https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/country/north%20america north america https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4742/microlub-raises-10-mn-to-cut-fat-without-sacrificing-mouthfeel.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4742/microlub-raises-10-mn-to-cut-fat-without-sacrificing-mouthfeel.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:46:43 +0530 UK food technology company MicroLub has raised $10 million to accelerate the commercialisation of its protein-based fat reduction technology, expand manufacturing capacity and support market entry in the US and Asia. The University of Leeds spinout has developed patented ingredients designed to replicate the lubrication properties of fat using water, addressing one of the central challenges in reduced-fat food formulation: cutting calories without sacrificing creaminess, smoothness and overall eating experience. MicroLub says its technology has demonstrated fat and calorie reductions of up to 75 per cent in some formulations, although the level of reduction varies according to the application. The platform is being evaluated across dairy and plant-based dairy products, bakery, sauces, dips and other food categories. The latest financing was led by Northern Gritstone, with existing investors also participating, including NPIF II – PXN Equity Finance, managed by PXN Ventures. Founded by Professor Anwesha Sarkar, MicroLub continues to collaborate with the University of Leeds and operates a food innovation laboratory at Nexus in Leeds. “We have already moved from laboratory-scale development to industrial-scale manufacturing and are working with some of the world’s largest food and ingredient companies,” said David Peters, CEO of MicroLub. “The $10 million investment allows us to accelerate the next step: converting those development programs and customer trials into products that can be manufactured commercially and ultimately reach the shelf,” he added. Targeting fat without losing mouthfeel Fat plays several roles in food beyond its calorie contribution. It influences lubrication, creaminess, texture, flavour release and the way food behaves during consumption. Replacing it therefore requires more than simply matching its nutritional function. MicroLub's technology focuses specifically on lubrication and friction, using protein-based ingredients to create a sensory experience closer to that of conventional fat. The company uses tribology to measure friction and lubrication, alongside rheology and other instrumental techniques that assess texture and flow. Reformulated products are then compared with full-fat equivalents through sensory testing. According to Peters, blind sensory trials across several food categories have found that tasters were unable to distinguish between products containing MicroLub technology and their full-fat counterparts. “In some formulations, fat and calorie content can be reduced by up to 75 per cent,” Peters said, while emphasising that the maximum reduction is not necessarily the objective for every formulation. The technology can also potentially reduce the need for other formulation components, including certain emulsifiers and thickeners, depending on the application. A platform rather than a single fat replacer MicroLub is positioning its technology as an ingredient platform rather than a universal drop-in replacement for fats. The role of fat varies significantly between food products. In formulations where a solid fat network provides structure, replacing fat can be more complex. Fat-soluble flavour compounds can also require additional formulation work because removing or reducing fat can affect flavour delivery. “This is why we approach MicroLub as an ingredient technology platform rather than a single drop-in fat replacer,” Peters said. “We develop application-specific solutions around the particular role fat is playing in that product.” The company draws on dairy and plant proteins as well as polysaccharides to develop formulations according to customers' technical, cost and supply-chain requirements. It says the technology is being designed to work with existing food manufacturing infrastructure, with the precise addition point and processing conditions established through trials on individual manufacturers' production lines. Protein trend creates another opening The company's expansion comes as food manufacturers face growing demand for products that combine higher protein content with lower calorie density. Peters said MicroLub's opportunity extends beyond the growing market for foods associated with GLP-1 use. Instead, he sees the broader shift towards protein-enriched and nutrient-dense foods as a driver for the technology. Higher protein formulations can introduce sensory challenges including grittiness, astringency and undesirable mouth-coating. By addressing lubrication and mouthfeel, MicroLub believes its technology could help manufacturers increase protein levels while maintaining consumer acceptance. Potential applications include high-protein drinks and yogurts, reduced-fat dairy products, sauces and dips, desserts and other nutrient-dense foods. Commercial scale-up takes centre stage MicroLub has already moved from laboratory development to industrial-scale manufacturing, but the latest funding is intended to accelerate the transition from customer development programmes to commercial products. The company has not disclosed its customers or provided a specific launch timetable. Its next steps include completing customer qualification and validation, transferring formulations to commercial production lines, strengthening supply chains and meeting regulatory and labelling requirements across individual markets. With the new capital, MicroLub plans to work more closely with both large and smaller food manufacturers as it expands commercial validation. The company's proposition ultimately rests on a familiar food industry challenge: consumers increasingly want products with improved nutritional profiles, but remain unwilling to compromise on taste and texture. MicroLub is betting that controlling the friction and lubrication properties of food can help narrow that gap. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4739/lilac-agriculture-closes-oversubscribed-2-3-million-series-seed-to-advance-next-generation-rhizobium-inoculants-for-pulse-growers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4739/lilac-agriculture-closes-oversubscribed-2-3-million-series-seed-to-advance-next-generation-rhizobium-inoculants-for-pulse-growers.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:25:58 +0530 Lilac Agriculture, a company bringing modern biological innovation to rhizobial strains farmers already rely on, today announced the close of an oversubscribed $2.3 million Series Seed financing. Innova led the round, which was targeted at $1.5 million and closed more than 50 percent above that figure. 701 Fund, Ag Ventures Alliance, Evergreen Climate Innovations, North Dakota Development Fund, Pathway Ventures, Tall Grass Ventures, and others also participated. “This is Innova’s first investment in agricultural biologicals, and we didn’t make it lightly - we’ve looked hard at this category. We like that Lilac brings biological innovation to strains farmers already know and use, applying modern science in a practical way that doesn’t ask farmers to take on unproven risk. That, paired with a product already in growers’ hands and a platform with a credible path beyond pulses into other row crops, is exactly the kind of business we wanted to back,” said Dean Didato, Partner at Innova. Peas, lentils, and dry beans fix their own nitrogen through a symbiosis with rhizobia, the soil bacteria that colonize their roots, and inoculating seed with those bacteria each spring is standard practice for pulse growers. The persistent challenge is competitiveness: native rhizobial populations already established in the soil often out-compete the strains in the purchased inoculant for nodule occupancy, resulting in limited and inconsistent yield benefit. Lilac’s Guided Adaptation platform is built to optimize two traits at once - nitrogen-fixing efficiency and competitiveness. Applying plant-breeding logic to the microbe, Lilac starts with a broad diversity of rhizobial strains licensed on an exclusive basis from North Dakota State University and systematically improves them for the specific soils where they’ll be used. An elite strain that fixes more nitrogen and holds the nodule against native competition can support higher yield potential and reduce reliance on costly synthetic fertilizer. Lilac is starting in pulses, but the same platform is designed to extend to other crops, including row crops, over time. “A better strain doesn’t help a grower if it can’t win the nodule in their own soil - that’s the gap we built Lilac to close,” said Dr. Natalie DiNicola, CEO of Lilac Agriculture. “Growers have relied on inoculants for generations, but rarely with real visibility into how they’re performing in their own fields. This round funds our expanded field trial and R&D pipeline, gets PL11 into more farmers’ hands across the region, and supports preparation for the Canadian market.” “Having grown up as a farmer, the black-box claims in this category always frustrated me - you put an inoculant in the ground and just have to trust that it works. As a scientist, I want to fix that. There’s a huge amount of untapped variation in rhizobial bacteria that’s gone largely unexplored since most commercial strains were selected decades ago. Adapting strains to the crop and soil they’ll actually encounter, and measuring nodulation that happens in the field, is how we aim to deliver the efficacy and consistency growers are asking for,” said Dr. Barney Geddes, Chief Scientific Officer at Lilac Agriculture, who grew up farming before building his career as a global rhizobium expert with an extensive lab at NDSU. Lilac’s lead product, PL11, is already on the ground with pea and lentil growers across the Northern Plains. Early trial results have shown strong strain colonization at multiple sites, and expanded field trials are underway to validate performance more broadly ahead of the next commercial season. Registration is also underway for the Canadian market, as Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of both peas and lentils. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4738/new-sound-agriculture-biological-delivers-6-bu-acre-yield-gain-in-2025-trials.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4738/new-sound-agriculture-biological-delivers-6-bu-acre-yield-gain-in-2025-trials.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:20:16 +0530 Sound Agriculture has launched INFLECT, a seed-applied biological designed for corn acres receiving high levels of ammonium-based fertility, including anhydrous ammonia and manure applications. The product delivered an average 6.0 bushels per acre yield increase and a 92 per cent win rate across 12 trial locations in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri in 2025, according to the company. The launch targets a specific challenge associated with intensive ammonium fertility. While anhydrous ammonia and manure remain important nitrogen sources for corn production, the conditions they create can place stress on soil microbial communities. Anhydrous ammonia can acidify soil within the application band and suppress sensitive microorganisms, while manure-derived nitrogen can remain tied up in organic forms and become available only after periods of peak crop demand. Sound Agriculture says these conditions can affect root development, microbial diversity and crop resilience, creating an opportunity for biological products that support nutrient availability and plant establishment. INFLECT combines two bacterial strains, Bacillus simplex and Bacillus subtilis, with the endophytic fungal strain Clonostachys nivea. The microorganisms were selected for their ability to tolerate the high-salt and high-stress conditions associated with ammonium-heavy fertility programmes. The biological is designed to help crops make better use of nitrogen already applied to the field while supporting early plant vigour, stand uniformity and performance under stress. “High ammonium creates a harsh environment for soil biology — it reduces microbial diversity, which leads to inconsistent root development and lower yields,” said Jeff Divan, Vice President of Agronomy at Sound Agriculture. “In trials comparing different nitrogen sources, INFLECT consistently improved root area and fresh shoot weight in plants grown under ammonium-heavy fertility.” Economics become part of the product proposition For the 2027 growing season, INFLECT will be priced at USD 12 per acre, with early-order pricing available to growers placing orders by October 15, 2026. Based on the company's reported 6.0 bu/acre average yield improvement and a corn price of $ 5.32 per bushel as of September 10, 2026, Sound Agriculture estimates a return of approximately $ 32 per acre, representing a 2.7-to-1 return on the product investment. The company is also offering a cash-back performance guarantee under which eligible growers who do not see a return can claim back up to the full cost of INFLECT, subject to the programme's terms. INFLECT expands Sound Agriculture's biological portfolio alongside SOURCE, a signalling chemistry designed to improve nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency, and BLUEPRINT, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi solution focused on nutrient and water uptake. The three-product portfolio reflects the company's strategy of combining biological and bio-inspired technologies with conventional nutrient-management practices rather than treating soil health and crop productivity as separate objectives. “INFLECT is a natural extension of what we set out to build with SOURCE and BLUEPRINT: solutions that are designed to help growers achieve better yields while protecting their soil health and their bottom line,” said Paul Beck, CEO of Sound Agriculture. “INFLECT restores soil biology on some of the toughest acres, and we’re proud to bring that soil health solution within reach for more growers.” With its focus on fields exposed to intensive ammonium fertility, INFLECT gives Sound Agriculture a more targeted biological proposition for corn growers seeking to improve nitrogen utilisation and crop performance while maintaining established fertility practices. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4623/chs-and-ocp-north-america-launch-major-initiative-to-strengthen-u-s-fertilizer-supply.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4623/chs-and-ocp-north-america-launch-major-initiative-to-strengthen-u-s-fertilizer-supply.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:14:19 +0530 CHS, America’s leading farmer-owned cooperative, and OCP North America, a subsidiary of the OCP Group, are taking a major step to strengthen domestic fertilizer production in the United States. Through a proposed joint venture, the two companies are preparing to build and operate a phosphate fertilizer production facility at the Cornerstone Energy Park located in Waggaman, Louisiana. The new plant is expected to produce over 1 million metric tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizer annually and would be the first of its kind constructed in the United States since 1984.  American farmers use phosphate fertilizer to grow the crops that fuel and feed the world. However, phosphate reserves in the country are declining and today the U.S. imports approximately 40 per cent of the phosphate-based fertilizer that is used to meet farmer demand. The potential to bring this new capacity online could reduce U.S. dependency on imported phosphate-based fertilizer by more than 48 per cent, significantly strengthening the domestic fertilizer supply chain.      “This is an exciting moment for American agriculture,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS. “As a farmer-owned cooperative, we exist to help farmers succeed. Together with OCP North America, we have the opportunity to build the first phosphate fertilizer plant in the U.S. in more than 40 years. This investment has the potential to create more value for our owners by bringing fertilizer production closer to the American farmer and the cooperative network.” In connection with the proposed joint venture, the OCP Group will supply phosphoric acid to the facility, drawing on its global phosphate expertise and resources. Finished fertilizer products will be distributed through both OCP North America and CHS, which serves cooperatives, retailers and farmers across the United States through its extensive wholesale and retail crop nutrients network. The new fertilizer plant’s expected location within the Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman helps ensure access to raw materials and the ability to transport products via the Mississippi River system. “This project represents a milestone in OCP North America’s commitment to serving American agriculture,” said Kevin Kimm, CEO of OCP North America. “Together with CHS, we aim to build lasting infrastructure that strengthens U.S. food security and delivers a reliable, domestically produced supply of the crop nutrients American farmers need.”  Once approved, the project is expected to create approximately 60 permanent, high impact jobs in Jefferson Parish along with 500 construction jobs. The parties estimate that the project will have a total job impact of 924 direct and services-support jobs. This is expected to bring real, positive economic and community impact to the state of Louisiana. Subject to project-related and funding approvals, construction is expected to take up to 24 months. “This announcement by CHS and OCP North America further solidifies the Cornerstone Energy Park and Jefferson Parish as key economic development locations attracting global industry,” said Matthew Sokol, president and CEO of Cornerstone Chemical Company. “As one of the largest employers in Jefferson Parish supporting hundreds of employees who call South Louisiana home, the Energy Park plays an important role in the area economy and the Greater New Orleans region.” The project aligns closely with the U.S. government’s priority to expand U.S. fertilizer production capacity to support America’s farmers. Reflecting this, an application has been submitted for potential funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) program.    In addition to announcing the potential project in Waggaman, CHS and OCP have also committed to charitable giving in the greater New Orleans area. “OCP believes that where we do business, we have a responsibility to invest in the people and communities around us, and we’re proud to stand with CHS in making that commitment to greater New Orleans,” stated Kevin Kimm, CEO of OCP North America. “At CHS, we operate with the value of cooperative spirit, which means we invest in the communities where we live and work,” said Debertin. “We are excited to be joining with OCP to invest in this area as it supports a key role in serving America’s farmers.”  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4606/japan-starts-process-that-could-open-market-to-us-fresh-potatoes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4606/japan-starts-process-that-could-open-market-to-us-fresh-potatoes.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:48:52 +0530 Japan is taking another step toward potentially reopening its market to fresh potatoes from the United States, setting up a regulatory process that could eventually dismantle a long-standing import barrier while raising concerns over biosecurity and the future of domestic potato farming. Japan’s agriculture ministry said last Friday that it will hold a briefing this month on pests and diseases that could enter the country through imported potatoes and potentially threaten domestic agriculture. The ministry will then begin examining specific quarantine measures before reaching a final decision on whether fresh US potatoes can be imported for general distribution. The process is unlikely to produce an immediate market opening. Officials have indicated that lifting the restrictions could take several years, reflecting the technical and regulatory work required to assess plant-health risks and establish safeguards. The issue has nevertheless gained importance because the United States is one of the world’s largest potato producers and has been seeking broader access to the Japanese market. Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki said the government would approach the discussions with determination, underscoring the sensitivity of the decision for both agricultural trade and domestic producers. Japan generally prohibits imports of fresh potatoes as a measure to protect domestic agriculture from pests and plant diseases. The country has, however, allowed a limited exception for US potatoes intended for processing into potato chips since 2006. That arrangement has kept American potatoes in Japan under a tightly defined framework rather than allowing them to compete broadly in the fresh-produce market. The latest review could change that if Japanese authorities determine that appropriate quarantine controls can manage the risks associated with wider imports. The process dates back to a request made by the United States in 2020 to gain access to Japan’s market for fresh potatoes intended for general distribution. Japan began considering the request under procedures linked to a World Trade Organization agreement. The next stage will focus on identifying the specific biological risks associated with imported potatoes and determining whether those risks can be controlled through quarantine requirements. The outcome will depend on the ministry’s assessment of potential pests and diseases, as well as the feasibility of preventing their introduction and spread in Japan. For Japanese farmers, the stakes extend beyond trade policy. Potato production remains an important agricultural activity in regions where growers have built businesses around domestic varieties and established production systems. Wider access for US potatoes could increase competition in the market, particularly if imported products can reach consumers at competitive prices. The government therefore faces a balancing act between meeting international trade commitments and protecting domestic agricultural interests. A decision to open the market would also require confidence that quarantine measures can provide sufficient protection against biological threats. For US potato producers, meanwhile, broader access would represent an expansion beyond the processing market that has been available since 2006. General distribution could create new opportunities across retail and food-service channels, depending on the eventual conditions attached to imports. The regulatory process is now moving into a more technical phase. The planned briefing will establish the pest and disease risks that authorities need to consider, after which the ministry will examine possible quarantine measures before making its final determination. That means the question is no longer simply whether Japan will accept US fresh potatoes, but under what conditions they could enter the country without creating unacceptable risks for domestic agriculture. A full lifting of the ban remains some distance away. But by formally advancing the review, Japan has opened the door to a potentially significant change in its potato trade policy—one that could reshape competition in the domestic market while testing how far agricultural trade liberalisation can go without compromising plant-health protections. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4553/switch-bioworks-names-gordana-m-djordjevic-chief-scientific-officer-adds-eric-bartels-to-advisory-board.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4553/switch-bioworks-names-gordana-m-djordjevic-chief-scientific-officer-adds-eric-bartels-to-advisory-board.html Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:13:12 +0530 Switch Bioworks is strengthening its scientific and commercial leadership as it moves its engineered microbial technology closer to agricultural deployment, appointing Gordana M. Djordjevic, Ph.D., PMP, as Chief Scientific Officer and agricultural biologicals veteran Eric Bartels, Ph.D., to its Board of Advisors. The appointments come at an important stage for the deep-tech company, which is developing engineered microbes designed to produce nitrogen directly on plant roots. Switch is now advancing its technology through field trials in the US Midwest after securing USDA and EPA authorisation for first-in-class trials of its engineered microbial fertilizer. The company was founded around a proposition aimed at one of agriculture's most persistent challenges: how to provide crops with nitrogen while reducing exposure to the energy requirements, costs and supply-chain vulnerabilities associated with conventional fertilizer production. Most nitrogen fertilizer is manufactured using the Haber-Bosch process, an energy-intensive industrial pathway that converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. The economics of that system are closely tied to energy markets, particularly natural gas, leaving fertilizer producers and farmers exposed to fluctuations in energy prices as well as geopolitical and logistical disruptions. Switch Bioworks is pursuing a fundamentally different approach. Its engineered microbes, initially developed at Stanford, are designed to establish themselves on plant roots before activating nitrogen production. The company's genetic-switch platform is intended to separate microbial growth from microbial production, allowing the organisms to establish themselves before switching on the desired biological function. That programming is central to Switch's technology proposition. Rather than asking engineered microbes to perform a production function continuously, the system is designed to control when and where the microbes become active. While nitrogen fixation is the company's first commercial target, Switch believes the underlying genetic-switch technology could ultimately be applied to other areas of biological manufacturing. Djordjevic will lead Switch's scientific and research and development organisation, with responsibility for advancing its product pipeline from laboratory development into greenhouse and field testing. She will also focus on expanding the company's multidisciplinary R&D organisation and advancing its intellectual property and regulatory strategies. Her appointment brings extensive experience in scaling biotechnology programmes and translating laboratory science into commercially relevant products. Before joining Switch, Djordjevic served as co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Arsenale Bioyards, where she helped establish the company's R&D infrastructure, intellectual property portfolio and early commercial pipelines. She previously served as Vice President of R&D at Perfect Day, where she led multidisciplinary teams working across strain engineering, high-throughput screening, fermentation, automation, bioanalytics and data science. Her work included improving R&D efficiency and reducing cost of goods. She has also held senior positions at Zymergen, Synthetic Genomics and BP Biofuels and has co-invented multiple patents. Djordjevic said Switch's technology addresses a fundamental challenge in engineered biomanufacturing and that fertilizer provides the company's first opportunity to demonstrate its potential. “Switch has developed a compelling solution to one of the core constraints in engineered biomanufacturing,” said Djordjevic. “Fertilizer is where we're proving it first. The opportunity now is to scale that advantage, from strong growroom results to consistent performance in the field, and ultimately across every application this platform can reach.” That transition—from controlled environments to commercial fields—will be one of the most important tests for Switch. Biological technologies can perform strongly under controlled conditions, but agricultural deployment introduces substantially greater variability. Soil characteristics, weather, crop genetics, microbial competition and farm management practices can all influence microbial establishment and performance. Switch's field trials are therefore designed to examine whether its engineered organisms can establish and produce nitrogen consistently under real agricultural conditions. The company has received USDA and EPA authorisation for its first field trials, which are currently underway across multiple agricultural sites in the US Midwest. The trials are being conducted on corn and are examining two critical elements of the technology: whether the microbes successfully establish on plant roots and whether the genetic switch can activate nitrogen production under field conditions. The results could be significant for the company's commercialisation pathway. A microbial nitrogen technology must ultimately demonstrate not only biological activity but also consistency, scalability, agronomic performance and regulatory viability before it can become a practical alternative or complement to conventional nitrogen fertilizers. Switch is simultaneously strengthening its commercial and strategic capabilities through the appointment of Eric Bartels to its Board of Advisors. Bartels brings more than three decades of experience spanning agricultural biologicals, R&D, strategy and commercialisation. He held leadership positions at Syngenta before establishing and leading McKinsey's agriculture and food chain practice. More recently, he served as Global Head of Biological Products and Chief Science Officer at Indigo, where he oversaw the biologicals business from discovery and product development through commercial launch and revenue responsibility. Bartels currently advises McKinsey, agricultural technology startups and German federal innovation agencies. His experience provides Switch with expertise extending beyond technology development into partnerships, commercial strategy and market execution. “Switch Bioworks marries deep biological insight with a strong understanding of what it will take for microbial products to succeed in the market,” said Bartels. “That combination is rare at this stage. I look forward to helping this team get its science out of the lab and into the field.” For Switch, the combination of Djordjevic's R&D expertise and Bartels' commercial and biologicals experience reflects the company's transition into a more execution-focused phase. Founder and CEO Dr. Tim Schnabel said the two appointments would strengthen Switch's ability to develop the technology while building the capabilities required to take it towards commercialisation. “Gordana and Eric bring complementary experience at a crucial point in Switch's development. Their leadership strengthens our ability to execute and expand the potential of our genetic-switch platform as we advance toward commercialization,” Schnabel said. The company's proposition comes against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of the conventional nitrogen fertilizer system. Nitrogen is indispensable to modern crop production, but its manufacture carries a significant energy requirement. Fertilizer markets have also demonstrated their vulnerability to energy shocks, geopolitical tensions and disruptions in international supply chains. Biological approaches to nitrogen supply have consequently attracted growing interest from agricultural technology companies and investors. Microbial products could potentially offer farmers another source of crop nutrition while reducing dependence on industrially manufactured nitrogen. However, the commercial opportunity also comes with a demanding technical challenge. Biological nitrogen production must deliver sufficient nitrogen to support crop productivity at a commercially meaningful scale. It must also operate consistently across different soils, climates and farming systems. This is where Switch's genetic-switch architecture is intended to provide a competitive advantage. By programming microbes to establish first and activate production later, the company is attempting to address the tension between microbial survival and biological output. The concept also gives the technology potential applications beyond agriculture. Switch describes its genetic-switch platform as a broader approach to controlling engineered microbes, with the ability to regulate when and where biological functions are activated. Nitrogen fertilizer is therefore being positioned as the first application through which the company can validate the platform. The immediate commercial focus, however, remains firmly agricultural. Corn field trials represent a critical step in determining whether laboratory and growroom performance can translate into the complexity of commercial farming. Switch's intellectual property position is another component of its commercialisation strategy. The company's genetic-switch technology is covered by seven patent families, providing an intellectual property foundation as it moves towards wider deployment. The coming stages will ultimately determine whether Switch can move beyond demonstrating microbial activity to establishing a viable agricultural business. That will require evidence that the technology can deliver reliable nitrogen production, perform consistently under field conditions and fit into farmers' existing production systems. The company is betting that the ability to program microbes differently from conventional biological products can help unlock that opportunity. For agriculture, the significance extends beyond a single microbial fertilizer product. If engineered microorganisms can reliably establish on plant roots and produce nitrogen in response to programmed biological signals, the technology could represent a different model for delivering crop nutrients—one in which biological systems are designed to manufacture inputs closer to where crops need them. Switch is now attempting to prove that proposition in the field. With Djordjevic taking charge of the scientific organisation, Bartels adding decades of biologicals and commercialisation experience, and authorised field trials underway across the US Midwest, the company is entering the phase where laboratory innovation must confront agricultural reality. The outcome will determine whether Switch's genetic-switch technology can become more than an intriguing biotechnology platform—and whether microbial nitrogen production can progress from a promising concept to a commercially viable tool for modern agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4549/solinftec-expands-u-s-ag-robotics-push-as-solix-coverage-grows-15-fold.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4549/solinftec-expands-u-s-ag-robotics-push-as-solix-coverage-grows-15-fold.html Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:51:56 +0530 Solinftec is accelerating its push into autonomous agriculture in the United States, combining rapid growth in field deployment with a new direct-to-farmer parts strategy and expanded robotics capabilities. The agriculture AI and robotics company said more than 100 Solix robots operated across 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico through July 2026, covering 55,427 acres—15 times the acreage recorded three years ago. The fleet also monitored more than 95 million plants individually while reducing chemical use by an average of 85 per cent, according to the company. Solinftec will showcase the next phase of its expansion at the 2026 Farm Progress Show, scheduled for September 1–3 in Boone, Iowa. The company plans to launch an Amazon store for selected Solix replacement parts, demonstrate its autonomous Refill Station and preview an expanded family of Solix robots. The move into Amazon is designed to give farmers greater access to replacement parts and allow them to carry out more routine repairs themselves. Solinftec said it will become the first agricultural robotics company to offer replacement parts through Amazon, as part of a broader self-service model that includes direct robot purchases and remote technical support. A major focus of the company’s 2026 commercial season has been autonomous refilling. Solinftec’s Refill Station enables Solix robots to dock, replenish their supply and return to field operations without requiring a farmer to travel to the site. Through July, the company’s robots completed more than 1,700 autonomous refills, transferring over 45,000 gallons of product. One Refill Station refilled its associated robot more than 120 times, potentially eliminating the same number of farmer trips to the field. “A robot that still requires a person to repeatedly drive to the field and refill it is not fully autonomous,” said Guilherme Guiné, COO at Solinftec. “Closing that cycle gives farmers something extremely valuable: flexibility in their day.” Solinftec expects to deploy approximately 200 robots and 80 additional Refill Stations for the 2027 growing season. The company is also broadening the Solix platform into a four-model family, giving farmers a choice of power sources, capacities and field applications. All models will operate on Solinftec’s ALICE AI platform. The lineup includes the solar-electric Solix X1, battery-electric Solix XT, gas- or diesel-powered Solix XR, and hybrid-electric Solix XC. The models will range from 50 to 1,200 gallons in capacity and are designed for targeted or targeted-and-broadcast applications, depending on the configuration. At the Farm Progress Show, Solinftec plans to preview the Solix XR, a gas- and diesel-powered model expected to become commercially available for the 2027 growing season. The current Solix robot is priced at $55,000. Solinftec estimates that growers can recover the investment in approximately 2.5 years through projected input savings alone, excluding potential savings from labour, fuel, equipment use and reduced field passes. As agricultural robotics moves beyond pilot projects and demonstration farms, Solinftec’s strategy is increasingly focused on a broader question: how autonomous machines can operate with less human intervention while becoming easier for farmers to purchase, maintain and deploy at scale. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4526/syngenta-expands-north-american-onion-portfolio-with-roundo-and-olympo.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4526/syngenta-expands-north-american-onion-portfolio-with-roundo-and-olympo.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:23:35 +0530 Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is expanding its North American onion portfolio with the introduction of Roundo, an early-season yellow onion, and Olympo, a main-season white onion, as growers seek varieties that can balance field performance with the quality standards demanded by fresh-market and processing channels. The two long-day varieties have been developed to support consistent bulb quality, high percentages of single centers and dependable bolting tolerance across diverse growing environments. The launch reflects Syngenta’s broader strategy of combining agronomic resilience with the characteristics that influence marketable yield, packout quality and consumer appeal. Roundo is positioned as an early-season yellow onion with broad adaptability, particularly across growing regions in the western United States. With an average maturity of 105 days, the variety produces globe-shaped bulbs in a colossal size class, supported by strong skin quality and a high percentage of single centers. Its low bolting tendency under challenging growing conditions is intended to provide greater production reliability, while its suitability for both fresh-market and processing applications gives growers additional marketing flexibility. Olympo, meanwhile, targets the main-season white onion segment. Maturing in approximately 125 days, it produces globe-shaped, jumbo-sized bulbs with exceptional skin quality and thin necks. The variety combines a high percentage of single centers with reliable bolting tolerance, traits designed to support consistent crop performance and improve marketable output from the field through harvest and packout. For Syngenta, the development of new onion varieties begins with grower requirements. David Whitwood, Onion Breeder at Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, said grower feedback plays a central role in determining which traits are prioritised and how available germplasm is used to develop new products. “Grower feedback is absolutely essential,” Whitwood said. “The best opportunity for grower success is listening to the grower, pulling in their current requests and needs, and then putting that together with the germplasm we currently have to develop the best product.” The breeding programme also addresses disease pressures that can affect onion yield and quality across regions, including downy mildew, Fusarium and powdery mildew. Alongside disease resistance, breeders are focusing on shape uniformity, single centers and storability. Miguel Guillén, Product Specialist for the western United States at Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, said the breeding process requires a balance between field performance and the characteristics valued by buyers and consumers. “It’s a careful balance between agronomic traits and consumer traits,” he said. The company’s approach draws on germplasm from around the world while testing varieties across multiple production environments. This global-to-local model is designed to help breeders identify combinations of traits suited to specific markets and growing conditions. Syngenta is continuing to build its onion portfolio across short-day, intermediate-day and long-day segments, as well as across different bulb colours. With Roundo and Olympo, the company is adding two varieties aimed at addressing different points in the production calendar while maintaining a common focus on dependable performance and marketable quality. As weather variability, disease pressure and market specifications continue to influence variety selection, the success of new onion genetics will increasingly depend on their ability to perform consistently beyond trial plots. For Syngenta, Roundo and Olympo represent the latest additions to a broader effort to combine global breeding resources with the practical needs of growers and the markets they serve. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4508/ranchbot-lands-15-mn-series-b-amid-tough-agtech-funding-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4508/ranchbot-lands-15-mn-series-b-amid-tough-agtech-funding-market.html Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:53:33 +0530 Ranchbot, a ranch technology company specialising in satellite-connected water and livestock monitoring, has raised more than $15 million in a Series B funding round as it accelerates its expansion across the United States and broadens its ambitions in connected agricultural infrastructure. The financing round, which closed in early August, was led by Lewis & Clark Partners, with participation from Fulcrum Global Capital, Builders VC, the Cultiv8 Livestock Technology Fund, Lever VC and Macdoch Ventures. Alongside the funding, the company completed a corporate restructuring that establishes Ranchbot Technology Holdings, a Delaware corporation headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, as its new global parent company. Originally founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2014 under the Farmbot brand, Ranchbot has grown into a provider of remote monitoring technologies for livestock operations. The company now serves more than 12,000 customers and supports the monitoring of approximately 10 million cattle and 15 million sheep. The new capital will be directed towards expanding Ranchbot's U.S. team, advancing its hardware and software capabilities and extending its technology beyond its core water-monitoring solutions. Ranchbot's platform uses satellite-connected technology to help ranchers remotely monitor water infrastructure and livestock operations, reducing the need for frequent manual inspections across large and often remote properties. The company is now positioning itself to play a broader role in the development of connected infrastructure for agriculture. The funding comes at a challenging time for the wider agtech investment sector, which has faced slowing deal activity and increased investor scrutiny. However, Ranchbot's established customer base and focus on solving practical infrastructure challenges at ranch scale have helped differentiate the company from several earlier agtech ventures that struggled to demonstrate commercial viability. With fresh capital and a new U.S.-based holding structure, Ranchbot is preparing for its next phase of growth, betting that connected infrastructure, remote monitoring and data-driven management will become increasingly important as livestock producers seek to improve operational efficiency across large-scale agricultural operations. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4500/agromin-limoneira-break-ground-on-70-acre-composting-center-in-california.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4500/agromin-limoneira-break-ground-on-70-acre-composting-center-in-california.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:27:00 +0530 Agromin and Limoneira have cleared land for a new 70-acre commercial composting center in Santa Paula, California, marking a major expansion of organic-waste processing capacity in Ventura County. The joint venture facility is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2027 and will be designed to process approximately 295,000 tons of organic waste annually. The facility will convert green and food waste into compost, mulch and other recycled materials, creating additional capacity for communities seeking to divert organic material from landfills. The project expands Agromin’s existing 15-acre operation on the site, which has processed green waste since 2004. The current facility will remain operational during construction and is presently the only permitted commercial composting center in Ventura County. Expanding California’s organic-waste infrastructure The larger Santa Paula facility is being developed to process both green waste and food waste, responding to California’s growing need for infrastructure capable of handling organic materials outside the landfill system. The project will support local communities working to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 1383, California legislation that calls for significant reductions in organic waste sent to landfills. By increasing the volume of organic material that can be processed locally, the new facility is expected to strengthen the region’s capacity to recover nutrients and other valuable materials from waste streams. The facility will produce compost and mulch for potential use in agriculture, landscaping and other applications, creating a circular pathway in which organic waste is converted into products that can return nutrients to soils. 50/50 joint venture creates multiple revenue streams Agromin and Limoneira have established the project as a 50/50 joint venture. The business model is expected to generate revenue through waste-hauler gate fees as well as the sale of compost and other recycled materials. The combination of waste processing and material sales provides the project with multiple commercial revenue streams while supporting California’s broader transition towards organic-waste recovery. For Limoneira, the partnership also strengthens its involvement in agricultural sustainability and resource recovery. Agromin brings its experience in organic-waste recycling and compost production to the venture. Food waste recycling expands Agromin has also expanded its food-waste recycling operations elsewhere in Ventura County, including a dedicated facility in Oxnard. The Oxnard operation converts collected food waste into a slurry that can subsequently be processed into products including renewable natural gas, fertilizers, animal feed and compost. The expansion of the Santa Paula operation is expected to complement these activities by increasing the county’s overall capacity to process organic waste and recover value from materials that would otherwise enter the landfill stream. Turning organic waste into agricultural resources The project comes as California continues to invest in infrastructure designed to divert organic material from landfills and develop markets for recovered products. Composting can play an important role in this transition by converting organic waste into soil amendments and other materials while reducing the volume of biodegradable waste requiring disposal. Once operational, the Santa Paula facility is expected to become a significant regional processing hub, with an annual capacity of approximately 295,000 tons. The project illustrates the growing convergence between waste management, agriculture and circular-economy infrastructure. By combining waste collection, organic processing and the production of compost and other recovered materials, the Agromin-Limoneira venture aims to create an economically viable pathway for transforming organic waste into useful agricultural and environmental resources. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4484/basf-launches-xarvio-connect-2-0-in-north-america-to-streamline-farm-machinery-data.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4484/basf-launches-xarvio-connect-2-0-in-north-america-to-streamline-farm-machinery-data.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:06:18 +0530 BASF has introduced the next generation of its xarvio CONNECT device in North America, giving farmers a simpler way to move data between xarvio FIELD MANAGER and compatible agricultural machinery while reducing the manual work involved in managing field operations. The portable xarvio CONNECT 2.0 is designed to address one of the persistent challenges facing digital agriculture: connecting farm-management software with machinery operating in the field. By creating a direct data link between xarvio FIELD MANAGER and machine terminals, the device enables farmers to transfer application maps and retrieve operational data without relying on a smartphone or tablet. The device connects to machinery through USB and incorporates an integrated SIM card connected to a secure mobile network. This creates a closed communication pathway between the digital farming platform and machinery terminal. The system is also designed to continue operating in areas where network connectivity is intermittent, allowing data to be captured and transferred when a connection becomes available. xarvio CONNECT 2.0 supports commonly used agricultural data formats, including ISOXML and Shapefile, and can work with machinery capable of implementing flat-rate and variable-rate application maps. This includes equipment used for seeding, crop protection and nutrient applications. For farmers, the process is designed to be straightforward. Once the device is connected to the USB port of a compatible terminal inside the machinery cab, application maps from xarvio FIELD MANAGER can be transferred automatically, with files typically moved within minutes. Compatibility with ISOBUS and CAN-bus systems allows the device to operate across a broad range of machinery without requiring complex equipment integration. Beyond transferring maps, the system captures data generated during field activities. Information such as harvesting operations, moisture measurements and actual application rates can be fed back into xarvio FIELD MANAGER, allowing farmers to review field performance and improve operational control. The resulting data can also help farmers estimate input costs, yields and potential revenue closer to real time. By reducing manual data entry and bringing field information into a central digital environment, the technology is designed to help farmers make faster decisions while improving planning and quality control. “Our aim is to help make agriculture in the United States more productive, profitable and sustainable with digital tools,” said Kyle King, Head of Digital Farming, North America at BASF Agricultural Solutions. He said the expanded connectivity offered by xarvio FIELD MANAGER is intended to help farmers make better use of existing machinery while improving crop-production decisions. The new device builds on an earlier version of xarvio CONNECT that has been used in Europe for the past three years. Developed with input from farmers, the upgraded system underwent North American testing during the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons across planters, sprayers and fertiliser spreaders manufactured by different equipment companies. Testing also included agricultural machinery more than a decade old, with the device successfully operating across the equipment evaluated. The broad compatibility is intended to make the technology relevant not only to farms operating the latest connected machinery but also to producers relying on existing equipment fleets. An integrated GPS capability adds another layer of functionality. By tracking machine locations, xarvio CONNECT 2.0 can help farmers improve field logistics, coordinate equipment movements and reduce unnecessary consumption of fuel and agricultural inputs. Better visibility of machine activity can also help operators complete fieldwork more efficiently. The data generated through the platform has applications beyond day-to-day farm management. For corn producers, field-level operational records collected through xarvio FIELD MANAGER can feed into xarvio BIOENERGY, BASF's digital solution connecting growers, retail agronomists and biorefineries around lower-carbon-intensity agricultural production. Through xarvio BIOENERGY, season-long farming practices can be documented and used to assess changes in the carbon intensity of corn production. BASF says US participants may, subject to final government guidance and implementation, be eligible to benefit from the Clean Fuel Production Credit under Section 45Z where independently verified results meet the relevant requirements. The launch reflects BASF's broader effort to make digital farming tools more practical by connecting software, machinery and field-level data. Rather than requiring farmers to replace existing equipment, xarvio CONNECT 2.0 is designed as a portable connectivity layer that can work across a diverse machinery fleet. As agricultural operations become increasingly data-driven, the ability to move information seamlessly between farm-management platforms and equipment is becoming a critical part of precision agriculture. BASF's latest xarvio offering is positioned to address that gap while helping farmers extract greater value from the machinery and digital tools they already use.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4460/mosaic-expands-biologicals-portfolio-as-biosciences-business-scales-up.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4460/mosaic-expands-biologicals-portfolio-as-biosciences-business-scales-up.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:39:53 +0530 Mosaic Biosciences generated $25 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2026 and is on track to double its full-year 2025 sales, underscoring the growing role of biological crop nutrition in The Mosaic Company’s strategy to diversify beyond traditional phosphate fertilizers. Speaking during Mosaic’s second-quarter earnings call , CEO Bruce Bodine said the Biosciences business is delivering both commercial value to growers and an expanding contribution to the company. The division launched five new products during the first half of 2026, taking its active portfolio to more than a dozen formulations designed to improve nutrient uptake, strengthen soil biology and enhance plant tolerance to environmental stress. “We see biologicals as a fundamental complement to our mineral nutrition portfolio,” Bodine said. The performance comes as Mosaic’s core phosphate business faces a more challenging cost environment. The company reported a $273 million net loss in the second quarter, with sulfur-related cost inflation weighing on its phosphate operations. Against that backdrop, Biosciences offers Mosaic a potentially attractive growth engine, combining biological crop inputs with a relatively lower-capital operating model. The division is increasingly central to the company’s broader effort to diversify earnings and expand its position in integrated crop nutrition. New products launched in the first half of 2026 include solutions for corn starter programs, soybean inoculants and micronutrient blends designed to improve phosphate availability in the root zone. Mosaic Biosciences has also expanded its development pipeline through a partnership with Elicit Plant focused on biological solutions for water-stressed canola crops in North America. The business is leveraging Mosaic’s established retail and wholesale distribution network, allowing its biological products to reach growers across the Americas without requiring the company to build a separate sales infrastructure. While Mosaic has not disclosed a standalone revenue target for Biosciences, the company has indicated that biologicals could become a material contributor to earnings by 2028. Mosaic’s strategy reflects a broader shift across the agricultural inputs industry, where major fertilizer and crop-protection companies are increasingly investing in biological technologies as growers seek tools that can improve nutrient efficiency, soil health and crop resilience. BASF, Corteva and Syngenta have all acquired or invested in biological platforms in recent years, highlighting the intensifying competition for a share of the rapidly expanding biologicals market. For Mosaic, the opportunity lies in integrating biologicals with its established mineral nutrition portfolio rather than positioning the technologies as substitutes. If the Biosciences division sustains its current growth trajectory, biological crop nutrition could become an increasingly important pillar of Mosaic’s portfolio—and a meaningful source of earnings diversification by the end of the decade. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4454/ball-horticultural-acquires-tradewinds-hibiscus-genetics-from-aris-horticulture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4454/ball-horticultural-acquires-tradewinds-hibiscus-genetics-from-aris-horticulture.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:07:57 +0530 Ball Horticultural Company announced the expansion of its tropical portfolio through specific acquisitions of genetics and commercial business from Aris Horticulture Inc., a leading producer and developer of ornamental plants. Effective Aug. 3, 2026, breeding company Ball FloraPlant, will acquire the complete Tradewinds Hibiscus genetics portfolio, widely recognized as the leading Hibiscus program in North America. This transfer includes all commercial varieties, breeding stock, future introductions, and the Tradewinds trademark, which will further strengthen Ball FloraPlant’s world-class genetics assortment and build innovation in the tropical category. “Expanding our tropical portfolio helps Ball meet the needs of the evolving market. We welcome these exciting additions to the Ball family,” says Allan Davidson, President of Ball Horticultural Company. “This transition combines industry-leading genetics, production expertise, and customer support to deliver even greater value to our customers and partners.” In addition, North America’s leading horticultural distributor, Ball Seed, will acquire the commercial business responsibilities for Aris’ tropical liner, prefinished, and finished programs. This includes Hibiscus, Mandevilla, and Tropical Fern classes, along with select Igloo Mums and Green Leaf Plants Florida perennials (Transferred Products). Aris will continue to produce and finish the Transferred Products but will turn over all direct sales and distribution to Ball Seed. The Transferred Products will also have availability and be sold through Star Roses and Plants. “Ball has a compelling vision for leveraging Tradewinds and expanding its tropical plants portfolio, and Aris has the production and growing experience to make it happen,” says Scott Schaefer, President & CEO of Aris Horticulture Inc. “This strategic partnership allows each company to focus on core strengths and ensures the continuing supply of the premium products our customers have come to rely on.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4429/usda-opens-funding-window-to-advance-u-s-biofertilizer-exports-and-sustainable-farming-in-vietnam.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4429/usda-opens-funding-window-to-advance-u-s-biofertilizer-exports-and-sustainable-farming-in-vietnam.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:58:01 +0530 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new initiative aimed at expanding the presence of American-made biofertilizers in Vietnam, opening applications for $500,000 in technical assistance funding to accelerate adoption of sustainable crop nutrition technologies while strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation. Administered through the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the programme invites universities, agricultural trade associations and nonprofit organizations to lead technical activities designed to improve market access for U.S. fertilizer enhancement products and support Vietnam's transition toward more efficient nutrient management practices. The initiative reflects growing international efforts to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint by improving fertilizer-use efficiency without compromising crop productivity. As governments seek to curb nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions, biofertilizers and enhanced-efficiency fertilizers are increasingly emerging as important alternatives to conventional synthetic nutrient inputs. Under the programme, the selected organization will assess the agronomic performance of U.S.-manufactured biofertilizers—including products such as liquid fish fertilizer—to determine their ability to sustain crop yields while reducing nitrogen leaching in both the United States and Vietnam. The project is expected to generate technical evidence supporting wider adoption of biological and enhanced-efficiency nutrient technologies across diverse production systems. Beyond field evaluation, the initiative will contribute scientific expertise to Vietnam's evolving fertilizer management framework. Particular emphasis will be placed on microbial coating technologies and other advanced fertilizer enhancement products capable of improving nutrient-use efficiency, reducing environmental losses and supporting long-term soil health. The programme also includes a strong knowledge-exchange component. Planned activities feature a technical outreach mission involving U.S. organic rice producers, creating opportunities for direct engagement with Vietnamese stakeholders on sustainable rice production practices and biological nutrient management. To strengthen commercial outcomes, the project will monitor the import performance of at least three U.S.-manufactured biofertilizers or fertilizer enhancement products entering the Vietnamese market. The initiative is expected to generate market intelligence that can guide future export strategies while supporting broader adoption of American agricultural technologies. The funding announcement underscores the USDA's broader strategy of combining scientific collaboration, technical assistance and trade promotion to expand international opportunities for U.S. agricultural innovation. With global demand increasing for climate-smart farming inputs, Vietnam is emerging as a strategic market for biological crop nutrition products that improve productivity while reducing the environmental impacts associated with conventional fertilizer use. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4427/albaugh-expands-u-s-crop-protection-portfolio-with-epa-approval-for-pyraxol-sc-herbicide-.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4427/albaugh-expands-u-s-crop-protection-portfolio-with-epa-approval-for-pyraxol-sc-herbicide-.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:47:31 +0530 Albaugh has strengthened its crop protection portfolio in the United States with the launch of Pyraxol SC, a new residual herbicide based on the active ingredient pyroxasulfone, following registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The approval comes as growers across major row-crop regions continue to grapple with escalating herbicide resistance, particularly among troublesome annual grasses and broadleaf weeds that have become increasingly difficult to manage through conventional weed-control programmes. Positioned within the Group 15 herbicide category, Pyraxol SC is designed for pre-emergence applications and provides long-lasting residual weed control while requiring comparatively lower application rates than many traditional herbicides in the same class. The formulation is intended to help growers extend weed suppression throughout the early stages of crop establishment, reducing competition during critical growth periods. According to Albaugh, the herbicide delivers effective control of annual grasses, sedges and several economically significant broadleaf weeds, including waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. The product also targets weed populations that have developed resistance to widely used herbicide chemistries, including glyphosate, ALS inhibitors and ACCase inhibitors, addressing one of the most pressing agronomic challenges facing North American producers. The company said Pyraxol SC has been developed for use across major row crops, including corn, cotton and soybeans, offering selective weed control while maintaining crop safety when applied according to approved label recommendations. Andy Bogue, U.S. Sales Director – Crop Protection at Albaugh, said the introduction of the product represents an important addition to the company's herbicide portfolio at a time when growers are seeking effective alternatives to manage increasingly resistant weed populations. He noted that pyroxasulfone has established itself as one of the industry's leading residual herbicide active ingredients and that the launch provides farmers with another reliable post-patent source of the chemistry. The introduction also reflects Albaugh's broader strategy of expanding access to high-performance crop protection products while improving affordability for growers. As resistance management becomes an increasingly central component of integrated weed management programmes, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on products that combine multiple modes of action, extended residual activity and economic value. Pyraxol SC will become commercially available through Albaugh's authorized distribution network following completion of individual state registrations across the United States. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4410/metribuzin-emerges-as-key-weapon-against-resistant-waterhemp.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4410/metribuzin-emerges-as-key-weapon-against-resistant-waterhemp.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:38:39 +0530 An herbicide first introduced decades ago is attracting renewed attention in Illinois as researchers look for effective ways to manage waterhemp populations that have developed resistance to nearly every post-emergence herbicide available to soybean and corn growers. Researchers at the University of Illinois say metribuzin, a Group 5 herbicide, is showing encouraging performance against many waterhemp populations exhibiting metabolic resistance—a growing challenge in modern weed management where plants rapidly detoxify herbicides before they can take effect. Unlike atrazine, which is increasingly compromised by metabolic resistance, metribuzin's different chemical composition appears to allow it to remain effective against several resistant waterhemp populations. According to university researchers, this makes the herbicide a valuable option as growers face shrinking chemical control choices. Metribuzin gradually fell out of favour during the 1980s and 1990s because of concerns over crop injury and the widespread adoption of newer residual herbicides. However, improvements in application technology and the availability of soybean varieties with better tolerance are prompting agronomists to reconsider its role in integrated weed management programmes. Researchers caution that metribuzin should not be viewed as a standalone solution. Instead, they recommend incorporating it into diversified herbicide programmes alongside products from other modes of action to broaden weed control and reduce the risk of further resistance development. Application decisions should also account for field conditions. University recommendations advise adjusting application rates based on soil texture and organic matter while avoiding coarse-textured soils containing less than 2 per cent organic matter and fields with soil pH levels above 6.8, where the risk of crop injury increases. The renewed interest comes as the effectiveness of other residual herbicides continues to decline. Recent University of Illinois surveys covering waterhemp populations from 84 counties found that nearly half exhibited resistance or substantially reduced sensitivity to Group 15 herbicides, raising concerns about the long-term durability of existing weed control programmes. Field trials further highlighted metribuzin's potential. In university corn research plots, the herbicide delivered approximately 95 per cent control of waterhemp four weeks after application, compared with roughly 30 per cent control achieved by atrazine under similar conditions. While researchers observed modest crop injury ranging from 5 per cent to 10 per cent , they concluded that the herbicide offers meaningful value when integrated into broader resistance management strategies. As herbicide resistance becomes increasingly complex across the US Corn Belt, researchers believe diversified weed management programmes combining multiple herbicide modes of action, agronomic best practices and careful stewardship will be essential to maintaining effective control of troublesome weeds such as waterhemp. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4405/biocontrol-technologies-partners-with-wilbur-ellis-to-expand-t34-biocontrol-across-u-s-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4405/biocontrol-technologies-partners-with-wilbur-ellis-to-expand-t34-biocontrol-across-u-s-agriculture.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:57:36 +0530 Biocontrol Technologies has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness, one of the largest agricultural retailers in the United States, to commercialize its biological crop protection product T34 Biocontrol across the U.S. market. The partnership is expected to broaden grower access to biological disease management solutions as agriculture increasingly shifts toward integrated and sustainable crop protection strategies. Under the agreement, Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness will leverage its nationwide distribution network and agronomic advisory capabilities to introduce T34 Biocontrol to growers across key agricultural regions. The collaboration aims to accelerate adoption of biological crop protection technologies while supporting growers seeking alternatives or complements to conventional fungicides. T34 Biocontrol is based on Trichoderma asperellum strain T34, a beneficial microorganism that helps suppress both foliar and soil-borne fungal diseases. Beyond disease control, the biological solution promotes root development and plant vigor, making it suitable for integrated crop management programs focused on improving crop resilience and soil health. The product is designed for use across a range of high-value crops where disease pressure and soil health remain major production challenges. Its compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs enables growers to incorporate biological control alongside conventional crop protection practices, providing greater flexibility in disease management. The agreement reflects the growing momentum behind biological crop protection as producers respond to tightening regulatory standards, rising sustainability expectations and increasing interest in reducing dependence on synthetic chemical fungicides. With biological products gaining greater acceptance in mainstream agriculture, distributors are expanding their portfolios to offer solutions that align with evolving environmental goals while maintaining crop productivity. "Entering into this agreement with Wilbur-Ellis represents an important strategic step for Biocontrol Technologies in the United States," said Eduard Fernando, General Manager of Biocontrol Technologies. He described the U.S. as a critical growth market for biological crop protection and said Wilbur-Ellis' extensive commercial reach and technical expertise would provide a strong platform for supporting growers with integrated disease management solutions. The partnership underscores the continued expansion of the global biologicals market, where collaborations between technology developers and large agricultural distribution companies are accelerating the commercialization of next-generation crop protection products. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4399/athian-enables-first-verified-brazilian-beef-inset-credits-advancing-livestock-methane-reduction.