https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/country/united%20kingdom united kingdom https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/3538/chinas-rainbow-agro-expands-into-the-uk-ireland-through-strategic-partnership-with-agtigrow.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/3538/chinas-rainbow-agro-expands-into-the-uk-ireland-through-strategic-partnership-with-agtigrow.html Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:31:48 +0530 Rainbow combines deep agricultural expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities Rainbow Agro, the global crop protection company and China’s leading exporter in the sector, has officially entered the United Kingdom and Ireland markets through a strategic partnership with AgTIgrow, led by industry expert Simon McMunn. This milestone marks a major advancement in Rainbow’s European expansion strategy, bringing high-quality, innovative crop protection solutions closer to British and Irish growers. A Global Leader With Technical ExcellenceFounded by six chemical engineers in 2000, Rainbow Agro has grown into a fully integrated global enterprise, covering everything from active ingredient synthesis to final product formulation and field support. With operations in more than 100 countries, Rainbow combines deep agricultural expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities — managing over 300 active ingredients, 5,000 formulations, 8,500 registrations, and 330 patents worldwide. The company’s engineering strength is supported by: 10 world-class manufacturing sitesensuring efficiency, safety, and consistent qualityTwo state-of-the-art R&D centersdeveloping new molecules and innovative formulationsA global team of 200+ regulatory experts ensuring full compliance and timely registrations across marketsA Partnership Built on Quality and TrustFor Simon McMunn, Founding Director of AgTIgrow, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to technical excellence and grower-focused solutions. “Having visited crop protection factories around the world for more than 30 years, I was truly impressed by Rainbow’s facilities in China. It’s a technology-driven company that strives for excellence at every stage. This confirmed that our partnership is the right move to bring top-quality, new alternatives to our agricultural communities in the UK and Ireland.”Through this collaboration, distributors and growers across the region will gain access to Rainbow’s broad and expanding portfolio, supported by AgTIgrow’s local expertise and customer-centric approach. Strengthening Rainbow’s European PresenceCommenting on this strategic expansion, Regina Gnatek, Europe Regional Sub-Area Head, said: “Entering the UK and Ireland markets is an exciting milestone for Rainbow. Our mission is to make crop protection smarter, faster, and more accessible — providing British growers with solutions they can trust, backed by the combined expertise of Rainbow and AgTIgrow.”The partnership reinforces Rainbow’s commitment to Europe, complementing its strong presence in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:50:16 +0530 Codex and FAO officials detail how updated standards aim to protect consumers without triggering disproportionate trade disruption for export-dependent economies In an exclusive Agrospectrum and NUFFOODS Spectrum interview with global food-standards leaders — Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary; Lingping Zhang, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Gracia Brisco, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; and Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat — CAC48 emerges as a decisive moment for Codex amid rising geopolitical fragmentation. The experts reaffirm Codex’s science-based, consensus-driven mandate, which shaped major reforms including additive reviews, aflatoxin updates, pesticide-residue reference guidelines and new maximum lead levels for spices. They underline how improved Codes of Practice, surveillance support and harmonised quality parameters enable consumer protection while minimising trade disruption for export-reliant economies. Looking ahead, they highlight the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which places digital traceability, climate-risk foresight, and advanced analytical technologies at the core of modernising global food safety governance. Edited excerpts; Codex at a Geopolitical Crossroads The 48th Session saw critical standards adopted across additives, contaminants, and fresh-produce quality. At a time when food systems face geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain shocks, and rising protectionism, how does Codex ensure these standards remain science-led, globally harmonized, and insulated from political pressure? The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is a Member-driven body with its commitment to a science-based approach to standard setting enshrined in its procedures. Its work is guided by its strategic goals, and its core values of collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency. Codex texts are the benchmark for food safety under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and are relevant to the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) where WTO members refer to harmonization with international standards such as the Codex Alimentarius for food-related issues such as labelling. Codex standards play an important role in addressing specific trade concerns or for dispute settlement cases. Wherever you are, whatever you do, safe food is an everyday need. And it is a global commodity. These aspects are integral to every discussion in the Codex Alimentarius Commission. “Together” was also the theme of CAC48, which served to highlight that when it comes to food safety and quality it is only by working together that we can effectively and efficiently ensure food is safe and of good quality.  The GSFA Overhaul: Science, Safety, and Consumer Trust More than 500 food additive provisions were reviewed, leading to revocations and new inclusions. What principles guided the reassessment—particularly for colourants like annatto extracts—and how does FAO ensure regulators and industry transition smoothly to these updated provisions without disrupting product availability or trade flows? All Codex work is conducted following approval by CAC. Thus, the decision for reassessment was taken by Members. In the case of annatto extracts, this decision was based on: The need to align the General standard for food additives with relevant sections of commodity standards. In this case, for example, there was a need to align with the Standard for fermented milks, which does not provide for the addition of annatto extracts in plain milk. Codex texts are developed through consensus by all its Members in a deliberate manner that often spans a timeframe of several years. The national Codex contact points serve as a primary node to disseminate all applicable information to national stakeholders. In addition, FAO provides support when requested by Member Countries to strengthen national Codex structures, thereby enhancing national capabilities in disseminating all relevant Codex texts to national stakeholders. Aflatoxins in Peanuts: New Science, New Responsibilities The revised Code of Practice on aflatoxins integrates updated agronomic science, maturity-stage tables, and roasting effects. How will FAO help producing countries—especially smallholder-dependent economies—translate these best practices into field-level change? Are new surveillance, extension, or capacity-building mechanisms planned? FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly. FAO and Codex furthermore have published numerous guidance documents, codes of practice and related texts that is publicly available, ready to be used by any other organization that would like to use this information in order to support producers of peanuts. Lead Limits in Spices: Balancing Public Health and Trade facilitation With new maximum levels now set for dried bark (cinnamon) and culinary herbs, exporting nations such as —India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia—face compliance pressure. How does Codex balance the dual mandate of protecting consumers health while ensuring fair practices in trade, in this case, preventing trade disruptions for economies reliant on spice exports? The mandate to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade is the statutory purpose of CAC. This means that, when it comes to food safety standards such as maximum levels for contaminants in foods, CAC will not establish more stringent measures than necessary to protect consumers health so that the measures themselves do not become a technical barrier to trade which may then translate in trade disruption that may impact economic growth and ultimately food security.   