July-Aug 2020 edition of Gulf Agriculture

ISSN 1751-8407 JULY

AUGUST

2020

Y O U R G AT E WAY T O T H E M I D D L E E A S T A G R I B U S I N E S S

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Powerful and Sustainable Disinfection Solutions

24

K+S’ Innovation for Solid Fertilizer Manufacturers

30

Blockchain in Agriculture: Solving Agri-Food Supply Chain Issues with New-Tech

34

Bags and Containers from Poland

38

Spanvall Poultry Bedding Considerably Reduces Pododermatitis/ Footpad Burns

YOUR IN HYGIENE CONTROL

A sustainable way of disinfection

Targeted and controlled disinfection with Huwa-San Huwa-San TR-50 is the original silver stabilized hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. It’s a chlorine-free, ecological and biodegradable technology with a long-lasting, controlled effect, thanks to the presence of a stabilising agent. The unique formulation makes Huwa-San a powerful broad spectrum disinfectant that is both stable and safe.

Huwa-San can be used during and before cultivation to create a hygienic and safe environment for your crops. The crop change is the perfect time to give your greenhouse a boost hygiene-wise. Huwa-San allows you to do this in 3 ways:

Fogging of greenhouses

Irrigation water treatment via constant dosing or shock dosing

Disinfection of surfaces, equipment and materials

Safe for humans, crops and environment

Active at a broad temperature and pH range

Sustainable and effective

Non-corrosive

Biofilm removal and re-growth prevention

No harmful residues or by-products

Odour, color and taste-free

Easy to dose and easy to measure

User-friendly, simple and versatile to use

The product also reduces the need for crop protection products, and helps to deal with diseases of viral (TMV, ToBRFV, CMV, PMV, …), bacterial (Agrobacterium, Xanthomonas, Erwinia, Clavibacter) or fungal origin (Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora, …).

Contact our international export team for tailor-made advice, based on your specific needs. *

Huwa-San TR-50 (397B) is a recognized biocidal product. Use biocides safely. Before use, read the label and product information. * Certified for use in organic farming in accordance with EU 834/2007 and EU 889/2008.

More information: www.roamtechnology.com • export@roamtechnology.com

Contents Editor Megha Mary Matt Associate Editor Jessie Jorge Graphic Design Elizabeth John Contributors Dr. Hansel Geo Thomas Neville J. Chandler Shakeeb Kolakadan Registered Office Matt Media Intl. Ltd. 12 Gateway Mews London N11 2UT United Kingdom US Office Matt Media (USA) LLC. 1713 E. Morgan Court Gilbert, Arizona 85295 Middle East Offices Matt Media LLC. Sharjah Media City United Arab Emirates Al Saad Adv. & Publishing LLC P O Box 25694, Sharjah United Arab Emirates info@gulfagriculture.com www.gulfagriculture.com Gulf Agriculture is a publication from Matt Media Intl. Ltd. (UK) and is read by agri professionals, farm managers & owners, landscape consultants, contractors, agri-equipment suppliers, horticultural engineers, greenhouse managers, agronomists, veterinary surgeons, ministries, poultry & dairy breeders, importers, distributors, manufacturers and wholesalers of food and agri inputs.

22 Cover Photo Courtesy: Ascot Pro-G, UK

News Planter Bags Disinfectants Crop Science Fertilizers Lighting Irrigation

04 20 22 23 24 26 27

36

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All rights reserved. The opinions and views expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Readers are requested to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The publishers regret that they cannot accept liabilities on any error or emissions contained in this publication.

Printed and published by Matt MediaŠ Intl. Ltd.(U.K.) 2020

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28

Agriculture Machinery 28 Research 29 Supply Chain Solution 30 Middle East Update 32 Polish Update 34 Dairy Farming 36 Poultry Bedding 38 Poultry Nest 40 July-August 2020

MARTEX PLANTING BAGS AND CONTAINERS ®

THE COMPANY FROM POLAND OFFERING PRODUCTS FOR NURSERY SECTOR, AND FOR ORNAMENTAL, FRUIT, FOREST PLANT RAISING OR RECULTIVATION

Parking and transportation of planting bags, other types of containers, mulch mats and rings

Mulch mats for weed protection

Small mulch mats

Elastic mulch mat

Packing and transportation

Arrangement and transportation

Arrangement and transportation

Packing and transportation

Metal trunk shaping rings

ARBO®-STRONG

ARBO®-SAUNA

100% jute container in 270-360 g/m2 density

MARTEX® - TEXTILE PRODUCTS FOR RAISING OF ORNAMENTAL, FRUIT, AND FOREST SEEDLINGS, OR FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECULTIVATION Products commonly applied at nurseries, both in temperate and hot climate Used for raising trees in the forest, idle land, semi-desert area, steppe …….

Excellent for tree planting by the road and highway, useful for the purpose of general cleaning works, composting, and in any similar applications…….

Our representatives: D-Hermann Meyer KG: e-mail: mail@hermann-meyer.de NL/GB-B&P Co., www.b-en-p.nl Scandinavia: OY Urban natural Ab, www.natural.fi Russia: Landscape Design Ltd., www.garden-center.ru Ukraine: Demetra Ltd., e-mail: demetra@com.ua Bulgaria-Romania: Hermann-Meyer, www.meyer-shop.com Abu Dhabi: Arid Land Co., LLC., www.aridlanddevelopment.com e-mail: aridland@emirates.net.ae

News HE EISSA ABDUL JALIL AL FAHIM VISITS ICONIC AL RAWABI FARM, PRIOR TO ITS REOPENING TO PUBLIC On Wednesday, 17th of June, HE Eissa Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Member of Al Fahim Group Supervisory Board visited Al Rawabi Dairy farm and production plant on a private visit. He was welcomed by Dr. Ahmed El Tigani, CEO of Al Rawabi Dairy Company.

During his visit, HE Eissa Abdul Jalil Al Fahim observed that Al Rawabi is much more than just a farm: it is an institution that is fore front of dairy farming in the region since its inception in 1989 having started with just 500

cows. Today, with over 15,000 cows, a dairy plant, a juice plant, and a centre for feed production, Al Rawabi is not only the region’s largest dairy producer, but also the best.

Behind the name remains an ever-striving motto to be the responsible, holistic and innovative company, while providing the most wholesome, nutritious and delicious products to the consumers, keeping in mind the overall environmental sustainability and the ever-changing needs of the community.

“Al Rawabi Farm is located only 200 meters away from the plant, which ensures milk reaches the plant within few minutes. We are keen on guaranteeing freshness in every drop, every day.” says

Dr Ahmed El Tigani, CEO, Al Rawabi Dairy Company.

“Al Rawabi constantly works with the government institutions, schools and representatives of the communities, to be on the cutting edge of health in the region.” he added. Through years of dedicated research, Al Rawabi keeps on developing enriched dairy products to help combat the ever-growing health concerns specific to the region, including Vitamin D deficiency.

HE Eissa Abdul Jalil Al Fahim was shown the full milking process. His Excellency observed the cutting-edge technology that is being used to ensure each cow is taken care of to optimise milk production, such as innovative shade displays and sprinkler

AIPH ANNOUNCES MAJOR ONLINE CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT ORNAMENTALS INDUSTRY RECOVERY

‘Recovery from Crisis – the future for Ornamentals’ is the title of a major online conference to be organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in association with FloraCulture International (FCI). Growers, breeders, traders, retailers, manufacturers, associations, and media are invited to participate in the first global online conference for the ornamental horticulture industry. Supporting partners include CIOPORA, Florint and

Fleuro Select.

To be held live on 15 September 2020, the conference will start at 08:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST). The conference will be a 3D Virtual Event using the most advanced 3D technology in the world. It can be accessed from any device, and all you need to attend is a good internet connection.

Recovering from the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic is the focus for every business in the ornamental horticulture industry, so AIPH is bringing together leading global experts to provide their ideas and guidance for the future.

The conference will address the shared issue of crisis management with speakers on handling crisis, business and investment implications, the impact on future mergers and acquisitions and understanding the impact on the end consumer.

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Following this, the focus will move to the cut flowers industry with views from major supermarket retailers, florists, traders, online sales companies, and flower auction markets.

A panel of grower representatives from key producing countries will debate the impact of the pandemic on the sector and what needs to happen to create a more resilient supply chain.