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4399/athian-enables-first-verified-brazilian-beef-inset-credits-advancing-livestock-methane-reduction.html Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:09:13 +0530 Brazil's livestock sustainability journey has reached a new milestone as Athian announced the successful sale of the country's first verified beef inset credits. Developed through a pilot project with methane-reduction technology company Rumin8 and leading beef exporter Minerva Foods, the initiative demonstrates how measurable emissions reductions at the farm level can be translated into verified Scope 3 environmental assets for the food supply chain. The pilot focused on evaluating Rumin8's feed ingredient technology, which significantly reduced methane emissions from cattle in a Brazilian feedlot setting. Using its livestock sustainability platform, Athian verified the emissions data, registered the resulting environmental outcomes as inset credits, and facilitated their sale to Minerva Foods. The transaction marks a first not only for Brazil's beef industry but also expands Athian's sustainability framework beyond its origins in the U.S. dairy sector. The project also validated Athian's insetting model internationally, proving that emissions reductions generated on livestock farms can be independently verified and monetized across different production systems. Unlike carbon offsets, inset credits allow companies to reduce emissions directly within their own agricultural supply chains, helping food businesses address increasingly important Scope 3 climate commitments. "Our work in Brazil demonstrates that livestock sustainability can be both measurable and commercially viable," said Kendra Tolley, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Athian. "The project confirmed not only the effectiveness of the insetting process—from emissions generation and third-party verification to the sale of Scope 3 assets—but also showed that our platform can be successfully applied across global livestock systems." For Rumin8, the project provided additional commercial validation of its methane-reducing feed ingredient while highlighting the value of coordinated sustainability efforts across the livestock value chain. According to CEO David Messina, the study generated strong evidence of the product's effectiveness under Brazilian feedlot conditions while demonstrating how producers, processors and technology providers can work together to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. Athian's sustainability platform is built around scientifically validated on-farm protocols that help livestock producers lower greenhouse gas emissions through practices such as feed additives and alternative manure management systems. The company manages secure farm-level data collection, coordinates independent third-party verification, and registers verified environmental outcomes as inset credits that food companies can purchase to support their Scope 3 decarbonisation strategies. Minerva Foods, one of South America's largest beef exporters, said the initiative reinforces the importance of measurable and transparent sustainability practices across global protein supply chains. Marta Giannichi, Global Sustainability Director at Minerva Foods, noted that the pilot demonstrates the industry's ability to quantify methane reductions at the farm level while integrating verified environmental data into commercial supply chains. The latest project adds to Athian's growing sustainability network, which includes major U.S. dairy cooperatives, global dairy processors and leading food brands. Since launching its livestock insetting platform, the company has enabled farmers to earn more than $25 million for implementing emissions-reducing practices. Collectively, these projects have reduced approximately 600,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions across participating operations. Athian believes successful projects such as the Brazilian beef pilot will accelerate the adoption of additional livestock sustainability protocols while creating new commercial opportunities for producers and food companies seeking credible pathways to reduce agricultural emissions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4375/kochocp-alliance-deepens-moroccous-fertilizer-linkages-as-phosphate-capacity-expands-to-2-5-million-tonnes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4375/kochocp-alliance-deepens-moroccous-fertilizer-linkages-as-phosphate-capacity-expands-to-2-5-million-tonnes.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:39:26 +0530 In a strategic move aimed at strengthening phosphate fertilizer supply networks and expanding access to high-quality crop nutrition products, Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, has entered into an agreement with OCP Nutricrops, a subsidiary of Morocco-based OCP Group, to acquire a 50 per cent equity interest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I). The transaction marks another significant step in Koch’s long-term partnership with OCP and reinforces Morocco’s growing importance as a global hub for phosphate fertilizer production. JFC I operates a major phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility within the Jorf Lasfar industrial complex in Morocco, with an annual production capacity of approximately 1.2 million tonnes. Following completion of the deal, Koch’s combined phosphate fertilizer production capacity through its Moroccan joint ventures will rise to around 2.5 million tonnes annually. The development comes at a time when global fertilizer markets remain vulnerable to supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions and raw material constraints, making strategic investments in integrated production assets increasingly critical. Building on the KoFert Partnership The latest agreement builds upon Koch Industries’ earlier investment in Morocco’s fertilizer sector. In 2022, Koch acquired a 50 per cent stake in Jorf Fertilizers Company III, which was later renamed KoFert. By expanding its presence across multiple phosphate fertilizer assets at Jorf Lasfar, Koch is strengthening its ability to serve agricultural markets, particularly in North America, with a more diversified portfolio of phosphate-based crop nutrition solutions. Scott McGinn, President of Koch Fertilizer, said the new investment leverages the company’s experience from the KoFert partnership while broadening its phosphate product offering for customers. OCP Nutricrops Chairman and CEO Faris Derri noted that the collaboration would enhance both companies’ ability to deliver reliable and high-quality soil nutrition solutions while contributing to global food security. Jorf Lasfar: The Global Phosphate Powerhouse The partnership further highlights the strategic importance of the Jorf Lasfar fertilizer complex, widely recognized as the world’s largest integrated phosphate fertilizer production platform. Operated by OCP Group, the complex combines phosphate processing, fertilizer manufacturing and export capabilities, positioning Morocco as one of the most influential players in the global phosphate market. However, the expansion comes against a challenging operational backdrop. OCP’s capacity utilization reportedly remained around 50 per cent in June, primarily due to shortages of sulfur, a critical raw material for phosphate fertilizer production. While current sulfur inventories are expected to support higher operating rates during July and August, long-term supply stability remains uncertain. Geopolitical disruptions, including tensions involving Iran and the United States, along with constraints affecting Kazakh sulfur exports, continue to create challenges for fertilizer producers worldwide. North American Market Opportunity Opens Amid Trade Policy Shift The Koch–OCP agreement also arrives amid changing trade dynamics in the US fertilizer market. Weeks before the joint venture announcement, the Trump administration suspended anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from OCP, citing concerns over domestic supply constraints linked to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The policy shift has created a more favourable environment for Moroccan phosphate fertilizers to re-enter and expand within the US market. For Koch, the partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen its North American fertilizer supply chain by combining its market reach and distribution capabilities with OCP’s globally integrated phosphate resources. Strategic Implications for the Global Fertilizer Industry The agreement reflects a broader industry trend: fertilizer companies are increasingly moving toward strategic partnerships and upstream investments to secure supply resilience. Phosphate fertilizers remain essential for global agriculture, supporting crop productivity and maintaining soil nutrient balance. With demand pressures driven by food security concerns, changing agricultural practices and geopolitical uncertainties, access to reliable phosphate resources has become a strategic priority. The Koch–OCP alliance positions both companies to capture emerging opportunities in the global crop nutrition market while reducing exposure to volatile international supply chains. As fertilizer markets navigate continued uncertainty, Morocco’s phosphate reserves and integrated production infrastructure are expected to remain central to global agricultural security. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4371/amazon-joins-granbios-mission-to-turn-discarded-wood-into-renewable-jet-fuel.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4371/amazon-joins-granbios-mission-to-turn-discarded-wood-into-renewable-jet-fuel.html Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:51:50 +0530 Amazon has joined forces with clean energy company GranBio to support the development of advanced technologies that convert discarded wood waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon transportation fuels, marking a significant step towards unlocking new pathways for industrial decarbonisation. The partnership aims to transform one of the United States’ most underutilised resources — waste wood from logging operations, agricultural activities and construction — into renewable fuels capable of reducing emissions across aviation, freight and other transport sectors where conventional electrification remains challenging. For decades, large volumes of residual wood material have been sent to landfills, burned or left unmanaged, contributing to resource loss and increasing wildfire risks in vulnerable regions. GranBio’s technology seeks to turn this overlooked biomass into a valuable feedstock for the clean energy transition. Amazon’s investment will support GranBio’s efforts to scale its biomass conversion technology and accelerate the development of commercially viable renewable fuels. Unlocking Waste Wood as a New Energy Resource The global aviation and logistics industries are facing growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, but sectors such as long-distance air travel and heavy-duty freight remain difficult to decarbonise through conventional solutions. Sustainable aviation fuel has emerged as one of the most promising near-term alternatives, offering the potential to significantly reduce lifecycle emissions while using existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure. However, limited supply availability and high production costs remain major barriers to widespread adoption. GranBio’s approach addresses both challenges by using abundant waste materials rather than purpose-grown crops as the foundation for renewable fuel production. The company’s technology converts woody biomass by breaking down plant fibres and extracting stored carbon. This carbon is then transformed into fuel molecules that are chemically similar to those found in conventional petroleum-based fuels. The process enables the production of renewable diesel, renewable petrol and sustainable aviation fuel, creating a flexible platform for multiple transportation applications. Drop-In Fuels Could Accelerate Decarbonisation One of the key advantages of GranBio’s technology is that the resulting fuels are designed to be “drop-in” compatible, meaning they can be used within existing engines, aircraft systems and fuel distribution infrastructure without requiring major modifications. For airlines, shipping companies and long-haul trucking operators, this compatibility could help accelerate adoption by reducing transition costs and eliminating the need for completely new equipment. The technology could provide a practical pathway for industries seeking immediate emissions reductions while longer-term zero-carbon solutions continue to develop. Improving Efficiency Through Circular Energy Systems Beyond producing renewable fuels, GranBio’s integrated approach also focuses on improving overall process efficiency. A valuable by-product generated during production can be used to provide heat for the facility, reducing reliance on external energy sources and improving the sustainability profile of the operation. This circular approach strengthens the environmental benefits of the technology by maximising resource utilisation and reducing waste throughout the production process. Amazon Strengthens Clean Energy Investment Strategy The partnership aligns with Amazon’s broader efforts to support technologies capable of reducing emissions across its operations and supply chains. As one of the world’s largest logistics companies, Amazon has identified sustainable fuels as an important component of future transportation decarbonisation strategies, particularly for sectors where direct electrification is currently limited. By supporting advanced biofuel technologies, the company aims to help accelerate the development of scalable solutions that can contribute to a lower-carbon transportation ecosystem. Building a New Future for Biomass-Based Fuels The GranBio-Amazon collaboration reflects a broader shift in the global energy landscape, where agricultural residues, forestry waste and other renewable resources are increasingly being recognised as strategic inputs for clean fuel production. As governments and industries pursue ambitious climate goals, technologies that convert waste streams into commercially viable fuels could play a critical role in reducing dependence on fossil resources. By transforming discarded wood into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable transportation products, GranBio’s technology demonstrates how circular economy principles can create new opportunities at the intersection of waste management, agriculture, energy and industrial innovation. The partnership represents a major step towards building a more resilient renewable fuel supply chain and advancing solutions for some of the world’s most challenging emissions sectors. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4365/u-s-soybean-farmers-welcome-agricultural-input-tariff-relief-but-urge-broader-exemptions-to-protect-farm-competitiveness.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4365/u-s-soybean-farmers-welcome-agricultural-input-tariff-relief-but-urge-broader-exemptions-to-protect-farm-competitiveness.html Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:00:09 +0530 The American Soybean Association (ASA) has welcomed the U.S. administration’s decision to exempt certain agricultural inputs from newly announced Section 301 tariffs but has called for a broader review of products critical to American farming operations. The latest tariff action introduces new duties on imports from 60 trading partners, replacing the previously expired Section 122 tariffs. While several agricultural inputs identified by farming organisations have received exemptions, ASA warned that remaining tariffs on essential products could increase production costs and add further pressure on U.S. farmers already facing elevated input expenses. Representing soybean growers across the United States, ASA said reliable access to affordable seeds, fertilisers, crop protection products, agricultural machinery and replacement parts remains essential for maintaining competitiveness in global markets. “Soybean farmers depend on reliable access to affordable agricultural inputs to remain competitive,” said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer. He appreciated the administration’s recognition of the importance of certain exemptions and acknowledged the efforts of the White House and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in considering concerns raised by the agricultural sector. However, ASA emphasised that additional agricultural products remain subject to tariffs, which could increase costs for farmers and intensify challenges linked to rising operational expenses. Farmers Seek Wider Tariff Relief for Essential Agricultural Inputs The soybean industry has been closely monitoring the Section 301 tariff review process, as imported agricultural inputs play a significant role in farm productivity and profitability. ASA has urged the administration to continue expanding exemptions to include more products that directly support agricultural production. The organisation argues that reducing unnecessary tariff burdens on critical farm supplies will help protect farmers from additional cost pressures while supporting the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. The association highlighted that input affordability is directly linked to farmers’ ability to invest in technology, improve productivity and compete in international markets. ASA Calls for Protection of Free Trade Agreement Partnerships Beyond agricultural input exemptions, ASA has called on the administration to maintain tariff-free treatment for countries that have existing free trade agreements with the United States and are fulfilling their commitments under those agreements. According to ASA, preserving these trade relationships provides greater certainty for farmers, strengthens long-term market access and supports stability across agricultural supply chains. The organisation also encouraged policymakers to use trade negotiations as an opportunity to establish new bilateral agreements that expand export opportunities for U.S. agricultural commodities, including soybeans. Soybean Industry Plays Active Role in Trade Policy Discussions ASA has actively participated throughout the Section 301 investigation process, working alongside industry partners to highlight the potential impact of tariffs on American agriculture. The association submitted joint comments with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and provided testimony before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, outlining the importance of maintaining access to affordable farm inputs and protecting agricultural competitiveness. As global agricultural markets become increasingly interconnected, ASA said balanced trade policies will be critical to ensuring that U.S. farmers can continue supplying domestic and international markets efficiently. Outlook: Input Costs Remain a Key Concern for U.S. Agriculture The latest tariff developments underline a broader challenge facing farmers worldwide: balancing trade policy objectives with the need to maintain affordable production systems. For U.S. soybean growers, access to competitively priced inputs remains central to profitability, particularly as producers navigate higher operating costs, global competition and evolving market conditions. ASA’s push for additional exemptions reflects the wider agricultural sector’s demand for policies that support productivity, strengthen supply chain resilience and safeguard the competitiveness of American farming. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4352/us-finalises-anti-dumping-countervailing-duties-on-chinese-l-lysine-raising-trade-barriers-for-amino-acid-exports.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4352/us-finalises-anti-dumping-countervailing-duties-on-chinese-l-lysine-raising-trade-barriers-for-amino-acid-exports.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:27:41 +0530 The United States Department of Commerce has issued its final affirmative determinations in the anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into L-lysine imports from China, concluding that Chinese producers exported the amino acid at unfairly low prices while benefiting from government subsidies. The decision introduces steep trade remedies that are expected to significantly alter the competitive landscape for Chinese L-lysine suppliers in the US market. The final anti-dumping determination, announced on July 21, 2026, assigns weighted-average dumping margins ranging from 73.55 percent to 139.83 percent for Chinese producers and exporters. After adjusting for export subsidies, the corresponding cash deposit rates range from 73.37 percent to 139.65 percent, substantially increasing the cost of exporting Chinese L-lysine to the United States. In its parallel countervailing duty investigation, the Department of Commerce determined that Heilongjiang Wanlirunda Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Shouguang Golden-land Industry & Trading Co., Ltd. received countervailable subsidies at a rate of 82.11 percent, while Inner Mongolia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd. and all other Chinese exporters and producers were assigned a subsidy rate of 48.21 percent. The investigation covers products classified under US Harmonized Tariff Schedule code 2922.41.0090. The final determinations conclude an investigation initiated on June 18, 2025, when the US Department of Commerce launched anti-dumping and countervailing duty probes into Chinese L-lysine imports. Preliminary countervailing duty findings were issued on January 16, 2026, followed by preliminary anti-dumping determinations on March 3, 2026, before the issuance of the final rulings. The anti-dumping order assigns the highest dumping margin of 139.83 percent to multiple producer-exporter combinations. These include Anhui BBCA Biochemistry Co., Ltd. exporting through Zhengzhou Longgu Trading Co., Ltd.; the Eppen Group, comprising Heilongjiang Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd., Inner Mongolia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd. and Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd., exporting through Zhengzhou Longgu Trading; and Shouguang Golden Corn Biotechnology Co., Ltd. exporting through both Zhengzhou Longgu Trading Co., Ltd. and Zhengzhou Heshu Stockbreeding Development Co., Ltd. A second group of exporters received a 73.55 percent dumping margin. These include shipments from Anhui BBCA Biochemistry, Heilongjiang Wanlirunda Biotechnology, and the Eppen Group exported through Agromate SG Pte. Ltd., as well as Shouguang Golden Corn Biotechnology through Ainore (Tianjin) Trading Co., Ltd. The same 73.55 percent dumping rate also applies to exports involving Aollen Biotech Co., Ltd., including products supplied by Anhui BBCA Biochemistry, Changchun Dahe Biotechnology Development, Henan Jinyufeng Biotechnology, Jilin Meihua Amino Acid, Qiqihar Longjiang Fufeng Biotechnology, Zhucheng Dongxiao Biotechnology, the Eppen Group, and Heilongjiang Wanlirunda Biotechnology. In addition, exports handled by Pegasus Ltd. from the Eppen Group, Shandong Shouguang Juneng Golden Corn Development, and Qiqihar Longjiang Fufeng Biotechnology were also assigned the same duty rate. The Department also established a China-wide anti-dumping rate of 139.83 percent, applying the highest duty level to exporters that did not qualify for separate rates. The final measures substantially increase the trade barriers facing Chinese L-lysine suppliers in one of the world's key feed additive markets. Exporters subject to the highest anti-dumping and subsidy rates are expected to experience a sharp rise in landed costs, potentially reducing their competitiveness in the United States and prompting greater focus on alternative export destinations. The ruling also has broader implications for the global amino acids industry. With Chinese suppliers facing significantly higher duties, feed manufacturers and importers may diversify procurement toward producers in other regions, while Chinese manufacturers could redirect export volumes to markets outside the United States. The decision further reinforces the increasing use of anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures in strategically important agricultural input sectors as governments intensify scrutiny of international pricing practices and industrial subsidies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4346/village-capital-launches-innovative-capital-facility-for-early-stage-companies-in-northwest-arkansas.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4346/village-capital-launches-innovative-capital-facility-for-early-stage-companies-in-northwest-arkansas.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:55:34 +0530 Village Capital has announced the launch of the VilCap Innovative Capital Facility NWA, an investment facility supported by the Walton Family Foundation. The Facility will invest in early-stage, scalable companies across Northwest Arkansas using financing structures aligned with their unique stage of growth. Many early-stage companies struggle to access capital because they do not fit neatly into traditional financing models. They may be too early for bank financing, need more support than grants or personal networks can offer, or find that venture capital isn't a fit — either because they don't meet the growth profile it requires, or because they don't want to give up the ownership and control it entails. The VilCap Innovative Capital Facility NWA is designed to fill this gap by matching financing to each company’s stage, business model, and growth trajectory. Through the Facility, Village Capital will make approximately five investments using revenue-based financing, including redeemable equity and revenue-based loans, which tie repayments to company performance rather than fixed repayment schedules. This approach gives founders greater flexibility while allowing businesses to grow sustainably. “Northwest Arkansas is home to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, with founders building solutions across supply chain, food systems, health, and beyond,” said Heather Matranga, Managing Director, Venture & Investments, at Village Capital. “This Facility is designed to align capital with business needs, helping founders build stronger companies while creating lasting value for their communities.” Village Capital is committed to partnering with local organizations that are deeply embedded in Northwest Arkansas to bring market expertise into the investment process, identify strong investment opportunities, and build awareness around revenue-based financing instruments. The Facility will also generate research on the region’s financing landscape to help attract additional flexible capital over time. Early-stage, growing companies in NWA are encouraged to apply. The Facility is offering up to $ 150K to businesses with at least $ 100K in annual revenue. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4343/alder-point-secures-4-million-from-rockefeller-foundation-to-advance-regenerative-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4343/alder-point-secures-4-million-from-rockefeller-foundation-to-advance-regenerative-agriculture.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:24:46 +0530 The Rockefeller Foundation has committed $4 million to Alder Point Capital Management to accelerate investment in climate-resilient farmland and timberland across the United States, reinforcing efforts to improve land stewardship while supporting economic growth in rural communities. The investment will enable Alder Point to expand its strategy of acquiring high-quality but undermanaged farmland and timberland and partnering with local farmers, foresters and land operators to restore soil health, improve water resources and strengthen forest ecosystems. The approach is designed to enhance both environmental outcomes and the long-term productivity and value of working lands. The commitment also aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation's broader strategy to promote sustainable rural development by linking environmental restoration with economic opportunity. The funding supports the Foundation's Big Bet on Good Jobs for America, an initiative focused on creating quality employment and revitalising economically distressed communities through long-term investment. Working lands—including farmland and timberland—remain central to the economic vitality of many rural regions in the United States. However, years of underinvestment, intensive land use practices and growing climate pressures have reduced productivity while increasing environmental risks. The Foundation said restoring these landscapes requires sustained investment in regenerative management practices that improve both natural resources and economic resilience. Alder Point's land management strategy includes the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices such as cover cropping and rotational grazing, alongside sustainable forestry measures including selective harvesting, replanting programmes and investments in water infrastructure and operational efficiency. These interventions are intended to improve soil fertility, water quality and forest health while strengthening long-term returns for landowners and rural communities. The latest investment provides Alder Point with long-term, mission-aligned capital to scale these initiatives while strengthening measurement of environmental and social outcomes across its portfolio. The company will continue working with local producers and land managers to enhance biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable resource management while supporting employment and economic activity in rural areas. The partnership reflects growing investor interest in natural capital strategies that combine financial performance with measurable environmental and community benefits. As institutional capital increasingly flows toward regenerative agriculture and sustainable forestry, investments in responsible land stewardship are expected to play an expanding role in strengthening food systems, climate resilience and rural prosperity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4344/becks-ragt-partner-with-phytoform-to-accelerate-ai-driven-corn-trait-development.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4344/becks-ragt-partner-with-phytoform-to-accelerate-ai-driven-corn-trait-development.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:32:01 +0530 Beck's and RAGT have partnered with agricultural biotechnology company Phytoform to develop next-generation corn traits using artificial intelligence, marking a significant step towards applying precision gene tuning to improve crop productivity across major global corn-growing regions. The multi-company collaboration will combine Phytoform's proprietary CRE.AI.TIVE™ platform with Beck's corn breeding expertise, RAGT's global breeding programmes, proprietary germplasm and commercial market knowledge. The initial research programme will focus on optimising whole-plant architecture to improve harvestable yield and overall productivity in key markets, including the United States, South America and potentially Europe. The partnership comes as seed companies increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to accelerate crop improvement while addressing mounting pressure on growers to produce higher yields with greater resource efficiency. At the centre of the collaboration is Phytoform's CRE.AI.TIVE platform, which uses artificial intelligence to identify precise genetic edits within a plant's native regulatory DNA. Rather than introducing foreign genes, the technology fine-tunes when, where and to what extent existing genes are expressed, enabling the development of both simple and complex agronomic traits through targeted gene regulation. Because the platform works within the crop's own genome, the resulting varieties may, in certain jurisdictions, be regulated in a manner similar to conventionally bred crops, potentially simplifying commercial adoption while aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks and market preferences. For Beck's and RAGT, the collaboration provides access to AI-enabled trait discovery that complements conventional breeding programmes and could accelerate the delivery of differentiated corn hybrids with improved field performance. Optimising plant architecture is expected to enhance harvestable yield while supporting stronger productivity across diverse production environments. The agreement also highlights the growing convergence of artificial intelligence, gene editing and plant breeding as seed developers seek faster and more precise approaches to crop improvement. By integrating AI-driven discovery with elite germplasm and established breeding programmes, the partners aim to shorten development timelines for commercially valuable traits. Beyond corn, Phytoform said its CRE.AI.TIVE platform is crop-agnostic, creating opportunities to extend AI-powered gene tuning to additional crops and a broader range of agronomic challenges in the future. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4308/syngenta-strengthens-vegetable-seed-pipeline-with-focus-on-fusarium-resistance.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4308/syngenta-strengthens-vegetable-seed-pipeline-with-focus-on-fusarium-resistance.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:49:54 +0530 As vegetable growers grapple with increasing disease pressure and rising production costs, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is strengthening its portfolio of Fusarium-resistant varieties, positioning genetic resistance as one of the most effective long-term strategies against one of agriculture's most destructive soil-borne diseases. Fusarium wilt continues to threaten commercial vegetable production worldwide, affecting crops grown in open fields, protected cultivation systems and greenhouses. Once established, the fungal pathogen invades a plant's vascular system, disrupting water and nutrient movement, leading to wilting, yellowing, stunted growth and, ultimately, plant death. Unlike many crop diseases, Fusarium presents a long-term challenge because the pathogen can survive in soil for years—even in the absence of host crops—making prevention more effective than treatment. Resistance becomes the first line of defence While crop rotation, sanitation and nematode management remain important components of integrated disease management, Syngenta says resistant genetics offer growers one of the most reliable tools for reducing yield losses. "There is no cure once Fusarium infects a plant, making prevention the most effective strategy," the company noted, emphasizing that resistant varieties help growers minimise disease pressure while maintaining productivity. According to Thomas Dumont, Lettuce Product Specialist Manager at Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, breeding programmes are increasingly focused on combining strong agronomic performance with durable disease resistance. "The main goal for us is to provide the largest genetic chassis and the best resistance traits within our pipeline and our varieties," Dumont said. Innovation across key vegetable crops Syngenta continues to incorporate Fusarium resistance across several commercially important vegetable crops. In watermelon, breeding programmes target resistance to Fusarium wilt Race 1, one of the most economically significant diseases affecting production. The company says improved resistance helps maintain plant health and supports higher yield potential. For tomato growers, Fusarium-resistant rootstocks have become an important component of yield protection strategies, particularly in intensive production systems where soil-borne diseases can persist across multiple growing seasons. In lettuce, although downy mildew remains the dominant disease concern in many regions, Fusarium wilt has emerged as an increasing challenge, prompting continued investment in resistant breeding lines. Early detection remains critical Alongside resistant varieties, Syngenta encourages growers to maintain regular field scouting, particularly during hot weather when Fusarium symptoms become more visible. Early warning signs include yellowing leaves, one-sided wilting and vascular browning inside the stem. Removing infected plants promptly and confirming diagnosis through plant pathology testing can help limit disease spread and improve long-term field management. Meeting future production challengesAs climate variability, continuous cropping and soil health challenges increase disease pressure across vegetable production systems, seed companies are placing greater emphasis on genetics as a sustainable solution. For Syngenta, continued investment in resistance breeding reflects a broader industry shift towards integrated crop protection strategies that combine genetics, agronomy and precision crop management to improve resilience while reducing dependence on chemical interventions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4304/yara-posts-strong-q2-profit-as-higher-fertilizer-margins-offset-market-volatility.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4304/yara-posts-strong-q2-profit-as-higher-fertilizer-margins-offset-market-volatility.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:17:50 +0530 Global crop nutrition company Yara International reported a strong second quarter for 2026, driven by higher fertilizer margins, disciplined operations and resilient production, even as geopolitical tensions and volatile nitrogen markets delayed seasonal demand. The company posted EBITDA excluding special items of $906 million, up from $652 million in the same period last year, while net income rose to $545 million, compared with $413 million a year earlier. Despite uncertainty across global fertilizer markets, Yara said its diversified downstream network and operational flexibility enabled it to maintain strong production levels while optimizing sales volumes. "Yara delivered higher margins and strong returns in a market characterized by heightened price and demand volatility. While market uncertainty led to reduced purchasing activity due to delayed demand for the new season, we continued to leverage our global downstream presence to optimize volumes and maintain strong production levels. This demonstrates the resilience and flexibility of Yara's business model," said Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer. Middle East tensions reshape fertilizer markets The conflict in the Middle East emerged as one of the defining factors influencing fertilizer markets during the quarter. According to Yara, disruptions linked to the temporary blockage of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a sharp spike in global urea prices toward the end of Europe's fertilizer buying season. While the price surge and market uncertainty initially caused buyers to delay purchases for the upcoming season, the company noted that purchasing activity began recovering across major markets in July as inventories remained unusually low. Yara cautioned that renewed geopolitical tensions in the region continue to pose supply risks for the next planting season but believes its diversified global footprint positions it well to respond to shifting demand and pricing dynamics. Acquisition strengthens long-term strategy Alongside its quarterly performance, Yara announced the acquisition of Gulf Coast Ammonia, a move the company described as a significant milestone in its long-term strategy to improve production economics while reducing dependence on European natural gas markets. The acquisition will create a more balanced energy portfolio by giving Yara equal exposure to European and U.S. gas markets, enhancing both operational flexibility and cost competitiveness. "The announced acquisition of the Gulf Coast Ammonia plant marks an important milestone in delivering on Yara's strategy. It strengthens our ammonia cost position, enhances both strategic and operational flexibility, and supports long-term value creation," Holsether said.He added that the investment reflects the company's disciplined approach to capital allocation while supporting future shareholder returns. Integration and outlook The acquisition remains subject to customary regulatory approvals. Once completed, Yara plans to focus on integrating the facility into its global production network while continuing to deliver on its previously announced EBITDA improvement targets. With fertilizer markets expected to remain influenced by geopolitical developments and energy price fluctuations, Yara believes its diversified business model and strategic investments leave it well positioned to navigate volatility while creating long-term value for customers and shareholders. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4272/topsoe-sasol-to-power-canadian-saf-venture-with-integrated-gas-to-liquids-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4272/topsoe-sasol-to-power-canadian-saf-venture-with-integrated-gas-to-liquids-technology.html Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:02:57 +0530 Topsoe and Sasol have been selected as the technology partners for a commercial sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Canada, signing a single-point licensing agreement with SUSTAERO to deploy an integrated gas-to-liquids (G2L) technology platform for the company's flagship production facility. The agreement brings together Topsoe's hydrogen production, gas reforming and hydroprocessing technologies with Sasol's globally established Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and product upgrading capabilities, creating a fully integrated technology package designed to enhance project efficiency, reduce execution risks and improve commercial viability. Once fully commissioned, the facility is expected to produce approximately 3,200 barrels per day (BPD) of sustainable aviation fuel, with engineering provisions allowing production capacity to expand to nearly three times its initial output as market demand grows. The collaboration underscores increasing industry preference for commercially validated technology platforms capable of accelerating the scale-up of SAF manufacturing while strengthening long-term energy security through diversified, low-carbon fuel supply chains. Yassir Ghiyati, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, said the partnership reflects the industry's growing focus on deploying proven technologies that can accelerate commercialization of renewable aviation fuels. "We are proud to partner with SUSTAERO on this important project and to provide the technologies needed to help bring it to life. Sustainable aviation fuel will play a critical role in supporting aviation's transition to lower-emission fuels, and projects like this demonstrate how proven technologies and strong collaboration can accelerate the commercialization of renewable fuels at scale," he said. Sarushen Pillay, Executive Vice President – Business Building, Strategy and Technology at Sasol, said the company's integrated Fischer-Tropsch technology platform would enhance project bankability while maximizing operational performance and product yields. "SUSTAERO's decision reinforces the commercial strength of Sasol's Fischer-Tropsch technology, which has established itself as one of the world's most reliable and scalable gas-to-liquids platforms. Combined with Topsoe's process technologies, our long-standing collaboration delivers an integrated licensing model that significantly de-risks complex energy transition projects," he said. Keith Gillard, Chief Executive Officer of SUSTAERO, said integrating the partners' technologies into the company's proprietary Syngas Optimization for Aviation Renewables (SOAR) architecture would strengthen both technical performance and investment confidence. "This partnership positions SUSTAERO at the forefront of aviation's transition towards secure, sustainable and low-carbon fuels while leveraging the expertise of two globally recognized pioneers in gas-to-liquids technology," Gillard said. The agreement comes amid rapidly expanding global demand for sustainable aviation fuel as governments, airlines and fuel producers intensify efforts to decarbonise one of the world's most emissions-intensive transport sectors. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global SAF production is projected to reach 1.9 million tonnes in 2025, almost doubling from 1 million tonnes produced in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for commercial-scale production capacity supported by proven technology and long-term investment. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4284/bioworks-targets-early-season-crop-performance-with-new-greenspring-fertilizer.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4284/bioworks-targets-early-season-crop-performance-with-new-greenspring-fertilizer.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:55:18 +0530 Biological crop protection specialist BioWorks Inc. has expanded its plant health portfolio with the launch of GreenSpring, a mixed-mineral liquid fertilizer developed to improve crop establishment, root development and nutrient efficiency during the most critical stages of early plant growth. The product is designed to complement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes by delivering targeted nutrition that strengthens crop resilience while supporting season-long productivity. Developed for use across field crops, protected cultivation systems and nursery production, GreenSpring combines nitrogen, sulphur, molybdenum and zinc to promote vigorous root initiation and early vegetative growth. By improving nutrient availability during periods of active root development, the formulation aims to enhance crop establishment while increasing tolerance to abiotic stress conditions that often limit early-season performance. Unlike conventional fertility products that primarily focus on nutrient supplementation, GreenSpring has been formulated to improve nutrient use efficiency by synchronising nutrient delivery with periods of peak physiological activity. The product also supports healthier rhizosphere conditions, encouraging stronger root architecture and improved soil biological activity that contribute to sustained plant vigour throughout the growing season. The fertilizer is compatible with a broad range of production systems, including open-field agriculture, greenhouses, high tunnels and nursery operations, and is recommended for ornamental, fruit and vegetable crops. BioWorks recommends application at planting or during early vegetative development, with repeated treatments at seven-day intervals to maintain consistent nutrient availability during crop establishment. According to the company, GreenSpring performs most effectively under conditions that favour active root growth and microbial activity, including adequate soil moisture and moderate temperatures. By improving early-season plant health, the product is expected to increase the effectiveness of integrated crop management programmes while strengthening crop performance under both biotic and abiotic stress. Commenting on the launch, Chris Rose, General Manager, BioWorks, said the product was developed to strengthen crop performance from the earliest stages of growth. "GreenSpring was developed to help growers establish healthier crops from the very beginning of the season. By improving nutrient availability during critical early growth stages, GreenSpring gives growers an important tool to maximize plant performance and support season-long success." Field evaluations have demonstrated encouraging agronomic benefits across multiple crops. In wine grape trials conducted at three locations, GreenSpring increased yields by an average of 11 per cent. Corn evaluations also recorded yield improvements of approximately 5 bushels per acre over untreated plots. When used alongside BioWorks' RootShield®, containing Trichoderma T-22, yield gains increased to 10 bushels per acre, highlighting the potential synergy between biological crop protection and targeted nutritional management. The launch reinforces BioWorks' strategy of integrating biological technologies with precision nutrition to help growers improve crop productivity while advancing more sustainable production systems. As growers increasingly seek solutions that optimise inputs without compromising environmental stewardship, products combining plant nutrition with biological performance are expected to play an expanding role in modern crop management. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4259/verdesian-strengthens-biostimulant-credentials-as-independent-certification-validates-crop-performance-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4259/verdesian-strengthens-biostimulant-credentials-as-independent-certification-validates-crop-performance-technology.html Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:03:17 +0530 Verdesian Life Sciences has secured independent certification for one of its flagship biostimulant technologies, reinforcing the industry's growing emphasis on scientifically validated crop inputs amid rising climate-related production risks. The company's foliar biostimulant formulation has been certified under The Fertilizer Institute's (TFI) Certified Biostimulant Program, confirming that the product meets established standards for efficacy, safety and composition following an independent technical evaluation. The recognition marks Verdesian's third certification under the programme, adding to two previously certified products and strengthening its portfolio of independently validated biological solutions. The certification comes at a time when growers are increasingly seeking technologies capable of mitigating the effects of drought, heat and other abiotic stresses that continue to threaten crop productivity across major agricultural regions. Industry observers view third-party validation as an important differentiator in the rapidly expanding global biostimulant market, where product performance and scientific substantiation have become key purchasing considerations. According to the company, the certified foliar nutrition technology has been commercially deployed for approximately 15 years and has demonstrated consistent field performance across diverse crops, production environments and geographies. Applied during key crop growth stages, the technology is designed to enhance photosynthetic efficiency, improve nutrient utilisation and strengthen the plant's antioxidant defence system, thereby supporting yield stability and crop quality under environmental stress. Verdesian said the product was developed through extensive research in plant physiology and stress-response biology, with multiple biological pathways aimed at strengthening the plant's natural mechanisms for coping with adverse growing conditions. Company scientists noted that understanding how plants respond to environmental stress remains central to developing next-generation crop technologies capable of improving resilience without increasing chemical inputs. They added that the independent certification reflects the depth of scientific research underpinning the product's development. The company's leadership said the certification provides growers and agricultural retailers with greater confidence in adopting technologies that have undergone external verification, particularly as farming operations face mounting pressure to improve productivity while navigating increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The TFI Certified Biostimulant Program was established to introduce greater transparency and consistency within the biostimulant sector by setting recognised benchmarks for product composition, safety and demonstrated performance. The programme aims to support informed decision-making across the agricultural value chain while encouraging broader adoption of science-based sustainable crop production technologies.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4246/fmc-advances-dual-mode-herbicide-as-weed-resistance-intensifies.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4246/fmc-advances-dual-mode-herbicide-as-weed-resistance-intensifies.html Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:39:28 +0530 FMC Corporation has taken a significant step toward commercialising its latest herbicide innovation by submitting the first global regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The filing marks the inaugural regulatory submission for the active ingredient and covers its proposed use across corn, soybean, sunflower and selected pulse crops. The submission represents a major milestone in FMC's crop protection innovation strategy as growers worldwide grapple with the rapid spread of herbicide-resistant weeds. Developed over more than a decade at the company's Stine Research Center, rimisoxafen introduces a new approach to weed management by combining two distinct modes of action within a single active ingredient—a first for the global herbicide industry. According to FMC, rimisoxafen has been classified by the Global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as the first herbicide active ingredient with a dual mode of action, falling under HRAC Groups 12 and 32. By targeting two separate biochemical pathways in weeds, the technology is designed to slow the development of resistance compared with conventional single-mode herbicides, an increasingly important consideration as resistant weed populations continue to expand. The launch pipeline comes at a critical time for U.S. agriculture. Herbicide-resistant weeds remain one of the most pressing agronomic challenges facing growers, particularly in soybean production. A 2025 survey by the Weed Science Society of America identified Palmer amaranth and waterhemp as the most problematic broadleaf weeds in the country, both of which demonstrated consistent control during extensive field and greenhouse evaluations of rimisoxafen. The commercial opportunity is equally significant. The United States cultivates more than 70 million hectares of corn and soybeans annually, with growers collectively spending in excess of $6 billion each year on weed management solutions. New herbicide technologies capable of extending resistance management are expected to play an increasingly important role as existing chemistries lose effectiveness. Rimisoxafen is the third novel herbicide active ingredient that FMC has advanced into the regulatory review process in recent years, following Isoflex active and Dodhylex active. The latest submission reinforces the company's strategy of strengthening its innovation pipeline through proprietary chemistry aimed at addressing emerging resistance challenges and supporting long-term crop productivity. Beyond the United States, FMC plans to seek regulatory approvals for rimisoxafen across additional agricultural markets and crop segments as part of its global commercialisation programme. The company noted that the active ingredient has not yet been approved for sale or use in any country, with commercial availability dependent on regulatory clearances in each jurisdiction. The EPA submission underscores a broader shift in the crop protection industry, where innovation is increasingly focused on developing differentiated modes of action rather than incremental improvements to existing chemistries. As weed resistance continues to erode the effectiveness of conventional herbicides, technologies capable of delivering multiple mechanisms of control are expected to become central to future weed management strategies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4242/capital-city-fruit-achieves-farm-to-retail-traceability-with-repositraks-touchless-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4242/capital-city-fruit-achieves-farm-to-retail-traceability-with-repositraks-touchless-technology.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:02:58 +0530 Capital City Fruit has become the first fresh produce distributor to implement farm-to-retail touchless traceability across its distribution centre operations, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of food supply chains. The achievement, enabled through the ReposiTrak Traceability Network, allows the company to maintain end-to-end product traceability without relying on manual case-level scanning or introducing additional labour-intensive processes. The implementation positions the Iowa-based produce distributor at the forefront of supply chain transparency as the food industry prepares for stricter traceability requirements under the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204. As a grower, shipper, repacker and supply chain service provider, Capital City Fruit handles large volumes of fresh fruits and vegetables through complex distribution networks. Traditionally, maintaining traceability across distribution centres has required extensive barcode scanning during receiving, storage, order picking and shipping—processes that often increase labour costs and disrupt operational efficiency. ReposiTrak's Touchless Traceability platform eliminates these bottlenecks by automatically linking supplier-generated traceability records with product movement data generated within distribution centres. The system creates the required traceability events digitally as products move through the warehouse, removing the need for manual intervention while ensuring regulatory compliance. The technology has been designed to help food businesses meet upcoming FSMA 204 requirements without fundamentally changing existing warehouse workflows or investing in additional scanning infrastructure. A critical component of the project was supplier integration. ReposiTrak worked directly with Capital City Fruit's supplier network to establish digital connectivity, map traceability data, configure reporting protocols and provide technical training. The company's onboarding specialists also assisted suppliers with limited digital capabilities, reducing implementation complexity for both Capital City Fruit and its trading partners while ensuring consistent data quality throughout the supply chain. According to Randy Fields, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ReposiTrak, the project demonstrates that comprehensive traceability can now be embedded within normal distribution operations rather than treated as a separate compliance exercise. He noted that the company's hands-on supplier onboarding programme significantly reduces the burden on distributors while improving the accuracy and reliability of traceability records. The need for advanced traceability solutions is particularly acute in the fresh produce sector, where highly perishable products, rapid inventory turnover, variable packaging formats and extensive supplier networks create significant challenges for maintaining accurate product records. By automating the collection, validation, linking and retrieval of key traceability information, the ReposiTrak platform aims to improve operational efficiency while strengthening food safety and recall readiness. The ReposiTrak Traceability Network enables growers, suppliers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers to exchange traceability information through a secure, standardised digital platform capable of supporting multiple data formats and varying levels of technological maturity. Automated validation tools, continuous data monitoring and proactive error detection further enhance the quality and integrity of supply chain records. For Capital City Fruit, the implementation represents more than a regulatory compliance milestone. By integrating traceability directly into day-to-day distribution activities, the company has established a scalable model for improving supply chain visibility while minimising operational disruption. The move is expected to strengthen food safety, enhance recall preparedness and support growing retailer and consumer expectations for greater transparency across the fresh produce value chain. With regulatory scrutiny increasing and digital traceability becoming a strategic priority across global food systems, Capital City Fruit's adoption of touchless farm-to-retail traceability signals a broader shift towards technology-driven supply chain management that balances compliance, efficiency and operational resilience. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4232/scanit-launches-ai-powered-sporewarn-network-to-detect-airborne-crop-diseases-before-outbreaks.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4232/scanit-launches-ai-powered-sporewarn-network-to-detect-airborne-crop-diseases-before-outbreaks.html Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:39:31 +0530 Scanit Technologies has introduced the Iowa SporeWarn Network, an artificial intelligence-driven airborne pathogen monitoring service designed to provide growers with early warning of crop diseases before visible symptoms emerge in the field. The new network addresses one of agriculture's longstanding challenges—detecting disease pressure during its earliest stages. While conventional forecasting systems estimate disease risk based on weather conditions, the Iowa SporeWarn Network measures the actual presence of airborne pathogens, giving farmers direct insight into evolving disease threats. At the core of the platform is SporeCam, Scanit's autonomous, AI-enabled pathogen detection technology. Installed across agricultural fields in central Iowa, the sensors continuously sample the surrounding air to identify microscopic spores associated with major corn and soybean diseases. The technology enables continuous surveillance of pathogen activity well before infections become visible on crops. By combining real-time airborne pathogen detection with AI-powered analytics, the platform enables growers to distinguish between conditions that merely favor disease development and situations where pathogens are actively present. This additional layer of intelligence is intended to support more precise fungicide application decisions, targeted scouting efforts and improved disease management strategies. Subscribers receive daily updates through an online dashboard featuring pathogen pressure summaries, seven-day trend analyses, disease risk assessments and regional heat maps that visualize changing pathogen activity across monitored areas. The service also delivers concise morning alerts via text message, allowing growers to monitor shifts in disease pressure throughout the growing season. The network currently monitors five economically significant diseases affecting corn and soybeans across nearly 500,000 acres in Iowa's Story, Marshall, Polk and Hardin counties. The monitored diseases include tar spot, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, southern rust and soybean white mold, providing regional intelligence for producers throughout central Iowa. To support field deployment, Scanit has partnered with MaxAg, an independent agricultural services provider headquartered in Maxwell, Iowa. The company oversees monitoring locations, maintains sensor infrastructure and integrates pathogen intelligence with agronomic expertise, helping translate biological data into practical crop management recommendations. Beyond raw pathogen detection, the platform has been designed to simplify interpretation through user-friendly reports, localized agronomic context and educational resources that explain how changing disease pressure should influence scouting priorities and crop protection decisions. In addition to grower subscriptions, Scanit has introduced a business-tier offering for agricultural retailers, crop advisors, non-governmental organizations, drone service providers and other industry stakeholders seeking broader pathogen intelligence across production regions. The company positions the network as a complementary tool to existing weather-based disease forecasting systems by providing direct biological measurements rather than relying solely on environmental conditions. The commercial launch marks another step in the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, autonomous sensing and real-time biological monitoring in precision agriculture. As disease forecasting increasingly shifts toward data-driven decision-making, Scanit plans to expand the SporeWarn Network beyond Iowa, extending airborne pathogen monitoring to additional cropping regions in future seasons. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4198/california-opens-34-mn-dairy-plus-program-to-fund-advanced-manure-management-projects.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4198/california-opens-34-mn-dairy-plus-program-to-fund-advanced-manure-management-projects.html Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:53:22 +0530 California dairy producers are being invited to apply for the third funding round of the Dairy Plus Program (DPP), a major initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced manure management technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental performance across the state's dairy industry. The programme, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability in partnership with the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF), has approximately $34 million available for projects that support innovative manure management practices with multiple environmental benefits. The funding is being provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Advancing Markets for Producers initiative and is intended to help bring emerging technologies to dairy farms of all sizes. The programme focuses on projects that can simultaneously reduce methane emissions, improve groundwater protection and address nitrogen and salt surpluses associated with manure management. Since its launch in 2023, the Dairy Plus Program has supported 34 projects across California. Collectively, these initiatives are expected to reduce more than 1.5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from manure management practices, an environmental impact comparable to removing approximately 355,000 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road. The projects are also anticipated to deliver substantial improvements in nutrient management and water quality outcomes. The latest funding round reflects California's broader efforts to strengthen the sustainability and long-term resilience of its dairy industry, which remains a cornerstone of the state's agricultural economy. Milk is California's largest agricultural commodity, and the state accounts for approximately 18 per cent of total U.S. milk production, making it the country's leading producer of milk and dairy products. According to research conducted by the University of California, Davis, the state's dairy sector generates tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and supports more than 150,000 jobs, underlining the importance of initiatives that help producers adapt to evolving environmental and regulatory requirements. Eligible projects under the Dairy Plus Program include a range of advanced technologies and management approaches, such as vermifiltration systems, advanced solid-liquid separation technologies using flocculants or beads, and both mechanical and non-mechanical systems designed to separate manure solids from water. By supporting the deployment of next-generation manure management technologies, the programme seeks to accelerate practical solutions that can improve environmental stewardship while enhancing the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of California's dairy sector. Industry stakeholders view the initiative as an important opportunity for dairy producers considering investments in new technologies and nutrient management systems. The funding is expected to encourage wider adoption of innovative practices that can help producers address environmental challenges while improving operational efficiency and resource management. The third solicitation of the Dairy Plus Program further reinforces California's position as a leader in agricultural sustainability initiatives and highlights the growing role of climate-smart technologies in shaping the future of dairy production. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4195/washington-state-university-researchers-take-major-step-toward-replacing-synthetic-nitrogen-fertilisers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4195/washington-state-university-researchers-take-major-step-toward-replacing-synthetic-nitrogen-fertilisers.html Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:32:14 +0530 Scientists at Washington State University (WSU) have achieved a major breakthrough in the effort to develop biological alternatives to synthetic nitrogen fertilisers by successfully transferring a complete set of nitrogen-fixing genes from rhizobia into bacteria that were previously unable to capture atmospheric nitrogen. The research, published in May 2026, centres on a large genetic region known as the "symbiosis island," which enables rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant nutrients and establish beneficial relationships with plant roots. The study represents one of the most significant advances in microbial engineering aimed at extending the benefits of biological nitrogen fixation beyond the limited range of crops that naturally host nitrogen-fixing bacteria. A longstanding challenge in the field has been the difficulty of transferring complex clusters of nitrogen-fixing genes between bacterial species. The WSU team addressed this hurdle by developing a new genetic transfer system that significantly improves the efficiency of moving the entire symbiosis island into other microbes, creating a platform for engineering new nitrogen-fixing partnerships. Following the genetic transfer, researchers conducted millions of bacterial-plant interactions to evaluate how the engineered microbes behaved in association with host plants. The experiments showed that many of the modified bacterial strains were able to establish successful relationships with plants, with the majority of these interactions proving either beneficial or neutral rather than harmful. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that newly evolved microbial partnerships generally begin as parasitic relationships before eventually becoming mutually beneficial. Instead, the study suggests that engineered symbioses can emerge without imposing significant costs on host plants, potentially accelerating the development of useful agricultural applications. The research also revealed that bacterial species more closely related to naturally nitrogen-fixing rhizobia were more likely to acquire functional symbiotic capabilities after receiving the transferred genes. This insight could help guide future efforts to identify suitable microbial candidates for engineering biological nitrogen fixation systems. Led by Stephanie Porter, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Washington State University, the study demonstrates the feasibility of expanding nitrogen-fixing capabilities through engineered microbial communities and represents an important step toward reducing agriculture's reliance on synthetic nitrogen inputs. However, researchers caution that commercial applications remain several years away. Extending biological nitrogen fixation to major cereal crops such as wheat, corn and rice will require not only engineered bacteria capable of fixing nitrogen but also crop varieties equipped with the molecular mechanisms necessary to recognise and support these microbial partners. Despite these challenges, the breakthrough is being viewed as an important milestone in the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, which account for a significant share of agricultural production costs and are also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. If successfully developed, engineered nitrogen-fixing systems could transform nutrient management in agriculture by reducing dependence on energy-intensive fertiliser production and lowering the environmental footprint of crop cultivation. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4193/new-u-s-policy-connects-regenerative-farming-with-expanding-biofuel-demand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4193/new-u-s-policy-connects-regenerative-farming-with-expanding-biofuel-demand.html Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:20:41 +0530 The Trump administration has moved to strengthen the connection between regenerative farming and the expanding biofuels sector, with President Donald Trump signing an executive order to advance regenerative agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introducing a new framework aimed at creating premium markets for lower-carbon feedstocks. At the centre of the initiative is the USDA's newly finalised Regenerative Feedstock Rule, which establishes a national system for certifying and marketing agricultural commodities produced using regenerative practices. The framework is designed to enable producers of corn, soybeans, sorghum and spring canola to supply lower-carbon-intensity feedstocks to biofuel manufacturers, thereby creating an economic incentive for the adoption of climate-friendly farming practices. The administration has positioned the policy as a market-driven approach that rewards farmers for improving environmental outcomes rather than relying on regulatory mandates. By creating differentiated markets for feedstocks with lower carbon footprints, the programme seeks to provide producers with opportunities to secure premium pricing while simultaneously supporting domestic biofuel production and improving farm profitability. The new rule introduces standards governing crop eligibility, field-level carbon intensity measurement, traceability requirements and chain-of-custody protocols. It also establishes guidelines for auditing and verification to ensure that claims regarding regenerative practices and emissions reductions can be independently validated. Alongside the rule, the USDA has released an updated Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator that allows farmers to estimate the emissions benefits associated with various regenerative practices, including cover cropping, conservation tillage and improved nutrient management. The tool is intended to help producers quantify the carbon performance of their crops and demonstrate their eligibility for premium biofuel markets. The initiative could have significant implications for the U.S. agricultural and biofuels sectors given the scale of feedstock production already linked to renewable fuel manufacturing. According to USDA estimates, around 6 billion bushels of corn are used annually for ethanol production in the United States. The agency also noted that a majority of corn growers already employ at least one regenerative farming practice, suggesting that a substantial portion of existing production could potentially qualify under the new framework. Similarly, soybean production for biofuel applications represents another major opportunity. Approximately 1.8 billion bushels of soybeans are produced each year for biofuel markets, and a large share of soybean producers already utilise at least one regenerative practice. USDA expects participation in the programme to expand as producers increasingly seek access to premium markets for lower-carbon feedstocks. The policy forms part of a broader effort by the administration to strengthen domestic biofuel supply chains while encouraging agricultural practices that improve soil health, reduce input requirements and enhance long-term farm resilience. By linking regenerative agriculture directly with biofuel demand, the framework seeks to create a commercial pathway through which environmental stewardship can translate into additional revenue opportunities for U.S. farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4189/flagship-pioneering-launches-terion-to-build-digital-infrastructure-for-future-of-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4189/flagship-pioneering-launches-terion-to-build-digital-infrastructure-for-future-of-agriculture.