Although spices and culinary herbs are consumed in small amounts, as opposed to other foods, it remains important to assess the safety of lead levels in these foods due to the impact of lead toxicity on human health that may include neurodevelopmental effects such as decreases in Intelligence Quota (IQ) and attention span in children, impaired renal function, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, impaired fertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes and therefore the ALARA continued to apply when CCCF discusses risk management considerations related to health and trade so that while ensuring the safety of the food, this does not imply high rejections rate of lot consignments, at import control point. CCCF does provide support to Codex Members to enable them to comply with MLs, by developing codes of practice, a compendium of risk management measures and practices to assist in reducing food contamination, in this case CAC40 adopted in 2017 the Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxins in spices (CXC 78-2017). FAO does have a role to play in assisting countries with the implementation of the CoP, helping them to identify specific risk management measures that may not be included in the CoP, as they are usually overarching texts, that can complement the measures applicable worldwide that are described in these CoPs. The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted MLs for lead in spices and culinary herbs, specifically, dried bark (cinnamon) and dried culinary herbs. The MLs are 2.5 mg/kg for lead in spices, dried bark and 2.0 mg/kg for lead in culinary herbs, dried and will now be added to the General Standard for contaminants and toxins in food and feed (CXS 193-1995).  Pesticide Reference Materials: A Quiet but Critical Reform The guidelines allowing extended use of pesticide reference materials beyond labelled expiry dates could significantly reduce laboratory costs and waste. What drove this reform? And how does FAO envision it strengthening residue monitoring systems in low- and middle-income countries where testing infrastructure remains limited? Pesticide residues in food are a subject of particular concern for consumers and in the food trade. To ensure the safety of food, the regulation of pesticide use, and relevant residues, must be enforced and guaranteed. Part of the process of testing for pesticide residues relies on laboratories being able to access what are known as reference materials, or RMs. But these are costly and sold with 2-to-5-year short-term expiry dates, though there is no requirement to find maximum shelf life. This can force laboratories to buy new RMs more frequently than potentially necessary. This leads to additional work and additional costs, and that can hinder how much testing can be done.  The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted guidelines that provide a scientifically sound framework to monitor the purity and stability of reference materials under defined conditions, which, if implemented correctly, may allow continued use of RMs beyond their expiry date - where purity remains within acceptable limits. This reduces recurring costs, minimizes waste, and ensures confidence in the reliability of pesticide residue analysis.  The work on the development of guidelines for monitoring the purity and stability of reference materials of pesticides during prolonged storage commenced at CCPR51 in 2019, when some delegations expressed concerns regarding the limitation of the use of reference materials beyond the expiry date, leading to significant recurring costs for laboratories. As chair of the electronic working group (EWG), India led the work to develop these guidelines. FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly.  Read more about this work in the 2025 edition of the CODEX magazine   Standard for Fresh Dates: Trade Enablement for Climate-Stressed Regions The new standard comes after a decade of negotiations and is deeply important for date-producing regions across the Middle East and North Africa. How will harmonized quality parameters—size, colour, uniformity, defects—reshape global trade? Can such standards help climate-stressed producers secure better prices in high-value retail markets ? By adopting the new Standard for fresh dates, Codex Members now have an international reference that provides the baseline for international trade of this commodity upon which trading partners can agree on additional quality provisions based on their consumers’ preferences. For producing countries, this opens up trade possibilities across the globe, which, in many cases, will support the livelihoods of small producers, bolster economies and provide a safe, good quality product for consumers worldwide. Castilla Lulo (Naranjilla): Regional Standards as a Strategic Tool This new regional standard reflects the fruit’s cultural importance and emerging trade value in Latin America. What criteria does Codex use to decide when a product merits a regional rather than global standard? And do regional standards serve as testbeds for potential future global adoption? When considering new work proposed by FAO/WHO regional coordinating committees, CAC considers, amongst other things, whether the new work is justified on the grounds that the product in question is significantly traded intraregionally and that there is no significant trade between or within other regions When a commodity for which there is a regional standard, sees increased trade at a global level, the coordinating committee concerned, or a Member, can propose extension of the territorial application of the standard. This involves new work, which has to be approved by CAC. CAC48 approved, for example, new work on converting the Regional standard for laver products (Asia) to a worldwide standard, work that will be carried out by the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP). The Next Frontier: Modernizing Codex for a New Era of Food Risks From AI-driven food systems to precision fermentation, novel ingredients, and climate-linked contaminants, food safety risks are evolving faster than many national regulatory systems. What are FAO’s top priorities for modernizing Codex over the next decade? How will future standards incorporate digital traceability, climate risk modelling, and new analytical technologies? FAO is a parent organization of Codex, together with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, work prioritization in Codex is the remit of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. CAC47 adopted the Codex strategic plan 2026–2031 and CAC48 its monitoring framework. The purpose of the Codex strategic plan and its renewal and renegotiation every five years is to ensure that Codex work is aimed at achieving the most appropriate objectives. FAO has a very long-standing tradition to inform the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its subsidiary bodies with all relevant information to facilitate forward looking workplanning. FAO continues to offer its support to all its members and the members of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to assist in national capacity building activities to strengthen food control systems, food safety governance and all related aspects. The new strategic plan has as its first Strategic Goal to: Respond to Members’ needs for protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade in an evolving global landscape, by developing science-based standards and related texts 1.1 Foresight and horizon-scanning activities are used to support the identification of issues likely to impact food safety, quality and trade. 1.2 Scientific advice that addresses the needs identified by CAC and its subsidiary bodies is primarily provided by FAO and WHO and their joint scientific advisory bodies, informed by globally representative data and appropriate international expertise and methodology. 1.3 Scientific advice is used by CAC and subsidiary bodies in line with Codex risk analysis principles. 