The third session will focus on plants and trees with further discussion from leading growers, retailers, and breeders on how to take the sector forwards. The conference will close with an international panel to debate ways of stimulating market demand and how to grow out of the crisis into a brighter future.

For more details about the technology, speakers and programme and to book your place, visit www.aiph.org/conference-2020/

July-August 2020

News systems to keep the cattle cool in the summer months.

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, Al Rawabi temporarily closed the farm to the public.

“Al Rawabi has at heart to ensure that its 15,000 cows are milking healthily, providing consumers with the freshest and most qualitative products possible during these hard times” concluded El Tigani.

FOOD SECURITY DIGI-CONFERENCE GATHERS EXPERTS TO ADDRESS IMMEDIATE FOOD SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MENA REGION Featuring high-level participation from Ministries and Government organisations in Saudi Arabia,

UAE, Lebanon, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, South Africa, Finland, and New Zealand.

The first of its kind virtual Digi-conference hosted from Dubai took place on 29 – 30 June, 2020 via video conferencing technology. The conference launched with the goal of gathering a select group of experts in the agriculture sector to discuss the latest trends and innovations in agriculture and the opportunities in improving the quality and quantity of domestic produce.

The conference kicked off with a keynote presentation from Fatema Al Mulla, Senior Research Analyst, Food Security Office, Ministry of Cabinet Affairs & The Future, Prime Minister’s Office and looked specifically on food

security in the UAE and how they are working towards a more food secure future delivery. Al Mulla recognised the UAE’s achievements in the sector; last year the UAE climbed up the Global Food Security Index rankings from 31 in 2018 to 21 in 2019. The drastic improvement is a direct result from the efforts and funding allocated from the government into ensuring the UAE continues to drive technology and innovation.

A panel discussion was held to discuss the initiatives in the MENA region that are in place to support the continued growth of the sector, Ag-Tech Building Code, Unified Agriculture License, Agriculture Loan Guarantee and Food Security Data

NEW!

OMNIA XF2

ALL GRADERS IN ALL CAPACITIES IT’S UP TO YOU TO CONFIGURE moba.net July-August 2020

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE. Moba’s premium line in egg grading and packing machines the Omnia series, is now available in all capacities. The highest food safety standards in the industry are combined with Moba’s famous individual egg handling, resulting in the most efficient machine available. All leading egg producers have embraced this latest technology, underlining the capabilities of the Omnia series. Coupled with Moba’s worldwide service network, you can count on many years of worry-free operation.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

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News Platform being just a few of the initiatives currently in place. The panel was led by industry leaders including Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, Adviser to the Minister, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE; Mariam Eid, Head of Agro Industries Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lebanon; Dr. Naufal H Rasheed, Advisor of Agriculture Policy and Investment, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Oman; and Salvatore Stephen Lavallo, Project Manager, Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

The conference hosted more than 200 attendees along with 30 regional and international speakers as well as 11 sponsors participating throughout the two days.

MENA Food Security DigiConference: Agriculture is the first of a series of virtual events focusing on food security organised by DigiConnect, a division of Great Minds Event Management.

CLARIANT’S BIO-BASED ADDITIVES FOR BIOPOLYMERS AWARDED OK COMPOST INDUSTRIAL & OK BIODEGRADABLE SOIL CERTIFICATION Good news for the development of sustainable compostable products. Clariant’s bio-based processing & dispersing additives for biopolymers used in plastics– Licocare® RBW Vita range, Licolub® FA 1 and Licowax® C – have been awarded the “OK compost INDUSTRIAL” certificate.

Awarding test and certification body, TÜV Austria Cert GmbH, also granted to Licocare RBW 102 Vita the“OK biodegradable SOIL” label, which is a key attribute for agricultural

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applications.

Licocare RBW Vita additives, based on > 98% renewable content, enable biopolymer manufacturers and compounders to achieve faster processing with additional performance improvements especially in terms of glossier, smoother surfaces and higher durability for the final product. In addition, the certification of this additive as “OK compost INDUSTRIAL” brings the assurance that the additives added to the formulation of specific plastic products - such as yoghurt pot packaging or textile fibers meet the stringent requirements of TÜV regarding compatibility with the industrial composting facilities used to recover biomass at the end of their use lifetime.

This OK compost INDUSTRIAL certification reinforces Clariant’s collaboration with its customers to advance biopolymers’ commercial adoption into an ever-wider range of applications.

One example of a running partnership in this field is, as previously announced, with the UK-based Floreon-Transforming Packaging Limited, which develops and markets proprietary compounds based on PLA and containing 70-90% renewable, plant-based raw materials.

Furthermore, OK biodegradable SOIL has been awarded to Licocare RBW 102 Vita. This product can be utilized to enhance agricultural coatings for applications such as fertilizers, adjuvants and seeds. In these areas, Licocare RBW 102 Vita can contribute to better film forming and flowability, increased water resistance and anti-caking. In addition, the biodegradable feature can decrease the environmental impact of coatings in the soil.

These certifications are just

the latest additions for the EcoTain® awarded Licocare RBW Vita solutions. Several products of the range carry also the Cradle to Crade Products Innovation Institute’s Gold level Material Health Certificate.

TROPIC BIOSCIENCES PARTNERS WITH BASF TO DEVELOP INNOVATIVE TRAITS FOR GROWERS Tropic Biosciences announces their research agreement with BASF to utilize Tropic’s groundbreaking GEiGS™ (Gene Editing induced Gene Silencing) technology to develop traits to address growers’ most critical challenges in protecting crops.

The collaboration applies the Tropic Bioscience GEiGS™ platform within BASF’s strategic crop varieties and utilizes BASF’s expertise in the development of agricultural traits. “Our R&D teams must continue to innovate to address the most pressing challenges in agriculture, so we welcome this new tool to accelerate the delivery of sustainable trait solutions to farmers,” said Brian Vande Berg, Vice President of Trait Research in BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division.

Under the agreement, Tropic Biosciences will generate GEiGS™ candidates that have the possibility to enter the BASF discovery pipeline for development of disease and pest control traits.

Jack Peart, Chief Commercial Officer of Tropic Biosciences, commented: “We are excited to make the GEiGS™ platform available for use by other companies and we are delighted to see it being applied not only in tropical crops but now in row crops through our

July-August 2020

News collaboration with BASF.” He went on to say that “GEiGS™ is a powerful platform that allows us to address some of the most critical disease and pest pressures faced by growers today.”

GEiGS™ technology utilizes established genome editing tools to make precise and specific changes to only a few nucleotides within noncoding genomic locations of a host organism. These changes redirect RNA interference (RNAi, also Gene Silencing) activity of noncoding genes towards target genes, including those belonging to pathogens and pests. The approach does not depend on the introduction

of foreign genes into the host genome.

Tropic Biosciences developed GEiGS™ to support its own product development, for example to produce lines of banana that are resistant to Panama disease, a devastating fungal disease that is threatening production globally. “Our aim is to help farmers increase productivity and improve sustainable environmental practices for tropical crops by applying cutting-edge gene editing technologies,” said Gilad Gershon, CEO of Tropic Biosciences. “GEiGS™ is attractive for us as it radically expands our ability to develop and commercialize nontransgenic disease resistance traits.”

VERTICAL FARMING CONGRESS MAKES VIRTUE OF VIRTUAL The first Vertical Farming World Congress will now be held online on 22-24 September, with numerous innovations to help develop an emerging community of leading producers, funders, suppliers and customers. Its theme will be ‘Shaping Food’s Future.’

“We already had top speakers confirmed from around the world including North America, the Middle East and Asia as well as Europe,” commented Richard Hall, Chairman of the food and drink experts Zenith Global and the event’s organiser.

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News “Now, instead of one vertical farm tour, we plan to offer a selection. Beyond chance encounters, it will be possible to contact other delegates and set up meetings beforehand. Questions can also be tabled in advance and sessions will be recorded for later review. Regional welcome receptions will enable introductions to other delegates from the same geographic area.

“When you add the advantages of extra people being able to attend because of no travel, time being used more flexibly and costs being substantially lower, we believe we can deliver even greater value,” Richard Hall added. “I hope attendees will be surprised how virtual can be made to feel real.”

Full programme and booking details are available at www.zenithglobal.com/events.

Topics include: market opportunity; an industry

leadership panel; strategic alternatives between aeroponic, aquaponic and hydroponic systems; technology briefings ranging from lighting and robotics to overall system design; a nutrition briefing; a funding panel; and key innovator case studies.

