giving a touch-and-feel experience with the Embrex machine would help customers consider adopting the technology to learn more about its features and benefits. "Embrex BioDevices inject more than 20 billion eggs in over 40 countries annually and the number keeps growing. We are pleased to provide more impactful learning opportunities to our field service colleagues on Embrex in-ovo vaccination technology with the learning center in the region. In-person and hands-on training not only improves our colleagues’ skills and capability and their comprehensive understanding of the device, but it also reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers,” revealed Curtis Shuey, Vice President of Global BioDevices. The next generation of the Inovoject system was launched by Zoetis in 2018, the Inovoject NXT, which utilizes a patented loop-wire design and Haylo technology for gentle egg handling, Embrex Accusight technology to identify eggs, and Embrex Precixion technology to maximize vaccination accuracy. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/626/transform-recognises-eight-organisations-for-adopting-antimicrobial-use-stewardship-principles.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/626/transform-recognises-eight-organisations-for-adopting-antimicrobial-use-stewardship-principles.html Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:58:01 +0530 These international leaders, representing over 15 per cent of global broiler production, include Asian organisations Cargill, as the TRANSFORM lead, and the International Poultry Council announce eight private-sector organisations have recognised the importance of responsible antimicrobial use and are endorsing the council’s antimicrobial use stewardship principles. Advanced within Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation (TRANSFORM), a USAID-funded activity, the principles guide poultry farmer actions to avoid the need for use of antimicrobials, yet when needed, ensure they are used according to stewardship principles.   These international leaders, representing over 15 per cent of the global broiler production, include six associations and two companies, and together they represent a collective effort in reducing reliance on antimicrobials globally. These organisations are recognised as leaders in adopting antimicrobial use stewardship principles and serve as an example for others that want to make a tangible impact on global health security.   Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) Federación Nacional de Avicultores de Colombia (FENAVI) Poultry Federation of India (PFI) Unione Nazionale Filiere Agroalimentari Carni e Uova (UNAITALIA) Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Association (TBA) Vietnam Poultry Association (VIPA) DABACO Group, a Vietnam-based company Kenchic Limited, a Kenya-based company “Critical actions for addressing antimicrobial use start at the farm,” said Robin Horel, IPC president. “We commend these organisations for acknowledging the importance of intentional antimicrobial use not only for the benefit of animals but for the impact on human health by reducing the risk of resistant pathogens spreading around the world.” By adopting the principles, the organisations are committed to encouraging or taking action that centres around four key points. First, take a risk-based approach to understand the specific use of antimicrobials. Second, adopting management practices to reduce the need for antimicrobials. Third, using antimicrobials only in compliance with national authorisations and finally, antimicrobials critically important for human medicine should be used for therapeutic purposes only and under a supervising veterinarian’s diagnosis and oversight. This is the latest initiative from TRANSFORM, a project created to advance market-driven animal health solutions that increase global health security and increase access to safe and affordable animal-sourced nutrition. Led by a private-sector consortium that includes Cargill, Ausvet, Heifer International and IPC, TRANSFORM aims to drive lasting, systemic change through animal health data applications, antimicrobial use stewardship and on-farm practices that support animal health and economic sustainability. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/624/uaes-al-ajban-poultry-wins-sheikh-mansour-bin-zayed-agricultural-excellence-award.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/624/uaes-al-ajban-poultry-wins-sheikh-mansour-bin-zayed-agricultural-excellence-award.html Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:35:53 +0530 The company is working on its strategies to develop a sustainable, efficient, and integrated food system by adopting innovations and investment techniques, promoting good practices UAE-based Al Ajban Poultry won first place for the ‘Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award’ at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, in the category of Commercial Animal Production Farms for adopting the highest standards in the poultry production chain. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Award for Agricultural Excellence, presented the award to Dr Mohammed Ezzat El Agamy, General Manager of Al Ajban Poultry, during a ceremony held at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Dr El Agamy, General Manager of Al Ajban Poultry Company, expressed the company's pride in winning the prestigious Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence, the company is working on its strategies to develop a sustainable, efficient, and integrated food system by adopting innovations and investment techniques, promoting good practices, and enhancing the competitiveness of local products, which contribute to enhancing biosecurity, in addition to achieving the nation’s food security objectives. Al Ajban Poultry plays a significant role in supporting the security of the food supply chain, which supports the National Food Security Strategy 2051 of the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the training and development of the company’s human resources, including its veterinarians, engineers, and technical and administrative employees that contribute to the successes of the organisation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/616/thailand-based-cp-foods-gets-carbon-footprint-reduction-label-for-cage-free-eggs-and-fresh-eggs.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/616/thailand-based-cp-foods-gets-carbon-footprint-reduction-label-for-cage-free-eggs-and-fresh-eggs.html Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:15:45 +0530 23 categories of egg products including cage free egg, become the first egg products certified “global warming reduction” label in Thailand. Twenty-three categories of fresh egg product of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company (or CP Foods) have been certified the “Carbon Footprint Reduction Label” or “Global Warming Reduction Label” from Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation or TGO for its efforts in mitigating carbon greenhouse gas emissions in the production. These carbon reduction products demonstrate the company’s commitment to achieving its Net-Zero emission goal by 2050 and strive to offers consumers choices of environmentally friendly food products. This certification recognises the company’s consistent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain and its products have been verified in accordance with TGO-eligible reduction criteria to broaden Thai consumer choices of low-carbon eggs. These 23 categories of egg products including cage free egg, become the first egg products certified “global warming reduction” label in Thailand. Egg products of CP Foods are from layer hens raised in the closed housed equipped with world class technology, smart and automation system. The egg packaging made from 100 percent of recycled paper meanwhile PET plastic packaging use 80 percent recycled plastic in the layer that is not in direct contact with eggs.  Up to now, over 800 CP Foods’ food products, including fresh pork, chicken, shrimp, and animal feed, are certified with Carbon Footprint Label and 50 products are earned the global warming reduction label from TGO.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/581/evonik-launches-first-plant-based-animal-nutrition-premix.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/581/evonik-launches-first-plant-based-animal-nutrition-premix.html Mon, 06 Mar 2023 10:25:00 +0530 Flavonoid-rich plant extracts alleviate inflammation in sows, laying hens and dairy cows Evonik is introducing a new plant-based Animal nutrition premix product to maintain good health among sows (female pigs), laying hens and dairy cows by boosting their immunity. The new product, called PhytriCare® IM, consists of selected plant extracts with a high flavonoid content. Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Currently available throughout Europe, the product is under approval in other countries. PhytriCare® IM is originally developed in association with Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition GmbH & Co. KG to prevent an overshooting of inflammatory reactions in sows, laying hens and dairy cows. PhytriCare® IM is a blend of carefully selected plant extracts covering a wide range of flavonoid subclasses. This blend targets a broad spectrum of inflammatory pathways to modulate, but not suppress, the inflammatory response. “Farm animals are exposed to a variety of stress factors and respond by activating the body's defense mechanisms. If the stress continues at a higher level for a longer period, it can lead to chronic inflammation. The animal then uses an increased share of its energy and nutrients for the immune system rather than for beneficial activities, such as growth and performance, sometimes for months or years. Female animals are particularly stressed by reproductive processes anyway. Consequently, production efficiency decreases and the animal's ecological footprint increases” explains Evonik Animal Nutrition department. Evonik has worked on the natural anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoids in PhytriCare® IM in association with Dr. Eckel. Some of these secondary plant constituents, numbering around 8,000, have been shown to influence certain biochemical processes in animals that are associated with inflammation. Since the prophylactic use of antibiotics has been banned in Europe, many farmers are looking for alternative solutions to keep their animals healthy and productive. In addition to probiotics, various other product classes have become established, including phytogenics. Evonik Animal Nutrition adds plant-based PhytriCare® IM to its probiotics-based Gut Health Solutions portfolio. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/555/tanmiah-food-company-partners-with-mhp-group-to-boost-saudi-poultry-production.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/555/tanmiah-food-company-partners-with-mhp-group-to-boost-saudi-poultry-production.html Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:05:19 +0530 The joint venture's primary focus will be developing and operating poultry breeding facilities and a greenfield hatchery in Saudi Arabia to hatch 108 million hatching eggs per annum. Tanmiah Food Company, an established market leader in the provision of poultry and other meat products, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with MHP, the leading European producer of poultry. The agreement is the first step in establishing a joint venture between Tanmiah's wholly owned subsidiary, Desert Hills for Veterinary Services Company Ltd and MHP SE the parent company of the leading international food & aggrotech group headquartered in Ukraine. Supported by the government of Saudi Arabia, and in line with the food security goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the memorandum sets out the principles of establishing a joint venture with the aim of accelerating efforts to close the existing production gap in KSA's domestic poultry sector. The joint venture's primary focus will be developing and operating poultry breeding facilities and includes the establishment of a greenfield hatchery in Saudi Arabia to hatch 108 million hatching eggs per annum. It will also invest in feed milling facilities with the target of producing 137 thousand tonnes of feed per annum. The initiatives will be primarily funded by the Agriculture Development Fund of Saudi Arabia. MHP is set to provide a wide spectrum of industry expertise across the value chain to capture long-term opportunities and design best-in-class facilities fully adapted to local market conditions. The establishment of the joint venture company remains subject to necessary regulatory approvals including the clearance by the General Authority for Competition of Saudi Arabia and other applicable authorisations.  Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah, said, "The new partnership with MHP is yet another important step, demonstrating our resolve to contribute towards KSA's poultry self-sufficiency whilst reinforcing our pioneering role in supporting the Kingdom's food security and self-sufficiency objectives. In addition, as Europe's largest poultry producer, MHP brings a wealth of industry expertise that will advance Tanmiah's production capabilities and efficiencies, whilst enhancing our sustainability agenda."  Dr John Rich, MHP SE Executive Chairman, added, "This memorandum represents an important milestone in MHP's international strategy. I am confident that Tanmiah's excellent operational track record in combination with MHP's industry-leading poultry expertise can bring transformational results to the Kingdom on its way to achieving the food security goals of 2030 Vision. The agreement also brings closer together the people of Saudi Arabia and Ukraine." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/514/israel-to-import-40-mn-eggs-from-5-countries.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/514/israel-to-import-40-mn-eggs-from-5-countries.html Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:05:54 +0530 The Ministry of Agriculture approved the opening of import quotas for customs duty-free eggs in order to meet the growing demand for eggs prior to the upcoming festival Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture is opening quotas for the import of eggs with exemption from customs duty to authorised marketers from countries from which the Ministry has approved imports, in order to increase the supply of eggs and to meet the growing demand prior to Passover. The opening of imports at this time will allow importers to organise themselves so that they can import eggs in preparation for the increase in demand for the festival, as is the case every year.  In general, the State of Israel produces the vast majority of eggs consumed in Israel, amounting to approximately 2.2 billion eggs per year. However, as is the case every year in the run-up to Passover, as well as the Tishrei [September / October] festivals, the demand for eggs increases. Therefore, again this year the Ministry approved import quotas of an amount of 40 million eggs, with exemption from customs duty, which will supplement the local production. Currently, egg imports are approved from five countries Spain, Italy, Ukraine, Poland and Argentina. According to the estimates of professionals, the importers will only import eggs in accordance with the local demand, as is the case every year, certainly in light of the global price of eggs, which has risen significantly over recent months.  Professional echelon officials at the Ministry of Agriculture continue to monitor, and as necessary, will act to increase egg import quotas in accordance with supply and demand in the local market. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/511/china-to-replenish-pork-reserves-to-stabilise-the-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/511/china-to-replenish-pork-reserves-to-stabilise-the-market.html Tue, 07 Feb 2023 14:11:33 +0530 China has introduced a three-level early-warning system to raise the alarm for excessive ups and downs in hog prices Chinese authority will stockpile pork, the country's staple meat, to replenish state reserves, as an index monitoring pork prices have dropped below a warning level said the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The index, the national average of pork prices against grain prices, came in at 4.96 to 1 between Jan. 30 and Feb. 3, falling below the warning level of 5 to 1, according to the NDRC. According to a work plan for stabilising the pork market, China has introduced a three-level early-warning system to raise the alarm for excessive ups and downs in hog prices. The commission said it would work with relevant departments to immediately start the stockpiling work for state reserves and guide local governments to purchase pork.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/510/chinas-agricultural-product-prices-up-in-january.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/510/chinas-agricultural-product-prices-up-in-january.html Tue, 07 Feb 2023 13:17:07 +0530 The China agricultural product wholesale price index came in at 133.04 for the month, up 2.66 points year on year The wholesale prices of China's agricultural products edged up in January, according to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The China agricultural product wholesale price index came in at 133.04 for the month, up 2.66 points year on year, said the ministry. In the period, the sub-index of vegetables increased by 2.15 points year on year, while that of grain and edible oil products rose 5.73 points year on year. The average wholesale price of pork, however, decreased by 18.82 per cent month on month to 23.72 yuan ($3.5) in January, as Chinese authorities have taken measures to ensure market supply and stabilise the price of the staple meat. The index is compiled from data collected from around 200 agricultural wholesale markets. It is updated daily based on the weighted average of price indices for goods including vegetables, fruit, livestock products, aquatic products, cereals and edible oil.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/484/malaysian-retailer-wins-praise-for-new-animal-welfare-policy.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/484/malaysian-retailer-wins-praise-for-new-animal-welfare-policy.html Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:33:37 +0530 The policy will require animal protein suppliers to end the use of cages and crates as well as meet additional standards set by animal welfare experts Malaysia-based retail chain AEON Co. (M) Bhd (AEON) won praise for publishing a comprehensive new animal health and welfare policy that protects the Five Freedoms of animals in the company’s supply chain, from egg-laying hens to cows, chickens and fish. The Company believes that animal welfare is deeply related to the relationship human beings have with animals and agrees that it is every retailer’s duty to ensure all animals are treated humanely, responsibly, and with respect. The policy, drafted with the support of the international NGO Lever Foundation, will require animal protein suppliers to end the use of cages and crates, limit stocking densities, provide suitable environments as well as meet additional standards set by animal welfare experts. AEON is working closely with its suppliers to ensure the new standards and guidelines are met within the next 12 – 18 months. AEON noted that the new animal health and welfare policy is an essential step towards protecting farm animals in its supply chain, thus meeting the growing expectations of customers who demand higher standards of animal welfare. “We applaud AEON Malaysia for this new holistic set of standards that will further improve the welfare of egg-laying hens, chickens, cows, fish and other animals in the company’s supply chain,” said Vilosha Sivaraman, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, which worked closely with AEON on drafting the policy. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/483/da-dbp-cpf-philippines-plan-a-program-for-livestock-poultry-and-aquaculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/483/da-dbp-cpf-philippines-plan-a-program-for-livestock-poultry-and-aquaculture.html Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:03:07 +0530 Through the program, small farmers and fisherfolk organised or clustered farmers’ and fisherfolk’s cooperatives and associations The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA), the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and the Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Philippines Corporation are preparing a collaborative project that will benefit the local livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries. During a meeting, DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban instructed concerned DA offices to work closely with the DBP and CPF in formulating an expanded financing program to assist stakeholders in identified priority areas nationwide. Through the program, small farmers and fisherfolk, organised or clustered farmers’ and fisherfolk’s cooperatives and associations (FCAs), and medium- and large-scale enterprises will be able to avail financing, marketing, and technical assistance to improve their production. The DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) will standardise the documentary requirements with the DBP, CPF, and the concerned local government unit (LGU) to streamline the application and approval. Undersecretary Panganiban also directed the DA offices to determine the program’s target number of beneficiaries, investment requirements, and areas for expansion. During the meeting, the CPF Philippines team presented the company’s business models for hogs, poultry, and aquaculture, their contract farming projects, and technologies for biosecurity. In 2021, the DA, DBP, and the Thailand-based agro-industrial and food conglomerate partnered in launching the Swine Rehabilitation, Repopulation and Recovery Credit (Swine R3) program in support of the government’s effort to revive the local hog industry.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/475/sfa-bans-import-of-broiler-chicken-from-a-malaysian-farm.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/475/sfa-bans-import-of-broiler-chicken-from-a-malaysian-farm.html Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:35:09 +0530 The drug has been found in samples collected from an imported consignment of broilers from the farm Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has suspended live broiler Chicken from Malaysia’s Cab Cakaran farm due to the detection of drug residues exceeding MRLs.  According to the SFA, the drug has been found in samples collected from an imported consignment of broilers from the farm.   In June last year, Malaysia decided to ban the export of chicken up to 3.6 million live and fresh chickens. At that time Singapore government sourced alternative options for countries like Thailand and Indonesia.   In the month of October Malaysia lifted the ban on the import of live chicken and chicken products. Malaysia had said that Singapore would receive about 1.8 million Malaysian broiler chickens a month. According to the data Singapore imports chicken from Brazil, Malaysia, USA, Argentina and Denmark. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/467/nepal-to-strengthen-the-seed-to-feed-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/467/nepal-to-strengthen-the-seed-to-feed-chain.html Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:01:06 +0530 CIMMYT scientists plan to double the number of districts under the maize commercialisation model from three to six in 2023. Experts at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) are working with partners to drive self-sufficiency in poultry feed and achieve more sustainable maize systems in Nepal with the help of the Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) project. About 3,000 metric tons of poultry feed is used in Nepal every day, with maize making up about half of feed ingredients. The Feed Association of Nepal estimates that more than 80 per cent of maize for animal feed requirements are met through imports, which costs around $100 million a year. Maize imports are estimated to exceed $130 million in 2022. Through the NSAF project — a project which facilitates sustainable increases in Nepal’s national crop productivity, income and household-level food and nutrition security across 20 districts — CIMMYT scientists have been supporting public-private partnerships to increase commercial maize production and strengthen the ‘seed to feed’ chain in the country. CIMMYT scientists plan to double the number of districts under the maize commercialisation model from three to six in 2023. The Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the local and provincial governments are keen to scale out the model to several maize production regions of Nepal. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/449/new-zealands-m-bovis-programme-confirms-properties-continue-to-decrease.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/449/new-zealands-m-bovis-programme-confirms-properties-continue-to-decrease.html Fri, 20 Jan 2023 13:53:03 +0530 The number of active confirmed properties has decreased this week with two properties now cleared of M. Bovis and preparing to return to farming without restrictions. The Mycoplasma Bovis Programme, led in partnership with MPI, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, continues to make good progress towards eradicating the disease from New Zealand. All properties in the high-risk area in Wakanui, under a Controlled Area Notice (CAN), have now been cleared of cattle. Testing will be underway shortly on the properties in the surrounding area. The CAN is on track to be lifted in mid-March. The number of active confirmed properties has decreased this week with two properties now cleared of M. Bovis and preparing to return to farming without restrictions. There is one new farm infected with M. Bovis which has well-established links to another already infected property. "This brings the current number of Confirmed Properties to 5 (compared to 40 at the height of the outbreak), and we expect all of these farms to be cleared within the first half of 2023," said Simon Andrew M. Bovis programme director. "While this progress is great news for farmers, there is still work to be done before New Zealand can transition to the next stage of the eradication effort which will primarily focus on Bulk Tank Milk, and Beef and Drystock Cattle surveillance. "Over time, this will provide us with the necessary information for us to be confident the country is absent of the disease. It is expected that more infected properties may be identified before this shift." The newly confirmed infected farm is a dairy grazing operation in the Banks Peninsula. It is linked through ownership and animal movements to a Confirmed Property in the Wakanui area. "We are working closely with the farmer to depopulate the new confirmed property as quickly as possible before the milking season to minimise the disruption to the farmer’s business." Andrew said as well as the progress made towards clearing the Wakanui area of infection, the investigation into the second strain identified from a Confirmed Property in Canterbury in October 2022 is ongoing. "This includes testing semen and tracing all forward and backtraces on and off the infected farm. To date, none has been found on any farm that supplied the infected property with cattle, nor on properties that received cattle from this farm." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/446/good-meat-partners-with-hubers-worlds-first-butchery-to-sell-cultivated-meat.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/446/good-meat-partners-with-hubers-worlds-first-butchery-to-sell-cultivated-meat.html Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:25:24 +0530 GOOD Meat’s partnership with Huber’s is the latest in a series of exciting announcements for the company. GOOD Meat, the cultivated meat division of food technology company Eat Just, announced that Huber’s Butchery, one of Singapore’s premier producers and suppliers of high-quality meat products, will become the first butchery in the world to sell and serve cultivated meat. With the introduction of the latest version of GOOD Meat’s cultivated chicken, the family-owned and operated business is thrilled to add a new, locally produced offering to its display case and bistro menu. “Offering this new approach to making meat at a butchery is another historic moment in the long road to making our food system more delicious and sustainable. I’m very proud to partner with the Huber’s team to give people a whole new way to experience our cultivated chicken," said Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just. “When we founded our butcher shop, we made it our mission to provide top quality and exceptional tasting meat products with the highest food safety standards at an affordable price. Partnering with GOOD Meat is in keeping with that vision and the realities of our ever-changing food system,” said Ryan Huber, Huber’s Butchery Managing Director. “Cultivated meat could be one of the solutions to over-farming due to increased population size and density and an increase in animal protein consumption in many parts of the world,” added Andre Huber Executive Director. GOOD Meat’s partnership with Huber’s is the latest in a series of exciting announcements for the company. GOOD Meat won regulatory approvals for its chicken in Singapore in November 2020 and December 2021. It remains the only cultivated meat producer in the world with the ability to sell to consumers. Since its launch, the company’s chicken has been featured on menus at local fine dining establishments, roadside hawker stalls and via food panda, Asia's leading food and grocery delivery platform. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/430/china-asks-slaughterhouses-to-stabilise-hog-prices.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/430/china-asks-slaughterhouses-to-stabilise-hog-prices.html Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:54:17 +0530 The NDRC made the suggestions in a meeting held recently with some large slaughter firms in response to weak hog prices. China's top planning body has asked slaughter firms to increase commercial stocks of pigs to help revive market demand and drive up sluggish hog prices. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) also said it would take timely measures, such as increasing meat reserves if needed to promote hog market stability. Pigs are a popular food in China and changes in hog prices have an impact on inflation. The NDRC made the suggestions in a meeting held recently with some large slaughter firms in response to weak hog prices. Participants at the meeting said hog prices had suffered rapid falls due to weak consumption and increased supplies. Recently, however, pork consumption has recovered somewhat, and a further pickup in demand is expected to pull hog prices back to reasonable levels. Slaughter firms said at the meeting they would study plans to step up pig purchases and increase slaughtering and commercial stocks, as current prices are relatively low. The NDRC said it paid close attention to hog price stability and would continue to monitor supply and demand.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/426/tibets-agri-output-hits-record-high-in-2022.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/426/tibets-agri-output-hits-record-high-in-2022.html Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:03:27 +0530 The region's grain output hit 1.07 million tonnes in 2022, vegetable output climbed to 930,000 tonnes. The agricultural output of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region surged to a record high in 2022, according to the Xinhua News Agency. The region's grain output hit 1.07 million tonnes in 2022, vegetable output climbed to 930,000 tonnes, and the output of meat, eggs and milk reached 880,000 tonnes, said the report released at the first session of the 12th People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region. Meanwhile, the region's output of green and organic foods and farm products as well as those with indigenous marks increased by 30 per cent year on year in 2022, as the region has attached importance to the security and quality of its farm products. Tibet allocated subsidies for the protection of cultivated land around 172 million yuan (about $25.6 million) in 2022. By the end of 2022, Tibet's planting area of improved varieties of highland barley, a long-established Tibetan grain, had grown to about 135,000 hectares, and that of high-yield farmland totalled 260,000 hectares.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/415/vietnams-agro-forestry-fishery-exports-hit-a-new-record-last-year.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/415/vietnams-agro-forestry-fishery-exports-hit-a-new-record-last-year.html Thu, 12 Jan 2023 13:00:59 +0530 Export turnover of the agro-forestry-fishery (AFF) industry reached $53.22 billion, up 9.3 per cent compared to 2021. Vietnam’s agricultural sector’s  GDP in 2022 reached 3.36 per cent, the highest increase in recent years in which, agriculture increased by 2.88 per cent (cultivation increased by 1.51 per cent, livestock production increased by 5.93 per cent), fisheries increased by 4.43 per cent, forestry increased by 6.13 per cent; forest coverage rate is over 42.02 per cent, the percentage of communes meeting new rural standards is over 73 per cent, export turnover of agro-forestry-fishery (AFF) industry reached $53.22 billion, up 9.3 per cent compared to 2021; trade surplus of over $8.5 billion. According to Nguyen Van Viet, Director of the Planning Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the production structure continues to be adjusted to be more appropriate and more effective in association with the market, increasing the proportion of the industry and agro-forestry products with competitive advantages and high value, quality assurance, food safety. The product consumption markets continue to be expanded in both categories and products, focusing on the domestic market; promptly removing many trade barriers. In 2022, AFF exports reached a record high of $53.22 billion, up 9.3 per cent compared to 2021, with a trade surplus of over $8.5 billion, in which there are seven products groups with a turnover of over $3 billion (wood and wood products reached $10.92 billion, shrimp $4.33 billion, coffee $3.94 billion, rice $3.49 billion, rubber $3.31 billion, $3.34 billion, cashew nuts $3.07 billion). In 2023, it is forecast that the economy will continue to face many difficulties and challenges such as inflation pressure and a sharp increase in production costs, climate change is more and more obvious and extreme, with changes in demand and new consumption patterns, especially the impact from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the Agriculture and Rural Development sector still set development goals with the following targets, GDP growth rate of the whole industry reached 3.0 per cent. The total export turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products is $54 billion. In order to achieve the set targets, the whole agriculture and rural sector continue to promote restructuring towards the development of modern, ecological agriculture, and circular economy, focusing on solving difficulties and obstacles, diseases, minimising the negative impact of the epidemic and market fluctuations to increase exports, make good use of opportunities from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreements EVFTA, Comprehensive Partnership Agreement and Trans-Pacific Progress CTPPP for Vietnamese agricultural products. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/411/a-second-avian-influenza-outbreak-flash-point-detects-in-israel.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/411/a-second-avian-influenza-outbreak-flash-point-detects-in-israel.html Wed, 11 Jan 2023 13:11:16 +0530 The farm has three infected buildings, containing 21,500 heavy-breeding poultry. Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development detected a second occurrence of the H5N1 strain of bird flu at Moshav Be'er Tuvia, about 350 meters away from the outbreak flash point that was detected last week. The farm has three infected buildings, containing 21,500 heavy-breeding poultry. The Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture continue to actively monitor all the poultry coop farms in the area. In order to prevent the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture operates in accordance with the regular work procedures related to the handling of bird flu. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has informed the Ministry of Health and the Nature and Parks Authority on the subject and is in contact with them regarding increased vigilance with respect to the transmission of the disease through wild birds. The Ministry of Agriculture reiterates that it is possible to continue to consume poultry and eggs, but care must be taken to purchase eggs only at organised sales and marketing outlets. The eggs must be marked and packed in cardboard or wrapped in plastic on all sides. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that eggs and poultry should only be consumed after they have been well cooked, baked or fried.  The Ministry of Agriculture also calls on the breeders of ornamental birds and backyard poultry, as well as free-range chickens, to keep the birds inside buildings and to prevent them from roaming in the open, thereby reducing the risk of infection from wild birds. It would be prudent to note that the Ministry of Agriculture has concluded the handling of the previous avian flu outbreak flash points that were detected last month at Moshav Shluchot, Moshav Beit Heirut, Moshav Beit Halevy, Moshav Kfar Monash, Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon, Kibbutz Hatzor, Kibbutz Ein Tzurim, Kibbutz Magal and Moshav Be’er Tovia. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/401/japan-culls-10-mn-of-flu-infected-birds.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/401/japan-culls-10-mn-of-flu-infected-birds.html Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:40:42 +0530 In Japan, 56 infections have been detected in 23 prefectures. Due to a record high spread of avian influenza in Japan approximately 10 million birds at poultry farms have been culled across the country, according to the farm ministry. Genetic testing presence of bird flu has been confirmed. In Shirosato town, 93,000 chickens had been culled and in Ibaraki prefecture, 9.98 million birds had been killed. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, previously during November 2020 to March 2021, 9.98 million birds had killed. In Japan, 56 infections have been detected in 23 prefectures. The first case of bird flu was found in the month of October in Okayama. Earlier this month in the Fukuoka region 430 emus were culled due to avian flu. It is said that this season bird flu has been caused by migrated birds. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/398/avian-flu-hits-two-cities-in-israel.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/398/avian-flu-hits-two-cities-in-israel.html Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:55:43 +0530 The Ministry of Agriculture imposed a closure on all poultry coops within 10 km. Israels' Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development located two new flashpoints of H5N1 bird flu disease. at Kibbutz Magal, in the Mehashe Regional Council, approximately 25,000 fattening turkeys were located in three buildings and at Moshav Beer Tuvia, another flashpoint was identified with another 25,000 heavy breeding chickens in three buildings. The Ministry of Agriculture imposed a closure on all poultry coops within 10 km. עIn order to prevent the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture operates in accordance with the regular work procedures related to the handling of bird flu. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has informed the Ministry of Health and the Nature and Parks Authority on the subject and is in contact with them regarding increased vigilance regarding the transmission of the disease through wild birds. The Ministry of Agriculture reiterates that it is possible to continue to consume poultry and eggs but care must be taken to purchase eggs only at organised sales and marketing outlets. The eggs must be packed in cardboard or plastic and be marked on all sides. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that eggs and poultry should only be consumed after they have been well cooked/baked/fried.   Also, the Ministry of Agriculture calls on the breeders of ornamental birds and backyard poultry as well as free-range chickens, to keep the birds inside buildings and to prevent them from roaming about in the open, thereby reducing the risk of infection from wild birds.  It should be noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has concluded the handling of the previous bird flu outbreaks that were discovered last month on Moshav Shluchot, Moshav Beit Heirut, Moshav Beit Halevy, Moshav Kfar Monash, Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon, Kibbutz Hatzor and Kibbutz Ein Tzurim. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/396/philippiness-rizal-province-free-from-avian-flu.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/396/philippiness-rizal-province-free-from-avian-flu.html Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:39:34 +0530 The Avian Influenza Protection (AIPP) with Rizal Province yielded negative test results. The Rizal province in the Philippines regained its Avian Influenza-Free Status following the Department of Agriculture (DA) Memorandum by Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban. The declaration is based on the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) norms. This is after a minimum period of 28 days after a stamping-out policy has been completed, disinfection of the last affected establishment was carried out, and consequent surveillance demonstrated the absence of infection. The DA Regional Field Office, DA Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and the local government unit (LGU) jointly conducted disease control measures such as stamping out, cleaning and disinfection, and other quarantine activities to effectively manage the risk of further infection. The Avian Influenza Protection (AIPP) with Rizal Province yielded negative test results. More than 40 days also elapsed since the end of the clean-up and disinfection operations and surveillance has been carried out in accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Code. During the June and July month of last year, Rizal Province recorded confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Subtype H5N1 in the Municipality of Rodriguez affecting a commercial chicken layer farm, a backyard free-range chicken farm and a commercial contract grower farm. To prevent the entry of HPAI virus and protect the local poultry industry, the DA also issued memorandum orders to temporarily ban the importation of domestic and wild birds and poultry products from countries with confirmed AI virus outbreaks. The importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen, from Poland, Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Moldova, and Peru is banned until the order is revoked. Undersecretary Panganiban also ordered for the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application, and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance to the above-stated commodities. AI is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. HPAI, on the other hand, can cause severe clinical signs and possible high mortality rates, especially in domestic poultry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/394/philippines-bans-poultry-imports-from-ai-hit-countries.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/394/philippines-bans-poultry-imports-from-ai-hit-countries.html Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:43:25 +0530 The ban includes imports of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat and eggs. Philippine’s Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed restrictions on the import of chicken and other poultry products from Poland, Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Moldova, and Peru due to the outbreak of avian influenza (AI). The ban includes imports of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat and eggs.  The DA has immediately suspended the processing, evaluation of the application, and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance for the affected commodities. DA also directed the authorities to confiscate all shipments from the mentioned countries. Ban has been imposed on the basis official report submitted by the Director General of the Central Veterinary Administration of State Veterinary Administration, Prague, Czech Republic to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on December 1, 2022, that there was an outbreak of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in Frahelž, Tabor, and Jihocesky affecting birds as confirmed by Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate.   Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Moldova, and Peru have also submitted official reports to the WOAH and WOAH confirmed that outbreaks the of HPAI virus have been detected in domestic birds in these countries. Ireland, Denmark and Poland also reported HPAI virus which is affecting local birds. To prevent the entry of HPAI virus into the country DA has imposed a temporary ban on chicken import. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/329/bird-flu-detected-at-a-turkey-farm-in-israel.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/329/bird-flu-detected-at-a-turkey-farm-in-israel.html Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:09:11 +0530 The outbreak occurred in a coop of about 20,000 turkeys in the village of Beit Halevi located in the Hefer Valley. The pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been detected at a turkey farm in central Israel, said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to the official statement, the outbreak occurred in a coop of about 20,000 turkeys in the village of Beit Halevi located in the Hefer Valley. In response, the ministry quarantined all coops located within the 10 km boundary of the outbreak site and began active monitoring of all chicken farms in the area. The ministry called on the public to purchase only labelled and packaged eggs and suggested consumers well cook, bake, or fry eggs and chicken before eating. In addition, poultry breeders were asked to keep birds indoors to prevent infection from wild birds. Two previous bird flu outbreaks were detected at turkey farms in Israel last month. However, no epidemiological linkage was found between the three outbreaks.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/319/malaysia-imports-eggs-from-india.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/319/malaysia-imports-eggs-from-india.html Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:59:18 +0530 The first shipment of around 90,000 eggs from Namakkal district Tamil Nadu has reached Malaysia. The Malaysian government has imported eggs from India to overcome the shortage of eggs in the country. The first shipment of around 90,000 eggs from Namakkal district Tamil Nadu has reached Malaysia. Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has temporarily allowed the import of chicken eggs from other sources and the decision is to be reviewed when the domestic supply stabilises. Chicken and eggs are part of the staple diet in Malaysia. Shortage of eggs is considered a serious food security issue by the Government of Malaysia. The Malaysian Government has requested the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) the import the eggs. According to the Malaysian local media, the ministry, through the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), has implemented control on the entry of imported chicken eggs at the entry points through the Hold, Test and Release (HTR) examination. This includes the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for the detection of Salmonella bacteria, Newcastle Disease virus and Avian Influenza. The exports are expected to continue once the trial shipment is approved andaccepted by Malaysians. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/308/singapore-selects-brunei-as-new-source-for-hen-eggs.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/308/singapore-selects-brunei-as-new-source-for-hen-eggs.html Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:39:10 +0530 Strengthening Singapore’s Egg Supply Resilience through various MoUs The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has accredited Brunei Darussalam (“Brunei”) as a new source to export hen shell eggs to Singapore. This was announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu during her visit to Golden Chick Livestock Farm Sdn Bhd in Brunei on 13 December 2022. Golden Chick Livestock Farm is the first Bruneian farm to export eggs to Singapore. This brings the number of countries and regions accredited to export hen shell eggs to Singapore to 17, up from 12 in 2019. Singapore and Brunei share long-standing and close bilateral trade relations. The signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in recent years underscores both countries’ commitment in deepening collaboration in food security. These include the MOU to enhance collaboration in agrifood and agro-technology in February 2021, as well as the MOU on strengthening trade and investment in food and medical products in August 2022. The accreditation of Brunei as a new country source for eggs is another step towards augmenting food cooperation between both countries, as Brunei looks to produce eggs for export while Singapore diversifies its egg import sources further. Eggs imported into Singapore must come from accredited sources that meet SFA’s strict food safety standards and animal health standards. Currently, egg imports account for approximately 70 percent of egg supply. Efforts to diversify the nation’s egg supply over the past three years have helped us to withstand supply disruptions arising from unexpected events due to disease issues and geopolitical tensions and ensured a stable supply of eggs in Singapore. For example, in 2021, imported eggs from sources such as Thailand, Australia, Spain and Poland contributed to some 18 percent of Singapore’s egg supply, up from 2 percent in 2019. SFA will continue to actively accredit new sources, work closely with the industry to diversify their supplies, and strengthen their resiliency including through Business Continuity Planning. Local egg production currently contributes to about 30 percent of our total egg consumption and complements efforts on import source diversification. The upcoming development of the fourth egg farm in Singapore with a state-of-the-art, productive and sustainable egg facility will further strengthen the resilience of our local egg supply. When fully operational, our local egg farms will meet about 50 percent of Singapore’s egg demand and contribute towards Singapore’s 30-by-30 goal to build the agri-food industry’s capability and capacity to sustainably produce 30 percent of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/303/adb-approves-62-9-mn-package-to-cambodia-for-food-security.