1.4 Codex standards and related texts are developed, reviewed and adopted in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner. Thus, with reference to FAO’s foresight programme ( https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/foresight/en/ ), Codex will aim to keep ahead of emerging trends Codex work is already addressing some of the key emerging issues and adapting based on Members’ priorities: Digital traceability is already a key topic of discussion in the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), and work is ongoing to develop texts for the digitalization of national food control systems. CAC47 adopted the Codex Committee on Food Labelling’s (CCFL’s) Guidelines on the provision of food information for pre-packaged foods to be offered via e-commerce New food sources and production systems have been discussed extensively in Codex in recent years. In this context several areas of new work are under discussion which will help define how codex addresses this emerging area moving forward. Changing climate is also impacting food safety and this is also impacting the standard setting work of Codex. For example, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF) elaborated and CAC47 adopted the Code of practice for the prevention or reduction of ciguatera poisoning, in response to the evolving nature of this issue, which is related to climate factors. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene developed and CAC46 adopted Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing in response to Members concerns about the need to ensure that in the context of water resource challenges, the safety of food was not negatively impacted. There is a continued emphasis, particularly within CCCF, on the issue of mycotoxins, the threat of which is evolving and possibly expanding as climate factors change. —---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/3380/europe-leads-asia-accelerates-suzanne-mckenzie-on-global-push-for-recycled-jet-fuel.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/3380/europe-leads-asia-accelerates-suzanne-mckenzie-on-global-push-for-recycled-jet-fuel.html Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:16:11 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Suzanne McKenzie, Sales Director, Lifecycle Oils Ltd, UK, explains how Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced from used cooking oil goes through advanced filtration, hydrotreating, and hydrocracking before being blended to meet strict jet specifications—distinctly different from fossil fuels derived via crude oil distillation. She notes that second-generation SAF from waste streams can slash lifecycle emissions by up to 80 per cent versus fossil fuel, without competing with food crops or land. Mandates in the UK, EU and Asia are accelerating adoption, though scaling production and infrastructure remains a major challenge. Suzanne highlights constraints around finite UCO supply, price gaps, and rapidly growing SAF demand—forecast to reach 15 million Mt by 2030 versus ~1 million Mt today. Looking ahead, she sees diversification into algae oils, tall oil, cover crops and Power-to-Liquid e-fuels as essential to achieving aviation’s Net Zero ambitions. I. SAF Production & Environmental Impact From Fryer to Fuel: Could you walk us through the lifecycle of SAF made from used cooking oil, highlighting the key technological and operational steps that differentiate it from conventional jet fuel? First, we collect the used cooking oil (UCO) from across the food industry, including food manufacturers, quick service restaurants and food service providers, as well as from household waste sites around the UK. This is then transported to our processing plant in Wednesbury.We then filter the UCO to remove all contaminants and process it using a unique multi-stage filtration and settling process to turn it into a specification suitable for use as a feedstock for producing SAF, HVO, Biofuels and our patented LF100 biofuel. The pre-treated UCO is then hydrotreated – a process where hydrogen is used to remove the oxygen from the free fatty acids, converting the carbon bonds into long-chain hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are then hydrocracked to break them down into shorter molecules through isomerisation, which is critical for creating a fuel with the right freezing point and combustion properties for use in jet engines. The resulting fuel is then blended with conventional jet fuel to the required level to meet to required specification for SAF. Conventional jet fuel is created by fractional distillation and cracking, where the oil is heated and separated into different fractions, including one that can be used as jet fuel.Sustainability Metrics: How does SAF made from waste streams like used cooking oil perform in terms of carbon intensity, lifecycle emissions reductions, and broader environmental benefits compared to traditional fossil jet fuels? The sustainability credentials of SAF depend heavily on the feedstock used to create it. First-generation SAF – made from virgin crops like palm oil or rapeseed oil – come with inherent trade-offs from a sustainability perspective. Growing feedstock crops for SAF can be carbon-intensive and are associated with deforestation, land conversion, biodiversity loss, and high water consumption. They require agricultural land, which means directly competing with the food chain for resources. Second-generation SAF, like UCO processed by Lifecycle Oils, offers substantial environmental advantages by avoiding these issues entirely. There’s no extra land required, and no additional resources required to grow new crops. It’s repurposing a waste stream, and one we have great access to as we’re partnered with 96% of household recycling centres across the UK. As a result of using previously waste materials, UCO-derived biofuels can slash lifecycle carbon footprints by an estimated 80 per cent when compared to conventional fuels, and 40 per cent when compared to first-generation biofuels.II. Industry Adoption & Market DynamicsAdoption Trends: How quickly are airlines and airports embracing SAF, and what patterns are you seeing in Europe versus other regions? Are current mandates and voluntary targets driving meaningful uptake? There is a clear trend – countries worldwide see SAF as the best way to cut aviation emissions in the mid-term.As a result, airlines and airports worldwide are steadily increasing their SAF use, with the SAF mandates driving much of the uptake – especially in Europe and the UK, where we already have a 2 per cent SAF mandate in place for 2025, which will rise to 6 per cent and 10 per cent respectively by 2030.Across the Asia-Pacific region, we’re also seeing new policies, targets and emerging targets on SAF. Japan is exploring a 10 per cent SAF mandate 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. In terms of voluntary uptake, we’re seeing commitments tied to net-zero pledges from airlines, but it’s the mandates that are likely to drive real change.Feasibility & Scalability: SAF adoption faces technical and logistical challenges. From your perspective, what are the main bottlenecks in scaling production, blending, and distribution for commercial aviation? One key challenge is bringing production capacity on board to meet demand! 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. There’s a big gap!There are also challenges in developing the blending and depot infrastructure at major airports, so that the SAF can be integrated into existing supply chains.From a UCO perspective, the challenge is supply – UCO is a finite and increasingly in-demand resource for all kinds of biofuels. While there is room to scale, it’s not infinite, and will only ever form part of the SAF mix. The final challenge is price. SAF is currently more expensive than jet fuel – and significantly so! In a fuel-hungry industry where profit margins are tight, and are currently focused on securing the cheapest fuel possible, the market is naturally resistant to more expensive solutions, however much better for the planet. III. Policy & Regulatory LeversGovernment Role: How critical are policy incentives, mandates, and regulatory frameworks in accelerating SAF adoption? What works best: carbon pricing, blending obligations, or subsidies for feedstock collection? Blending mandates are already creating a guaranteed market for SAF and accelerating adoption worldwide. It seems likely these mandates will be the main drivers over the coming decade.Carbon pricing is an interesting prospect that could have a meaningful impact on the price difference between SAF (and especially UCO-derived SAF) and conventional jet fuel, which could make it more appealing to airlines.Tax subsidies definitely make a big difference – the US Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credit directly reduces the final cost of SAF, making it more competitive and attractive to airlines. In the UK, there is talk of a revenue certainty mechanism, which could also stabilise