IPM ESSEN GAINS GREAT POPULARITY FOR 2021 Industry sees the world's leading trade fair as an essential communication platform.

“Personal contact cannot be replaced by digital communication", the advisory board of IPM ESSEN agreed in its first meeting after the Corona break.

The crisis has made it clearer than ever how important exchange within the green industry is in order to stay up to date and to drive the business forward. The next IPM ESSEN from 26th to 29th January 2021

at Messe Essen offers all this. In addition to an extensive range of exhibits in the fields of plants, technology, floristry and garden features, a top-class supporting programme with trend shows, workshops, forums and competitions will accompany the world's leading fair for horticulture. The prerequisites for a safe and orderly course of events in times of the Covid 19 pandemic are right: With the holding of the first trade fair in Germany after the contact ban, Messe Essen has proved that trade events with appropriate hygiene requirements function successfully.

The Advisory Board of IPM ESSEN met for the first time after the compulsory corona break. The representatives from industry associations, economy and politics see a high demand for information and communication for the coming IPM ESSEN. Not only the corona virus was occupying the industry.

FLOWER EXPO ASIA 2020 STAGED SUCCESSFULLY Flower Expo Asia 2020, the show upgrading form the former Flower Expo China, was successfully staged this August 3rd-5th at China Import & Export Fair Complex, committing to being the most professional flower expo in Asia and unveiling postpandemic industry trends for

worldwide flower planters, distributors, floral product suppliers!

As the most-anticipated flower show, Flower Expo Asia 2020 has been a magnet of varied industry players, including Hongyue, Shengyin, Weishi and other potted plant & flower giants, nursery container and florist supplies from Huanmei, Jiesheng, Rong Long, Hongxing Agriculture, Yawa, Caizhipen, and so on, fresh-cut flowers from 24 Floral, Delifor, Yihe, Lynch, Bailixin, Hasfarm, Aibida, De Ruiter and the like, and growing media made by Kronen, Garden Bee, etc.

Preserved flowers and mosses remained the shining stars among all on-site products, delivering a complete industry chain with dozens of floral design companies like Pakei,

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Gardenmen, Fan Floral, Flower Forever, etc. Locating at Guangdong, China’s biggest manufacturers of plotted plants, the Show also gathered pools of business chances for companies of florist supplies.

Shutdown of offline business in the first half of 2020 pushed more flower suppliers to turn their eyesight to online business. Catching the rising tide of e-commerce, Flower Expo Asia 2020 stressed more on online florists by cooperating with online platforms like 24 Flora, Huaeb, etc.

Another buzzword in the 2020 show is Home Gardening, as exhibit analysis showed that, more and more enterprises are trying to develop the related product lines for occupying a seat in the home gardening sector.

July-August 2020

News Climate change and sustainability as well as the shortage of skilled workers are still the decisive topics.

"The corona pandemic has a global impact on the green industry. The market has to sort itself out again.

Fortunately, gardening products such as fruit and vegetable plants, but also bedding and balcony plants are more popular than ever.

Many other aspects, such as environmentally friendly packaging solutions and energy-efficient production, are still topical in horticulture.

IPM ESSEN is therefore all the more important. It is our motor and our platform to discuss future questions and find answers. It creates

security and makes a considerable contribution to mastering crises together and strengthening positive signals," says Eva KählerTheuerkauf, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board and President of the North RhineWestphalia State Horticultural Association, looking forward to the next edition of the world's leading fair for the horticultural sector.

NEW PERSTORP FERTILIZER SOLUTION SHOWN TO INCREASE POTATO YIELD BY UP TO 22 PERCENT New research from the University of Lublin in Poland demonstrates that

Perstorp’s chloride-free potassium source Amicult™ K42 significantly increases potato yield when compared to non-foliar fertilization and other potassium source foliar feeding. The results highlight how this new product can make a real impact on profit margins and overall performance.

Amicult™ K42 was shown to improve potato yield by up to 22 percent when compared to non-foliar fertilization.

Furthermore, the innovative fertilizer solution was found to improve yield by an average of 17,2 percent over 2 years compared to when foliar fertilization was not applied.

When compared to potassium sulphate, the most common

Substrates with highspeed for your plant growth

Stender Agency for Arabic countries Mohamed Adel Zaraa Tel.: +39 335 716 15 37 Mail.: mozaraa@gmail.com www.stender.de July-August 2020

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

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News potassium source for potatoes, Amicult™ K42 improved yield by a significant 3-4 percent.

The promising new findings are the result of field experiments conducted with potato and foliar fertilization by University of Lublin Life Sciences researchers on behalf of Perstorp. The potato yield trials took place in field conditions at three locations with different soils, during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons in the Zakrzew, Lublin region.

Dr. Slawomir Michalek, PhD of Lublin University, who lead the research, is confident on the potential for this new fertilizer solution. “Our team is studying the impact of different foliar fertilizers, in order to compare their effect on the crops. After three years of studies, it is clear that Amicult™ K42 has a significant positive impact on potato yield, also compared to other foliar fertilizer components,” he notes.

Martina Håkansson, Business Development Director at Perstorp, concurs. “This work further demonstrate the potential for Perstorp Amicult™ K42 as a water soluble, chloride-free potassium source which can work wonders for crop quality and yield. We are excited that the body of evidence in growing around Amicult™ as the smart way to increase profitability, improving crop yield and water use efficiency”, she adds.

Perstorp, a global leader in the specialty chemicals market, entered the fertilizer market with the launch of Amicult™ K42. The chloridefree and water soluble potassium source is ideal in a wide range of fertilization and irrigation methods,

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thanks to its high solubility and safe handling. In foliar fertilization, the high uptake, high solubility and liquid form ensure that it’s an optimal tool for increasing crop yield.

EIMA INTERNATIONAL 2021, AN EXHIBITION UNDER THE BANNER OF SAFETY Scheduled in Bologna from 3 to 7 February, the great event of agricultural machinery ensures compliance with rigorous safety standards that supplement national and international regulations with organizational and logistical criteria specifically designed for this exhibition.

Among the most significant innovations, the wi-fi control room for monitoring the crowding of the exhibition venues, the task force responsible for controlling any gatherings, and the booking service for refreshment points.

The EIMA International exhibition, which will hold its 44th edition at the Bologna exhibition centre from 3 to 7 February 2021, will be the first major event of the year dedicated to agricultural machinery.

It will feature nearly two thousand exhibitors from 50 countries - divided into 14 product sectors and the five thematic Trade Shows dedicated to "Components", "Green", "Idrotech", "Digital" and "Energy" - offering over fifty thousand models of machines and equipment for every type of work task, making this exhibition the main technical reference for operators from all over the world.

It will also be the first "in person" exhibition in this sector after the Covid 19 emergency,

which has led to a sharp slowdown in production and business activities. For reasons of safety and health protection, the crisis forced the cancellation of trade exhibitions scheduled in 2020.

"Given the above - explained the President of FederUnacoma Alessandro Malavolti during the press conference, held recently in streaming - the February EIMA must be the event of reference also as regards the criteria and safeguards for the safety of exhibiting companies and the vast audience of visitors and businesspeople, offering the highest standards employing specialized medical devices".

"These must take into account the general rules set by national and international political and health authorities - added Malavolti - supplementing them with organizational and logistical criteria specifically designed for this review".

ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN AGRICULTURE: NOW IS THE TIME Cars electrify, now farm vehicles. The new 215-page IDTechEx report, "Electric Vehicles and Robotics in Agriculture 2020-2030" explains.

This is a drill-down from the popular report, “Electric Vehicles in Construction, Agriculture and Mining 2020-2030”. Even in the most advanced countries, few farms can provide the power to fast-charge a Tesla or an electric tractor, let alone large farm vehicles. All the same, many agricultural vehicle makers are going electric because the charging capability, affordability and other factors are rapidly falling into place just as they are for road vehicles.

For example, farm electricity can now follow the robots.

Renovagen sells a microgrid

July-August 2020

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SEAC COMBI Combined equipment for the double layer working: deep tillage and surface crumbling

News that, from the back of a farm truck, unrolls its solar cells like a carpet along a field and eWind develops tethered drones generating similar 30kW levels of electricity from the wind, specifically targeting farmers.

As with cars, we have had the phase of electric variants of farm vehicles based on existing platforms and therefore not very successful but Kubota and John Deere newly have “born electric” concept tractors reading to the strengths by being robotic with triangular tracks.