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/303/adb-approves-62-9-mn-package-to-cambodia-for-food-security.html Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:12:55 +0530 The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Livestock Health and Value Chains Improvement Project will directly benefit at least 40,000 households. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $62.9 million package to help Cambodia enhance food security and promote inclusive economic growth by improving livestock health and value chains, and the formal trade of livestock and livestock products. The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Livestock Health and Value Chains Improvement Project will directly benefit at least 40,000 households in Kampong Cham, Otdar Meanchey, Prey Veng, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Takeo provinces by boosting investments in critical infrastructure, institutional and technical capacities, and enabling policies. It will also develop infrastructure in Kandal, Kampong Thom, and Pursat provinces to meet nationwide needs for veterinary vaccines and artificial insemination. The project will enhance the productivity and resilience of the livestock subsector by reducing risks from transboundary animal diseases, zoonoses, and antimicrobial resistance; build up animal health monitoring and service delivery; improve food safety; and promote subregional cooperation in the GMS. The project will be financed by a $50 million loan from ADB’s concessional resources, a $12 million Asian Development Fund (ADF) grant, and a $900,000 grant from the Climate Change Fund (CCF). The ADF provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries (DMCs) while the CCF aims to strengthen support for low-carbon and climate-resilient development in DMCs. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will provide a $43 million loan to the project, which will be partly administered by ADB. “The livestock subsector is crucial to sustainable rural livelihoods and food security in Cambodia, and it offers many opportunities for smallholder farmers, including women, and small- and medium-sized agribusinesses,” said Ancha Srinivasan ADB Principal Climate Change Specialist for Southeast Asia. "Nearly all cattle and buffaloes are owned by smallholder farmers, although pig and poultry production is increasingly becoming commercialized. ADB’s assistance will enable the subsector to tap into high growth potential brought about by increasing domestic meat consumption resulting from economic growth, urbanization, population expansion, trade opportunities, and progressive improvement in disease control and animal nutrition.” The project is in line with the government’s national development plans and ADB’s country partnership strategy for Cambodia, 2019­–2023. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/301/vietnams-hung-nhon-and-netherlands-dutch-royal-de-heus-group-signs-mou-for-agri-partnership.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/301/vietnams-hung-nhon-and-netherlands-dutch-royal-de-heus-group-signs-mou-for-agri-partnership.html Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:57:12 +0530 According to the MoU, De Heus and Hung Nhon are expected to establish and develop a number of agricultural projects in collaboration Vietnamese Hung Nhon Group and Netherland’s Dutch Royal De Heus Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing strategic collaboration and partnership in agriculture. The signing event was witnessed by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh as well as Vietnamese and Dutch ministers and department heads. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is on an official visit to the Netherlands. According to the agreement, De Heus and Hung Nhon plan to cooperate, construct, and develop projects in agricultural fields such as poultry and livestock breeding, development of raw materials (corn and cassava) for feed production, and high-tech agricultural production value chain based on the Dutch cooperative model in Vietnam. In the field of high-quality cattle and poultry breed production for the Vietnamese market, the two parties would promote a high-tech model of livestock value chain between 2022 and 2030. Hung Nhon will invest in the construction of large-scale, modern cattle farms that meet international standards. De Heus will supply animal farms with high-quality, internationally-standardised pig and poultry breeds. The capacity is expected to reach 7,500 Great Grand Parents (GGP) breeding swine in the Central Highlands region; 30,000 commercial sows in the Southeast, South Central, and Central Highlands, 58 million breeder chickens and 25 million broiler chickens in Tay Ninh; and 58 million breeder chickens and 25 million broiler chickens in Tay Ninh. Annual revenue is anticipated to approach $2 billion. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/295/production-of-primary-crops-in-the-world-up-by-52-from-2000-to-2020-fao.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/295/production-of-primary-crops-in-the-world-up-by-52-from-2000-to-2020-fao.html Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:42:22 +0530 Global pesticide use peaked in 2012 and began declining in 2017, reveals FAO's Annual Statistical Yearbook The production of primary crops in the world, such as sugarcane, maize, wheat and rice, grew by 52 per cent from 2000 to 2020 to reach 9.3 billion tonne, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) annual Statistical Yearbook. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) published its annual Statistical Yearbook. FAO Yearbook stated vegetable oil production increased by 125 per cent over the period, with palm oil output growing by 236 per cent. Meat output, led by chicken, grew by 45 per cent, while the growth rate for fruits and vegetables was 20 per cent or below. Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop by volume, with 1. 9 billion tonnes annually. Maize is next at 1.2 billion tonnes. Global food exports have risen to $1.42 trillion, up by a factor of 3.7 since 2000. Worldwide, the largest food-exporting countries in gross terms are the United States of America, the Netherlands and China. The largest exporters in net terms were Brazil, by far, followed by Argentina and Spain. The largest net importing countries were China, Japan and the United Kingdom. Some 4.74 billion hectare of the planet’s surface is agricultural land, including meadows and pastures as well as crops. That figure is down 3 per cent from 2000, but down six times as much in per capita terms, with Africa again in the lead. Worldwide pesticide use peaked in 2012 and began declining in 2017. The countries with the highest pesticide application per hectare are Saint Lucia, Maldives and Oman. According to the report, Dietary energy supply, a key indicator for food security, went up in all regions since 2000 and did so the most in Asia. The world average is now 2 960 calories per person per day, up 9 per cent, with the level peaking at 3 540 calories per day per person in Europe and North America. Today, some 866 million people work in agriculture, more than a quarter of the global workforce, and produced $3.6 trillion in value-added. Compared to 2000, those figures represent a 78 per cent increase in economic value, produced by 16 per cent fewer people, with Africa posting double that pace of growth. The report says the Average temperature in 2021 was 1.44 °C hotter than the average from 1951 to 1980. Europe has had the highest temperature change, followed by Asia, with Oceania reporting by far the least change. Greenhouse gas emissions on agricultural land declined by 4 per cent between 2000 and 2020, with 70 per cent of them generated within the farm gate. Cattle and sheep meat account for most carbon dioxide emissions, with cattle averaging 50 times more than chicken. The emissions intensity of cereals is much lower, although rice emits more than five times more than wheat and coarse grains. The rate of greenhouse gas emissions changes significantly across regions, reflecting large differences in efficiencies of production. For instance, the emissions intensity of cattle meat in Africa is almost four times as great as in Europe. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/278/malaysia-to-import-eggs-to-fulfil-domestic-need.