https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/supply-chain/logistics logistics https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4668/qingdao-nestl-and-laixi-sign-294-95-mn-deal-for-uht-milk-coffee-mate-projects.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4668/qingdao-nestl-and-laixi-sign-294-95-mn-deal-for-uht-milk-coffee-mate-projects.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:44:05 +0530 Laixi Municipal Government in Qingdao, Shandong Province, and Qingdao Nestlé Co., Ltd. have signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering UHT milk and Coffee Mate projects with a combined investment of $ 294.95 million (RMB2 billion), marking a major expansion of Nestlé’s manufacturing footprint and Laixi’s ambitions to build a larger health food and beverage cluster. The projects are scheduled for phased implementation between 2026 and 2029 and will centre on four priorities: expanding high-quality production capacity, upgrading intelligent manufacturing, accelerating green and low-carbon transformation, and building digital supply chains. The investment will support the establishment of multiple core production lines, alongside plans to pursue national-level green factory and excellence-level smart factory certifications. The expansion builds on capacity already commissioned at Nestlé’s Qingdao plant. Phase I of its UHT milk production line and a 1.8g small-pack coffee line have entered operation, with the facility securing EFFSO Industry 4.0 certification and recognition as a Shandong Province Advanced Smart Factory. The new projects are expected to deepen the plant’s manufacturing capabilities while integrating greater automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency into production. For Laixi, the agreement is part of a broader industrial strategy centred on its “2+2+1” industrial system, with the city positioning industrial development as its “No. 1 Project” and placing targeted investment in health food and beverages among its priorities. The partnership also extends a relationship that began in 1994, when Qingdao Nestlé established operations in Guhe Sub-district. Over the past 32 years, Nestlé’s presence has grown alongside Laixi’s dairy ecosystem, helping establish a more integrated supply chain around milk production and processing. With Nestlé serving as an anchor company, Laixi has developed a “company + breeding community + large-scale farms” model that now supports more than 280 large-scale dairy farms and a herd of 74,700 cows. The city’s milk production capacity has reached 200,000 tonnes a year, making Laixi the county-level city with the largest dairy herd in Shandong Province and an important national milk-source base. The scale of primary production provides the foundation for a broader value chain spanning dairy farming, raw milk supply, processing and consumer products. The latest investment therefore goes beyond adding production lines. For Nestlé, it creates additional capacity across UHT milk and Coffee Mate while supporting a manufacturing model built around automation, digital supply-chain management and lower-carbon production. For Laixi, the project strengthens the role of dairy and health food manufacturing within its industrial upgrading strategy and adds further depth to a local supply chain that has been built over decades. With implementation extending through 2029, the cooperation places capacity expansion and industrial modernisation at the centre of the next phase of Nestlé’s Qingdao operations, while reinforcing Laixi’s position as a major dairy production and processing hub in Shandong. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4609/supply-concerns-drive-fao-food-price-index-higher-in-august.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4609/supply-concerns-drive-fao-food-price-index-higher-in-august.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:52:54 +0530 Global food prices moved higher in August as a combination of weather disruptions, resilient demand and mounting concerns over production pushed several major agricultural commodities into firmer territory. The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) averaged 133.3 points in August 2026, rising 2.5 points, or 1.9 per cent, from its revised July level, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. All five commodity groups tracked by the index recorded increases during the month, although the scale of the gains varied significantly. The index was 2.5 per cent higher than a year earlier, but remained 16.8 per cent below its March 2022 peak. The latest increase nevertheless signals a food market becoming increasingly sensitive to climate conditions, production disruptions and shifts in global trade. The sharpest movement came from sugar, while cereals also recorded substantial gains. Vegetable oils extended their upward trend, dairy prices rebounded and meat markets strengthened overall despite divergent movements between beef and other proteins. Sugar becomes the biggest source of price pressure The FAO Sugar Price Index averaged 106.4 points in August, rising 11.3 points, or 11.9 per cent, from July. It was the strongest increase among the five commodity groups and pushed the index to its highest level since June 2025. The rally was driven primarily by growing concerns over the global sugar supply outlook for the 2026/27 season. In the European Union, persistent hot and dry conditions have prompted downward revisions to sugar beet yield expectations, while planted area is already expected to decline from the previous season. El Niño-related weather conditions are also weighing on production prospects across important sugar-producing countries in Asia. Brazil is adding to the pressure. Lower sugar production expectations in the country's key Center-South region have further tightened the global outlook. India's announcement allowing duty-free imports of raw sugar provided an additional catalyst for international prices, highlighting how policy decisions in major producing and consuming markets can quickly alter global commodity balances. Cereal prices reach a two-year high The FAO Cereal Price Index rose 2.2 per cent in August to 116.3 points, reaching its highest level since May 2024. Prices increased across all major grains, supported by strong demand, weather-related concerns in key producing regions and continuing uncertainty over Black Sea export flows. Global wheat prices rose 2.6 per cent month on month and stood 15 per cent above their level a year earlier. Persistent disruptions to Black Sea export logistics, weaker production prospects in parts of Europe and a weaker US dollar all contributed to the increase. Hot and dry weather has damaged crop prospects in several European producing regions, tightening expectations for supplies just as disruptions to established export routes continue to influence international trade. Maize prices increased 2.5 per cent from July, with concerns over crop yields in parts of the US Corn Belt compounded by worsening production prospects in the European Union. Prolonged heat and dryness, particularly in France and Poland, have reduced expectations for EU maize yields. Strong demand from the ethanol and feed industries provided further support, while disruptions to Ukrainian export flows added uncertainty. Concerns over the availability of agricultural inputs following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz also contributed to the firmer maize market. Sorghum prices rose 3.9 per cent and barley prices increased 2.6 per cent, reflecting broader strength across feed-grain markets. Rice prices also moved higher, although more modestly. The FAO All Rice Price Index increased 0.5 per cent, supported by currency movements, sustained purchases from Asian and African importers and expectations of tighter supplies for Indica varieties. Global cereal production faces its biggest annual decline since 2018The strengthening cereal market comes as FAO has reduced its outlook for global production. The agency now forecasts 2026 global cereal production at 2.98 billion tonnes, 3.4 million tonnes lower than its July projection. More significantly, the revised figure is 61.1 million tonnes, or 2 per cent, below 2025 production. That would represent the largest annual decline in global cereal output since 2018. Even with the decline, however, the 2026 harvest would still rank as the second-largest cereal harvest on record. Maize accounts for much of the deterioration. FAO now expects global maize production to reach 1.309 billion tonnes, 0.6 per cent below its June forecast. The largest downward revision comes from the European Union, where prolonged summer heat and dryness across major producing areas have damaged crops and pushed yield expectations below their five-year averages. Smaller downward revisions to production in India and Paraguay have added to the reduction. The declines have been partly offset by stronger expectations for Argentina and Brazil, where improved yields are expected to result in well-above-average maize production. Wheat offers a more resilient supply picture Wheat production is presenting a somewhat more positive picture. FAO has raised its forecast for global wheat production in 2026 by 4.2 million tonnes, or 0.5 per cent, to 810.7 million tonnes. Canada and Morocco account for approximately 1.5 million tonnes each of the upward revision, reflecting improved yield expectations. Additional increases in Russia and Ukraine have further lifted the global forecast. Yet the improvement does not erase the broader production decline. Global wheat output would still be 3.8 per cent below last year's level, although the 2026 harvest would remain the second-largest on record. In Europe and the UK, sparse rainfall and high temperatures have prompted downward revisions to production expectations. Rice production set to decline FAO has also revised its rice outlook. Global rice production for 2026/27 is now forecast at 553.1 million tonnes on a milled basis, down 1.9 per cent from the revised 2025/26 estimate. The forecast incorporates higher production expectations for Myanmar following revisions to historical output data and strong yield results from Sri Lanka's main crop. These increases have offset some reductions elsewhere, including China, the Philippines and the United States. Overall, however, reduced producer margins and adverse weather associated with El Niño are expected to weigh on global rice production. Vegetable oils extend three-month rally The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased 0.6 per cent in August to 196.9 points, marking its third consecutive monthly gain and its highest level since June 2022. Palm and soybean oil were the principal drivers of the increase, more than offsetting declines in sunflower and rapeseed oils. Palm oil prices continued to rise as strong global import demand coincided with growing concerns about the impact of El Niño-related weather conditions on production in Southeast Asia. South American soyoil prices also remained firm on strong export demand. US soyoil prices, however, declined moderately amid uncertainty over biofuel policies and their implications for domestic feedstock demand. Sunflower and rapeseed oil prices moved lower as import demand remained subdued and expectations of ample supplies for the 2026/27 season weighed on markets. Dairy prices rebound after three months of decline The FAO Dairy Price Index rose 2.3 per cent in August to 119.2 points, its first increase in four months. Despite the monthly recovery, the index remained 21.7 per cent below its level a year earlier. Higher milk powder and cheese prices drove the increase. Skim milk powder prices rose 3 per cent, while whole milk powder prices increased 2.4 per cent. Tighter milk supplies in the European Union, compounded by hot and dry weather in several major producing areas, supported prices. Strong import demand provided additional momentum, particularly for skim milk powder. Oceania presented a contrasting picture, with increasing seasonal milk production weighing on milk powder prices. Cheese prices increased 2.7 per cent, extending the recovery that began in July. Butter prices were broadly unchanged as stronger European prices were offset by lower quotations in Oceania. Meat markets move in different directions The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 127.9 points in August, up 1 per cent from July and close to its level a year earlier. Poultry, pig and ovine meat prices increased, while bovine meat prices declined. Brazilian poultry export prices recovered amid strong global import demand, supporting international poultry markets. Pig meat prices rose sharply in the European Union, where high temperatures slowed animal growth and reduced the availability of slaughter-ready animals. Ovine meat prices also strengthened, supported by firmer quotations in New Zealand amid limited export supplies and strong international demand. Beef moved in the opposite direction. Brazilian beef exports slowed as the country's allocation under China's safeguard import quota approached full utilisation, while Australia had already reached quota thresholds in China and South Korea. With exporters competing more aggressively for alternative destinations, prices faced downward pressure. Global cereal consumption continues to grow Despite the decline in production, global cereal utilisation is expected to increase during the 2026/27 season. FAO forecasts world cereal utilisation at 2.965 billion tonnes, 4.1 million tonnes higher than the July forecast and 5.5 million tonnes above the 2025/26 level. The increase is being driven primarily by continued expansion in coarse-grain and rice consumption. Feed demand remains strong, including sustained barley use in China and continued utilisation of maize supplies in the United States following its bumper 2025 harvest. Wheat utilisation, by contrast, is expected to decline from the unusually high levels recorded in 2025/26. The previous year's large harvest encouraged greater use of wheat for animal feed and, to a lesser extent, industrial purposes. Global rice utilisation is forecast at 559 million tonnes in 2026/27, up 0.5 per cent from 2025/26, driven primarily by population-related growth in food consumption. Cereal stocks are losing some of their cushion FAO has lowered its forecast for global cereal stocks at the close of the 2026/27 seasons by 10.7 million tonnes, or 1.1 per cent, to 947.2 million tonnes. At this level, global cereal inventories would be only 1.8 million tonnes, or 0.2 per cent, above opening stocks. The global cereal stocks-to-use ratio is expected to decline to 31.6 per cent, compared with 31.9 per cent in the previous season. While the ratio remains relatively comfortable by historical standards, the direction of travel is significant. Global inventories are no longer expected to build substantially despite continued demand growth. Wheat stocks are forecast to increase slightly, with larger inventories in Russia and Ukraine expected to offset reductions in the European Union. Coarse-grain inventories, however, have been revised down sharply. Ending stocks are now expected to fall by 13.5 million tonnes, or 3.4 per cent, largely because of lower maize and barley inventories. US maize stocks are expected to decline as strong exports continue, while lower production forecasts have reduced inventory expectations in the European Union and Paraguay. China's continued use of barley for feed is also contributing to lower global barley stocks. Trade increasingly driven by diversification FAO has marginally raised its forecast for global cereal trade in 2026/27 to 509.3 million tonnes, an increase of 1.7 million tonnes, or 0.3 per cent, from its July estimate. The adjustment is largely driven by stronger maize trade expectations. The United States is expected to consolidate its position as the world's largest maize exporter, supported by strong global demand and improved export competitiveness. Argentina is also expected to increase maize exports to 39 million tonnes, bringing shipments close to Brazil's level. Europe is expected to become a stronger importer as substantial production cuts increase its import requirements. At the same time, uncertainty surrounding Black Sea exports remains a major factor shaping global trade. Russia and Ukraine are expected to continue exporting significant volumes, but evolving shipping conditions, logistics risks and limited capacity on alternative routes are encouraging importers to diversify their sourcing. That could have longer-term implications for global grain trade, as buyers increasingly prioritise supply reliability alongside price. Despite the upward revision, global cereal trade is still expected to decline from the record level recorded in 2025/26. Rice trade remains below record levels FAO has raised its forecast for global rice trade in 2026 to 60.5 million tonnes, 0.7 million tonnes above its previous estimate. Stronger import expectations from the Philippines have more than offset downward revisions for several West African countries, particularly Senegal. Nevertheless, global rice trade is expected to remain 1.9 per cent below the 2025 record, reflecting expectations of weaker import demand across parts of Asia and Africa. Weather is becoming a market variable The August data highlight a broader transformation underway in global food markets. The world is not facing an immediate shortage of cereals. Production remains historically high, inventories are still relatively comfortable and global utilisation continues to expand. But the margin for absorbing shocks is becoming more complicated. Heat and drought are cutting production expectations in parts of Europe. El Niño is emerging as a growing risk for crops and vegetable oils. Trade routes remain vulnerable to geopolitical and logistical disruptions, while demand from food, feed and biofuel industries continues to support consumption. The result is a food system in which the location, reliability and timing of supply are becoming nearly as important as the total volume produced. August's sharp rise in sugar prices is perhaps the clearest example of how quickly weather expectations can translate into commodity markets. Cereals tell a similar story: even with the second-largest harvest on record, deteriorating conditions in key producing regions and tighter stocks are pushing prices higher. For agricultural markets, the central challenge for 2026/27 may therefore be less about whether the world has enough food in aggregate and more about whether production and trade systems can remain resilient as climate and geopolitical risks increasingly collide. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/185/4540/fleet-strategy-shifts-from-cost-control-to-value-creation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/185/4540/fleet-strategy-shifts-from-cost-control-to-value-creation.html Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:22:05 +0530 Mobility is no longer a back-end function measured simply by kilometres travelled or fuel consumed; it is increasingly becoming a strategic variable shaping cost, resilience, sustainability and workforce productivity. In a business environment marked by volatile energy prices, evolving regulations and shifting employee expectations, the real challenge lies in building mobility systems that can adapt rather than merely endure. The future, therefore, belongs not to the lowest-cost fleet, but to the smartest one—where data, technology and strategic planning continuously reshape decisions. Telematics, predictive analytics, powertrain diversification and flexible fleet models are transforming vehicles from depreciating assets into sources of operational intelligence. For sectors such as agriculture and agrochemicals, where mobility remains integral to reaching dispersed markets and supporting field teams, this transition carries particular strategic significance. In this exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Suvajit Karmakar, Country Managing Director, India & Asia Sub-Regional Director, Ayvens, examines how organisations can move beyond conventional fleet management towards a more integrated approach that balances Total Mobility Cost, employee experience, sustainability and business agility. His central argument is compelling: the next generation of successful mobility programmes will emerge when fleet management is treated not as an operational necessity, but as a strategic lever for long-term business value. Fuel prices have become one of the most unpredictable variables impacting business mobility costs. How should organisations rethink their fleet and mobility strategies in an era where fuel volatility is becoming a structural reality? With the increasing concerns related to oil availability and price volatility, organisations must start evaluating their car and mobility policies. The strongest hedge against fuel volatility is reducing dependence on fossil fuels by switching to more cost-efficient and sustainable options. Right from evaluating their current fleet mix to using vehicle data via telematics to optimise usage, companies can redefine the way they run their business operations. Transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to a low emission fleet mix of Hybrids, CNGs and BEVs can not only bring down the reliance on fossil fuels but also make the fuel bills lighter. Moreover, adopting a portfolio approach instead of a single-fuel strategy helps with diversification, thereby reducing exposure to a single energy source. Using Telematics solutions, one of the world's largest agrochemical companies with extensive rural coverage, optimised their territory coverage and travel efficiency for field-sales and technical teams depending heavily on vehicle mobility. In short, selecting the most appropriate vehicle, diversified energy sources, electrification, and data-driven fleet management are becoming business resilience strategies rather than merely sustainability initiatives. Beyond fuel costs, what fleet management strategies can organisations adopt to improve overall fleet efficiency and optimise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)? Many organisations still measure success using only the capital deployed for vehicle purchase and fuel expenditure. A better metric is: Total Mobility Cost (TMC) = actual depreciation from usage + Fuel/Energy + Maintenance + Downtime + Insurance + Driver Productivity + Carbon Cost This often reveals that a vehicle with a higher acquisition cost may have substantially lower lifecycle costs. Fuel is just one component of Total Cost of Ownership. Organisations can unlock greater value by: Using the Fleet Rightsizing approach - optimal number and type of vehicles, removing underutilised or redundant vehicle as well as eliminating inefficient vehicles from the fleet - organisations can substantially improve efficiency and bring down their overall mobility spends. Its not only choosing the right vehicle, it’s also about choosing the right tenure and KMS for the replacing the fleet. An older fleet can be much costlier to run compared to replacing it. With a leased car you can have better and more accurate visibility on the total cost of ownership as you just pay a fixed monthly lease rental for usage, and everything is managed by the leasing Ayvens.   From a fleet management perspective, it will be prudent for companies to rely on vehicle data that gives them insight on vehicle health as well as predictive maintenance. Strategies like these will go a long way in maximising uptime, especially if the business relies heavily on employee mobility or goods movement. The biggest TCO gains don’t come from one lever—they come from optimising the entire fleet ecosystem. Our team at Ayvens works closely with clients to help them with their fleet management strategy and its implementation. Digitalisation is transforming fleet management through telematics, connected vehicles, AI and predictive analytics. Which technologies are delivering the most measurable gains in fleet efficiency, driver safety and cost optimisation today? Telematics and connected vehicle technologies are currently delivering the most immediate and measurable gains. Real-time tracking, route optimisation, and driver behaviour analytics directly improve fuel efficiency, safety, and utilisation. The real value of digitalisation lies in turning real-time data into real-time decisions. We foresee the growing adoption of predictive analytics, which will help fleet managers anticipate maintenance needs and reduce downtime—moving fleet management practices from being reactive to more proactive. Moreover, you have the option to pre-configure your safety criteria such as max speed, max kms per drive/per day, night-driving restrictions, etc., you can restrict high-risk usage of the vehicle and improve the safety of your staff. As sustainability goals become increasingly linked to business performance, how are organisations balancing cost efficiency, employee mobility needs and emissions reduction objectives? Organisations today are no longer treating cost efficiency, employee experience and sustainability as separate priorities—they are increasingly integrating them into one decision framework. The most effective mobility strategies today are those that align cost, experience, and sustainability—not trade them off. For example, offering employees access to hybrids or EVs can improve driving experience while reducing both emissions and running costs. More and more organisations in the Agriculture and AgroChem sectors are improving vehicle utilization and reducing operating costs through centralized fleet governance and leasing programs to get better reach to growers through mobile agronomy teams as well as provide an enhanced employee experience while achieving their ESG goals via standardized vehicle policies and mobility benefits. Beyond vehicle utilisation, what opportunities do organisations often overlook when seeking to improve fleet productivity, optimise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and enhance employee mobility? Some commonly overlooked areas include: Business strategy – Modern fleet and mobility programmes are increasingly measured not only by cost but also by employee convenience, flexibility, and wellbeing. Many companies still expecting their field staff to use public transport or use of their personal vehicles for business use. However, providing a leased business car is the cheapest way to provide mobility for the field staff. Moreover, this helps in better cost management, more efficient fleet management, improved productivity, uninterrupted business continuity and helps with employee retention, attracting new talent, employee motivation. Journey and demand optimisation – Examining the business need for journeys, consolidating journeys, improving route planning and matching vehicle type to trip requirements can significantly improve productivity and reduce costs. Data-driven fleet management – Many organisations under-utilise telematics, connected vehicle data, and predictive analytics. This can improve maintenance planning, reduce downtime, optimise replacement cycles, and provide better visibility into operating costs. Driver behaviour and safety programs – One of our strategic trainings specially organised for business car lease clients, which is Defensive Driver Training Program, coaches’ drivers on fuel-efficient and safe driving, can help clients reduce fuel consumption, accident rates, maintenance costs, and insurance expenses, all of which contribute directly to lower TCO Asset lifecycle and procurement optimisation – Reviewing acquisition methods – whether to lease a new car or pre-leased car, replacement timing and end of contract strategies – whether to extend the contract to ensure optimal usage of the vehicle or upgrade to a new vehicle, can generate substantial savings beyond what utilisation improvements alone can achieve. Using the vehicle for company’s branding- a vehicle with you brand on it is free visibility of your brand wherever the vehicle moves. With multiple powertrain technologies emerging, how should organisations evaluate and plan their transition towards electrified and sustainable mobility solutions? With multiple technologies evolving simultaneously, organisations should avoid making a single, long-term bet. Instead, the focus should be on a phased and diversified transition strategy. The future of mobility is not one technology—it’s the right mix of technologies applied intelligently. At Ayvens, we guide clients towards a balanced mix—EVs for predictable urban use cases, hybrids for efficiency without disruption, and CNG for high-utilisation fleets. The emphasis is on “fit-for-purpose” adoption rather than blanket transitions. Economic uncertainty, evolving regulations and changing workforce expectations continue to reshape mobility needs. What role does flexible fleet management and mobility planning play in helping organisations navigate these shifts? In an environment shaped by economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and evolving workforce expectations, flexibility is becoming critical. Flexible fleet management—through leasing models, scalable fleet sizes, and adaptable policies—allows organisations to respond quickly to changing business needs. In uncertain times, flexibility is not just an advantage—it is a necessity for fleet resilience. We see flexibility as a key enabler of both resilience and cost control. In fact to take care of these uncertainties, we are working on products & services that will help our clients switch their fleet management solutions basis their changing business dynamics as well as their strategic and operational priorities. Looking ahead, what will differentiate successful fleet and mobility programmes: cost management alone, or the ability to leverage data, technology and strategic fleet planning? While cost efficiency will remain important, the real differentiator will be the ability to continuously adapt using data, technology, and strategic planning. The future will belong not to the lowest-cost fleets, but to the smartest and most adaptive ones. Organisations that leverage analytics, automation, and integrated fleet strategies will outperform those relying solely on static cost optimisation. As mobility continues to evolve, how can organisations transform fleet management from an operational necessity into a strategic lever for cost efficiency, sustainability and business growth? As mobility evolves, organisations need to move beyond viewing fleet management as a back-end operational function and start treating it as a core strategic capability and investment. The organisations that will lead in the next phase of mobility are those that treat fleet management not as an operational necessity, but as a strategic lever for efficiency, sustainability, and growth. This transformation begins with taking a holistic approach—integrating powertrain strategy, digitalization and mobility policies into one cohesive framework. Instead of focusing only on cost control, organisations need to optimise across multiple dimensions: cost efficiency, sustainability, employee experience, and business agility. At Ayvens, we see this shift happening through three key enablers. First, data-driven decision-making, where telematics and analytics provide real-time insights to continuously optimise fleet performance. Second, strategic powertrain diversification, ensuring the right mix of EVs, hybrids, and CNG vehicles aligned to actual usage. And third, flexible fleet models, which allow organisations to scale and adapt quickly in response to changing business needs. When these elements come together, fleet management moves from being a cost centre to a value driver—reducing operating expenses, supporting ESG goals, and enabling more efficient, agile operations. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4539/singapore-and-ecuador-look-to-turn-food-and-trade-into-new-pacific-partnership.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4539/singapore-and-ecuador-look-to-turn-food-and-trade-into-new-pacific-partnership.html Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:40:48 +0530 Singapore and Ecuador are laying the groundwork for a broader economic partnership spanning food security, agricultural trade, logistics and digitalisation, as the two Pacific-facing nations look to strengthen commercial links between Southeast Asia and Latin America. The countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation on August 24 during Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azín’s state visit to Singapore. The two-day visit marked the first time an Ecuadorian president has made an official visit to the city-state, giving the occasion added significance for bilateral relations. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Noboa discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation across areas including food security, trade, logistics and digitalisation, as both countries seek to create stronger economic connections across the Pacific. The agreement could prove particularly significant for agriculture and food trade. Ecuador brings substantial agricultural and marine resources to the partnership, including bananas, cocoa and shrimp, while Singapore offers its position as a major trading, maritime and logistics hub with extensive links to Southeast Asia and wider Asian markets. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam described the two countries as potential gateways to their respective regions. Ecuador, positioned on the Pacific coast of South America, could provide Singaporean companies with greater access to opportunities in the Andean region and Latin America. Singapore, meanwhile, could serve as a platform for Ecuadorian companies seeking to expand their supply chains and reach investors and consumers across Southeast Asia. Agriculture is already emerging as a practical foundation for that relationship. Singapore-based agri-trade company DiMuto has worked with Ecuadorian partners to digitise and trace agricultural exports destined for Asian markets, demonstrating how technology and trade infrastructure can be combined to create greater value within food supply chains. The potential for deeper cooperation also extends to maritime logistics. PSA Marine already provides pilotage and boat services at Ecuador's Guayaquil and Posorja ports, offering another example of Singaporean capabilities being deployed in the Latin American market. For Singapore, stronger engagement with Ecuador also fits into a broader strategy of expanding economic relationships with Latin America. The Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, involving Singapore, Chile and Peru, came into force in May 2025. Singapore has also welcomed Ecuador's application to become an associate state of the Pacific Alliance, a move that could create further opportunities for trade and investment. The new Memorandum of Understanding is intended to serve as a starting point for wider cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, education, governance, digitalisation and public health. But food and agriculture could emerge as one of the partnership's most commercially significant areas. Ecuador's position as a major producer of agricultural and marine commodities, combined with Singapore's expertise in logistics, food trade and supply-chain connectivity, creates opportunities to strengthen the movement of products from Latin America into Asian markets. The discussions also come as food security is becoming an increasingly important strategic priority for Singapore. With limited domestic agricultural land, the country has been actively building a more diversified network of food suppliers and exploring technology-driven solutions to strengthen supply-chain resilience. For Ecuador, closer links with Singapore could provide an additional gateway into Southeast Asia, one of the world's most dynamic consumer and food-importing regions. The broader opportunity lies in combining Ecuador's production capabilities with Singapore's strengths in trade, logistics, financing and digitalisation. Digital traceability, in particular, could become an important bridge between the two economies, helping agricultural exporters meet growing expectations around transparency, supply-chain visibility and product quality. The agreement signed during President Noboa's visit does not itself create a trade pact, but it establishes a framework for the two governments to explore and develop cooperation across areas of shared priority. As Singapore looks west across the Pacific for new economic partnerships and Ecuador seeks to strengthen its connections with Asia, the relationship could increasingly be defined by a simple proposition: Ecuador can offer access to Latin America's agricultural and resource economy, while Singapore can provide a strategic bridge to Southeast Asian markets. The new MOU marks an early step in that process, but the combination of food security, agricultural trade, maritime logistics and digital technology gives the Singapore-Ecuador partnership a potentially broader commercial significance than a conventional diplomatic agreement. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4142/philippines-approves-28-mn-fish-port-expansion-to-modernize-seafood-supply-chains-and-strengthen-food-security.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/4142/philippines-approves-28-mn-fish-port-expansion-to-modernize-seafood-supply-chains-and-strengthen-food-security.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:33:29 +0530 The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has approved a P1.6 billion ($28 million) infrastructure investment program aimed at modernizing the country’s fisheries logistics network, improving seafood distribution efficiency, and strengthening national food security. The initiative includes major upgrades to the aging Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC), the country’s largest fish trading hub, alongside the construction of a new modern fish port in San Vicente, Palawan. The projects were approved by the PFDA Board as part of a broader effort to enhance post-harvest infrastructure, reduce supply chain inefficiencies, and improve market access for fisherfolk. A significant portion of the investment will be directed toward the continued modernization of Navotas Fish Port through the rehabilitation of market halls, facility upgrades, and the expansion of shipyard infrastructure. The modernization program is expected to increase the operational footprint of the complex by nearly 25 hectares, reinforcing its role as a critical distribution center serving Metro Manila and surrounding regions. Authorities estimate that tens of thousands of workers directly depend on the Navotas complex, while millions of consumers benefit from the steady supply of fresh seafood distributed through the facility. Upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve handling efficiency, support higher trading volumes, and reduce post-harvest losses across the fisheries value chain. The Board also approved the development of the San Vicente Modern Fish Port in Palawan, a project designed to strengthen fish landing, handling, storage, and marketing operations in one of the country’s most important fishing regions. The facility is expected to support municipal fisherfolk operating in the West Philippine Sea while creating new economic opportunities across the local fisheries sector. The investment reflects the government’s growing focus on logistics and market infrastructure as key drivers of food affordability and supply chain resilience. By modernizing fish ports and improving market connectivity, the Philippines aims to enhance producer incomes, reduce food losses, and build a more efficient seafood distribution system capable of supporting long-term food security goals.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3864/crisil-freight-index-slips-further-in-april-as-weak-cargo-demand-and-fleet-oversupply-pressure-road-logistics.