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:25:55 +0530 ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4170/texas-tech-and-pau-turn-to-ai-to-fast-track-next-gen-climate-resilient-crops.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4170/texas-tech-and-pau-turn-to-ai-to-fast-track-next-gen-climate-resilient-crops.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:33:09 +0530 As climate volatility intensifies pressure on global food systems, scientists are increasingly looking beyond traditional crop breeding methods to accelerate the development of more resilient food crops. A new transcontinental partnership between Texas Tech University and Punjab Agricultural University is betting that artificial intelligence may provide the breakthrough plant breeders have been searching for. The two institutions have launched a major research initiative designed to transform wheat and rice breeding through the integration of artificial intelligence, remote sensing, machine learning and advanced crop analytics. The project, titled AI-enabled high-throughput phenotyping for accelerated breeding in wheat and rice, seeks to dramatically shorten the time required to identify crop varieties capable of thriving under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. Supported by India's Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), the initiative reflects a growing global trend: the convergence of agriculture and artificial intelligence as researchers race to strengthen food security in the face of climate stress, water scarcity and rising temperatures. At the center of the collaboration is the development of an AI-integrated high-throughput phenotyping platform capable of evaluating thousands of crop breeding lines at a scale and speed that would be impossible through conventional field assessments. Using multispectral imaging, thermal sensing technologies, field-based sensors and machine learning algorithms, researchers will be able to capture and analyze critical plant traits with unprecedented precision. For plant breeders, phenotyping—the process of measuring observable plant characteristics such as growth, stress tolerance and yield potential—has traditionally been one of the most time-consuming stages of crop development. The new platform aims to automate much of that process, enabling scientists to identify superior wheat and rice varieties more rapidly while reducing labor-intensive field evaluations. The collaboration combines complementary strengths from both countries. Texas Tech researchers bring expertise in artificial intelligence, drone-based remote sensing, geospatial analytics and crop stress physiology, while Punjab Agricultural University contributes decades of experience in wheat and rice breeding, genetics and crop improvement. Together, the teams are attempting to build a data-driven breeding ecosystem capable of accelerating innovation in two of the world's most important staple crops. The significance of the initiative extends beyond academic research. Wheat and rice collectively provide a substantial share of global caloric intake, making their resilience increasingly critical as climate-related stresses affect agricultural productivity across major growing regions. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and water shortages are forcing breeding programs worldwide to develop crops that can maintain yields under harsher conditions. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool in that effort. By processing massive volumes of field data generated through sensors and imaging systems, machine learning models can identify patterns and predict plant performance far more quickly than traditional evaluation methods. Researchers believe this capability could fundamentally reshape how breeding programs operate in the coming decade. The project also places significant emphasis on capacity building and scientific exchange. Graduate students from Punjab Agricultural University will undertake funded research residencies at Texas Tech, receiving specialized training in AI-enabled phenotyping, drone technologies, geospatial analytics and machine learning applications for agriculture. Meanwhile, Texas Tech researchers will conduct workshops, demonstrations and collaborative field activities in India aimed at helping plant breeders integrate emerging technologies into crop improvement programs. More than 20 scientists and doctoral researchers are expected to receive advanced training through the initiative, creating a new generation of agricultural researchers equipped to work at the intersection of plant science, data analytics and artificial intelligence. Beyond developing new crop varieties, the collaboration is expected to generate a suite of digital agricultural tools, including open-access datasets, AI-powered decision-support systems, prototype phenotyping technologies, scientific publications and training resources that can be shared with breeding programs globally. The project underscores a broader transformation underway in agricultural research. As the challenges facing global food production become increasingly complex, scientific institutions are moving toward multidisciplinary approaches that combine biological sciences with advanced computing, data science and automation. For Texas Tech and Punjab Agricultural University, the partnership represents more than a research collaboration. It is a strategic investment in the future of crop improvement—one that recognizes that feeding a growing global population will depend not only on better genetics, but also on smarter technologies capable of accelerating discovery. As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important tool in agriculture, initiatives such as this signal how the next generation of crop breeding may be defined not by years of manual observation, but by algorithms, sensors and predictive analytics working alongside plant scientists to deliver climate-ready crops faster than ever before.       ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4130/why-americas-largest-food-assistance-program-is-trapped-between-waste-incentives-and-politics.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4130/why-americas-largest-food-assistance-program-is-trapped-between-waste-incentives-and-politics.html Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:29:47 +0530 The battle over SNAP is no longer simply about welfare spending. It is about incentives, federalism and whether America’s anti-hunger safety net can remain effective without becoming fiscally unaccountable The debate surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has long been framed as a contest between compassion and fiscal discipline. One side views food assistance as an indispensable safeguard against hunger and poverty. The other points to mounting evidence of payment errors, weak oversight and a system increasingly vulnerable to waste. Yet the latest controversy surrounding SNAP suggests that the programme’s deepest challenge may not be fraud, bureaucracy or inadequate enforcement. Rather, it may be the incentives embedded within its very architecture. Recent analyses from the Cato Institute argue that America’s largest food assistance programme suffers from a structural accountability deficit. Whether examining state-level manipulation of payment error rates, congressional reform proposals, or debates over mass recertification, the central conclusion remains remarkably consistent: states administer SNAP, but Washington finances almost all of it. Responsibility and accountability have become divorced from one another. The implications extend far beyond technical discussions about welfare administration. They touch upon fundamental questions of governance, federalism and the long-term sustainability of one of the largest social programmes in the United States. A $100 Billion Programme with a Growing Integrity Challenge SNAP has expanded into one of the most significant pillars of the American welfare state. Federal spending on the programme reached approximately $100 billion in fiscal year 2024, providing food assistance to tens of millions of Americans. Yet concerns about programme integrity have grown alongside its size. According to estimates cited by Cato Institute researchers, improper payments amounted to roughly $10.5 billion annually. Importantly, improper payments do not necessarily imply fraud. They include overpayments, underpayments, eligibility errors, reporting inaccuracies and administrative mistakes. Nonetheless, the scale of the problem is difficult to dismiss. When nearly one-tenth of programme expenditures are classified as improper, policymakers inevitably begin asking whether the problem lies not merely in execution but in the design of the system itself. The answer, critics argue, lies in SNAP’s unusual division of responsibilities. State governments process applications, determine eligibility, conduct interviews and administer benefits. However, while states share some administrative costs, the federal government covers 100 per cent of SNAP benefit expenditures. This creates what economists describe as a classic moral hazard problem: the entity making decisions does not fully bear the consequences of those decisions. The Incentive Problem at the Heart of SNAP Imagine a bank empowered to issue loans while another institution absorbs all potential losses. Lending standards would almost certainly weaken because the consequences of poor decisions would be borne elsewhere. Critics contend that SNAP operates according to a similar logic. State agencies incur costs when conducting rigorous eligibility reviews, strengthening verification systems or investigating questionable claims. These activities require staff, technology and administrative investment. Yet the financial benefits generated by preventing improper payments flow primarily to federal taxpayers rather than state budgets. The result is a system in which states often possess stronger incentives to maximise enrolment and minimise administrative burdens than to aggressively police payment accuracy. For decades, this tension remained largely academic. Increasingly, however, it is becoming visible in policy outcomes. The Alaska Carveout and the Politics of Unintended Consequences The clearest illustration emerged from provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which introduced a new cost-sharing mechanism intended to strengthen accountability. Beginning in fiscal year 2028, states with SNAP payment error rates exceeding six per cent would be required to absorb between five and fifteen per cent of programme benefit costs. The principle was simple: if states bore some financial consequences for administrative failures, they would have stronger incentives to improve performance. However, lawmakers also inserted what became known as the "Alaska Carveout." The provision granted temporary relief to states with exceptionally high error rates, ostensibly providing additional time to improve programme administration before financial penalties took effect. What appeared politically expedient soon revealed itself as economically problematic. As Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, argues: "Nearly 1 of every 9 dollars spent on SNAP was paid improperly in fiscal year 2025. The OBBBA aimed to address this by requiring states to foot the bill for some of the SNAP benefits they provide if their payment error rates exceed 6 percent. The Alaska Carveout, however, inadvertently incentivizes the very failure the reform was meant to correct. It was a last-minute provision shoehorned into the bill to get it past the Senate. In theory, it was meant to give states with the highest improper payments more time to reduce their error rates. In practice, it weakens OBBBA's reforms, rewards the worst-performing states while penalizing those making good-faith efforts to reduce their payment errors, and delays the spending reductions meant to offset the bill's tax cuts. Officials from some states are even keeping their error rates elevated to qualify for the temporary exemption." The irony is striking. A reform designed to reward accuracy and accountability may have created incentives to preserve poor performance. States approaching the exemption threshold suddenly found themselves confronting a perverse calculation: improve too quickly and incur financial obligations; remain above the threshold and continue enjoying temporary protection. Reports emerging from several jurisdictions suggested that officials became acutely aware of these distorted incentives. Whether such behaviour proves widespread is almost secondary to the broader lesson. Once policy rewards failure and penalises improvement, dysfunctional outcomes become entirely predictable. Beyond Bad Actors: A Structural Problem For Romina, the Alaska Carveout merely exposes a deeper flaw. As she argues: "However, this problem runs deeper than a few bad actors. SNAP's integrity problems are the predictable result of a financing structure in which states administer the program while federal taxpayers cover nearly all its costs. States have little incentive to police improper payments when the costs of mismanagement fall on someone else, and the exploitation of the Alaska Carveout is only the latest example of this moral hazard problem. Taxpayers should demand greater accountability for where their money goes, and pushing for Congress to eliminate provisions like the Alaska Carveout is a good place to start. A better fix is for Congress to end federal funding for SNAP and leave nutrition assistance to state and local governments. States that choose to run such programs would answer directly to the constituents funding them, who are far better positioned to hold them accountable." Her argument reflects a broader public-choice critique of welfare administration: institutions respond to incentives, not intentions. The Alaska Carveout did not create the underlying problem. It merely exposed the contradictions already embedded within the programme. Why Mass Recertification May Miss the Point Against this backdrop, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins proposed a sweeping recertification initiative requiring all SNAP beneficiaries to reapply for benefits. The proposal generated immediate political attention because it appeared to offer a direct response to concerns about programme integrity. Yet critics argued that mass recertification risks confusing symptoms with causes. SNAP already contains recertification requirements. Beneficiaries periodically update information regarding income, employment status, household composition and residency. States already possess the authority and mechanisms necessary to verify eligibility. The challenge is often not the absence of rules but the inconsistent enforcement of existing ones. Requiring millions of beneficiaries to repeat processes already mandated by law could generate significant administrative burdens without fundamentally addressing the incentive structures that contribute to payment errors in the first place. Even the most rigorous verification system struggles when institutional incentives discourage aggressive oversight. The Republican Reform Agenda Recognising these concerns, Republican lawmakers have increasingly focused on broader structural reforms. Proposals include strengthening interstate data sharing through the National Accuracy Clearinghouse, tightening eligibility verification, reducing tolerance thresholds for payment errors, restricting certain categories of eligibility and requiring greater state financial participation. Supporters argue these measures would improve accountability, reduce improper payments and restore public confidence in the programme. Critics counter that excessive emphasis on error reduction risks creating barriers for genuinely eligible households, particularly vulnerable populations that already face administrative hurdles. Both arguments contain merit. Administrative integrity and programme accessibility are not mutually exclusive goals, but balancing them remains politically difficult. The more fundamental question is whether improved administration alone can resolve problems that originate in programme design. Increasingly, many reform advocates believe it cannot. The Federalism Debate Re-emerges At its core, the SNAP controversy has evolved into a debate about federalism itself. Should food assistance remain a federally financed entitlement administered by states? Or should states assume greater financial responsibility for programmes they operate? Advocates of decentralisation argue that accountability improves when decision-makers directly bear the fiscal consequences of their choices. Under such a model, states would possess stronger incentives to prevent waste, strengthen verification systems and innovate in programme administration. Yet decentralisation introduces its own risks. States vary significantly in fiscal capacity, administrative competence and political priorities. Wealthier states may sustain generous programmes during economic downturns, while poorer states could struggle precisely when assistance is most needed. One of SNAP’s traditional strengths has been its ability to expand automatically during recessions when state budgets are under severe pressure. A fully decentralised system might enhance accountability while weakening uniformity and crisis responsiveness. The tension between these objectives remains unresolved. The Politics of Accountability The SNAP debate also illuminates a recurring reality of public policy. Politicians routinely promise to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. Yet such promises often underestimate the extent to which institutions adapt to incentives. The Alaska Carveout offers a textbook example. What began as a political compromise designed to facilitate legislative passage ultimately altered behavioural incentives across the system. States responded rationally to the signals embedded within the policy. This phenomenon extends far beyond SNAP. It appears whenever governments separate authority from responsibility, decision-making from accountability, or spending decisions from financial consequences. Successful reform therefore requires more than new regulations or additional paperwork. It requires institutions that align incentives with desired outcomes. A Programme at a Crossroads America’s largest food assistance programme now stands at a crossroads. The status quo continues to provide critical support to millions of households while struggling with persistent accountability concerns. Reform efforts promise greater fiscal discipline but risk introducing new administrative complexities and political controversies. Neither path offers an uncomplicated solution. Maintaining current arrangements risks perpetuating the very incentive failures that undermine public confidence. Yet radical decentralisation could create disparities that weaken the programme’s ability to function as a national safety net. The real challenge is not choosing between compassion and accountability. It is designing a system in which the two reinforce rather than undermine one another. The recent controversies surrounding SNAP suggest that the programme’s difficulties stem less from isolated instances of fraud than from deeper structural contradictions. States administer the programme. Federal taxpayers finance it. And accountability remains suspended somewhere in between. Until policymakers confront that underlying reality, debates over recertification, payment errors and programme integrity are likely to remain trapped in a cycle of temporary fixes and recurring controversies. The future of SNAP may ultimately depend not on how many audits are conducted or how many forms beneficiaries complete, but on whether responsibility and consequences can finally be brought back into alignment. For in public policy, as in economics, incentives are rarely defeated by good intentions. They merely wait to reveal themselves. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4025/switch-bioworks-advances-novel-microbial-fertilizer-into-first-in-class-field-trials.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4025/switch-bioworks-advances-novel-microbial-fertilizer-into-first-in-class-field-trials.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:27:47 +0530 Amid global concern over rising fertilizer costs, supply chain fragility, and environmental impact, Switch Bioworks advances field trials of a new generation of fertilizer produced by living microbes directly on plant roots Switch Bioworks, a biotechnology company focused on sustainable fertilizer innovation, has announced the launch of field trials for its novel microbial fertilizer following authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Microbial fertilizers utilize living microbes to capture nitrogen from the atmosphere and deliver it directly to crops, offering farmers an alternative to conventional nitrogen fertilizers produced using natural gas. Switch Bioworks’ technology introduces a new approach centered on a genetically encoded switch designed to overcome a long-standing biological limitation that has constrained microbial fertilizer performance. The advanced research and development field trials will focus initially on corn, the largest crop grown in the United States, and will be conducted across multiple agricultural sites throughout the U.S. Midwest. Data generated through the trials will support optimization of the company’s microbial discovery and engineering platform, originally developed from research at Stanford University, under real-world agricultural conditions. Nitrogen fertilizer remains a cornerstone of modern agriculture, yet conventional production depends heavily on fossil fuels and globally concentrated supply chains. These dependencies have exposed farmers to significant market volatility and price fluctuations. Switch Bioworks aims to address these challenges by replacing fertilizer produced in industrial chemical facilities with precision-engineered microbes capable of drawing nitrogen directly from the air, converting it into ammonia, and delivering it at the root zone where crops can readily utilize it. The company’s microbial fertilizer is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing planting equipment and farming practices, minimizing barriers to adoption for growers. The announcement comes amid heightened concerns over fertilizer affordability and supply chain security. Recent federal initiatives, including a Trump administration executive order focused on fertilizer and herbicide supply chains and the bipartisan Homegrown Fertilizer Act, have underscored growing recognition that fertilizer availability has become a strategic economic concern for U.S. agriculture. “Securing regulatory approval for field trials is a major milestone for Switch Bioworks,” said Tim Schnabel, Founder and CEO of Switch Bioworks. “Microbial fertilizer has long faced a fundamental biological challenge: microbes need energy to multiply on plant roots, and they need energy to produce fertilizer. It’s impossible to do both things at the same time—you cannot spend the same energy twice. Our approach is designed to let the microbes first establish themselves reliably on plant roots before switching into fertilizer production mode.” The field trials will evaluate the consistency with which the engineered microbes colonize crop roots and activate nitrogen production under commercial farming conditions. The program will also help refine performance across different genetic switch architectures and microbial production hosts. “Modern agriculture and our global food supply rest on a 100-year-old technology that’s polluting the planet and threatening global food security,” said Gareth Asten, General Partner at Acre Venture Partners. “Reinventing fertilizer is one of the most consequential problems of our time, and Switch is one of the few companies with a real shot at solving it. Field trials are a major milestone on that path.” The trials further reflect growing federal and industry interest in alternatives to conventional fertilizer technologies as concerns mount regarding input costs, environmental sustainability, and supply chain resilience. Switch Bioworks obtained approval for the field trials through established EPA and USDA biotechnology regulatory pathways, which are designed to facilitate the evaluation of advanced agricultural technologies while maintaining rigorous safety standards. The effort aligns with broader federal priorities aimed at reducing production costs, strengthening domestic agricultural resilience, and supporting innovation in biotechnology. Data generated from the field program will support continued product development as Switch Bioworks advances its engineered microbial fertilizer platform toward commercialization, with the goal of strengthening U.S. leadership in both agriculture and biotechnology. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4013/34-7-mn-agnue-program-targets-one-of-agricultures-biggest-efficiency-challenges.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4013/34-7-mn-agnue-program-targets-one-of-agricultures-biggest-efficiency-challenges.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:00:17 +0530 Researchers across the U.S. and Europe will study nitrogen dynamics to develop smarter fertilizer strategies that protect both profitability and the environment In a significant bid to address one of modern agriculture’s most persistent productivity and sustainability challenges, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have unveiled the Agricultural Nitrogen Use Efficiency Platform (AgNUE), a five-year, $34.7 million collaborative research initiative designed to transform how farmers manage nitrogen fertilizer. The programme combines $7.5 million in funding from FFAR with $27.2 million in matching support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, creating an international research network focused on improving nitrogen-use efficiency through extensive field experimentation, advanced monitoring systems, predictive modelling, and artificial intelligence-driven decision support. Nitrogen fertilizer remains indispensable to modern crop production, underpinning the high yields required to feed a growing global population. Yet its management continues to pose a formidable challenge. In many farming systems, fertilizer is routinely applied in excess, driven largely by uncertainty regarding crop requirements and the absence of highly localized management recommendations. Such inefficiencies not only inflate production costs but also contribute to water-quality degradation and increased emissions of nitrous oxide, one of agriculture’s most potent greenhouse gases. The AgNUE initiative seeks to address this challenge by generating an unprecedented understanding of how nitrogen behaves across different soils, climates, and cropping systems. By leveraging cutting-edge measurement technologies and scientific methodologies, researchers aim to uncover the factors that influence nitrogen uptake, movement, and loss within agricultural landscapes. “Farmers need science-based solutions that improve efficiency without sacrificing yields,” said Allison Thomson, Scientific Program Director at Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems. “This collaborative research effort can help generate critical data to inform science-based management strategies that strengthen U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness and protect farmer profitability. Ultimately, AgNUE will help ensure farmers can produce abundant food, lower input costs, and protect their land for generations to come.” The initiative brings together a distinguished consortium of academic institutions from both sides of the Atlantic, including North Carolina State University, the University of Illinois, Colorado State University, and Aarhus University, among others. FFAR’s contribution will specifically support research activities across U.S.-based universities and field sites, ensuring that American growers directly benefit from the programme’s findings. A cornerstone of the project will be the establishment of a network of research locations spanning diverse agroecological environments. These sites will employ sophisticated monitoring technologies to track how nitrogen moves through agricultural systems under varying environmental conditions and management practices. The resulting datasets will feed into next-generation predictive models capable of forecasting nitrogen losses and fertilizer performance with far greater precision than currently possible. Researchers believe that integrating field observations with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence will substantially reduce uncertainty surrounding nutrient management decisions. The ultimate ambition is to provide farmers with more accurate, site-specific recommendations regarding fertilizer rates, application timing, and nutrient stewardship practices. Such tools could simultaneously enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve environmental outcomes. Beyond farm-level decision-making, the knowledge generated through AgNUE is expected to support broader policy development, stimulate innovation across the agricultural technology sector, and accelerate adoption of practices that balance economic performance with environmental responsibility. As global agriculture faces mounting pressure to produce more with fewer resources, the AgNUE platform represents a strategic effort to redefine nitrogen management through data, science, and collaboration—turning one of farming’s most complex variables into a more precise and sustainable instrument for growth. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4007/mississippi-state-university-turns-focus-to-hidden-economics-of-sweet-potatoes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4007/mississippi-state-university-turns-focus-to-hidden-economics-of-sweet-potatoes.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:10:43 +0530 New $1.6 million storage research facility aims to unlock value, reduce losses, and improve profitability across the supply chain Mississippi State University (MSU) is advancing its commitment to specialty crop innovation with the development of a new $1.6 million sweet potato storage research facility at the Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station. The initiative is designed to address one of the industry's most persistent challenges—post-harvest losses that diminish both crop quality and grower returns. Announced during a recent producer engagement meeting, the facility will serve as a dedicated hub for research into storage and curing practices, with the objective of improving yield retention, product quality, and long-term marketability of sweet potatoes. Given that sweet potatoes are routinely stored for several months following harvest, even marginal improvements in storage efficiency can generate significant economic benefits for producers. Speaking on the development, Cory Gallo, Associate Director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), underscored the importance of strengthening post-harvest management systems as a critical component of improving overall production outcomes. Located approximately 30 miles north of Vardaman—widely recognised as the “Sweet Potato Capital of the World”—the Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station occupies a unique position within Mississippi State University's agricultural research network. It is the only MAFES facility dedicated specifically to sweet potato research and serves as one of six Clean Plant Centers within the U.S. National Clean Plant Network for sweet potatoes, supplying virus-tested planting material to growers across the country. The station has also played a pivotal role in advancing clean-plant technologies through initiatives such as the MSU-led CleanSEED Project, a $4.8 million programme funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and launched in 2022 to strengthen disease-free propagation systems. The investment comes at a strategically important time for the industry. Mississippi remains the second-largest sweet potato-producing state in the United States, trailing only North Carolina. The national sweet potato industry is valued at approximately $110 million annually and continues to experience growing demand from both domestic and export markets. While sweet potatoes are not typically associated with high fertiliser inputs compared with major row crops, the new facility complements a broader portfolio of research activities underway at Pontotoc. Current programmes encompass fertiliser management, weed control, irrigation strategies, cover cropping systems, and agronomic research across crops including corn, soybean, cotton, and specialty horticultural commodities. University officials have not yet disclosed a timeline for commissioning the facility, nor have they provided details regarding funding sources or anticipated staffing requirements. However, construction activities are currently underway at the Pontotoc station. The project reflects a growing recognition across the agricultural sector that innovation in post-harvest infrastructure can be as critical to profitability as advancements in crop genetics or field-level agronomy. By focusing on storage efficiency and quality preservation, Mississippi State University aims to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of one of the region’s most economically significant specialty crops. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4005/u-s-soy-strengthens-strategic-ties-with-philippines-amid-rising-feed-demand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/4005/u-s-soy-strengthens-strategic-ties-with-philippines-amid-rising-feed-demand.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:58:15 +0530 Growing soybean meal commitments, a new partnership with PAFMI, and enhanced sustainability initiatives underscore the enduring strength of a 30-year relationship The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) commemorated three decades of partnership between U.S. soybean producers and the Philippines, reaffirming a long-standing relationship that has played a pivotal role in supporting the country's feed milling, livestock, poultry and aquaculture industries. The milestone celebration underscored the enduring importance of U.S. Soy in strengthening feed security, improving nutritional standards and fostering innovation across one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing animal protein markets. The anniversary event was held alongside USSEC’s regional Feed Technology and Animal Nutrition Conference, which convened industry leaders, feed manufacturers, nutrition experts, researchers and policymakers from across East Asia to exchange insights on feed innovation, nutritional efficiency and sustainable production practices. Bringing together representatives from government agencies, industry associations, feed companies, technical institutions and U.S. soybean farmers, the programme highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to advancing feed quality, responsible sourcing, supply chain resilience and long-term industry development. A Partnership Anchored in Trust and Performance For over thirty years, U.S. Soy has remained a trusted supplier to the Philippine feed sector, consistently delivering high-quality soybean meal that has become a critical ingredient in the country’s livestock and aquaculture value chains. The strength of this relationship is reflected in current trade performance. During the ongoing crop year, U.S. soybean meal commitments from the Philippines have surged by 53 per cent, representing an increase of more than one million metric tonnes. The development reinforces the confidence Philippine buyers continue to place in the nutritional value, digestibility and performance of U.S. Soy products. The Philippines has maintained its position as the largest export destination for U.S. soybean meal for nine consecutive years, a testament to the role U.S. Soy plays in supporting the country’s growing demand for animal protein. Industry observers note that demographic trends—including a young and expanding population, rising household incomes and robust consumption of pork and poultry products—continue to drive growth across the feed and livestock sectors, further strengthening the strategic relevance of the Philippines within the global U.S. Soy export landscape. USSEC also acknowledged the longstanding support of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), whose collaboration over the past three decades has facilitated market development, technical cooperation and agricultural trade engagement between the two countries. Commenting on the milestone, Carlos Salinas, Executive Director – East Asia, USSEC, said the partnership has been built on a foundation of reliability, consistency and shared aspirations for industry advancement. "For thirty years, U.S. Soy has been a trusted partner to the Philippines. Our collaboration has always been rooted in dependable supply, strong industry relationships and a mutual commitment to continuous improvement. With soybean meal commitments rising significantly this year, we look forward to further supporting the growth and competitiveness of the Philippine feed and livestock sectors through the quality and consistency that U.S. Soy is known for," he said. Strengthening Institutional Collaboration As part of the anniversary celebrations, USSEC and the Philippine Association of Feed Millers, Inc. (PAFMI) formalised a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the country’s feed industry. The agreement establishes a framework for deeper collaboration across key areas including feed formulation, nutritional research, quality enhancement, supply chain transparency and sustainability verification through U.S. Soy programmes. According to industry leaders, the partnership is expected to facilitate greater technical exchange and knowledge-sharing while supporting the continued modernisation of the Philippine feed manufacturing sector. Jim Sutter, Chief Executive Officer of USSEC, emphasised the importance of the collaboration in strengthening food security and improving industry competitiveness. "PAFMI occupies a central role in advancing feed quality and supporting food security in the Philippines. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to building a modern, efficient feed industry while ensuring manufacturers have access to a reliable and high-quality supply of U.S. Soy. Equally important, it provides access to sustainability-verified products that align with the country’s long-term agricultural and environmental objectives," he noted. Sustainability Moves to the Forefront Beyond trade and nutrition, sustainability emerged as a central theme of the anniversary programme. USSEC highlighted the increasing adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices by U.S. soybean farmers, aimed at enhancing productivity while reducing environmental impact. Sustainability assurance initiatives such as the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) and the Sustainable U.S. Soy (SUSS) programme continue to gain traction among international buyers seeking greater traceability and responsible sourcing standards. Today, more than 95 per cent of U.S. Soy exports to the Philippines are accompanied by SSAP verification, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability credentials within global agricultural supply chains. The organisation noted that these programmes are helping feed manufacturers respond to evolving market expectations around carbon footprint reduction, transparency and environmental stewardship, while simultaneously improving supply chain resilience. Positioned for the Next Phase of Growth The outlook for the Philippine feed sector remains highly promising. Industry projections indicate that total feed consumption in the country could expand by 32 per cent by 2035, driven by continued growth in poultry, livestock and aquaculture production. Poultry feed demand is expected to rise by 37 per cent over the same period, while aquaculture feed demand is projected to increase by 28 per cent, underscoring the sustained need for high-quality protein ingredients. Against this backdrop, USSEC believes opportunities for technical collaboration, sustainability engagement and market development will continue to expand. As the Philippine feed and animal protein industries evolve, the next phase of the U.S. Soy–Philippines partnership is expected to focus on accelerating feed innovation, strengthening scientific and technical exchange, enhancing sustainability adoption and ensuring long-term supply chain reliability. Three decades after the partnership first began, both sides appear united by a common objective: building a more productive, resilient and sustainable future for Philippine agriculture and food production. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3959/adama-bets-on-formulation-innovation-in-new-us-herbicide-launch.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3959/adama-bets-on-formulation-innovation-in-new-us-herbicide-launch.html Tue, 26 May 2026 14:37:14 +0530 High-efficiency liquid pyroxasulfone designed to reduce complexity while improving field-level weed suppression ADAMA has announced the launch of Novali SC, a high-load liquid pyroxasulfone herbicide designed to strengthen residual weed control programs for row crop growers in the United States, particularly in corn and soybean production systems. The product introduces a patented concentrated liquid formulation intended to deliver significantly higher active ingredient loading per gallon compared with leading competing liquid pyroxasulfone products. This higher concentration is designed to reduce handling requirements, transport volume, storage needs, and refill frequency while maintaining strong and extended residual weed control performance. ADAMA said the launch reflects its focus on value-driven innovation, aimed at making proven herbicide chemistry more practical, efficient, and cost-effective for modern agricultural operations. Powered by proprietary liquid formulation technology, Novali SC is designed to enhance application consistency and operational ease while supporting integrated weed management strategies. It is intended for use in pre-emergence and residual programs, helping suppress weed emergence early and forming a foundation for layered herbicide systems. A key feature of Novali SC is its increased active ingredient concentration, which reduces application volumes and simplifies logistics for both growers and distributors. The liquid format also eliminates dust-related handling issues and improves dosing precision in field use. The product is positioned as a flexible component in herbicide programs facing rising pressure from resistant weed populations, where durable residual control is increasingly critical. ADAMA noted that Novali SC is part of a broader pipeline strategy to expand its row crop herbicide portfolio, with additional formulations expected to follow in the coming seasons. Initial commercial sales are expected to begin in June and July 2026, with limited availability during the launch window. The company said the launch underscores ongoing demand for simplified, high-performance crop protection tools that combine agronomic effectiveness with operational efficiency in large-scale farming systems. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3928/naturesweet-expands-cherubs-portfolio-with-launch-of-golden-cherubs-tomatoes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3928/naturesweet-expands-cherubs-portfolio-with-launch-of-golden-cherubs-tomatoes.html Thu, 21 May 2026 15:10:24 +0530 This new variety sets a fresh standard for flavor, quality, and versatility NatureSweet is expanding its beloved Cherubs portfolio with the launch of Golden Cherubs, a vibrant new golden grape tomato that delivers an irresistible combination of intense sweetness and bright, tangy flavor. Building on the success of its top-selling snacking tomatoes, NatureSweet Golden Cherubs offer everything consumers love about Cherubs, now in a striking golden hue. Branded as “Out of This World Sweet Tomatoes,” this new variety sets a fresh standard for flavor, quality, and versatility. “We are excited to add another tomato to our Cherubs franchise,” says Tobianne Paul, Chief Marketing Officer at NatureSweet. Golden Cherubs are just as bingeable, combining bright tanginess with the sweetness our Cherubs are famous for.” Golden Cherubs are carefully grown in greenhouse environments in Mexico by NatureSweet’s valued Associates, ensuring consistent, year-round quality and exceptional taste. Like all NatureSweet snacking tomatoes, Golden Cherubs are: Fair Trade Certified Non-GMO Project Verified Proudly grown by a recognized B Corporation Vine-ripened for peak flavor and hand picked Sustainably grown using a proprietary process Their bold color and balanced flavor profile make them a standout addition to everyday eating occasions—from fresh snacking to colorful salads and easy meal prep. Golden Cherubs are available in a 10 oz package featuring NatureSweet’s proprietary, recyclable, resealable, and rinse-ready packaging. Just peel back the label and Release the Sweet! Golden Cherubs will begin rolling out in select stores nationwide in mid-May of 2026. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3884/viet-nam-crab-industry-gets-regulatory-relief-as-us-lifts-coa-requirement-for-key-fisheries.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3884/viet-nam-crab-industry-gets-regulatory-relief-as-us-lifts-coa-requirement-for-key-fisheries.html Wed, 13 May 2026 18:21:30 +0530 Equivalency status for four reclassified fisheries stabilises export flows after 2025 setback, strengthening Vietnam’s position in premium seafood markets In a development of considerable consequence for global seafood trade architecture, the United States has formally recognised Viet Nam’s crab fisheries as equivalent under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), effectively preserving uninterrupted access to one of the industry’s most commercially significant export destinations. The decision, announced on May 11, 2026 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), extends equivalency status to Viet Nam alongside Indonesia and Sri Lanka, thereby ensuring that seafood and crab products harvested from compliant Vietnamese fisheries will remain eligible for entry into the US market without the previously required Certificate of Admissibility (COA). At its core, the ruling represents both a regulatory reprieve and a competitive stabiliser for Viet Nam’s rapidly expanding crab export industry, which has in recent years become increasingly enmeshed in the stringent compliance frameworks governing access to premium Western markets. By removing the COA requirement, the decision materially reduces procedural friction, lowers transaction costs, and enhances predictability for exporters operating within tightly regulated supply chains. The approval follows Viet Nam’s administrative reclassification of its crab fisheries in January 2026 into four distinct categories based on target species and fishing gear configurations. These fisheries—identified under Fishery IDs 13164, 13206, 13204 and 13205—were subsequently assessed by US authorities, who concluded that their management frameworks meet standards broadly comparable to those applied domestically within the United States. This outcome stands in marked contrast to the August 2025 assessment by the US National Marine Fisheries Service, which had determined that crab fisheries from several exporting nations, including Viet Nam, did not satisfy MMPA compliance thresholds. The latest determination thus signals a recalibration in regulatory interpretation, contingent on revised documentation and enhanced fisheries governance measures. Under the current framework, the equivalency status will remain valid through December 31, 2029, though it is explicitly conditional. NOAA has retained the authority to revisit the designation should Viet Nam fail to sustain compliance with evolving conservation benchmarks, underscoring the inherently dynamic nature of modern fisheries governance. Central to the US assessment is an increased emphasis on marine mammal protection, particularly the reduction of incidental capture and mortality rates. NOAA has urged Vietnamese authorities to strengthen observer coverage, expand electronic monitoring systems, and intensify conservation efforts for vulnerable species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin—measures that reflect a broader global shift toward sustainability-conditioned market access. From a commercial standpoint, the ruling offers immediate relief to exporters navigating tightening global standards, while simultaneously embedding higher environmental accountability into the operational fabric of the industry. Vietnamese stakeholders are now expected to align production practices with increasingly sophisticated traceability and ecological compliance requirements, particularly as US consumer markets continue to privilege sustainability-linked sourcing. Industry bodies, including the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), have underscored the significance of the decision in preserving market continuity and stabilising export outlooks. The US remains a critical destination for Vietnamese crab, and regulatory access to this market is widely viewed as a cornerstone of sectoral growth. Ultimately, the MMPA equivalency determination encapsulates a defining tension in contemporary global seafood trade: the simultaneous liberalisation of market access and intensification of environmental scrutiny. For Viet Nam, the challenge ahead lies not merely in maintaining access, but in continuously evolving its fisheries governance to meet an ever-rising bar of ecological accountability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3846/bayer-and-bp-form-strategic-alliance-to-jointly-scale-camelina-as-intermediate-crop-for-biofuels.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3846/bayer-and-bp-form-strategic-alliance-to-jointly-scale-camelina-as-intermediate-crop-for-biofuels.html Fri, 08 May 2026 15:11:30 +0530 Collaboration to commercialize camelina for producing biodiesel, renewable diesel (RD) and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) / bp will bring expertise in fuel and refining, Bayer its industry leading expertise in seed technology and extensive farmer customer base / Camelina brings added value as intermediate crop, rotational crop, and on underutilized land Bayer and bp today announced that they have entered a long-term strategic alliance to jointly scale the crop camelina, under the brand name newgold. The alliance will commercialize camelina starting in North America. bp brings expertise in fuels and refining, while Bayer will utilize its industry leading expertise in seed technology, as well as its extensive farmer customer base. The alliance aims to further develop a reliable intermediate oilseeds market to help meet the growing demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel (RD) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) markets which is estimated to increase almost threefold to 40 billion gallons by 2040. “This alliance will help us to connect the value chain necessary to bring camelina to market and provides our farmer customers greater market certainty as they consider camelina on their farm,” said Frank Terhorst, head of strategy and sustainability for Bayer’s Crop Science division. “We are utilizing our industry leading breeding program to enhance the crop, and its untapped potential globally to help meet the needs of this growing market. We see this as a win for our customers and their farms, as it creates potential new revenue streams, but also a win for the renewable fuels market.” Philipp Schoelzel, Senior Vice President biofuels growth at bp, commented: "This collaboration represents bp at its best. Working with trusted partners with complementary capabilities to develop products customers want and need, while delivering value for our shareholders." Fuels with lower carbon intensity This announcement follows Bayer’s acquisition of camelina assets which was announced in January 2025. As Bayer ramps up production in preparation of a full-scale launch, testing of long and short season biotypes is underway. Bayer has already introduced newgold camelina in the Northern Plains of the US and Southern Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta regions of Canada. Camelina has a promising lower-carbon intensity for renewable fuel, offering flexibility to grow in both spring and winter, and requires lower inputs. Camelina is winter hardy, offering pod shatter resistance and drought tolerant characteristics allowing it to be grown on idle or fallow land, or in-between traditional main crop rotations, allowing farmers to avoid potential competition with food production. Camelina crops sold under the newgold seed brand will be designed with the goal of acting as a profit multiplier, giving growers the flexibility to decide how and where it fits best in their operation: As an intermediate crop, adding value between seasons Within rotations, contributing to good agronomic management while diversifying income On marginal or underutilized land, turning those acres into more productive assets This flexibility will allow farmers to participate in the low-carbon fuel economy while maintaining control over their agronomic and financial decisions. Biofuels can play a key role in helping to decarbonize the transportation sector since electrification may not be feasible in all transportation systems like aviation, rail, heavy duty equipment or marine. Biofuels can be produced from renewable organic materials like corn, soy, canola and other intermediate oilseed crops, such as camelina. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3843/usda-approved-allergen-reduced-peanuts-enter-field-trials-in-georgia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3843/usda-approved-allergen-reduced-peanuts-enter-field-trials-in-georgia.html Thu, 07 May 2026 11:23:25 +0530 First outdoor cultivation marks shift from controlled lab research to commercial-scale agricultural testing AgriNetica and Nurtured Nuts have announced a major scientific and agricultural milestone with the successful planting of USDA-approved allergen-less peanuts at a secured agricultural site in Georgia, marking the first transition of the technology from controlled laboratory environments to full-scale field cultivation in the United States. The development represents a pivotal step in the companies’ joint mission to fundamentally re-engineer one of the world’s most widely consumed and allergenic crops. Designed to significantly reduce allergenic proteins while preserving nutritional integrity, taste, and functional versatility, the gene-edited peanut is positioned as a breakthrough innovation for the estimated 6.1 million Americans living with peanut allergies. The initiative is powered by proprietary second-generation CRISPR-based gene-editing technology developed by AgriNetica, the U.S. division of Israeli biotech firm BetterSeeds. Through precise genomic modifications, researchers have engineered a peanut variant that retains its core agronomic and dietary characteristics while substantially lowering allergenic risk factors, potentially redefining safety standards in nut-based food production. The choice of Georgia as the cultivation site reflects both strategic and agronomic considerations, given the state’s leadership in U.S. peanut production, its established agricultural infrastructure, and its specialised expertise in large-scale peanut farming. The current field deployment marks the first outdoor, commercial-scale cultivation of allergen-reduced peanuts under the Nurtured Nuts programme. Company representatives have indicated that the upcoming harvest will play a critical role in advancing clinical validation, regulatory evaluation, and commercial readiness processes. The project is expected to progress through structured pathways involving collaboration with regulatory and data partners, including the USDA, FDA, and industry platforms supporting food system transparency and market integration. Nurtured Nuts has further signalled plans to expand its broader ecosystem through strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating product development, regulatory alignment, and eventual market introduction. The company has positioned the initiative as part of a wider effort to combine biotechnology, agriculture, and consumer food innovation into a unified framework for next-generation food safety solutions. In essence, the planting marks not merely an agricultural trial, but the tentative emergence of a new category of engineered foods—where genetic precision is deployed not for yield alone, but for redefining the boundaries of dietary safety itself. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3826/pepsico-and-talusag-forge-strategic-alliance-to-advance-fertilizer-decarbonisation-through-low-carbon-ammonia-initiative.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3826/pepsico-and-talusag-forge-strategic-alliance-to-advance-fertilizer-decarbonisation-through-low-carbon-ammonia-initiative.html Wed, 06 May 2026 13:52:58 +0530 Landmark collaboration encompasses 30,000 Metric Tons of low-carbon ammonia attributes across global agricultural supply chains In a significant move towards accelerating sustainability across global agriculture, PepsiCo has entered into a strategic collaboration with agricultural technology company TalusAg to advance fertilizer decarbonisation through low-carbon ammonia environmental attributes. The partnership marks PepsiCo’s first executed transactions involving low-carbon ammonia environmental attributes and underscores the company’s growing commitment to building climate-resilient and regenerative agricultural ecosystems worldwide. The initial agreements span PepsiCo’s operations across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia Pacific, and global business units, collectively representing approximately 30,000 metric tons of low-carbon ammonia, with an option to procure an additional 41,000 metric tons in the future. The broader collaboration also extends to projects in the United States, including the proposed Blue Earth, Minnesota facility. Fertilizer production remains among the most emissions-intensive and challenging segments to decarbonise within the global food value chain, with a substantial share of emissions generated upstream of direct supplier relationships. Through this partnership, PepsiCo aims to complement physical low-carbon fertilizer pilots with innovative market-based mechanisms capable of delivering measurable and auditable near-term emissions reductions, while preserving affordability and economic viability for farmers. Margaret Henry, Vice President of Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at PepsiCo, emphasised that decarbonising fertilizer systems is central to advancing climate action at scale, but must be pursued in a manner that remains practical and beneficial for growers. She noted that the agreement sends a strong market signal for low-emissions ammonia while supporting more stable input economics for farmers and accelerating the long-term transformation of the fertilizer industry. TalusAg’s model enables companies to procure verified low-emissions ammonia environmental attributes through a book-and-claim mechanism, under which the environmental attributes are tracked independently from the physical fertilizer supply. Hiro Iwanaga, Chief Executive Officer of TalusAg, described the collaboration as a compelling example of how credible market-driven mechanisms can strengthen supply-chain resilience, reduce fertilizer costs for farmers, and catalyse investment in low-emissions fertilizer production. He added that PepsiCo’s participation would help de-risk the expansion of new production capacity while fostering more sustainable and resilient global food systems. The initiative will be supported by S3 Markets, which will provide the Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC) lifecycle management infrastructure for the issuance, tracking, and retirement of what the companies describe as the world’s first tokenised ammonia fertilizer EACs originating from TalusAg’s Boone, Iowa project. The companies stated that this framework enables immediate climate action while the broader physical infrastructure for low-carbon fertilizer supply chains continues to evolve and scale globally. Saman Baghestani, Chief Executive Officer of S3 Markets, said the collaboration highlights the growing importance of trusted market infrastructure in enabling credible book-and-claim systems for low-carbon commodities. He noted that secure and transparent EAC lifecycle management allows innovative producers and sustainability-focused corporate buyers to participate with confidence as environmental attribute markets continue to mature. Beyond emissions reduction, TalusAg’s distributed production model is designed to strengthen fertilizer supply-chain resilience through localised, on-site ammonia production closer to agricultural demand centres. By reducing reliance on long and centralised global supply chains that are vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions, logistics constraints, and price volatility, the model seeks to improve fertilizer accessibility and reliability in both developed and emerging markets. Localised production also contributes to lower transportation emissions and reduced logistics costs, creating more stable input economics for growers while enhancing long-term food system resilience. The collaboration further reflects a shared commitment by PepsiCo and TalusAg to champion credible, scalable, and cost-effective environmental attribute markets capable of accelerating fertilizer decarbonisation globally. PepsiCo stated that through partnerships such as TalusAg, the company aims to advance lower-carbon, locally produced fertilizer solutions that can strengthen agricultural supply chains while delivering meaningful climate benefits for the global farming community. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3803/fair-trade-certified-tuna-program-aims-to-strengthen-maldives-blue-economy.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3803/fair-trade-certified-tuna-program-aims-to-strengthen-maldives-blue-economy.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:22:41 +0530 Women harvesters will participate in Fair Trade Committees to support sea cucumber farming and community governance Swiss seafood company Blueyou has launched a Fair Trade Certified tuna program in the Maldives in partnership with Fair Trade USA, aiming to strengthen sustainable seafood supply chains while supporting coastal livelihoods and marine conservation efforts. The initiative, announced ahead of World Tuna Day on May 2, will work with 25 island communities across eight atolls and is expected to benefit around 30,000 people, including approximately 2,500 tuna fishers and 500 women involved in sea cucumber farming and seagrass restoration activities. The fisheries component of the program focuses on skipjack and yellowfin tuna harvested through traditional pole-and-line fishing, a method widely regarded as one of the most sustainable forms of commercial tuna fishing due to its lower environmental impact and reduced bycatch. According to the companies, the program aims to scale Fair Trade-certified operations to 200 fishing vessels with an annual catch capacity of 20,000 metric tons. The initiative is also expected to channel more than $700,000 in Fair Trade Community Development Funds into participating island communities for social, environmental, and infrastructure projects. Blueyou said the program combines sustainable fisheries with restorative mariculture, community development, and marine habitat conservation to create more resilient blue economy systems. A key component of the initiative involves organizing women mariculture harvesters into Fair Trade Committees to support inclusive governance and develop alternative income opportunities through sea cucumber cultivation. The company said the program will also support seagrass conservation and restoration, recognizing the role of seagrass ecosystems in biodiversity protection, coastal resilience, and carbon storage. Additional sustainability measures include plans to pilot a solar-powered ice plant aimed at reducing emissions linked to seafood processing, along with plastic recycling and waste management initiatives funded through Fair Trade mechanisms. Blueyou said the tuna program is designed to supply shelf-stable Fair Trade Certified tuna products to retail markets in Europe and North America. The company has already secured distribution partnerships with followfood in Europe and envisible and Arkk Food in the United States. According to Blueyou, its five-year target is to supply 500 freight containers of Fair Trade Certified canned tuna to international retail markets. Industry observers say the initiative reflects growing demand from global seafood buyers and retailers for traceable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable seafood supply chains. The program also highlights increasing efforts within the seafood industry to integrate social inclusion, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration into commercial fisheries and blue economy development models. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3801/tractor-supply-cuts-email-marketing-costs-by-32-through-itg-partnership.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3801/tractor-supply-cuts-email-marketing-costs-by-32-through-itg-partnership.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:10:48 +0530 Retailer adopts AI-powered Storyteq platform to scale content production, improve marketing efficiency, and support expansion across more than 2,400 stores Tractor Supply Co., one of the largest rural lifestyle retailers in the United States, has reported a 32 per cent reduction in email marketing costs following its partnership with marketing technology company Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) and deployment of the AI-powered Storyteq platform. The partnership, initiated in late 2025, is part of Tractor Supply’s broader effort to scale marketing operations and customer engagement as it expands across the U.S. retail market. The retailer operates more than 2,400 stores across 49 states and said growing marketing demands had begun straining internal creative capacity, limiting its ability to support expansion without increasing budgets or workforce size. Under the collaboration, ITG implemented its Storyteq technology as a centralized platform for managing promotional content, workflows, and marketing data. The company said the platform automates repetitive content production tasks, enabling Tractor Supply’s in-house creative teams to focus more on strategic campaigns, branding initiatives, and customer engagement. According to Tractor Supply, the integration has improved workflow efficiency while reducing operational costs associated with email marketing campaigns. The retailer said the technology also supports content delivery across a growing number of customer touchpoints without significantly increasing production complexity. ITG said the scalable structure of the Storyteq platform is expected to generate additional efficiencies over time, particularly in areas such as automated content generation and personalized marketing. The partnership reflects a broader trend among retailers adopting AI-driven marketing infrastructure to improve productivity, reduce costs, and manage increasing content demands across digital channels. Industry analysts say automation and personalization technologies are becoming increasingly important for large retail chains seeking to balance customer engagement with tighter operational budgets. Tractor Supply said the collaboration also includes strategic and creative support from ITG teams, including template development, workflow optimization, and customization guidance. Founded more than 85 years ago, Tractor Supply serves recreational farmers, ranchers, gardeners, pet owners, and rural lifestyle consumers across the United States. The company currently employs more than 52,000 workers and operates additional brands including Petsense by Tractor Supply and online animal pharmacy platform Allivet. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3800/brandt-expands-industrial-capacity-in-brazil-as-agri-input-demand-grows.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3800/brandt-expands-industrial-capacity-in-brazil-as-agri-input-demand-grows.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:55:05 +0530 The company is actively hiring across technical, commercial, and administrative functions to support expansion plans U.S.-based agricultural technology company BRANDT is accelerating its expansion in Brazil, projecting 22 per cent revenue growth in 2026 as it ramps up investments in manufacturing, product development, and commercial operations across one of its fastest-growing global markets. The company said the growth target follows consecutive gains of 12 per cent in 2024 and 16 per cent in 2025, reflecting continued demand for advanced agricultural input technologies in Brazil despite broader volatility in the farm sector. As part of its expansion strategy, BRANDT plans to inaugurate two new manufacturing facilities in Paraná state by the end of 2026 to strengthen local production capacity and improve supply chain efficiency. The company said the new facilities will enhance manufacturing flexibility, support localisation of formulations designed for Brazilian farming systems, and reduce logistics-related delays during critical planting periods. Brazil has emerged as one of the company’s most strategic international markets, driven by rising adoption of plant nutrition products, adjuvants, seed treatment technologies, and biological solutions. According to the company, Brazil is currently BRANDT’s second-largest market globally after the United States. Expansion Continues Despite Sector Volatility BRANDT said it has continued investing in growth even as parts of the agricultural sector face pricing pressure, tighter farm margins, and macroeconomic uncertainty. The company reported a 22 per cent increase in product volumes applied in the field during 2025, indicating sustained demand for agricultural technologies aimed at improving productivity and crop efficiency. Industry analysts say Brazilian farmers are increasingly adopting high-efficiency input technologies as they seek to improve yields and optimise input usage amid fluctuating commodity prices and climate-related risks. Brazil Central to Global Growth Strategy BRANDT operates in more than 80 countries and continues to expand its presence across key agricultural markets. The company said Brazil remains central to its long-term global growth strategy due to the country’s scale as an agricultural producer and its increasing demand for technology-driven farming solutions. According to data cited by the company from Pristine Market Insights (https://www.pristinemarketinsights.com/foliar-fertilizers-market-report), BRANDT currently holds a 3.56 per cent share of the global foliar fertilizer market, placing it among the top ten companies in the segment. The company’s strategy is focused on technological differentiation, particularly in plant physiology, nutrient efficiency, and advanced application technologies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3782/fda-epa-and-usda-back-elanco-solutions-to-counter-livestock-pest-threat.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3782/fda-epa-and-usda-back-elanco-solutions-to-counter-livestock-pest-threat.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:07:08 +0530 The company says proactive parasite control programs remain essential to reducing economic losses and protecting herd health Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced that two of its livestock health products have received emergency federal authorizations for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations in livestock, strengthening preparedness efforts as the pest moves closer to the U.S.-Mexico border. The company said the United States Food and Drug Administration granted Emergency Use Authorization for Negasunt Powder, while the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, approved a Section 18 Emergency Exemption for Tanidil. Both products are intended for use against New World screwworm infestations across multiple livestock species. The emergency approvals come as confirmed screwworm detections have been reported near the U.S.