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/278/malaysia-to-import-eggs-to-fulfil-domestic-need.html Thu, 08 Dec 2022 13:02:49 +0530 Ministry asked Agrobank to submit proposals to help suppliers and small entrepreneurs to remain competitive. Malaysia will import eggs as a short-term measure to alleviate a local supply shortage, Mohamad Sabu, Agriculture and Food Security Minister said in a statement. According to the local media, the ministry has identified a number of sources to ensure a sufficient supply of chicken eggs in the market. The ministry will also ensure that chicken eggs are safe to consume and meet the set standards. All protocols and procedures set by the government must be followed without compromise. The minister said that the initiative to import eggs was not to put pressure on the local industry players but to ensure that the supply of eggs in the country was not interrupted and the welfare of the people was looked after. He mentioned that the need to bring in chicken eggs from outside will be reviewed once the supply of chicken eggs has stabilised. He added that he has directed the ministry’s secretary general to look at the impact of importing chicken eggs from overseas on existing local players. He also asked Agrobank to submit proposals to help suppliers and small entrepreneurs to remain competitive. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/236/singapore-imposes-ban-on-imported-meat-from-5-countries.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/236/singapore-imposes-ban-on-imported-meat-from-5-countries.html Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:50:23 +0530 The government has temporarily imposed a ban to import meat from Japan, France, USA, Denmark and Hungary. Singapore has imposed a ban on imported meat from five countries, due to the outbreak of Avian Influenza. According to Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Government has temporarily imposed a ban to import meat from Japan, France, USA, Denmark and Hungary.   Poultry and poultry products from Japan’s Ibaraki and Hyogo prefectures, France’s department of Mayenne, Cote d’armor, Loiret and Indre, USA’s Wright County, Iowa, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Lawrence County, Mississippi, Slagelse city in Denmark, Bács-Kiskun and Csongrád-Csanád region in Hungary are banned for temporarily. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/234/singapore-bans-live-chicken-from-malaysian-poultry-farms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/234/singapore-bans-live-chicken-from-malaysian-poultry-farms.html Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:30:44 +0530 Singapore suspended live chicken due to the detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in samples. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) suspended the export of live chicken broilers from two Malaysian poultry farms, each operated by Meng Kee Poultry (M) Sdn Bhd and Sdian Hup Farming Sdn Bhd. According to the SFA's statement, Singapore suspended live chicken due to the detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in samples collected from products of Meng Kee Poultry's farm and Sdian Hup Farming's farm. The suspensions come less than a month after Malaysia lifted the export ban on live chicken broilers to Singapore in October. The Malaysian government had earlier banned the export of up to 3.6 million chickens from June amid chicken supply and pricing issues in the country. Singapore reportedly imports about 34 per cent of its chicken supply from Malaysia. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/213/thai-cp-group-aims-more-investment-in-philippines.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/213/thai-cp-group-aims-more-investment-in-philippines.html Fri, 18 Nov 2022 17:21:25 +0530 CP Group is interested to invest in the Philippines’ aquaculture, rice and swine production. Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group has pledged to make additional investments in the Philippines in aquaculture, rice, and swine production, following a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos in Bangkok, Thailand. According to the press statement of the Office Press Secretary, CP Group officials expressed interest in collaborating with the Philippines’ aquaculture, rice and swine production during the meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos in Bangkok. CP Group is Thailand’s largest private company with a $2 billion investment in the Philippines. The largest and the most significant Thai investment in Philippine Agriculture is Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation (CPFPC), a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF). CPFPC (Agriculture) started operations in the Philippines in May 2010 with a rented feed mill located in Guiguinto, Bulacan. In 2012, the company made additional investments in aquaculture and agro-business in the country. Aside from shrimp and fish hatchery farms, the company has built one of the most modern aquaculture feed mills in Bataan. The feed mill produces feeds for Tilapia, Catfish, Milkfish, and also shrimp feeds for Vanamei and Monodon. President Ferdinand R. Marcos pledged to improve the aquaculture industry in the Philippines, which he said is significant to achieving food security, especially since fishing serves as an important livelihood for Filipinos. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/179/belize-ministry-of-agriculture-and-taiwan-icdf-inaugurates-new-sheep-barn.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/179/belize-ministry-of-agriculture-and-taiwan-icdf-inaugurates-new-sheep-barn.html Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:37:06 +0530 The facility will improve the function of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center by increasing the capacity of barn infrastructure from 400 to 650 sheep. Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), in collaboration with the Taiwan ICDF Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Sheep Project Phase II), inaugurated at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center in Central Farm. The facility will improve the function of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center by increasing the capacity of barn infrastructure from 400 to 650 sheep. In addition, the related components of the new sheep barn, such as the gutter system (also known as a water harvesting system), will enhance the management and sustainability of water utilization. It is one of the main achievements so far of the Sheep Project Phase II. In his remarks, Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, spoke about the growth of the sheep and goat livestock sub-sector and the success of the Taiwan Breeding Sheep and goat program thus far with increases in the quality of lamb and goat meats available for consumption due to better breeds and higher local production. He said there is much more to achieve as Belize keeps an eye on export market opportunities. The ceremony not only marked a historic milestone of the Breeding Sheep and Goat Project in Belize but also gives evidence of the strong ties between Taiwan and Belize. The governments of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are committed to working closely together to strengthen Belize's sheep and goat industry by further bilateral cooperation in agriculture, which will enhance the welfare of the Belizean people. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/172/japan-confirms-the-first-case-of-bird-flu.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/172/japan-confirms-the-first-case-of-bird-flu.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 11:28:16 +0530 The ministry is calling on chicken farmers and others to take measures to prevent a further flu outbreak. The Okayama prefectural government in Japan said that a highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak has been confirmed at a chicken farm in the city of Kurashiki in the western Japan prefecture. It is the first such case found this season at farms in Japan. The Okayama government requested the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces personnel to cull around 170,000 chickens at the Kurashiki farm. According to the agriculture ministry, no avian influenza outbreak had occurred at any farms in Japan as early as October. Previously, the earliest case in a season was the one confirmed on Nov. 5 in 2020.    As the bird flu has been spreading in Europe and Asia for a few years, the ministry is calling on chicken farmers and others to take measures to prevent a further flu outbreak. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/170/malaysia-lifts-export-ban-on-live-broiler-chickens.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/170/malaysia-lifts-export-ban-on-live-broiler-chickens.html Thu, 10 Nov 2022 17:58:31 +0530 Malaysia imposed restrictions on export on June 1st this year, in response to a shortage of chickens in Malaysia. Malaysia lifted the export ban on live broiler chickens in October. According to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), SFA has received an official notification from Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services. SFA said, “As Singapore will continue to face disruptions in our food supply from time to time, due to external factors, SFA will continue to accredit more sources of chicken and work with the industry to diversify. We encourage businesses to review their Business Continuity Plans and to diversify further. This helps the industry to spread out and reduce the risks of supply disruptions. Households and individuals too can contribute to our food resilience by being flexible with our food and ingredient choices, and switching to alternative products or sources when necessary.”      Malaysia imposed restrictions on export on June 1st this year, in response to a shortage of chickens in Malaysia. Malaysia used to supply one-third of the chicken to Singapore. In response, Singapore began sourcing chicken from other countries including Indonesia and Thailand. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/166/china-issues-notice-act-against-swine-fever.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/166/china-issues-notice-act-against-swine-fever.html Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:26:15 +0530 China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said its general office has issued a notice asking authorities to enhance efforts to control African swine fever China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said its general office has issued a notice asking authorities to enhance efforts to control African swine fever and other major swine-related diseases this autumn and winter.  