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3864/crisil-freight-index-slips-further-in-april-as-weak-cargo-demand-and-fleet-oversupply-pressure-road-logistics.html Tue, 12 May 2026 16:07:26 +0530 Softening industrial activity, elevated fleet availability and global trade uncertainty continue to weigh on freight realisations across India’s trucking ecosystem India’s road logistics sector entered the new financial year under visible pressure, with freight rates across key trucking corridors softening further in April 2026 amid weaker industrial movement, subdued manufacturing dispatches and persistent oversupply in fleet capacity. According to the latest Crisil freight market assessment, the Crisil Pan-India Freight Index (CRISFrex), indexed to April 2025 at 100, moderated to 98.7 in April 2026, reflecting continued stress across the freight ecosystem after a brief recovery phase earlier in the fiscal year. The decline comes after freight markets had shown temporary improvement during the third and early fourth quarters of fiscal 2026, driven by festive consumption, manufacturing activity and the rollout of GST 2.0. However, that momentum weakened considerably from February onward as geopolitical tensions in West Asia disrupted global trade sentiment and affected industrial supply chains. Freight Movement Weakens After March Dispatch Momentum Crisil noted that freight rates across major corridors softened largely because industrial and manufacturing activity moderated after the year-end dispatch momentum seen in March 2026. Lower cargo movement from manufacturing hubs and subdued freight availability across industrial value chains reduced freight realisations for transport operators. The broader logistics environment also remained impacted by prolonged uncertainty in global trade flows arising from the continuing West Asia conflict. The geopolitical disruption affected cargo sentiment across sectors and contributed to softer freight movement across multiple industrial corridors. At the same time, fleet availability remained elevated across the market, intensifying pricing pressure in long-haul trucking operations. As more vehicles competed for reduced cargo volumes, freight rates continued to face downward pressure despite operating costs remaining high. Operating Costs Remain Elevated Despite Falling Freight Rates While freight realisations weakened, transport operators continued to grapple with elevated operational expenses, particularly on account of tyre replacement, maintenance expenditure and fuel-linked cost structures. Crisil observed that the divergence between declining freight rates and sustained operating costs tightened operating margins for fleet operators, especially for small and medium transporters functioning on already thin cash flows. The agency’s analysis of transporter profitability showed that free cash flow before equated monthly instalments (EMIs) remained under pressure over the past several months due to this imbalance. Operating costs excluding EMIs continued to account for nearly 78–79 percent of transporter revenues through much of the fiscal year, significantly compressing cash generation capacity. The free cash flow margin before EMI obligations, which stood at 5 percent in April 2025, showed considerable volatility during the year and weakened sharply in recent months as freight rates softened. Auto and Agriculture Segments Offer Limited Support Despite broader weakness across freight markets, certain commodity-linked segments demonstrated relatively resilient movement patterns during April. Crisil highlighted that auto-carriers and agri-product transportation witnessed improved freight activity supported by healthy seasonal demand and relatively stable cargo movement. Freight rates in these categories remained comparatively resilient even as broader road freight indicators weakened. Agriculture-linked transportation particularly benefited from seasonal movement patterns, while automobile dispatches supported utilisation across select corridors. However, these pockets of resilience were insufficient to offset the overall weakness across industrial and manufacturing-linked freight segments. FASTag Data Reflects Slowing Freight Activity FASTag transaction trends also mirrored the broader moderation in road logistics activity. According to Crisil Intelligence analysis based on Reserve Bank of India data, daily FASTag transaction volumes weakened during the monsoon months due to softer freight movement and lower logistics activity across key corridors. The third quarter of fiscal 2026 and the beginning of the fourth quarter saw gradual recovery supported by festive demand, consumption-led activity and GST 2.0 implementation. However, freight indicators began moderating again from February as geopolitical uncertainty linked to the West Asia conflict intensified pressure on industrial activity and supply chains. March witnessed a sharper decline in FASTag transaction volumes, while April showed only marginal sequential recovery, with activity levels continuing to remain below earlier peak periods. Fleet Utilisation Levels Moderate Again in April Fleet utilisation trends tracked by Crisil also reflected uneven recovery patterns in the trucking industry. Utilisation levels had gradually moderated during the early months of fiscal 2026 because of weaker freight demand, softer industrial activity and elevated vehicle availability across key freight routes. Conditions improved during the third quarter following GST 2.0 implementation in September 2025, which supported manufacturing movement and consumption-driven cargo activity. The recovery strengthened further during the fourth quarter due to seasonal demand and higher commodity dispatches. However, the geopolitical situation in West Asia once again disrupted momentum. Concerns surrounding fuel supply chains led to operational uncertainties in certain regions, including precautionary fleet idling and localised concerns over diesel availability. Election-related activity in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam also caused temporary disruption in freight movement along specific corridors. Although fleet utilisation improved during January and February, utilisation levels softened once again entering April 2026, underlining the persistent unevenness in cargo demand across India’s road logistics ecosystem. Diesel Price Risk Remains a Major Concern Crisil also cautioned that the ongoing West Asia conflict continues to exert upward pressure on crude oil markets, creating potential risk for domestic diesel prices in India. Although diesel prices have remained stable for now, any future increase could materially affect transporter profitability given that fuel costs account for nearly 50–60 percent of overall operating expenses. The agency estimated that for every Rs 5 per litre increase in diesel prices, freight rate revisions of approximately 2.5 percent to 2.8 percent would become necessary to maintain baseline transporter margins. In practice, however, freight rate pass-throughs are likely to remain asymmetric in a weak freight environment. Bargaining power constraints, excess capacity and fragmented demand may delay or dilute freight rate revisions, especially for smaller operators. Any concurrent increase in other operating cost components such as driver wages, toll expenses, maintenance and tyre costs could further elevate the freight rate revisions required across the sector.   The report noted that the ability of transporters to successfully pass on higher fuel costs to customers would remain critical, particularly for small and mid-sized operators already functioning under significant margin pressure. Crisil also warned that simultaneous increases in other operating cost components — including toll charges, driver wages, maintenance expenditure and tyre costs — could further increase the freight rate revisions required to sustain profitability. Structural Pressure Continues Across Road Logistics The latest Crisil assessment suggests that India’s trucking ecosystem continues to operate under structural stress despite intermittent periods of recovery. Freight rate trends across commodity categories remain uneven, while elevated fleet availability and volatile industrial demand continue to pressure realisations. Simultaneously, operating cash flow resilience remains constrained due to sustained cost inflation and weaker pricing power within the sector. Crisil’s freight market study incorporates inputs from 100–150 transporters across 159 route-commodity combinations spanning 32 major freight corridors, 11 commodity categories and five truck platforms. The routes tracked include major industrial, logistics and consumption centres such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, collectively representing nearly 60–70 percent of organised road freight movement in India. The April 2026 trends indicate that while selective sectors continue to provide support, the broader road logistics ecosystem remains vulnerable to industrial slowdown, geopolitical disruptions and rising operational costs, keeping pressure firmly on transporter profitability and freight market stability. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3816/oil-price-shock-pushes-philippine-food-inflation-to-6-1-da-responds-with-emergency-measures.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3816/oil-price-shock-pushes-philippine-food-inflation-to-6-1-da-responds-with-emergency-measures.html Tue, 05 May 2026 17:20:11 +0530 Rice prices lead increase with 13.7 per cent jump, followed by higher costs of corn, fish, and vegetables The Philippine government is intensifying targeted interventions to contain rising food prices following a global oil price shock triggered by tensions in the Middle East, which has driven up logistics and transport costs and placed additional pressure on domestic food inflation. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is working closely with other agencies to cushion the impact on consumers while ensuring stable food supply across markets nationwide. Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that food inflation rose sharply to 6.1 percent in April, more than double the 2.7 percent recorded in March. The increase has disproportionately affected low-income households, with inflation among the bottom 30 percent of income earners accelerating to 8.5 percent from just 0.1 percent a year earlier. Rice remained the primary driver of price increases, with inflation climbing to 13.7 percent from 3.5 percent in the previous month. Higher prices were also recorded for corn, fish, and vegetables, with cereals accounting for more than half of the overall rise in food inflation, underscoring the sensitivity of staple goods to supply chain disruptions. Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that while supply levels remain stable, elevated fuel prices have significantly increased transport and distribution costs. “Clearly, this price shock is a knee-jerk reaction to the surge in petroleum prices. We have ample supply of rice, poultry, meat, vegetables, and other commodities, but logistics and transport costs have pushed retail prices upward,” he said. To address these pressures, the DA has implemented a series of immediate measures, including the reactivation of food lanes to expedite agricultural transport, removal of toll fees for agri-trucks, and reduced port charges to lower distribution costs. Fuel subsidies have likewise been provided to key transport stakeholders in the food supply chain. The department’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division has also intensified market monitoring to ensure fair pricing at the retail level and to deter excessive markups. In parallel, the government is accelerating food security programs such as the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! initiative, which provides rice at ₱20 per kilo to vulnerable sectors, alongside the broader Rice-for-All program aimed at maintaining affordability for the general public. Authorities are likewise prepared to impose a temporary price cap of ₱50 per kilo on imported rice should upward price pressures persist. The DA said these coordinated interventions are part of a broader government strategy to mitigate second-round inflation effects, stabilize food prices, and ensure efficient movement of goods from farms to markets amid global energy market volatility. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3784/philippines-agriculture-department-partners-with-megawide-to-modernize-farm-infrastructure.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3784/philippines-agriculture-department-partners-with-megawide-to-modernize-farm-infrastructure.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:25:22 +0530 Public-private initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food security, and transform farmers into agri-entrepreneurs The Department of Agriculture has signed a landmark agreement with Megawide Construction Corp to accelerate the modernization of the country’s agricultural sector through integrated infrastructure development and private sector participation. The memorandum of understanding outlines a broad collaboration focused on improving agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening long-term food security through investments in modern farm systems, logistics infrastructure, and renewable energy integration. Under the agreement, Megawide will support the rollout of agro-solar farming systems that combine crop production with renewable energy generation, reflecting growing interest in climate-smart agricultural infrastructure across Southeast Asia. The partnership also includes plans for food-processing facilities and food terminals intended to improve storage, logistics, and distribution efficiency throughout agricultural value chains. The Department of Agriculture said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, a longstanding challenge that has affected farmer profitability and weakened competitiveness in both domestic and export markets. Officials added that improved infrastructure and supply chain integration could help create more stable and commercially viable agricultural operations. The collaboration also seeks to promote clustered farming enterprises, enabling smallholder farmers to pool resources, access modern technologies, and transition toward larger-scale agribusiness models. Policymakers view the approach as part of a broader effort to strengthen rural economies and attract greater private investment into agriculture. The initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s wider strategy of repositioning farmers as agri-entrepreneurs while integrating agriculture with energy, logistics, and industrial systems. Authorities also expect the project to support the development of higher-value branded agricultural products with stronger market access potential. Industry observers note that the partnership reflects a growing regional trend toward public-private collaboration in agricultural modernization as governments seek to improve food system resilience, sustainability, and rural economic growth amid rising climate and supply chain pressures. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3746/philippines-approves-largest-prdp-road-project-in-zambales.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3746/philippines-approves-largest-prdp-road-project-in-zambales.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:01:46 +0530 Rs 108 crore investment targets rural mobility, agri efficiency The Department of Agriculture has approved a major infrastructure project worth Rs 108 crore (₱727 million) under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), aimed at improving connectivity to upland agricultural communities in Zambales. Cleared by the Central Luzon Project Advisory Board, the 26-kilometre farm-to-market road (FMR) linking Barangay Baloganon to Sitio Coto in Barangay Taltal is being positioned as a transformative intervention to unlock agricultural growth in the region. The project, which includes the construction of 11 bridges, will be the longest and most capital-intensive subproject under the World Bank-supported PRDP Scale-Up programme. Designed to address long-standing accessibility challenges, the project is expected to directly benefit over 1,500 mango and rice farmers, along with around 4,500 households in the area. Poor road conditions have historically limited mobility, with travel along the stretch taking up to two hours and public transport restricted to just a couple of trips daily. The proposed upgrade includes concreting of deteriorated sections, strengthening drainage infrastructure and replacing ageing steel bridges, with the aim of ensuring year-round access, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Officials said the project underwent extensive feasibility assessment and inter-agency review to ensure compliance with technical, economic, environmental and social safeguards before securing approval. The road itself dates back to the mining era, when it supported operations that produced around 15 million metric tonnes of chromite, but has since deteriorated following the closure of mining activity. Local authorities indicated that project implementation could begin as early as September or October this year, subject to procedural clearances, including a “no objection” certification from the World Bank, followed by procurement, bidding and contract award stages. The PRDP is a flagship programme of the Philippine government, aimed at building a climate-resilient and market-oriented agri-fishery sector. The ongoing Scale-Up phase, launched in 2023 with funding of around Rs 3,600 crore, seeks to expand rural infrastructure and enterprise development to enhance farm productivity, improve market access and raise rural incomes. Upon completion, the Zambales FMR project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and logistics costs, enabling farmers to transport produce more efficiently and strengthening the agricultural value chain in the region. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3739/south-east-queensland-tapped-as-model-for-australias-food-future.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3739/south-east-queensland-tapped-as-model-for-australias-food-future.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:43:36 +0530 Council of Mayors South East Queensland backs coordinated approach to strengthen supply chains Australia is being urged to rethink how it produces and distributes food, as a new strategy warns that fragmented planning will not be enough to withstand mounting pressures from climate change, population growth and global supply disruptions. In a report released on April 21, CSIRO laid out a coordinated blueprint to secure the country’s food future, using South East Queensland (SEQ) as a test case for a broader national model. Developed with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland and local stakeholders, the strategy calls for a unified “food bowl” approach that integrates production, processing, logistics, consumption and waste. Lead author Cathy Robinson said the shift toward system-wide planning is critical as traditional, piecemeal approaches struggle to keep up with increasingly complex challenges. SEQ, she noted, offers a high-stakes proving ground, with its population expected to surpass six million by 2046, placing intensifying strain on land, water and infrastructure. The urgency is compounded by the region’s role as host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which is expected to drive a temporary surge in food demand and test the resilience of supply chains. The strategy spans 11 local government areas—including Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Sunshine Coast—and is designed to be replicated in other food-producing regions across Australia. Beyond ensuring supply, the report underscores the broader economic and social role of the food system. Co-author Peggy Schrobback emphasized that food production underpins jobs, community wellbeing and access to nutritious diets, warning that even highly productive regions remain vulnerable if supply chains falter. Local leaders echoed the need for coordinated action. Adrian Schrinner, chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ), said the region has a unique opportunity to showcase its agricultural strengths on the global stage but must act now to ensure readiness. The blueprint identifies three immediate priorities: safeguarding agricultural land and infrastructure to reinforce SEQ as a resilient food hub; scaling supply to meet population growth and major event demand; and building a globally competitive food innovation ecosystem through stronger links between research, industry and Indigenous knowledge. Taken together, the report positions SEQ as both a warning and an opportunity—highlighting the risks of inaction while offering a scalable roadmap for securing Australia’s food system in an increasingly uncertain world. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3721/autoflight-redefines-agri-logistics-with-landmark-2-ton-evtol-tea-delivery.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3721/autoflight-redefines-agri-logistics-with-landmark-2-ton-evtol-tea-delivery.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:04:20 +0530 Autonomous air mobility meets high-speed rail to enable 24-Hour farm-to-city supply chains In a breakthrough for next-generation logistics, AutoFlight has successfully completed China’s first 2-ton-class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) transport trial dedicated to fresh tea delivery, marking a pivotal step toward integrating autonomous aviation into agricultural supply chains. The milestone operation, conducted in Guizhou province, demonstrated how advanced air mobility solutions can overcome geographic constraints and dramatically compress delivery timelines for high-value perishables. The trial utilized AutoFlight’s CarryAll (V2000CG), a fully autonomous unmanned cargo eVTOL aircraft, to transport freshly harvested spring tea across a 120-kilometer mountainous route between Anshun and Guiyang in just 37 minutes. The flight, which traversed rugged terrain that typically slows conventional transport, showcased a significant leap in efficiency compared to traditional road-based logistics. Building on this aerial leg, the shipment was seamlessly integrated into China’s high-speed rail network for long-haul distribution, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers from Guiyang to Shanghai. This hybrid “eVTOL + high-speed rail” logistics model enabled same-day dispatch and delivery within 24 hours—bringing premium tea from remote western plantations to urban consumers in record time. At the core of this innovation is the CarryAll (V2000CG), the world’s first 2-ton-class eVTOL cargo aircraft to secure Type, Production, and Airworthiness Certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Designed for autonomous operations without an onboard pilot, the aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 400 kilograms, a flight range of 200 kilometers, and a cruising speed of approximately 180 km/h. Its vertical take-off and landing capability eliminates the need for runways, enabling direct, point-to-point connectivity even in hard-to-access regions. Beyond speed and flexibility, the platform underscores a shift toward sustainable logistics. Fully electric and low-noise, the eVTOL solution aligns with global decarbonization goals while offering a scalable alternative to conventional transport in environmentally sensitive areas. The successful deployment also highlights the growing maturity of eVTOL technology in real-world applications. AutoFlight’s cargo models have already been tested across diverse scenarios, including offshore logistics, intercity cargo transport, and emergency response operations. Meanwhile, its six-seat passenger variant, the V2000EM Prosperity, is advancing through civil aviation certification, signaling broader ambitions in urban and regional air mobility. As global supply chains seek faster, greener, and more resilient solutions, AutoFlight’s integrated model points to a future where autonomous aviation and multimodal transport systems converge—unlocking new economic opportunities for remote agricultural regions while reshaping the logistics landscape. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:39:54 +0530 FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero warns of cascading impacts on energy, fertilizer supply, and global food systems as tanker traffic collapses and shipping risks surge The ongoing disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major shock to global commodity flows, with implications for energy, agriculture, and food security. According to Máximo Torero of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, tanker traffic through the corridor has dropped by more than 90 percent within days of the escalation. The strait typically carries around 20 million barrels of oil per day—about 35 percent of global crude flows—along with significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. Speaking at a United Nations briefing, Torero described the situation as a systemic shock affecting global food systems, not just energy markets. He highlighted the Gulf region’s role in supplying nearly half of global sulfur, a key input in phosphate fertilizer production. Disruptions to sulfur flows could impact fertilizer output worldwide, including in major agricultural economies. Shipping challenges have intensified due to surging war-risk insurance premiums, with recovery expected to take months even if tensions ease. Systemic Shock Transmission To what extent does the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz represent a new class of systemic risk, where energy, fertilizer, and food supply chains converge into a single point of failure? The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most concentrated chokepoint for simultaneously disrupting energy, fertilizer, sulfur, and agrifood systems. Under normal conditions, it carries roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day (one‑quarter of global seaborne oil), one‑fifth of global LNG, and up to 30 percent of internationally traded fertilizers. The current conflict has collapsed tanker traffic by more than 90 percent within days, stalling an estimated 3–4 million tonnes of fertilizer trade per month. What makes this a new class of systemic risk is the convergence of three interdependent chains: Energy – oil and gas prices spiked 20–35 percent (Brent) and 50–75 percent (European gas). Fertilizer – no strategic reserves exist; urea prices rose 19 percent in one week. Sulfur – essential to produce phosphate fertilizer. Food – Gulf countries import 70–90 percent of their food, and import‑dependent nations face immediate yield threats. Because natural gas is the feedstock for nitrogen fertilizers, and sulfur (half of global trade passes through Hormuz) is essential for phosphate processing, a single disruption simultaneously raises fuel costs, fertilizer prices, and transport expenses. The FAO notes that “there are no large strategic fertilizer reserves comparable to oil stocks,” so any sustained interruption quickly elevates global food inflation. This convergence turns a maritime chokepoint into a single point of failure for the entire agrifood value chain. Fragility vs. Resilience of Globalization Does this crisis fundamentally challenge the assumption that globalized agricultural supply chains are efficiency‑maximizing, but structurally fragile in the face of geopolitical shocks? Global supply chains are needed to assure all countries have access to the diversity of food that is required and to use our natural resources optimally. Although it is true that on the inputs there are shock points  that increase the risks for global supply chains but will be the same for local supply chains. The FAO analysis shows that the current globalized system delivered low costs and just‑in‑time efficiency in peacetime, but the Hormuz disruption exposes its structural fragility. Within days, a conflict in one region removed a quarter of global oil trade, one‑third of fertilizer trade, and a major share of food demand from the Gulf. The document highlights that the Gulf States’ high import dependency (70–90 percent for staples) was sustainable only when trade routes were open. Once the strait closed, their strategic grain reserves (4–6 months) became a finite buffer, not a solution. Similarly, fertilizer‑importing countries like Bangladesh (53 percent Gulf dependency) and Kenya ( 40 percent ) face immediate shortages with no alternative supply chain ready. The FAO’s modeling of a “policy inaction baseline” shows that without coordinated intervention, real household income in Gulf countries could decline 14–18 percent, and global cereal producer income could drop nearly 5 percent. This is not a temporary inefficiency; it is a structural vulnerability built into efficiency‑maximized, highly concentrated supply chains. The crisis therefore challenges the assumption that globalization’s benefits automatically outweigh its geopolitical risks. Fertilizer Dependency Trap Given the heavy reliance on energy‑linked fertilizers, are we approaching a structural ceiling in yield growth, where input dependency itself becomes the primary constraint on global food security? The evidence points toward a growing constraint, not yet a hard ceiling, but dangerously close in many regions. Nitrogen fertilizers are produced from natural gas, and the Persian Gulf is a low‑cost producer. When energy prices spike, fertilizer prices follow directly. The FAO estimates that if the crisis continues, global fertilizer prices could average 15–20 percent higher in the first half of 2026. The “dependency trap” operates through three mechanisms: Cost‑driven reduction – Farmers facing high prices apply less fertilizer, reducing yields. No strategic reserves – Unlike oil, there is no global fertilizer stockpile to smooth shocks. Nonlinear yield response – In low‑input systems (e.g., sub‑Saharan Africa at ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3618/24-mile-chokepoint-that-moves-world.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/3618/24-mile-chokepoint-that-moves-world.html Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:17:20 +0530 Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are rattling oil markets, disrupting shipping networks and exposing fragile fertilizer supply chains that underpin global food production The narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz have long been one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors. Now, as tensions flare across the Middle East following unprecedented joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, the waterway has once again emerged as the epicenter of a rapidly escalating global economic shock. Oil prices are climbing. Shipping companies are scrambling to reroute vessels. Freight costs and insurance premiums are surging. And fertilizer markets—already fragile—are bracing for another wave of volatility. For countries like India, which depend heavily on both Middle Eastern energy and imported agricultural inputs, the repercussions could ripple far beyond energy markets, touching everything from food production and agricultural costs to inflation and trade logistics. The crisis underscores a stark reality of the global economy: a sliver of water barely 24 miles wide can still dictate the fortunes of nations. A Strategic Chokepoint Under Pressure Stretching roughly 100 miles between Iran in the north and the coastlines of Oman and the United Arab Emirates in the south, the Strait of Hormuz has long occupied a singular place in the architecture of the global energy system. Few geographic features exert such disproportionate influence over the world economy. On a map it appears as little more than a thin ribbon of water separating the Persian Gulf from the open ocean. In reality, it functions as one of the most consequential arteries of global commerce. Disruption or heightened risk in the Strait of Hormuz can significantly affect India’s agri trade flows, as fertilizers, sulphur, phosphoric acid and other critical inputs face longer transit times, higher freight rates and insurance premiums. Sulphur prices are especially vulnerable, since a large share of global sulphur is recovered from Middle Eastern oil and gas processing; any slowdown or shipping disruption can tighten supply and spike prices for sulphur-based fertilizers. For India, this translates into higher nutrient costs, pressure on fertilizer subsidies, and potential delays during key sowing seasons. The overall risk is not a shortage-driven crisis, but a cost- and timing-driven shock to agricultural supply chains. --- Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman, Aries Agro At its narrowest point, the strait measures just 24 miles across—barely the distance of a short highway commute. Yet through this slender maritime corridor flows close to 20 percent of the world’s crude oil supply, an extraordinary concentration of energy trade passing through a single chokepoint. Every day, vast fleets of tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil move through these waters, transporting crude from the Persian Gulf’s dominant producers—Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates—toward energy-hungry economies in Asia, Europe and beyond. The significance of the strait lies not only in the volume of oil that moves through it, but in the absence of credible alternatives. Pipelines exist that bypass the corridor, including routes across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, yet their combined capacity falls far short of replacing the immense flow handled by maritime tankers. The geography of the region has effectively locked the global energy system into dependence on this narrow passage. That dependence transforms the strait into something more than a shipping lane—it becomes a pressure point where geopolitics and economics intersect. Any disruption, whether from military confrontation, maritime blockades, sabotage or even heightened security threats, reverberates far beyond the Gulf. Traders, insurers and shipping companies monitor developments in the strait with extraordinary sensitivity because even small risks can translate into immediate market reactions. “Exports to the Middle East are effectively on hold for now as shipping companies reassess security risks in the Gulf. Carriers are likely to impose additional insurance and war-risk surcharges, which will inevitably make imports more expensive. If the situation persists, the combined effect of higher freight costs, longer transit times and elevated insurance premiums could significantly raise the cost of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs for countries like India.” ---- Rajib Chakraborty, National President, SFIA History has repeatedly shown how fragile this equilibrium can be. Periods of tension in the Gulf—from the tanker wars of the 1980s to more recent confrontations between regional powers—have demonstrated how quickly shipping routes can become contested and how rapidly energy markets respond. Today, that sensitivity remains acute. Analysts warn that even the threat of closure—without a single tanker being physically blocked—could push crude prices sharply higher as traders price in the possibility of disrupted supply. Some estimates suggest that oil could surge toward $108 per barrel if shipments through the strait were significantly curtailed. Recent movements in energy markets suggest investors are already factoring in that risk. The mere possibility of instability in the Strait of Hormuz is enough to ripple through futures markets, insurance premiums and freight rates, underscoring how profoundly the global economy still depends on the safe passage of ships through a corridor barely two dozen miles wide. In an era defined by complex supply chains and interconnected markets, the world’s energy lifeline still runs through one narrow stretch of water—and the consequences of instability there rarely remain confined to the region. Oil Markets React Global crude markets wasted little time registering the shock. As geopolitical tensions escalated across the Gulf, oil prices moved almost instantly, reflecting how sensitive energy markets remain to developments around the Strait of Hormuz. Futures linked to West Texas Intermediate crude surged more than 6 percent, climbing above $71 per barrel—their highest level in over eight months. At one stage during trading, prices spiked nearly 10 percent, a sharp intraday surge that underscored the market’s growing anxiety about potential supply disruptions. Yet traders say the rally is not driven by immediate shortages of crude. Rather, it reflects a rapidly expanding geopolitical risk premium—the additional cost markets attach to the possibility that instability in the Persian Gulf could threaten one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. The Gulf remains the epicenter of global oil exports. When tensions rise in a region responsible for such a large share of global supply, markets react with remarkable speed. Shipping data already suggests that tanker operators are recalibrating their strategies—adjusting routes, revising security protocols, and factoring higher risk into charter rates. As insurers reassess exposure in a potential conflict zone, maritime insurance premiums are also beginning to climb. For oil-importing economies, the implications are immediate and unavoidable. Rising freight costs, higher insurance charges and a swelling geopolitical risk premium combine to push energy bills upward, transmitting the shock from the Gulf directly into global inflation and trade flows. India’s Energy Vulnerability Few economies illustrate the stakes of Gulf instability more starkly than India. Roughly half of India’s crude oil imports—between 2.5 and 2.7 million barrels per day—move through the Strait of Hormuz, making the narrow corridor one of the most critical arteries in the country’s energy supply chain. These shipments originate largely from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait—producers that together anchor India’s long-standing energy relationship with the Persian Gulf. Any sustained disruption to maritime traffic through the strait would therefore reverberate quickly through India’s economy. The country’s vast refining sector remains deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern crude flows. Although New Delhi has diversified supply in recent years—most notably by ramping up purchases from Russia—the Gulf continues to form the backbone of its energy strategy. A surge in crude prices would ripple through the economy with speed. Fuel costs feed directly into transportation networks, manufacturing supply chains and logistics, amplifying inflationary pressures across sectors. In a country where energy prices carry both economic and political sensitivity, volatility in the Gulf rarely remains confined to commodity markets for long. Yet oil is only one layer of the vulnerability. The same sea lanes that carry crude tankers also support a sprawling web of container shipping, agricultural commodities and fertilizer shipments—cargoes that are just as critical to India’s economic stability and food security as energy itself. Shipping Lines Pull Back Long before any formal closure of sea lanes, the global shipping industry has begun behaving as though the risk is already real. As tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf, some of the world’s largest container carriers are quietly redrawing their maritime maps—suspending cargo bookings, rerouting vessels and issuing emergency advisories to fleets navigating one of the world’s most critical trade corridors. The response has been swift and coordinated. The Geneva-based shipping giant MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announced on March 1 that it was suspending all bookings for worldwide cargo bound for the Middle East until further notice, a move that effectively freezes a significant portion of container traffic headed toward Gulf ports. Meanwhile, Danish