Lower cost of ownership is compelling but lower up-front cost is the killer blow, part of the reason why small outdoor and greenhouse agrirobots are all electric: price parity comes first with small vehicles. They pick fruit more gently, minimise poisons, increase yields. The report embraces farming, forestry and turf care in the form of manned electric vehicles and robotics. See new infograms, graphs and timelines for the present - including much news from 2020 - and future. Grasp the challenges of this industry from Japan and China to the UK and USA, the remarkable new technologies and systems

approaches being adopted and what comes next.

This report assists all in the value chain. Electrification and robotics go together. Their effect is pivotal. Up-to-date interviews, analysis and forecasts were prepared by multi-lingual IDTechEx analysts at PhD level across the world.

Presented without equations, the emphasis is commercial, not academic.

NEW HOLLAND AGRICULTURE LAUNCHES THE CH CROSSOVER HARVESTING COMBINE RANGE New Holland Agriculture is launching the CH7.70 combine, which introduces a brandnew, Crossover Harvesting™ concept that brings together outstanding Twin Rotor® separation technology with the brand’s proven and renowned conventional threshing technology.

The new Crossover Combine sets a new benchmark in capacity for mid-range combines, delivering outstanding grain

and straw quality, and is equally at home in all crops and conditions. The highly fuel-efficient engine with patented HI-eSCR 2 technology for Stage V compliance, delivers high productivity with extremely low operating costs. This performance comes with the superior comfort of the Harvest Suite™ Deluxe cab.

Lars Skjoldager Sørensen, Crop Harvesting Product Management Global, commented: “We designed the CH7.70 for professional arable farmers and contractors looking for a combine that delivers consistent, high performance in all conditions together with low cost of ownership. The new CH7.70 combine brings to our customers all the benefits of 45 years of Twin Rotor separation excellence combined with our best threshing technology – best-in-class productivity, top grain and straw quality, crop-tocrop versatility and reliability with low operating costs. This unique concept heralds the new era of Crossover Harvesting by New Holland.”

Lionel Gleyroux, Combines and New Holland Flagship

MATTHIAS HAU LEADS EVONIK´S EMEA-REGION Matthias Hau has been appointed as Evonik's Regional President for the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Region, effective July 1. This goes hand in hand with the merger of the former Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa Regions and the countries of Western Europe which will be consolidated into the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Region.

The Evonik EMEA Region will consist of five regional clusters: Central Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Russia, Turkey, and Western

Europe (without Germany).

Matthias Hau explains: “We are bundling our competencies and bringing together our expertise combined with the proximity to our markets and customers. Thus, we can tap even more into the potential of the EMEA Region for the Evonik Group.”

Matthias Hau joined Evonik in 1982.

Since then, he worked in different management functions and locations across the world including England, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India,

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and Germany. Prior to this appointment, he was responsible for the Eastern Europe Region and the functional unit Sites Western Europe.

July-August 2020

News Europe stated: “The new Crossover combine creates a new segment in New Holland’s wide offering, between midrange conventional and flagship rotary models, further extending the choice of solutions for our customers, capable of meeting the specific needs of all types of farming operations. The new Crossover Harvesting concept takes the best of our harvesting expertise to create the opportunity for every farmer and contractor to be more productive, versatile and effective. It offers the best of both worlds – New Holland’s best Twin Rotor and conventional technologies – to deliver segment-leading throughput."

“With the new Crossover Harvesting concept, our customers just get more: more productivity, more quality, more savings. The new CH combines proudly bear the Crossover Harvesting logo on their livery to signal the revolution they introduce under the hood,” he added.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President, concluded: “New Holland revolutionised the way farmers harvested over 45 years ago. Today, with the launch of the new CH Crossover Harvesting combine, it confirms its global harvesting leadership.

“Our brand offers a wide choice of technologies capable of meeting the specific requirements of every farming operation with solutions focused on innovation, sustainability, and outstanding cost efficiency.”

THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN TAIWAN Taiwan is moving towards Agricultural 4.0, which calls for the agricultural industry to optimize manpower, resources, and the overall

July-August 2020

industry. In recent years, the development of applied agricultural ICT (Information and communications technology) has become a global trend.

Taiwan's Council of Agriculture has also listed the integral application of ICT as one of the government's top priorities. Taiwan boasts its highly advanced ICT industry, and the key to the next level lies in being able to incorporate that technology into various different aspects of our new agricultural industry.

Starting 2018, COA has invested 1 billion USD in subsidies for the farming industry to upgrade farmers' facilities, machinery and encourage the adoption of IT to reduce the reliance on manpower. Right now is the time for entering the Taiwanese market as the agricultural industry goes through its transformation phase and has an increased market demand for complete system solutions, not to mention Taiwan is also the prime market for other ASEAN countries to test out and search for new technologies.

Smart farming and green agriculture are the highlights of our trade show. We have key companies in Taiwan to exhibit at the show. Yuan Kai Machinery Co., Ltd., with their history of making various carts and cultivators also offers an automated fertilizer spreader to replace manual fertilizing to increase efficiency. ALIGN Corp.,Ltd., offers state-of-the-art agricultural drones that can increase the spray efficiency up to 30 times of manual spraying.

Tatung Co. promotes an integrated smart greenhouse system that monitors the environmental condition of the greenhouse for data collection and real-time feedback, which will also promote efficiency and cut

down the need for manpower.

Taiwan is well known for its strong agricultural technologies in the world. Visitors from ASEAN region come to find the latest applied technologies, facilities and tool supply. As of now Taiwan has several agriculture example zones in cooperation with countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. These countries have chosen Taiwan as their partner based on Taiwan's location, weather conditions and industry know-hows. Taiwan can offer all the necessary agricultural technologies and manufacturing capabilities that these countries need to take their own agriculture industries to the next level. With Taiwan's advanced breeding technology, ASEAN countries can also find specifically bred seedlings customized for subtropical climate.

With the close ties between Taiwan and ASEAN countries, it makes Taiwan Smart Agriweek a mutually beneficial place for both international exhibitors and buyers. Here international exhibitors can meet not only local Taiwanese buyers, but also other Asian buyers. In other words, Taiwan Smart Agriweek (3-5 December 2020) is a perfect platform designed for tapping into Taiwan and ASEAN markets.

Don't miss out!

OFRF AND FFAR ANNOUNCE GRANTS TO ADVANCE SOIL HEALTH RESEARCH The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) are pleased to award three grants to researchers in California, Pennsylvania and Texas to bolster soil health by

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News developing innovative organic strategies for controlling weeds, pests and disease. OFRF and FFAR formed a partnership in 2019 to increase funding for research that improves soil health and reduces environmental impacts.

“Developing bold strategies to mitigate pest, weed and pathogen damage is critical to improving environmental health,” said FFAR’s Executive Director Dr. Sally Rockey. “FFAR is proud to partner with OFRF to fund innovative soil health management techniques that enhance crop productivity and support thriving farms.”

Martin Guerena with the National Center for Appropriate Technology was awarded $17,337 to measure the efficacy of biosolarization—a new innovation in the realm of weed control that combines soil solarization (trapping solar radiation under a plastic tarp) with biofumigation (using biologically-active plant substances to suppress soilborne pests and pathogens).

Biosolarization includes the incorporation of organic amendments such as compost, cover crops and green manure under solarization plastic. The carbon from these organic materials produces chemicals

with bio-pesticidal activity, which acts as a fumigant when heated by the sun to eliminate weeds, and soil-borne pests and diseases. The research team aims to show that biosolarization can achieve equal or better weed control in less time compared to solarization alone. The research is taking place on three organic farms in the Sacramento Valley in Northern California.

The semi-arid, subtropical climate in Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley leads to yearround weed and pest pressure, which poses significant challenges for farmers.

Historically, organic farmers in this region have relied on

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS Chemical fertilizer is a fertilizer composed of non-organic cultivated elements that stimulate the growth of crops. They consist of chemical nutritional elements that are artificially extracted. Chemical fertilizers are uniform and constant in composition and work faster than organic fertilizers because they almost immediately dissolve in water. However, they work for a short time. That’s why they cannot provide plants with the necessary nutrition for a long time. Also, no organic material is added to the soil, so the soil life will not be enriched or stimulated. Because chemical

fertilizers are very salty, they extract the moisture from the soil.