-Mexico border, intensifying concerns among livestock producers and animal health authorities about the potential spread of the pest into the United States. New World screwworm infestations can cause severe tissue damage, animal mortality, and major economic losses if left untreated. Under the emergency framework, Negasunt Powder and Tanidil will be distributed through the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the National Veterinary Stockpile in coordination with state animal health agencies and federally recognized tribal authorities. Federal agencies are expected to issue additional guidance covering product use, safety procedures, and reporting requirements. Elanco stated that the authorizations reinforce broader federal efforts to strengthen livestock biosecurity and improve rapid-response readiness against emerging animal health threats. The company also highlighted the importance of early wound detection, immediate treatment, and integrated parasite control measures to reduce infestation risks and interrupt the pest’s lifecycle. In addition to the newly authorized products, Elanco said it continues to offer EPA-registered livestock parasite-control solutions designed to manage flies, ticks, and screwworm-related risks across cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and swine operations. Industry experts note that maintaining effective fly and tick control programs is critical because even small wounds or insect bites can serve as entry points for screwworm infestation. The company emphasized that proactive surveillance, producer education, and coordinated response strategies will remain essential components of U.S. preparedness efforts as regulators and industry stakeholders work to prevent the establishment and spread of New World screwworm within domestic livestock systems. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3781/gene-edited-innovation-targets-citrus-greening-while-reducing-pesticide-dependence.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3781/gene-edited-innovation-targets-citrus-greening-while-reducing-pesticide-dependence.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:54:06 +0530 CarriCea T1 aims to protect U.S. citrus production while reducing reliance on conventional pesticide sprays The United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved CarriCea T1, a gene-edited citrus rootstock designed to help citrus trees defend themselves against citrus greening disease, marking a significant development for an industry that has suffered severe production losses over the past two decades. The approval introduces a new disease-management tool for American citrus growers as the sector faces mounting pressure from citrus greening, a bacterial disease widely regarded as one of the greatest threats to commercial citrus production in the United States. The disease has sharply reduced Florida’s citrus output, with recent harvest levels falling to historic lows. CarriCea T1 works by making targeted edits to the citrus tree’s own genetic material to disrupt interactions with the bacteria responsible for citrus greening. Unlike some genetically modified agricultural technologies, the product does not introduce DNA from other organisms. Regulators said the resulting fruit remains indistinguishable from citrus produced using conventional rootstock varieties. According to the EPA, the rootstock has the potential to reduce growers’ dependence on conventional pesticide applications by strengthening the tree’s natural ability to resist infection. The agency noted that fewer chemical sprays could lower pesticide exposure in orchards and support more sustainable disease-management practices. The EPA conducted a dietary safety assessment under its regulatory framework for plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), evaluating both the registered product and any associated breakdown residues before granting approval. The agency stated that the registration decision meets federal standards for human health and environmental protection. Florida’s citrus industry, historically central to the U.S. orange juice market, has experienced a dramatic decline in production due to the spread of citrus greening disease. Industry data show that current harvest levels represent only a small fraction of the state’s historical production peak, intensifying concerns about long-term domestic supply security and rising dependence on imported citrus products. The EPA said the approval reflects broader efforts to support agricultural innovation through science-based regulatory pathways while balancing crop protection needs, environmental sustainability, and consumer choice. The agency also emphasized that consumers seeking alternative production systems, including organic citrus, will continue to have options available in the marketplace. CarriCea T1 is expected to become part of integrated disease-management strategies aimed at improving orchard resilience, protecting yields, and supporting the long-term sustainability of American citrus farming. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3780/mustgrow-advances-southeast-expansion-with-georgia-clearance-for-soil-health-solution.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3780/mustgrow-advances-southeast-expansion-with-georgia-clearance-for-soil-health-solution.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:46:11 +0530 Expansion comes amid rising grower demand for regenerative agriculture and biological soil health inputs MustGrow Biologics Corp. announced that it has received registration approval from the Georgia Department of Agriculture for TerraSante, the company’s mustard plant-based organic biofertility product. The approval expands TerraSante’s commercial footprint in the U.S. Southeast and adds Georgia to the list of states where the product is certified under existing Organic OMRI Listed standards. The latest registration builds on TerraSante's existing approvals in California, Florida, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington State, further strengthening MustGrow’s position in the growing U.S. market for biological soil health and sustainable agriculture inputs. Georgia represents a strategically important agricultural market due to its large acreage of high-value crops, including peanuts, pecans, and blueberries. Industry observers view the state’s crop profile as well aligned with TerraSante™’s focus on improving soil microbial activity, nutrient efficiency, and overall crop performance. TerraSante is an organic wettable powder derived from mustard plants and formulated to support soil and ecological health by feeding beneficial soil microbes with plant proteins and carbohydrates. The product is designed to enhance soil microbiome activity, improve nutrient and water-use efficiency, and support stronger root and plant development. MustGrow said its broader biofertility platform is centered on advancing regenerative and sustainable farming practices through biological technologies aimed at improving long-term soil productivity. The company’s mustard-based solutions are intended to support healthier soil ecosystems while helping growers optimize crop vigor and resilience under increasingly variable growing conditions. The company noted that TerraSante contains no artificial additives or preservatives and remains compliant with Organic OMRI Listed standards as well as California’s Organic Input Material (OIM) Program. With demand for biological and organic crop inputs continuing to expand across North America, the Georgia approval is expected to support MustGrow’s commercial growth strategy in specialty crop markets and broader sustainable agriculture segments. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3776/ever-ag-bets-on-agentic-ai-with-everett-launch.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3776/ever-ag-bets-on-agentic-ai-with-everett-launch.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:47:39 +0530 New decision engine transforms data into automated workflows across the agri supply chain Ever.Ag has unveiled Everett, an agentic AI-powered “Ag Decision Engine” designed to transform how agricultural and food processing businesses convert data into real-time decisions across the supply chain. Introduced at the American Dairy Products Institute Annual Conference in Chicago, Everett represents a significant evolution in agricultural technology—moving beyond analytics dashboards to autonomous, workflow-driven decision systems embedded directly within the software platforms companies already use. From Data to Decisions Everett is built to connect fragmented datasets across operations—production, procurement, transportation, processing, and markets—and translate them into actionable decisions. Unlike traditional tools that surface insights, Everett actively orchestrates workflows, enabling agricultural businesses to respond faster to changing conditions across complex supply chains. The platform is the culmination of Ever.Ag’s multi-year investment in AI and data science, including the acquisition of Austin Data Labs in 2023, a team known for pioneering AI applications in global food and agriculture systems. Dairy First, Broader Rollout Ahead The initial rollout targets dairy processors, a segment where Ever.Ag has an established footprint. Everett capabilities are being embedded into key products such as cheese yield optimization, transportation optimization, and sales and operations planning (S&OP), enabling operators to make context-aware, real-time decisions within their existing workflows. By integrating intelligence directly into operational tools, Everett delivers a critical advantage: deep contextual understanding of products, processes, and performance drivers, reducing the gap between insight and execution. A New Layer of Intelligence Across the Supply Chain Everett is designed to operate across the full agricultural value chain, leveraging Ever.Ag’s position as a technology provider spanning production through markets and risk management. The system continuously evolves, improving performance and decision accuracy as it processes more data and user interactions. This “learning system” approach positions Everett not just as a tool, but as an adaptive intelligence layer capable of scaling across diverse agricultural segments. Continuous Deployment Model The launch marks the beginning of an ongoing rollout rather than a one-time release. Ever.Ag plans to expand Everett’s capabilities across additional sectors, including livestock, animal protein, and broader agribusiness operations, with new features expected in the coming months. Redefining Ag-Tech’s Next Phase As agriculture grapples with rising complexity—from volatile markets to operational inefficiencies—the industry is shifting toward decision-centric technologies that can act, not just analyze. Everett signals that transition, embedding AI directly into the operational core of agricultural enterprises. With this launch, Ever.Ag is positioning itself at the forefront of a new wave in ag-tech—where agentic AI systems drive faster, smarter, and more integrated decision-making across the global food supply chain. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3707/mk-dhanuka-on-india-us-trade-easing-catalyst-for-agrochemical-growth.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3707/mk-dhanuka-on-india-us-trade-easing-catalyst-for-agrochemical-growth.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:30:31 +0530 Improved market access and lower barriers expected to boost exports and industry investment In an interview with MK Dhanuka, Chairman of Dhanuka Agritech Limited, India’s agrochemical exports are highlighted as a key pillar of global competitiveness, with the United States remaining the top destination amid steady demand for technicals and formulations. In 2023–24, global exports stood at $ 5.5 billion, while in 2024–25 they reached $ 3.3 billion, supported by consistent shipments of key molecules such as 2,4-D, Mancozeb, and Cypermethrin. He notes that recent India–US trade easing is expected to further enhance export potential by improving market access, encouraging capacity expansion, and accelerating product registrations. Going forward, increased focus on value-added formulations, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships is likely to strengthen India’s position in advanced agrochemical markets. What was the total agrochemical export from India to US in 2024-25 and 2023-24? Also include latest data till November/December? India continues to strengthen its position as a global supplier of crop-protection solutions, supported by strong manufacturing capabilities and export competitiveness. The United States remains a key destination for Indian agrochemical exports, driven by steady demand for technical active ingredients and generic formulations. This reflects India’s role in global supply chains and its ability to meet quality and regulatory standards of advanced markets, while export performance is influenced by approvals, seasonal demand, and supply-chain dynamics. In 2023–24, India’s overall agrochemical export value (global, all destinations) stood at US$ 5.5 billion, with the US as the top market, followed by Brazil. In 2024–25, total exports were valued at US$ 3.3 billion globally, again with the US remaining the leading destination. In recent months, the US imported technicals in volume, with 3,457.9 tonnes in September 2025 and 5,148.75 tonnes in October 2025. What are the products the industry exporting to the USA? India’s agrochemical exports to the United States are supported by its strong manufacturing base and capabilities in producing technical-grade active ingredients and a wide range of crop-protection solutions. The export basket includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, and seed-treatment products supplied as technicals as well as finished formulations. Key molecules exported to the US include 2,4-D, Glufosinate Ammonium, Lambda Cyhalothrin, Chlorantraniliprole, Chlorpyrifos, Diuron, Triclopyr, Bifenthrin, Prothioconazole, Picoxystrobin, Cymoxanil, Acephate, Cypermethrin, and Mancozeb, reflecting India’s integration into global crop-protection value chains and its ability to serve multiple agricultural applications. Growing regulatory familiarity and supply reliability have supported deeper engagement with advanced markets, while increasing focus on value-added formulations and specialised solutions continues to shape export offerings. How do you see the deal will benefit the agrochemical industry in India? Following the recent India–US trade understanding and tariff easing, the outlook for India’s agrochemical industry appears more positive, as improved market access and reduced trade barriers strengthen export competitiveness in supplying technicals and formulations to regulated markets such as the United States. Greater predictability in trade engagement can support investment in product registrations, partnerships, and innovation, while balanced implementation remains important to ensure that domestic industry and farmers’ interests are protected alongside global opportunities. To leverage this environment, the industry is likely to prioritise exports of high-demand technical molecules such as 2,4-D, Mancozeb, Acephate, and Cypermethrin, while accelerating product registrations in the US to benefit from tariff reductions. Companies may also work towards increasing capacity utilisation by around 20–25 per cent and strengthening partnerships with US formulators to expand market presence. At the same time, the use of export credit and insurance mechanisms can support stable cash flows, and savings from lower tariffs can be reinvested into R&D to develop safer formulations aligned with US EPA compliance, enhancing long-term competitiveness. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3593/syngenta-introduces-botanical-based-biofungicide-to-the-americas.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3593/syngenta-introduces-botanical-based-biofungicide-to-the-americas.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:20:28 +0530 The sustainable technology behind Quillibrium® delivers consistent, high‑quality extracts without the need to harvest protected trees, thus preserving biodiversity while ensuring a reliable supply. Syngenta and Botanical Solution Inc. (BSI) have expanded their exclusive agreement to bring Quillibrium®, a botanical‑based biofungicide derived from Quillaja saponaria using BSI’s proprietary plant tissue culture platform, to more growers across the Americas, starting with Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Innovation often begins by observing nature and drawing inspiration from it, a wisdom deeply rooted in the ancient Mapuche culture of Chile. Known and used for centuries, the Mapuche have traditionally utilized the bark's high saponin content of Quillaja saponaria for cleansing and medicinal purposes, and this ever-green tree is helping farmers protect their crops. Since 2021, Syngenta and BSI have worked together with growers in Peru and Chile to protect grapes, tomatoes, berries, cherries, and other crops from diseases such as Botrytis, Sour Rot, Powdery Mildew, and Alternaria alternata with remarkable results in terms of higher yields and better quality. The sustainable technology behind Quillibrium® delivers consistent, high‑quality extracts without the need to harvest protected trees, thus preserving biodiversity while ensuring a reliable supply. Under the expanded agreement, Syngenta will distribute Quillibrium® (currently marketed as BotriStop® in Chile) for crop protection, turf & ornamentals, and post‑harvest applications in Mexico, Canada and the US, enhancing farmers’ access to a biocontrol solution that supports sustainable production. “After years of development and successful commercialization in Chile and Peru, we’re thrilled to bring Quillibrium® to new key markets expanding Syngenta’s integrated disease control portfolio,” says Syngenta’s Global Head Seedcare and Biologicals, Emilhano Lima. “By fostering collaboration with innovators like BSI, we are enabling farmers in the Americas to build effective pest management programs that combine biologicals and conventional solutions.” Gaston Salinas, CEO of Botanical Solution Inc., says: “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategic approach that enables farmers to maximize yield and quality while managing pests effectively. Quillibrium® is a natural way to safeguard fruits and vegetables from multiple pathogens, easing farmers’ adoption of comprehensive crop protection strategies. We’re excited to be Syngenta’s partner of choice to make botanical-based products like Quillibrium® available to more growers across the Americas.” With the biologicals market projected to exceed 20 billion USD by 2030, Syngenta has made another move to strengthen its leadership in breakthrough innovations where nature‑inspired solutions deliver both profitability and resilience. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3590/is-snap-built-to-overspend-cato-says-yes.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3590/is-snap-built-to-overspend-cato-says-yes.html Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:59:31 +0530 Why Cato believes reforms from the Republican Study Committee stop short of true fiscal reform The Republican Study Committee has advanced a slate of SNAP reforms—tightening eligibility, eliminating broad-based categorical eligibility, barring noncitizens, strengthening quality controls, and expanding interstate data matching—to curb waste and rein in federal spending. While these measures promise meaningful savings, they largely refine compliance mechanisms without confronting the program’s deeper structural imbalance: states administer benefits that federal taxpayers overwhelmingly finance. This misalignment of authority and fiscal responsibility, critics argue, perpetuates weak incentives to aggressively prevent fraud and control long-term cost growth. A more durable solution would realign funding with governance—through block grants or full devolution—placing accountability squarely with the entities that design and operate the program. In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, weighs in on the Republican Study Committee framework proposing tighter SNAP eligibility, elimination of broad-based categorical eligibility, stricter quality controls, and expanded data matching to curb waste. While she acknowledges these reforms could generate significant savings—potentially hundreds of billions over a decade—Romina argues they stop short of addressing SNAP’s core structural flaw: a federal–state financing model that divorces spending authority from fiscal responsibility. The Republican Study Committee argues that tightening eligibility and verification will curb waste in SNAP. From Cato’s perspective, are these reforms meaningful structural fixes—or incremental guardrails around a fundamentally flawed program design?  The GOP’s SNAP reforms are a step in the right direction, but they only treat the symptoms of the problem. Tightening eligibility and verification may reduce improper payments at the margin, but it doesn’t fix SNAP’s core incentive problem. The federal government pays for benefits while states administer the program, meaning states have weak incentives to control costs. Structural reform would align program management with fiscal responsibility, whether through block grants or full devolution.  The RSC estimates that eliminating broad-based categorical eligibility could save $100 billion over 10 years. Do you view BBCE as a loophole that undermines statutory intent, or as a necessary flexibility tool for states managing poverty in high-cost regions?  Broad-based categorical eligibility allows states to bypass SNAP’s statutory income and asset limits, effectively expanding eligibility beyond what Congress intended. Because the federal government finances the benefits, states can broaden access without bearing the fiscal consequences. If states want greater discretion over eligibility, they should also assume greater financial responsibility. A major pillar of the proposal would bar noncitizens from SNAP entirely. Does this approach meaningfully reduce long-term fiscal exposure, or does it risk unintended labor market and integration consequences that could increase state-level burdens?  Limiting noncitizen access to SNAP reduces federal spending. As an added political benefit, it reassures Americans that immigrants are coming to work—not to take advantage of American taxpayers. Building a wall around the welfare state, rather than around the country, can sustain public support for legal immigration that benefits Americans. The framework introduces a zero-tolerance quality control threshold for payment errors. Is stricter auditing the right lever to pull—or does it risk penalizing administrative mistakes while failing to address deeper incentive misalignments?  Eliminating the QC threshold would increase program transparency by providing a more accurate measure of how much federal taxpayer money is lost to improper payments in SNAP and tighten enforcement. But stricter auditing alone doesn’t fix SNAP’s core incentive problem. As long as federal taxpayers finance benefits, states face limited fiscal consequences for errors. Greater accountability will come from aligning program authority with funding responsibilities. You argue that states lack incentive to prevent improper payments because they do not finance SNAP benefits directly. Would converting SNAP into a block grant with state cost-sharing meaningfully reduce fraud—or simply shift fiscal risk during economic downturns?  Block-granting SNAP would give states a stronger incentive to reduce fraud, as they would no longer be able to rely on additional federal funding to finance benefit expansions or make up for improper payments resulting from lax oversight. Every dollar lost to waste would be a dollar unavailable for legitimate beneficiaries.  Under a block grant model, Congress could also allow states to carry over unspent funds and build reserves during economically strong periods—so-called rainy day funds—which they can draw from to help fund benefits during economic downturns, as is the case for the TANF block grant. However, as long as states are spending federal dollars—even with cost-sharing—some incentive distortions remain. Examples include states like California, which have resorted to using budget gimmicks to draw more federal dollars in Medicaid. Ending federal financing of SNAP benefits altogether could save over $400 billion over a decade, according to your analysis. Politically and economically, is that a realistic path forward—or a theoretical benchmark to frame the debate?  The 1996 welfare reforms demonstrated both the political viability and positive outcomes of placing greater responsibility for anti-poverty programs on the states. Full devolution is the next step and builds on that precedent. The Biden administration’s 2021 Thrifty Food Plan reevaluation increased SNAP benefits by more than 20 percent. Should Congress rescind that increase on constitutional or fiscal grounds—or would doing so risk destabilizing food security for low-income households?  Congress should rescind it on both constitutional and fiscal grounds. The Biden administration circumvented congressional spending authority and set a dangerous precedent for future unilateral executive benefit expansions. Rescinding the TFP expansion would also save taxpayers almost $300 billion over the next ten years—more than any of the SNAP-specific reforms proposed by the RSC. If Congress implements tighter eligibility rules without reforming the federal–state financing structure, will fraud and improper payments materially decline—or will states simply find new administrative workarounds within the existing incentive framework?  It might reduce payment errors by catching them more quickly, but states will still have little reason to be proactive in combating fraud because any money wasted doesn’t come out of their own coffers. Moreover, stricter verification protocols risk incentivizing states to hide improper payments to avoid financial sanctions. We saw this in 2015, when the USDA reported that 42 of 53 state SNAP agencies weakened their quality control processes to artificially lower reported payment errors. We still see this today, with states like California abusing discretionary waivers to cover up erroneously awarded benefits paid to able-bodied adults that do not meet the program’s work requirements.  --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3588/indonesia-and-us-finalize-trade-deal-with-19-reciprocal-tariff-intact.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3588/indonesia-and-us-finalize-trade-deal-with-19-reciprocal-tariff-intact.html Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:10:34 +0530 US will eliminate tariffs on key Indonesian products including palm oil, rubber, coffee, cacao, spices  Indonesia and the United States (US) have concluded a landmark trade agreement under which Washington will maintain a 19 % reciprocal tariff rate on Indonesian imports. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump signed a document on Friday 20th Feb 2026, confirming their strong commitment to implementing the agreement. Under the deal, the White House said Indonesia has agreed to eliminate tariff barriers on over 99 % of US exports across all sectors, including agricultural and health products, seafood, ICT goods, automotive products, and chemicals. Certain identified products from Indonesia will receive a 0% reciprocal tariff rate, including selected textile and apparel goods for a tobe-specified import volume. The White House said Indonesia would also address and prevent barriers to US agricultural products by exempting food and agricultural goods from all import licensing regimes and ensuring transparency and fairness in geographical indications, including for meats and cheeses. Both countries will also cooperate to increase supply chain resilience, address duty evasion, and ensure adequate export controls and investment security. In addition, Indonesia will address a range of non-tariff barriers by exempting US companies and goods from local content requirements, recognising US federal motor vehicle safety and emission standards. Indonesia will also remove burdensome certification and labelling requirements, eliminating pre-shipment requirements, and take steps to resolve longstanding intellectual property issues. The White House said that both countries also welcomed commercial agreements valued at approximately US$33 billion in agriculture, aerospace, and energy in the US, which are expected to further increase US exports to Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the signing of 11 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth US$38.4 billion between Indonesian and US businesses on Wednesday, 18th Feb 2026. The agreements were signed during a Business Summit roundtable organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce building in Washington DC. The commitments include purchases of approximately US$15 billion in US energy commodities, procurement of commercial aircraft and aviation-related goods and services worth about US$13.5 billion, including from Boeing, and over US$4.5 billion in US agricultural products. The US currently runs its 15th-largest goods trade deficit with Indonesia, totalling US$23.7 billion in 2025. Before the agreement, Indonesia’s simple average applied tariff stood at eight per cent compared with 3.3 per cent in the US. “The signing of these 11 MoUs represents concrete collaboration between the public and private sectors of both countries across various fields,” the State Secretariat said in an official statement. Notably, the total value of the 11 agreements exceeds the USD 7 billion previously cited by US-ABC, which included Indonesia’s planned purchases of 1 million tonnes of US soybeans, 1.6 million tonnes of corn and 93,000 tonnes of cotton. The council said Indonesia would also buy 1 million tons of wheat this year and up to 5 million tons by 2030. Some of the notable MoUs included; An agriculture (corn) MoU between PT Cargill Indonesia, PT Arena Agro Andalan and Cargill Inc; A cotton MoU between Busana Apparel Group and the U.S. National Cotton Council; A cotton MoU between Daehan Global and the U.S. National Cotton Council; A furniture and wood products MoU between HIMKI and the American Hardwood Export Council. Indonesia's imports from the US included soybeans valued at US$685 million, wheat at US$1.25 billion, cotton at US$122 million, and US shredded worn clothing for recycling at US$200 million. Between 2015 and 2024, it imported an average of 2.3 million metric tons of soybeans, nearly 800,000 tons of wheat, around 180,000 tons of cotton, and less than 100,000 tons of corn annually, per US Census Bureau data. In recent years, Indonesia has spent approximately US$3 billion yearly on US agricultural products, ranking as the 11th-largest market for US farm goods. In July 2025, Indonesia revealed business agreements with the US totaling US$34 billion as part of tariff negotiations, which included wheat and soybean import deals similar to those finalized on Wednesday. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3574/from-domestic-strength-to-global-influence-brazils-bioinput-playbook.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3574/from-domestic-strength-to-global-influence-brazils-bioinput-playbook.html Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:12:41 +0530 Mauro Heringer tells Agrospectrum how regulatory coordination, tropical biotech and sovereign innovation are positioning Brazil at the center of regenerative agriculture In an exclusive interview with Agrospectrum, Mauro Heringer, Director of International Relations at ABINBIO and Member of the National Bioinputs Export Committee (ApexBrasil), outlined how Brazil’s dominance in tropical bioinputs is reshaping global agricultural markets. He emphasized that Brazil’s competitive edge lies in its “Proof of Tropical Resilience,” with biological solutions tested across six biomes under extreme climatic and pest pressures—conditions that validate their robustness for global deployment. Heringer highlighted regulatory harmonization, living logistics, and institutional coordination under Law 15,070/2024 as central to accelerating exports while positioning Brazil as a benchmark for sustainable agricultural biotechnology. Framing bioinputs as a matter of national security and technological sovereignty, he asserted that Brazil’s ambition extends beyond exports to leading a global transition toward high-performance regenerative agriculture. From Domestic Success to Export Strategy Brazil has built a large and sophisticated domestic bio-inputs market. What specific capabilities or lessons from domestic adoption give Brazilian companies a competitive edge when entering highly regulated international markets? Brazil’s success in the bioinputs sector is not merely a function of sales volume—it reflects deep biotechnological and institutional maturity that has given rise to a true “tropical innovation ecosystem.” The country’s competitive advantage rests on what can be called the Proof of Tropical Resilience. Unlike competitors operating in temperate climates, Brazilian companies develop bioinputs for an environment defined by six distinct biomes within a single territory, continuous year-round cultivation cycles, intense pest pressure and high temperatures. These are among the most challenging agricultural conditions in the world—and Brazil has learned to innovate within them. This is where the real advantage lies: the tropicalization of biotechnology. Brazil does not simply “sell the bottle.” It exports the expertise required to replace or complement synthetic chemistry in highly productive agricultural systems under extreme biological stress. As a result, Brazilian companies are not commodity suppliers. They are holders of strategic intellectual property essential to advancing sustainable global food security. The lesson is straightforward: if a biological solution performs consistently across Brazilian biomes—particularly in the Cerrado—it possesses more than enough robustness for virtually any other agricultural region in the world. Brazil exports resilience, not just microorganisms. Regulatory Asymmetry Across Markets How does the export committee plan to navigate starkly different regulatory regimes for biological inputs in the EU, the United States, and Latin America, and where do you see the greatest bottlenecks to market access? I will start from the end of the question. In my view, the biggest bottlenecks are regulatory alignment and what I call “Living Logistics.” Exporting chemicals is relatively straightforward. Exporting living organisms—bacteria and fungi—is fundamentally different. It requires cold-chain infrastructure, precision logistics and strict control over viability and shelf-life throughout transit. Maintaining biological stability over long international distances remains the most significant technical and commercial challenge. On the regulatory front, asymmetries between countries create additional complexity. Rules, compliance standards and legal frameworks vary widely, making harmonization a strategic priority. To address this, a formal partnership was established in mid-2025 between ApexBrasil and CropLife Brasil, which recently welcomed ABINBIO (Brazilian Association of Bioinput Industries). Together, they formed the National Bioinputs Export Committee, a platform designed to coordinate international expansion and regulatory strategy. Navigating global markets requires differentiated approaches, as regulatory cultures are not uniform. In the European Union, the framework is guided by the Precautionary Principle, which emphasizes intrinsic hazard. There, our strategy is centered almost entirely on demonstrating toxicological safety, purity and the absence of contaminants. We do not sell “productivity” to Europe—we sell food safety and the elimination of chemical residues. The positioning should resemble an “Intel Inside” for agriculture: if it carries Brazilian bio-technology, it represents sustainability and safety. In the United States, the regulatory philosophy—led by the EPA—is pragmatic and risk-based. The focus must therefore be on agronomic efficacy. Our dossiers emphasize large-scale performance data generated across millions of Brazilian hectares under tropical conditions. This industrial-scale validation offers something that controlled laboratory trials alone cannot replicate. In Latin America, the priority should be regional harmonization. Here, the challenge is largely political and institutional. Alignment within Mercosur is essential, with Brazil’s regulatory approval—already subject to rigorous scrutiny by MAPA, ANVISA and IBAMA, under one of the world’s most advanced bioinput frameworks—serving as a regional quality benchmark. The objective is mutual recognition: if a product has been approved by the tropical leader, Brazil, it should qualify for fast-track registration in neighboring markets such as Paraguay, Colombia and Bolivia. In short, the pathway to global expansion requires regulatory intelligence, logistical innovation and geopolitical coordination—not just technological excellence. Branding “Brazil” in Sustainability-Driven Markets The project emphasizes brand positioning around sustainability and bioeconomy. How do you reconcile Brazil’s leadership in bio-inputs with ongoing international scrutiny of its broader environmental record, particularly in land use and deforestation? This is a fundamental question. First, it is important to adjust the premise of the question with data. Often, the narrative imposed on the sustainability issue is a distorted and uninformed view. Brazil is an agro-environmental powerhouse: we preserve more than 60 per cent of our territory with native vegetation and possess the most rigorous environmental legislation in the world (the Forest Code) and, now, modern Bioinput legislation. No other major food producer delivers these numbers.Our leadership in Bioinputs is not an attempt to "compensate" for a problem, but rather the natural evolution of this preservationist mindset. Thanks to our tropical biotechnology (such as Biological Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fixation and no-till farming), we have managed to increase production by 400 per cent in recent decades while expanding the land area by only 40 per cent.Therefore, Brazil needs to be emulated. By exporting bioinputs, we are offering the world the same technology that allows us to be the only country feeding 1 billion people while preserving the majority of its forests. Innovation vs. Standardization Tension Biological inputs often require localized formulations and application protocols. How does Brazil balance the need for market-specific adaptation with the efficiencies required for scalable global exports? We solve this dilemma through a "Platform Biology" strategy. The common mistake is thinking that one exports a "ready-to-use final product" just like a chemical pesticide. Brazil has learned to export the Base Technology and Application Know-How.In Industry Standardization (Upstream): Brazil has achieved global excellence in industrial development. Our factories produce spores and metabolites with very high concentration and purity and extended shelf-life. This is standardizable and scalable worldwide. It is the biological "hardware."In Field Adaptation (Downstream): The "software" (how to use it) is adaptable. Our companies don’t just sell the jug; they sell the agronomic protocol. We have formulation technology that allows the same tested robust strain to be activated or applied differently depending on Indian or American soil. Thus, efficiency comes from the industrial scale of our fermentation; adaptation comes from the robustness of our tropical strains. If a bacterium survives the stress of Brazilian soil, it performs easily in less hostile environments.Brazil does not export a "medicine," but rather a "treatment system." By separating the biological asset (standardized) from the application intelligence (localized), companies achieve the benefits of mass production without the risk of inefficacy in foreign soils. Domestic Ownership as Strategic Advantage With over 80 per cent of bio-input companies being Brazilian-owned, how does domestic ownership shape innovation, capital formation, and long-term export competitiveness compared to multinational-dominated ag-input sectors? The fact that Brazil’s bioinput sector is predominantly national in capital structure—historically over 80 per cent —is a positive anomaly within Brazilian agribusiness, which has traditionally been dependent on multinational chemical and seed companies. This domestic foundation has fostered a form of biotechnological sovereignty that significantly reshapes Brazil’s export competitiveness. However, intellectual honesty requires a distinction between the sector’s historical structure and its current market dynamics. The premise that the sector remains mostly national is still statistically defensible when measured by number of companies. Brazil has hundreds of registered bioinput firms—many of them small and medium-sized regional agritechs. If one counts by tax ID (CNPJ), the majority are indeed Brazilian-owned. But when the metric shifts from number of companies to revenue concentration and market share, the picture is evolving rapidly. Multinational giants such as Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva and UPL—as well as foreign investment groups—have accelerated acquisitions of leading Brazilian bioinput firms. Once a Brazilian company is acquired, it continues operating locally, but capital allocation decisions and long-term strategic direction shift to a global headquarters. Why is this happening? Because the Brazilian bioinput sector has become one of the most profitable and dynamic segments in agribusiness, turning it into a primary target for mergers and acquisitions. Many companies that began with 100 per cent national capital were acquired precisely because multinationals struggled to replicate the speed of Brazilian innovation or navigate Brazil’s complex regulatory and agronomic landscape as effectively as local players. This creates a strategic paradox. Brazil risks becoming an exceptional “nursery of biological startups”—a global laboratory for innovation—whose most successful companies are absorbed by foreign capital once they achieve maturity and export scale. At the same time, the very factors that attract multinational interest explain Brazil’s competitive edge. In global chemical conglomerates, biological products are often treated as complementary or defensive tools—designed to protect or extend the lifecycle of synthetic molecules. In contrast, for national Brazilian companies, bioinputs are not an add-on; they are the core business. That structural difference matters. When biology is the central strategy, 100 per cent of R&D investment is directed toward biological performance. There is no internal conflict of interest, such as the risk of cannibalizing sales of high-margin synthetic fungicides. In large chemical corporations, a disruptive biological innovation can threaten existing revenue streams. In Brazilian bioinput companies, disruption is the objective. The result is faster innovation cycles, greater technological boldness and a development pipeline focused purely on biological efficiency under tropical conditions. This strategic clarity—biology as mission, not supplement—is what transformed Brazil into a global reference in bioinputs. The challenge now is ensuring that this innovative sovereignty is not diluted as consolidation accelerates. Competition with Established Multinationals As global agrochemical and biotech firms rapidly expand their biological portfolios, where does Brazil see its most defensible competitive moat—cost, performance in tropical systems, speed of innovation, or something else? Our defensive moat is, without a doubt, Proven Performance in Tropical Systems. While multinationals compete by buying startups to build a portfolio, Brazil has an advantage that cannot be bought: decades of natural selection in the field.The 'Tropicalization' Factor: Biology is context-dependent. A fungus developed in a laboratory in Europe might die in two hours under the sun in Mato Grosso (or Maharashtra). Our strains were isolated and selected under extreme thermal and water stress. They are "elite athletes" of survival.Real Scale vs. Greenhouse: Multinationals test in controlled greenhouses. Brazil tests on 40 million hectares of commercial crops. We have the world’s largest database on how bioinputs interact with the real environment.Cost-Benefit: Since we master large-scale fermentation (on-farm and industrial), we can deliver this elite biology at a cost that makes its use viable in commodities (soybeans, corn, cotton, sugarcane, etc.), not just in expensive fruits.Application Science and Coexistence (Compatibility): Foreign multinationals usually sell the "bottle." Brazilian companies sell the management. Brazil has learned to mix biologicals with chemicals in the same spray tank without inactivating the microorganism. This knowledge regarding formulation stability and chemical compatibility is what global producers want most today to reduce costs.The Brazilian "Pipeline": Brazil possesses the greatest microbial biodiversity in the world. The ability to isolate, test, and register new assets with agility creates an innovation cycle that multinationals, with their global bureaucratic structures, struggle to match. Institutional Coordination and Governance What concrete mechanisms will ensure that the export committee translates coordination into measurable outcomes—such as export growth or regulatory approvals—rather than remaining a symbolic platform? The Committee began its work at the end of 2025. To ensure the export committee does not become a "symbolic platform" without practical delivery, the governance of the bioinput sector in Brazil is being structured on technical execution mechanisms and commercial diplomacy.Law No. 15,070/2024 provides the legal basis, but the translation into measurable results depends on three pillars of institutional coordination. The committee does not act only in commercial promotion, but in the convergence of standards. The concrete mechanism is the creation of joint working groups with bodies such as EFSA (Europe) and the EPA (USA), aiming to reduce registration time abroad through the acceptance of data generated in Brazil (mutual recognition).The committee utilizes the rigor of the new legal framework to advocate that biological efficacy dossiers approved by MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) be accepted as technical proof in other countries, eliminating the need to repeat field tests that last years.Institutional coordination involves ApexBrasil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply in a market segmentation program. Examples such as the creation of an export "Bio-Pipeline" can be cited. The committee identifies biotechnological bottlenecks in partner countries and can directly connect Brazilian companies that have the specific solution through diplomatic missions, trade fairs, events, and through agricultural attachés at Brazilian embassies in key countries.Another aspect to prevent Brazilian products from being blocked by subjective sustainability issues is the implementation of Certification and Traceability Support within a Bioinput Conformity Seal system. Audits will ensure that the exported input meets bioeconomy and low carbon emission requirements, integrating them into the national bioinput program. Long-Term Market Transformation Do you view Brazil’s push into biological inputs primarily as an export opportunity, or as part of a broader effort to reshape global crop protection and fertility markets away from synthetic inputs—and how does that ambition influence policy and investment priorities? This is the question that defines the "endgame" for Brazil. The strategic answer is that export is merely the vehicle, but the global paradigm shift is the destination. Brazil doesn’t just want to be the largest exporter of bioinputs; it intends to be the architect of the new era of world agriculture.This is, undoubtedly, a global paradigm shift. Export is just the economic consequence; the cause is the survival necessity of modern agriculture. Brazil doesn’t just want to sell a substitute for chemicals; we want to lead the transition to the Era of High-Performance Regenerative Agriculture.We are positioning ourselves to be the "Saudi Arabia of Green Chemistry." Just as the Middle East was indispensable in the oil era, Brazil will be indispensable in the bioeconomy era. We are not just "moving away" from synthetics; we are integrating biological tools to create a smarter and more resilient system.This vision changes everything. Our investment priorities have shifted from the logic of "technology importation" to "technological sovereignty." The National Bioinput Plan and the APEX Brasil Bioinput Export Committee Project are proof that the Brazilian State has decided that biotechnology is strategic for national and global security.The Brazilian offensive aims to reposition synthetic inputs (especially fossil-based nitrogen fertilizers and high-toxicity pesticides) as high-risk assets with high environmental costs. The vulnerability revealed by global crises (such as the fertilizer shortage in 2022) accelerated the National Fertilizer Plan and the Bioinput Legal Framework (Law 15,070/2024). Brazil treats bioinputs as a matter of national security. The ambition is to reduce external dependence on mineral fertilizers by up to 50 per cent in the coming decades.By proving this is possible on a continental scale, Brazil creates a "demonstration effect" for the rest of the world, leading a movement for biotechnological food sovereignty. We are redesigning the architecture of food production. The future is biological, and Brazil is the laboratory where this future has already begun.I invite India to join us on this journey. Together, as leaders of the Global South, we have the responsibility and the capacity to define how the world will feed itself over the next 50 years: with more biology, more biotechnology, and more respect for our tropical soils and the people who are here and their future generations. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3565/geopolitics-over-geology-limits-of-venezuelan-oil-in-volatile-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3565/geopolitics-over-geology-limits-of-venezuelan-oil-in-volatile-market.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:52:29 +0530 Venezuela’s vast reserves offer theoretical relief to global supply concerns, but sanctions, infrastructure decay, and uncertainty mean markets continue to price risk—not barrels Global oil markets are increasingly defined by a contradiction. Forecasts from major agencies and analysts suggest that the world is not running out of oil; on the contrary, supply capacity appears sufficient to meet demand well into the future. Yet prices remain volatile, reacting sharply to geopolitical tensions, sanctions announcements, and political signals. This disconnect reflects a deeper transformation in how oil markets operate: geology matters less than governance, and confidence matters more than capacity. Venezuela epitomizes this paradox. The country holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, yet its production remains severely constrained. While Venezuelan oil is often invoked as a potential solution to tight markets or rising prices, its real influence on global supply and pricing stability is far more limited—and far more conditional—than such narratives imply. This article examines the global oil supply outlook amid geopolitical risk, focusing on Venezuela’s uncertain production trajectory, the role of sanctions and investment constraints, implications for the United States and India, spillover effects on the agricultural sector, and the longer-term structural forces reshaping energy markets. Plenty of Oil, Persistent Volatility On paper, the global oil system appears well supplied. U.S. shale production remains near record levels, OPEC+ retains spare capacity, and demand growth in advanced economies has slowed as efficiency gains and electrification take hold. Medium-term outlooks generally point to a structural surplus rather than scarcity. Yet oil prices remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments. The reason is that markets increasingly price reliability, not just volume. Sanctions, political instability, underinvestment, and infrastructure decay have become central variables shaping expectations about which barrels can actually reach the market—and under what conditions. Venezuela sits squarely at this intersection of abundance and uncertainty. Why Prices Stay Reactive Despite Oversupply Even when supply forecasts point to a structural surplus, oil prices remain sensitive and often volatile. This paradox reflects the interaction of three powerful market forces—each shaping expectations and risk pricing in ways that go beyond simple barrel counts. First: Spare capacity is uneven and politically sensitive - Although headline supply figures may show a surplus, the location and accessibility of that spare capacity matter. Much of the available buffer resides in regions with political risk, unstable governance, or constrained export channels. For example, major producers in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Latin America face ongoing geopolitical tensions that can suddenly affect output or logistics. Even when inventories are adequate overall, perceived vulnerabilities along key pipelines and shipping routes (such as the Strait of Hormuz) can prompt traders to price in risk premiums that support price levels higher than what fundamentals alone would dictate. Second: Upstream investment is constrained and risk-averse- Years of price volatility and uncertainty about the long-term demand trajectory have caused energy companies to tighten capital budgets and focus on short-cycle assets. Many major oil firms have shifted capital toward dividends, share buybacks, or low-cost production hubs rather than large, long-lead projects. This means that while current output may be robust, the pipeline of new capacity that can respond quickly to supply shocks is thin. Financial markets now integrate this investment risk into price expectations; the margin for error is smaller, making prices more sensitive to news about supply disruptions or policy shifts. Third: Sanctions and regulatory risk are structural, not temporary - Sanctions and regulatory constraints—once viewed as episodic disruptions—are now core parts of the oil market’s structure. Countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela face long-term export limitations or legal uncertainties that shape how traders, refiners, and investors assess future supply. Sanctions can dislocate supply flows even when physical barrels exist, creating ambiguity about which volumes are reliably accessible. This structural uncertainty embeds risk premiums into pricing that can keep prices elevated or volatile despite a broad supply surplus. When these three forces interact—geopolitical sensitivity, constrained investment responsiveness, and structural policy risk—they produce a market where prices reflect not just how much oil exists, but how confidently markets believe it will be delivered in the future. Even modest geopolitical developments can therefore trigger outsized reactions in prices because they alter expectations about one or more of these underlying determinants. Venezuela: Technical Potential, Fragile Reality Venezuela’s production collapse is not a geological story—it is an institutional one. Years of mismanagement, sanctions, workforce attrition, and infrastructure neglect have reduced output to a fraction of historical levels. Refineries, pipelines, and upgraders require extensive rehabilitation, while extra-heavy crude production depends on diluents and specialized processing capacity. Even when sanctions are partially eased or licenses granted, uncertainty over policy durability continues to deter long-term investment. As Gilbert Michaud, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental Policy at Loyola University Chicago, explains: “Global oil markets are highly sensitive to geopolitical issues such as conflicts and sanctions. Venezuela has the technical potential to increase oil output, but large-scale increases that bring down prices or increase investor confidence are unlikely. Uncertainty around access to capital, policy, safety, and related issues will reinforce price instability, especially if global disruptions arise elsewhere. On paper, the Venezuela case offers hope of oil supply, but it likely will not translate into price stability with investment hesitation and policy uncertainty.” This gap between technical potential and operational reality defines Venezuela’s role in today’s oil market. The United States: Structural Fit, Not Volume Impact Since December 2018, U.S. imports of Venezuelan oil have remained below roughly 500,000 barrels per day, compared with total U.S. crude imports of approximately 8.5 million barrels per day. The constraint has not been resource availability, but political risk and regulatory uncertainty. As Javier Palomarez, Founder and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council, notes: “Despite Venezuela having the largest proven oil reserves in the world, the United States has imported less than 500,000 barrels of oil per day from the country since December 2018. To put that in perspective, we import a total of 8.5 million barrels a day from around the world. Increasing Venezuelan production and imports, particularly given their large amount of resources, could be a way to significantly increase American oil supply. However, this is contingent on a variety of variables, some of which are simply out of our control. American oil companies need stability, predictability, regional peace and cooperation from the people of Venezuela in order to effectively operate in the nation. While subsidies and guarantees have been floated by Trump, only time will tell if the proper infrastructure for meaningful production can be developed in the country. Years of neglect, sanctions, unrest and more have left Venezuelan oil production stunted.” In practice, Venezuelan oil matters to the U.S. less as a volume driver than as a structural input—particularly for refiners that require heavy crude to balance light shale output. Two Market Scenarios for Venezuelan Supply According to Igor Isaev, Head of the Analytics Center at Mind Money, access to Venezuelan oil affects market expectations more than global balances: “Access to Venezuelan oil by the United States is unlikely to fundamentally change the global oil balance, but it does meaningfully affect the structure of supply and market expectations. At this stage, two scenarios appear realistic. In the first scenario, the Venezuelan factor supports prices by amplifying geopolitical risk. It draws attention to vulnerabilities in other sensitive regions, most notably Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s oil transits. Heightened risk perception tends to widen risk premiums and support prices. In the second scenario, Venezuelan supply contributes to relative price stability rather than upside pressure. As markets adapt and additional barrels are absorbed, prices could remain range-bound around $50–60 per barrel, assuming no major shocks and continued confidence in medium-term supply. A critical element here is oil quality. Venezuela produces heavy crude, essential for deep refining and diesel production — segments where the U.S. faces a structural deficit. American output is dominated by light shale grades, while U.S. refineries require heavy crude blending for optimal utilization. In practice, only two large-scale sources exist: Canada and Venezuela. Canada’s Alberta fields are mature, with declining production rates limiting supply growth.” This framing underscores why Venezuelan oil can influence price stability or risk premiums without fundamentally altering supply-demand balances. Agriculture: An Overlooked Casualty of Energy Volatility Oil market instability has direct and often underappreciated consequences for the global agricultural sector. Fuel is a core input for modern farming, powering tractors, irrigation systems, harvesters, and transportation networks. Even modest increases in oil prices can significantly raise operating costs, particularly for energy-intensive crops. Beyond fuel, oil prices strongly influence fertilizer markets, especially nitrogen-based fertilizers derived from hydrocarbons. Energy price volatility often translates into fertilizer price spikes, squeezing farm margins and, in some regions, reducing application rates—ultimately affecting yields. Transportation is another critical channel. Global food supply chains rely on trucking, rail, and shipping. Higher fuel costs raise food prices downstream, amplifying inflationary pressure in import-dependent regions across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. From this perspective, Venezuelan uncertainty matters less as a supply story and more as a volatility amplifier. Even limited geopolitical shocks that push oil prices higher can ripple through agricultural systems, intensifying food insecurity and political sensitivity around food prices. India: Energy Security Through Optionality India is the world’s third-largest oil consumer, importing over 85 per cent of its crude requirements to meet the needs of a rapidly growing economy. Its energy security is therefore highly sensitive to global price swings, supply disruptions, and the geopolitical dynamics of key exporters. In this context, the country’s crude import strategy emphasizes diversification, optionality, and strategic resilience rather than reliance on any single source. Indian refineries are among the most complex in the world, capable of processing a wide range of crude qualities, including Venezuelan heavy and extra-heavy grades. These refineries can handle high-sulfur crude and produce refined products such as diesel, naphtha, and jet fuel, making heavy crude an important component for optimizing throughput and output quality. Despite this capability, India has historically treated Venezuelan oil as optional diversification, not core supply. Several factors reinforce this approach: Sanctions and political risk: U.S.-led sanctions on Venezuela, coupled with broader regulatory uncertainty, limit India’s ability to rely on Venezuelan barrels for long-term planning. Any sudden tightening of sanctions or administrative hurdles can disrupt cargo delivery or financial settlements. Logistical challenges: Transporting Venezuelan crude to India is complex and costly. Routes involve long-haul shipping across the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, adding transit time, insurance costs, and exposure to maritime geopolitical risks. Production reliability: Venezuela’s oil sector has been plagued by infrastructure neglect, underinvestment, and workforce attrition, creating a supply profile that is inherently unpredictable. Even if shipments are contracted, actual delivery volumes can be uncertain. Yet, the mere potential for Venezuelan barrels to enter global markets has strategic value for India. This optionality allows the country to negotiate more favorable terms with other suppliers, particularly in the Middle East, by leveraging the perception of alternative sources. Venezuelan crude acts as a floating variable in India’s energy calculus: it can be tapped when favorable, but India is not forced to depend on it when risk is high. Furthermore, the optionality strategy aligns with India’s broader energy diversification goals, which include increasing imports from Africa, the Americas, and Central Asia, while also investing in refining partnerships and storage infrastructure domestically. By avoiding overreliance on politically sensitive sources like Venezuela, India minimizes vulnerability to shocks that could ripple through domestic fuel markets, inflation, and industrial costs. In short, Venezuelan crude offers technical advantages and strategic leverage, but India’s approach demonstrates that energy security is about flexibility and risk management—not simply accessing more barrels. In an era of global supply volatility, optionality can be as valuable as volume, particularly for a major emerging-market importer like India. A Structural Reframing of the Debate Some analysts argue that the focus on Venezuela itself overstates its importance in a world where demand dynamics are shifting. As Maria Pechurina, Director of International Trade at Peacock Tariff Consulting, argues: “Venezuela isn’t a supply story—it’s a distraction. The world already produces more oil than it needs, demand is structurally declining, and no amount of geopolitical theater can change that. Long-term oil prices won’t be set by Maduro, Trump, or sanctions, but by how fast Chinese and European drivers switch to electric vehicles. In energy markets, electrons—not egos—will decide the future.” This perspective situates Venezuela as a short-term geopolitical variable within a much larger structural transition. Conclusion: Abundance Without Assurance The global oil market today is defined by abundance without assurance. Venezuela’s reserves are vast, but their relevance is constrained by political risk, infrastructure decay, investment hesitation, and shifting long-term demand. While Venezuelan oil can influence refining economics, market psychology, and price volatility—with real consequences for sectors like agriculture—it is unlikely to fundamentally rebalance global supply. As oil markets evolve, prices will be shaped less by reserves and more by confidence, credibility, and demand transformation. In that environment, stability will depend not on who controls the barrels, but on how quickly the world’s energy system moves beyond them. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3533/the-u-s-partners-with-viet-nam-to-modernize-food-safety-system.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3533/the-u-s-partners-with-viet-nam-to-modernize-food-safety-system.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:04:38 +0530 The U.S. prioritized Viet Nam as a key partner in the agricultural and food safety cooperation programme for the 2026 - 2030 period. Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung received and held a working meeting with U.S. Agricultural Counselor Ralph Bean on a new phase of cooperation in food safety and agricultural trade. At the meeting, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung highly appreciated the close cooperation of the U.S. side in providing technical support for agricultural production, as well as in helping address obstacles related to trade and tariffs. In particular, a number of projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), such as the FertilizerRight Project, have helped improve the effectiveness and efficiency of fertilizer use, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce emissions, thereby supporting market access. According to Ralph Bean, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has selected Viet Nam as one of the priority countries for the implementation of the Food for Progress. This is a key U.S. initiative aimed at supporting global food safety and improving market information. Accordingly, two major project components on food safety, which is known as the Agricultural Trade and Food Safety Expanded and tilapia aquaculture will be implemented in Viet Nam starting in 2026. The projects focus on four main objectives: strengthening the food safety system; enhancing supply chain capacity and cold logistics; expanding access to trade finance for businesses; and supporting Viet Nam in achieving its goals on innovation, private sector development, and international integration. Assessing the U.S. proposal, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung said the project’s objectives are in line with Viet Nam’s development orientation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment stands ready to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to implement the project, and has designated the Agricultural Projects Management Board as the focal point to work closely with specialized units. A representative of IESC (Improving Economies for Stronger Communities), the project implementing organization, affirmed that the project aims to support Viet Nam in strengthening its food safety system for livestock, crop, and processed products, modernizing supply chains, and facilitating bilateral agricultural trade with the United States. The project is expected to be implemented nationwide, with a focus on major urban centers and key seaport areas. Agricultural Counselor Ralph Bean expressed his hope that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment would serve as the lead agency, coordinating and connecting with other ministries and sectors to ensure the effectiveness of the long-term project. IESC also noted that it would work jointly on developing the project document, conducting initial baseline assessments, gathering feedback from relevant stakeholders, and designing activities aligned with Vietnam’s practical needs. Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products in developing countries and emerging economies.  “We aim to support Viet Nam in modernizing registration, inspection, and certification processes through digitalization; strengthening animal disease surveillance capacity; training quarantine officers; and improving food safety in traditional markets,” the U.S. Agricultural Counselor Ralph Bean shared. Deputy Minister Hoang Trung highly appreciated the multi-sectoral scale and substance of the U.S. project in supporting Viet Nam’s goals of ensuring food safety and promoting sustainable agricultural development, and affirmed that units under the Ministry would coordinate with the Agricultural Projects Management Board to effectively implement the cooperation program. Speaking at a press briefing at the US Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on November 25, Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs USDA Lindberg said American farmers were enthusiastic about the prospect of expanding exports to Vietnam. He noted that Vietnam is already one of the largest agricultural exporters to the US to be a priority country for Food for Progress Programme.  "The U.S. would continue to prioritise support for emerging and developing economies in modernising agriculture and transitioning towards market-oriented growth", he stated.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3464/states-expand-snap-federal-taxpayers-pay-price-cato-economist-flags-deep-structural-flaws.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3464/states-expand-snap-federal-taxpayers-pay-price-cato-economist-flags-deep-structural-flaws.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:43:10 +0530 In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, reinforced the core argument of her recent paper, “The SNAP Loophole That Lets Millionaires Receive Food Stamps”: that Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) has fundamentally eroded SNAP’s policy safeguards by allowing states to sidestep federal income and asset limits. Citing evidence that 43 states and DC have adopted BBCE—most eliminating asset tests entirely—she noted that the loophole now enables millions of households with significant financial resources to qualify for SNAP, including more than 5 million participants whose assets exceed federal thresholds. While sensational cases of millionaire or lottery-winner beneficiaries are statistically rare, Romina stressed that they symbolize a deeper structural problem: states can expand eligibility by linking SNAP to minimal TANF-funded services such as brochures or hotline numbers, yet Washington continues to pay 100 percent of SNAP benefit costs. This misalignment of incentives, she argued, has contributed to long-term caseload expansion, improper payments, and a steady weakening of program integrity. Romina reiterated the article’s call for restoring federal asset limits—an approach supported by 73 percent of U.S. voters—but emphasized that tightening BBCE is only a partial fix. The larger flaw is fiscal: states enjoy the political upside of appearing generous, while federal taxpayers shoulder the financial burden. To realign incentives and ensure that nutritional assistance reaches the truly needy, she advocated for devolving SNAP to the states through block grants and gradually shifting benefit financing to state budgets. According to Romina, think tanks like the Cato Institute play an essential role in exposing systemic inefficiencies in federal programs, quantifying the cost of loopholes such as BBCE—estimated to range from $10 billion to $112 billion over ten years—and advancing market-driven reforms that promote accountability, prudent fiscal management, and genuine economic mobility for vulnerable households. Romina, your research highlights how Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) allows states to bypass federal asset limits, sometimes letting households with substantial wealth—including lottery winners and retirees with significant savings—receive SNAP benefits. How widespread is this issue, and what are the broader implications for program integrity and taxpayer trust?  Millionaires and lottery winners on SNAP are rare, but the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) estimated in 2023 that ~5.4 million SNAP participants were enrolled through BBCE. This means that over 10 percent of SNAP participants did not meet the program’s own statutory income/asset standards, but still received benefits. The millions of people on SNAP through BBCE is one of many factors, including looser state-level eligibility standards, that have contributed to SNAP’s massive caseload expansion since 2000. As a result, over 40 million Americans, or 1 in 8, rely on the federal government to help them pay for their groceries. The BBCE loophole is emblematic of SNAP's lack of accountability. States share administrative costs with the federal government, giving them the incentive to simplify their paperwork with options like BBCE to streamline eligibility checks. However, they have little stake in controlling enrollment growth or enforcing eligibility standards because federal taxpayers, not the states, pay for the benefits that flow to those brought onto SNAP rolls through those looser rules. Estimates suggest up to 4 million SNAP recipients under BBCE have assets above federal thresholds. From a policy standpoint, should the priority be enforcing stricter federal asset limits, or addressing the structural incentives that encourage states to expand eligibility?  