logistics powerhouse Maersk confirmed that two of its major shipping services—ME11 and MECL, which connect the Middle East and India with Mediterranean and U.S. markets—would be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. While safer, the diversion dramatically extends sailing distances between Asia, Europe and the Americas, adding days—sometimes weeks—to global shipping schedules. France’s maritime heavyweight CMA CGM has taken an even more sweeping step. Citing escalating operational and security constraints, the company halted all refrigerated container bookings for a wide swath of Middle Eastern destinations including Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (Port of Ain Sokhna), Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea. Across the Gulf itself, caution has hardened into operational directives. China’s state-backed carrier COSCO Shipping has instructed vessels already inside the Gulf to proceed to safer waters and remain on standby until security conditions stabilize. German shipping line Hapag‑Lloyd—the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company—has gone further still, suspending all transit through the strait. Ships already operating within the Gulf have reportedly been ordered to seek shelter and await further instructions. Taken together, these moves amount to a quiet but profound shift in global maritime behavior. Without a single official blockade being declared, the shipping industry is already acting as though one of the world’s most vital trade corridors has become dangerously uncertain. Freight Costs Begin to Spike As vessels quietly alter their routes and insurers reassess the risks of operating in a rapidly militarizing maritime corridor, the financial consequences are already rippling through global shipping markets. Freight rates are beginning to climb. Shipping companies have introduced what is known as an Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS)—a temporary levy designed to compensate carriers for the sharply elevated risks of operating near the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf. The new charges are steep and immediate. Current ECS levels include $2,000 per 20-foot container, $3,000 per 40-foot container, and $4,000 for refrigerated or specialized containers, the latter particularly significant for food, pharmaceutical and agricultural shipments that depend on temperature-controlled transport. These surcharges are only part of the emerging cost structure. Maritime insurers are simultaneously recalibrating risk assessments for ships entering Gulf waters, prompting additional War Risk Surcharges across multiple routes. German carrier Hapag-Lloyd has already confirmed the introduction of such fees, setting charges at $1,500 per TEU for standard containers and $3,500 per container for refrigerated units and specialized equipment. For exporters and importers, the financial arithmetic escalates quickly. Every additional surcharge compounds the cost of moving goods through already strained supply chains. Longer detours around the Cape of Good Hope increase fuel consumption and voyage durations, while rising insurance premiums add another layer of expense. The result is a mounting logistical squeeze that many trade analysts say is beginning to resemble the cascading disruptions witnessed during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic—when shipping delays, container shortages and freight inflation reverberated across the global economy. In today’s case, however, the trigger is not a virus but geopolitics—and a narrow maritime corridor whose instability can still reshape the economics of global trade. Port Disruptions and Regional Bottlenecks The stress is not confined to oil tankers and container vessels navigating the narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz. It is increasingly visible across the wider logistics architecture of the Gulf, where some of the world’s most important trade hubs are beginning to feel the strain. At the center of this network lies Jebel Ali Port—one of the largest container transshipment complexes on the planet and a crucial redistribution gateway linking Asia, Africa and Europe. Reports indicate that the port has experienced temporary operational halts following conflict-related blasts and debris incidents in the region, forcing precautionary pauses in port activity. Even short disruptions at such strategic hubs can send shockwaves through global supply chains. Ports like Jebel Ali operate as the logistical heartbeat of the Gulf’s “free-zone” trade ecosystem, where cargo arriving from Asia is redistributed onward to markets across the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean. When these nodes slow down—even briefly—the consequences propagate outward through shipping schedules, container availability and delivery timelines. For exporters thousands of miles away, the effects can be immediate. Indian exporters who rely heavily on Gulf transshipment routes warn that the growing instability could lengthen transit times and inject fresh uncertainty into key export corridors connecting South Asia with Europe and Africa. Delays at a single hub can cascade through multiple supply chains, forcing cargo to wait for connecting vessels, rerouted containers or alternative port calls. Air logistics may offer little relief. With parts of regional airspace subject to potential restrictions or heightened security oversight, cargo flights could face longer routes or operational constraints—tightening supply chains even further. Yet amid the turbulence engulfing oil markets and container shipping, one of the most consequential ripple effects may emerge in a sector far removed from tankers and port cranes. The next shock could arrive in the global fertilizer market. Fertilizer Markets Brace for Impact Beyond oil tankers and container vessels, another critical supply chain runs quietly through the waters of the Persian Gulf—one that ultimately feeds the world. The Middle East plays a pivotal role in global fertilizer production, particularly for nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea. Countries across the region have built vast petrochemical complexes that convert natural gas into fertilizers shipped to agricultural markets around the world. Among them, Iran occupies a significant position. The country has a urea production capacity of roughly 9 million tonnes per year, exporting around 5 million tonnes annually to international markets. Iranian urea is frequently among the lowest-priced supplies globally, making it an important source for fertilizer-importing countries—including India. Any disruption to these exports—whether triggered by shipping constraints, sanctions pressure, or logistical bottlenecks across the Strait of Hormuz—can quickly ripple through global fertilizer markets. Analysts warn that instability along these maritime routes could push prices higher across the entire fertilizer spectrum: urea, MOP (muriate of potash), DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) and NPK fertilizers. For India, the implications are particularly significant. The country is among the world’s largest consumers of agricultural nutrients, and its food security is deeply intertwined with the reliability of international fertilizer supply chains. In the fiscal year 2024–25, India imported 160.29 lakh metric tonnes of bulk fertilizers, underscoring the enormous scale of its dependence on global trade. These imports underpin the productivity of one of the world’s largest agricultural systems—supporting everything from wheat and rice cultivation to oilseeds and horticulture. But a closer examination of India’s fertilizer import structure reveals something more consequential. Many of these supply lines run directly through the same geopolitical fault lines now emerging across the Gulf. Urea Imports and Gulf Dependence Urea dominates India’s fertilizer import basket. Total imports amount to 56.47 LMT, making it the largest category in the country’s fertilizer trade. The supply structure reveals a striking concentration in Gulf producers. Oman supplies 26.13 LMT, making it India’s largest supplier by far. Russia provides 9.23 LMT, while Saudi Arabia contributes 5.38 LMT and Qatar exports 3.70 LMT. Taken together, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar account for 35.21 LMT—around 62.35 percent of India’s total urea imports. This means that nearly two-thirds of India’s most critical fertilizer flows from countries located in or near the Gulf region. If shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted, the consequences for India’s fertilizer supply chain could be immediate. MOP Import Patterns Muriate of potash (MOP) is the second-largest fertilizer import category at 45.69 LMT. Major suppliers include Saudi Arabia (19.05 LMT) and Morocco (10.74 LMT), alongside smaller shipments from China and Jordan (2.39 LMT). Imports from Saudi Arabia and Jordan together total 21.44 LMT, representing 46.92 percent of India’s MOP imports. While this share is lower than that of urea, it still reflects a substantial reliance on suppliers connected to West Asia. DAP Supply Structure DAP imports total 35.41 LMT, and the supply structure is more geographically diversified. Russia dominates with 18.00 LMT, while Jordan supplies 3.01 LMT and Israel contributes 2.80 LMT. Gulf-region contributions are relatively smaller—5.81 LMT, or 16.41 percent of total DAP imports. This diversification provides a measure of resilience, though it also highlights Russia’s expanding role in global fertilizer supply chains. NPK Fertilizer Imports NPK fertilizer imports amount to 22.72 LMT, the smallest category among the four. Here again Russia dominates with 18.27 LMT, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.40 LMT, while China supplies a minor share. The Gulf contribution therefore totals 3.40 LMT, accounting for 14.96 percent of India’s NPK imports. Structural Vulnerabilities in the Supply Chain Viewed together, the import data reveals a set of structural vulnerabilities that extend far beyond simple trade statistics. Beneath the numbers lies a complex web of geopolitical exposure linking India’s agricultural system to two of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions—the Persian Gulf and Russia. The most striking dependency appears in urea, where India’s reliance on Gulf suppliers exceeds 62 percent. Countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar together account for the overwhelming share of shipments, tying India’s most critical fertilizer directly to the stability of trade routes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. A similar—though slightly less concentrated—pattern emerges in MOP (muriate of potash) imports. Nearly 47 percent of India’s supply originates from Gulf-linked producers, notably Saudi Arabia and Jordan. While additional supplies arrive from producers such as Morocco and China, the Gulf remains a crucial pillar of the supply chain. The picture shifts somewhat for DAP and NPK fertilizers, where the sourcing base is more geographically diversified. Here, Russia has emerged as the dominant supplier, particularly in NPK and a substantial share of DAP imports, reflecting Moscow’s growing footprint in global fertilizer markets. Yet diversification does not necessarily eliminate risk. Instead, it redistributes it across multiple geopolitical fault lines. In practical terms, India’s fertilizer supply chain now sits at the intersection of two volatile arenas. Tensions in the Gulf can disrupt maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic shifts or sanctions regimes can reshape exports from Russia. Meanwhile, the mechanics of global shipping—freight rates, insurance premiums and vessel availability—can change almost overnight when conflict alters maritime risk calculations. Each of these pressures ultimately converges in a single place: fertilizer prices. If vessels are forced onto longer routes, if insurers impose war-risk premiums, or if supply chains fragment under geopolitical strain, the cost of nutrients essential to agricultural production rises accordingly—transmitting geopolitical instability directly into the economics of farming and food production. The Global Stakes The world has faced crises in these waters before—from the tanker wars of the 1980s to the recurring standoffs between Iran and Western powers. Yet the stakes today may be even higher. Global supply chains are now more tightly interwoven than at any point in modern economic history. Energy markets respond instantly to geopolitical tremors, while food systems—often overlooked in strategic debates—depend heavily on the uninterrupted movement of fertilizers and agricultural inputs across oceans. At the center of this delicate architecture lies the Strait of Hormuz. Should tensions escalate further—or should the passage become unsafe for commercial shipping even temporarily—the consequences would extend far beyond the Middle East. Oil prices could spike sharply as traders scramble to price in supply risks. Shipping lanes could remain disrupted as vessels reroute around conflict zones, driving up freight costs and insurance premiums. Fertilizer markets, already sensitive to logistics disruptions, could tighten rapidly, amplifying pressure on global food production. The resulting shock would not remain confined to commodity markets. It would ripple outward—through inflation, trade balances and food security—reverberating across economies already strained by geopolitical fragmentation and fragile supply chains. For now, the world’s attention remains fixed on a narrow corridor of water where geopolitics, energy security and global trade converge. History offers a clear lesson: what unfolds in the Strait of Hormuz rarely stays there. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2814/adm-and-mitsubishi-corporation-partners-to-explore-potentials-across-the-agriculture-value-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2814/adm-and-mitsubishi-corporation-partners-to-explore-potentials-across-the-agriculture-value-chain.html Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:43:20 +0530 Sign non-binding MOU to explore multiple areas of collaboration across the agricultural supply chain as part of a strategic alliance ADM and Mitsubishi Corporation have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form a strategic alliance and to explore potential areas of future collaboration across the agriculture value chain. In recent years, the importance of secure and resilient food and agriculture supply chains has come into sharper focus, driven both by short-term dislocations as well as structural demand shifts powered by global population growth, economic development, and increasing consumer preference for sustainably sourced products. It has thus become essential to adopt a comprehensive and cross-industrial approach, connecting multiple businesses in different segments to address these challenges. Building on their long relationship, ADM and MC now will explore potential new ways to bring their respective strengths together to meet these global challenges. ADM offers the capabilities of one of the world's largest food and agriculture companies, with MC offering a cross-industrial business platform spanning multiple industries including food and energy. The companies hope that these broad and deep capabilities will allow them to create value by identifying new opportunities to meet global needs ranging from a robust biofuel supply chain to a stronger, more resilient global food system. Together, ADM and MC are driving solutions that will help shape the future of the global agriculture value chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2707/msc-launches-ireefer-the-most-advanced-container-monitoring-system-for-reefer-cargo.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2707/msc-launches-ireefer-the-most-advanced-container-monitoring-system-for-reefer-cargo.html Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:28:39 +0530 Digitalization to optimize global cold chain logistics of agriculture commodities A new container monitoring system called iReefer for reefer cargo has been launched by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. The solution allows tracking and monitoring temperature-controlled shipments in real time, from anywhere in the world. The launch of iReefer streamline the shipping process and delivers real-time insights to support supply chain management. With global sourcing, MSC connects growers, farmers and producers of agricultural products around the world with their key markets. MSC plays a role in maximising the shelf-life and quality of the goods we transport, reducing food waste and bringing high-quality products to global markets. Cashews, cocoa, coffee, rice, and soy, among other agricultural products, require careful handling throughout their journey to maintain their freshness, taste, texture and aroma. In order to keep perishable produce in perfect condition for its entire journey, MSC's green, modern and efficient fleet is capable of safely handling, storing, and transporting dry and food-grade goods. With iReefer, the user can receive real-time insights into their reefer shipments, including information on position, temperature, humidity and more. It is available via myMSC, the company’s proprietary e-business platform, or via an API (Application Programming Interface). MSC transports more than 1 million reefer containers per year as a world leader in refrigerated cargo transportation. Globally, it has one of the most advanced reefer fleets, as well as dedicated teams of 1,000+ reefer experts. iReefer functions: iReeferEssential: It includes an overview of the customer’s current and historic reefer shipments, a container journey log and graphs. iReefer Pro includes all of this, plus unlimited downloads and access to additional data such as container GPS location. iReefer Ultimate for shipping high volumes of cargo connects directly with their system via an API (Application Programming Interface), ensuring seamless data flow. Over 210,000 reefer containers were connected and more than 500 vessels were equipped with iReefer technology as part of this global project. A major objective of the company is to equip all containers and vessels with this technology by the end of the decade. The launch of iReefer reflects the increasing global demand for refrigerated cargo and straightforward digital solutions. It will bring many benefits, including real-time container monitoring and temperature control, enhanced container security, compliance with regulatory requirements, and access to data-driven insights. Connected reefers can also reduce costs by preventing cargo spoilage, damage and insurance claims. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2564/syngenta-and-maersk-extend-partnership-in-more-sustainable-and-innovative-supply-chain-solutions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2564/syngenta-and-maersk-extend-partnership-in-more-sustainable-and-innovative-supply-chain-solutions.html Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:57:30 +0530 With sustainable logistics, with both companies highly committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the supply chain Syngenta Crop Protection, a global leader in agricultural innovation, and Maersk, a global integrator of logistics, will extend their fourth-party logistics (4PL) partnership for an additional five years. With the renewed collaboration both companies’ commitment to responsible logistics through continuous supply chain optimization and innovation. A 4PL provider takes third-party logistics further by managing resources, technology, infrastructure, and other logistics providers to design, build, and deliver customised supply chain solutions. This concept is integral to Maersk’s Logistics & Services product offering and a key element of its strategy to provide leading supply chain management solutions from factory to final destination. A cornerstone of the collaboration is the constant focus on more sustainable logistics, with both companies highly committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the supply chain. Maersk aims to achieve net zero GHG emissions across its entire business by 2040, while Syngenta’s sustainability priorities are accelerating efforts to decarbonize its operations and set clear targets for sustainable operations. Under the collaboration, regular reporting on emissions and ongoing dialogue on sustainability outcomes are key determinants of business performance. Over the past eight years, Syngenta and Maersk have successfully navigated major disruptions thanks to significantly increased resilience, including the Covid pandemic and the Red Sea crisis and identified opportunities for reducing GHG emissions from Syngenta’s supply chain. Mike Hollands, Global Head of Production & Supply at Syngenta Crop Protection: "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Maersk, a company that shares our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Syngenta and Maersk have a strong alignment in prioritizing sustainability and driving innovation. Our partnership has proven its value, and we look forward to achieving new milestones together by continuing to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions that optimize our supply chains, leveraging digital logistics and artificial intelligence." Dimitris Armenakis, Global Head of Managed by Maersk Product: “The journey we are on together with Syngenta underpins Maersk’s position as an integrated logistics provider. We thrive by the success of our customers and contribute to this by developing solutions that optimise and simplify their supply chains. We are always looking to innovate on behalf of our customers and add further value to their business.” The extended partnership reinforces Syngenta's and Maersk's shared commitment to sustainability and innovation as industry leaders in driving efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible supply chain solutions. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2539/psa-to-open-new-supply-chain-hub-pioneering-an-integrated-logistics-ecosystem-in-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/2539/psa-to-open-new-supply-chain-hub-pioneering-an-integrated-logistics-ecosystem-in-singapore.html Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:36:07 +0530 The hub embodies PSA’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly features such as renewable energy sources, sustainable drainage systems and energy-efficient designs PSA Singapore (PSA) has unveiled the PSA Supply Chain Hub @ Tuas (PSCH), a central part of its strategic expansion within Tuas Port, at its groundbreaking ceremony today. This state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to be ready by 2027, is poised to transform the logistics and supply chain landscape in Singapore. Strategically situated next to Tuas Port within the Free Trade Zone, the PSCH will be seamlessly integrated with Singapore’s extensive supply chain ecosystem, offering unparalleled connectivity and scale as a Regional Distribution Centre and a Container Freight Station. Its comprehensive suite of value-added services and the supply chain synergies it creates will further strengthen Singapore’s position as a global logistics and supply chain powerhouse. Spanning more than two million square feet, PSCH will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as advanced robotics and automation systems, including the Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and the Intelligent Warehouse eXchange (iWX) (see Annex A for more details of these technologies). These innovations are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern supply chains, providing customers with enhanced visibility, streamlined processes and the agility needed to adapt to an ever-changing global market. The hub also embodies PSA’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly features such as renewable energy sources, sustainable drainage systems and energy-efficient designs. These measures are aligned with PSA’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions, further advancing and supporting Singapore’s smooth transition into a green and sustainable future. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/1361/spendedge-highlights-key-benefits-of-short-food-industry-supply-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/1361/spendedge-highlights-key-benefits-of-short-food-industry-supply-chain.html Mon, 04 Sep 2023 11:08:54 +0530 SpendEdge proposes 7 benefits of implementing a short supply chain in the food industry SpendEdge, a global leader in procurement market intelligence space recently highlighted the 7 major benefits of short food supply chain. In the resource, the market intelligence leader focused on the significance of the short food supply chain. Having a short supply chain will benefit the food industry by increasing the profits of farmers and other producers, revitalizing rural economies, and giving consumers access to fresh, fairly-priced foods. Game-Changing Benefits: The experts at SpendEdge have shared the 7 benefits of implementing a short supply chain in the food industry:  Improved negotiating positions for farmers:These short food industry supply chains offer farmers greater power during negotiations, especially during those with retailers. Increased communication between producer and consumer:Short supply chains can lead to job creation, especially in rural areas, which also helps to increase the farmer or producer's reputation and the trust that consumers place in them. Reduced transportation costs:Short supply chains typically serve a local area, reducing the energy costs, transportation costs, and CO2 emissions used to transport goods in longer supply chains. Increased transparency:It's easier to make short food industry supply chains with few or no intermediaries transparent than it is longer and more complex ones. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/1137/new-zealand-fruit-brand-zespri-reinforces-strategic-partnership-in-chinese-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/1137/new-zealand-fruit-brand-zespri-reinforces-strategic-partnership-in-chinese-market.html Wed, 05 Jul 2023 03:28:00 +0530 Zespri signs a strategic Sustainable Development Agreement with Joy Wing Mau Group to advance trade and supply chain operations in China A delegation of fruit industry representatives from China and New Zealand have signed the "Strategic Sustainable Development Agreement" to strengthen the strategy of green environmental protection and sustainable development, and upgrade the new chapter of Sino-Singapore fruit industry cooperation. As the core strategic partner of the Zespri ecosystem, Joy Wing Mau Together with Zespri, has committed to the promotion of environmentally friendly packaging, and to gradually achieve sustainable packaging within three years.  While simultaneously combining its own earth-friendly strategy, Joy Wing Mau will develop a chain of green fruit products from the field to the dining table through ecological planting, environmentally friendly packaging, energy-efficient storage, and transportation, and encourage upstream and downstream cooperation. New Zealand Prime Minister Hipkins and a business delegation officially visited China. During his visit, on the "New Zealand Partnership and Product Launch Conference" held in Shanghai on the 30th, the signing ceremony was held in collaboration with Bruce Cameron, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zespri International Group, Zhang Jian, chairman and CEO of Golden Wing Mau Fruit Technology Group, a representative of the fruit industry in China and New Zealand, and Zespri Jiang Shijie, president of the Greater China region of the group, signed the "Strategic Sustainable Development Agreement". The collaboration stems from an earlier five-year strategic partnership agreement fostering China-New Zealand economic and trade cooperation in 2021. Earlier agreement has now been upgraded to a strategic cooperation on the protection of the environment and development of sustainable communities. China is a crucial overseas market for New Zealand's agricultural products. Since the upgrade of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, new policies such as tariff reduction and exemption, customs clearance facilitation measures, and greater field opening have brought more convenience and benefits to the trade between the two countries.  China has become the largest export market for Zespri New Zealand kiwifruit, setting a model for China-New Zealand economic and trade cooperation. Zespri is one of the most representative export companies in New Zealand. Since Zespri entered the Chinese market, Joy Wing Mau and Zespri have established a long-term friendly strategic partnership of mutual trust and mutual benefit. With its strong omni-channel sales network, digital intelligent supply chain, and professional brand marketing service capabilities, Joy Wing Mau  continues to empower Zespri to achieve sustainable development in the Chinese market, contributing to the sound development of China-Singapore economic and trade. Next year will usher in the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. Joy Wing Mau, as a leading company in the Chinese fruit industry and the largest distributor of New Zealand fruits in the Chinese market, will further consolidate the partnership of New Zealand partners represented by Zespri and Rockit. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/1083/philippiness-agri-dept-and-navy-partner-to-support-farmers-and-fishers.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/1083/philippiness-agri-dept-and-navy-partner-to-support-farmers-and-fishers.html Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:31:37 +0530 DA and PN have partnered to provide hauling and transport services to ensure efficient delivery and stable supply of various agricultural supplies A total of 18,125 metric tons of garlic from the Itbayat Garlic Farmers Producers Association were delivered to the Sual Seaport in Pangasinan, through the collaborative effort of the Department of Agriculture-Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE) office and the Philippine Navy (PN). DA and PN have partnered to provide hauling and transport services to ensure efficient delivery and stable supply of various agricultural supplies and food items to all Filipinos. The produce, amounting to P1.95 million was purchased by Fresh Buys Ph of Baguio City. The shipment, loaded on the PN sea vessel is composed of 11,001 kilograms (kg) of large garlic, 5,407.5 kg of medium garlic, and 1,716 kg of small garlic. James Layug DA Assistant Secretary and DA-IE head stressed that the Department will continue to launch projects, in collaboration with other agencies, to improve the lives and livelihood of Filipino farmers and fishers across the nation. “We will continue to strengthen our Market Linkage Program,” he said adding that DA-IE will act as a liaison for the federal, state, and local governments. “If all stakeholders in this industry work together, this will be feasible,” Layug stressed.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/962/australia-delivers-first-ever-sustainable-biosecurity-funding-in-the-2023-24-budget.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/962/australia-delivers-first-ever-sustainable-biosecurity-funding-in-the-2023-24-budget.html Fri, 19 May 2023 11:41:52 +0530 More than $1 billion of additional funding has been allocated to biosecurity, including $845 million to support operations across the Australian agriculture Australian agriculture has triggered a new era BY including a Sustainable Biosecurity Funding model, in its 2023-24 Budget and is the first ever model in the nation. More than $1 billion of additional funding has been allocated to biosecurity, including $845 million to support operations across the country, protecting our valuable agriculture sector. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt outlined the key components of the new model, stating that "this Budget delivers new biosecurity funding totalling more than $1 billion over the next four years, with more than $260 million guaranteed every year after that. We will introduce a new cost recovery charge of 40 cents per item on low value ($1000 or less) goods imported into Australia by sea". “From July 1 2024 the costs of these biosecurity clearances will be recovered, to deal with the growing biosecurity risk from incoming parcels and similar items. This fairer system is expected to recover more than $27 million, although it is a small impost on individual items. This is on top of increasing import fees and charges from the 1st of July 2023. This will ensure importers contribute more fairly by meeting the real cost of biosecurity clearance. These increases to fees and charges for importers are expected to contribute an extra $45 million to our biosecurity efforts" Minister Watt added. The Australian government is ensuring that the Importers’ fees will be reviewed and adjusted annually, and the department will work with industry to make sure our charging models are fit for purpose and as part of this, will look at other options including a possible future import or container levy. To help meet the costs of sustainably funding our biosecurity system, the government will introduce a small Biosecurity Protection Levy on agricultural producers starting on 1st July 2024. This will amount to an additional 10% of the existing levies. It would translate to only 50 cents a head for cattle producers and one fifth of a cent per kilogram of apples or 7 cents a tonne of sugarcane. It will mean that producers will contribute 6 per cent of overall funding for the biosecurity system that is so important to their livelihoods, according to Minister Watt, who emphasized that increased funding will result in tangible outcomes. Furthermore, Australia is investing $145 million over three years in a Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing System. Biosecurity funding package to foster the Indigenous Biosecurity Ranger program. This will keep Indigenous rangers on the front lines of biosecurity in Northern Australia, helping to detect exotic weeds, pests and diseases before they establish. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/826/agrofresh-partner-with-strella-to-launch-real-time-monitoring-tool-in-horticulture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/826/agrofresh-partner-with-strella-to-launch-real-time-monitoring-tool-in-horticulture.html Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:18:09 +0530 New innovative sensor technology enhances real-time monitoring of apple and pear ripening process; offers packers an eye into their storage rooms as part of post-harvest solution The leader in post-harvest freshness solutions, AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. announced a partnership with Strella, a startup and developer of proprietary sensor technology, as part of its commitment to reducing food loss and promoting sustainable agriculture. The global exclusive distribution agreement will launch immediately for the northern hemisphere’s apple and pear seasons and leverage AgroFresh’s relationships with more than 3,700 customers worldwide. “We expand the reach for this innovative technology in association with Strella and provide our customers with the data and insights they need to reduce food waste and maintain the quality and freshness of apples and pears as they move through the supply chain,” said Clint Lewis, Chief Executive Officer for AgroFresh “Our partnership with Strella expands our comprehensive portfolio of post-harvest solutions and further supports our customers in their efforts to grow and distribute an abundant supply of sustainable fresh produce around the world.” added CEO, Clint Lewis. Strella’s proprietary sensors collect real-time perishability data on apples and pears while they are in storage, allowing customers to make data-driven inventory decisions to maintain freshness and protect the value of their produce in storage to yield a higher quality pack out with limited disruptions in supply to the market. This technology will complement AgroFresh’s FreshCloud™ platform. FreshCloud™ is an integrated digital platform that provides end-to-end data visibility and monitoring of product quality at all points along the value chain and moves the quality control (QC) inspection process into the digital age. Katherine Sizov, Chief Executive Officer for Strella. “Our focus is to use technology and data to enable smarter decisions across the supply chain. Addressing inefficiencies in fruit storage is a critical step in building a more resilient food supply chain." The new agreement allows AgroFresh to build on the company’s full portfolio of integrated post-harvest products, services and digital solutions designed to maintain fresh produce quality and extend shelf life. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/797/chinas-durians-imports-via-south-port-to-exceed-160000-tonnes.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/797/chinas-durians-imports-via-south-port-to-exceed-160000-tonnes.html Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:06:18 +0530 An international cold-chain logistics project has been established to improve the inspection capacity of imported cold-chain goods A cargo ship loaded with more than 4,000 tonnes of durians from Thailand arrived at the Nansha Port in south China's Guangdong Province, according to Xinhua news agency. This year, over 160,000 tonnes of durians are expected to enter the Chinese market through the Nansha Port, according to the Guangzhou Port Group. It took only four days to transport these durians from Thailand to Nansha Port, according to China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, the ship operator. After being unloaded, the durians will be sent to the Guangzhou Jiangnan fruit and vegetable wholesale market, which serves as the largest agricultural product distribution centre in south China, within just two hours. Through this market, durians are then distributed to supermarkets and fruit markets across China. In recent years, the demand for durian among Chinese consumers has been rising. Nansha Customs has taken a series of measures to improve the efficiency of customs clearance for durians. An international cold-chain logistics project has been established to improve the inspection capacity of imported cold-chain goods. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/795/philippines-and-vietnam-stimulates-market-driven-enhancement-of-vegetable-value-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/795/philippines-and-vietnam-stimulates-market-driven-enhancement-of-vegetable-value-chain.html Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:39:28 +0530 The Department of Agriculture (DA) starts implementation of MV2C-TCP The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officials conducted the Kick-off Meeting and First Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting for the Implementation Phase of the Technical Cooperation Project on “Market-Driven Enhancement of Vegetable Value Chain” (MV2C-TCP) on April 17, 2023. The MV2C-TCP was the result of the signed Records of Discussion between the Philippine government and JICA in October 2021. The initiative intends to strengthen the vegetable value chain by implementing inclusive business models, hence increasing farmer income. “The Market-Driven Enhancement of the Vegetable Value Chain in the Philippines (MV2C) is thus an endeavor of knowledge and empowerment –an undertaking that is fully in keeping with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s vision for our farmers and fisherfolk,” DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban said. In his message, Sr. Usec. Panganiban stressed that the MV2C’s objective is to help farmers engage with the food value chain as business managers. “The premise is simple. By training vegetable growers in the best technologies and cultivation techniques, we increase farm productivity,” Panganiban said. “And by building profitable partnerships among growers, processors, and marketing entrepreneurs, we develop a viable business model by which all vegetable farmers might generate the best possible income from their increased production,” he added. The MV2C is divided into two phases: Planning and Implementation. The project’s Planning Phase was completed, in which a value chain survey and project’s roadmap were already prepared. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/727/singapores-sfa-launches-farm-to-table-recognition-programme.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/727/singapores-sfa-launches-farm-to-table-recognition-programme.html Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:13:18 +0530 Attempts to recognise Hotel, Restaurants and Catering (HoReCa) businesses that source from local farms The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has launched the Farm-to-Table (FTT) Recognition Programme to recognise food businesses in the Hotel, Restaurants and Catering (HoReCa) sector that support local produce and has awarded the FTT Recognition Programme Logo to 11 food businesses. Developed in partnership with the Association of Catering Professionals Singapore (ACAPS), the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) and the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), the FTT Recognition Programme aims to encourage demand for local produce from both the HoReCa sector and consumers. Inputs were also taken from members of the newly formed Alliance for Action (AfA) forLocal Produce Demand Offtake and Consumer Education, as well as from the Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network (SCNN), a business alliance comprising of hotels, F&B and attractions driving Sentosa-wide sustainability efforts. The programme consists of a FTT Recognition Programme Logo which will recognise HoReCa businesses that adopt sustainable practices by procuring locally farmed produce. The logo is awarded to HoReCa businesses that procure at least 15 per cent of their fresh produce ingredients in procurement value from local farms which produce hen shell eggs, leafy vegetables, beansprouts or fish. There are three awardtiers – Base Tier, Mid Tier and Highest Tier, and businesses that procure more local produce will be given a higher award tier. Base Tier: HoReCa businesses that procure at least 15% of local produce in one food category. Mid Tier: HoReCa businesses that procure at least 15% of local produce in two food categories. Highest Tier: HoReCa businesses that procure at least 15% of local produce in three or more food categories Vincent Phang, President of ACAPS, affirmed the organization’s commitment to sustainability and the 30 by 30 initiative by advocating for the use of locally sourced ingredients. Businesses can use the FTT Recognition Programme Logo to brand and market their businesses as being environmentally conscious, using fresher produce and supporting Singapore’s food resiliency. This will also help consumers easily identify and patronise HoReCa businesses that source from local farms. Singapore Food Agency (SFA) partners food businesses to strengthen capabilities, tap on technologies to raise productivity, undertake research to develop new lines of business, and catalyse industry transformation to ensure food security. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/724/global-ngo-compassion-in-the-world-farming-reforms-animal-farming-strategies.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/724/global-ngo-compassion-in-the-world-farming-reforms-animal-farming-strategies.html Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:19:57 +0530 global campaigning NGO with headquarters in the UK, and playing vital role across Europe, in the US, China and South Africa aims to control measures in factory farming of livestocks A comprehensive three-year strategy by the global NGO, 'Compassion in World Farming' calls for far-reaching food and farm reforms as part of a global movement. Factory farming is the largest cause of cruelty on earth, driving all three crises, like climate, hunger and wildlife crises and it will be too late without action within this decade. A new online platform has been launched by an international animal welfare environmental charity to engage individuals, organisations, and forward-looking businesses in calling on world leaders to urgently transform our food system. The aim is to build a powerful voice across a broad range of sectors – including health, social justice, the environment, food business, conservation, and animal welfare. The initiative is assuring better lives for animals farmed now and influencing policy makers and funders to embrace climate- and nature-friendly farming. Founded in 1967 by a British dairy farmer to control the intensive factory farming, Compassion is an global campaigning NGO with headquarters in the UK, and playing vital role across Europe, in the US, China and South Africa. Ground-breaking investigations and campaigns expose factory farming's true cost and hold those with the power to affect change to account. Its work with thousands of food businesses achieves game-changing welfare and sustainability commitments giving billions of animals lives worth living. The new strategy is broken down into three overarching goals which build on the significant successes Compassion has achieved in recent years, including an historic commitment from the European Union to ban cages for farmed animals by 2027. These goals are: to achieve a global shift from factory farming to regenerative farming that works with nature and animals to reduce human reliance on animal products, including by eating less meat, fish, and dairy; and to raise a global awareness that good animal welfare is essential for sustainable climate and nature-friendly food. To achieve these goals, Compassion will focus on the four main actors that hold the key to achieving the goals – governments, corporates, the United Nations and the finance sector. It will continue to run powerful global campaigns and engage with global and national bodies that have the power to drive change, including the UN, the EU, and governments around the world. Engagement with leading and forward-thinking food businesses will continue to help achieve these goals by demanding higher animal welfare and planet-friendly practices in food production. Another important focus will be influencing financial institutions to shift investments away from factory farming towards nature-friendly and animal-positive farming, as well as the production of alternative proteins like grains, pulses, and cultivated meat. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/650/malaysian-timber-industry-board-licenses-hong-kong-agroforestry-group-to-permit-timber-export-activities.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/650/malaysian-timber-industry-board-licenses-hong-kong-agroforestry-group-to-permit-timber-export-activities.html Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:50:00 +0530 The permit allows Agroforestry Group to export timber directly to international buyers. Hong Kong's Agroforestry Group has inked a agreement with Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) to obtain permit license for an export exercise at Aquilaria plantations in Johor, Malaysia. The permit allows Agroforestry Group to export timber directly to international buyers. The MTIB visit was on the pretext essential prerequisite for the issuance of a CITES permit by license by MTIB. It is of vital importance as Aquilaria can only be legally traded with a permit from CITES. Representatives from MTIB, a federal statutory body responsible for the development of the Malaysia timber industry, conducted an on-site physical inspection of all Agroforestry Groups Aquilaria plantations. This inspection reviewed the company's operations to ensure traceability of any harvested timber. Mr. Paul Martin, MD of Agroforestry Group stated, "We take a scientific approach coupled with professional care to create a wood product that we hope the MTIB found both inspiring and appealing." Regulation and licensing of Aquilaria plantations is essential as high demand for its precious agarwood resin has led to the near extinction of Aquilaria trees. The United Nations has placed these trees on its list of critically endangered species. As a result, only agarwood with a permit from CITES is allowed for international trade. The dark fragrant agarwood resin found within the Aquilaria tree has become one of the rarest and most valuable commercial commodities in the world. Agarwood, which occurs naturally in less than 2% of Aquilaria trees in the wild has been sold for as much as $50,000-100,000 per KG. Agarwood is exceptionally valuable and is mainly used for the production of luxury perfumes, incense and medicine. In the last decade, demand has increased tremendously, and agarwood is now used in makeup, skin and hair care, diffusers, candles, and much more. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/587/beneo-invests-in-sustainable-rice-value-chain-in-belgium.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/587/beneo-invests-in-sustainable-rice-value-chain-in-belgium.html Wed, 08 Mar 2023 11:07:23 +0530 Initiates projects to strengthens rice supply chain by equipping local rice farmers in Southeast Asia's Laos with Farm Machinery BENEO (HQ: Belgium), the global market leader in the production and sale of rice starch has initiated sustainable value chain projects in Southeast Asian Laos regions by provisioning harvesting and threshing machinery to regional farmers to improve farmers working conditions. BENEO has partnered with Indochina Development Partners Lao (IDP), a rice milling Company and long-term logistic partners to further the project. The project aims to invest in enhancing and strengthening its farm level partnerships throughout its entire supply chain. The rice ingredients production site in Wijgmaal, Belgium is aiming to change the long-term working life of more than a hundred small-scale farmers in Laos.  Approximately 70% of the total cultivated area and one-fifth of the national GDP are devoted to small-scale rice farming in Laos. BENEO worked with its longtime partner IDP, the largest rice producer and supplier in Laos, to improve working conditions for local farmers. Consequently, eight harvesting machines and four threshers were purchased to ease workloads and increase yields. As part of the initiative, machines are provided to 10 groups of 10 small-scale farmers. The machines eliminate the need for manual harvesting by eliminating the need for hand cutting and manually threshing. Farmers can expect higher yields and higher incomes from direct threshing because rain-related losses, as well as mold formation, are reduced. Further, farmers can rent the machines to other farmers in the region, allowing many farming families to benefit from BENEO's investment. In order to ensure the long-term success of the project, BENEO retains ownership of all equipment, while training the farmers on its use and maintenance.  Roland Vanhoegaerden, Operations Managing Director for BENEO’s rice ingredients comments: “By supporting farmers with new equipment, we have helped 100 farming families ease their everyday workloads. By providing these economic resources to rice farmers, we are contributing to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Given the success of this initiative, we intend to launch another project of this type in the coming year to support more rice farmers.” BENEO has been developing and producing plant-based functional ingredients from natural sources for the food, feed and pharmaceutical industries. BENEO's production site in Wijgmaal (Belgium) is the source for more than half of the world’s rice starch, despite the rice crop being primarily imported from South East Asia. Unique rice derivatives such as rice starch, rice flour and rice protein are being produced at the site for the food and feed market. BENEO is active in over 80 countries, and has six state-of-the-art production sites in Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands that deliver high-quality ingredients at all times. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/586/indonesia-strengthens-digital-connectivity-by-enhancing-5g-network-in-maritime-area.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/586/indonesia-strengthens-digital-connectivity-by-enhancing-5g-network-in-maritime-area.html Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:43:00 +0530 The collaboration aims to support fisheries and marine tourism sectors by strengthening digital connectivity for the acceleration of national economic growth Indonesia's leading digital telecommunications company, Telkomsel has collaborated with ZTE Corporation to synergize the testing of the 5G network capability. The efforts will increase the coverage of broadband services focusing country’s maritime area.  A key objective of the collaboration is to accelerate economic growth by enabling the development of the fisheries and marine tourism sectors through the provision of digital connectivity. Additionally, the initiative will assist Indonesia in meeting the growing demand for communication access in the maritime area. Through synergistic testing, 5G network capabilities are expected to be enhanced using the 2.3GHz frequency band. Together with ZTE, Telkomsel is testing the coverage of 5G transmitters in Gorontalo using the 2.3GHz spectrum. ZTE provides network solutions to Telkomsel to increase the capacity and quality of its maritime broadband networks. ZTE's 5G radio device with Active Antenna technology, which can reach up to 60 km in radius, is the solution used to improve coverage and quality of broadband networks in Indonesia's maritime area. This trial was carried out in the Gorontalo province of Indonesia which is known for its tremendous maritime potential, with a coastline of 903.7 km, where the naval sector is a major economic driver for the region. Data from the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service stated that in 2019, around 19,013 fishermen were dependent on the maritime industry. Thus, the availability of communication network infrastructure and internet access is one of the essential requirements to support the growth and acceleration of a digital-based economy. Nugroho, Telkomsel Director of Network, said: "By strategically collaborating with cross-industry players such as ZTE, Telkomsel can support the national digital transformation roadmap using innovative 5G technology. Through this collaboration in testing 5G broadband services in the maritime sector, we hope to improve access to digital telecommunications further, simultaneously accelerating digital economic growth in the Gorontalo region more inclusively and sustainably." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/584/skyports-drone-services-strengthens-presence-in-s-korea.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/584/skyports-drone-services-strengthens-presence-in-s-korea.html Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:49:45 +0530 Establishes Joint Venture with Korean drone company to enhance maritime shipment operations. Skyports Drone Services (HQ: London) the leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure developer and drone services provider has formed a joint venture (JV) entity between its drone services business and Korean drone technology company, Marine Drone Tech (MDT), under a new name Skyports Drone Services Korea. The recent opening of Skyports' Korea office in late Feb 2023 follows the establishment of its Japan office in October 2022, as the company expands its presence across the Asia-Pacific region. The joint venture will be dedicated to delivering tailored drone solutions that address connectivity, productivity, and safety across a variety of applications in maritime operations. The joint venture aims to set up operations in S. Korea’s Yeosu and Busan regions, with a primary focus on maritime ship-to-shore deliveries. The company will focus on maritime ship-to-shore operations following its expansion in Singapore across delivery and monitoring drone services to Korea, improving transportation service levels, and reducing costs. Skyports Drone Services is a provider and operator of eVTOL drones for cargo drone deliveries, survey and surveillance. Over the past year, the company has steadily expanded its AAM infrastructure projects and drone delivery operations with local Korean partners, businesses, and regulators. Skyports Drone Services has proven capabilities in the operation of long-range and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) autonomous flight for a multitude of use cases, including ship-to-shore and maritime applications, medical and dangerous goods deliveries, and AI-driven surveys for the agriculture and infrastructure sectors.  Skyports Drone Services is elevating business potential, connectivity and access to critical supplies through the application of drone services. Skyports has projects operating across four continents including Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/429/philippines-seizes-4000-metric-tons-of-smuggled-sugar.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/429/philippines-seizes-4000-metric-tons-of-smuggled-sugar.html Mon, 16 Jan 2023 17:33:35 +0530 The smuggled goods were intercepted by a combined team of the Philippines Customs Police Division-Enforcement and Security Service and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service. Philippines Customs authorities seized 80,000 bags or 4000 metric tons of smuggled imported sugar from Thailand worth at least P240 million. According to the local media, the sugar shipment was consigned to Stone Int'l. Co. Ltd. The cargo manifest identified the shipper as The Thai Sugar Trading Corp. The smuggled goods were intercepted by a combined team of Philippines Customs Police Division-Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service personnel with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard in the vicinity of Bauan and Mabini breakwaters in Batangas. The operation was launched following intelligence information that vessel VOI MV Sunward was carrying the sugar without filing the required Notice of Arrival with the Bureau of Customs. The Port of Batangas issued the corresponding Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the vessel and sugar shipment. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/420/ottopia-announces-14-5m-series-funding-round.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/420/ottopia-announces-14-5m-series-funding-round.html Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:51:09 +0530 Ottopia's mission is to enable autonomy in multiple industries such as agriculture, mobility, logistics, freight, and last-mile delivery. Israel-based Ottopia announced that it has raised $14.5 million in its Series a funding round. It includes participation from ComfortDelGro, one of the world's largest public transport companies, AI Alliance Fund, and existing investors such as MizMaa Ventures, IN Venture and Next Gear Ventures. This marks the largest Series A in the history of teleoperation companies. Ottopia's mission is to enable autonomy in multiple industries such as mobility, logistics, freight, last-mile delivery, agriculture, and construction. Its teleoperation software enables autonomous vehicles and machines to do things they otherwise cannot while allowing their developers to dramatically cut R&D costs, commercialise faster and comply with regulatory requirements for deployment. With Ottopia's product, humans in a remote centre can safely monitor, guide and even directly control vehicles' fleets in a safe and cyber-secure manner. Ottopia's patented technology is built upon numerous innovations in the domains of networking, video, user experience, cybersecurity, and integration with the autonomous ‘brain’. Their software has been tested and deployed in a variety of environments, making it an essential tool for enabling the widespread adoption of autonomous technology. "We've always believed in the potential of Ottopia. The team's unwavering dedication and drive have consistently impressed us, and we've been honoured to support them every step of the way," said Aaron Applbaum, Partner at MizMaa Ventures. "Ottopia's successful Series A is a triumph that showcases their hard work and vision. They are solving for a key missing link in the future of connected, autonomous everything." Cheng Siak Kian, Group CEO of ComfortDelGro said: "This investment in Ottopia is an important cornerstone of our future-proofing plans. Having teleoperation capabilities which will enable us to intervene and operate an AV remotely whenever needed, is critical in our future operational plans." With this new funding, Ottopia plans to accelerate the roll-out of its teleoperation software to fulfil its mission of enabling autonomy in all industries. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/409/rural-china-to-see-robust-consumption-agriculture-minister.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/409/rural-china-to-see-robust-consumption-agriculture-minister.html Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:10:17 +0530 The ministry will work on the supply and distribution channels to expand the output of green, organic, and new agricultural products. China is unleashing the consumption potential of rural areas, Tang Renjian, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.  The minister pledged work to activate the rural market amid the country's efforts to promote rural revitalisation and build up strength in agriculture.  Along with a rising income for rural residents, rural consumption is expected to accelerate upgrading, and it is expected that about 2 trillion yuan (about $290 billion) of new consumption demand will be created annually, he said.  This year, the ministry will work on the supply and distribution channels to expand the output of green, organic, and new agricultural products, and expand the rural coverage of e-commerce and logistics, he said.  The ministry will input more on rural construction, Tang said. It is estimated that investment demand for rural construction, such as high-standard farmland and facilities, will hit nearly 15 trillion yuan in the next five to 10 years, and this will boost sectors such as building materials, cement, reinforcement, and machinery, he said.  More efforts will be made to build a number of storage and fresh-keeping facilities, cold chain distribution centres, and large cold chain logistics bases in the production areas, and further improve rural water, electricity, gas, living, and other conditions, he said.  More should be done to boost the development of rural industries in helping rural residents increase their income. He highlighted efforts to expand the agricultural product processing and circulation industry, promote the integration of agriculture, culture and tourism, develop rural e-commerce, and promote the whole-chain upgrading of rural industries.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/402/philippines-foils-p78-9-mn-smuggled-agri-goods.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/402/philippines-foils-p78-9-mn-smuggled-agri-goods.html Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:13:27 +0530 The Department is set to take legal charges against the illegal importers for violating the Food Safety Act Philippines's Department of Agriculture (DA) continues its intensified measures against agricultural smuggling as the Office of the Assistant Secretary for DA Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA I&E), along with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), successfully seized P78.9 million worth of illegally imported agricultural goods during separate operations at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in last few days. Following tip-offs, the team busted three container vans from Taculog J International Consumer Goods Trading with smuggled fresh red and white onions amounting to P25.3 million on December 27, 2022. The second operation, which was conducted on January 3, 2023, five containers from Taculog J International Consumer Goods Trading and Hutchison Jardine Trading Corporation yielded P27.8 million worth of contrabands—specifically fresh red and white onions, frozen pork stomach pouch cuts, and frozen boneless beef shanks. Meanwhile, P23.58 million worth of illegally imported red onions were also discovered in three container vans from Asterzenmed, Inc. during the January 4, 2023 operation. The latest reported operation, which took place on January 5, 2023, thwarted the unauthorized entry of about P2.2 million worth of fresh carrots found in an Asterzenmed, Inc. container into the country. DA Assistant Secretary for DA Inspectorate and Enforcement James Layug confirmed that intelligence operations for shipments under the three offending consignees are ongoing. The Department is set to take legal charges against the illegal importers for violating the Food Safety Act of 2013 and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. According to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, large-scale agricultural smuggling occurs when at least P10 million worth of rice or at least P1 million worth of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables—either raw, processed, or preserved—is illegally brought into the country.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/385/philippines-customs-sizes-php17-mn-of-onions-from-china.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/385/philippines-customs-sizes-php17-mn-of-onions-from-china.html Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:14:53 +0530 The shipment was from China and was declared as containing clothing items Philippines Customs authorities sized PHP17 million worth of smuggled white onions at the Port of Manila. Onions were hidden in three containers declared as clothing products from China. According to the local media, the shipment was from China and was declared as containing clothing items and plastic products. All containers are 100 per cent physically examined since 23rd December. This month Customs bureau has detained millions worth of agricultural products. Customs authorities issued an alert (AO) order before Christmas for initial investigations of the containers according to which goods have been seized.    The assigned Customs examiner and representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Plant Industry, Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service witnessed the examination. Customs authorities and the Department of Agriculture are working together for the examination of containers   Aside from the containers included under this AO, the bureau holds seven other containers consigned to the same company for suspicion of misdeclaration of items. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/378/agthia-group-and-ad-ports-group-sign-strategic-partnership-mou.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/378/agthia-group-and-ad-ports-group-sign-strategic-partnership-mou.html Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:47:52 +0530 The two companies will work together to optimise Agthia’s logistics operations, leveraging AD Ports Group’s experience in providing integrated and fully customisable end-to-end logistics solutions. Agthia Group, one of the UAE’s leading food & beverage companies, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AD Ports Group, the leading global facilitator of trade, logistics, and industry. Under the terms of the MoU, Agthia Group and AD Ports Group will collectively explore opportunities to enhance Agthia’s supply chain connectivity, improve logistics and operational efficiencies, and accelerate the implementation of digital-first initiatives. In particular, the two companies will work together to optimise Agthia’s logistics operations, leveraging AD Ports Group’s experience in providing integrated and fully customisable end-to-end logistics solutions and supply chain data analytics, along with the two organisations’ collective expertise in serving the food sector. Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, said, “Investing in supply chain efficiencies and digital-first initiatives is key to creating long-term value across our organisation. This important MoU reflects a desire by both parties to share their knowledge and expertise to improve the end-consumer experience and help future-proof growth.” Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group has prioritised the development of innovative technology and advanced logistics services for the food sector as part of our support for the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy, and we are pleased to work with Agthia Group to strengthen their supply chains and deliver new efficiencies by taking advantage of our world-class logistics infrastructure, capabilities and expertise.” The MoU was signed by Mubarak Almansoori, Chief Corporate Services Officer, Agthia Group, and Qusai Kankazar, Chief Operations Officer, Logistics Cluster, AD Ports Group, at the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/355/chinasyangxin-boosts-beef-cattle-industry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/355/chinasyangxin-boosts-beef-cattle-industry.html Wed, 28 Dec 2022 17:41:07 +0530 Yangxin has 136 beef cattle farms and 76 slaughtering enterprises, with an annual output of 280,000 cattle and slaughtering capability of 1.2 million cattle. Yangxin county in China's Shandong province has striven to transform beef cattle into a pillar industry in an effort to drive development, increase local farmers' incomes and maintain an ecological environment. The county authority has steadfastly pushed forward the integration of the beef cattle industry and rural vitalisation. It has issued several policies to enhance support of beef cattle breeding and slaughtering, as well as brand promotion. Now Yangxin's three beef and cattle brands have been approved as certification trademarks with geographic indications. With a focus on ‘internet + beef cattle’ technology, Yangxin has worked to propel the digital development of the beef cattle industry, using ear tags and smart collars for automated individual cattle identification and precise feeding of cattle at different growth stages with an intelligent centralised feeding system. In partnership with universities and institutes such as China Agricultural University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangxin has launched a beef cattle research centre, an agriculture internet of things centre, an experimental station and an industrial technology research institute. Meanwhile, the county has put equal emphasis on recycling and utilisation of livestock excrement, building a series of ecological cycling projects with each one able to make 240,000 metric tons of livestock excrement into 50,000 tons of organic fertiliser, 200,000 tons of biogas fluid fertiliser and 3 million cubic meters of natural gas annually. Now Yangxin has taken the lead in the country in terms of the scale of its beef cattle industry. It has 136 beef cattle farms and 76 slaughtering enterprises, with an annual output of 280,000 cattle and slaughtering capability of 1.2 million cattle. In addition, Yangxin has developed cultural creative products including a cattle hair brush, cattle bone china, and cattle bone carvings. To improve the supply of cattle, the county also has spared no efforts to import quality cattle. In July 2022, it unveiled a cattle industrial park which features functions of customs clearance, intelligent cold-chain logistics, data collection, standard production and comprehensive inspection. Once fully operational the park will greatly improve customs clearance efficiency, help companies save costs of 36 million yuan ($5.16 million) annually and bring 1,500 jobs. It is expected to become a pioneer and leading area for the beef cattle industry. Yangxin has fostered a complete industry chain covering forage planting, calf breeding, beef cattle fattening, slaughtering and processing, cold-chain logistics, a restaurant chain, leather manufacturing, cattle bone carving, cattle by-products processing, and organic fertiliser production, and by doing so has created nearly 120,000 jobs. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/342/australia-studies-heat-and-cold-stress-in-bos-taurus-cattle.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/342/australia-studies-heat-and-cold-stress-in-bos-taurus-cattle.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:45:15 +0530 The review found the regulatory settings for the export of Bos taurus cattle by sea are effective in managing animal welfare. The Department of Agriculture has completed its review of heat and cold stress in Bos taurus cattle from southern Australia during long-haul export by sea. The review examined the data from 214 long-haul voyages from southern Australia over 5 years from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, exporting more than 1 million cattle. The review found the regulatory settings for the export of Bos taurus cattle by sea are effective in managing animal welfare. While animal welfare issues were identified in some voyage reports examined in the review, changes to standards (such as stocking density decreases and new bedding requirements) introduced under the revised Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock on 1 November 2020 have addressed many of these. The review provides evidence-based recommendations for improvements to export arrangements to support animal welfare during the preparation and transport of Bos taurus cattle consignments from southern Australian ports during long-haul export by sea. The final report incorporated input from a technical expert group and stakeholder feedback received during the public consultation on the draft report in late 2021. In submissions received on the draft report, industry and welfare groups supported the key recommendation of the review: that a suitable heat stress risk assessment should be applied all year round for southern-sourced Bos taurus slaughter cattle to all destinations. The department is using the findings of this review to engage with the industry to continue to enhance the welfare of cattle in this supply chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/259/first-fruit-transportation-train-launched-from-laos-to-china.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/259/first-fruit-transportation-train-launched-from-laos-to-china.html Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:19:46 +0530 This is the first direct train for imported fruits to Chinese markets on the China-Laos railway. A train between Laos and Thailand to China for fruit import has been launched. A train loaded with 25 containers of fruits from Thailand and Laos arrived at Mohan railway station of the China-Laos Railway, Southwest China's Yunnan province. This is the first direct train for imported fruits to Chinese markets on the China-Laos railway, and also the first batch of imported fruits shipped all the way by rail to Mohan before being distributed across China. According to China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co Ltd, the imported fruits, around 543 tonnes, included 351 tons of bananas from Laos, and 154 tons of longan and 38 tons of durian from Thailand. The fruits, which were loaded in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, passed through the Friendship Tunnel on the China-Laos border before arriving at the Mohan railway port for inspection and quarantine. The fruits then departed from Mohan station to other destinations across the country. The China-Laos Railway, which kicked off operation in December 2021, stretches over 1,000 km, linking Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, with Vientiane. As of Dec, this railway had transported a total of 8.5 million passengers and 11.2 million tonnes of cargo, and the total amount of import and export cargo checked and released by Kunming Customs had reached about 1.93 million tons, with the value exceeding 13.29 billion yuan ($1.88 billion). ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/194/bangkok-progresses-in-becoming-foodtech-silicon-valley.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/194/bangkok-progresses-in-becoming-foodtech-silicon-valley.html Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:42:53 +0530 NIA encourages investment opportunities for the Thai food sector and encounter global food security crisis through Space – F Project The National Innovation Agency (NIA) (Public Organisation), Thailand or NIA targets to stimulate the use of deep tech as the main engine to drive Bangkok towards becoming the FoodTech Silicon Valley – an innovative food hub of Southeast Asia and the world. Dr Pun-Arj Chairatana, Executive Director of NIA said that the deep-tech business in food and agriculture continues to enjoy its equal growth as the e-commerce and fintech worldwide, the food companies in Thailand also relish robust supply chains. FoodTech startup incubation and acceleration is the key to secure global food security goals, as well as help drive Bangkok in becoming "FoodTech Silicon Valley" or "Food Innovation Hub of Southeast Asia and the World". Dr Pun-Arj is confident that Thailand's capital will contribute as an important meeting ground for startups and investors in advanced food technology from around the world. Bangkok will also serve significantly as a locally-sourced raw material development centre.  Thailand has sufficient raw material to serve growing demands, the country also has a top-notch logistics service. These attributes make the Thai food industry exceptional and position Thailand as the kitchen of the world. The utilisation of innovation and technology in the food industry is not diverse and still lacks research and development. The NIA, therefore, stepped in to encourage the use of innovation in this particular industry. Intending to feed the world through innovation, the 'SPACE-F' project was initiated in 2019 to incubate and accelerate the growth of FoodTech startups in Thailand. The project brings together FoodTech startups and corporates through innovative mentorship, business connections, and a co-working program.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/175/pinggu-city-becomes-the-peach-hub-of-china.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/185/175/pinggu-city-becomes-the-peach-hub-of-china.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:24:48 +0530 The annual output of peaches in Pinggu has reached 170 million kg with total revenue of more than 1.2 billion RMB. China’s Pinggu district in Beijing has become the hub of Peaches.  The annual output of peaches in Pinggu has reached 170 million kg with total revenue of more than 1.2 billion RMB. The peach economy has also driven sales of other agricultural products in the district and promoted leisure agriculture featuring bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), camping and rural cuisine. Peach farmers in Pinggu are selling peaches online since 2017. A professional team was set up to teach farmers to sell their peaches with mobile phones and transform the local peach industry into a modernized internet-plus business. Peach sales via e-commerce across Pinggu stood at 25 million kg in 2021. Zhang Guorong a leady peach seller from Pinggu sells 70kg of peaches per day with live streaming on her smartphone during the peach season from July to October.   The online demand for peaches has also boosted the development of the local logistics industry. Many logistics giants, such as SF Express and China Post, have been brought in, thus slashing the delivery fees. According to Xiong Yujin, director of Pinggu's e-commerce service centre, this year from January to July, the district saw a total of 2.34 million express deliveries of peaches, up 20 per cent year on year. With government support, Pinggu started building itself into an agricultural innovation hub last year, focusing on the modern seed industry, biotechnology, smart farming and food safety. ]]>