Organic Fertilizers Organic fertilizers can play a role if you want to grow crops in a more sustainable way. They have several advantages over chemical fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers are made out of natural materials that are extracted from animal or vegetable material.

Therefore, this type of fertilizer is more environmentally friendly, but it also takes more time for the nutrients of these fertilizers to reach the plant. This seems to be a disadvantage, but because of the

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gradual release of the nutrients the risk of over-fertilization is very small in contrast to chemical fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers strengthen the natural processes on the land and feed not only the plant, but also the soil. This creates a versatile soil life making plants visibly more vital and resilient. Organic fertilizers also focus on preventive protection of the plant.

The resistance to pests and diseases is increased in a natural way.

Benefits of organic fertilizers •O rganic fertilizers ensure an airy soil structure •T he use of organic fertilizers makes the soil healthier and more fertile •O rganic fertilizers are available to the crop for a longer period than chemical fertilizers •O rganic fertilizers do - unlike chemical fertilizers - not contain sodium (salts) •T he resistance of the crop is increased naturally Curious about the organic fertilizers

by Ferm O Feed? Please visit www.fermofeed.com

July-August 2020

News intensive tillage as a primary weed management strategy; yet tillage is detrimental to soil health and costly for farmers. At the University of Texas Rio Grande, Pushpa Soti received $19,620 to address weed and pest management in this region.

Soti is evaluating whether cover crops can restore soil health, suppress weeds and reduce pest populations. This research will provide farmers with information on cover crop selection and management that improves the long-term sustainability of organic agriculture systems.

BIOPHILIA, THIS YEAR'S NEWCOMER TO IBERFLORA LABS Following the recent lack of activity, Iberflora is now re-launching Volume II of its Ideas Laboratory, which intends to focus on the connection with nature and defend the need for green spaces in all areas of society, a reality that has become all the more apparent after the months spent in lockdown.

The organisers of Iberflora, the international plants, flowers, landscaping, technology and garden DIY trade fair, which is being held from 6th to 8th October at Feria Valencia, met a few days ago to finalise the details of what will be the second Iberflora Labs, the leading forum for reflection and innovation in the plant and garden sector in Europe.

In its second year, Iberflora Labs will be talking about biophilia (or love of nature) and will be dealing with how to go green in homes, retail outlets, offices and other public spaces.

In fact, this concept has gained in importance, as a result of the lockdown. Houses and homes have played a central role in

July-August 2020

our lives over the last few months with people taking refuge in them.

"Gardens, balconies, patios and plants have become important again because of the wellbeing they provide. In addition to the quality of life and the fact that they purify the air, they have been a constant and have kept us company", states Miguel Bixquert, the Director of Iberflora, who adds that the theme of the second Iberflora Labs, devised several months ago, dovetails perfectly with everything that is happening in the world.

Today, biophilia is once again very much in the news.

More than 50% of the world's population now lives in cities with over 300,000 inhabitants, and forecasts estimate that this percentage will reach 70% of the population by 2050, making it absolutely essential to review the spaces in which we live, work and play.

In fact, there are more and more architectural examples that connect building and nature: the Bosco Verticale in Milan, the three-star Michelin Azurmendi restaurant in Vizcaya and the Repsol Campus in Madrid are just some of the names that have a biophilic design in their framework.

Iberflora will thus defend its commitment to embracing “green” in all areas of society, as well as the need to be increasingly connected to nature.

INTERPOMA 2020 IS CHANGING FORMAT AND GOING DIGITAL Interpoma 2020, the international fair dedicated to the world of apples planned for the coming

November in Bolzano will be presented in a new hybrid format, which will see events both in digital format and in physical presence. "Interpoma Connects 2020: Digital Days for the Apple Economy", which is the name of the appointment, will take place 19 and 20 November, while the traditional physical exhibition will be moved to 2021. The decision was made by the Board of Directors of Fiera Bolzano after having conducted a survey among the international public and was of the opinion that the distinctive international character of Interpoma was therefore potentially compromised due to the present and future international travel restrictions.

Interpoma 2020 will be changing look and become “Interpoma Connects 2020: Digital Days for the Apple Economy”, two days of events and webinar. The new format which will replace the “traditional” fair the 19 and 20 coming November foresees the traditional international Congress “Interpoma Congress” available both online and in person, “Interpoma Future Hub”, a digital platform for the promotion of international start- and scaleups, and new events as “Interpoma Business Match”, a virtual matchmaking platform for companies and customers in collaboration with EEN (European Enterprise Network) and the Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano. The “traditional” fair, with the exhibits will be held next year, from 4 to 6 November 2021.

In the last few years Fiera Bolzano, along with the collaboration of customers and partners, has invested a great deal in the

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News internationalization of Interpoma reaching during the 2018 edition, 20,000 visitors and 460 exhibitors from 74 and 24 countries worldwide. This is precisely what led to the decision of transforming the 2020 format

and moving the “Classical” fair to 2021 so as not to compromise this important and essential component of internationalization of the event due to the many widespread international travel restrictions.

“Over the years we have done everything possible to give Interpoma an international aspect together with our partners and customers. At the end of the day this element is crucial. However, the international character of Interpoma is also

4 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VERTICAL FARMING LED LIGHTING One of the main components that make vertical farming possible is the evolution of light emitting diodes (LEDs). As LEDs become more and more accessible and affordable, the futuristic idea of vertical farming becomes more realistic for cities all over the globe. In here, we’re going to share four important facts regarding vertical farming LED lighting and how these systems are important to the future of farming.

LEDs are the best lighting system for vertical farming With their ability to be highly energy efficient, LEDs produce light at optimal power while being able to last a long time. These effective light solutions are able to last for nearly six years, which is quite longer than other lighting solutions. What makes LEDs perfect for vertical farming is that they’re able to be confined in tight spaces with vertical layered crops, and they don’t emit too much heat. Other lighting solutions such as HPS or MH lights will damage vertical farming systems

because they release too much heat, which is harmful to the crops.

LEDs are a cost-effective, energy saving solution HPS lighting systems consume too much power in order to emit the same light levels as LEDs, which is why LED lighting systems are paving the way toward an affordable indoor growing environment. One of the significant benefits of using LED lights is that these advanced lighting systems do not consume as much power, which leads to reduced energy costs and higher productivity.

They use a visible spectrum to match the plant’s grow cycle The innovative uses behind vertical farming LED lighting is that these systems use wavelengths on a visible spectrum to promote plant growth.

When you see those pink colored lighting systems, this means that the LED lighting system is using a miniscule wavelength between the red and blue spectra to produce the pink

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glow. Plants depend on blue lightwaves to enhance the leaf’s color and prevent stretching, and the red light waves optimize photosynthesis. LED lights are able to emit the wavelengths needed to grow healthy, bountiful plants by mimicking their required natural environment.

LEDs are sustainable solutions to growing foods Farmers are learning to work with LED lights because of their sustainable, efficient solutions. These vertical farming LED lighting systems are able to provide controlled lighting all-year round, which allows for optimal plant growth. Also, by having a controlled indoor LED lighting environment, crops are saved from yearly harsh environmental conditions such as flooding, drought, hurricanes, and more. By being able to mimic sunlight, LEDs are a cost-effective solution to growing sustainable and healthy foods all year round indoors.

For more information, visit www.nickgreens.com

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News essential in the world of apples where South Tyrol is a leader on the world market. Hence the decision for a new, internationally accessible digital format” states Armin Hilpold, President of Fiera Bolzano.

“The Covid-crisis has proved that nothing can replace physical encounters when it comes to business relationships. However, it is in these particular times that our new concept hybrid event formats enable us to remain active in the international business community and to connect our exhibitors with their clients” – concludes Armin Hilpold.

The appointment therefore is online the 19 and 20 November 2020 with “Interpoma Connects 2020: Digital Days for the Apple Economy”, and, for those who wish also at Fiera Bolzano for “Interpoma Congress”.

TRACENEXT REVELUTION IN THE AGRI - FOOD INDUSTURY Today, amidst lockdowns and growing pandemic, global food value chains stand disrupted across all commodities. Food safety has been a growing global concern that is only set to rise in this covid world. It is in these times that it has become more imperative than ever, to ensure unadulterated and safe food across global food value chains.

As billions worth of food moves through the global food value chains, assessments and traceability of the food remain subjective or non-existent leading to losses in procurement, trade, storage, production and consumption.