The notice requires authorities to pay special attention to prevention and control as gradually falling temperatures heighten the risk of the spread of the diseases.  Authorities should make full efforts to vaccinate pigs and continue strict monitoring, sterilization and quarantine measures to contain African swine fever. Companies and individuals in related businesses are also required to follow laws, regulations and technical norms, upgrade equipment and improve management to guard against infections.  Authorities should also train companies and individuals, including veterinarians at the grassroots level, to help them master disease-prevention skills.  The notice also tasked authorities with curbing the spread of other livestock and poultry diseases, such as brucellosis and the highly pathogenic avian flu.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/164/china-asks-hog-enterprises-to-help-stabilize-pork-price.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/164/china-asks-hog-enterprises-to-help-stabilize-pork-price.html Thu, 10 Nov 2022 14:58:33 +0530 The NDRC announced to release of the fifth round of frozen pork to the market, in a bid to stable market prices China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the top economic planner, summoned domestic major hog producers to discuss stabilizing the rapidly rising pork price to further secure the market supply of the essential product.According to China’s state-owned newspaper, the NDRC suggested that large-scale hog producers maintain the release speed of normal live hogs to the market. The commission also required enterprises not to delay the live hog releasing date or even collude in price speculation. China's five major hog and pork enterprises all released their monthly report for September, which revealed that the average sale price of pork among the five enterprises all saw an over 80 % year-on-year increase, with the highest increase standing at a 100.7 % increase.The NDRC announced to release of the fifth round of frozen pork to the market, in a bid to stable market prices, and the fourth round was released during the National Day holidays.The NDRC vowed to monitor the pork market and enhance market regulation, in order to prevent illicit acts including price speculation. China's National Bureau of Statistics released the Consumer Price Index in September which rose by 2.8 % year-on-year, hitting a new high for the year. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/158/high-global-prices-boost-nz-red-meat-exports-but-challenges-lie-ahead-mia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/158/high-global-prices-boost-nz-red-meat-exports-but-challenges-lie-ahead-mia.html Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:38:55 +0530 High global prices continue to drive export growth for New Zealand red meat with the value of exports to almost all major markets increasing during September, however, there are signs of a slowdown in some key markets, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA). New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth $777 million during September, a 21 per cent increase from last year. The top three markets were China ($286m), the United States ($149m) and the Netherlands ($29m). High export values over the last 12 months also saw the value of total red meat and fifth quarter exports (co-products) reach $11.5 billion in the year ended September, up 20 per cent from the previous year. Beef exports were worth $4.8 billion for the year (up 25 per cent), sheep meat exports were worth $4.5 billion (up 15 per cent), and fifth-quarter exports were worth $2.2 billion (up 20 per cent). MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said export volumes of both sheep meat and beef increased during September, compared to the same period last year and were the largest volumes exported in September in recent years. However, there were also challenges in some key markets with a large drop in the value of the Yen impacting consumer spending in Japan. Beef exports to Japan were worth $16m, down 23 per cent compared to last September “Beef exports to the US were also down 13 per cent by volume compared to September 2021. Drought in the US has seen an increase in domestic beef production and record levels of beef in cold storage in the US. That is continuing to impact beef exports. “The large volumes of beef that China has been importing in recent months, particularly from Brazil, also appears to be having an impact on prices. The Free on Board (FoB) value of beef exports to China in September was $9.24 a kilo, down from a record $10.54/kg in July. “Over the year to date, China has also imported less sheep meat from all markets than in 2021, which is something we are keeping a close eye on.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/154/new-version-of-cultivated-chicken-launches-at-u-n-climate-summit.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/154/new-version-of-cultivated-chicken-launches-at-u-n-climate-summit.html Wed, 09 Nov 2022 11:20:05 +0530 According to a 2022 UNIPCC report, cultivated meat has the potential to deliver substantial reductions in direct emissions from food production. Good Meat the cultivated meat division of food Technology Company Eat Just, Inc., announced that it will launch a new version of its pioneering cultivated chicken at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP27. A series of historic dining experiences organized in partnership with the Singapore Pavilion will showcase GOOD Meat’s real, high-quality meat made from animal cells for the first time outside of the Southeast Asian city-state where it debuted nearly two years ago. In a first for the fast-growing global cultivated meat industry and for the U.N.’s annual climate summit, food system transformation and sustainable diets will be on the menu – literally and figuratively – in the host city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UNIPCC) heralded cultivated meat as a “transformative” approach to mitigating emissions and cited conventional animal agriculture as one of the top causes of greenhouse gas emissions. According to a 2022 UNIPCC report, cultivated meat has the potential to deliver substantial reductions in direct emissions from food production. “These technologies have lower land, water and nutrient footprints, and address concerns over animal welfare,” the report stated. Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just said, “Singapore was the first country to allow the sale of meat made without tearing down a single forest or displacing an animal’s habitat, and we look forward to other countries following in their footsteps.” GOOD Meat won regulatory approval for its chicken in Singapore in November 2020 and remains the only cultivated Meat Company in the world with the ability to sell to consumers. Since its launch, the company’s chicken has been featured on menus at local fine dining establishments, roadside hawker stalls and via food panda, Asia's leading food and grocery delivery platform. The latest version of GOOD Meat’s cultivated chicken will become available in Singapore following its debut at COP27. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/61/cargill-launches-poultry-feed-with-essential-oils.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/61/cargill-launches-poultry-feed-with-essential-oils.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 15:21:36 +0530 The Nutrena Naturewise poultry feed will lead to maximised egg production Cargill has added essential oils to its Nutrena Naturewise poultry feeds. The natural essential oils contribute to the promotion of egg weight, size and production, enhanced palatability and a fresh aroma direct from the bag. “We listened to what poultry owners and soon-to-become owners want most and expect from their poultry feed,” said Stephanie Poupart, poultry strategic marketing manager in Cargill’s animal nutrition business. In addition to the egg weight, size improvements and feed palatability enhancements NatureWise feeds offers: FlockShield proprietary ingredient mix helps maintain a healthy gut and strengthens the immune system; Prebiotics, probiotics and yeast culture to support optimum digestion and nutrient absorption; Vitamin D3 to promote calcium absorption and strong eggshells; plant extracts to support healthy bird growth and bone formation, and Yucca schidigera extract to aid in the control of manure odour. “These advancements further affirm Cargill’s commitment to enabling and ensuring the optimum well-being of backyard flocks across the US and the success of their owners,” said Poupart. Now available nationwide, the NatureWise lineup includes Layer 16 per cent Pellet, Layer 16 per cent Crumble, Hearty Hen Soy-Free, Free-Range Egg Producer, Feather Fixer, All Flock Pellet, All Flock Crumble, Meatbird, and Chick Starter Grower.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/60/12th-agrovision-to-hold-workshop-on-poultry-production-in-vidarbhaefbfbc.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/7/60/12th-agrovision-to-hold-workshop-on-poultry-production-in-vidarbhaefbfbc.html Tue, 30 Aug 2022 15:18:35 +0530 Opportunities and challenges of poultry production in Vidarbha will be highlighted in the workshop The 12th AGROVISION, India’s Premier Agri Summit, scheduled from December 24-27, at Reshimbagh Ground, Nagpur, will initiate a free workshop on ‘Poultry Production in Vidarbha: Opportunities & Challenges’. India ranks 3rd in egg production and 7th in chicken meat production in the world; the workshop will highlight the opportunities and challenges in this field. Farmers from in and around Vidarbha and adjoining states will be participating in the event this year. Apart from this, there will be free interactive workshops for farmers. Conferences on current issues in agriculture and allied agri sectors will be held. Around 400 exhibitors are likely to participate in the event. The exclusive media partner is Agro Spectrum India along with BioSpectrum India and Nufoods Spectrum India. MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications is the organiser of the event. ]]>