Closing the BBCE loophole to enforce SNAP’s eligibility standards is a good start, but it will not solve the problems embedded in SNAP’s financing structure that gave states the incentive to abuse BBCE in the first place. States have little incentive to enforce eligibility standards or cut costs because the federal government pays 100 percent of the program’s benefits. This leaves states insulated from the financial consequences of their policy choices. OBBBA’s matching fund requirements for states with high improper payments were a good start, but the best way to resolve SNAP's incentive problems is to fully devolve SNAP to the states and hold them accountable for their eligibility decisions.   BBCE links SNAP eligibility to participation in programs like TANF, even when TANF thresholds exceed SNAP’s statutory limits. Do you consider this a design flaw in SNAP itself, or a symptom of deeper federal-state misalignment in welfare policy?  BBCE was initially intended to streamline SNAP administration by eliminating duplicative paperwork for caseworkers, but states have used it to make federal taxpayers pay for backdoor benefit expansions. BBCE, however, is a symptom of a structural incentive misalignment in SNAP and the entire federal-state welfare system. When authority and responsibility diverge, this creates a principal-agent problem. States reap the political benefits of appearing generous through broad benefit expansions but bear few of the financial consequences of paying for them. States further lack accountability for the improper payments and waste that result from inadequate program oversight. Devolving SNAP and other welfare programs to the states is the best way to align incentives with program integrity. Fiscal conservatives have argued that devolving SNAP to the states via block grants could better align benefit authority with financial responsibility. How realistic is this approach politically and economically, and what mechanisms could ensure that needy households are not disadvantaged under state discretion?  The 1996 welfare reforms showed that block-granting major assistance programs is not only politically achievable, but, more importantly, an optimal solution to help the economically disadvantaged. TANF’s remarkable success in increasing employment and reducing poverty for low-income families while drastically reducing caseloads proves that giving states the authority to design their programs empowers them to create assistance programs that are more responsive, targeted, and effective in meeting the local needs of their constituents. Given that some states have abolished asset tests entirely under BBCE, what structural reforms would you recommend to prevent high-asset households from receiving SNAP, while maintaining flexibility for genuinely low-income, asset-rich households who might still need temporary support?  States should bear the full cost of their programs. States are abolishing asset tests to expand SNAP eligibility and have little incentive to prevent high-asset households from receiving benefits because Washington is paying for those benefits. The best way to ensure SNAP benefits go to the truly vulnerable and, more importantly, help recipients achieve self-sufficiency, is to give states a financial stake in doing so. States should have the flexibility to experiment with their programs, including setting asset limits, to determine the best way to tailor assistance to meet the needs of individual recipients. But they should be the ones picking up the tab rather than passing the bill to federal taxpayers. Giving states fiscal responsibility for their welfare programs would incentivize them to either scale back their programs to empower private solutions, or design their assistance to help people rise out of poverty, rather than expanding benefits to capture more federal funding. Analysts suggest potential savings from repealing BBCE range from $10 billion to $112 billion over a decade. How should policymakers balance these savings against the potential risk of excluding households on the margin of need, particularly in economically vulnerable populations?  Repealing BBCE to prevent high-asset households from receiving SNAP benefits is a start, but policymakers should focus on getting welfare programs like SNAP out of Washington. When states bear the full fiscal responsibility for their programs, giving benefits to non-needy households to maximize enrollment becomes expensive, while assistance designed to reduce dependency becomes cost-efficient. Devolving SNAP will also give states the incentive to target aid to the truly vulnerable (the elderly, disabled, and low-income families with children), and design assistance for able-bodied adults as a launchpad to economic independence. SNAP’s current structure, where states administer programs while Washington pays, does the opposite. States are incentivized to maximize enrollment and government dependency to draw more federal dollars, but they have little reason to prioritize self-sufficiency. Decentralizing SNAP is the long-term solution to fixing not just BBCE, but the entire broken incentive structure of federal-state welfare policy. The current structure creates an incentive for states to expand benefits while federal taxpayers foot the bill. In your view, what concrete policy reforms could better align state incentives with fiscal responsibility, without compromising SNAP’s goal of supporting the most vulnerable populations?  Congress should convert SNAP from an open-ended entitlement program into a block grant and gradually reduce the federal government’s share of funding the program’s benefits. This will give states both the flexibility and the fiscal responsibility to determine which forms of support best help the most vulnerable. This includes empowering civil society, such as charities, nonprofits, and private organizations, to craft more responsive and effective forms of assistance than taxpayer-funded entitlements. If states opt to run their own nutritional assistance or other welfare programs, they should have the flexibility to tailor services to support recipients' self-sufficiency. The 1996 welfare reforms to TANF, for example, gave states significant discretion to direct funds toward supports beyond cash benefits, such as work and training programs, childcare, and other services they judged most effective at helping low-income families become self-reliant. Policy reforms that break free from one-size-fits-all federal approaches and empower local, community-based solutions are the best way to promote upward mobility and empower individuals to lift themselves out of poverty. Finally, what role do think tanks and independent policy research institutions like Cato play in shaping the national debate on SNAP reform, particularly regarding BBCE, asset verification, and the potential devolution of the program to states?  The Cato Institute provides independent analysis that cuts through political narratives, highlights structural flaws in federal policy, and offers concrete solutions for how to fix them to government decision-makers in Congress and the Executive. We provide data-driven reforms grounded in the power of free markets, individual liberty, fiscal discipline, and constitutional federalism. Shifting authority from the federal government to state and local levels offers a more effective framework for addressing poverty because local communities are better positioned to meet people’s specific needs and deliver more responsive, targeted assistance than federal programs. More importantly, removing government-created barriers to upward mobility and empowering free markets is a far more effective way to promote economic opportunity for low-income individuals than any top-down wealth redistribution program. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3414/inside-saf-ambition-reality-gap-aethers-alyssa-norris-on-tech-feedstocks-and-capital-needed-for-real-scale.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3414/inside-saf-ambition-reality-gap-aethers-alyssa-norris-on-tech-feedstocks-and-capital-needed-for-real-scale.html Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:15:57 +0530 In this exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Alyssa Norris, Director of Sustainability at Aether Fuels, dissects the widening ambition–reality gap in the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge, noting that next-generation pathways beyond HEFA — including Aether’s own Aurora technology — will determine whether the 2030 target can still be met. She argues that the real feedstock battleground is shifting toward waste-carbon streams and electrofuels, where sustainability hinges on rigorous chain-of-custody systems that avoid land-use conflict entirely. Alyssa highlights how airlines are experimenting with new financial instruments, venture funds, and consumer-facing incentives to shoulder SAF’s green premium and expand demand in non-mandated markets. On infrastructure, she warns that storage and blending constraints—more than chemistry—are the immediate choke points, making regional clustering only a partial solution to highly localized bottlenecks. Looking ahead to 2040, Alyssa says SAF’s share of U.S. jet fuel will depend on breakthroughs in feedstock flexibility, robust policy support, and private-sector capital flows that can accelerate scale and close the current ambition–reality divide. I. Scene-Setting: Industry Momentum vs Reality Alyssa, the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge targets 3 billion gallons by 2030. From Aether’s vantage point, does the current pipeline of projects support that scale — or is there a widening ambition–reality gap? It’s an ambitious goal at this point – 2030 is coming up quickly, and there’s still a gap we need to address. Projects moving beyond HEFA are what will make scale possible. HEFA simply isn’t a realistic process for scaling SAF to the volumes we need. As new technologies, like Aether Aurora, come online and the first commercial plants prove the technology is efficient, we can expect a catch-up that will happen very swiftly. The deadline is tight, but with the next generation of projects for production, we have a chance to still meet the 3 billion gallons target and close the gap quickly. II. Feedstock Futures: Who Wins the Supply War Lipids dominate SAF today, but availability caps are unavoidable. Where do you see the most scalable alternatives emerging — ethanol, woody biomass, MSW, algae, or CO₂-derived fuels? Yes, lipids dominate SAF today, but there is a lot of potential in waste carbon as feedstock - industrial waste gas, biogas, and in the near future biomass waste with gasification, like agriculture residue, biomass or MSW.  CO2-derived fuels and ethanol are both progressing quickly — LanzaJet is now producing from ethanol, which is driving momentum, and the technology is there for CO2-derived fuels, however hydrogen and renewable energy costs will need to come down in order to be cost-effective. Algae may have potential, but it needs more development before it can be a truly viable and scalable alternative.  Aether is focused on electrofuels and carbon-recycled pathways. How do you ensure feedstock sustainability and avoid land-use conflicts? Our feedstocks come from waste-carbon only, so they don’t compete with food or feed in any way. We avoid land-use conflicts by only using the waste products – not anything that would have any competition with food, feed, or other commercial uses, and following a robust feedstock chain of custody review.  III. Airlines + Corporates: Who Pays for SAF’s Green Premium Airlines currently pay 2–4x the cost of conventional jet fuel. How are they hedging that exposure today — and what innovative financing instruments (book-and-claim, SAF certificates, ESG-linked offtakes) are emerging? Some airlines are investing in SAF in creative ways. JetBlue, one of Aether’s investors, has its own fund for SAF investment, now known as Sky VC , and several other airlines have similar funds to invest in SAF in different ways.  Airlines are also working very hard to partner with commercial clients who are driving SAF adoption in non-mandated markets. Much of this happens through book-and-claim systems or SAF certificates, which can help spread the cost and create more flexible financing.  Airlines are also investing money and time into education to teach their consumers about SAF and encourage support. Could differentiated branding — “climate neutral class,” for instance — unlock a consumer-led SAF market? Yes, there is a real possibility here. For example, some airlines are discussing and testing consumer incentives such as if you pay for a flight fueled by SAF, you can get upgraded to a different boarding class.  If consumers feel like they are getting direct value from sustainable options, they will choose them.  IV. Infrastructure & Deployment We talk a lot about feedstocks and chemistry, but infrastructure may be the real bottleneck. What elements of the U.S. fuel system require the fastest upgrades — blending hubs, pipelines, storage, certification? Is regional clustering — such as Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest hub models — a viable pathway to early scale? Depending on which airport you’re sending SAF to, there are different challenges. Storage is one of the most challenging element right now, as some airports are really tight on storage space and have nowhere to store the fuel. Blending is also a challenge, but as SAF becomes more of a reality, the industry is actively working on addressing these issues.  Regional clustering can be helpful, but most situations and challenges need to be addressed on a local level, depending on each region's specific constraints.  V. Strategic Outlook Looking out to 2040, what percentage of U.S. jet fuel demand do you believe SAF can realistically meet — and what breakthroughs are non-negotiable to get there? It’s hard to say a specific percentage at this time. However, we will need breakthroughs in feedstock flexibility or to further unlock readily abundant feedstock. In order to scale production, we also need the proper infrastructure to scale.  If you had one policy lever and one private-sector lever to pull in 2025, what would they be to close the ambition–reality gap? On the policy side, I would love to see continued support at both the local, regional and federal levels for sustainable fuels, and a stronger focus on energy dependence – which should include fuels like SAF.   For Aether, private-sector investment is crucial, so I hope for continued investment in emerging and scaling technologies from the private-sector. We also need more education for corporations on the benefits of sustainability transparency. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3362/epa-issues-proposed-registration-decision-for-biotalys-evoca-biofungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3362/epa-issues-proposed-registration-decision-for-biotalys-evoca-biofungicide.html Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:59:03 +0530 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiates Public Participation Procedure Biotalys is pleased to announce that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its proposed registration decision to approve the company’s first biofungicide, EVOCA. The agency will now initiate the final phase in its regulatory review, allowing stakeholders such as growers and industry associations 15 days to provide feedback before finalizing its regulatory decision. The EPA has also posted a final rule exempting EVOCA’s active ingredient residues on treated crops from tolerance requirements, indicating that no maximum residue limits will apply and highlighting the product candidate’s exemplary safety profile. EVOCA is a precision biocontrol solution that targets the fungal pathogens botrytis (grey mold) and powdery mildew in high-value fruits and vegetables without harming beneficial organisms or the environment. The product candidate offers growers a new mode of action to manage resistance to existing fungicides, as was recognised by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), a panel of renowned industry experts. “The EPA’s recommendation to approve EVOCA marks a pivotal moment for Biotalys, and the advancement of the first protein-based biofungicide of its kind for approval in the United States. This achievement underscores Biotalys’ pioneering leadership in agricultural innovation and provides the company with a significant first-mover advantage in transforming how growers protect their crops safely and sustainably,” said Kevin Helash, CEO of Biotalys. “Our protein-based platform has the potential to transform crop protection by delivering next generation biological solutions with new modes of action, developed to create targeted, consistent and scalable products to meet farmers’ needs, as demonstrated today by the EPA’s publication,” he added. “This significant milestone reflects the dedication and expertise of the entire Biotalys team,” Helash concluded. “EVOCA is just the beginning for Biotalys, and we look forward to bringing our pipeline of fungicides and insecticides to the market in the coming years.” An approval of EVOCA paves the way for the regulatory submission of EVOCA NG, the next-generation version of the product candidate, and Biotalys’ anticipated first commercial launch. The company expects the review process for EVOCA NG to be significantly shorter as the product contains the same active ingredient as EVOCA and features enhanced formulation and production methods. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3354/alexei-beltyukov-on-flexiforming-future-inside-unifuels-mission-to-scale-sustainable-aviation-fuel.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3354/alexei-beltyukov-on-flexiforming-future-inside-unifuels-mission-to-scale-sustainable-aviation-fuel.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:29:49 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Alexei Beltyukov, CEO and Co-founder of Universal Fuel Technologies (Unifuel), elucidates how the company’s proprietary Flexiforming process transcends the constraints of conventional waste-oil-based biofuels, converting alcohols and low-value refinery byproducts into truly drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By delivering the elusive aromatic fraction required for jet engine performance — something HEFA and Fischer–Tropsch routes cannot independently supply — Unifuel simultaneously augments yield and slashes both energy and hydrogen inputs. Beltyukov underscores that Flexiforming’s modularity and compatibility with existing refineries and ethanol facilities offer a capital-efficient scale-up pathway at a time when the SAF markets are beleaguered by feedstock scarcity and punishing production costs. Policy acceleration toward 100 per cent synthetic SAF approval, coupled with long-term airline offtake agreements, he argues, will unlock the confidence necessary for global deployment. Ultimately, Unifuel positions itself not as a solitary panacea but as a catalytic enabler of a commercially viable, climate-positive aviation future, where complementary pathways collaborate to maximise every molecule of renewable carbon. I. Technology & Production From Waste to Jet Fuel: Can you explain the core technology behind Unifuel’s conversion of waste oils and fats into SAF, and what differentiates it from conventional biofuel pathways? Unifuel doesn't directly convert waste oils and fats into SAF. Rather, our Flexiforming technology complements existing processes that do. We convert alcohols like ethanol and methanol into high-quality SAF, and we upgrade the low-value byproducts—naphtha and LPG—from Hydroprocessed Esthers and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) processes that use waste oils and fats. The key differentiator is our single-step, all-gas phase reaction using a proprietary catalyst. This design reduces energy consumption by 75 per cent and hydrogen requirements by 33 per cent compared to alternative ethanol-to-jet processes, positioning our technology at approximately half the cost. Additionally, we produce aromatic SAF components that HEFA and Fischer-Tropsch cannot, which are essential for jet engine performance and achieving true drop-in capability. Performance and Sustainability: How do Unifuel’s SAF products perform in terms of energy density, combustion efficiency, and lifecycle carbon intensity compared to fossil-based jet fuels? Flexiforming produces SAF that is chemically comparable to conventional jet fuel, containing the 8-25 per cent aromatics that today's aircraft engines require. Our SAF has undergone comprehensive testing at Washington State University's Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Lab—the world-leading authority on SAF research—and has been accepted into the ASTM D4054 Clearinghouse for qualification. This acceptance demonstrates that our fuel meets strict quality and safety criteria and shows strong potential for completing the ASTM qualification process successfully. In terms of lifecycle carbon intensity, depending on the specific chemical pathway, our energy-efficient process has a carbon intensity 10-31 per cent that of the incoming feedstock—a significant reduction beyond the inherent benefits of using renewable feedstocks. II. Scaling Challenges Feedstock Constraints: Waste oils and fats are finite and geographically dispersed. What strategies is Unifuel pursuing to secure a consistent, scalable feedstock supply, and how do logistics impact production economics? Rather than competing for limited HEFA feedstocks, our strategy is to make the best of what’s available and diversify. For example, for HEFA—indeed, a feed-limited pathway to SAF—Flexiforming can convert their low-value byproduct, naphtha, into the aromatic component of SAF. Apart from making the product a potentially fully synthetic fungible jet fuel (subject to ASTM approvals), this produces 20 per cent more SAF from the same amount of feedstock. Flexiforming works with any alcohol or ether, renewable naphthas, and LPG. This versatility allows plant operators to adapt to feedstock availability and pricing fluctuations. For ethanol specifically, we see significant opportunity. The U.S. already produces billions of gallons of ethanol annually for gasoline blending. As electric vehicles replace gasoline-powered cars, this ethanol can be redirected to jet fuel production without impacting food production or requiring new agricultural investment. Flexiforming offers ethanol plant operators an economically viable ethanol-to-jet pathway, 50 per cent less expensive than existing ETJ options. Refinery and Conversion Economics: What are the key technical and economic bottlenecks in scaling SAF production from laboratory or pilot-scale to commercial refinery operations, and how is Unifuel addressing them ? The primary bottlenecks are cost (SAF currently costs 2 to 4 times more than conventional jet fuel) and feedstock limitations. Our single-reactor design dramatically reduces capital and operational costs. Flexiforming is also designed for scalable deployment at various sizes, from small bolt-on units for Fischer-Tropsch plants to large refinery-scale installations. This flexibility allows producers to match their investment to their specific circumstances rather than requiring massive upfront capital. Critically, we integrate with existing infrastructure, minimizing deployment costs and accelerating time to market. Our successful 2024 five-month pilot campaign demonstrates we've moved beyond laboratory concepts closer to commercially proven, reproducible technology. III. Policy & Market Dynamics Regulatory Alignment: How do government incentives, blending mandates, and carbon credit schemes influence SAF adoption, and where do you see regulatory gaps that need urgent attention to accelerate deployment ? Similar to how EVs initially depended on government incentives before becoming mainstream, SAF needs policy support to offset the current cost premium and give producers confidence to invest.The next step we are awaiting in the regulatory area is the adoption of a standard for 100 per cent drop-in, fully synthetic SAF. Currently, ASTM standards allow most SAF to be blended with conventional jet fuel up to 50 per cent . The industry anticipates approval for 100 per cent synthetic SAF by the end of 2026, but this requires addressing the aromatics requirement—something HEFA and Fischer-Tropsch alone cannot provide. Technologies that can produce aromatic SAF components should receive accelerated regulatory review and support, as they're essential for eliminating the need for continued blending with fossil fuels. Global Market Readiness: With airlines increasingly committing to SAF targets, what is your perspective on the readiness of global supply chains and airport infrastructure to handle large-scale SAF integration? Infrastructure is largely in place to support greater use of SAF, since it is a “drop-in” replacement that works with today’s aircraft. Once the fully synthetic SAF standard is adopted, common-carrier pipelines and all other infrastructure will be accessible to SAF. The real challenge is scaling production to meet growing demand. SAF currently represents less than 1 per cent of global jet fuel consumption, and closing that gap will depend on both technologies that make existing production pathways more efficient and cost-effective, as well as the regulatory approach. A lot of capacity and feedstock that can be used to make SAF are presently targeting renewable diesel. This is a partial result of how the tax incentives are set up, and also of the fact that when making SAF, the producers inevitably make significant quantities of naphtha - a byproduct that, in the absence of Flexiforming, has a relatively low value. Flexiforming helps in exactly that way. By upgrading low-value byproducts such as naphtha and LPG into additional SAF, our technology enables producers to generate more fuel from the same feedstock. This increases total output while improving project economics, which in turn helps airlines and fuel suppliers meet their sustainability commitments more quickly and affordably. IV. Strategic Outlook Investment and Partnership Models: What role do strategic airline partnerships, venture capital, and private equity play in enabling SAF scale-up, and what frameworks have you found most effective for attracting long-term investment? Strategic partnerships are critical, especially between technology providers, fuel producers, and airlines. Airlines’ long-term offtake agreements provide the demand certainty investors look for, while venture and private equity partners can fund early deployment. Unifuel’s model is based on technology licensing rather than direct fuel production, which makes scaling faster and more capital-efficient. Our customers can integrate Flexiforming into their existing plants with relatively low CapEx, creating a more distributed, resilient SAF supply network. This model appeals to investors because it allows them to participate across multiple facilities and feedstocks, reducing risk while accelerating market penetration. Beyond Waste Oils: As SAF demand grows, how is Unifuel preparing for feedstock diversification — for example, algae, municipal waste, or other renewable sources — and what technical or economic hurdles remain in that transition ? Feedstock diversification is at the heart of Flexiforming’s value proposition. We can already process any naphtha, alcohol or ether, so as new pathways to these feeds emerge—from algae, cellulosic sources, or other biomass—we can potentially integrate them. For municipal and agricultural waste, we complement Fischer-Tropsch processing. By upgrading FT's naphtha and LPG byproducts into aromatic SAF, we can increase plant revenue by 10-20 per cent, making waste-to-SAF projects more financially viable. The main challenge is not chemistry, but logistics and preprocessing costs. That’s why our technology can be deployed at different scales, even near the source of biomass or waste conversion. By enabling modular, regional SAF production, Flexiforming helps producers reduce transportation costs and make better use of local renewable resources. Vision for Net-Zero Aviation: Looking ahead 5–10 years, how do you see Unifuel contributing to a commercially viable, climate-positive aviation sector, and what are the key milestones the industry must hit to achieve that vision? We envision three major use cases: bolt-ons to Fischer-Tropsch and HEFA plants processing waste feedstocks; partnerships with ethanol plants transitioning from selling ethanol for gasoline blending to SAF; and retrofitting existing oil refineries for SAF production. The key industry milestones include ASTM approval for 100 per cent drop-in synthetic SAF by end of 2026; achieving economic parity or near-parity with conventional jet fuel through technology improvements and policy support; and successfully diversifying beyond limited HEFA feedstocks. Our goal is for Flexiforming to become a mainstream enabling technology—recognizing that no single pathway will meet 100 per cent of demand, but that complementary technologies working together can maximize resource utilization and make sustainable aviation the norm rather than the exception. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3335/americas-next-frontier-unlocking-africas-3-4t-agribusiness-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3335/americas-next-frontier-unlocking-africas-3-4t-agribusiness-market.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:31:04 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Brent Boydston, Founder, Ag Center Solutions outlined how U.S. agribusiness can seize Africa’s $3.4 trillion AfCFTA opportunity. Feed grains, soy, and DDGS are prime entry points, but success hinges on relationship-driven partnerships, not just transactions. He stressed the need for investments in smallholder modernization, mechanization, and digital agtech to boost productivity and resilience. Boydston also called for next-generation trade frameworks that combine IP protection, technology transfer, and carbon-credit access. Africa’s low-input, biodiversity-aligned farming models, he noted, offer critical lessons for sustainable growth. Strategic collaboration, he concluded, can transform Africa into a hub for high-value food production and U.S.–Africa agricultural synergy. I. Market Potential & Geopolitics Africa’s Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a $3.4 trillion market. From your perspective, what segments of agribusiness—inputs, processing, logistics, retail—are most attractive for U.S. companies to enter first? From my perspective, feed grains such as corn, sorghum, DDGS from ethanol production, soybeans, and soybean meal represent the most attractive first entry points into African markets. Feed demand for the continent’s expanding poultry and livestock industries continues to rise, and population growth will only intensify the need for affordable protein. Market entry will not be without challenges, differing regulatory requirements across the continent will need to be navigated, but these can be addressed through engagement and partnership. The U.S. is late to Africa compared to China, Brazil, and increasingly India. What does America need to do differently to avoid being boxed out of Africa’s agricultural future ? U.S. businesses need to recognize and seize the opportunities emerging in Africa. Companies must understand that African nations and their people want to partner with American firms, but success requires relationship building rather than transactional thinking. Business in Africa is fundamentally relationship-based. U.S. firms must invest in learning the cultures of the countries where they operate, which is entirely achievable with the right guidance. They should also collaborate with established U.S. government entities active in Africa such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) and with cooperators like the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council and the United Soybean Export Council. Both have strong local networks across the continent and can play a key role in facilitating market entry and building lasting partnerships. II. Investment & Capital Flows African agriculture still receives less than 5 per cent of total FDI inflows. Where can U.S. venture capital and private equity make the most immediate impact—financing smallholder resilience, scaling agtech, or building midstream infrastructure? Smallholder resilience, agtech scale-up, and midstream infrastructure are all vital investment avenues, but one area often overlooked is agricultural education paired with modernization. Farming practices in many African regions lag for several reasons, limited access to capital, weak risk-management tools, insufficient training in modern methods, and regulatory systems that are sometimes influenced by outside pressures rather than science. Take genetically modified organisms (GMOs), for example. Since their adoption in the U.S. in the mid-1990s, GMO crops have helped drive a transition from heavy tillage to minimum- or no-till systems, conserving soil and reducing input use. Yet in several African nations, bans on GMO seed cultivation or import prevent farmers from accessing these technologies and the benefits they bring in pest resistance, yield improvement, and soil protection. Investment that supports education, modernization, and science-based regulation would have immediate and lasting impact. III. Supply Chains & Infrastructure Africa faces a paradox: it holds 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land but imports $75 billion in food annually. Where can U.S. companies intervene most effectively—fertiliser supply, mechanisation, grain storage, cold chain? U.S. companies can make an immediate difference by strengthening fertilizer supply chains, investing in farm mechanization services, and developing modern grain-storage and cold-chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses. These interventions not only increase productivity but also improve food security and the profitability of local producers. With the U.S. pushing for “friend-shoring” and resilient supply chains, can Africa realistically become a hub for U.S. agri-commodity processing and re-export into global markets? Africa is uniquely positioned to become an exporter of food and processed agricultural products. Large-scale production for the EU already makes Europe one of Africa’s top export destinations, while trade ties with India and other Asian markets continue to deepen. With a growing egg and broiler industry, African nations have the opportunity to expand value-added food production while importing feed grains from the United States. When paired with education and technology transfer, currently uncultivated lands could be brought into sustainable production allowing Africa to export higher-value commodities to its key markets. IV. Technology & Innovation Digital platforms in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are redefining input distribution and farmer credit. Where can U.S. tech giants and agri-startups collaborate to leapfrog Africa into next-generation farming ecosystems? Technology and innovation go hand in hand, and Africa is poised to lead in digital agriculture. Internet access has expanded rapidly, a 115 per cent increase in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2016 and 2022, and this connectivity creates opportunities for improved efficiency and integration with global market. U.S. agri-tech startups should look to Africa not only as a market but as a collaborative partner for developing scalable digital solutions. Whether in AI-driven crop consulting, digital finance platforms, or precision-farming applications, the continent’s young, tech-savvy population offers fertile ground for next-generation agricultural innovation. V. Policy & Trade Architecture AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) is set to expire in 2025. What kind of next-generation U.S.–Africa trade framework would best unlock agribusiness potential? While it remains uncertain whether the U.S. Congress or Administration will renew or replace AGOA, that uncertainty will likely drive some African nations to pursue bilateral trade agreements with the United States or to pivot toward other markets. Fortunately, a foundation already exists: the U.S. has a full free-trade agreement (FTA) with Morocco; a Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the East African Community (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan); and multiple other TIFAs and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) across the continent. These frameworks provide blueprints for deeper engagement between African nations and the United States. They can also help offset the loss of AGOA by encouraging commercial linkages between countries that already have agreements with the U.S. and those that do not. Are tariff concessions and export incentives enough—or do we need more holistic agreements covering knowledge transfer, IP, and carbon credits for regenerative farming? More comprehensive agreements are needed beyond tariff concessions or export incentives. Global integration requires frameworks that protect intellectual property and facilitate technology exchange while ensuring fair access to emerging markets like carbon credits. For example, to receive carbon credits, farmers must conduct soil sampling and meet strict verification requirements, activities that generate valuable data. That data should remain the property of the farmers who create it, reflecting their knowledge and stewardship. At the same time, they need access to improved tools, such as corn seed varieties designed for maximum carbon sequestration. Protecting the intellectual property behind those seeds and precision-agriculture systems is vital. Formal trade agreements can safeguard both farmers’ rights and corporate innovation, maximizing benefits for all parties. VI. Sustainability & Climate Diplomacy What lessons can Africa teach the U.S. about low-input, biodiversity-aligned farming models—and how can that shape bilateral partnerships? Though the U.S. and African farm sectors differ in scale and technology, they share a common goal: producing food sustainably for a growing population. Increasingly, African nations are turning to the United States for guidance on boosting production while conserving natural resources. A good example is the U.S.-based consulting company Sustainable Agricultural Solutions for Africa, which has worked in Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya to transfer U.S. know-how on sustainable practices. These collaborations demonstrate a strong mutual interest in sharing best practices and are critical to shaping future bilateral partnerships. They provide tangible proof that sustainability can be achieved through cooperation and knowledge exchange on both sides of the Atlantic. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3332/skybound-sustainability-indias-race-to-become-saf-hub-of-global-south.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3332/skybound-sustainability-indias-race-to-become-saf-hub-of-global-south.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:59:05 +0530 India is charting a bold course to become the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) hub of the Global South, leveraging its vast biomass, ethanol infrastructure, and policy-driven mandates. With domestic blending targets, state-backed incentives, and pioneering projects like IOC’s Panipat facility, the country is converting waste streams—used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and municipal solid waste—into low-carbon jet fuel. By 2040, India could produce 8–10 million tonnes of SAF annually, slashing lifecycle emissions by up to 80 per cent, generating green jobs, and creating export opportunities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Startups, EPC firms, and R&D hubs are strengthening industrial capability, while harmonized global standards ensure both domestic adoption and international credibility. In short, India is transforming a climate challenge into a strategic, economic, and environmental advantage, positioning itself as the engine of aviation decarbonization for emerging markets. Aviation is global yet carbon-bound. Planes still rely on liquid hydrocarbons; electrification is limited, hydrogen is years away, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the only immediate lever to cut emissions in a sector responsible for 2–3 per cent of global CO₂. “The trajectory of SAF is nothing short of extraordinary—expanding from a nascent 5 million gallons in 2021 to 24.5 million gallons in 2023, a CAGR exceeding 100 per cent. Yet this still accounts for less than 0.1 per cent of global jet fuel demand, underscoring both the scale of the challenge and the immensity of the opportunity ‘’, mentioned Dr. Nripanka Das, Author, Sustainability & Carbon Markets. “The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, announced in 2021, has set audacious targets of 3 billion gallons by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050, requiring unprecedented scaling of production capacity and technological deployment. Pathways such as Fischer–Tropsch, approved by ASTM in 2009, already demonstrate how woody biomass, municipal solid waste, and agricultural residues can be transformed into jet fuel virtually indistinguishable from conventional Jet A. In this lies the promise of scaling an industry that not only meets aviation’s exacting standards but also redefines waste as the feedstock of the skies ,” he opined. In 2024, SAF supplied under 1 per cent of demand, leaving the Global South exposed. Fast-growing airlines in India, ASEAN, and Africa face minimal local supply, giving India a strategic opening. “In 2025, real progress in SAF isn’t measured by headlines but by bankable projects—those reaching final investment decision, securing long-term offtakes with price floors or contracts for difference, and moving into genuine EPC mobilization. Success is also measured in carbon intensity as much as in gallons produced, with lowering lifecycle emissions now as critical as expanding capacity,” stated Dr Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech. “In Washington, the vaunted ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ has compressed SAF’s erstwhile premium of $1.75 per gallon to a modest $1.00 under 45Z, ostensibly levelling the fiscal playing field with ethanol, but in reality propelling capital to cheaper road-fuel pathways such as renewable diesel. India, by contrast, has wisely eschewed the per-gallon palliatives of subsidies in favour of mandated momentum: a 1 per cent SAF blend in international flights by 2027, 2 per cent in 2028 under CORSIA, and an aspirational trajectory toward 5 per cent thereafter. Augmented by state-level incentives—capital subsidies, land concessions, and tax reimbursements—New Delhi is not merely nudging an industry, it is summoning it inexorably forward, guaranteeing a market, and inscribing India’s aviation future in cleaner, greener, and more resilient hues,’’ she added. " The American model bets on the market rewarding low-carbon fuels without playing favorites; the Indian model assumes SAF won’t take off without a legal runway. The strategic takeaway is clear: in the U.S., the winners will treat thinner credits as a design constraint, focusing on relentless carbon intensity reduction, locking in ironclad offtakes, and securing feedstock certainty. In India, success will hinge on executing the mandate-to-manufacturing flywheel—leveraging guaranteed demand, building robust domestic supply chains, and maintaining strict capex discipline. In both markets, SAF will only scale at pace where policy certainty aligns with the discipline of bankable project finance " -------- Dr Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech India’s aviation sector, ferrying 240 million passengers in 2024 and poised to double by 2030, stands at a pivotal inflection point. Fuel demand is projected to soar from 16 million tonnes in 2030 to 31 million by 2040. Enter Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): capable of slashing lifecycle emissions by up to 80 per cent, India could produce 8–10 million tonnes annually by 2040—surpassing domestic demand, catalyzing 1.4 million green jobs, and opening export avenues. Already, 88 airports operate on green energy, with Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad setting carbon-neutral benchmarks of global significance. IOC is spearheading commercial SAF production at Panipat, with ISCC CORSIA certification. An initial 35,000-tonne annual output, sourced from used cooking oil from hotels, restaurants, and food manufacturers like Haldiram’s, will satisfy India’s 1 per cent international blending mandate. Alcohol-to-jet pathways and export prospects, initially targeting European carriers, are also under exploration. With blending mandates proliferating across Indonesia, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Africa, and with low-carbon ethanol prospects beckoning in the United States, Praj finds itself at the cusp of a transformative expansion—broadening its portfolio in CBG, SAF, and ETCA while simultaneously amplifying the international dimension of its enterprise. Aircraft readiness is assured: Airbus confirms all planes can operate on a 50 per cent SAF blend, and Indian carriers have successfully executed demonstration flights. India is positioning itself not merely as a consumer, but as the SAF fulcrum of the Global South—where policy, pilots, and production converge to chart a sustainable, high-flying future. India’s Feedstock Opportunity: A Diverse Ecosystem India’s edge in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) race lies in its abundant and diverse biomass, not subsidies. Unlike nations constrained by monocultures or geography, India can channel agricultural residues, industrial by-products, urban waste, and renewable energy into multiple SAF pathways—positioning itself as both a domestic and export hub. In words of Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman Praj Group, “India is uniquely positioned to become the hub for SAF in the Global South. Its strategic location in the Asia–Pacific, with strong air connectivity to Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, makes it a natural node for SAF supply and distribution. The Ethanol Blending Programme, scaled from modest beginnings to 20 per cent, demonstrates India’s ability to mobilise feedstock, implement policy, and drive impact at scale—delivering foreign exchange savings and strengthening rural economies. The foundation is further strengthened by India’s unmatched feedstock diversity. Agricultural residues and sugarcane by-products offer abundant raw material streams for SAF production.” " Praj has established several Centers of Excellence in collaboration with leading research institutes, working across the entire biofuels value chain—right from feedstock and technology development to end-product and application development. At the heart of this ecosystem is Praj Matrix, our state-of-the-art R&D center, which serves as the innovation hub for developing and commercialising cutting-edge technologies for biofuels and SAF. This strong integration of research, policy, and industry not only accelerates breakthroughs but also reinforces India’s credentials as a frontrunner in the global SAF journey " --- Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman, Praj Group Agricultural residues are the cornerstone. India generates 230–250 million tonnes annually, including rice straw, maize stalks, and sugarcane bagasse, much of which is wasted or burned. Rice straw alone contributes 80–85 million tonnes of emissions in northern states. Redirecting even 15–20 per cent into SAF via gasification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, or cellulosic ethanol-to-jet could anchor a domestic industry while tackling severe winter air pollution. “SAF can be blended at different levels with limits between 10 per cent and 50 per cent, depending on the feedstock and how the fuel is produced. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), over 360,000 commercial flights have used SAF at 46 different airports largely concentrated in the United States and Europe. An estimated 1 billion dry tons of biomass can be collected sustainably each year in the United States, enough to produce 50–60 billion gallons of low-carbon biofuels, ” stated Dr. Marcus Griswold, Founder at Little Green Myths. “ Ethanol is another pillar. India’s fuel-blending programme has built over 5 billion litres of annual capacity, spanning 1G molasses and emerging 2G cellulosic plants. Existing infrastructure can pivot to alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) production, with Praj Industries piloting scalable ATJ technology alongside global partners. " Feedstock costs represent the largest component of biofuel production costs, typically accounting for 40-60 per cent of total production expenses depending on conversion pathway and feedstock type. Wood residues and sawmill by-products currently cost $40-80 per dry ton delivered to conversion facilities, while dedicated energy crops may cost $60-120 per dry ton depending on production systems and transportation distances. These feedstock costs translate to $0.80-2.40 per gallon of biofuel production cost, indicating the critical importance of feedstock procurement strategies and supply chain optimization for overall project economics" --- Dr. Nripanka Das, Author, Sustainability & Carbon Markets “Ethanol is no longer confined to being a road-fuel blend; it’s a low-cost, versatile building block for an extraordinary range of products, from sustainable aviation fuel via alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology to textiles, cleaning agents, and everyday household goods. With advances in carbon capture and utilization (CCU), we can now make ethanol from industrial emissions, municipal waste, and even biogenic CO₂, turning liabilities into valuable feedstock. The result is a molecule that sits at the crossroads of decarbonization and circular economy. This is ethanol’s reinvention story: from a single-purpose fuel additive to a platform chemical powering the next wave of sustainable manufacturing ,’’ mentioned Dr. Holmgren. Niche feedstocks and urban waste further broaden the portfolio. Used cooking oil (1.4–1.5 million tonnes/year) feeds HEFA pathways, while municipal solid waste (62 million tonnes/year, 30 per cent treated) can support gasification-FT SAF routes, aligning aviation decarbonisation with Swachh Bharat and Smart Cities initiatives. “Airlines are betting billions and billions on jet fuel made from yesterday’s French fries—but can cooking oil really power the future of aviation? SAF made from used cooking oil can cut emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to regular jet fuel, but right now they account for only about 1 per cent of the world’s jet fuel supply. It’s also important to remember that not all SAF is created equal—some are made from food crops that can raise other environmental concerns, while waste oils like used cooking oil are among the most effective and sustainable sources ,’’ advocated Justin Goldsberry; CEO and Founder of Goldsberry Management Group, LLC. " We are on the cusp of new scaling for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in both the United States and India. But unlike solar and wind energy, renewable fuels carry a significant premium vs conventional fuels. Covering SAF’s cost above conventional jet fuel is a key factor to grow the sector. There must be a way to cover both the infrastructure capital investments and the ongoing operational costs of producing SAF. In the recent past, the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Office oversaw a loan program that offered funding for SAF refineries at favorable rates. Today there are no government programs to provide low-cost debt. The U.S. still offers incentives to cover operations in the form of credits for agricultural products (the renewable fuel standard – RFS) and for producers combining the product with fossil-based fuel (the blenders tax credit, and 45Z clean fuel production credit). Individual states are also providing incentives for regional consumption such as California and Illinois. There is no U.S. SAF mandate" ---- Adam Klauber, Vice President Sustainability and Digital Supply Chain, World Energy Looking ahead, cheap green hydrogen and captured CO₂ enable a Power-to-Liquids future. India’s record-low solar tariffs ($0.025/kWh) and $2.4 billion Green Hydrogen Mission create early positioning for synthetic SAF, potentially a decade from commercial scale. In the words of Suzanne McKenzie, Sales Director, Lifecycle Oils, UK, “ The sustainability credentials of SAF depend heavily on what it is made from. Second-generation biofuels (derived from waste like UCO) offer substantial environmental advantages over first-generation biofuels made from virgin crops such as palm oil or rapeseed oil. First-generation biofuels are controversial from a sustainability perspective because they can compete with products that would end up in the food chain. This can drive up prices and expand agricultural land use. “ Suzanne further opined that considering the growing biofuel feedstock crops to be carbon-intensive, and is associated with deforestation, land conversion, biodiversity loss, and high water consumption. - repurposing a waste stream like UCO, could  completely sidestep the significant carbon emissions associated with agricultural production and land-use change. UCO-derived biofuels can slash lifecycle carbon footprints by an estimated 80 per cent  when benchmarked against conventional fuels, and 40 per cent when compared to first- generation biofuels. She further highlights the pressure to decarbonise aviation is translating directly into binding SAF mandates and targets worldwide, which is driving a substantial increase in demand for the fuel. “The UK mandate legally requires a 2 per cent blend of SAF in all jet fuel from 2025, rising to 10 per cent by 2030. Similarly, the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation regulation starts at a 2 per cent minimum blend in 2025 and increases to 6 per cent by 2030”, she opined. "Across the Asia-Pacific region, we're also seeing strong policy signals and emerging targets on SAF. Japan is exploring a 10 per cent SAF share by 2030 for departing flights, and Singapore is introducing a 1 per cent SAF target for 2026, which could rise to 3-5 per cent by 2030. South Korea and India are both considering a 1 per cent target for 2027. The trend is clear – countries worldwide see SAF as the best way to cut aviation emissions in the mid-term. Meeting this demand will require significant scaling of SAF production – and demand is already outstripping supply. Current forecasts predict that by 2030, global demand for SAF will be around 15 million Mt, and by 2035, this looks set to reach 40 million Mt. In 2024, global SAF production was around 1 million Mt, with current predictions suggesting global capacity will only grow to around 18 million Mt by 2035. " --- Suzanne McKenzie, Sales Director, Lifecycle Oils, UK “Venturing into Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not just about aligning India with the global targets under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation; it is about leading from the front,’’ mentioned Vijay Nirani, Managing Director, TruAlt Bioenergy. “Unlike countries such as Singapore or the UAE, where access to agricultural land is limited, India’s natural strengths in terms of vast agricultural base, give us the chance to turn this challenge into a defining advantage for our industry as well as environment,’’ he added. Compared with peers—Brazil’s sugarcane focus, Southeast Asia’s palm reliance, Africa’s residue abundance but limited infrastructure—India uniquely combines biomass density, refining and engineering capability, and growing aviation demand. The task now is acceleration: Converting latent feedstock abundance into a globally competitive SAF industry, bridging the supply gap for the Global South. " At TruAlt Bioenergy, we plan to establish a facility producing 10 crore litres of SAF annually, positioning us among the world’s largest ethanol-to-SAF producers. With CORSIA’s mandatory offsetting for international flights from 2027 and India’s 1 per cent SAF blending target, we are committed to scaling production capacity. Our ambition is to help India meet regulatory milestones while advancing sustainable aviation fuel adoption on a global scale.” --- Vijay Nirani, Managing Director, TruAlt Bioenergy Policy Architecture and Industrial Capability: Laying the SAF Foundations India’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) strategy exemplifies a rare convergence of policy precision and pragmatic precedent. Beginning with a 1 per cent blend in 2027 for international flights, rising to 2 per cent in 2028, these targets echo ethanol’s early E5 trajectory, signaling credibility to investors. With state-owned oil marketing companies—IOC, BPCL, and HPCL—underwriting demand, the sector gains sovereign-grade certainty in a capital-intensive space, translating policy intent into actionable investment confidence. " The good news is: the demand is definitely there; however, the biggest challenge for SAF adoption is scaling—waste oils are limited, production costs remain high, and infrastructure isn’t yet built to handle wider adoption. Furthermore, governments and policy support worldwide is helping, with U.S. incentives, European reporting rules, and efforts in some countries in Asia to expand SAF production and adoption. Still, the gap between ambition and availability is a major challenge because there’s only so much used cooking oil that can go around, and much of it is already accounted for in other industries. " --- Justin Goldsberry, CEO and Founder of Goldsberry Management Group, LLC Global compatibility forms the second pillar. By harmonizing BIS standards with ASTM International, HEFA, ATJ, and Fischer–Tropsch pathways gain immediate export legitimacy, while carbon accounting aligned with ICAO’s CORSIA ensures acceptance in Europe and the U.S. Without Western-style subsidies, India relies on engineering-led efficiency and procurement certainty—a model attractive to airlines wary of politically tethered supply chains. Catalytic finance, through NABARD credit, green bonds, or viability gap funding, remains essential to bridge upfront capital gaps. Industrial capability provides the third lever. TruAlt Bioenergy’s planned 10-crore-litre SAF facility positions India among the world’s largest ethanol-to-jet producers. Praj’s Centers of Excellence and R&D hub, Praj Matrix, integrate innovation across the biofuels value chain. India’s EPC sector delivers biofuel plants at 20–30 per cent lower capex than Western peers, while startups like GPS Renewables provide blockchain-based feedstock traceability. Together, these levers—demand certainty, global compatibility, and industrial depth—position India as the SAF systems integrator for the Global South, bridging domestic aviation growth with regional decarbonisation leadership. Strategic Leveraging for India’s SAF Ascension India’s ambition to become the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) hub for the Global South requires more than incremental moves. It demands flagship investments, diversified technologies, climate integration, and regional market creation. While blending mandates and pilot projects signal intent, the real inflection point lies in scaling multiple production pathways and leveraging India’s geopolitical position. "There must be a way to cover both the upfront infrastructure costs and the ongoing operational expenses of producing sustainable aviation fuel. Globally, countries like the U.S. rely on a mix of loan programs, tax credits, and state-level incentives, even without a federal SAF mandate ”, mentioned Adam Klauber, VP Sustainability and Digital Supply Chain, World Energy. “India is taking a similar approach, combining national SAF blending targets with regional incentives—land subsidies and fuel tax relief—to encourage investment. But mandates alone aren’t enough; without enforceable penalties for underperformance, the sector risks stagnation. To move SAF from promise to scale, India must marry financial scaffolding with policy teeth, ensuring both capital and operational viability for producers across the ecosystem," he added. "Producing enough Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to power planes is no small feat. The biomass requirements are immense, and land-use concerns—like corn cultivation in the U.S.—cannot be ignored. Beyond CO₂, we must also account for the full spectrum of emissions when the fuel is burned. Derived from renewable or recycled sources such as oilseeds, algae, fats, and agricultural residues, SAF can cut carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel. Blends range from 10 per cent to 50 per cent, and over 360,000 commercial flights have already operated on SAF across 46 airports, mostly in the U.S. and Europe." --- Dr. Marcus Griswold, Founder, Little Green Myths India could produce 8–10 million tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually by 2040, positioning the country to meet domestic demand and become a key exporter. The ICAO ACT-SAF feasibility study evaluates India’s capacity to produce drop-in SAF, examining feedstock availability, production pathways, infrastructure readiness, and policy frameworks, providing a roadmap suited to India’s socio-economic and environmental context. With over 750 million tonnes of biomass, including 230 million tonnes of surplus agricultural residues, India aims for phased blending of 1 per cent by 2027, 2 per cent by 2028, and 5 per cent by 2030. The initiative is expected to cut 20–25 million tonnes of emissions annually and create new agricultural value chains.  Northern India alone burns over 50 million tonnes of crop residues annually, releasing 150 million tonnes of CO₂; redirecting even part of this into SAF creates a dual win for climate and energy security. A domestic SAF credit market aligned with ICAO’s CORSIA, coupled with EPC exports and technology licensing to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, enhances South–South impact. Startups like GPS Renewables strengthen sustainability traceability. With the National Green Hydrogen Mission targeting 5 million tonnes annually by 2030 and ultra-low solar tariffs (~$0.03/kWh), India could become competitive in e-SAF. Anchored by double-digit aviation growth and policy credibility, India is poised to emerge as the SAF hub of the Global South. ----- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3312/spotify-for-kitchens-daniel-baven-on-future-of-digital-food-hubs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3312/spotify-for-kitchens-daniel-baven-on-future-of-digital-food-hubs.html Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:08:23 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum and NUFFOODS Spectrum Asia interview, Daniel Baven, CEO and Co-founder of Noahs, unveils how his company is turning everyday convenience stores into digital food hubs — the new crossroads of food, tech, and community. With its plug-and-play platform, Noahs lets retailers “stream” culinary brands like Spotify streams music, giving chefs global reach and consumers fresh, data-driven dining experiences on demand. The results speak volumes — Q8 stations powered by Noahs saw food sales surge 374 per cent and basket sizes climb 228 per cent. Unlike ghost kitchens or delivery aggregators, Noahs taps into existing retail kitchens, transforming them into profitable, AI-ready food networks overnight. Baven predicts that by 2030, food will replace fuel as the heartbeat of convenience retail — Noahs will be the invisible engine powering that revolution. Section I: Vision & Market Disruption Reimagining C-Stores: What inspired you to launch Noahs, and why is now the inflection point for reinventing convenience retail? The spark for Noahs came from watching how every major content industry—music, film, travel—has gone through its streaming revolution. Food hasn’t. Yet we have millions of kitchens sitting in prime retail locations, underutilized and disconnected from the digital economy. We saw an opportunity to turn those kitchens into digital food hubs. The real inflection point is convergence: consumers expect convenience, platforms demand supply, and retailers need new revenue streams to replace declining categories like tobacco and fuel. Convenience stores are sitting on the infrastructure of the future—they just need the operating system. That’s what Noahs provides. Digital-First Food Revolution: With the C-store market set to surpass $1T by 2029, how do you see technology reshaping the future of food retail? We’re standing on the edge of a complete reset. In five years, most people won’t cook at home the way they do today. It will simply make more sense to tap into a network of nearby retailers streaming great food, made fresh, faster, and cheaper than a home kitchen could ever compete with. Convenience stores and supermarkets are sitting on the most valuable real estate of the future — the crossroads of local communities. When those spaces go digital, they’ll stop being “shops” and start becoming marketplace hubs for food, experiences, and daily life. Technology is the enabler, but the change is cultural. It’s about food creators having a new stage, communities having new choices, and retailers becoming the backbone of the next food economy. Noahs was built exactly for that — to power this transformation and give retailers the tools to move from analogue to intelligent, from transactional to experiential. What’s coming is bigger than food tech. It’s a reinvention of how food exists in society. Section II: The Noahs Model – Technology + Brand + Kitchen Plug-and-Play Platform: Your tech platform can digitize a store with just a Wi-Fi connection. What makes this solution scalable across global chains with different IT maturity levels? The secret is simplicity. Most retailers are trapped in heavy legacy systems that make every new integration a nightmare. We flipped that logic. Noahs runs as a layer on top of existing infrastructure, connecting to what’s already there instead of trying to replace it. That means a store can go live in hours — not months — with zero capex and no new labor. The system plugs into delivery aggregators, POS systems, kitchen screens, and loyalty tools. The moment it connects to Wi-Fi, the store becomes part of a digital network that can sell, operate, and analyze in real time. It’s built for diversity. Whether it’s a gas station in Denmark, a supermarket in Belgium, or a convenience store in the Philippines, the platform automatically adapts to local tech setups and market conditions. That’s why it scales — because it doesn’t force uniformity, it enables it. Noahs is not just a tool; it’s a translator between the analogue world and the digital food economy. It’s what the retailers has been looking for, but it didn’t exist until now. Spotify for Kitchens: You’ve called Noahs’ Brand Platform a “Spotify for Kitchens,” letting retailers stream proven brands and menus directly into their stores. How do you curate the catalogue, and what data drives menu updates? We’re building a world where food moves like music. In the same way streaming opened a global stage for artists, we believe culinary creators will soon reach audiences anywhere — not through physical expansion, but through digital distribution. A chef in Copenhagen could see their tacos sold in Dubai the same week. That’s the future we’re shaping with Noahs. Our brand platform is the foundation for that future. It lets retailers activate proven food concepts directly into their stores, adapting to local tastes and neighborhoods instead of being locked into a single global brand deal. That flexibility is what the industry has been missing — agility, creativity, and cultural relevance. This shift also enables a complete rework of the food supply chain — simplifying how ingredients, inventory, and production flow through the system. It creates a feedback loop between real-time demand and supply, throttling production, reducing waste, and preparing the industry to fully harness AI. We’re still early in this journey, but the vision is clear: menus that evolve like playlists, brands that scale without borders, and a supply chain that finally moves as intelligently as the data behind it. For culinary entrepreneurs, it’s a new way to monetize creativity. For retailers, it’s the chance to become curators of food culture — not just sellers of products. That’s what “Spotify for Kitchens” really means: a living, breathing ecosystem where food, data, and creativity stream together. Modular Smart Kitchens: Your kitchens range from 1 to 20 m². How do you ensure operational efficiency, quality control, and food safety across distributed sites? The next decade will blur the line between retail and hospitality. We believe the world’s biggest food operators won’t be restaurant chains — they’ll be retailers. To make that leap, retailers will recruit from the culinary world, bringing in chefs, kitchen managers, and operational talent who can run hospitality at scale. What used to be a store will evolve into a network of kitchens, each designed for efficiency, consistency, and speed — powered by technology, not tradition. Noahs is the platform that enables this transformation. We don’t operate the kitchens — we power them. Our system acts as the operating layer that keeps every recipe, process, and temperature consistent across hundreds of locations. Retailers become the operators; Noahs becomes their digital backbone. On the hardware side, we’ve developed a full suite of modular kitchens — from compact 1 m² single-brand setups to 20 m² multi-brand environments for service stations, food courts, and supermarket delis. These units are engineered for throughput, safety, and profitability, with built-in monitoring and data loops that ensure every kitchen runs to the same standard. We also anticipate a wave of cross-company innovation in this space — robotics, automated production, drone delivery, and robotaxis changing the future states of the hardware component. Restaurant kitchens, as we know them today, simply can’t compete with that model. A Noahs-powered multi-brand kitchen can serve multiple food concepts with a fraction of the space, labor, and cost — while maintaining higher quality and consistency. That’s the future we see unfolding. Section III: Business Impact & Results Q8 Case Study: The Q8 transformation saw food sales jump 374 per cent and basket size rise 228 per cent. Which parts of the Noahs model (tech, brands, kitchens) drove the biggest lift? Those numbers from Q8 aren’t isolated results — they’re a preview of what happens when retail locations evolve through Noahs’ three-layer model. Every site that connects our technology platform, brand platform, and modular kitchens can experience a similar transformation. The tech layer creates instant digital access and operational visibility. The brand layer adds proven food concepts that attract new customers and expand sales channels. And the kitchen layer converts that demand into consistent, scalable output with an engine fit for the purpose. In the quoted Q8 case, all three layers came together at once — which is why the impact was so dramatic. But in most rollouts, we see a natural progression: first digitalize existing shop catalogues, then layer in easy-to-operate brands suited to the current store format, and finally scale through modular smart-kitchens and more advanced brand concepts. Each layer amplifies the next. What Q8 showed is that this isn’t theory — it’s the future playbook for every retailer. Service stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores can all become high-performing food hubs simply by activating the system step by step. The model works anywhere, because it’s built for the way people live now — connected, on-demand, and expecting quality food wherever they are. ROI & Adoption Curve: How quickly can retailers expect payback when adopting Noahs, and how do you help de-risk the investment decision? The short answer: fast. Because Noahs requires no upfront investment in new labor or capex, most retailers see positive returns within the first few months of activation. The payback curve depends on the depth of adoption — tech alone delivers immediate efficiency and access to new revenue channels, while layering in brands and kitchens compounds the effect. But beyond ROI, what really de-risks adoption is our model itself. We don’t ask retailers to change who they are — we enhance what’s already there. Noahs plugs into existing infrastructure and workflows, building value on top of current systems instead of replacing them. We also start small. A single pilot location can validate the impact before scaling to dozens or hundreds. The data from those first sites creates a clear business case — not projections, but proof. Retailers everywhere are under pressure to reinvent fast, but the risk tolerance is low. Our approach makes innovation incremental, measurable, and cash-positive from day one. That’s why Noahs scales — it rewards courage without demanding blind faith. Section IV: Competitive Landscape & Future of Food-Tech Standing Out in a Crowded Space: How does Noahs differentiate from ghost kitchens, Q-commerce players, and aggregator-led solutions? Ghost kitchens and Q-commerce were great experiments — but they’re built on isolated infrastructure. Each new location means new costs, new staff, and new risk. Aggregators, on the other hand, built digital demand but not digital supply — they own the customers, not the kitchens. Noahs connects the dots. We’re not building more kitchens; we’re activating the millions that already exist inside retailers. Instead of competing with delivery platforms, we empower retailers to integrate directly with them — turning stores into digital food hubs that can sell across every channel instantly. Where ghost kitchens chase scale through real estate, Noahs achieves it through connectivity. Where Q-commerce promises speed, we deliver sustainability — a model that actually works economically for both retailers and creators. Most importantly, we’re not just solving delivery — we’re reinventing food infrastructure. We give retailers the OS, brands, and hardware they need to own their role in the digital food economy. The future of food won’t belong to aggregators or ghost kitchens — it’ll belong to the platforms that make everyone else scalable. That’s where Noahs sits. 2025 Trends: What’s next for food-tech—robotic kitchens, AI menu personalization, functional food boom? Which of these will most affect the C-store ecosystem? The short answer? Noahs. Beyond that, it’s too early to expect any real leapfrogs in robotics. The robotics we see today are impressive, but they’re trapped between eras — built for a world that’s already shifting beneath them. The real step change will come when humanoid robots, like the ones Tesla and Figure are developing, can integrate naturally into existing operations. That’s a 2030 story, not 2025. The real 2025 trend in food will be the convergence of retailers into food — moving away from being simple convenience hubs to becoming food operators in their own right. That shift will ignite the most dramatic transformation the industry has seen in decades. AI will play a major role, but not yet in the way most imagine. Everyone’s talking about AI, but its real power depends on something far more fundamental: digitization. That’s what Noahs is building — the digital foundation that makes the intelligent food economy possible. Section V: Scaling & Strategy Geographic Expansion: Which regions outside Denmark and Thailand are next on your radar—and what makes a market “Noahs-ready”? Officially, we’re now expanding in 4 countries - Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Ireland. Within 2026, we expect to announce at least ten more countries across three continents joining the Noahs platform. We are currently preparing the best we can to meet the increasing demand for our solution. A market becomes “Noahs-ready” when retailers recognize that the old model no longer works — when rising costs, labor shortages, and changing customer behavior force a rethink of what retail really is. Europe is leading that shift. High operational costs and rapid transformation are pushing retailers to act faster than ever, and we’re positioned to help them do it in a scalable, low-risk way. Being Noahs-ready isn’t only about geography and necessity — it’s also about mindset. The retailers who will win this decade are the ones willing to reimagine themselves as food operators. That’s where our platform fits in: as the bridge between today’s analogue retail world and tomorrow’s fast paced food economy. Capital & Investors: Are you seeking growth capital, and if so, what kind of investors (VC, strategic, corporate) best align with your vision? We are currently finalizing our latest seed round and are well-capitalized for the current growth phase. Our next major raise — a Series A — is planned for 2026, and preparations are already underway. Right now, our focus is execution and scale. That said, we’re always open to conversations with investors who see what we see — those who understand that the future of food isn’t about building more restaurants, but about enabling the platforms that connect them. The best fit for us are partners who bring more than capital — those who share the vision of redefining food infrastructure globally and can accelerate that journey through strategic reach, technology, or market access. Vision 2030: Paint us a picture: what does a Noahs-enabled convenience store look like in 2030, and what share of its revenue will come from food vs. fuel? By 2030, the traditional service station will be unrecognizable. The era of fuel as the defining anchor is ending — what comes next will be built around food, experiences, and premium retail. We’re already seeing early signs of that leapfrog. Elon Musk’s new Tesla Diner is a perfect example — a glimpse of how technology, design, and hospitality can fuse into something people actually want to visit. That’s what excites me: not a finished blueprint, but the open canvas ahead. I prefer not to lock in a final vision. The real innovation will come from collaboration — from working with retailers, chefs, designers, and local communities to build places that fit their rhythm. Some will focus on food and digital ordering, others on community spaces or hybrid retail experiences. The beauty is that the platform allows for all of it. What I do know is that the transformation is imminent, and food will be the catalyst that starts it. Once retailers take that step, everything else follows — design, operations, social experiences, even how we define “convenience.” Over time, Noahs will simply become part of that ecosystem — the invisible layer powering whatever comes next. The real story won’t be about us. It’ll be about how retailers use this opportunity to reinvent what it means to serve their communities. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3271/plantarcbio-secures-u-s-and-south-korea-patents-for-dipper-platform-advancing-gene-editing-optimization-in-crops.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3271/plantarcbio-secures-u-s-and-south-korea-patents-for-dipper-platform-advancing-gene-editing-optimization-in-crops.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:13:23 +0530 DIPPER™ platform accelerates development of drought-tolerant, high-yield, and resilient crops worldwide PlantArcBio has been granted patents in the United States and South Korea for its proprietary DIPPER™ platform, a breakthrough technology designed to optimize gene expression for gene-editing processes in crops. The DIPPER™ platform represents a significant advancement in plant biotechnology, enabling researchers and breeders to enhance the efficiency and precision of processes using gene-editing tools such as CRISPR to improve crop performance. Unlike traditional trial-and-error approaches, DIPPER™ employs a high-throughput, in planta system to systematically identify regulatory and coding DNA elements that maximize gene expression and trait performance across a wide range of crops and traits. A critical challenge in developing gene-edited crops is identifying precise DNA modifications that are required to improve plant functionality, rather than relying solely on gene deletions. DIPPER™ addresses this challenge by providing a precise method to pinpoint optimal DNA changes, shortening the trait development timeline and allowing seed companies to bring new crop traits to market faster and more efficiently, benefiting both farmers and consumers. "The swift granting of these patents underscores PlantArcBio's commitment to delivering cutting-edge, scalable solutions for global agriculture," said Dror Shalitin, CEO of PlantArcBio. "DIPPER™ is a game-changing platform that accelerates the development of traits such as drought tolerance, yield enhancement, herbicide resistance, and nutritional improvement, helping farmers worldwide meet the growing demands of sustainable food production." The patents strengthen PlantArcBio's intellectual property portfolio and highlight DIPPER™'s potential as a prerequisite for the successful use of gene-editing tools such as CRISPR in major crops including corn, soybean, wheat, rice, vegetables, and more. The platform paves the way for novel trait development and faster commercialization timelines, positioning PlantArcBio at the forefront of modern agricultural innovation. PlantArcBio is an ag-biotech company developing gene discovery and RNAi-based solutions to enhance crop traits and biologically control pests, with a vision to improve global food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The company's proprietary DIP™ and DIPPER™ platforms enable the discovery and development of novel genes and gene-editing targets, with game-changing effects on plants - including yield improvement, drought resistance, herbicide tolerance, and nutritional enhancement. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3161/koreas-b2en-and-reborn-materials-collaborate-to-achieve-sustainable-bio-innovations-through-digital-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3161/koreas-b2en-and-reborn-materials-collaborate-to-achieve-sustainable-bio-innovations-through-digital-agriculture.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:45:20 +0530 Strategic agreement signed to advance industry transformation toward Digital Agriculture and Sustainability Innovation Korea’s premier AI and big data analytics provider, B2En, a prominent artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics firm, and Reborn Materials Inc., a pioneering American technology company specializing in enzyme-based hybrid (bio) plastics, have officially launched an ambitious joint initiative. This groundbreaking partnership aims to transform global sustainable industries through the commercialization of innovative, environmentally responsible plastic solutions. By combining Reborn Materials' field-validated biodegradable plastic technologies and extensive agricultural networks with B2En’s sophisticated AI-powered analytics platform, stakeholders across various sectors will gain unprecedented insights into sustainable agricultural practices. This comprehensive data ecosystem will facilitate the precise measurement, monitoring, and analysis of plastic decomposition and its interaction with soil and microbial environments. The strategic partnership ceremony held at the Reborn Materials headquarters and Research & Development Center in Los Angeles, California , drew key figures from government agencies, financial institutions, industry leaders, academia, and environmental groups, marking a collective commitment toward achieving substantial environmental progress and digital agricultural innovation. Revolutionizing Sustainable Agriculture through AI-Driven Data Agriculture, the foundational industry providing humanity's sustenance, faces escalating challenges, from climate change impacts and declining soil health to pervasive plastic contamination. Addressing these complex issues demands innovative, precise, and verifiable solutions. B2En and Reborn Materials' collaborative initiative specifically targets these challenges by establishing a robust digital data infrastructure capable of tracking the lifecycle of enzyme-based hybrid plastics used within agricultural practices. In this landmark partnership, B2En extends its technological excellence into agricultural and environmental data governance, introducing its AI platform into the United States market for the first time. The platform will provide high-resolution predictive modeling, enabling stakeholders to track plastic decomposition and environmental interaction across various soil types and climatic conditions in real-time. This innovation positions B2En as a crucial player in shaping the future of global sustainable agriculture and environmental policy-making. Reborn Materials: Innovating Sustainable Plastic Solutions Reborn Materials has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the sustainable materials sector, developing proprietary enzyme-infused hybrid plastics designed to biodegrade effectively in natural environments. These groundbreaking materials significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastics, mitigating soil contamination and microplastic pollution, which currently pose critical threats to agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. Biodegradable plastic technologies developed by Reborn Materials have already proven effective in numerous California farms, especially the berry industry. Reborn Materials is positioned uniquely to provide authentic, verified data that is crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and forming robust policies. Bridging Data, Policy, and Investment The synergy between B2En's cutting-edge AI governance platform and Reborn Materials' innovative biodegradable plastics creates a comprehensive data infrastructure that will fundamentally reshape policy and investment strategies within sustainable agriculture and environmental management. This data-driven approach empowers governments, financial institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to make informed decisions supported by precise, verifiable data rather than estimations or assumptions. The initiative addresses the longstanding gap in agricultural data management by providing accurate insights into the lifecycle of plastics from production to environmental decomposition. This allows for effective policy formulation, targeted financial investments, and robust environmental management strategies, ultimately fostering healthier soils, improved crop productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices. Industry, Academia, and Government Collaboration The formal ceremony launching this initiative underscored the broad-based support and collaboration integral to its success. Representatives from California state government agencies, leading academic institutions such as Occidental College and Cal State LA, ESG certification bodies, major agricultural producers, and prominent global investors participated actively, demonstrating widespread commitment and enthusiasm for this transformative venture. Jason Kang, Chief Operating Officer of Reborn Materials, highlighted the project's significance, stating, "B2En's exceptional AI data governance capabilities possess the potential to revolutionize agricultural data ecosystems comprehensively. By combining our respective strengths, we are creating an unprecedented platform enabling stakeholders to decisively shape future policies, material choices, and investment strategies grounded in data-based realities." B2En is the premier AI and big data analytics provider on Korea's KOSDAQ market, renowned for its expertise in environmental data management, regulatory compliance, and ESG analytics.Air quality monitoring, carbon footprint assessment, industrial environmental risk management, and policy governance are some of the company's national-scale projects in Korea. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3117/japans-sumitomo-invests-in-dph-biologicals-to-develop-biological-plant-nutrition-and-crop-protection-products-aiming-to-enter-us-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3117/japans-sumitomo-invests-in-dph-biologicals-to-develop-biological-plant-nutrition-and-crop-protection-products-aiming-to-enter-us-market.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:47:19 +0530 Strengthening product development and sales in the United States, the world's largest market for biological agricultural inputs Sumitomo Corporation has invested in DPH Biologicals, a U.S.-based company, developing and commercializing biological plant nutrition and crop protection products. This investment follows previous equity investments in Futureco Bioscience S.A. (Spain, 2017) and Bio Insumos Nativa (Chile, 2024), and is part of Sumitomo Corporation's strategy to reinforce its business in the biological crop protection and fertilizer sector – one of the key focus areas within the company's agribusiness operations. By incorporating DPH Bio's business platform and linking it with existing global networks and Group operations in R&D and manufacturing of biological agricultural inputs, Sumitomo Corporation aims to further strengthen its value chain and promote broader adoption of these inputs. In turn, this will contribute to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. DPH Bio has strong capabilities in both product development and sales of biological plant nutrition and crop protection products. It offers high-quality products that help improve soil health and boost yields for major U.S. crops such as corn and soybeans, in addition to fruit and vegetable crops. DPH Bio collaborates with strategic external partners to develop and distribute products that meet market needs for different regions and crop characteristics. Leveraging DPH Bio’s strengths, Sumitomo Corporation aims to strengthen its agribusiness foundation in the U.S. by offering high value-added products, including products from Sumitomo Corporation Group companies. The company also aims to expand global sales by combining these strengths with its extensive international network. As the global population continues to grow, it is essential to increase agricultural productivity, which is driving sustained growth in the use of agrochemicals and fertilizers. In this context, demand is surging for biological crop protection and fertilizer products that use microorganisms or plant-based extracts and place less burden on the environment. The global market for biological crop protection products is projected to grow from $8 billion (approx. JPY 1.2 trillion) in 2023 to over $15 billion (approx. JPY 2 trillion) by 2029 – an approximately 1.9-fold increase – and is expected to account for approximately 20% of the total crop protection market ($75 billion, approx. JPY 11 trillion). In the United States, which has become the world's largest market for biological agricultural inputs, this growth is further accelerated by public calls for more environmentally conscious farming and a rise in consumer interest in health and food safety. For over 50 years, the Sumitomo Corporation Group has been engaged in the agrochemical and fertilizer business. It currently operates agro-input distribution businesses in approximately 40 countries, contributing to agricultural production around the world in collaboration with local producers. In the biological input space, Sumitomo Corporation has steadily expanded business through equity participation and exclusive distribution agreements, especially in Europe and Latin America. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3097/indonesian-businesses-to-purchase-us-agricultural-and-energy-products-worth-usd-34-billion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3097/indonesian-businesses-to-purchase-us-agricultural-and-energy-products-worth-usd-34-billion.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:46:09 +0530 Indonesian industry leaders from strategic sectors such as energy, and agriculture engaged in productive discussions with their U.S. counterparts The Indonesian government, in collaboration with the private sector, is advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and the United States, focusing on robust, balanced, and fair trade and investment ties. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United States, including efforts to reach a trade tariff agreement. “The economic relationship between Indonesia and the US has always been strong and must be maintained. One way to further strengthen this relationship is through the commitment of Indonesian businesses to purchase leading US agricultural and energy products, with a total value of USD 34 billion,” said Airlangga. To further this goal, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Indonesia and the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, D.C., hosted a series of high-level business meetings on July 7, 2025. Indonesian industry leaders from strategic sectors such as energy, and agriculture, including Pertamina, Busana Apparel Group (representing Indonesia’s Textile Association), FKS Group, Sorini Agro Asia Corporindo (as a member of Indonesia’s Corn Mill Association), Indonesia’s Wheat Producer Association, were engaged in productive discussions with their U.S. counterparts. "ExxonMobil is proud to support Indonesia’s energy needs. We bring decades of experience, global supply capabilities, and a long-standing commitment to being a trusted energy partner.” - Wade Floyd, ExxonMobil "Indonesia has been a great partner for us in the US cotton industry, typically one of our top 10 export markets." - Bryan Wiggins, Cotton Council International “Indonesia is an important country for us in many ways. We hope that this MoU and initial corn purchase will mark the beginning of a deeper, long-term partnership that continues to grow over time." - Anne Murphy, Cargill “Indonesia has long been an important customer, with growing demand for high-quality American farm products.” - Robert Cruise, Zen-Noh Grain Corporation The meetings resulted in several commercial deals, as reflected in the signing of various memorandums of understanding, paving the way for new cooperation opportunities and deepening bilateral economic ties. “These partnerships are expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs, support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance knowledge and technology exchanges in both countries.” Added Sade Bimantara, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. The Indonesian government has shown its commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership with the US, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress. Indonesia hopes to build a future-oriented economic relationship that benefits both the United States and Indonesia as well as contributes to regional and global prosperity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3007/vietnamese-firms-sign-20-mous-worth-3-billion-to-buy-us-agri-goods.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/3007/vietnamese-firms-sign-20-mous-worth-3-billion-to-buy-us-agri-goods.html Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:17:14 +0530 Vietnam led a delegation of nearly 50 agencies, agribusinesses, and associations to the US to boost trade and increase imports of agricultural and timber products Vietnam's Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy led a delegation and held business dialogues in Iowa, Ohio, Maryland and Washington, D.C. The forum witnessed signing of 20 MoUs worth $3 billion highlight the strong commitment and goodwill of Vietnam's business community and government to promote balanced trade with the US, and to encourage the Trump Administration to reconsider high reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods. Minister Duy noted that while both countries have strong agricultural sectors, their strengths are complementary rather than competitive. "With strong support from both governments, agriculture in Vietnam and the US is becoming more interconnected. We now share parts of the same supply chains, which helps increase our competitiveness and benefits producers and consumers in both countries," the minister stated. "Vietnamese agribusinesses are working closely with the government to increase purchases of US agri-food and timber products. This effort supports trade balance and strengthens the supply chain between our two countries, hence contributing to global food security." Minister Duy emphasised that this initiative also reflects Vietnam's commitment to deepening trust and advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations. Brian Baldridge, Ohio Secretary of Agriculture, stated, "Vietnam and the US, especially Vietnam and Ohio, have complementary strengths, particularly in agricultural trade. Ohio sees strong potential in Vietnam and recognises the opportunities to expand bilateral trade. Stakeholders from both sides should explore new ways for farmers, agribusinesses, and associations to collaborate and build strong, integrated supply chains. To support this, both governments should work to remove barriers to agricultural trade." During a roundtable with the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) in Washington, D.C., Ted Osius, president and CEO of the council, expressed strong support for Vietnam's agricultural development, "Rapid changes in US tariff policies have created a challenging trade environment. We're encouraged that Vietnam is considering increasing imports of agricultural goods to help reduce its trade deficit with the US. USABC and its member companies remain committed to supporting the growth of Vietnam's food and agriculture sector." In response to the USABC president, Minister Duy reaffirmed the Vietnam government's strong commitment to continuing institutional reforms, improving administrative efficiency, upgrading infrastructure, and creating the most favourable environment for international businesses, including US. enterprises, to expand trade and investment with Vietnam in a long-term and effective manner. Businesses and associations from both countries expressed hope that the Vietnamese and US governments would continue to support bilateral trade and strengthen links across their complementary agricultural supply chains. Their shared goal is to bring tangible benefits to millions of farmers, consumers, and businesses in both countries. As such, businesses on both sides are urging the removal of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration on Vietnam. The 46 per cent tariff has been reported to harm not only Vietnamese exporters but also US businesses and consumers. Since agri-food is a staple commodity, higher price would place a considerable burden on average-income American households. Moreover, such measures could disrupt the supply chains that both governments and the private sector have worked hard to establish in recent years. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2923/u-s-thailand-bilateral-trade-proposals-gain-momentum.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2923/u-s-thailand-bilateral-trade-proposals-gain-momentum.html Mon, 19 May 2025 12:52:08 +0530 Thailand five-point negotiation framework aims to restructure food and agriculture industries by identifying raw material shortages, reviewing current import tariffs while safeguarding domestic producers, eliminating non-tariff barriers Thailand’s ongoing negotiations with the United States are progressing positively, as affirmed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during the recent Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh. The Secretary praised Thailand’s outstanding and constructive proposals, describing them as impressive initiatives that could lead to productive trade outcomes. This encouraging signal follows instructions from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who urged all relevant agencies to align strategies under the "Team Thailand" framework. Jirayu Huangsub, Government Spokesperson, noted that preparations for engagement with the U.S. began early this year, with a national trade policy team established on January 6 to coordinate cross-sectoral efforts. The Thai delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, has laid out a five-point negotiation framework. It includes restructuring food and agriculture industries by identifying raw material shortages, reviewing current import tariffs while safeguarding domestic producers, eliminating non-tariff barriers to ease business operations, enhancing screening of imported goods to prevent third-party circumvention, and overhauling investment strategies in key sectors like energy and petrochemicals. The collaboration also includes ministries of commerce, finance, and agriculture, the Board of Investment, and private sector partners such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. The shared goal is to ensure Thailand’s proposals are well-timed, data-driven, and beneficial to all sectors, thereby strengthening the country’s export competitiveness and securing long-term economic partnerships. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2862/u-s-ag-partners-and-u-s-soy-lead-strategic-dialogue-on-the-future-of-southeast-asias-food-and-feed-sector.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2862/u-s-ag-partners-and-u-s-soy-lead-strategic-dialogue-on-the-future-of-southeast-asias-food-and-feed-sector.html Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:57:09 +0530 Industry Representatives and Experts Converge in Manila to Share and Exchange Perspectives on the Evolving Food, Feed, and Ag Trade Landscape The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted the AG Supply Chain Asia Conference and the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2025 to offer timely perspectives and forward-looking strategies that continue to inform and inspire progress across Southeast Asia’s agricultural value chain. Southeast Asia’s food, feed, and ag trade community gathered in Manila for two pivotal events which drew a unique audience of industry leaders, traders, and technical experts, offering distinct platforms to exchange insights, explore market dynamics, and discuss opportunities shaping the future of food and agriculture in the region. Southeast Asia remains a fast-growing market for U.S. Soy, fueled by increasing demand across both feed and food sectors. In Marketing Year (MY) 2023/24, the region imported 9.08 million metric tons (MMT) of whole soybeans and 20.89 MMT of soybean meal, underscoring its reliance on U.S. Soy for high-quality, sustainable protein solutions. The Philippines has been the top importer of U.S. soybean meal for eight consecutive years, while Vietnam and Indonesia’s imports have surged by 110% and 49%, respectively, over the last five years. Additionally, the region’s food and beverage industry continue to embrace U.S. Soy’s quality and versatility, reinforcing its role in traditional and modern food applications. In MY 2023/24, Indonesia—the region’s largest food-use soybean importer—sourced 2.67 MMT of whole soybeans, with the U.S. supplying approximately 90% of those imports, underscoring its role in staple foods like tofu and tempe. “The AG Supply Chain Asia Conference and the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit underscore U.S. Soy’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and partnership,” said Timothy Loh, USSEC’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania. “By bringing together key players across the food and feed value chain, we’re facilitating informed, forward-looking dialogue that supports stronger market connections, protein security, and promoting growth and collaboration across the region.” With U.S. Soy remaining competitively priced in the global marketplace, the conferences provided a timely forum to address emerging challenges, drive innovation, and strengthen supply chains. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2395/adm-and-farmers-business-network-launch-gradable-joint-venture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2395/adm-and-farmers-business-network-launch-gradable-joint-venture.html Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:17:59 +0530 Expands the technology platform to accelerate adoption of regenerative and sustainable ag practicesFarmers Business Network (FBN®) and ADM have launched a joint venture, Gradable, a new company to expand the Gradable technology platform assisting farmers and buyers in confidently pursuing and utilizing regenerative and sustainable practices for grain production. Gradable platform tracks sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices and outcomes, making it easier for farmers to earn financial rewards. For grain buyers, Gradable provides reliable farm-level data, allowing them to easily identify and purchase grain that helps them meet growing customer demand for sustainably produced products. Gradable has partnered with ADM, POET, and Attebury Grain, LLC, to be the leader of grain procurement platform in North America, with over 20,000 farmer users across more than 12 million acres. It has scored more than 200 million bushels of corn and soybeans, analyzed 48 million acre-years of agronomic events, and facilitates over $30 million in financial incentives for sustainable practices each year. The new 50-50 joint venture will enable Gradable to expand and reach new partners and customers at every stage of the grain supply chain – from growers to grain buyers. Expanding Value Creation for Farmers, Grain Buyers and End Customers The Gradable company will expand into an array of ADM facilities across the U.S. and Canada to meet the demand for sustainably produced crops; increase the number of commercial partners and countries served; and assist the supply chain in meeting the global demand for sustainable food, feed, fuel, and industrial products. “ADM’s regenerative agriculture efforts enrolled more than 2.8 million acres last year, and we know that’s just the beginning. The continued expansion of this work requires a strong technology platform that enables farmers to easily participate and provides farm-level data for grain buyers and end customers. This new joint venture paves the way for the continued growth of Gradable, opening the door for even more farmers, commercial grain partners, and end customers to benefit from regen ag practices and the growing demand for sustainably sourced products” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag Services and Oilseeds business. A new era in production agriculture requires efficient, transparent, and secure grain transactions, and Gradable's technology platform addresses these needs. A single, secure technology platform connects farmer and buyer experiences through Gradable's digital infrastructure. The Gradable platform also enables farmers to seamlessly gather and calculate verifiable production data - including carbon scores - so that these downstream benefits can be monetized. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2184/usda-encourages-u-s-exporters-to-capitalize-on-trade-mission-in-vietnam.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2184/usda-encourages-u-s-exporters-to-capitalize-on-trade-mission-in-vietnam.html Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:53:20 +0530 Trade Mission happening in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City and ends in Hanoi, Sept. 9-13, 2024 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from current and potential U.S. exporters for a trade mission to Vietnam, Sept. 9-13, 2024. Participants will attend events in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and will also have the opportunity to engage with visiting buyers from Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia and Thailand. “Markets in Southeast Asia hold immense opportunity for U.S. exporters,” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor. “In 2023, the United States exported $3.1 billion of agricultural products to Vietnam, maintaining a sizable market share across several food and ag-related categories, including cotton, dairy, distillers grains, fresh fruit, poultry, soybeans and tree nuts. Through the Vietnam trade mission, as well as new efforts with the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports initiative, USDA is confident that we can continue to help U.S. exporters grow and diversify their markets in Southeast Asia and boost economic returns for America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.” Trade mission participants will begin the week in Ho Chi Minh City and end it in Hanoi, connecting with key importers for business-to-business meetings and learning about local and regional market conditions through site visits and briefings by FAS staff, industry experts and government officials. USDA aims to transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2173/farmers-edge-and-national-sorghum-producers-collaborate-to-empower-growers-for-climate-smart-commodities-grant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2173/farmers-edge-and-national-sorghum-producers-collaborate-to-empower-growers-for-climate-smart-commodities-grant.html Fri, 31 May 2024 07:58:00 +0530 Project will equip sorghum growers with best-in-class technology to track and verify Carbon Intensity (CI) scores supporting climate-smart agriculture and the production of low-carbon liquid motor fuels Farmers Edge™, a pure-play digital ag company, and the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) have entered a new strategic partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable farming practices for sorghum growers. The strategic partnership will support growers participating in NSP’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC) grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Together, Farmers Edge and NSP will help growers seamlessly integrate advanced technology solutions for capturing essential on-farm data, including Carbon Intensity (CI) scoring, thus contributing to broader environmental goals. Using FarmCommand®, Farmers Edge’s end-to-end platform, growers can make more informed management decisions, monitor and improve their CI scores, and easily work with NSP to extract and export data verifying their environmental impact. With this data, growers have an opportunity to monetize their sustainability initiatives, solidifying sorghum as a climate-smart commodity and supporting their farms’ long-term financial viability. Vibhore Arora, CEO of Farmers Edge said “Through our customized technology solutions, we’re committed to supporting NSP in simplifying sustainability reporting and assisting their growers in accessing new revenue streams for climate-smart farming practices.” NSP PCSC program Managing Director Matt Durler said. “This partnership underscores NSP’s commitment to driving sustainable agriculture forward and ensuring our growers have the resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. We are excited to bring innovative solutions to sorghum farmers,” ” Through this partnership, NSP is focused on increasing value for their members. Selecting Farmers Edge as a technology partner supports a pivotal data collection process for the climate-smart commodities-funded project, creating a pathway for all practices to be quantified, tracked, and monetized and enables broader farmer participation in climate-smart inset programs moving forward. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2174/global-giant-valent-biosciences-unveils-new-state-of-the-art-facility-at-its-biorational-research-center.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2174/global-giant-valent-biosciences-unveils-new-state-of-the-art-facility-at-its-biorational-research-center.html Fri, 31 May 2024 07:06:00 +0530 Valent BioSciences is a global leader in the R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products and technologies used in agriculture, public health, and forest health Valent BioSciences, (Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.) unveiled the grand new Venburg Wing at the company’s Melnik and Shafer Biorational Research Center in Libertyville, Illinois. Driven by business growth that has accelerated the need for additional research and development facilities, the state-of-the-art Venburg Wing includes new laboratory and pilot plant areas, offices, and meeting rooms. The space is named after Dr. Greg Venburg, Senior Director, Global Research at Valent BioSciences, who has served in a variety of leadership positions for the past 33 years. He currently manages the company’s interdisciplinary scientific research programs and research staff. Valent BioSciences is a global leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products and technologies used in agriculture, public health, and forest health. Through its expertise in bioscience, Valent BioSciences helps growers profitably sustain their land and legacies and protects the public from insect-borne disease. The company has more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market in more than 95 countries worldwide. Valent BioSciences is also the parent company of Mycorrhizal Applications LLC, a leading supplier of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-based products. Valent BioSciences is also undertaking a major expansion at its Osage, Iowa, manufacturing facility that will be completed in early 2025. The additions include new production-scale fermentation and recovery equipment, a new pilot plant facility, and expanded laboratory space. To support its sustainability initiatives, the company has restored 34 acres of native prairie land adjacent to the Osage facility that will sequester approximately 170 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, helping mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases in the environment. The company also operates a 12-acre solar field on land adjacent to the prairie that provides a portion of the Osage facility’s total annual electricity usage. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2155/basf-expands-its-biomass-balance-portfolio-for-selected-chemical-intermediates.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2155/basf-expands-its-biomass-balance-portfolio-for-selected-chemical-intermediates.html Tue, 21 May 2024 18:45:32 +0530 Manufactured at sites in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, the new range of products contribute to the replacement of fossil resources with renewable raw materials  BASF will expand its biomass balance offering to include BMBCertTM 1,4-butanediol (BDO), tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF®) and 3-(dimethylamino)propylamine (DMAPA). In addition to the production site in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the site in Geismar, Louisiana, has also achieved certifications for all these products. The Ulsan site in South Korea has obtained certification for PolyTHF. With these certifications, BASF can now offer its customers regionally produced ISCC PLUS and REDcert2-certified products for which renewable resources replace fossil feedstock and additionally reduce the cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF). “The new certifications for key products in our portfolio demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and our vision to be the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates. With our biomass balance portfolio, we are helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals by replacing fossil-based raw materials and reducing the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint. We are committed to driving the sustainability transformation of the chemical industry and we are proud to offer more products that contribute to our customers' sustainability goals,” said Ketan Joshi, President of BASF’s operating division Intermediates. The BMBcert*** offerings contribute to a reduction in fossil feedstock demand. At the beginning of the value chain, fossil-based raw materials are replaced by certified renewable resources, and a corresponding amount of renewable content is attributed to the product according to a mass balance approach. The resulting BMBCert product will have a lower product carbon footprint compared to the conventional BASF product. For example, according to Asahi Kasei Corporation, using BASF’s THF BMB to produce its mass balance grade premium sustainable stretch fiber under its ROICA™ brand could lead to an approximate 25 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its existing products. Essential raw materials in many value chains BDO is for example used for the production of PolyTHF. BASF’s customers use PolyTHF for example to produce elastic spandex and elastane fibers that are used for a wide range of textiles such as swimsuits, sportswear and underwear, but also outerwear such as shirts and stretch jeans. The elastic fibers ensure wearing comfort in the long run, and they are resistant to moisture and microbes. PolyTHF also serves as a chemical building block for the production of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), which BASF customers use to make highly abrasion-resistant and elastic hoses, films and cable sheathing, primarily for the automotive industry. Other applications include thermoplastic polyetheresters, polyetheramides and cast elastomers, which can be used in the manufacturing of various products such as wheels for skateboards and industrial rollers. With production plants for PolyTHF in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, BASF is one of the world’s leading suppliers of this versatile intermediate product. BDO is a starting material for polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), an engineering plastic that is used successfully – for instance under the BASF brand Ultradur® –in the automotive, electrical and electronics industries. BDO also is used as an intermediate for the production of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), whose main applications are as essential solvents in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and for lithium-ion battery cathodes, such as those used in electrical vehicles. With production plants for BDO in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, BASF is one of the world’s leading suppliers of this versatile intermediate product. DMAPA is an important building block for betaines, which are used in the production of gentle liquid soaps, shampoos and dishwashing detergents. DMAPA is also used in water treatment as well as in the production of plant protection products, lubricant additives, polyurethane foams and epoxy resin hardeners. BASF is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of DMAPA with production sites in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2121/usda-breaks-ground-for-the-precision-agriculture-research-center-at-nebraska-innovation-campus.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2121/usda-breaks-ground-for-the-precision-agriculture-research-center-at-nebraska-innovation-campus.html Fri, 10 May 2024 09:46:16 +0530 The state-of-the-art research center will focus on the challenges and opportunities in agricultural innovation for the 21st century The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), and Nebraska Innovation Campus held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture. The state-of-the-art research center will be located on Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska. It will primarily focus on the challenges and opportunities in agricultural innovation for the 21st century. The Center will focus on key research areas to address these challenges and promote sustainable, resilient, and highly efficient agriculture practices. Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics explained that “Updated facilities ensure our best and brightest scientists work in the environment and with the tools they need to successfully meet the challenges agriculture faces.” “This project is a testament to the long history of innovation, ingenuity, and adaptability of agricultural producers across the United States and right here in Nebraska. It celebrates an incredibly productive 120-year partnership between USDA-ARS and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and it exemplifies the passion and dedication of agricultural, state, and federal leaders,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Construction will start with state-of-the-art greenhouses that will allow ARS to perform research on wheat, barley, sorghum, forage and bioenergy grasses and other crops. Research on how these plants respond to emerging pests and pathogens under a full-range of environmental conditions will empower scientists to make cutting-edge discoveries with the goal of developing climate-resilient crops for the U.S. agriculture industry. Once fully completed, the 120,000-square-foot agriculture research complex will function as a central hub for multidisciplinary experts, scientists and engineers who will collaborate with industry and producers to improve water and food security, increase the resilience of agricultural landscapes, and enhance agricultural profitability. The establishment of the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture will further strengthen the long-lasting collaboration over the past century between ARS and UNL. These partnerships are instrumental in advancing research on sustainable bioenergy crops and production systems in an age where agriculture is expected to supply 40 percent of U.S. liquid fuels within the next three decades, in addition to providing food and fiber to the nation’s growing population. The Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit and the Agroecosystem Management Research Unit are currently located on UNL’s campus. The scientists working at these units are making significant contributions to crop and livestock production systems by improving productivity, stability of production, sustainability, and profitability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2120/u-s-paves-way-for-un-to-declare-2026-as-international-year-of-the-woman-farmer.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/2120/u-s-paves-way-for-un-to-declare-2026-as-international-year-of-the-woman-farmer.html Fri, 10 May 2024 08:53:00 +0530 The worldwide observance will call attention to the vital role that women play in global food and agricultural production. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, the UN General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The resolution, and the U.S. government’s efforts to generate support for it, were spearheaded by USDA and garnered more than 100 co-sponsors, underscoring the global importance of uplifting women throughout the agriculture sector. The worldwide observance will call attention to the vital role that women play in global food and agricultural production. It will also raise global awareness of the unique challenges women in agriculture face, catalyze action to help address those challenges, and support many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those focused on gender equity, food security and poverty. “As leaders, it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of women farmers have equal access to economic, educational and leadership opportunities, and that we dismantle the unique barriers they face so they can continue to take on the challenges of meeting the world’s growing food, fuel and fiber needs. USDA is proud to have led the U.S. government’s efforts in support of declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and we thank the many nations that signed on in support. We look forward to working with partners worldwide to scale up efforts that empower and advance women farmers while tackling global food security in 2026 and beyond” said Deputy Secretary Torres Small. Globally, the prevalence of food insecurity is higher among women than men. By shining a spotlight on women’s role in farming across the world, the International Year of the Woman Farmer will also raise awareness of constraints women face in areas including property rights and land tenure, access to credit and markets, and lack of technical and educational support. It will emphasize, as well, the importance of women in leadership roles to better ensure representation at the highest levels of decision-making.  Image Caption: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1977/kws-inaugurates-new-rd-facility-in-navolato-mexico.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1977/kws-inaugurates-new-rd-facility-in-navolato-mexico.html Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:54:46 +0530 Company will carry out breeding for tomato and pepper as well as screening activities for cucumber, melon and watermelon Global seed specialist KWS officially opened their new breeding station in Sinaloa, Mexico. There, the company will carry out breeding for tomato and pepper as well as screening activities for cucumber, melon and watermelon. Since its entry into the long-term growth market for vegetable seeds in 2019, KWS has been building a global network of sites to expand its breeding and sales activities across new regions. The new facility in the municipality of Navolato covers 10,3 hectares and features warehouses, offices, a large area for open field production, as well as greenhouses covering an area of 4,500 m2 – a number which is supposed to grow by another 5.000 m2 in the coming years. In parallel with construction, KWS has assembled a team of approximately 45 employees, including experienced breeders, farming experts and seasonal workers. KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. With a history of more than 165 years in the seed industry, the company focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for corn, sugarbeet, cereals, rapeseed and sunflower. In 2019, the company announced its entry into the long-term growth market for vegetable seeds, based on a greenfield approach which entails organic growth, supplemented by suitable acquisitions and the sales of licensed-in varieties. “At KWS Vegetables Mexico, our goal is to provide high quality vegetable seeds for the Mexican market”, Alberto Gonzalez Acuña, National Sales Manager KWS Vegetables Mexico, says. “The new breeding station in Navolato enables us to develop competitive varieties which offer solutions for the main challenges faced by local farmers and strengthen our presence in the market.” KWS, based in the city of Culiacán has been active in Mexico since 2020 and already has a commercial portfolio for tomato seeds in place. Sinaloa, which is located on the west coast, is one of the nation’s most important areas for vegetables and other crops. “The new station will serve as the central hub of our breeding activities for the Mexican vegetable market”, Ailton Ribeiro, Head of Breeding Latin America at KWS Vegetables, explains. “The focus will lie on developing innovative tomato and pepper varieties – two crops of high relevance both for Mexican agriculture and our company.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1979/japans-terra-drone-invests-in-aloft-technologies-to-enter-u-s-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1979/japans-terra-drone-invests-in-aloft-technologies-to-enter-u-s-market.html Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:11:00 +0530 Terra Drone is now the largest FAA-Approved UAS Service supplier powering over 84% of all airspace authorizations while boosting Global UTM development Terra Drone Corporation (Terra Drone), a leading drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology provider headquartered in Japan, has announced an investment in Aloft Technologies (Aloft), a company focusing on developing UTM, and a market leader in drone fleet and airspace management in the United States. This investment makes Terra Drone the largest shareholder in Aloft, with Aloft becoming an affiliate company of Terra Drone. In addition, the board of directors of Aloft has appointed Yuki Ueno, Terra Drone's executive officer in charge of domestic and international Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) business, to the Aloft board. This partnership also marks Terra Drone's official entry into the US, which is considered the world's largest market for drones and AAMs. Together with Aloft and Unifly, a Belgium-based UTM provider that became a Terra Drone subsidiary in July 2023, Terra Drone is positioned to contribute to the development of the UTM ecosystem on a global scale. Toru Tokushige, Founder and CEO of Terra Drone, says, "We see a future where drones and AAMs become a part of our daily lives. The implementation and seamless operation of a UTM system are essential to make this dream a reality. We have been focusing on UTM technology since the dawn of drones, with our earliest investment in Unifly dating back to 2016. Now, as drones and AAMs move into a new phase of development, UTM has become a priority for aviation authorities around the world. By investing in Aloft and becoming its largest shareholder, we intend to further evolve UTM on a global level. We also plan to expand aggressively in the U.S., considered to be the largest market for drones and AAMs." Compared to Japan, there are approximately 2.4 times as many registered drones and 62 times as many registered manned aircraft in the U.S.. Aloft Technologies, Inc., is at the forefront of drone fleet and airspace management. Powering over two thirds of all drone airspace authorizations in the United States with an exclusive patented dynamic airspace platform. Aloft platform has been adopted by major industries for its mission critical drone operations management, including energy, utilities, oil and gas, agriculture, and more. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1951/u-s-china-green-institute-enters-agricultural-cooperation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1951/u-s-china-green-institute-enters-agricultural-cooperation.html Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:55:50 +0530 Inks MOU outlining commitment to establish a collaborative accelerator for sustainable agriculture initiatives, conduct exchange programs and enhance cooperation across the agricultural sector The U.S.-China Green Institute (USCGI) announces the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which formalizes the relationship between the Iowa-based World Food Prize Foundation and the Peoples Republic of China. Signatories to the MOU are the World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF), the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development (CFFPD), and the U.S.-China Green Institute. The US and China have cooperated well on agricultural issues for many years but this is the first formal relationship with the World Food Prize which is considered the “Noble Prize of Agriculture.” Former U.S. Ambassador to China and Chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation, Terry Branstad, along with Jonathan Krane, CEO of KraneShares, and Longshe Wang, Secretary General of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development (CFFPD), commemorated the deepening ties and shared commitment to food safety and sustainable agriculture. The MOU outlines a commitment to establish a collaborative accelerator for sustainable agriculture initiatives, conduct exchange programs for government officials, students, and industry leaders, and revitalize the 2012 U.S.-China Agricultural Summit to enhance cooperation across the agricultural sector. Ambassador Branstad, in his remarks to the CFFPD, reflected on the longstanding relationship between Iowa and China, and the importance of continued engagement and cooperation in addressing global food security challenges. U.S.-China Green Institute: The U.S.-China Green Institute is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration between the U.S. and China on climate change and green initiatives. The Institute's mission is to ensure continued constructive engagement between the two superpowers in addressing the climate crisis.  World Food Prize Foundation: The World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF), established by Nobel laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug and led by current president Terry Branstad, is dedicated to championing solutions to global food security challenges. It awards the esteemed annual World Food Prize, honoring significant contributions to the enhancement of food quality, quantity, and availability. Through its international symposium, the Borlaug Dialogue, and educational initiatives like the Global Youth Institute, the WFPF fosters innovation and inspires action in the fight against hunger worldwide. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, the WFPF is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the global quest to end hunger. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1899/beehero-launches-pollination-research-stations-prs-in-the-u-s.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1899/beehero-launches-pollination-research-stations-prs-in-the-u-s.html Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:14:00 +0530 To give growers and stakeholders real-time visibility into bees & pollination BeeHero, the pioneer of data-driven precision pollination, announced the launch of its groundbreaking Pollination Research Stations (PRS). With three Pollination Research Stations situated in California's Central Valley, BeeHero's innovative data platform now provides unprecedented ability to track and monitor bloom progress and bee activity in the world's most important almond-producing region. Approximately 75% of crops grown for human consumption rely on pollination, underscoring the process's critical role in global food security. Understanding pollination progress is essential for effective pollination, as it allows growers to optimize their timing and allocate resources efficiently to best sustain their agricultural operations and maximize yield potential. However, most growers lack visibility into these processes, often requiring them to rely on their best guesses and approximations, all while managing unpredictable weather and the ongoing challenges of day-to-day operations. BeeHero's Pollination Research Stations deliver real-time, accurate, and extensive data on bloom progression and bee activity, providing unprecedented visibility for growers who previously operated with minimal data. Harnessing advanced scientific monitoring techniques and AI analysis, the stations collect data that is analyzed to provide invaluable insights via a public dashboard, enabling any local grower or other agricultural stakeholder to refine their practices, mitigate risks, and boost pollination. By making this information available at no cost, BeeHero is helping agriculture industry players make informed decisions, adapt to changing environmental conditions, foster more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices, and improve yield potential. Each Pollination Research Station is fully equipped with precision instrumentation tailored to deliver comprehensive and accurate real-time data, including: Weather Monitoring Equipment: Alerts growers to potential frost advisories, ensuring proactive measures can be taken to safeguard crops. Bee Counters: Provide highly accurate bee flight times, enabling the precise tracking of pollination activity to the single bee level. Scales: Offer insights into colony weight gain, a key indicator of foraging and pollination effectiveness. Cameras: Deliver visual confirmation of bloom progression throughout California's orchards, enhancing monitoring capabilities. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1836/lahakx-and-aerosystems-west-partner-to-swarm-heavy-payload-spraying-drones.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1836/lahakx-and-aerosystems-west-partner-to-swarm-heavy-payload-spraying-drones.html Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:35:00 +0530 U.S.-Israeli BIRD Foundation awarded companies to build, license, and commercialize the innovative solution in agriculture and firefighting applications LahakX, an agricultural spraying drone technology builder and operator, and AeroSystemsWest, a U.S. manufacturer of heavy lift multirotor platforms, has announced a technological and commercial partnership. The two companies will collaborate to launch an autonomous swarm of heavy-payload spraying drones. ASW will focus on building the new drone, while LahakX will concentrate on assembling swarming planning and autopiloting to the new drones. In addition to technology development, the companies will regulate the new drones in California and sell a ready-to-fly solution to their current and new customers. The US-Israeli BIRD Foundation will provide partial funding for the entire project. LahakX is attempting to cover more acres and spray more gallons by Swarming and Heavy-payload drone. Dr. Itzik Turkel, LahakX Co-Founder and CTO said "We were deeply impressed by ASW drones, and we look forward to leveraging the BIRD Foundation resources and jointly developing new technologies and introducing them to the market ASAP." Danny Neal, Aero Systems West CTO said “We are grateful to have been awarded BIRD Foundation resources for this project, and are excited to continue our partnership with LahakX in the development of heavy lift, swarming drones." An autonomous fleet of heavy-payload spraying drones that can be assembled in a variety of configurations results in significantly improved performance. This technology can potentially revolutionize the agricultural and fire/wildfire prevention markets by covering vast areas quickly and dispensing a large quantity of liquid per acre. Lettuce is one example of a low canopy crop that requires frequent spraying, typically in medium-sized blocks. According to the US Department of Agriculture, lettuce is harvested on 180,000 acres in California, generating approximately $6 billion annually for growers. LahakX is an AgTech company developing and operating autonomous drone technology for agricultural applications. LahakX serves growers and applicators by operating a self-flying fleet of spraying drones that makes crop protection sustainable, precise, safe, and affordable. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1792/united-states-hosts-59th-international-grains-council-session-and-2024-grains-forum.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1792/united-states-hosts-59th-international-grains-council-session-and-2024-grains-forum.html Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:03:33 +0530 IGC and the United States then hosted the 2024 Grains Forum “Biofuels market outlook and grains market development As current Chair of the International Grains Council (IGC), the United States hosted the 59th International Grains Council Session and 2024 Grains Forum in New Orleans, Louisiana this week. The IGC discusses current and prospective world grain market developments, and monitors changes in national grain policies and their market implications. IGC provides critical grain and oilseed market information and analysis to its members, promoting transparency and stability in international trade.  The event kicked off with a Mississippi river tour sponsored by the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), ending at Cargill’s Westwego export terminal. IGC and the United States then hosted the 2024 Grains Forum “Biofuels market outlook and grains market development,” which assessed the current situation of the global biofuels sector and implications of the further developing energy industry will be for food and feed sectors. FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley kicked off the session. He was joined by the Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, who highlighted how agricultural sectors can take advantage of the growing global demand for energy by embracing new technologies and innovations in biofuel development.   The forum also included numerous roundtable discussions on topics such as opportunities for biofuel development in global markets, grain and oilseed market outlooks and biofuel perspectives, the impact of biofuels uses on grains trade, and long-term prospects for biofuel development. Throughout the meetings, the U.S. delegates were able to showcase the importance of climate-smart agriculture in future opportunities for biofuels markets.  To wrap up the event, government delegations and the IGC Secretariat participated in the 59th International Grains Council Session. Members discussed the market situation and latest trade policy developments and the IGC annual work program. Delegates also had an opportunity to discuss some of the key issues with other international organizations, including World Trade Organization and the International Grain Trade Coalition.  Hosted by the United States, the IGC Session and Forum had a robust list of participants, including representatives from the governments of Algeria, Australia, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, the European Union, France, India, Japan, Kenya, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. They were joined by representatives from the World Trade Organization and the International Grain Trade Coalition, as well as industry representatives from AXS Marine, Bayer, Blue Water Shipping, Bunge, Cargill, CHS, Louis Dreyfus, NAEGA, Russell Marine Group, Southport Agencies, U.S. Soybean Export Council, United Grain, and Viserion Grain. Attendees were also joined by the Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and the Executive Director of the Southern United States Trade Association. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1790/japans-sumitomo-invests-in-brazilian-insect-protein-production-to-boost-next-gen-sustainable-feed-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1790/japans-sumitomo-invests-in-brazilian-insect-protein-production-to-boost-next-gen-sustainable-feed-production.html Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:56:13 +0530 Joint investment in a Seed round for Cyns, a biotechnology company to unlock the next chapter of black soldier fly (BSF) farming in Latin America Sumitomo Corporation, through Sumitomo Corporation do Brasil S.A. has announced a joint investment in a Seed round for Cyns, a biotechnology company located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to unlock the next chapter of black soldier fly (BSF) farming in Latin America. Lambarin Investimentos, a Brazilian family office and wealth management firm, has also joined the Seed Funding Round together with Sumitomo. Cyns is the leading biotechnology company specialized in sustainable insect-based animal nutrition in South America, having been the first company to obtain regulatory approval to produce and market black soldier fly-based ingredients for animal nutrition in Brazil. The company is located in Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, the most prominent agtech valley in Brazil, and has developed a unique, cost-competitive horizontal BSF rearing system that delivers high bioconversion rates with minimum HVAC requirements by leveraging Brazil’s naturally-suitable conditions for BSF rearing and large availability of sustainable food byproduct streams which are used as the source of nutrition for BSF larvae. Cyns originated in 2015 as a project incubated by Bug Biological Agents, which was the pioneer in insect rearing for biological pest control in Latam. In 2020, it received its first angel investment from Lambarin Investimentos, and in 2022 Cyns opened Brazil’s first BSF industrial pilot to receive regulatory approval. Since then, Cyns has successfully introduced its ingredients to the market, which can now be found in dog treats, bird and other exotic pet foods available in Brazil’s largest pet retail outlets. Insect-based nutrition is one of the leading solutions to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of animal nutrition, which together with agriculture, make up the 2nd largest source of greenhouse gas emissions with roughly 25% of all emissions. Insect-based ingredients are known for having a much lower carbon intensity than those of its plant and animal-based ingredient counterparts, contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of pet food and animal feed by at least 60-70% or more. Together with the investment, Sumitomo Corporation do Brasil has also inked a commercial partnership agreement with Cyns, under which Sumitomo Corporation do Brasil will be in charge of application development and R&D, as well as marketing Cyns’ products in the Americas Region. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1755/bayer-unveils-breakthrough-solar-energy-projects-at-sites-in-new-jersey-and-california.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1755/bayer-unveils-breakthrough-solar-energy-projects-at-sites-in-new-jersey-and-california.html Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:01:19 +0530 Two new solar energy projects, each designed to reduce energy costs while promoting sustainability A new solar array installation at Bayer’s vegetable research and development site in Woodland, CA will provide 70% of the site’s electrical energy demand. “With this new installation, the Woodland site is the most onsite solar-powered operation within Bayer globally,” says Enrique Wehlen, Head of Sustainability, Safety, Health & Environments (SSHE) North America at Bayer. The Woodland solar power project follows a recently completed solar installation at Bayer’s main U.S. offices in Whippany, NJ. The two new solar energy projects, each designed to reduce energy costs while promoting sustainability, will be unveiled. Both projects align with Bayer’s sustainability commitments to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and to have net-zero waste across its entire value chain by 2050. A key strategy to achieving Bayer’s reduction targets, which have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, is to purchase 100% sustainable renewable electricity by 2030. Bayer has put a large focus on leveraging energy efficiency and clean energy resources to achieve its robust, science-based sustainability targets. In accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, Bayer aims to continuously reduce GHG emissions within the company and along its entire value chain. Renewable energy does not produce carbon emissions as part of the electricity generation process, dramatically reducing the total GHGs emitted. “These solar installations are a strong signal to our employees, customers and communities where we live and operate of our commitment to GHG emission reduction,” says Delf Bintakies, Global Head of Sustainability, Safety, Health & Environments (SSHE) at Bayer. “Bayer sets specific criteria for its own procurement of green energy. This includes the proximity of energy production facilities to Bayer sites, the use of new sources of generation and a focus on wind and solar power.” Woodland, CA solar installation In Woodland, Bayer worked with Enel North America to complete a 2.7 MW solar and 1 MW / 2 MWh energy storage system that will power 70 percent of the site’s electrical energy. Occupying approximately 10 of the 210 acres of company-owned property supporting agricultural research, the system utilizes ground-mounted solar panels capable of generating nearly two megawatts of electricity. Complementing the solar array is a bank of batteries serving as storage for excess power to be used to offset evening peak power demand when solar generation subsides. Eight Electric Vehicle chargers will be installed for employee use later this year. Located in a region historically prone to rolling blackouts and grid disruptions, the solar-plus-storage system will help increase Bayer’s energy and operational resilience, while also reducing its carbon footprint and demand on local energy infrastructure. Whippany, NJ solar installation In Whippany, Bayer partnered with DSD Renewables (DSD) to complete a 1.7 MW ground mount solar installation that will offset approximately 25 percent of the Whippany site’s total annual usage. The installation is comprised of 3,600 modules that will follow or “track” the sun’s path from East to West each day. The design, which was completed in December 2023, helps maximize the energy the system can produce. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1702/koreas-unlimeat-expands-its-k-vegan-reach-in-us-retail-markets.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1702/koreas-unlimeat-expands-its-k-vegan-reach-in-us-retail-markets.html Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:14:54 +0530 Plant-based Korean BBQ and pulled pork alongside new Korean vegan creations, including frozen kimbap and mandu UNLIMEAT, a leading plant-based Korean food brand, has recently broadened its US retail sales, introducing a variety of Korean-inspired vegan foods like frozen Kimbap and Mandu. Starting this month, the brand is taking its commitment to K-vegan options a step further by introducing new products in Northern California. The company successfully launched its plant-based Korean BBQ and pulled pork offerings in the US market last year, receiving an impressive response to its products available at Albertsons grocery stores. Building on this success, UNLIMEAT has expanded its footprint to include natural and organic retailers like Berkeley Bowl, Mollie Stone's Market, Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins, and Good Earth Market, where it has continued to receive positive feedback. UNLIMEAT first focused its retail sales efforts on Northern California and is now expanding its reach through shelves in New York City boutique grocery stores, such as Brooklyn Fair and Orchard Grocer. Additionally, the company has expanded their K-vegan product line and recently revamped their packaging. UNLIMEAT plans to further expand its retail sales and food service collaborations throughout the US next year to make its products more accessible to Americans. Ryan Chung, Co-CEO of UNLIMEAT, emphasized that the brand's aim to create delicious, balanced, plant-based Korean food that appeals to both plant and meat eaters. "We're so excited to launch our K-vegan products in the NorCal area. Expanding our partnership with grocery stores and food service in many areas, including New York City, allows us to bring our balanced wholesome Korean vegan products to even more people, expanding the overall addressable market,", he remarked. UNLIMEAT's frozen Kimbap, a modern twist on the beloved Korean rolls, comes in multiple varieties, featuring either UNLIMEAT plant based Bulgogi or Tuna, giving it a nutritious and exceptional flavor profile. Its frozen Kimbap remains fresh and its outer seaweed remains crisp for up to 12 months while only taking two and a half minutes to heat up. Their Mandu, is a plant-based version of contemporary Korean pork dumplings and contain 11% less sodium and 50% less fat than regular pork dumplings. The company's Chapssaruni, a gluten-free cake made from glutinous rice, is shaped like a baby bundt cake and a soft, chewy texture reminiscent of mochi. This plant-based dessert, free of gluten, dairy, and animal products, is currently the best-selling vegan item in Korea. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1619/nouryon-signs-renewable-energy-agreement-to-improve-carbon-footprint-at-three-sites-in-us.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1619/nouryon-signs-renewable-energy-agreement-to-improve-carbon-footprint-at-three-sites-in-us.html Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:08:34 +0530 Nouryon aims to reduce its absolute Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019 and aspires to be a net-zero organisation by 2050 Nouryon, a global speciality chemicals leader, announced a long-term agreement with NRG Energy, Inc. brand Direct Energy to support 100 per cent of the electricity needs from renewable sources for the Company’s manufacturing sites in La Porte, Fort Worth, and Houston, through the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) derived from wind farms throughout Texas, US, helping to reduce carbon emissions. The delivery term will begin at the end of December 2024. “Announcement represents another important milestone in our journey to reduce Nouryon’s global carbon emission footprint and support our customers’ sustainability targets,” said Eduardo Nardinelli, Senior Vice President, of South America and global Carbon Business Leader. “Our customers increasingly value reduced carbon emissions as part of their sustainability goals.” The implementation in Texas follows last month’s announcement of 100 per cent electricity from renewable sources for Nouryon’s nine manufacturing sites in Brazil and continues a series of renewable energy agreements around the globe to supply Nouryon sites including Morris, Illinois, US; Guangzhou, China; and Mons, Belgium. Nouryon aims to reduce its absolute Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019 and aspires to be a net-zero organisation by 2050. More information on the Company’s sustainability progress can be found in our 022 Sustainability Report, ESG fact sheet and dedicated Sustainability section of the Company website.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1617/usda-signs-agreement-to-prepare-young-individuals-for-careers-in-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1617/usda-signs-agreement-to-prepare-young-individuals-for-careers-in-agriculture.html Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:51:06 +0530 This partnership will enhance USDA’s involvement with AFA and its leadership development and education mission U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Agriculture Future of America (AFA), formalising a partnership to promote the common goals of strengthening the future competitiveness and sustainability of the U.S. agriculture industry by preparing more young people for careers in agriculture. “This partnership will enhance USDA’s involvement with AFA and its leadership development and education mission,” said Secretary Vilsack. “This agreement reinforces USDA’s commitment to preparing students for future careers in agriculture with an emphasis on federal sector employment.” USDA and AFA will continue to collaborate on leadership development efforts, and link these young leaders with career opportunities in food, agricultural science, natural resources, and related fields. Under the MOU, USDA commits to advancing opportunities for AFA delegates to participate in USDA programs, including internships. AFA will provide occasions for USDA to meet with AFA delegates to share information about these opportunities. The MOU will be administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), which develops and maintains partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities and connects those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through USDA programs and initiatives. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1532/china-u-s-agriculture-companies-sign-11-purchase-contracts-agreements.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1532/china-u-s-agriculture-companies-sign-11-purchase-contracts-agreements.html Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:26:04 +0530 China Ambassador and U.S. ag industry reaffirm shared responsibility and importance of innovation and collaboration at USSEC-CFNA Sustainable Agriculture Trade Forum, and U.S. Soy Farm Visit Several Chinese agriculture companies and U.S. commodity exporter companies signed 11 purchasing agreements/contracts at the China-U.S. Sustainable Agricultural Trade Forum and Contract Signing Ceremony co-organized by U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-products (CFNA), Iowa Soybean Association, and U.S. Grains Council on the eve of the World Food Prize Foundation’s 2023 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A. Among the companies that signed 11 purchasing contracts/agreements were ADM with Bohi Industry, ADM with China Agri, ADM with Fuzhiyuan Feed Protein (Wilmar International), Bunge with Sinograin Oil, Cargill with Sinograin Oil, CHS with Bohi Enterprises, CHS with Sinograin Oil, COFCO International with China Agri, COFCO Agri with Zennoh Grain, Shenzhen Gem with Hangtung Resources, and Zennoh Grain with Bohi Industry. Ambassador Xie Feng, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the U.S.A. shared, “The China-U.S. agricultural cooperation is a rich land with bright prospects. China is the world’s largest importer of U.S. agriculture exports. The contracts signed today are multiple billions in value. Let us sow more seeds of cooperation on the fields of hope.” Acting Deputy Under Secretary, USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Jason Hafemeister said, “These contracts illustrate the gains from trade: food is moving from surplus regions to deficit; the confidence behind these contracts allows U.S. producers to invest where we have agriculture advantages; and this relationship will help foster innovation needed to sustainably intensify production to deliver nutrition and food security sustainably.” Jim Sutter, CEO of U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and Chair of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) said, “The collaboration between China and U.S. Soy continues to deliver food and nutrition security, and economic growth for consumers, companies and producers in China and the U.S. Sustainable agriculture production and trade are impact multipliers. China has been masterful at leveraging trade to achieve local food security and economic growth. We strive to maintain this stable and mutually beneficial collaboration cooperation between China and U.S. Soy as the ballast for successful bilateral economic and trade relations.” China’s Ambassador Xie and the Chinese industry delegation visited the Kimberley farm in Maxwell, Iowa, U.S.A. witnessed U.S. Soy’s sustainable and precision agriculture practices first-hand. The Sustainable Agriculture Trade Forum was also attended by Ambassador Terry Branstad, President, World Food Prize Foundation; Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, President Emeritus, World Food Prize Foundation; Governor Bob Holden, Chairman & President, U.S. Heartland China Association; Stan Born, Chairman of USSEC; Dawn Scheier, Board Secretary of USSEC; Xiaoping Zhang, Regional Director of USSEC Greater China; April Hemmes, United Soybean Board Director; Kirk Leeds, CEO, Iowa Soybean Association; Grant Kimberley, Senior Director of Market Development, Iowa Soybean Association; Chen Ying, Director of Cereals & Oils Dept., CFNA; Cary B. Sifferath, VP, U.S. Grains Council; Dr. Chad Hart, Ag. Economist from Iowa State University, and several other dignitaries from both countries ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1496/bkp-and-ussec-sign-mou-to-advance-sustainable-sourcing-of-food-and-feed-ingredients-in-thailand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1496/bkp-and-ussec-sign-mou-to-advance-sustainable-sourcing-of-food-and-feed-ingredients-in-thailand.html Wed, 25 Oct 2023 08:41:18 +0530 Partnership to establish a sustainable and dependable supply chain for soybeans, soybean meal and soy products for BKP and CP Foods Bangkok Produce Merchandising Public Company Limited (BKP), a subsidiary company of the Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable sourcing practices for food and animal feed ingredients in Thailand and globally. The MoU solidifies the commitment of both organizations to drive environmental responsibility and establish a sustainable and dependable supply chain for soybeans, soybean meal and soy products for Bangkok Produce Merchandising PCL (BKP) and Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CP Foods). The MoU will further BKP PCL's sustainability initiatives through knowledge and information sharing to enhance the sustainable sourcing of feed and food ingredients, while emphasizing the role of U.S. Soy as a source of sustainable protein. This includes USSEC’s sharing of technical expertise and best practices in sustainable soybean production, supply chain management, Zero Deforestation and Ecosystem conservation. Paisarn Kruawongvanich, CEO of Bangkok Produce Merchandising PCL (BKP) underscores the MoU's significance: "Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group) has made a commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and achieve Net Zero by 2050. This partnership with USSEC supports our targets as U.S. Soy has played an instrumental role in furthering sustainability across the food and agriculture supply chain, and U.S. Soy is also known as having the lowest carbon footprint compared with soy of other origins. This would help us reduce Scope 3 emissions in our supply chain.  We are excited to embark on a journey that underscores our joint commitment to making a positive impact on our environment, our communities, and the global food supply chain." As part of the agreement, USSEC will also share its knowledge on sustainability and services including the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), which verifies the sustainability of U.S. Soy products for food and animal feed uses. Aimed at improving supply chain transparency, this MoU will bolster BKP PCL’s commitment to sharing its GHG footprint across the supply chain and enhance its sustainable sourcing efforts. “The MoU represents a significant milestone in strengthening the long-standing relationship in food and agricultural cooperation between the U.S. and Thailand, and between Bangkok Produce Merchandising PCL (BKP) and U.S. Soy. We remain committed to sharing our knowledge as well as U.S. Soy’s services and tools to support C.P. Group’s 2030 Sustainability Goals, and the growth of Thailand’s food, feed, and livestock industry as we collaborate towards a more sustainable future,” says Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1488/global-agtech-platform-farmers-business-network-fbn-partners-adm-to-accelerate-regenerative-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1488/global-agtech-platform-farmers-business-network-fbn-partners-adm-to-accelerate-regenerative-agriculture.html Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:11:43 +0530 Over 3,000 farms & 2 million acres expected; programs to double as FBN technology plays leading role in creating incentives that reward farmers for regenerative practices Farmers Business Network, Inc. (FBN®), a global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network, has reached a significant milestone through a growing partnership with ADM, a global leader in sustainable agriculture. In 2022, FBN and ADM launched a collaboration allowing ADM customers to leverage FBN's innovative digital farm business management platform, Gradable. This collaboration successfully enrolled 1,500 growers and covered over 1 million cultivated acres of farmland, rewarding producers for conservation practices like cover cropping, conservation tillage, and emission reductions. FBN empowers growers to better manage their operations and make decisions to expand profitability potential. Through its Gradable platform, farms are encouraged to incorporate sustainable practices into their operation by attributing value to their conservation activities. Growers submit data securely, allowing Gradable to validate their sustainable practices and calculate the corresponding environmental outcomes. FBN and Gradable enable ADM and farmers to access voluntary and regulatory rewards within the supply chain through practice and outcome claims. Conveniently, farmers access this service and technology via the FBN app, the same place that allows them to securely link their ADM account information, providing them with a single app for viewing futures, cash grain bids, scale tickets, contracts and settlements while also staying updated with market relevant information, daily market news, and more. FBN’s critical role in this partnership will help power a significant expansion of ADM’s re:generations™ regenerative agriculture programs, which offer a broad array of financial and technical support to producers either adopting or continuing current regenerative ag practices. This will ultimately attach positive environmental impacts to food, feed and fuel ingredients for downstream ADM customers. In addition, the program highlights the good work producers are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality and soil health, and enhance biodiversity through proactive practices like the use of cover crops, nutrient management and reduced tillage. Growing acres of conservation activities in more geographies: More than 2 million acres spanning across 18 states in the US and three provinces in Canada will participate in the programs Growing farm participation across more commodities: More than 3,000 growers will participate in re:generations programs designed for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, peanuts, and more Growing incentives: Participating farmers stand to earn rewards up to $25 per acre ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1305/acs-laboratory-expands-mushroom-testing-scope-for-product-safety-compliance.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1305/acs-laboratory-expands-mushroom-testing-scope-for-product-safety-compliance.html Fri, 18 Aug 2023 08:04:52 +0530 ACS Laboratory is an analytical panels cater to the burgeoning Amanita industry ACS Laboratory, the largest hemp and cannabis testing facility in the Eastern U.S., launched a comprehensive Amanita mushroom testing program. ACS Laboratory ha now expanded its testing scope from cannabis and hemp to mushrooms and Kratom. As Amanita mushrooms gain popularity for their unique psychoactive effects and unregulated ingredients, ACS Laboratory believes it's crucial to accurately quantify their strength, purity and more importantly the absence of psilocybin, psilocin and contaminants that a DEA-licensed lab can provide. The facility's testing capabilities include Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina species, enabling benefiter to gain Certificates of Analysis (COAs) with documented results. ACS Laboratory is an analytical panels cater to the burgeoning Amanita industry, providing accurate and reliable results for potency, purity and compliance. ACS Laboratory's cutting-edge program allows innovative brands to offer the highest quality products while adhering to safety and legal standards. Having a DEA license enables ACS Laboratory to test psilocybin containing mushrooms as well as Amanita products for compliance. As a DEA-licensed laboratory, compliance in ruling out potentially illicit compounds such as Psilocybin and Psilocin is incredibly important. ACS Laboratory tests Amanita mushrooms in various product types, including dried mushrooms, powders, chocolates, tinctures, gummies and capsules. The team also conducts ongoing research to better understand Amanita's active ingredients and potential medicinal applications. With a strong commitment to precision and reliability, ACS Laboratory is a trusted partner for transparent brands that seek to produce exceptional products. “ACS Laboratory state-of-the-art facilities and advanced methodologies enable us to deliver accurate and clinical-grade results, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and accountability” says Roger Brown, president at ACS Laboratory. To enhance transparency and accessibility, ACS Laboratory generates a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each sample, available through a public portal. Additionally, the laboratory provides QR codes linked to the COA for product packaging and utilizes blockchain technology for secure tracking and tamper-proofing. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1229/usda-and-cooperators-boost-reduction-and-re-utilization-of-food-loss-and-waste-in-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1229/usda-and-cooperators-boost-reduction-and-re-utilization-of-food-loss-and-waste-in-asia.html Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:27:28 +0530 The Food Waste Reduction and Nutrient Recycling Technology Forum was held in Guangzhou, China on July 17, 2023 to introduce US efforts toward the reduction of food loss and waste (FLW) to interested partners in China.  In addition, the Forum shared practical success cases in reduction and re-utilization of FLW worldwide. The aim of this forum was to boost reduction of escalating FLW across the globe and potential re-utilization through innovative technologies. USDA's Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Guangzhou launched this forum and hopes to hold similar discussions in the future. North American Renderers Association (NARA) and Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) participated in the forum and shared their industrial expertise in processing by-products from meats, poultry, bakery and fishery for production of high-quality animal food ingredients. JonAnn Flemings - Director of ATO in Guangzhou opened the forum and addressed the current status of global FLW, as well as the importance of FLW reduction toward the elimination of poverty, growth of economic prosperity, and the reduction of methane and carbon dioxide - two green-house gases produced during decomposition in landfill. She also stressed the need to conserve our natural resources (land, water, labor and energy). Jean Buzby, USDA FLW Liaison, introduced Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 2015 and a series of measures the US government is taking to reduce FLW, including Federal interagency collaboration across USDA, EPA and FDA, as well as public-private partnerships such as US FLW 2030 Champions. Buzby also outlined USDA's efforts to address the FLW issue including program funding, research, outreach and regulatory guidance.  She briefly elaborated on The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), Compositing and Food Waste Reduction Program (CFWR), Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), Community Food Projects (CFP), Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program (FASLP), and Farm Storage Facility Loan Program. Buzby introduced FLW activities from around the world and shared success stories worldwide. The subsequent agenda focused on the various technologies associated with processing raw materials from food industries prior to retail, where an average of 14% loss of the total food supply chain was estimated to occur. Representatives from Tyson Ingredient Solutions, APC, and Darling Ingredients, three member companies of NARA, shared production technology, quality control and applications of rendered chicken products, cookie meal and plasma from rendering, recycling of bakery products and animal blood processing.  Yan Wang, professor of Zhejiang University specializing in aquaculture nutrition, introduced current fishmeal supply status and reviewed his 20-year research showing applications of US rendered proteins, singularly or in combination, could significantly reduce fishmeal inclusion in diets of high-value marine fishes and become an essential option in global aquaculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1166/usda-designates-seven-foreign-agricultural-service-officials-around-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1166/usda-designates-seven-foreign-agricultural-service-officials-around-asia.html Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:26:00 +0530 In total, Eleven new Agricultural Officers sworn into Foreign Service  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor administered the oath of office to 11 employees of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service who will serve American agriculture internationally as members of the Foreign Service. Diverse group of diplomats who completed their rigorous training will now serve on the frontlines of agricultural diplomacy around the world.  At U.S. embassies and diplomatic missions on five continents, diplomats begin their careers as agricultural attachés, where they will track and report on global agricultural production and commerce, find export opportunities, improve food security, and support U.S. foreign policy goals. Officers to strengthen the American Foreign Service as they begin their work protecting and advancing the interests of U.S. agriculture. Incumbent officers are: Craig Elliot from Petaluma, Calif., assigned to the OAA in Tokyo, Japan. Erica Summe from Florence, Ky., assigned to the ATO in Tokyo, Japan. Harrison Grafos from Spokane, Wash., assigned to the OAA in Dubai, UAE. Joanna Brown from Washington, D.C., assigned to the OAA in New Delhi, India. Jadon Marianetti from San Jose, Calif., assigned to the OAA in Beijing, China. James Yi from Philadelphia, Pa., assigned to the OAA in Hanoi, Vietnam. Lita Echiverri from San Francisco, Calif., assigned to the FAS Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Mexico City, Mexico. Rishan Chaudhry from Pullman, Wash., assigned to the OAA in Ankara, Turkey Shoshana Griffith from Seattle, Wash., assigned to the OAA in Seoul, South Korea. Tacarra Birmingham from Chicago, Ill., assigned to the FAS Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Ottawa, Canada. Victoria Dokken from Deltona, Fla., assigned to the ATO in Beijing, China. The USDA positively impacts the lives of all Americans every day. In order to improve America's food system, USDA focuses on building more resilient local and regional food production, creating fairer markets for producers, ensuring access to healthy, nutritious, and safe food for all communities, and creating new markets and income streams. Climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices, infrastructure and clean energy investments in rural America, and removing systemic barriers and building a workforce that is more representative of America all contribute to achieving equity across the Department. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1144/worlds-largest-on-farm-biodigesters-opened-in-indiana-the-u-s.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1144/worlds-largest-on-farm-biodigesters-opened-in-indiana-the-u-s.html Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:51:00 +0530 On-farm Renewable Natural Gas facility expands with novel DVO biodigester technology that can effectively turns livestock waste into renewable fuel and electricity. One of the world's largest on-farm biodigesters was recently unveiled in Reynolds, Indiana. DVO technology powers the core of the facility. The site in is operated by BioTown BioGas LLC. DVO digesters process more agricultural waste than any other biogas company globally. It has installed more than 170 digesters on livestock and poultry facilities in the U.S. to process animal waste and convert it to valuable products. Its Two-Stage Linear Vortex™ digester is a patented, engineered system designed to handle manure and other organic wastes. The process produces biogas, which is then converted to renewable energy, including electricity and natural gas. The BioTown BioGas facility in Reynolds, Ind. uses DVO technology to process mixed organic waste and generate renewable natural gas, renewable electricity and fertilizer. "BioTown BioGas keep turning to DVO as their waste stream grows. Our digesters handle multiple waste streams, we can scale to meet large volumes, and we can generate multiple forms of renewable power" said Steve Dvorak, president and founder of DVO.  Following the initial Two-Stage Linear Vortex™ digester installation in 2011, the site was expanded in 2013 and again in 2022 with DVO technology to produce renewable natural gas. It previously only generated electricity. The facility now utilizes seven DVO Two-Stage Linear Vortex™ anaerobic digesters to generate renewable natural gas and renewable electric power. It creates biogas from food waste, dairy manure, beef manure, swine and poultry waste, as well as other agricultural waste. According to BioTown BioGas calculations, the facility is expected to generate more than 42-million kilowatt-hours of renewable power per year, along with more than 3-million gallons of renewable fuel. Their digester system provides a level of carbon mitigation equivalent to removing 160,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. Chad Hoerr, General Manager of BioTown BioGas believes that DVO digesters design delivers more biogas than other options in the market. DVO was responsible for system layout, digester design, and heating and mixing controls. In addition to generating biogas, the system separates and captures ammonia for fertilizer production. It also relies on DVO technology for total processing of solid inputs and heat recovery. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1139/vietnamese-vitadairy-partners-with-pantheryx-supporting-pediatric-and-adult-immunonutrition.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1139/vietnamese-vitadairy-partners-with-pantheryx-supporting-pediatric-and-adult-immunonutrition.html Wed, 05 Jul 2023 03:30:00 +0530 PanTheryx commits with 3-year extended strategic partnership to producer colostrum ingredient named ColosIgG 24h and supply to VitaDairy PanTheryx®, Inc., an integrative digestive and immune health company, and VitaDairy®, the leading Vietnamese dairy company, have mutually renewed a multi-year strategic partnership.  PanTheryx, VitaDairy’s No. 1 partner in Vietnam for U.S. bovine colostrum, will continue to be VitaDairy’s exclusive producer and supplier of the colostrum ingredient named ColosIgG 24h. This multimillion-dollar agreement reaffirms their commitment to advancing pediatric and adult immunonutrition, ensuring the well-being of Vietnam’s children, mothers, and vulnerable groups. VitaDairy makes a wide range of products, including ColosBaby® and CaloSure® America‡, using ColosIgG 24h from PanTheryx. ColosBaby®, a growing-up milk brand, is specially created for children and mothers and provides a high level of IgG antibodies, which have scientifically demonstrated immune-boosting properties. The CaloSure® America brand is sold as a multi-benefit nutrition product for aging adults.  Wes Parris, president and CEO of PanTheryx explained that, “By leveraging PanTheryx’s extensive network to collect bovine colostrum within the first 24 hours after calving, VitaDairy ensures the highest levels of immune activity, including IgG antibodies. Together we’ll continue to deliver innovation, scientific expertise, and unwavering commitment to providing quality products that support the health and well-being of adults and children.” VitaDairy aims to develop 'natural immunity solutions' integrated into nutritional products for children and the elderly, providing them with fortified defenses and strengthening their immune systems as a personal arsenal to combat epidemics. VitaDairy's scientific applications of ColosIgG 24h colostrum has significantly extracted the full potential of bovine colostrum for human health benefits. It is estimated that $20B global growing-up milk industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2020 to 2025.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1135/singapore-finc-announces-construction-of-edible-fungus-smart-factory-in-us.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1135/singapore-finc-announces-construction-of-edible-fungus-smart-factory-in-us.html Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:11:58 +0530 The Company aim for full production a year after construction commences Singapore Finc and Huayuan Food Group jointly announce the construction of the first U.S.-based edible fungus smart factory. Located in Houston, Texas, the joint venture will result in the daily production of 50 tons of American Enoki mushrooms to help ease the United States' long-term dependence on mushroom imports as the demand for healthy edible fungi grows with healthier eating habits. The smart factory will leverage advanced technical operations for the sustainable development of edible fungus, with operations focused on soilless, chemical-free, and environmentally-friendly practices. Singapore Finc is a subsidiary of Shanghai Finc Biotechnology Co., LTD, and Huayuan Food Group is one of the largest Chinese brand operators in the U.S. Asian food market. The collaboration for the Houston-based smart factory demonstrates support for the surging mushroom industry and an open attitude to expanding production internationally.  The factory is planning to be fully operational one year after construction begins. In addition to the smart factory, Finc will continue to expand its Freshmore brand's growing influence and build a plan for brand globalisation. Freshmore is a high-quality mushroom grown in China that has been exported to 57 countries and is considered to be China's leading enterprise of edible fungi industrialisation. Edible fungi are the third type of organism, after plants and animals, that contain various nutrients that play a vital role in the human body. In recent years, biotechnology studies have shown that mushrooms have great potential to block bitterness, inhibit sugar absorption, and produce high-quality protein. Edible fungi emerged as a healthy food with high protein and low calories. Despite being one of the largest consumer markets in the world with a growing edible mushroom trend, the U.S. lacks the production technology to grow edible fungi—hence the country's reliance on mushroom imports which elevates the price. Finc's new Houston smart factory will alleviate this issue for the U.S., bringing production to the country and lowering prices. After 20 years of development, Finc is considered the pioneer of factory cultivation of the white jade mushroom and crab mushroom in China. The company has applied for more than 190 invention and utility model patents. The white jade mushroom and crab mushroom produced by Finc is among the best-selling fresh mushrooms in China, and its international brand Freshmore has been world-renown for more than 10 years. Finc plans to continue its global expansion by further deepening cooperation between enterprises, universities and scientific research institutions, and working together to support the world's edible fungi industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1133/nestle-health-science-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-through-u-s-dairy-net-zero-initiative.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1133/nestle-health-science-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-through-u-s-dairy-net-zero-initiative.html Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:59:53 +0530 Collaborates with Royal Dairy Farm to demonstrates that Dairy can be a sustainable source of nutrition Nestlé Health Science, a leader in the science of nutrition, is collaborating with Royal Dairy farm in Washington state to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through climate smart farming practices. Together, Royal Dairy and Nestlé Health Science are aligned on four key areas of environmentally-focused innovation—cow feed, manure management, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture – to show how dairy milk can be a sustainable source of nutrition. To help bring this sustainable source of nutrition to families, Royal Dairy joins Nestlé Health Science's family of dairy suppliers for Carnation Breakfast Essentials® nutritional powder drink mix, which is available at national retailers. Christiane Baker, Director of Sustainability U.S., Nestlé Health Science. "Royal Dairy is pioneering a comprehensive regenerative approach to dairy that helps reduce our carbon footprint while also supporting a more sustainable food system for all. We're proud to help Royal Dairy implement additional sustainable solutions that can better their business and the planet, and we look forward to exploring ways to expand this initiative in the future." U.S. Dairy Net Zero InitiativeThe Nestlé Health Science and Royal Dairy collaboration is a part of the Dairy Scale for Good pilot, which aims to demonstrate practices and technologies that are sustainable, feasible, and economically viable on a commercial dairy farm. This pilot is a key pillar of the U.S. Dairy Net Zero Initiative, which advances research, on-farm pilots and new market development, as an essential first phase to make sustainability practices more accessible and affordable to farms of all sizes and accelerate progress toward the industry's 2050 environmental goals. Nestlé is working across its businesses and brands to help create a more sustainable future, a stronger and more responsible society, and a thriving economy. Nestlé Health Science is making progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sourcing ingredients that have significant nutritional value with minimal environmental impact, reducing virgin plastic use, and striving to make all packaging recyclable. In 2022, Carnation Breakfast Essentials® achieved B Corp Certification, showcasing its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1134/novel-irrigation-technology-can-simulate-irrigation-projects-remotely.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1134/novel-irrigation-technology-can-simulate-irrigation-projects-remotely.html Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:56:56 +0530 New online platform Virtual Dealer developed by Valley® breaks barriers and democratizes irrigation technology in any region of Latin America Valley Latin America, a leader in advancing agricultural productivity, announces yet another innovation in a remarkable year for technology investments. In June, Valley launched its Virtual Dealer program, which provides remote assistance through an online representative experience with agility and autonomy. Agricultural productivity and precision farming technologies have been advanced by Valley® Irrigation, a Valmont® Company.  The Valmont Group is a world leader in developing critical infrastructure and increasing agricultural productivity. In addition to reaching a broad range of producers, the virtual platform will provide precise and personalized information on irrigation projects, products, and services provided by the company. Dimas Rodrigues, Valley's regional sales manager for Latin America, cited the geographic coverage of the platform as a motivation for developing the project. Valley 's Virtual Dealer proposes a simulation of an irrigation system based on specific data such as the type of crop and geographic parameters of the property. Producers can easily access the simulation of their projects via email and text messages. According to Dimas, this connectivity is another foundation of the experience. "The Virtual Dealer manages to demonstrate that having the most innovation in the irrigation sector and increasing productivity and profitability is possible. With it we have the assertiveness to deliver precise data and information about products, costs, configurations and benefits to producers", he highlights. Technology advancements also motivate managers to seek greater autonomy in price consultation and project analysis by producers, which is made possible by tools that provide agility and security. In over 40 countries, Valley's Virtual Dealer is accessible "Customers want to personalize things, they want information, and sometimes they want the autonomy to quote or detail their project without a salesperson present. With Virtual Dealer, before moving on to a second step in the sales journey, customers have this power in their hands, they can customize the offer and the product according to their needs and, more than that, they can better understand the benefits of irrigation for their type of crop" explains Dimas. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1124/aigen-unveils-the-worlds-first-ai-driven-solar-powered-agricultural-robotics-service.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1124/aigen-unveils-the-worlds-first-ai-driven-solar-powered-agricultural-robotics-service.html Mon, 03 Jul 2023 08:25:39 +0530 The fossil fuel-free Aigen Element helps farmers reduce chemicals in food, and improve human and planetary health Aigen, a Seattle-based agricultural technology startup, unveiled a groundbreaking autonomous, scalable robotics platform, powered entirely by solar and wind energy. Leveraging proprietary, quantized AI, the Aigen Element service is the only farming solution that decreases fossil fuel use, while also providing farmers with invaluable real-time field insights, increased time savings, and reduced costs.  Aigen connects farmers to breakthrough technologies, decarbonize agriculture, and improve human and planetary health.  "Aigen was founded on the idea that there should be an alternative to the fossil fuels and pesticides used to produce our food. We have been working closely with farmers, like my family in Minnesota, to develop a solar-powered, on-edge AI platform that makes precision Ag scalable," said Rich Wurden, co-founder and CTO of Aigen. "We are excited to share those tools with the introduction of the Aigen Element." Kenny Lee, Aigen's co-founder and CEO says "benefits of our advanced, lightweight, super agile robots go far beyond weeding. We are excited to deliver field-level network connectivity and real-time data and insights that farmers can access from anywhere. Solution reduce farmers costs and get rid of weeds, all while growing healthier crops," Artificial Intelligence, Powered by Renewable Energy Aigen's unique robotic solution is possible thanks to the company's proprietary quantized AI, which is so efficient it can run exclusively on renewable energy. "The average cell phone needs 4 Watts of power. Our AI models need only 1.5W, and everything about our vehicle is just as efficient. Paired with a custom 205W solar panel, our robots often generate a power surplus at the end of a full day of running," added Wurden. Plant-Level Data, Planetary ConnectivityAigen's vehicles continuously transmit field and crop data to an in-house developed mobile app, offering farmers real-time insights. "We're bringing satellite technology down to earth, and deploying mesh network connectivity built on a robust, self-reliant hardware platform. This offers farmers higher resolution, real-time data and helps them get ahead of problems," said Puneet Khattar, Aigen's head of electrical engineering, who previously worked on Amazon's satellite program and at SpaceX. Rugged and Agile HardwareEvery aspect of the Aigen Element robot is built for maximum efficiency on the farm. The lightweight frame and solar panel, paired with regenerative motors and rugged suspension, allow the robots to effectively navigate and weed row crops for up to 14 hours a day in nearly any weather condition. The Aigen Element Service will debut on over 20,000 acres of U.S. farmland in 2024. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1090/cult-food-announces-partnership-with-dr-sarah-dodd-focused-on-cell-cultivated-proteins.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1090/cult-food-announces-partnership-with-dr-sarah-dodd-focused-on-cell-cultivated-proteins.html Fri, 23 Jun 2023 08:13:45 +0530 Dr Sarah Dodd will collaborate with Noochies! on product formulations and cell-cultivated proteins for pet foods CULT Food Science Corp has partnered with Dr Sarah Dodd, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, to support Noochies! product formulations and the design, analysis and validation of nutritional tests with Noochies! ingredients and products. In addition, Dr Sarah Dodd has joined the company's Advisory Board. Dr Dodd graduated from the veterinary science program at Massey University in New Zealand in 2016, after which she completed her MSc and PhD degrees at the University of Guelph in Canada. In 2021, Dr Dodd passed her certifying exam and was recognised as a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition by the European Board of Veterinary Specialists. Dr Dodd's research specialises in plant-based nutrition for companion animals and clinical practice she predominantly formulates specialised diets for cats and dogs with complicated health conditions. In addition to her nutrition speciality, Dr Dodd is also a practising veterinarian and she enjoys working with farmed animal sanctuaries and dog and cat rescues. With Dr Dodds’s support, CULT Food Science will continue to revolutionise pet foods with cell-cultivated approaches to create nutritious, enjoyable, and sustainable food for pets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1057/corteva-agriscience-harnesses-nature-to-unlock-plant-disease-resistance.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1057/corteva-agriscience-harnesses-nature-to-unlock-plant-disease-resistance.html Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:49:06 +0530 Research proves natural movement of disease resistance genes and the potential benefit of precise gene editing technology to support sustainability practices and improve farmer yields.   Corteva Agriscience announced publication of research confirming the natural movement of disease resistance genes within a corn plant's genome. The research has implications for the application of new breeding techniques to reduce the devastating impact of plant diseases while improving yield potential and crop resilience. Published in a recent issue of Molecular Plant Pathology, the findings reveal that gene editing tools such as CRISPR can mimic this naturally occurring process, unlocking the ability to relocate multiple disease resistance genes, speeding plant breeding progress, and delivering enhanced high-performing products to farmers. In March, Corteva announced that the early-stage use of proprietary gene editing technology to address several North American corn diseases was advancing through the company's R&D pipeline. Using CRISPR, the company can precisely co-locate disease resistance traits that already exist within the corn genome. With this recent peer-reviewed research, Corteva demonstrates that disease resistance genes move naturally to help plants fend off attacks from pathogens - but do so very slowly. "A plant deals with a wide variety of pathogens, prompting its genes to naturally move around in the genome to resist disease and increase survivability," said Wendy Srnic, Vice President Biotechnology, Corteva Agriscience. "However, this natural gene mobility occurs too slowly to effectively address the rapid growth of disease and climate-related pressures facing farmers around the globe. Through our research, we have validated the ability to mirror the movement of genes, enabling us to apply new breeding techniques to deliver seed that can better withstand field-level challenges." In 2021, Northern leaf blight, Southern rust, gray leaf spot and anthracnose stalk rot combined to cost North America corn growers more than 318 million bushels in production. By leveraging new breeding techniques, Corteva is not only simplifying disease management options for farmers but also improving on-farm sustainability by reducing the need for additional crop protection product applications to help combat disease pressure. "By innovating with advanced breeding techniques, we aim to create transformational change," added Srnic. "With these techniques, we can harness and replicate naturally occurring processes that accelerate the development of seeds with improved resilience and yield. We are committed to giving farmers more planting choices while continuing to safeguard our natural resources for generations to come." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1045/international-dairy-foods-association-chairs-roberta-wagner-as-sr-vp-regulatory-and-scientific-affairs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1045/international-dairy-foods-association-chairs-roberta-wagner-as-sr-vp-regulatory-and-scientific-affairs.html Fri, 09 Jun 2023 10:55:18 +0530 As a dairy industry advocate, Wagner focuses on science-based food safety, labeling, and nutrition policies that facilitate innovation and growth. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) on 7 June, announced Roberta Wagner as senior vice president, of regulatory and scientific affairs. She succeeds Dr. Joseph Scimeca, who announced his IDFA retirement earlier this year. Wagner spent 33 years in public service, most recently as assistant administrator of the Office of Policy and Program Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Previously, Wagner served as deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Field Operations at FSIS where she oversaw a workforce of 7,800 inspection program personnel, including consumer safety officers, public health veterinarians and food inspectors. Wagner also spent more than 25 years with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working in a variety of roles from analytical chemist to associate commissioner for Food Safety Modernization Act implementation. “I am excited to be joining the IDFA team and for the opportunity to advocate for food safety, labeling and nutrition policies that are science based, practical to implement, and that facilitate innovation and growth in the extremely important and diverse dairy industry,” said Wagner. IDFA’s Regulatory and Scientific Affairs team provides guidance and consultation to IDFA members in the areas of food safety, food defense, federal standards of identity, labeling, nutrition policy, sustainability, and environmental and worker safety. Scimeca will remain in the role through the summer to assist Wagner and IDFA with the leadership transition. IDFA’s Scientific and Regulatory Affairs team oversees the association’s engagement with the FDA, USDA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and globally with the UN agencies and the Codex Alimentarius. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1044/usda-initiates-an-agribusiness-trade-mission-to-japan.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/1044/usda-initiates-an-agribusiness-trade-mission-to-japan.html Fri, 09 Jun 2023 10:37:52 +0530 Japan has imported at least $10 billion worth of U.S. food and agriculture products, reaching a record-high $14.6 billion in 2022. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor launched an agribusiness trade mission to Japan on 5 June. The U.S. delegation included representatives from 11 state departments of agriculture, numerous farm organizations, and 40 agribusinesses looking to connect with future business partners in Japan. “As one of the largest world economies, Japan is one of the top and most reliable trading partners for the United States. Every year over the past two decades, Japan has imported at least $10 billion worth of U.S. food and agriculture products, reaching a record-high $14.6 billion in 2022. This shows that there is continuously growing demand for U.S. products in Japan, providing U.S. exporters with a tremendous opportunity to expand their exports," said Under Secretary Taylor. “On this agribusiness trade mission, we have many incredible businesses joining this delegation to showcase the strength of U.S. food and agriculture products. Japanese consumers are especially interested in high-quality, health-oriented products, and I am confident that U.S. businesses can meet and exceed these expectations” added Under Secretary Taylor. USDA helped to facilitate business-to-business meetings for a week between participating small and medium-sized U.S. agribusinesses and Japanese buyers seeking to import American food and farm products. The trade mission itinerary also included meetings with Japanese and local prefecture government officials and industry groups to discuss trade issues and unique opportunities offered by Japanese consumers, retail promotions featuring U.S. products, and visits to Japanese farms and packaging facilities Image Caption: USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor welcomes leaders and officials from the Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, and North Dakota state departments of agriculture to Tokyo for the USDA agribusiness trade mission this week. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/967/innovasea-acquires-aquaculture-software-firm-aquanetix.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/967/innovasea-acquires-aquaculture-software-firm-aquanetix.html Mon, 22 May 2023 11:16:22 +0530 Opens new office in Greece to add to its presence in Canada, Norway, Chile and Australia Innovasea, a global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, has purchased Aquanetix, a UK-based aquaculture software company, and moved its operations to a new office in Greece. . Headquartered in the United States, Innovasea also has offices in Canada, Norway and Australia and has opened a new office in Corinth, Greece. Aquanetix’s cloud-based aquaculture management software provides deep insights into farm operations. Innovasea has strong portfolio of egg-to-harvest aquaculture solutions. Innovasea’s move into Greece is its second major expansion in the last three years. In 2020 it opened a full service office in Puerto Varas, Chile. Innovasea CEO David Kelly said, “By adding its powerful farm management capabilities to our suite of real-time aquaculture intelligence solutions, we’ll be rounding out our precision aquaculture platform and further helping our customers make data-driven decisions to improve operations, run more efficiently and sustainably and become more profitable.” Aquanetix co-founder and CEO Diogo Thomaz said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to make additional investment into our business to enhance our existing tools and better serve our customers.” Aquanetix’s farm management software is in use at more than 200 farms in 31 countries and is currently being used to grow more than 30 species of fish and shrimp. By offering it alongside Realfish Pro, Innovasea now has a complete suite of precision aquaculture tools that can handle all aspects of running a fish farm – from real-time environmental monitoring and control capabilities to powerful analytics that improve operations and decision-making. Kelly said Innovasea’s footprint in Greece will help it execute on its growth strategy in key markets like the Mediterranean and Middle East while better serving existing customers in those areas. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/932/cult-food-science-announces-jv-plans-with-culinary-medicine-company-peqish.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/932/cult-food-science-announces-jv-plans-with-culinary-medicine-company-peqish.html Fri, 12 May 2023 15:13:15 +0530 Under the Share Exchange Agreement, the parties will exchange $187,500 worth of shares of the respective companies CULT Food Science Corp announced that it has entered into a share exchange agreement with Peqish Group, Food & Hospitality Inc. (Peqish).  Under the Share Exchange Agreement, the parties will exchange $187,500 worth of shares of the respective companies with one another. In addition, on the closing of the share exchange transaction, the parties will enter into a joint venture agreement pursuant to which the parties will commit to a strategic collaboration for the purpose of developing and commercialising cellular agriculture food products within the medical foods framework established by Peqish. Under the JV Agreement, each of CULT and Peqish will initially make their contributions and fulfil their obligations to the Joint Venture within their own respective organisations and with their own personnel. If the Joint Venture proceeds to the commercialisation phase, the parties expect to form a new, equally-owned subsidiary company. CULT's contributions to the Joint Venture will include 100 per cent of the start-up costs for the Joint Venture, including initial product design and branding expenses; and core competencies in design research, new ideation and validation, program management, recruitment and investment. Peqish's contributions to the Joint Venture will include insights, industry network and knowledge in the culinary medicine and clinical areas; and access to its team of clinical and scientific experts to assist the Joint Venture in conducting clinical trials and validating products that have been identified by the Joint Venture for their adherence to culinary medicine principles. In addition, Dr Anthony Marotta, Peqish's Chief Executive Officer, will serve on CULT's scientific advisory board. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/889/chinas-farmmi-establishes-new-wholly-owned-subsidiary-in-usa.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/889/chinas-farmmi-establishes-new-wholly-owned-subsidiary-in-usa.html Thu, 04 May 2023 11:02:27 +0530 Farmmi establishes Farmmi USA Inc to deepen international business strategy and to leverage its new platform in North American market Lishui, headquartered Farmmi, Inc., an agriculture products supplier in China, has established a new wholly-owned subsidiary FARMMI USA INC. in the U.S. The company deepens its international business strategy, following the establishment of FARMMI CANADA INC., a wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary in 2022. Farmmi plans to leverage its new platform to expand its growth in the important North American market, which is one of the world's largest markets for high-quality agricultural products. Zhang Yefang, Chairwoman and CEO, stated, "The establishment of FARMMI USA INC. is another important step forward in the Company's long-term success and internationalization. The establishment of a U.S. subsidiary furthers our integration of multiple advantageous resources to create a broader business platform. At the same time, it will allow us to more fully benefit from the strong demand to connect with the highly attractive, large and growing Asian consumer market." Farmmi Inc. is an agricultural products supplier, processor and retailer of edible mushrooms like Shiitake and Mu Er, as well as other agricultural products. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/848/ifarm-to-construct-the-worlds-largest-high-tech-vertical-farm-in-mexico.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/848/ifarm-to-construct-the-worlds-largest-high-tech-vertical-farm-in-mexico.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:32:14 +0530 Around 38.500 square meter cultivation area built with cutting-edge technology to grow over 35 types of leafy greens and microgreens with a hydroponics vertical farming system. In Oaxaca, Mexico, the vertical agriculture technology provider iFarm has partnered with the Opus 2G Group to build a massive automated high-tech vertical farm in the Smart City of Tehuantepec. With its 38.500 square meter cultivation area, the farm will be the world's largest vertical farm and built with cutting-edge technology. A Smart City of Tehuantepec will be built by Opus 2G Group as part of The Smart Industrial Corridor Benito Juarez (CIINT) project. The initiative forms part of Tehuantepec Isthmus Interoceanic Corridor, a governmental initiative. In order to boost economic growth in Mexico's Southeast states, it connects the port of Salina Cruz in Oaxaca with Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz. Opus 2G Group's initiative is supported by the state government of Oaxaca. As part of its initial phase, the CIINT Benito Juárez will create approximately 75,000 jobs in heavy industries such as chemicals, energy, and agriculture. In the Smart City of Tehuantepec, iFarm will build an automated vertical farm based on cutting-edge iFarm StackGrow technology. The largest automated vertical farm in the world will have a total cultivation area of 38.500 square meters to grow over 35 types of leafy greens and microgreens with a hydroponics vertical farming system. Each month, the farm will produce over 288 tons of high-quality crops. In 2024, the Smart City of Tehuantepec will launch its pilot farm. By 2028, Opus 2G Group and iFarm plan to build 22 automated vertical farms in the smart city. A wide variety of crops will be grown in the future, including berries, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and medical plants. A joint investigation between iFarm and Opus 2G Group is also underway to develop an indoor farming system to grow coffee and cocoa beans. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/840/guardian-agricultures-evtol-approved-by-u-s-faa.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/840/guardian-agricultures-evtol-approved-by-u-s-faa.html Wed, 26 Apr 2023 09:09:23 +0530 Guardian Agriculture a pioneer in Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) systems for large-scale sustainable farming becomes the first commercially approved eVTOL operator in the U.S. Guardian Agriculture has secured U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization to operate its aircraft nationwide. This allows eVTOL to safely deploy its agricultural eVTOL systems across the country. In conventional farming, ground spraying equipment is increasingly being replaced by unmanned autonomous systems, but these systems cannot provide comprehensive coverage at competitive prices. With Guardian Agriculture's eVTOL solution, equivalent coverage is achieved to traditional aerial crop dusting and ground spraying equipment while maintaining or reducing costs and delivering digital precision. Adam Bercu, Founder and CEO of Guardian Agriculture, stated that eVTOL-powered crop protection is superior to crops, the environment, and growers’ profitability. Guardian Agriculture’s commitment to designing and manufacturing its systems entirely in the U.S. supports national competitiveness, job creation, and security. According to Wilbur-Ellis VP of Supplier Relations Willie Negroni, the FAA's recent approval allows Guardian Agriculture to revolutionize farming with the Guardian SC1. Precision, safe crop protection is delivered time- and cost-effectively with the Guardian SC1. The SC1 covers 40 acres per hour with a 200-pound payload and a 15-foot aircraft width. Additionally, the system, which integrates an autonomous aircraft, a supercharger at the ground station, and software that generates domestically stored data, provides on-target application when needed. As the first manufacturer of commercial eVTOLs operating at scale nationwide, Guardian Agriculture is accumulating thousands of hours of flight time. During the coming months, Wilbur-Ellis will begin commercial operations in California while expanding production capacity. A world-class team of engineering, autonomy, and manufacturing experts at Guardian Agriculture hails from Apple, BAE, Sikorsky, Tesla, and Uber. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/829/syngenta-to-leverage-biotalys-insecticide-biocontrol-pipeline.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/829/syngenta-to-leverage-biotalys-insecticide-biocontrol-pipeline.html Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:57:49 +0530 Syngenta and Biotalys partners to advance AGROBODY™ technology platform to expand biological innovations for sustainable agriculture Syngenta Crop Protection and Biotalys (Euronext – BTLS) has announced a collaboration to research, develop and commercialize new biocontrol solutions to manage key pests in a broad variety of crops. The new solution will be based on Biotalys’ AGROBODY™ technology and will offer a new mode of action to broaden farmers’ access to novel technologies that counter the threat of pest resistance and advance sustainable agriculture. This new partnership allows Biotalys to accelerate the development and global commercialization of innovative crop protection solutions and cement its biocontrol innovation leadership by leveraging the expansive network and capabilities of a global agriculture business. Under the terms of this partnership, Syngenta will collaborate on a research program with Biotalys, an agricultural technology company focused on protein-based biocontrol solutions, to leverage its AGROBODY™ technology platform for Syngenta’s specific insect targets. Camilla Corsi, Head of Crop Protection Research at Syngenta Crop Protection said “by combining our proven research and development capabilities with the breakthrough protein-based innovations of the Biotalys AGROBODY™ platform, we are determined to play a pivotal role in addressing critical farmer needs around the globe.” With resistance development and increasing regulatory and environmental pressures, growers are eager to explore innovative and effective biological solutions that limit the impact on the environment and biodiversity. Biotalys has demonstrated the potential of its protein-based biocontrols to deliver novel modes of actions for effective and safe application in food and agriculture. “Syngenta, a world-leading agricultural company, on one of the most pressing industry challenges – the development of innovative and effective pest control solutions – by delivering on the promise of our AGROBODY™ technology,” said Patrice Sellès, Chief Executive Officer at Biotalys. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/814/ayana-bio-unveils-first-ingredients-made-using-plant-cell-culture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/814/ayana-bio-unveils-first-ingredients-made-using-plant-cell-culture.html Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:12:00 +0530 Non-GMO phytocomplex plant powders becomes first to commercialize cell technology output products in global health and wellness markets Boston headquartered Ayana Bio has launched its first-ever plant cell-cultivated lemon balm and echinacea health and wellness ingredients, starting with the U.S. market. The method is believed to provide organic botanicals, a non-GMO plant powders without conventional agriculture supply chain concerns. Ayana Bio is a pioneer in plant cell technology making sustainable bioactive composition of conventionally grown botanicals out of the agriculture methodologies. Plant cell cultivation avoids traditional production challenges while yielding the identical molecular composition and the same health and wellness benefits as agricultural counterparts – and can be tailored to even higher concentrations of bioactives. These plant cell-derived ingredients are DNA-fingerprint certified and clean label, with standardized phytocomplex, increased bioavailability, full traceability and a neutral taste and color. In the novel methodology plant cells are propagated from authenticated plants and are assessed to identify the ideal line for important characteristics like bioactive potency, composition and stability. Ayana Bio further optimizes the conditions and nutrients the plant cells need to grow and multiply. Unlike some plants that take years to grow and mature in the ground, plant cells are fully propagated and harvested as an ingredient in just a few weeks. Rather than using photosynthesis to convert sunlight into food, plant cell culture companies feed sugars, hormones, and other nutrients to plant cells. In addition to echinacea and lemon balm, Ayana Bio also works on saffron, cacao, and blueberries to produce bioactives similar to those found in conventionally grown lemon balm and echinacea, which support sleep, mood, and immunity. As a spin-off of synthetic biology specialist Ginkgo Bioworks, Ayana Bio has raised $30 million from Viking Global Investors and Cascade Investment Group to make high-value ingredients from plant cell lines in bioreactors in 2021. Frank Jaksch, chief executive officer of Ayana Bio said "Bringing plant cell-derived health and wellness ingredients to these markets will help CPGs access the full spectrum of bioactives characteristic of these plants without the supply chain challenges. Consumers are seeking out products for healthier lifestyles and a healthier planet." Effendi Leonard, chief technology officer of Ayana Bio. "Plant cell technology is creating a sustainable future of standardized botanical ingredients. We're proud to be the first to commercialize the products of this technology for health and wellness in these key markets." The availability of plant-derived health and wellness ingredients in these markets will enable CPGs (consumer packaged goods companies) to access the full spectrum of bioactive compounds inherent to these plants. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/806/cooke-acquires-seafood-manufacturer-slade-gorton.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/806/cooke-acquires-seafood-manufacturer-slade-gorton.html Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:37:19 +0530 Slade Gorton currently offers more than 800 premium seafood products Cooke Inc. has completed the acquisition of Slade Gorton, one of the United States’ largest distributors, importers, and manufacturers of fresh and frozen seafood. Headquartered in Waltham, MA, Slade Gorton maintains a storied legacy and a heritage spanning over 95 years in the seafood industry. Slade Gorton will continue to be led by fifth-generation family members Kim Gorton, CEO, and her brother Mike Gorton Jr., EVP, Business Development, who will both remain in their roles and continue to be invested in the ongoing growth and success of the business. Slade Gorton currently offers more than 800 premium seafood products and maintains long-standing partnerships with hundreds of leading North American food service and retail customers. With nearly 4,000 employees and distribution locations coast to coast across the USA, Cooke offers a fully vertically integrated seafood harvesting, processing, sales, and distribution network to provide wholesale and retail customers with premium fresh and frozen seafood in every state. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/803/firefly-automatix-premiers-worlds-first-autonomous-hybrid-field-mower.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/803/firefly-automatix-premiers-worlds-first-autonomous-hybrid-field-mower.html Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:46:03 +0530 M220-AV uilds on the efficiencies of the 22-foot-wide M220 manned mower enabling Turf Farms to achieve optimal productivity FireFly Automatix, Inc. has announced initial customer implementation of the M220-AV, the company’s first fully autonomous field mower, which has been in development since 2018. The new AV (Autonomous Vehicle) version of the popular 22-foot M220 for turfgrass production is premiering as a hybrid diesel-electric vehicle that takes the company’s proven features to an entirely new level of automation. FireFly has selected a limited number of turf farms for eligibility of its first commercially available M220-AV’s. The program has officially commenced with the delivery of the first pilot production vehicle this month to Prime Sod, in Kopperl, Texas, with additional orders booked through early Summer 2023. As a significant update to earlier models of the M220, the M220-AV features the following: A high-performance 125 hp turbo-charged hybrid diesel/electric engine with Bosch Rexroth drive train and premium quality bearings and hydraulic system Climate-controlled cab for operator comfort during the initial teach modes and pressurized to keep out dust State-of-the-art electrical controls and automated mow height Optimized front-mounted electric decks meticulously engineered to finishing quality mowing at speeds of up to 13.3 acres/hour “The M220-AV represents a full paradigm shift for turf farm mowing,” said Steve Aposhian, FireFly’s founder and CTO. “We are creating new efficiencies to meet the turf farm industry’s highest needs, which we will ultimately expand to fulfill turf maintenance roles in every place they are needed. The M220-AV has been designed and purpose-built from the ground up to be the most efficient mowing machine on the market. Further, the rigors of providing autonomous solutions at the commercial farm level lend themselves long term to the development of markets such as golf, sports turf and municipal (parks and schools), orchard, and roadside safety mowing” said Steve Aposhian, FireFly’s founder and CTO. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/799/harpe-bioherbicide-advances-rd-of-natural-herbicide-portfolio.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/799/harpe-bioherbicide-advances-rd-of-natural-herbicide-portfolio.html Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:45:35 +0530 Raises $10.5 million with ADM to advance R&D of natural herbicide portfolio and herbicide-tolerant row crop systems Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions, Inc., an agricultural technology company focused on providing natural and sustainable herbicide solutions, has announced a $10.5 million round of fundraising, led by ADM. Follow-on investments in the oversubscribed round included iSelect Fund Management and Alexandria Investment Ventures as well as company leadership and private agricultural industry investors. The financing provides North Carolina-based Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions the resources to further advance research and development of its portfolio of natural, non-selective herbicide formulations, which use a series of active ingredient compounds found in plant extracts, to reach a commercial-ready phase. In addition, the financing supports the next development stages of Harpe herbicide-tolerant row crop systems, which will further expand and strengthen Harpe's intellectual property portfolio. A.J. Todd, vice president of commercial development for ADM's mint business said "ADM's unique position spanning the food and ag value chain gives us the opportunity to propel change in multiple ways. In this case, we are a world leader in mint production, and will be providing key inputs to Harpe Bioherbicide's innovative product. Simultaneously, we're rapidly ramping up our regenerative agriculture work, which benefits from environmentally friendly herbicides". Harpe's portfolio of products, which features new sites and modes of action, offer wide-spectrum control of broadleaf and grass seeds or weeds. "Through a series of all-natural herbicide formulations, our products will deliver new opportunities for organic and regenerative agriculture for pre, post and desiccation use patterns," noted Bill Buckner, CEO of Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions. In addition, a series of tailored Harpe premix formulations will improve control of tough-to-kill weeds, including those resistant to current synthetic chemistries, thus facilitating the reduction and replacement of, and rotation with, synthetic herbicides used in row and specialty crop, commercial and consumer markets. The further development of crops tolerant to Harpe herbicide formulations will pioneer the way for in-season use of the company's proprietary series of plant-based herbicidal active compounds and offer growers additional tools to help produce abundant, healthy crops. "Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions exists to serve farmers on a global scale by developing novel and natural herbicide solutions to help mitigate increasing weed resistance challenges while seeking to advance sustainable practices in global food production," said Daniel Pepitone, COO of Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions. "The strategic commitment and support of a global leader like ADM, along with further backing from existing investors, enables Harpe to advance our portfolio of novel, natural herbicides and related herbicide tolerant trait technology closer to the market, and closer to the farmers in need of new solutions." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/785/richardson-invests-220m-in-oil-production-facility-in-memphis-the-us.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/785/richardson-invests-220m-in-oil-production-facility-in-memphis-the-us.html Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:57:00 +0530 This multi-phase project will replace the existing refinery with a new, state-of-the-art refinery plant Richardson International ('Richardson') has announce a significant investment in its Wesson Oil facility in Memphis, Tennessee. This multi-phase project will replace the existing refinery with a new, state-of-the-art refinery plant, furthering Richardson's ability to fulfill requirements and a growing global demand for vegetable oil. When completed, the new refinery will modernize the site and significantly increase production and refining capacity. Improved efficiencies will also drive substantial reductions in water, energy, and wastewater volumes, aligning well with Richardson's focus on responsible and sustainable business operations.  Expansion and modernization of the Memphis site follows closely behind additional initiatives from Richardson's oilseed processing division, including a three-year expansion project at their facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan – which is more than doubling crushing and refining capability – and an increase in crushing and refining capability at their Lethbridge, Alberta facility. Richardson International Limited has been recognized as a global leader in agriculture and food processing. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the company is a worldwide handler and merchandiser of all major Canadian-grown grains and oilseeds and a vertically-integrated processor and manufacturer of oats and canola-based products. Over the past two decades, Richardson has become a significant player in the global food business, producing a wide variety of food products and ingredients for the retail, food service, and industrial markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/779/green-ammonia-technology-to-produce-zero-carbon-nitrogen-fertilizer-for-the-us-market.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/779/green-ammonia-technology-to-produce-zero-carbon-nitrogen-fertilizer-for-the-us-market.html Fri, 14 Apr 2023 10:03:09 +0530 Atlas Agro implements KBR's Green Ammonia Technology for its Series of green nitrate plants The global tech-solution expert, KBR has partnered with Atlas Agro AG to license KBR's innovative K-GreeN® technology for Atlas' planned investment in a series of green nitrate plants. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to produce zero-carbon nitrogen fertilizers. Under the terms of the MoU, KBR will provide technology licensing, basic engineering design, proprietary equipment and catalyst for the plants. The engineering design for the first plant located in the United States commenced in March 2023.  KBR is the world leader in ammonia technology with approximately 50% market share of licensed capacity. Since 1943, KBR has licensed, engineered, or constructed over 250 grassroot ammonia plants worldwide. "We are excited to support Atlas Agro's vision of zero-carbon fertilizer production through our market leading green ammonia technology, K-GreeN, We are driving schedule synergies across the series of plants to accelerate availability of clean ammonia globally." said Doug Kelly, KBR President, Technology. "We are proud to partner with KBR and use its K-GreeN process for our green fertilizer facilities," said Petter Østbø, CEO, Atlas Agro. "Each of our green ammonia plants will produce fertilizer that will help feed nearly 16 million people and avoid global carbon emissions of more than one million tons per year." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/777/carbon-robotics-on-a-mission-to-scale-ai-powered-weed-control-platform.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/777/carbon-robotics-on-a-mission-to-scale-ai-powered-weed-control-platform.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:23:36 +0530 Secures $30M in funding to develop cost-effective and efficient precision ag-tech tool LaserWeeder™ platform for a targeted weed elimination in farms Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered robotics, has secured $30 million to develop LaserWeeder™ platform for effortless weed control in agricultural farms. The LaserWeeder™ identifies weeds and targets them for elimination. The platform implement’s 30 high-powered CO2 lasers using thermal energy to destroy the meristem of the weed with millimeter accuracy, without damaging nearby crops or disturbing the soil. The Series C financing from new lead investor Sozo Ventures is coupled with existing investors Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Liquid2 and Voyager Capital. The funding will be used to expand sales regions in North America, optimize and scale manufacturing, develop new software and hardware products, and launch into international markets. This latest round of financing brings Carbon Robotics’ overall funding to $67 million. “Carbon Robotics' elegant use of AI, computer vision, robotics and lasers enables farmers to reduce their most expensive line item - weed control - without damaging plants or the soil. The breakthrough innovation boosts farmers’ profitability across conventional, organic and no-till practices” said Rob Freelen, managing director of Sozo Ventures. “Traditional weeding methods, including hand weeding and herbicides, are expensive, unreliable and damage soil health. The LaserWeeder uniquely addresses all of these challenges. This financing round further supports our mission to provide cost-effective and efficient precision ag-tech tools to growers,” said Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. To date, Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeders have successfully eliminated more than 500 million weeds across 40 different crops. The LaserWeeder™ has extended its reach to farms across 17 U.S. states and three provinces in Canada. Most recently, Carbon Robotics expanded the features of the LaserWeeder with the industry’s first LaserThinning capability, targeting areas where vegetable crops are purposefully overseeded and then thinned for optimal crop spacing, growth and yield. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/767/plant-based-dairy-alternatives-to-hit-the-us-market-using-ai-and-data-science.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/767/plant-based-dairy-alternatives-to-hit-the-us-market-using-ai-and-data-science.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:09:00 +0530 Climax Foods and Bel Group partners to leverage AI and data science to empower new generation of plant-derived cheese mimicking traditional dairy products Climax Foods Inc., a US-based biotech start-up with innovative plant-based dairy alternatives and Bel Group, a global leader in cheese production, have partnered to develop a new generation of plant-derived cheese with the goal to tackle key challenges of the food transition such as taste, nutrition and indistinguishable from dairy cheeses while reducing carbon footprint. The two companies will collaborate to create plant-based cheese versions under the brand names Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Boursin®, Babybel®, and Nurishh® using data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Bel acquired an equity stake in Climax to support its disruptive solution development. The partnership between Bel and Climax Foods will utilize AI and data to help change the game and meet the challenge of scaling up quickly and effectively. Climax's team of food scientists have already succeeded in creating various prototypes with all the characteristics of specialty cheeses, including blue, brie, feta, and goat varieties. Bel aims to launch these new plant-based products in the U.S. and Europe by the end of 2024. This will contribute to achieving the Bel Group objective to balance its portfolio with 50 percent of dairy products and 50 percent of plant-based/fruits products. "Bel, have a strong determination to explore new territories and develop innovative solutions that will define the future of food, for all. The products we will develop can meet the three-fold challenge of being sustainable, nutritious, and accessible. This collaboration epitomizes our co-innovation strategy by combining their distinctive technological data science and AI platforms and expertise with Bel's pioneering and historical knowledge," said Cécile Béliot, CEO of the Bel Group. Dr. Oliver Zahn, CEO and founder of Climax Foods Inc., adds, "AI and data can be game changers in food in terms of delivering optimal taste and texture while making it affordable and sustainable. We must accelerate food evolution due to climate change and consumer preferences." Climax Foods' predictive analytics and AI enable a deep understanding of animal-derived foods at the molecular level. Climax leverages this knowledge to replicate animal-derived products with plant-based versions that match their texture, flavor, and nutrition density. Climax Foods' AI-powered product development significantly reduces the time required to create plant-based recipes that harness more from the vast plant kingdom. Bel brings together deep expertise and innovation capabilities, both in dairy cheese and non-dairy alternatives, to make new generation of cheese accessible. As part of Bel Group's pioneering strategy towards feeding 10 billion people by 2050, this new partnership combines the best of both plant and animal worlds. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/769/greenlight-biosciences-releases-its-inaugural-sustainability-report.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/769/greenlight-biosciences-releases-its-inaugural-sustainability-report.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:08:03 +0530 The report highlights seven agriculture products that could reach the market by 2026, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Boston based GreenLight Biosciences, a public benefit corporation striving to deliver on the full potential of RNA to address some of the world’s toughest problems in human health and agriculture, released its inaugural Sustainability Report. The report contains the company's sustainability roadmap and includes sustainability updates on its business areas—from developing new tools for farmers that are designed to be targeted, effective, and environmentally responsible to vaccine candidates and potential therapies to improve global health outcomes. The report highlights seven agriculture products that could reach the market by 2026, subject to applicable regulatory approvals, and three drug development candidates in the human health portfolio. “At GreenLight, we believe RNA can play a crucial role in protecting people, plants, and our planet,” said CEO Andrey Zarur, “and we are committed more than ever to advancing innovation for a sustainable future.” As a public benefit corporation, GreenLight is sharing its business strategy and how it can impact food security, biodiversity, health, and climate in its 2022 Sustainability Report. “We believe our products in development could be a change of paradigm in crop protection, where better food productivity is possible while respecting the environment,” said Marta Ortega-Valle, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer. “We are on a mission to apply our RNA platform and capabilities to develop cost-effective products for diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, foster partnerships that improve pandemic response and enhance global vaccine accessibility.” GreenLight is collecting, reporting, and disclosing sustainability data in accordance with international standards. “We have begun tracking key performance indicators that relate to our public-benefit charter and align with our mission to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We are structured and governed to focus not only on our shareholders, but also on our community, employees, partners, and society,” she said.  GreenLight will regularly assess the quality of its sustainability data, focusing on continuous improvements and meeting the expectations of its stakeholders. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/761/canadas-cult-food-science-to-develop-worlds-first-animal-free-collagen-enhanced-pet-food.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/761/canadas-cult-food-science-to-develop-worlds-first-animal-free-collagen-enhanced-pet-food.html Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:36:19 +0530 CULT Food Science partners JellaTech commitmenting to sustainability and ethical production methods and paving the way for a more humane future for the pet food industry North American firm CULT Food Science Corp., a pioneer in the investment, development, and commercialization of cellular agriculture technologies and products has partnered with JellaTech to launch a line of collagen enhanced pet foods under the Indiana Pets brand created by CULT. The partnership between CULT and Jellatech is expected to have a significant impact on the pet food industry and the environment. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical production methods, CULT is paving the way for a more humane future for the pet food industry. JellaTech focuses on making animal-free functional, native collagen. Producing collagen in a lab also offers significant environmental benefits compared to traditional animal-based sources. Animal-based collagen production involves slaughtering animals and processing their skin and bones to extract collagen. This process results in significant environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land use. With cell-cultured collagen, Indiana Pets can deliver wholesome, premium nutrition to dogs, with lower environmental impact. Collagen is a vital protein that plays a significant role in maintaining the structural integrity of our bodies. It is found in our bones, skin, tendons, and cartilage, among other tissues, and provides support, elasticity, and strength. Collagen production decreases with age, leading to the loss of skin elasticity, joint pain, and other age-related ailments. Collagen has been shown to benefit dogs with mobility issues, including osteoarthritis. This high purity, tier-1 collagen, is formulated specifically for active and senior dogs. As pets age, they may experience joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Supplementing their diet with collagen can help support joint health and improve mobility, allowing them to live a more comfortable and active lifestyle. In addition, collagen has been shown to promote gut health by strengthening the intestinal lining and reducing inflammation. Given its many benefits, collagen has become increasingly popular across a wide range of industries, including biomedical, health, personal care & beauty, materials, and food & beverage. Collagen produced through cellular agriculture allows for a more sustainable, smarter high quality collagen that breaks the cycle of relying on an inefficient and unethical supply chain of live animals. Jellatech recently announced multiple achievements, including the successful development of a full length, triple helical, bio-identical and functional human collagen made from their own proprietary cell line. Jellatech has also showcased cell-based bovine collagen. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/745/agco-and-bosch-basf-smart-farming-to-commercialize-smart-spraying-capabilities.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/745/agco-and-bosch-basf-smart-farming-to-commercialize-smart-spraying-capabilities.html Mon, 10 Apr 2023 10:57:43 +0530 Innovative smart spray solution aims at optimal herbicide savings without compromising weed control and will enable targeted spraying during the day and night. AGCO Corporation (HQ: Georgia), the American agricultural machinery manufacturer has collaborated with Bosch BASF Smart Farming, to commercialize Smart Spraying technology into Fendt Rogator sprayers and jointly develop additional new features. In May 2021, AGCO and Bosch BASF Smart Farming started the first trials of the innovative smart spray solution from Bosch BASF Smart Farming, which will offer optimal herbicide savings without compromising weed control and will enable targeted spraying during the day and night. In addition to selective spraying, the system will offer integrated digital tools to turn application data into actionable information and improve farmer performance and efficiency.  Herbicide savings are achieved through sophisticated detection, automated sensitivity thresholds, access to Bosch BASF Smart Farming's pest identification technology, and use of Fendt Rogator's robust application platform. AGCO will offer the system in the Americas and Europe from 2024. Farmers will also be able to benefit from personalized agronomic recommendations and reliable documentation within the same solution. The system will offer a comprehensive user experience through built-in and external controls from AGCO and the integrated digital platform of Bosch BASF Smart Farming from xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions, with information about the data collected during the application. Currently, the supported crops are corn, soybeans, cotton, rapeseed, sunflower and sugar beet, with other crops, such as small grains, being added over time. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/741/svg-venturesthrive-join-forces-with-intel-and-texas-am-agrilife-to-tackle-nutrition-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/741/svg-venturesthrive-join-forces-with-intel-and-texas-am-agrilife-to-tackle-nutrition-security.html Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:07:02 +0530 This collaboration was developed when the organisations identified a unique opportunity to create significant value by applying technology SVG Ventures|THRIVE announced that they have partnered with Intel Corporation and Texas A&M AgriLife to launch a new collaboration. The three organisations will join forces in creating an ecosystem and laying the groundwork to address food and nutrition security by accelerating controlled environment agriculture (CEA) innovations. In recent years, food security concerns have been exacerbated worldwide, driven by macro trends such as the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, as well as local factors such as labour dynamics and regional weather events. In Texas, food security challenges in urban food deserts have been amplified by recent and unprecedented storms in the region. This collaboration was developed when the organisations identified a unique opportunity to create significant value by applying technology, and innovation, and leveraging the Intel, Texas A&M AgriLife, and THRIVE ecosystems to improve nutrition security in Texas with CEA solutions. In this collaboration, Intel will leverage its extensive resource base to help advance CEA technologies. Texas A&M AgriLife — encompassing a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System -- is uniquely positioned to bring value to the collaboration, aiming to improve lives, environments and the local economy through education and research. Fueled by THRIVE's startup, scaleup, and corporate partner ecosystem and award-winning innovation programming, Intel's resources and solution development capabilities, and Texas A&M's expertise and infrastructure, the collaboration creates a platform for advancing nutrition security in the Texas ecosystem and beyond. A working team will map the innovation landscape in urban nutrition security, identify key challenges and opportunities for innovation, develop the local ecosystem, and identify and scale economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable solutions to address nutrition security objectives. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/740/kingfish-maine-to-harvest-first-batch-of-dutch-yellowtail.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/740/kingfish-maine-to-harvest-first-batch-of-dutch-yellowtail.html Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:52:18 +0530 The Kingfish Company currently produces 1,500 tons of high-quality, high-value Dutch Yellowtail at its Kingfish Zeeland facility Kingfish Maine is harvesting its first Dutch Yellowtail from Maine, with a limited release of the first sustainable Dutch Yellowtail to be produced in the US. As part of the Kingfish Company [Euronext: KING], Kingfish Maine is currently operating at the Centre for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR) in Franklin as it prepares for construction on a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Jonesport, Maine. “We have worked three long years to arrive at this point - harvesting our first Dutch Yellowtail from Maine and completing all our permits for our land-based Jonesport facility,” said Megan Sorby, Kingfish Maine Operations Manager. “This would not be possible without the collaborative work with our team at Kingfish Zeeland and our crew here at CCAR.” Beginning in 2020, Kingfish Maine deployed the same advanced RAS technology at CCAR to raise fingerlings from its sister company in the Netherlands. This small batch, limited release of Dutch Yellowtail from Maine will be distributed and served at restaurants in Maine, Boston, DC and California over the next two months. The Dutch Yellowtail harvest is a true Maine collaborative venture. Bristol Seafood, which recently announced its B Corp. certification, is processing the limited reserve batch at its Portland facility. “As a certified B Corp, Bristol collaborates with other companies which meet our standards of sustainability and environmental impact,” said Peter Handy, Bristol Seafood President & CEO. “We are proud that the Kingfish team is entrusting us with processing and packaging its first Maine harvest of sustainably-raised Dutch yellowtail. We look forward to supporting Kingfish Maine as the company fully develops its facility in Jonesport.” “Our first Maine harvest is a milestone for the Kingfish Company,” said Vincent Erenst, Kingfish Company CEO. “Our US facility will mirror the operational excellence proven in the Netherlands. Kingfish Maine will be the largest producer of Yellowtail Kingfish in the US, providing local and sustainable Yellowtail to expanding markets.” The Kingfish Company currently produces 1,500 tons of high-quality, high-value Dutch Yellowtail at its Kingfish Zeeland facility. Expansion is currently underway and capacity in the Netherlands will reach 3,500 tons in 2023. Once the Jonesport Maine facility is fully operational, Kingfish Maine is projected to produce 8,500 metric tons of yellowtail. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/732/japans-new-biofuels-policy-allows-for-increased-exports-of-u-s-ethanol.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/732/japans-new-biofuels-policy-allows-for-increased-exports-of-u-s-ethanol.html Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:38:01 +0530 Japan and the US to strengthens bilateral trade relationship by increasing exports of U.S. ethanol by over 80 million gallons annually, representing an additional $150-200 million in exports each year Following extensive engagement by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Embassy Tokyo, Japan published a new biofuels policy on 31 March 2023 that will allow the United States to capture up to 100 percent of Japan’s on-road ethanol market.  The Biden Administration commends the government of Japan for taking another step to strengthen the bilateral trade relationship.  “The new biofuels policy Japan announced today is the result of close collaboration between our two countries and it will further allow U.S. producers to meet Japan’s demand for more diverse energy sources,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “Ambassador Emanuel and the staff across the U.S. government deserve huge credit for working through the technical details that led to this outcome, which is just the latest sign of a strengthened partnership between our two countries.” According to the new biofuels policy under the Sophisticated Methods of Energy Supply Structure Act, exports of U.S. ethanol could increase by over 80 million gallons annually, representing an additional $150-200 million in exports each year.  We will continue working with Japan to increase its on-road ethanol demand and further align its biofuels policies with that of the United States. “We applaud Japan for publishing its new biofuels policy, which will help promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. This new policy is also a big win for American farmers and our rural economy, as it will expand U.S. biofuel producers’ access to the Japanese market,” said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “We look forward to continuing to engage with the Japanese government as it implements this standard and to furthering our nations’ deep economic relationship.” “Earlier this week, the United States and Japan reached agreement on critical minerals. Now we reached agreement on ethanol.  One week, two deals.  Our two countries are making a better future” said United States Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/724/global-ngo-compassion-in-the-world-farming-reforms-animal-farming-strategies.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/724/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://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/697/israels-start-up-nation-embraces-innovative-agrifood-tech-initiatives-to-advance-commercialization.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/697/israels-start-up-nation-embraces-innovative-agrifood-tech-initiatives-to-advance-commercialization.html Fri, 31 Mar 2023 10:17:00 +0530 Start-Up Nation Central and SVG would collaborate on long-term programs in Israel and the USA to build closer links among the two agrifood innovation ecosystems through co-marketing efforts, events, ecosystem access, and business opportunities. Leading AgriFood innovation and investment platform SVG Ventures|THRIVE will collaborate with Tel Aviv-based Start-Up Nation Central to create an Israel – North America bridge to support the mutual growth of both countries’ AgriFood Tech ecosystems and the connections between them.   SVG Ventures|THRIVE, a leading AgriFood Innovation and Investment platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, and Start-Up Nation Central, a nonprofit that promotes the Israeli innovation ecosystem around the world, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining a strategic collaboration to connect and support the AgriFood tech sectors in both countries.  The collaboration between Start-Up Nation Central and SVG would include long-term programs in Israel and the USA pursuing opportunities to build closer links between the two agrifood innovation ecosystems using co-marketing initiatives, events, ecosystem access, and business opportunities. Through the collaboration with SVG, Start-Up Nation Central aims to solidify relationships with the global AgriFood tech community, particularly in North America, to help Israeli startups scale faster in international markets and increase access to high-value Israeli innovation technology. Start-Up Nation Central provides a platform that connects Israeli innovation to the world, nurtures business growth, and generates partnerships to strengthen Israel’s economy and society. SVG Ventures|THRIVE is an established leader in the agrifood tech sector and has developed an expansive global ecosystem of startups, corporate partners and a multitude of industry associations, producer co-ops and investment and government partners. Through this collaboration both partners will leverage their platforms to drive innovation and create unparalleled access for entrepreneurs to scale globally to solve the biggest challenges facing the food and agriculture industries.  “Our platform delivers incredible opportunities for startups and we are excited to partner with Start-Up Nation Central to support and accelerate innovative Israeli companies focused on advancing a more sustainable future for the global food and agriculture industries” said John Hartnett, Founder and CEO SVG Ventures|THRIVE Director of Global Partnerships at Start-Up Nation Central, Emma Vardimon: “We are happy to team up with SVG, a leading partner in the AgriFood tech innovation ecosystem, to promote joint initiatives for this sector. This partnership will allow us to expand our global connections for the benefit of Israeli tech and propel deal flow opportunities to the SVG innovation platform. The mutual commitment to promoting the AgriFood ecosystem and finding opportunities will allow us to promote leading Israeli technological solutions to address a common global challenge”.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/698/ever-ag-launches-fieldalytics-engage-app-to-simplify-grower-service-provider-communications.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/698/ever-ag-launches-fieldalytics-engage-app-to-simplify-grower-service-provider-communications.html Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:43:19 +0530 The innovative platform saves time for service providers and growers by improving the real-time sharing of critical information while reducing unnecessary touchpoints to manage risk Ever.Ag, a leading source of innovative AgTech solutions, said today it has launched FieldAlytics Engage, a powerful app designed to strengthen service providers' relationships with growers by housing essential information in a single source. FieldAlytics Engage enables growers to see upcoming activities on their fields, review and approve work orders, view field spatial data, assess the latest weather reports, and view current grain market information from a single dashboard. The innovative platform saves time for service providers and growers by improving the real-time sharing of critical information while reducing unnecessary touchpoints to manage risk. The new tool reflects the combination of industry knowledge and technology expertise that have made FieldAlytics a leader in the market. "FieldAlytics Engage represents the next step in advancing service providers' relationships with growers by providing a platform for growers to see and act on what is important," said Ernie Chappell, president of Ever.Ag Agribusiness, a division of Ever.Ag. "The unique combination of agronomic and economic information allows growers to monitor and act to ensure optimal outcomes for the season in partnership with their service providers. Additional functionality being delivered in the summer will further empower Service Providers and Growers to jointly solve for optimal agronomic, economic and environmental variables." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/696/corteva-agriscience-launches-adavelt-active-new-fungicide.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/696/corteva-agriscience-launches-adavelt-active-new-fungicide.html Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:54:41 +0530 Novel, Natural-origin disease control product available for commercial sale in Canada, South Korea and Australia Corteva Agriscience announced the commercial launch of Adavelt active, with recent product registrations in three countries – Australia, Canada and South Korea. Adavelt active is a novel fungicide with a new mode of action that protects against a wide range of diseases that can impact crop yields. Zetigo PRM fungicide with Adavelt active, now approved for sale in Canada, will be available for the 2023 growing season for use in lentil crops. Commercial sales of products containing Adavelt active will also begin this year in Australia and in South Korea. Corteva plans to offer Adavelt active in additional countries and pending appropriate crop registrations in the following years, subject to regulatory approvals. "Farmers have a critical need for innovative fungicides to address the challenges they face today. Adavelt actively delivers exactly that – a new, flexible option to protect crops and preserve yield potential," said Robert King, Executive Vice President of, the Crop Protection Business Unit, Corteva Agriscience. "Corteva is investing in R&D to bring farmers differentiated, sustainable solutions like Adavelt active. The commercialisation of Adavelt active is a testament to our strong pipeline." Adavelt active is built on the discovery of Inatreq active, a natural origin fungicide developed by Corteva with proven effectiveness for many crops. Adavelt active (florylpicoxamid/FRAC Group 21) is the first broad-spectrum picolinamide fungicide for use against Ascomycota pathogens in major crops grown worldwide. Adavelt active features a novel target site of action in many crops with no cross-resistance to other modes of action, and it has a strong fit in existing integrated pest management programs as a resistance management tool.  Adavelt active offers preventative properties against a wide range of diseases severely impacting yield, along with curative properties when used in the early stages of infection. By adding Adavelt active to disease management programs, farmers can simplify fungal control efforts and reduce resistance risks, while protecting the yield potential and quality of crops, both now and in future seasons. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/671/bayer-presents-unprecedented-fungicide-new-business-models-and-seed-innovation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/671/bayer-presents-unprecedented-fungicide-new-business-models-and-seed-innovation.html Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:08:00 +0530 Invests more than €2.8 billion per year in Research and Development (R&D) for agriculture globaly The 20th edition of Tecnoshow Comigo, a multinational agricultural trade event, will take place between the 27th and 31st of March in the municipality of Rio Verde (GO), the U.S. Participating in the major event, Bayer is presenting its Innovations in seeds, an unprecedented fungicide for soy farming, state-of-the-art digital tools and new business models at the occasion. With global investments of more than €2.8 billion per year in Research and Development (R&D) for agriculture, the multinational will present the most advanced in biotechnologies, crop protection and digital tools for the field, demonstrating directly to farmers of the region how modern solutions can contribute to the growth of agricultural production in a sustainable way. Bayer is introducing Supra , a new systemic fungicide, ideal for use in controlling diseases in soybeans. The formulation demonstrates effectiveness in different stages of the infectious process of diseases such as Asian rust, target spot, brown spot, anthracnose, cercospora and powdery mildew. Similarly, for corn, Bayer is presenting two innovative products, the insecticide Curbix® , which has a highly efficient contact effect against both leafhoppers and bedbugs, helping in the integrated management of pests, and the Verango Prime nematicide , for the effective and long-term control of nematodes in maize, such as root-knot nematode ( Pratylenchus zeae ) and root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne incognita ). To unlock new opportunities to transform agriculture, Bayer portfolio is leveraging digital field innovation solutions and many crop protection solutions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/649/worlds-largest-tuna-company-leads-call-for-restoration-of-endangered-species.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/649/worlds-largest-tuna-company-leads-call-for-restoration-of-endangered-species.html Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0530 Aims to implement best practices in all vessels by 2030 to protect endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species and fulfill its existing commitment (by 2025)  Thai Union Group PLC, one of the world's leading seafood producers and one of the largest producers of shelf-stable tuna products, has now committed to only source from vessels that are implementing best practices to protect ocean wildlife from bycatch. Thai Union's action is based on research by Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) on the risks to sharks, seabirds, turtles and other marine wildlife in the fisheries that supply the company and an analysis by Key Traceability of Thai Union's tuna fishery improvement projects and in the highest risk fisheries that were identified in the audit. "Environmental organizations are pointing to the biodiversity and species loss crisis that the planet is facing. The report by SFP notes the significant loss of ETP species in the Western Central Pacific Ocean region," noted Adam Brennan, group director, sustainability at Thai Union. "We want to do more to ensure that we are sourcing from vessels that are doing everything they can to avoid and reduce bycatch." Thai Union is known for top-selling, household-name tuna brands, including Chicken of the Sea and John West. As part of a panel at Seafood Expo North America, the largest seafood trade show in North America and second in the world, Thai Union highlighted a new 2030 commitment for its fisheries, building on its larger seafood sustainability efforts over the past seven years. Specifically, Thai Union will: By 2030, all vessels to implement best practices to protect endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species and fulfill its existing commitment (by 2025) of 100 percent observer coverage (human or electronic) on tuna vessels through direct work with its suppliers and service providers. "Biodiversity loss is the greatest threat to fisheries sustainability," said Kathryn Novak, biodiversity and nature director at SFP. "Thai Union is setting new expectations for the seafood industry to protect endangered, protected and threatened species by looking at their supply chains and only sourcing from vessels actively working to address bycatch."  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/651/pepsico-to-invest-216m-supporting-regenerative-agriculture-transformation-in-the-us.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/651/pepsico-to-invest-216m-supporting-regenerative-agriculture-transformation-in-the-us.html Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:08:00 +0530 Practical Farmers of Iowa region, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, and the Illinois Corn Growers Association partner with PepsiCo to drive adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and reduce carbon emissions PepsiCo has announced a $216 million multi-year investment in long-term, strategic partnership agreements with three of the most well-respected farmer-facing organizations – Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF), and the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) – to drive adoption of regenerative agriculture practices across the United States. The combined impact of these three strategic partnerships is expected to support the accelerated uptake of regenerative practices on more than three million acres and deliver approximately three million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and removals by 2030. PepsiCo will work alongside these trusted organizations to establish and scale financial, agronomic, and social programs that enable the transition to regenerative agriculture practices through education, upfront investment in outcomes, peer coaching and networking, and cost-sharing. PepsiCo's strategic, end-to-end business transformation, PepsiCo's strategic investment in PFI, SWOF and ICGA is essential to supporting the U.S. farming community as it makes changes that aim to secure production volumes and mitigate the impacts of climate change, while still cultivating quality, bountiful crops to feed the world's growing population. Through these partnerships, by 2030, PepsiCo will work with PFI to reach approximately 1.5 million acres; SWOF to reach nearly 1 million acres; and the ICGA to reach approximately 600,000 acres. Based on progress to date, these collaborative efforts are expected to deliver more than 500,000 regenerative acres by the end of 2023. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/646/tavant-and-bayer-partners-to-transform-sustainable-farming-practices.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/646/tavant-and-bayer-partners-to-transform-sustainable-farming-practices.html Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:25:57 +0530 Provide the growers with the tools and knowledge to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact. Tavant, Silicon Valley's leading digital products and solutions company, announced a strategic partnership with Bayer, a global leader in agriculture solutions, to introduce innovative AgriTech solutions that will empower organizations to drive innovation and growers to optimize crop yields, reduce expenses, and minimize their environmental footprint. “By developing pioneering solutions for transforming the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed, Tavant is poised to drive the agriculture industry forward and provide growers with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving market” "Innovation in digital agriculture is critical for achieving sustainable farming practices and ensuring adequate food supply. Data is often fragmented and challenging to access throughout the supply chain and developing digital solutions from scratch can be costly, but we are arriving at a very exciting moment in modern agriculture,” said Ines Kapphan, VP of Data & Cloud Solutions, Climate and Digital Farming, Bayer's Crop Science Division. "Our work with Tavant provides innovators with readymade capabilities, so they can join Bayer and many other impactful companies in solving some of the world's biggest challenges in agriculture.” “Tavant is a strong proponent of innovation and digitalization in achieving sustainable yields and disrupting the farm to fork value chain. Over the past two decades, Tavant has invested significantly in developing sustainable and efficient farming practices. As a strategic system integrator for Bayer, Tavant is committed to helping growers achieve more with less and providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to grow crops sustainably while enhancing their profitability,” said Vikas Khosla, Chief Revenue Officer, Hitech, Tavant. “By developing pioneering solutions for transforming the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed, Tavant is poised to drive the agriculture industry forward and provide growers with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving market,” continued Khosla. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/641/albaugh-acquires-corteva-agrisciences-glyphosate-business.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/641/albaugh-acquires-corteva-agrisciences-glyphosate-business.html Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:47:59 +0530 With this latest acquisition, the company will expand its coverage of straight glyphosate DMA salt formulations and registrations globally US based Albaugh, LLC., largest privately held supplier of crop protection products in the world, has announced the acquisition of Corteva Agriscience’s straight-goods glyphosate business. The purchase includes intangible assets only, including trade names, registrations, regulatory data, formulations, patents, and know-how, used in Corteva's straight-goods glyphosate business throughout the world, with the exception of Argentina. Albaugh previously acquired Corteva’s glyphosate business in Europe. With this latest acquisition, the company will expand its coverage of straight glyphosate DMA salt formulations and registrations globally. All glyphosate DMA salt registrations will be integrated into Albaugh’s existing regional sales structure, and Albaugh's sales teams in each region look forward to working with all existing glyphosate DMA salt customers on continuing this business together. “This latest acquisition of Corteva Agriscience’s glyphosate business is a perfect fit for Albaugh,” said Jens Thorsen, Chief Marketing Officer. “This will expand our direct access to glyphosate markets in areas where we have not previously had a strong presence, including such countries as Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia, as well as supplementing our existing glyphosate offerings in the U.S., Canada and Brazil.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/635/vietnam-opens-markets-to-u-s-grapefruit-imports.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/635/vietnam-opens-markets-to-u-s-grapefruit-imports.html Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:07:02 +0530 Vietnam is now the ninth-largest market for U.S. agricultural products, while the United States is the largest market for Vietnamese agricultural products. Vietnam has extended its Agri-trade markets relationship to U.S. starting with grapefruit imports since the first week of March 2023. U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor and Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt visited Vietnam to following markets opening to U.S. grapefruit imports. This trade policy success underscores the strong and growing partnership between the two countries. Vietnam is now the ninth-largest market for U.S. agricultural products, while the United States is the largest market for Vietnamese agricultural products. Taylor and Moffit met with Vietnam Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan and discussed further collaboration and exchange of technical information to demonstrate the benefits of agricultural biotechnologies and innovative technologies. As partners in international climate change coalitions, including Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) and the Sustainable Productivity Growth (SPG) Coalition, United States and Vietnam have a great opportunity to promote food systems that foster innovation to sustainably deliver more production on a smaller environmental footprint. Đỗ Thắng Hải, Vietnam Vice Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has been working towards the most-favored-nation tariff reductions for key U.S. agricultural products. These lower tariffs benefit U.S. exporters, while also helping control costs for Vietnamese importers and consumers. USDA is also supportive of the Vietnam policy goal of 10-percent ethanol blends in gasoline. Vietnam’s gasoline usage is increasing and using ethanol blends will increase its energy security, by combining domestic production with reliable trade flows with the United States. The USDA delegation visit underscored the importance of the U.S.-Vietnam agricultural relationship, including the two countries collaboration on climate smart agricultural practices and initiatives, and their work strengthening bilateral agricultural trade and promoting U.S. farm and food products to Vietnamese importers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/621/bluenalu-advances-strategic-partnership-with-nutreco-to-progress-cell-cultured-seafood.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/621/bluenalu-advances-strategic-partnership-with-nutreco-to-progress-cell-cultured-seafood.html Wed, 15 Mar 2023 12:45:03 +0530 The latest agreement is expected to secure a food-grade supply chain to support commercialisation requirements BlueNalu, a global leader in the development of cell-cultured seafood, announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Nutreco, a global leader in animal nutrition and aquafeed. Building on the success of earlier collaborations, this agreement represents a joint interest in the establishment and scale-up of a food-grade supply chain for cell-cultured seafood manufacturing. This LOI constitutes the third agreement between the two companies, which originated in December 2019, and coincided with the participation of Nutreco in the Series A round financing of BlueNalu. This next stage of the companies’ partnership marks the beginning of Nutreco’s food-grade supply chain infrastructure development in parallel to BlueNalu’s production phases, from pilot scale development to regulatory stages, and its subsequent commercialisation activities. This collaboration includes an initial phase in which BlueNalu and Nutreco will join forces to bring down the costs of cell feed and establish specifications and metrics for certain raw materials necessary to produce BlueNalu’s proprietary cell-cultured seafood products. Importantly, these specifications must be in accordance with food-grade regulatory requirements for nations in which BlueNalu plans to market its products. “Our vision to create a healthy, secure and sustainable protein solution with cell-cultured seafood, starts by solving several key challenge areas, which include the shift from a pharma-grade to food-grade ingredient supply,” said Lou Cooperhouse, co-founder, president and CEO at BlueNalu. “At Nutreco, it is our purpose to feed the growing global population in a safe and sustainable way, and we understand the important role cell-cultured proteins can play in addressing this global challenge,” said Joost Matthijssen, Chief Strategy Officer at Nutreco. “That is why we are pleased to invest further to support BlueNalu’s ongoing development and commercialisation efforts and the cell-cultured industry at large.” This agreement complements BlueNalu’s prior announcement regarding its large-scale commercialization plans, and its business differentiation with whole muscle product forms; a non-GMO, single-cell suspension line; and proprietary lipid-loading technology that allows for continuous production. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/617/bayer-microsoft-collaborates-to-unveil-new-cloud-based-solutions-for-the-agri-food-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/617/bayer-microsoft-collaborates-to-unveil-new-cloud-based-solutions-for-the-agri-food-industry.html Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:11:01 +0530 Bayer and Microsoft provide ready-to-use capabilities available for businesses and organizations to license and use for their own internal or customer-facing digital solutions. Following a 2021 strategic partnership announcement with Microsoft, Bayer launched new cloud-based solutions for the agri-food industry: AgPowered Services from Bayer in combination with the new Microsoft Azure Data Manager for Agriculture provide ready-to-use capabilities available for businesses and organizations from start-ups to global enterprises to license and use for their own internal or customer-facing digital solutions. For example, companies that develop on-farm technologies can build on the new cloud infrastructure and core capabilities from Microsoft (Azure Data Manager for Agriculture) and license additional capabilities from Bayer (Bayer AgPowered Services) to build digital tools that support favorable agronomic outcomes for growers. Similarly, consumer goods companies can use the cloud offerings to build solutions that provide insight into nutrients, sustainability, and production practices to build trust with consumers, stakeholders and investors. Azure Data Manager for Agriculture combines decades of Bayer’s agricultural expertise with Microsoft’s cloud solutions, advancing the industry through readymade capabilities and robust infrastructure that allow innovators to focus on differentiated value. After initial preview starting today allowing for customer exploration of both the Azure Data Manager and AgPowered Services, full commercial availability will be announced at a later date. "Only innovation can ensure global food security while protecting the planet. Modern agriculture and food production generate a tremendous amount of valuable data that can drive productivity and sustainability," said Dr Robert Reiter, Head of R&D for Bayer’s Crop Science Division. "However, this data is often disconnected, not useable throughout the value chain, and the costs to build digital solutions from scratch are high. Our new cloud-based solutions help overcome these challenges. Customers can use the infrastructure and capabilities to build their own digital solutions and products on top of the most robust collection of ag data in the world." These cloud offerings also support an ecosystem that allows for greater transparency along the whole food production value chain. This transparency, enabled through end-to-end interoperability, would make it easier for consumer goods companies to partner with growers based on how crops are raised and help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions based on origin practices. The potential to support sustainable agriculture and food production can ultimately benefit companies, farmers, consumers, and the planet. Solutions built on Azure Data Manager can benefit farmers seeking to track disease, pest and weed pressure, apply precision inputs, identify crop growth and production patterns, measure potential yield, track and capture carbon emissions, and analyze heat stress impact, rainfall, hail and weather data. In addition to bringing the first AgPowered Services to the cloud offering, Bayer is using capabilities from Azure Data Manager to power insights in FieldView. Using these cloud-based enterprise solutions, value chain partners will be able to apply insights into supply projections, sustainable sourcing, and ESG reporting. They will also be able to meet quickly changing consumer preferences for fresh, high-quality ingredients with data driven insights that allow for optimization of harvest, transport, and ripening processes as well as advanced traceability of food ingredients. "This is an important step towards accelerating the impact of big data and agriculture. With high-quality data fueling insights, we expect to see a value chain that is more predictable, more transparent, and importantly, where value is shared all the way back to producers," said Jeremy Williams, Head of Climate and Digital Farming at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/610/corteva-agriscience-unveils-plant-breeding-innovation-to-combat-corn-disease.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/610/corteva-agriscience-unveils-plant-breeding-innovation-to-combat-corn-disease.html Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:48:43 +0530 Novel New Technique Uses CRISPR to Increase Multi-Disease Resistance Using Native Genes Corteva Agriscience has invented a breakthrough gene editing technology that will bring added protection to elite corn hybrids is advancing through the company’s R&D pipeline. The early-stage concept uses proprietary technology to package multiple disease-resistant native traits into a single location in the gene to better address the most devastating North American corn diseases facing farmers. In 2021, Northern leaf blight, Southern rust, gray leaf spot and anthracnose stalk rot combined to cost North America corn growers more than 318 million bushels in production. By using gene editing to combine and reposition disease resistant traits that already exist within the corn genome, Corteva is able to bolster disease tolerance and minimize production stress. Additionally, the technology could result in healthier plants and increase yield potential even further. “This transformational technology represents the next generation of plant breeding innovation. The gene mapping capabilities have allowed us to identify and optimally position the best native resistant genes in our already high-performing hybrids, so that we can deliver a premium product to farmers” said Sam Eathington, Chief Technology and Chief Digital Officer, Corteva Agriscience. As plant disease continues to be a growing concern for farmers, the multi-disease resistance concept is intended to simplify disease management and improve sustainability by reducing the need for additional crop protection product applications. This advancement will also meet Corteva’s sustainable innovation criteria for new products, which are based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The company anticipates this concept to advance to commercialization by the end of the decade. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/599/corteva-agriscience-launches-new-fungicide-solution-in-canada.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/599/corteva-agriscience-launches-new-fungicide-solution-in-canada.html Fri, 10 Mar 2023 08:03:04 +0530 Protects canola and soybean plants from sclerotinia and white mould Corteva Agriscience, global pure-play agriculture company has expanded its fungicide portfolio in Canada with the launch of Viatude™ fungicide, a new solution to protect against sclerotinia in canola and white mould in soybeans. Viatude fungicide offers multiple modes of action for resistance management and contains a unique combination of two highly effective active ingredients that includes Onmira™ active, which provides holistic and long-lasting coverage. “Sclerotinia and white mould have the potential to significantly impact yield in both canola and soybeans,” said Kirsten Ratzlaff, Portfolio Marketing Manager, Corteva Agriscience Canada. “That is why we are pleased to offer Viatude fungicide, a new crop protection tool that will provide best-in-class protection to help prevent yield loss and protect profitability." Sclerotinia and white mould are significant crop diseases found on Canadian farms, resulting in millions of dollars in yield loss every year Additionally, the disease can overwinter and remain viable as sclerotia for many years, with potential to affect other broadleaf crops including pulse crops, sunflowers and mustard. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/561/source-ag-empowers-greenhouse-farmers-with-next-gen-ai-farming-tools.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/561/source-ag-empowers-greenhouse-farmers-with-next-gen-ai-farming-tools.html Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:13:39 +0530 Raises $23M Series A fund to support the fruit and vegetables growers globally Amsterdam (Netherlands) based Source.ag, the leading artificial intelligence (AI) provider for greenhouse growers, has closed $23 million in its Series A funding round, bringing the company’s total funding to $35 million in just under two years.  The Series A funding round is led by Astanor Ventures and includes investments from Acre Venture Partners, and several of the Netherlands’ leading greenhouse operators. Source.ag will use its pioneering AI technology to track and improve cultivations to enable growers to operate at optimized efficiency. After the successful commercial launch and implementation of its first product, Source Track, the company is launching two new products in 2023. The new funds will be used to launch two AI enabled greenhouse technology products. The new-generation tools will drive safe, reliable and climate-resilient food production by assisting greenhouse growers to maximize yields.  The two new tools, “Source Cultivate” and “Source Control” will enable growers to simulate full seasons of crop growth, tailored to specific genes and crop varieties. In addition, the new funding will enable Source.ag to expand its AI capabilities even further. Greenhouse agriculture is a proven solution to sustainable, local, and climate-resilient food production. With the global demand for greenhouse agriculture rising, Source.ag is empowering growers worldwide to accelerate their growth and operate facilities more efficiently.  Source.ag claims that the novel method of Greenhouse agriculture can produce up to 15 times higher yields without the need for arable land and uses up to 20 times less water versus traditional farming methods.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/553/indigo-ag-completes-of-its-second-carbon-crop-with-more-than-110000-agri-carbon-credits.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/553/indigo-ag-completes-of-its-second-carbon-crop-with-more-than-110000-agri-carbon-credits.html Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:33:46 +0530 For the first and second carbon crops, Carbon by Indigo farmers were paid $30/credit, a 200 per cent increase over the original guaranteed payment rate. US based Indigo Ag, the premier sustainability partner of the agriculture industry, announced the completion of its second carbon crop, consisting of more than 110,000 agricultural carbon credits. Issued by one of the world's most trusted carbon registries, the Climate Action Reserve, Indigo's second crop of credits was produced by U.S. farmers enrolled in its industry-leading carbon farming program, Carbon by Indigo. The second crop of credits represents more than 110,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions sequestered or abated by farmers. The credits were produced by nearly 430 farmers across 22 U.S. states, including existing and new farmers and new fields in their operations. The second carbon crop demonstrated the program's growth and durability, as Indigo's carbon program realized a roughly 5x credit growth from its inaugural crop. Carbon by Indigo farmers produce the highest quality Agricultural Carbon Credits Available on the Voluntary Market. For the first and second carbon crops, Carbon by Indigo farmers were paid $30/credit, a 200 per cent increase over the original guaranteed payment rate. With sustainable agriculture gaining momentum as a vital tool to combat climate change, the need to scale nature-based solutions is at an all-time high. Indigo's first carbon crop - issued in June of 2022 and consisting of more than 20,000 credits - established the company as the first to ever generate verified, registry-issued agricultural carbon credits at market scale. This second carbon crop further demonstrates the repeatability of this process, the potential for exponential growth, and the appeal to both farmers and buyers. It also reinforces the ability of farmers, and the agriculture industry broadly, to have a real, measurable, and durable impact on one of the world's largest carbon sinks. "Our second crop of soil-based carbon credits signifies the enormous growth and potential for farmers to sequester more carbon in the soil while increasing their own profitability, with 75 per cent of the credit revenue going directly back to farmers," said Ron Hovsepian, president & CEO of Indigo Ag. "The verified credits produced by the Carbon by Indigo program represent significant and immediate environmental benefits. We are incredibly excited about the strong demand we are seeing from companies looking to high-quality offsets as part of their climate roadmaps."  Indigo's growing network of global partner companies, including many long-term buyers, have committed to purchasing Indigo's verified agricultural carbon credits in advance of this new carbon crop. Indigo Ag is the only company producing verified, registry-issued soil carbon credits at scale, rewarding farmers for adopting sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment and their operations. The Carbon by Indigo program includes removals and abatement of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The credits are measured, verified and issued under the most rigorous scientific standards, making them the highest quality agricultural carbon credits available on the voluntary market. The program's economic and agronomic incentives for farmers establish long term viability for the program. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/542/si-ware-introduces-neospectra-feed-analysis-solutions-to-the-dairy-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/542/si-ware-introduces-neospectra-feed-analysis-solutions-to-the-dairy-industry.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:31:47 +0530 Partners with Cargill Animal Nutrition to adopt precision on-site analysis of forages, feeds, and feed ingredients in dairy farms Si-Ware Systems is collaborating with Cargill Animal Nutrition to provide the NeoSpectra platform to Cargill’s North American dairy teams for use in on-site analysis of forages, feeds, and feed ingredients.  The NeoSpectra platform uses cutting-edge spectroscopy techniques and machine learning technology to quickly and accurately analyze the nutrient content of dairy industry feed and feed ingredients in real-time. Following the agreement, Si-Ware's NeoSpectra platform will be utilized by Cargill's market, research, and technical expertise in dairy farm nutrition to provide accurate and reliable data. By accurately and instantly determining the nutrient content of feeds and feed ingredients, farmers, consultants, and nutritionists can increase yield and efficiency on the farm. "Our near-infrared solutions will be marketed by Cargill and their Dairy Team. Our solutions will help Cargill ensure the nutritional value of their feed products, providing their customers with the information they need to make accurate and informed choices on the spot" said Mostafa Medhat, VP of Product & Customer Happiness at Si-Ware Systems. With NeoSpectra by Si-Ware, businesses can bring their lab to the field with an all-in-one, universal material analysis solution platform built on single chip FT-NIR spectrometers and achieve high returns on investment anywhere. The portable analyzers claims to have unprecedented performance and accuracy. It is also a secure place to discover and download test methods developed by FT-NIR technology. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/538/bioved-pharma-extends-ayurvedic-science-to-animal-health-products.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/538/bioved-pharma-extends-ayurvedic-science-to-animal-health-products.html Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:21:19 +0530 Extends its knowledge and experience to the animal kingdom through Shwan Ayurved™ science Bioved Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has launched its scientifically validated Natural Animal Health products from the science of Ayurveda.  Bioved is a discovery platform for safe and effective plant-based nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and OTC products for human health, that have undergone extensive pre-clinical and clinical testing for difficult to treat disorders. Over three continents, its products are sold in several countries. Bioved is extending its knowledge and experience to the animal kingdom, under the science of Shwan (Dog) Ayurved™.  “A line of products in the form of natural and tasty chews are developed for dogs initially. The line includes Anitrex® for bone and joint health, Anilean® for weight management, Ammunex™ for boosting immunity and Anilive™ for liver health.  In addition, we have stability and palatability studies with the animal chews going forward” said Dr Deben Dey, Chief Scientific Officer of Bioved.  Each of these have a multitude of studies and peer-reviewed scientific publications for use in humans. Products are proven to be free from residual solvents, pesticides, bacterial contamination and heavy metals.  Bioved claims that the herbs or plants used in the animal products are extracted with a Bioved US patented method, and standardized and validated by modern biotechnology.  Bioved is headquartered in San Jose, California, USA with subsidiaries in Pune, India and Hanoi, Vietnam. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/537/clonesmart-launches-digital-cannabis-genetics-marketplace.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/537/clonesmart-launches-digital-cannabis-genetics-marketplace.html Fri, 17 Feb 2023 09:48:55 +0530 One stop site for businesses and consumers to find quality cannabis and hemp genetics  CloneSmart, a leading cannabis technology platform providing integrated marketing and sales solutions for nurseries, seed banks, distributors, and retail outlets, is launching a unique digital genetics marketplace located at CloneSmart.com. CloneSmart is designed to streamline the process of genetics procurement for commercial cannabis farmers. Using this portal, businesses and consumers can find quality cannabis and hemp genetics near their location. On CloneSmart, a real-time genetics menu is available to commercial farmers who can obtain information on where to find clones for consumers. CloneSmart can be used to search or list cannabis clones, hemp clones, cannabis teens, hemp teens, cannabis mother plants, cannabis seeds, hemp seeds, and cannabis tissue cultures. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/533/tetracore-partners-with-the-us-federal-agri-departments-to-supply-asf-and-fmd-diagnostic-kits.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/533/tetracore-partners-with-the-us-federal-agri-departments-to-supply-asf-and-fmd-diagnostic-kits.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 09:24:23 +0530 Tetracore's VetAlert™ Diagnostic Test kits are the only USDA licensed PCR kits for ASF and FMD Tetracore, Inc., a biotechnology company that develops infectious disease diagnostics and assays, has partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to supply PCR kits for both African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).  Kits are procured to stockpile in National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank to prepare for an unforeseen outbreak of high-consequence Foreign Animal Disease (FAD).  The VetAlert™ ASF and FMD Diagnostic Test kits have been updated using contemporary viral sequences, to ensure the test remains fit for purpose. As the only USDA licensed PCR kits for these diseases, Tetracore's VetAlert™ ASF and FMD Diagnostic Test kits will be critical in minimizing the detrimental impacts of a FAD outbreak. US food production is under threat from ASF in the Dominican Republic. The livestock industry can suffer devastating economic consequences from outbreaks of FMD and ASF. This threat necessitates readily available, accurate, and validated diagnostics. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/531/vestaron-joins-leading-harvest-as-program-supporter.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/531/vestaron-joins-leading-harvest-as-program-supporter.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:53:45 +0530 Leading Harvest, an organization dedicated to improving agricultural sustainability and efficiency, has welcomed Vestaron as a member. North Carolina, based Vestaron, a leading producer of peptide-based bioinsecticides is now a Program Supporter of Leading Harvest, an organization that promotes sustainability and efficiency across the agricultural value chain. Ben Cicora SVP Sales & Marketing for Vestaronc said “Our peptides provide a safe and effective alternative to traditional chemical pesticides, and we look forward to collaborating with other members of Leading Harvest to continue driving innovation in the agricultural sector.” Leading Harvest is a nonprofit organization committed to providing educational programs and farmland management certification standards to improve sustainability outcomes and enable growers and operators to grow a healthier future.  By developing a rigorous standard designed by and for stakeholders, the firm aims to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and productivity of global agriculture. “The innovative work that Vestaron is engaging in provides a wonderful addition to our membership as they support the mission and vision of Leading Harvest” adds Andrew Lauver, Director of Strategic Alliances and Programs at Leading Harvest. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/513/latin-america-and-caribbean-can-be-at-the-forefront-of-global-food-and-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/127/513/latin-america-and-caribbean-can-be-at-the-forefront-of-global-food-and-agriculture.html Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:31:05 +0530 FAO Director-General points to priority areas for action to heads of state and government at the regional CELAC forum Latin America and the Caribbean can and must step up to address increasing hunger and inequality rates in the region, a role that would move them to the forefront of global food and agriculture – this was the message conveyed by QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), to regional political leaders.  Qu’s speech to the 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC), presided over this year by Argentina, was delivered by Maximo Torero FAO Chief Economist.  CELAC is an intergovernmental mechanism for dialogue and political agreement designed to support regional integration programs and is comprised of 33 countries that are home to around 600 million people.Its role is important today as recent years have seen a weakening of collective efforts towards regional and global integration. Multilateral institutions need to innovate to respond to current unprecedented and overlapping crises, said Qu, who will sign several letters of intent to pursue projects in the region during the meeting.“We live in the most unequal continent in the world and once and for all we must undertake a process leading to equality,” said President Alberto Fernández of Argentina in his opening remarks. “It is much easier to achieve such results working together.”Qu pointed to key priority areas that integration through CELAC would facilitate, highlighting the need to expand food supply in the Caribbean, where healthy diets are expensive, investing in water infrastructure and food production initiatives in Central America, where droughts and outmigration are persistent trends, improving food exchange between countries in the Andean region, and fostering a large regional programme of infrastructure for production, storage and transportation of food to facilitate intra-regional trade and exports.FAO can efficiently provide support for the implementation of CELAC initiatives and goals of all Members if their concerns are made clear and the tangible and sustainable solutions are agreed upon, he noted. ]]>