Digitization of such value chain towards making food safe, trackable and of desired

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consumer quality, needs to be accelerated and implemented at much faster pace than ever.

SourceTrace is a globally leading name in traceability and has already implemented solutions across diverse sectors such as fruits and vegetables, organic cotton, vanilla, aquaculture, flavors and fragrances, spices, honey and more. Working across 28 countries since 2013, SourceTrace’s DATAGREEN platform helps companies track their produce from global locations across all stages while maintaining complete transparency and assurance of quality.

AgNext solves the problem of quality, bringing the best of the technology world for agribusinesses.

Using state of art technologies in computer vision, spectroscopy and IoT, AgNext has created the singular platform QUALIX, through which trade quality and safety parameters for multiple commodities could be assessed in a minute, enabling agribusinesses to leapfrog their procurement and operations processes, optimise costs,provide traceability, sharpen and smoothen blockchains and most importantly produce excellent products of highest quality for consumers and ensure fair-trade practices with farmers.

Helping businesses ensure the quality of food right from the Farmgates to the consumers, AgNext has partnered with key nodal institutions in multiple commodities and has also been working with leading corporates in each of the segments.

By combining their solutions and signing anMoU, AgNext and SourceTrace have created a

technology platform, TraceNext, that for the first time in history, can provide complete value chain traceability with an assurance of quality from the Farm Gates to the consumer.

The benefits for such a platform as TraceNext, brings immense value to multiple commodity value chains, ensuring various aspects like trace food origin and chain of custody, monitor ethical and sustainable practices used in growing the food, complete value chain traceability – from farm to consumer, legal and compliance norms, instant quality testing on trade and safety parameters, instant trade decisions without any delays and dependencies, andensure Blockchain and FairTrade practices in commodity supply chains.

As per FAO, the value of trade in food is US$ 1.6 trillion per year. The estimated cost of food safety incidents for the economy of the United States is around $7 billion per year.

Similarly, food fraud and safety scandals have cost over $8 billion USD every year in APAC alone. The health, sustainability and economic impact of such a solution can not be underestimated.

TraceNext fills that gap, providing a seamless solution catered to agriculture and food businesses that they always desired but never had as a single platform, ensuring complete control over quality and guarantee safe food to their consumers.

A NEW EU-FUNDED PROJECT ON LANDBASED CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION What is the realistic potential for agriculture, forestry, and other land use sectors to

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News enhance the uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere? This question will be answered by the LANDMARC research project, which officially started on the 1st of July. Funded by the European Commission, the nineteen LANDMARC consortium partners will spend the next four years (2020-2024) working to estimate the climate impact of land-based negative

emission solutions, for example in agriculture, forestry, and other land-use sectors, assess the potential for regional and global upscaling of negative emission solutions, and map their potential environmental, economic, and social co-benefits and trade-offs.

Land-based negative emission solutions are expected to play a pivotal role in future climate

actions and policy scenarios. To date most climate actions have focussed on phasing out fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in, for example, industry, electricity, and transport.

While zero emission trajectories in these sectors will remain a priority for decades to come, it is expected that some residual GHG emissions will remain. To be able to fulfil the Paris Agreement and

IGS ANNOUNCES REFERRAL PARTNERSHIP WITH IREP IN MIDDLE EAST IGS is delighted to announce a referral partnership agreement with International Real Estate Partners (IREP), the international facilities management firm. The agreement is specifically focused on indoor vertical farming for the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets.

The agreement will enhance the capacity for IGS to service the Middle East market and bring greater opportunity to secure and deploy vertical farming platforms across the region. IREP’s presence in this market is well established with many existing customers across agriculture, retail and construction. The agreement establishes the opportunity for IREP to refer potential customers and support in the deployment, construction and management of vertical farms.

The highly sophisticated plug-andplay vertical farming technology developed by IGS assures the efficient production of food in any location in the world. The modular indoor farms offer an highly controllable platform designed to maximise productivity whilst minimising energy consumption and allowing the production of consistently high-quality produce at scale.

Ole Mygind, Managing Director of IGS Agri business commented: “The signing of this agreement is a very positive step forward for both IGS and IREP in the future deployment of

vertical farming platforms in the Middle East. The imperative need for systems such as ours has been highlighted in the last few weeks as global reliance on complex food supply chains has been dramatically impacted.

“Many countries around the world have plans to secure an independent and sustainable food supply chain. Vertical farming can be a key part of that solution, we believe, particularly in areas where arable land is minimal and there is a high reliance on importing food. These systems offer a secure, controlled environment, independent of weather and location to provide a sustainable, secure food supply across a range of crops.”

Christina Porter from IREP commented: “We have been working with IGS since 2018 to enable its entry into the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets. We wholeheartedly believe that IGS’ vertical farming technology is best-in-class, and with an excellent management team behind it, that it can be the solution that many clients in the region are now looking for to address food security and sustainability.

Through this agreement, IREP will

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work very closely with the IGS management team to ensure that its product penetrates the market here and is delivered in a very effective and efficient way.”

IGS has designed all its products to be highly pragmatic, flexible, modular and scalable in line with market requirements.

The R&D team at IGS has developed, patented and productised a breakthrough, IoT-enabled power and communications platform consisting of patented electrical, electronic and mechanical technologies as well as the world’s most sophisticated ventilation system for its Growth platform. All this is managed by a SaaS and data platform using AI to deliver economic and operational benefits to indoor environments across the globe.

For more information, visit www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com

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News meet the world’s climate goals research, policy and markets are increasingly looking at landbased negative emission solutions.

The LANDMARC project will enhance understanding in the area by providing better estimates of the realistic potential of land-based negative emission solutions in agriculture, forestry, and other land use sectors.

The research activities will deploy a mix of earth observation technologies, to be able to (better) monitor and estimate the effectiveness of land-based negative emission solutions, a suite of climate, land-use, and economic simulation models, to better estimate the true (scaling) potential of land-based negative emission solutions, both from an earth systems and human systems perspective, and a social sciences-based approach for effective impact assessment and engagement with local and regional stakeholders - across 14 countries and 5 continents that are already work on implementing negative emission solutions.

The LANDMARC project is actively seeking collaboration with fellow research projects operating in our study countries and regions. Collaborations can include exchanging / sharing earth observations data and information (e.g. satellite, remote sensing, in-situ), climate change and land-use scenario development and modelling, assessing climate resilience and climate sensitivity of negative emission solutions, assessing generic and context-specific co-benefits and trade-offs of land-based mitigation solutions (environmental, societal, economic), and engaging with local and regional societal actors such as NGOs, local

July-August 2020

governments, forestry/ agriculture cooperatives (i.e. co-hosting events).

MACFRUT DIGITAL IS SOLD OUT A total of 500 exhibition units has been reached, against 200 initially planned. A huge number of participants from China have chosen Macfrut to promote their fruit and vegetables in Europe.

Macfrut Digital, 8-10 September 2020, is sold out and has added a new virtual pavilion. In addition to the nine pavilions planned during the launch phase, there is now a tenth pavilion dedicated to international exhibitors, the “Country Pavilion”. In fact, a huge number of participants from China has joined the event along with many others from five continents. China will be present at the digital trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector with 50 companies representing the various segments of the fruit and vegetable industry, especially production.

‘This is a clear indication that Chinese companies have realised that this project has great potential and that they believe in this way of communicating and doing business,’ explains Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut.

‘Today, we need to tackle the market differently compared to just a few months ago. The signs we are receiving from Macfrut Digital point in this direction.’

Also due to the large number of participants from China, the Digital Trade Fair is sold out and registrations have been closed. 500 exhibition units have been taken up, which will represent the entire fruit and vegetable

industry. Piraccini continues: ‘The response has been far greater than we could have anticipated. When we presented the Macfrut Digital project three months ago, we set ourselves the target of 200 units. Due to the growing number of requests for participation, we decided to increase the number of units to 500. We have now achieved this goal and are very satisfied with the response, which comes as a challenge for the entire sector. I would like to thank the global network of the ICE – Italian Trade Agency offices for their invaluable contribution.’

Song Juguo, Deputy Director General of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center, explains: ‘In order to hold business meetings and create business opportunities for Chinese companies, the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China will set up a Chinese national pavilion at Macfrut Digital. More than 50 Chinese companies will participate in the trade fair to showcase their fresh fruit and vegetables, including apples, table grapes, pears and many other fruits such as kiwis, peaches, subtropical fruits such as lychees and lemons, and tropical fruits such as mangoes, and oranges.