costs and attract future investment into the SAF market.Lifecycle Oils collects UCO from takeaways, high-end restaurants, high street chains, industrial facilities and food manufacturers of all shapes and sizes, so naturally we’d love subsidies on collection – but given the rising demand and limits on supply for UCO globally, it seems unlikely that this would be introduced.Cross-Border Policy Alignment: Given aviation’s global nature, how do differing regulatory regimes in the EU, UK, and Asia impact the economics and deployment of SAF produced from recycled oils? The fuel markets are all connected, and there are so many different factors in play (tax credits, mandates, tariffs, lifecycle emissions criteria, etc.) across the globe that the picture becomes very complex regarding market demands and incentives to supply.In terms of the global UCO market, we’re already seeing some impact in terms of reduced overseas supply, as Asian countries increase biofuel blends and consider SAF mandates.Asia is a key source of UCO, but as Asian countries (e.g., Japan, India, Singapore) introduce their own SAF mandates, they will increasingly seek to utilise their domestic UCO supply. This will have a knock-on effect in Europe and potentially drive up prices as supply constraints come into play.IV. Economics & Supply Chain Cost and Competitiveness: SAF is often more expensive than conventional jet fuel. How do supply chain constraints—such as feedstock availability, collection logistics, and refinery scale—affect long-term pricing and commercial viability ?With oil prices depressed, and aviation fuel exempt from tax in many cases, gaining parity with jet fuel prices is a real challenge – especially if the projections are right, and future demand for SAF significantly outstrips supply. There is a chance that future carbon pricing, or the introduction of a jet fuel tax, could close this gap – but the commercial viability of SAF is primarily supported by mandates, and a global desire to decarbonise aviation and achieve ‘Jet Zero.’Investment & Industry Partnerships: What role do corporate offtake agreements, private investment, and airline collaborations play in scaling SAF production sustainably and profitably?Long-term corporate agreements help guarantee demand, which is essential for gaining finance for production projects and for sustainable profitability.Aligning with corporate sustainability objectives, like reducing Scope 3 emissions, can also support scaling SAF production. If decarbonising aviation is a real priority, then SAF is the most realistic and implementable solution we have. ‘Book and claim’ credits or premiums systems can be effective ways of subsidising SAF production, while helping corporates to fulfil sustainability ambitions. Global Potential: Used cooking oil is a finite resource. Beyond this feedstock, what other waste or renewable sources hold the most promise for SAF at scale, and how can Lifecycle Oils help lead that diversification ? At Lifecycle Oils, our focus is on UCO – it’s about utilising a waste product to create sustainable fuels as part of a more circular economy, and our mission is to continue to scale this model by engaging with companies across the food industry and beyond.Ultimately though, the supply is finite – and if we’re going to deliver SAF at scale, it will only be part of the solution, and to meet the mandate, we will need to increase the feedstocks used. In terms of more sustainable solutions, using oilseed cover crops is an option, and there is real potential in oils derived from algae – though this is still in the very early stages of development. Tall Oil is another good source of feedstock to produce fossil-free biofuel. It is crude tall oil (CTO) and a byproduct of the wood pulping process. This demonstrates a pathway for producing SAF from a renewable, forestry-based feedstock, which can reduce lifecycle emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.  Alternative fuel options and SAF alternatives like synthetic Power-to-Liquid (PtL) synthetic e-fuels, or even the introduction of hydrogen flight, could also be part of the long-term solution to decarbonisation. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/2113/the-uks-brains-bioceutical-names-industry-veteran-john-boshart-to-its-animal-health-division.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/2113/the-uks-brains-bioceutical-names-industry-veteran-john-boshart-to-its-animal-health-division.html Thu, 09 May 2024 16:57:46 +0530 The core of Brains Bio’s enhanced Veterinary Health Division lies in its focused approach to pharmaceutical development Brains Bioceutical Corp ("Brains Bio"), is strengthening its Veterinary Health Division with new leadership. John Boshart's appointment as Vice President of Veterinary API and Business Development, reflects Brains Bio's commitment to leveraging extensive pharmaceutical expertise and cutting-edge research to advance animal health care. Brains Bio’s Animal Health Division is empowered by the unique properties of its THC-free CBD API, which boasts an ultra-low detection limit of 0.000006%. This EU-GMP Certified API is pivotal in clinical and preclinical studies, including a Phase III Clinical Trial, highlighting its potential for therapeutic applications in veterinary medicine. The CBD API is supported by rigorous regulatory credentials, including ICH-Q7 compliance, an actively maintained EU Active Substance Master File (ASMF), and a US Drug Master File (DMF) filed with the FDA. These certifications ensure the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance essential for veterinary use. The core of Brains Bio’s enhanced Veterinary Health Division lies in its focused approach to pharmaceutical development, specifically tailored to meet the nuanced needs of the animal health sector. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in veterinary medicine, the division is dedicated to pioneering the development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals that offer targeted, safe, and effective treatments for animals. This strategic focus is driven by a deep understanding of the physiological and medical requirements specific to different animal species. Through rigorous research and development, combined with stringent safety and efficacy testing, Brains Bio aims to deliver a portfolio of advanced therapeutic solutions that will not only improve health outcomes but also enhance the quality of life for animals globally. The division will utilize Brains Bio’s exclusive cannabinoid science combined with one of the limited global licenses to manufacture cannabinoid products specifically for veterinary use. This powerful combination of scientific acumen and legal empowerment sets a robust foundation for innovation in animal wellness and care. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global animal prescription market is projected to reach approximately $58 billion by 2026. This projection underscores the vast potential and critical need for innovative health solutions within this space. Full details on the market projections can be found at: Grand View Research Report on Global Veterinary Care Market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/2032/vietnam-strives-to-achieve-1-billion-agricultural-trade-value-with-the-uk.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/2032/vietnam-strives-to-achieve-1-billion-agricultural-trade-value-with-the-uk.html Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:02:35 +0530 MARD Minister says Vietnam has strengths in agricultural production, with over $53B in agricultural, forestry and fishery export value by 2023, a trade surplus of $12.07B Vietnam's Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien had a working session with Iain Frew, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Vietnam at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien said that Vietnam has strengths in agricultural production, with over $53 billion in agricultural, forestry and fishery export value by 2023, a trade surplus of $12.07 billion, accounting for over 50% of the country's total trade surplus. Currently, Vietnamese agricultural products are present in over 300 countries and territories, making an important contribution to ensuring world food security with rice export volume reaching 8.23 ​​million tons in 2023. However, The low export of livestock products is likely to improve when the prospect of cooperation between the UK and Vietnam in the coming time is promoted. Moving towards a comprehensive cooperative relationship in the agricultural sector, the Deputy Minister mentioned that Vietnam wishes to learn from the UK's large farm model, supporting Vietnam to build raw material areas associated with processing. in an ecosystem. In addition, training high-quality human resources is also a proposed cooperation content, along with veterinary work, especially in the field of vaccine research and production and the field of science and technology in agriculture. Ambassador Iain Frew assessed that the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the UK has developed in both depth and breadth in the field of agriculture, and expressed hope that it can continue to develop further to improve the quality of agriculture. In the coming time, cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the UK will continue to be promoted. Vietnam is supporting the UK in its process of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTTP), which is a bilateral agreement between the two countries. By joining, Vietnam will gain greater strength and more opportunities to expand agricultural markets. Ambassador Iain Frew informed the Ministry of highlighted regulations related to imports into the UK after the Brexit process is completed. At the end of April, the UK will apply new regulations on importing agricultural products. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien believes that the export turnover of Vietnamese agricultural products to the UK under the role of Ambassador Iain Frew as a bridge will grow strongly, and the agricultural trade target of over $1 billion will soon be achieved. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/1533/thai-union-announces-oceanium-as-innovation-challenge-winner.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/1533/thai-union-announces-oceanium-as-innovation-challenge-winner.html Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:29:15 +0530 UK startup Oceanium has won the Thai Union Innovation Challenge at this year’s Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore. One of the world’s leading seafood producers, Thai Union set the challenge to discover fresh ideas and solutions that will support its SeaChange 2030 Sustainability Strategy, which aims to reshape the seafood industry. The Innovation Challenge, ‘Novel Ingredients and Applications from Ocean-Derived Ingredients’, attracted entries from over 60 agri-food startups around the world. After a rigorous selection process, two finalists - Ingrediome, and Oceanium - had the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions on stage in Singapore, to the Thai Union judges and a global summit audience of global agri-food stakeholders. UK-based Oceanium presented its biorefinery process which claims to extract maximum value from sustainably farmed seaweed to produce plant-based food ingredients and high-purity bioactives for health and wellness. Israeli start-up Ingrediome employs photosynthetic fermentation and maps the culinary function of seafood proteins to produce recombinant animal proteins that are carbon negative, low in capex, and require minimal workforce. As winner of the Innovation Challenge, Oceanium will have access to Thai Union’s Global Innovation Team for technical expertise, regulatory assistance, and formulation development. Chris Aurand, open innovation lead at Thai Union, stated in the press release: “We are excited to begin working with Oceanium as their seaweed biorefinery process provides multiple products that we can begin testing with Thai Union. Oceanium fits in well with our SeaChange 2030 strategy by providing opportunities to local seaweed growers, and nutritious solutions that leverage the wholesomeness of the ocean.” Reacting to the win, Karen Scofield Seal, CEO and co-founder of Oceanium, said: “It is a great honour to win the Thai Union Innovation Challenge. We’re on a journey to provide efficacious, functional seaweed ingredients with excellent traceability and provenance using sustainably sourced seaweed, whilst contributing to people’s health and ocean health. This award and meaningful partnership with Thai Union will help propel us forward at a pivotal moment as we bring our products to market.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/1247/bionema-stimulates-organic-growth-with-a-new-range-of-biostimulants.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/1247/bionema-stimulates-organic-growth-with-a-new-range-of-biostimulants.html Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:37:14 +0530 Launching seven products, including seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic substances, and other natural nutrients Bionema Group Ltd, a leading biocontrol technology developer and manufacturer, has announced the launch of a new range of biostimulant products in the UK for use in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and turf and amenities. These biostimulants use advanced micronutrient technology to promote healthy plant growth. Bionema Group Ltd is launching seven products, including seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic substances, and other natural nutrients that cover all stages of plant growth, with foliar and root applications in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and turf and amenities. These products stimulate natural processes in plants and soil, increasing the uptake and assimilation of nutrients, increasing the surface area of roots and the quality of the soil. Field trials have shown that plants with biostimulants have better resistance against abiotic stress (e.g., heat, drought, salt), while the root reaches more nutrients and can collect more water. In fact, the Bionema team conducted a range of glasshouse and field trials in the UK, EU, India, Canada and LATAM countries, and the findings show that these products may allow farmers to cut their fertiliser use by 50%, while keeping 93% of the yields. In Bionema’s glasshouse trials, root growth was 35% better when using the suggested mix of 50% fertilizer and Bionema’s biostimulants, compared to just using the normal 100% fertilizer mix. The plant biomass (excluding roots) was 93% of that grown with just a common fertilizer mix. The core Bionema biostimulant products are being marketed under the following brand names in the UK market. O-Stimula™:Calcium peroxide complex enables sustained release of oxygen and a continuous supply of calcium for strengthened plant cell walls, optimised soil pH, reduced spread of anaerobic pathogens. Grostimula™ATCA: Acetyl thiazolidine carboxylic acid (ACTA) formulation triggers plants to synthesise their own amino acids and hormones for better plant functioning and growth. Grostimula™EW:Triacontanol acts as a biological PGPR that widens and lengthens opening of stomata for better photosynthesis and respiration, increased crop yield. Plantgro™: Patented combination of biofertilisers and nutrients to help improve yields. RootVita™SP:Combination of biofertilisers, beneficial microbes, nutrients, prebiotics and vitamins for soil health improvement and healthy plant growth. Groprim™: Derived from Sargassum seaweed which is endowed with biostimulant properties that promote plant growth, rooting and tillering, enhances nutrient uptake and plant health, and increases crop productivity. Floretocare™:Bioactive humic and fulvic substances derived from vermicompost provides bioenergy for fetter flower retention, attracts pollinators, promotes healthy flowers and fruit formation. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/1010/the-uk-secured-a-revised-free-trade-agreement-fta-with-australian-producers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/1010/the-uk-secured-a-revised-free-trade-agreement-fta-with-australian-producers.html Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:02:19 +0530 Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UK FTA) Australian producers, agricultural importers and exporters have exciting prospects for trade opportunities with the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UK FTA) effective from 31 May 2023. Within 10 years, tariffs on agricultural goods under the FTA will be completely eliminated. With the elimination of tariffs on 99% of Australian goods exported to the United Kingdom, including Australian farm exports, Australian producers and agricultural exporters will have the best access to the UK since the 1970s. The deal includes the immediate elimination of all tariffs on wine, the majority of seafood (including tariffs on all finfish), short and medium-grain rice, honey, olive oil, nuts, and the majority of fruit and vegetables (including onions, oranges and grapes). Furthermore, duty-free transitional quotas will also be established for the following products: beef, sheep meat, sugar, wheat and meslin, barley, dairy including cheese and butter, long grain and broken rice. Improved market access to an otherwise premium and highly protected UK market gives Australian farmers more opportunities to provide sustainable, high-quality agricultural produce to British consumers and a strong competitive advantage over other trading partners. The A-UK Free Trade Agreement is Australia's most comprehensive agreement with any trading partner, second only to the FTA with New Zealand. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/985/new-global-fertilizer-and-biostimulant-plant-to-be-built-by-yara.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/985/new-global-fertilizer-and-biostimulant-plant-to-be-built-by-yara.html Thu, 25 May 2023 12:48:12 +0530 The new facility is scheduled to be operational by late 2025 in UK, expanding the specialty crop nutrition business with foliar fertilizers and biostimulants production. Yara International is set to build its new global production plant for specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants intended to increase yields and improve quality. The plant will be one of the largest in the world for these products, which are crucial for achieving food security and combating climate change. The new plant will enable Yara to increase its footprint in this specialty crop nutrition business, one of the fastest-growing agriculture markets. The specialty crop nutrition products are formulated to meet crops' specific needs throughout the growing season and increase their resilience to climate change. While the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, YaraVita aims to double its production capacity and further increase its capacity if needed. To facilitate this, the new plant will be built close to the company’s existing site in Yorkshire, UK. The plant will export almost all of its output to global markets. “Our specialty crop nutrition products help farmers increase yields and quality without increasing land use. That not only benefits farmers but also helpful for the planet,” says Mónica Andrés Enríquez, Executive Vice President for Europe at Yara International. The special nutrients provided by foliar fertilizers (applied directly to the leaf or fruit) are equally important for crop growth and quality as the traditional mineral fertilizers applied directly to the soil. Biostimulants eventually help the plants adapt better to climate change and improve nutrient use efficiency. The global specialty fertilizers market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2022 and 2027, according to MarketsandMarkets. The CAGR for biostimulants is growing at an even higher rate – more than 12% – DunhamTrimmer estimates, referring to the period from 2018 to 2030. “If one nutrient is lacking or under stress, crop growth, yield and quality can be reduced. Specialty crop nutrition products are complementary to traditional mineral fertilizers and are crucial for achieving balanced crop nutrition. Just in micro quantity usage, they ensure a lower carbon footprint for food production by increasing yield per unit of land,” says Rejane Souza, Senior Vice President of Global Innovation at Yara International. Yara is a global leader in specialty crop nutrition products and one of Europe's largest producers. By combining crop nutrition solutions with agronomic advice and digital tools, Yara offers a comprehensive range of crop nutrition solutions. With its agronomic expertise in foliar nutrients, biostimulants and soils spaning more than 50 years Yara also records 100 years of agronomic knowledge in crops and soils. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/984/yara-to-build-new-global-plant-for-specialty-fertilizers-and-biostimulants-in-uk.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/984/yara-to-build-new-global-plant-for-specialty-fertilizers-and-biostimulants-in-uk.html Thu, 25 May 2023 11:36:56 +0530  By the end of 2025, YaraVita's capacity will be doubled when the facility is operational. Yara International announced that it will build a new global production plant for specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants designed to increase yields and improve quality. The plant will be one of the largest in the world for these products, which are crucial for achieving food security and combating climate change. The new plant will allow Yara to increase its footprint in this specialty crop nutrition business, one of the fastest growing markets in agriculture. Sales of YaraVita specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants have grown fivefold in the last 20 years. These products are formulated to meet the specific needs of crops throughout the growing season and to help them increase their resilience to climate change. The plant, to be built close to the company’s existing site in Yorkshire, UK, will allow Yara to double the capacity of its YaraVita products when the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 and further expand production capacity if needed. Virtually all the output from the plant will be exported to markets around the world. “Our specialty crop nutrition products help farmers increase yields and quality without increasing land use. That not only benefits farmers but is also good for the planet,” says Mónica Andrés Enríquez, Executive Vice President for Europe at Yara International. “It’s no wonder that this market is growing exponentially. Amid today’s food security and climate change challenges, it’s more important than ever to feed the world with nutritious food while also protecting the planet,” she adds. “If one nutrient is lacking or under stress, crop growth, yield and quality can be reduced. Specialty crop nutrition products are complementary to traditional mineral fertilizers and are crucial for achieving balanced crop nutrition. Although only needed in small amounts, they can make a big difference for farmers and are critical to ensure a lower carbon footprint for food production by increasing yield per unit of land,” says Rejane Souza, Senior Vice President of Global Innovation at Yara International. Yara is a global leader in specialty crop nutrition products and one of the biggest producers in Europe. The company has more than 50 years of agronomic expertise in foliar nutrients and biostimulants and more than 100 years of agronomic knowledge in crops and soils. This extensive knowledge enables Yara to offer a comprehensive range of crop nutrition solutions combined with agronomic advice and digital tools. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/924/uk-india-partner-to-tackle-shrimp-diseases-and-advance-shrimp-farming.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/924/uk-india-partner-to-tackle-shrimp-diseases-and-advance-shrimp-farming.html Thu, 11 May 2023 13:16:17 +0530 Launches a raft of joint research programmes with £119 million grants to advance shrimp farming, HAB detection, fisheries The UK and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement on science, research and innovation, which facilitates a raft of upcoming joint research programs – including aquaculture initiatives. Partnership attracts initial £119 million from the International Science Partnerships Fund. The partnership will begin with two new joint UK-India research programmes: £5 million UK funding, matched by India, for research into Farmed Animal Diseases and Health £3.3 million UK funding, matched by India, towards a technology and skills partnership programme that will enable UK and Indian researchers to develop skills, technologies and knowledge in areas such as AI, machine learning and bio-imaging. The agreement includes a study on using “cutting edge UK technology” to spot diseases in shrimp aquaculture, as well as a partnership using data to detect harmful algal blooms (HABs) affecting the ocean. Programmes include the establishment of a new UK-India Net Zero Innovation Virtual Centre focusing on industrial decarbonisation and the launch of the first ever UK-India scientific deep sea voyage. The collaborative activities carried out under the MoU will be supported by joint funding agreed by both sides, with finances for each program determined between the UK and India on a case-by-case basis. Furthur, the collaboration enables quicker, deeper engagement on science between the two science powerhouses that will drive economic growth, create skilled jobs and improve lives in the UK, India, and worldwide. “The agreement will remove red tape standing in the way of major collaborations while unleashing a raft of new joint research schemes aiming to deliver progress on some of the biggest issues facing the world: from climate change and pandemic preparedness through to AI and machine learning,” reads the official report of the UK government announcements. “With our extensive trading and cultural links, shared democratic values and interest in urgent global issues from green technology and agri-tech to biosecurity and pandemic preparedness, we have very strong platforms for deepening research collaboration" said Minister of State for the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology George Freeman. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/820/fao-and-uk-launch-5-year-aim4forests-programme.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/820/fao-and-uk-launch-5-year-aim4forests-programme.html Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:43:42 +0530 UK provides £24.5 million of International Climate Finance to accelerate innovative monitoring of forests To celebrate Earth Day, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Kingdom launched AIM4Forests, a five-year programme designed to accelerate country capabilities in forest monitoring as a part of global efforts to stop deforestation and forest degradation, and restore forests. More than 420 million hectares of forest have disappeared since 1990. And although deforestation rates have slowed down significantly, 10 million hectares are still being lost every year. Through the pledges made at the UN's climate talks in Glasgow in 2021, world leaders committed to working collectively to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, sustainable land use, and the conservation, protection, sustainable management and restoration of forests, and other terrestrial ecosystems. One barrier to progress has been a lack of information. Those that are responsible for forests need accurate data to inform the right course of action. In this regard, countries urgently need national forest monitoring systems (NFMS) embedded in government institutions that deliver high-quality data and provide the critical information needed for domestic forest-related priorities and policies, including land-use decisions. Well-designed NFMS enable governments to report emission reductions internationally through Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) processes. This is a key step towards accessing climate finance and raising levels of ambition of international commitments under the Paris Agreement. To address such challenges, the AIM4Forests programme (Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests) will support domestic forest monitoring based on modern technologies and technical innovation, and also leverage UK expertise in academia, research & development and in the use of space data and remote sensing. “FAO welcomes the partnership with the United Kingdom, which will be fundamental in supporting Member countries’ efforts to sustainable forest management and restoration, supporting the achievement of their commitments such as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Forest and land use data are critical for overall land use planning in an integrated manner, to transition to sustainable production, address biodiversity loss and climate change,” said Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General. She added, “This contribution from the United Kingdom will support key areas of FAO’s strategies on climate change and biodiversity.” The role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in forest management and conservation is increasingly recognised. The programme, therefore, supports IPLC efforts to monitor forest areas, further strengthening their role as forest stewards. The new £24.5 million programme is part of the UK’s International Climate Finance commitment to spend £11.6 billion between 2021/22 and 2025/26, including at least £3bn on solutions that protect and restore nature. The programme will run until 2028 and work with 20 countries across Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America. The new programme will be implemented by the National Forest Monitoring team of FAO’s Forestry Division working in collaboration with UN-REDD and GFOI to coordinate country technical assistance on MRV and NFMS. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/733/planet-based-foods-enters-european-markets-with-uk-subsidiary.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/733/planet-based-foods-enters-european-markets-with-uk-subsidiary.html Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:48:10 +0530 Planet Based Foods Global Inc., the parent company of Planet Based Foods, will continue its operations in the United States  Planet Based Foods Global Inc. announced that the Company has formed a UK subsidiary under the name PBF Europe LTD. for the purpose of entry into European markets. Planet Based Foods Global Inc., the parent company of Planet Based Foods, will continue its operations in the United States as it establishes itself in new international territories. "This is a groundbreaking announcement for Planet Based Foods, and should come as no surprise for those that have been following our growth these past few months," Braelyn Davis Planet Based Foods CEO and co-founder said. "We're excited to introduce some key personnel that will assist the company in establishing its foothold in Europe. From there, we'll be looking to partner with renowned distributors and producers in the food and beverage technology space to elevate us to the next echelon not only in Europe but beyond as well." The Company announced that it'll be expanding its operations to the United Kingdom, not just to sell products but to establish an ethically sustainable food system similar to what has been accomplished in the United States. From seed to sale, Planet Based Foods is committed to promoting sustainable practices and will be proud to work alongside local growers to begin harvesting the core ingredient, hemp. This is an exciting opportunity for us to continue our mission of promoting sustainable food systems, and the Company looks forward to contributing to the UK's agricultural landscape. It's an exciting time for Planet Based Foods as it prepares to enter the European market. For months, consumers have anxiously awaited the Company's arrival to enjoy Planet Based Foods' tasty and health-conscious foods. The Company intends to replicate the success of its Business-to-Consumer model and plans to add more Business-to-Business opportunities potentially. Planet Based Foods remains committed to offering healthier hemp-based alternatives for its consumers. In addition, PBF Europe LTD. will allow the Company to better serve its European customers as it continues to grow its brand in the region. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/724/global-ngo-compassion-in-the-world-farming-reforms-animal-farming-strategies.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/724/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/120/569/malaysia-approves-insect-meal-export-to-eu-uk-markets.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/569/malaysia-approves-insect-meal-export-to-eu-uk-markets.html Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:19:10 +0530 Nutrition Technologies to support sustainable pet food supply The Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture has authorized the local firm, ‘Nutrition Technologies’ to export its insect meal and oil into the EU & UK markets, the first in Malaysia to receive such approval. This approval allows the rapidly growing sustainable pet food sector in Europe to access high quality, low-energy insect-based materials in South-East Asia. The Nutrition Technologies Sdn Bhd, are the manufacture and supplier of insect protein meal, oil and frass (insect manure) fostering the evolving agriculture and feed industries globaly. Using a combination of beneficial microbes and Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) using a low-energy, zero-waste production model to grow their insects, the larvae are reared on clean and traceable agro-industrial by-products. The insect-based products are suitable for application in pet food, livestock and aquatic feed, and have a range of proven functional benefits which improve the animals' health and growth. The insect meal is also suitable for therapeutic applications in pets that have allergies to common pet food proteins such as beef and lamb. The potential impact on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions can also be controlled by opting insect-based meats replacing with traditional protein sources, as approximately 25% of the GHGs associated with meat production is generated through use in pet food. Since tropically farmed insects produce a fraction of the GHG emissions of traditional meat - this enables manufacturers to make further improvements to the carbon footprint of pet food production. The insectmeal is fully compliant with EU regulations, and the facility is both GMP & HACCP certified. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/549/oxford-nanopore-strengthens-agri-biotech-products-distribution-in-asia-pacific.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/549/oxford-nanopore-strengthens-agri-biotech-products-distribution-in-asia-pacific.html Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:25:39 +0530 Partners with UPS Healthcare to deliver next-gen DNA sequencing technology for agricultural R&D activities in APAC; Aids in shrimp farms protection in Malaysia. Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a spin-out from the UK's University of Oxford has collaborated with UPS Healthcare to accelerate the delivery of Oxford Nanopore DNA/RNA sequencing products and consumables across the Asia Pacific region. The partnership will accelerate genomics research and discovery in areas such as human disease and agriculture. The collaboration will strengthen Oxford Nanopore’s portable, real-time DNA sequencing devices’ supply chain throughout Asia’s main markets. By tapping on UPS’s specialized logistics solutions, Oxford Nanopore aims to accelerate deliveries and strengthen supply chain ecosystem with less complexity. Oxford Nanopore's investment in Asia Pacific demonstrates sustained commitment to supporting genomics-led research projects across the region. A few examples include pathogen surveillance, translational cancer research, and agricultural sequencing, such as protecting shrimp farms in Malaysia. This is Oxford Nanopore’s second region served by UPS Healthcare, following a fulfillment agreement signed in 2022 that currently serves the US and Canada. Plans to expand the partnership to other regions globally including Australia are expected to be announced in 2023. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/539/microban-introduces-antifungal-additives-for-pvc-pu-and-eva-applications.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/539/microban-introduces-antifungal-additives-for-pvc-pu-and-eva-applications.html Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:01:06 +0530 MicroGuard technology provides high antifungal efficacy and built-in protection against microbial degradation, which leads to water contamination risk harming aquatic life. The UK based global antimicrobial brand, Microban International is expanding its portfolio of antimicrobial technologies by introducing MicroGuard™, a series of antifungal additives for PVC, PU, and EVA applications including foam. MicroGuard technology provides high antifungal efficacy and 24/7 built-in protection, preventing microbial degradation to extend the useful product lifetime. Microban’s novel technologies adopted in MicroGuard acts as a non-leaching antifungal agent composed of active ingredients that are free from metals. This can be an alternative to arsenic-based OBPA, a common antifungal additive that has a high risk of contaminating water sources and harming aquatic life eventually causing regulatory concerns. Michael Ruby, President at Microban International, commented: “MicroGuard, is a metal-free technology designed to combat fungal growth on PVC products, as well as on PU and EVA foams. MicroGuard’s more favorable toxicity profile is ahead of the curve in terms of shifts in the regulatory landscape concerning built-in antifungals for these goods, offering manufacturers a highly effective built-in solution to increase product durability.” MicroGuard has obtained global registration and can be seamlessly integrated into PVC, PU and EVA products at the point of manufacture, and has been designed for use in a broad range of applications. Manufacturers can treat polymer products with MicroGuard both in pellet and liquid forms.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/505/entocycle-secures-5-mn-series-a-to-license-tech-solutions-for-insect-farms.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/505/entocycle-secures-5-mn-series-a-to-license-tech-solutions-for-insect-farms.html Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:22:17 +0530 The new funding confirms Entocycle as a leading global player in the rapidly-growing insect industry The UK’s leading insect technology company Entocycle has announced a $5 million A Series investment in a funding round led by Climentum Capital, a Climate-Tech Venture Capital firm based out of Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm. The new funding confirms Entocycle as a leading global player in the rapidly-growing insect industry as it looks to place its cutting-edge technology at the heart of large-scale insect farms worldwide. The company will use the investment to roll out a suite of products and services to serve established insect companies and new entrants into the insect industry globally. Entocycle will expand the team from its current headcount of 21 as it seeks to commercialise operations and make its products and services more accessible to the market. The company has also developed a turn-key modular fly cage, a highly efficient breeding system and offers a full BSF farm design, commission and build service to new entrants to the insect industry, with growing interest from large-scale food producers looking to secure protein-supply or waste management companies looking to upcycle organic waste into higher-value products such as protein or lipids. The investment is a boost for the climate and natural world as the growth of alternative proteins, such as insects, is considered to be a key driver to reducing environmental issues, including deforestation linked to soy, overfishing and pollution related to agricultural waste disposal into our rivers and seas as well as improving food security. According to a recent study by WWF, the UK could replace 20 per cent of its soy imports with insect protein by 2050. The global insect protein market is showing no signs of slowing down, with demand for insect protein forecast to reach 3 million tonnes and be worth $9.46bn by 2030. According to another recent report, the global black soldier fly market specifically is expected to grow 30.5 per cent CAGR from 2022 to reach $3.96b by 2033. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/503/israel-embarks-upon-a-professional-training-program-for-a-reform-of-the-overseeing-of-edible-fish-in-israel.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/120/503/israel-embarks-upon-a-professional-training-program-for-a-reform-of-the-overseeing-of-edible-fish-in-israel.html Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:53:42 +0530 EU invests 250,000 euros for the development of official guidelines for the inspection of fish and fish products The European Union invested 250,000 euros in full funding of a new training program for the development of the official guidelines for the inspection of fish and fish products and the overseeing thereof, starting from the rearing stage, the entry of the fish into Israel, the laboratory tests and the marketing methods. The purpose of the program, piloted by the Veterinary Unit of the Food Service at the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, is to improve the overseeing of the safety and quality of raw fish for food and fish products, throughout the shelf life thereof, which includes importing, marketing and exporting and this in accordance with the study of the work procedures applied and accepted in the European Union. The program will commence this week. The program will last eight months, during which there will be professional training for the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture staff, the drafting of the guidelines, trainings as part of symposiums for practitioners in the field, and according to the need for legislative updates. Pnina Oren Schneider, Head of the National Food Service at the Ministry of Health, stated. “Inspecting the food products that arrive in Israel, including fish and fish products, is intended to protect public health and ensure that the imported food that reaches the consumer will be of high quality and safe for consumption. The need to draw up uniform procedures and guidelines based on internationally accepted norms, will improve the procedures for receiving shipments to Israel and make it easier for all those involved in the field, whether veterinarians or importers and marketers.” ]]>