Buyers will also find chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts and other nuts as well as peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables.’

The Chinese delegation will also hold a “ChinaEurope Fruit Business” Forum that will be accessible to everyone on the Macfrut Digital website following registration.

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Planter Bags

WANGARA HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES “NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH”

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HS Australia is debuting its World Wide Launch in the Gulf Countries with a product specifically designed with the MENA region’s climate in mind.

Introducing the Innovative and Patented Desert Bag™. This new product is exclusively available through WHS Australia and is the product of engineering and manufacturing advances that allow for a Grow Bag that is produced specifically for the Middle East growers and tree farms.

This new and exciting product will allow growers to keep their trees in Grow Bags for a longer period of time.

It will also allow for safer transportation of trees and inspection of the root ball at all stages of the plants life. The design includes: Sun protected handles that are wrapped in a fabric that will break down over time, but will keep the integrity of the handle intact.

An extra band at the top diameter ensure the handles do not come away from the Grow Bag. A double layer material around the entire bag ensures that Sun Damage is limited to the outer layer,

while leaving the structure of the bag untouched.

A new perimeter belt ensures the bag stands up solidly and supports the root ball.

One model of the Desert Bag™ includes a side opening that allows for inspection of the root ball, easy removal of the tree from the Grow Bag as well as

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the opportunity to Re-Use the Grow Bag. The company has announced that existing customers will be receiving sample Desert Bags™ in the next few weeks to begin growing Better Trees and Bigger Profits. There is also an opportunity to register your interest for a sample by sending your details to info@whsaustralia.com.au

July-August 2020

Disinfectants News

POWERFUL AND SUSTAINABLE DISINFECTION SOLUTIONS

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oam Technology creates effective and sustainable disinfection solutions for various applications such as horticulture, livestock, the food and beverage industry and more. The company guides companies in their fight against all kind of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, with a sustainable product, tailor-made advice and support.

Their best known product range is Huwa-San, the original silver stabilized hydrogen peroxide.

The unique formulation makes Huwa-San a powerful, highly effective, broad spectrum disinfectant that is both stable and safe.

Huwa-San can be used during and before cultivation to create a hygienic and safe environment for your crops. The cultivation change is the perfect time to give your greenhouse a boost hygiene-wise. There are a few different options when it comes to Huwa-San disinfection: water can be treated via constant dosing or via shock dosing; surfaces, even equipment and materials can

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be disinfected in an effective and safe way; and the Huwa-San fogging option even allows you to disinfect complete greenhouses or other indoor spaces.

Huwa-San is a chlorine-free and biodegradable technology that ensures stable and pure water provision, enabling your crops to grow in an optimal environment.

A few benefits: • Prevents the growth of algae and breaks down biofilm.

• Long-lasting, controlled effect.

• Reduces the need for crop protection products.

• Ensures optimal supply of fertilizers.

• Safe for humans, crops and environment.

• User-friendly, simple and versatile to use.

• Simple to dose, quickly and easily measurable.

More information: www.roamtechnology.com export@roamtechnology.com, T. +32(0)89-440042

July-August 2020

Crop Science

BAYER TAKES STEPS TO MAKE CARBON SEQUESTRATION A FARMER’S NEWEST CROP OPPORTUNITY

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ayer to reward growers to generate carbon credits by adopting climate-smart practices and creating a new revenue stream on-farm / The initiative makes Bayer the first company to develop a transparent, science-based and collaborative approach to a carbon market in agriculture.

Agriculture may now have another solution to positively impact climate change thanks to a new initiative launched by Bayer.

Bayer will start rewarding farmers in Brazil and the U.S. for generating carbon credits by adopting climate-smart practices – such as no-till farming and the use of cover crops – designed to help agriculture reduce its carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Bayer’s industryleading Carbon Initiative is the result of years of work validating a sciencebased approach and methodology to make this happen. It recognizes the pivotal role growers and their land can play in helping to create lasting, positive environmental impacts and is the latest in the company’s sustainability commitments specifically aimed at reducing field GHG emission by 30% in 2030.

“Farmers are passionate environmentalists and stewards of the lands they farm,” said Brett Begemann, Chief Operating Officer of Bayer’s Crop

July-August 2020

Science division. Their lives and livelihoods depend on the weather, and they are some of the first to be affected by drought, flooding and extreme conditions. If anyone has a vested interest in battling climate change, it’s farmers and we are committed to developing new business models like this unique Carbon Initiative to help them in that fight.”

Soil is one of the most effective

ways of sequestering carbon.

Incentivizing farmers to embrace no-till, precision nitrogen use or cover crops helps further sequester carbon into the soil, reduce fossil fuel usage and reduce greenhouse gases. While today farmers get rewarded solely for their food, feed and fiber production, those participating in the Bayer Carbon Initiative will have the opportunity to be rewarded for their best farm management practices and other

sustainability efforts as well.

The program’s 2020/2021 season will include approximately 1,200 farmers in Brazil and the U.S. In both countries, farmers will receive assistance in implementing climate-smart agricultural practices and Bayer will acquire the carbon removals created by those practices at transparent prices.

The company is also collaborating with partners such as Embrapa in Brazil to build a viable carbon market for farmers.

Bayer plans to expand the program in the U.S. and Brazil to other farmers and then later into other world regions with tailored approaches that will allow growers to choose what climatesmart practices and implementation works best for them. In Europe, we are exploring how this innovative approach could be adapted as part of the European Green Deal. In AsiaPacific, our goal is to help increase productivity for smallholder farmers as well as reduce methane emissions from rice farming.

“We are excited to partner with farmers through this new Bayer Carbon Initiative,” Begemann added.

“We’re honored to take this major step with farmers to create a carbon-zero future for agriculture, an important legacy that we can create with farmers to leave to the next generation.”

For more information, visit www.bayer.com

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Fertilizers

K+S’ INNOVATION FOR SOLID FERTILIZER MANUFACTURERS

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ranuAid is a natural and organic anhydrous Magnesium Sulphate, mined in Germany, containing 98 % MgSO4, used as an additive or an anti-caking agent in the production of AN based fertilizers (AN, CAN, ASN, ASS) or in NPK complex (20-20-0-13) fertilizers.

K+S is currently the only player in the market able to produce this natural formula

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and therefore provide a unique competitive advantage to solid fertilizer manufacturers.

Why is the use of GranuAid® unique?

The product acts as an additive, internal desiccant or as a stabilizing agent in solid fertilizers with multiple benefits: • Improving granulation, prevent caking by decreasing moisture in the finished product

and improving Mg content in the final product.

• In AN based fertilizer, GranuAid is applied at 0.1 – 1.0 %, typically 5 – 10 kg/MT to improve granule strength and keep the material free flowing during storage.

• In NPK complexes (DAP-AS based fertilizer complexes), GranuAid has multiple applications and benefits: 1. applied to the hot melt before

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Fertilizers

granulation to chemically bind water as water of crystallization.

2. applied as coating on the powder surface to strongly absorb free moisture from the air.

3. applied during packaging to absorb left over moisture during storage. • GranuAid is virtually free from organic compounds, chlorides and heavy metals and helps to complement the fertilizers with additional nutrients such as Mg and S in traces.

Agronomic & Technical Advisory The advisory service of K+S aims at transferring existing and new research findings in the field of

July-August 2020

plant nutrition to agricultural practice. Farmers all over the world benefit from this know-how, which enables them to implement new and promising methods in their fertilization practice, and to thereby improve yields and quality of their harvests. Our commitment and our expertise represent a significant contribution to securing global food supply and to protect the livelihoods of farmers. Benefit from our expertise and feel free to approach our team of international agronomists.

About K plus S Middle East K plus S Middle East FZE (KSME) is a subsidiary of K+S Minerals and Agriculture

GmbH, a fertilizer mining company with the headquarter in Kassel, Germany. KSME is a sales and marketing platform of the K+S group in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey (MENAT) and India.

Located in Dubai, UAE, we offer an agricultural and industrial product portfolio. Our fertilizer specialties, mined from natural salt deposits in Europe, contain potassium, magnesium and sulfur. Under the soluFamily we also offer a wide range of water-soluble fertilizers for fertigation and foliar application.

To learn more about GranuAidÂŽ, visit www.ks-middleeast.com

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Lighting

DUTCH ROSE GROWER MARJOLAND ACHIEVES HIGHER PRODUCTION AND EXCELLENT QUALITY WITH SIGNIFY’S DEDICATED LIGHT RECIPE FOR ROSES

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arjoland, one of the largest rose growers in the Netherlands, has achieved the highest quality and a higher production for its Red Naomi! Roses by using the dedicated rose light recipe for its hybrid lighting installation provided by Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting. Previously, research has shown that it was possible to either get a higher quality rose or improve the production level of the crop. Marjoland shows improved yield and quality in its production facility with the hybrid lighting setup.

“With 20% more light we have a significant higher production, with a more uniform quality. By using Signify’s LED lighting, with the light spectrum especially designed for roses, we’re able to lower our energy consumption and at the same time deliver a

26 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

more homogeneous quality of roses to our customers all year round,” says Daniel van den Nouweland, General Director at Marjoland.

With 20 hectares, Marjoland is one of the largest growers in the Netherlands growing five varieties of roses. The family business decided to start with LEDs in a hybrid lighting setupa combination of HPS and LED lighting - for its Red Naomi! crop, there by increasing the light level from 230 µmol/m2/s to 330 µmol/m2/s LED. Thanks to this combination of HPS/LED, Marjoland has uncovered the secret to producing the best quality roses at a higher production level to meet its customer demand. The Philips GreenPower LED toplighting compact and -linear, with the dedicated light recipe for roses, are available with a very high

efficacy of up to 3.2 µmol/s.

To develop the ultimate light recipe, separate trials were conducted at Delphy under full LED lighting. The research shows that the light recipe has a positive influence on leaf quality and bud size. Moreover, the buds of the roses are over 50 mm in length and can be preserved for more than 10 days during winter. The number of stems is good, with about 6,2 stems per m2 per week. The improved output, consumption and efficacy of the modules combined gives many opportunities for rose growers to increase their light intensity and reduce electricity consumption while maintaining the right balance between production and quality.

For more information, visit www.signify.com

July-August 2020

Irrigation

SAVE ENERGY WITH LOW-PRESSURE SPRINKLERS AND PRESSURE REGULATORS

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umping water for irrigation is perhaps the biggest consumer of energy on a farm. This has become a major concern for farmers affected by rapid increases in energy prices.

With unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures, efficient irrigation is now crucial to meet the growing need for more food and fiber. All these factors combined have prompted many farmers to adopt new irrigation technologies designed to lower their energy usage. Thus, they have converted high-pressure irrigation systems to energyefficient models with low-pressure sprinklers and pressure regulators.

How Low-Pressure Sprinklers Save Energy Many pressurized irrigation systems still use impact sprinklers that deliver enormous amounts of water using pressures between 2 to 4 bar (30 to 60 psi). They require pumps to push large volumes of water through the pipeline at rapid velocities to maintain their wetted patterns.

More efficient systems use lowpressure sprinklers designed to operate around 1 to 2 bar (10 to 25 psi). These sprinklers reduce pumping demands without significantly reducing flow, so crops can continue to receive a healthy amount of water. They also let farmers reduce their pump size or trim their impellers to reduce horsepower requirements.

More importantly, low-pressure sprinklers can further reduce energy requirements by increasing irrigation efficiency.

High-pressure impact sprinklers throw water into the air in a concentrated stream. The splasharm interrupts the stream, producing small droplets intended

July-August 2020

to fill in the wetted pattern, but which are easily carried by wind and can rapidly evaporate. In contrast, low-pressure sprinklers tend to produce larger droplets that are more resistant to strong winds and evaporation.

Well-designed, low-pressure systems can achieve a distribution uniformity of up to 95 percent.

When less water is lost, the sprinklers can run for shorter intervals. Some low-pressure options, like Wobbler® sprinklers, apply water instantaneously in a 360-degree wetted pattern.

Application intensity onto the soil is very low, with an effect comparable to that of light rain. This helps maintain the soil’s infiltration capabilities. Impact sprinklers apply water with a concentrated stream, which can cause severe soil disturbance, surface compaction, and run-off. They generally take 60 to 120 seconds to cover their wetted circle.

How Much You Can Save Energy savings vary depending on the specific irrigation system, hours of operation, flow, and operating pressure. Still, farmers can expect to see energy savings of about 50 percent by switching to low-pressure sprinklers.

For example, a 2,8 bar (40 psi) system with 40m³/hour flow operating at an 80 percent pump efficiency for 1000 hours per year at 76 cents per kW hour, would cost about € 2602 per year.

Switching to a 0,7 bar system would reduce that cost to € 650 per year. That is a € 1952 savings.

How Pressure Regulators Help The correct water pressure is key to achieve optimal distribution uniformity and proper flow through the emitters running

along a pivot line. Crops need the right amount of water at the right time, and pressure regulators help make this happen.

Pressure regulation is particularly important in lowpressure systems, where a slight pressure variation can have a significant impact on application rate. For example, a pressure variation of 0,14 bar (2 psi) on a sprinkler designed to operate at 0,69 bar (10 psi) is equivalent to a 20 percent pressure variation. This alters the flow by 10 percent.

There are multiple factors that can cause pressure deviations.

Some of the most common reasons for pressure fluctuations are elevation changes in a field, pressure loss through pipe fittings, activation of end guns, and cycling on and off of various irrigation zones and valves. Because every irrigation system will experience some pressure fluctuations, you need pressure regulators to ensure that your irrigation system operates the way it is designed.

Pressure regulators will help control these fluctuations and assure sprinkler distribution uniformity by maintaining a constant outlet pressure.

For more information, visit www.senninger.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

27

News Agriculture Machinery

FOLDABLE AVR RIDGER MEETS DEMAND FOR MECHANICAL WEED CONTROL

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espect fully using our soils and cultivating efficiently are key for a sustainable agricultural sector.

Both private individuals – who determine demand in supermarkets – and governments are calling for a change of techniques, which is clear from the fact that all manner of chemical crop protection products and weed killers are rapidly and increasingly being prohibited. Mechanical weed control is more and more an essential part of our cultivation technique and is no longer limited to biological cultivation.

For years now AVR has been successfully designing and selling its combination machine, which consists of a base chassis with a characteristic weight transfer system, to which different elements can be added. This way the machine can be used

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as a speed ridger, hoe-rake ridger or eco ridger. The eco ridger and hoe-rake ridger ensure environmentally friendly mechanical weeding on the ridge sides. The eco ridger scrapes off the weeds, applies a fine layer of soil and finishes by reforming the ridges (i.e. the ideal machine for ridging in several steps).

The hoe-rake ridger, on the other hand, ensures a deeper removal of the weeds, which makes it very efficient for use in root cultivation. The speed ridger uses large ridging discs to create large, tightly formed ridges when there is no need for a driven soil cultivation.

To meet the increase in scale in bio cultivation and the increasing demand for a complementary cultivation operation in conventional farming, AVR introduces a

foldable version to be able to remove weeds from even more ridges in one working passage time- and cost-efficiently.

Advantages • Extra wide working width for a time- and cost-efficient operation.

• Ridging using large ridging discs.

• Weed control on the ridge sides and/or reshaping the ridge is done from the bottom up, which means that, thanks to the eco elements, the machine can be used when crops are already present.

• Weeding on the ridge sides is possible using the hoe-rake ridger.

• The hydraulic weight transfer system makes sure the ridge is tightly formed at all times.

For more information, visit www.avr.be

July-August 2020

Research

GLOBAL COOLING EVENT 4,200 YEARS AGO MAY HAVE CAUSED THE EVOLUTION OF RICE

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n international team of researchers, including some from NYU Abu Dhabi, have identified a global cooling event 4,200 years ago, as a key factor in the evolution of rice. The study indicates that the cooling may have created new varieties of rice, and driven the subsequent spread across Asia of this global staple.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, the research, published in Nature Plants, reconstructs the evolutionary history of rice and its migration throughout Asia. While rice is now ubiquitous in global diets, its development, which began 9,000 years ago in China’s Yangtze Valley, is not well understood. By understanding rice’s development, new varieties can be developed which meet environmental challenges, helping secure global food supplies.

The study indicates that the japonica subspecies of rice diversified into temperate and tropical varieties as a result of a major climate cooling about 4,200 years ago, which brought civilization collapse in regions including Mesopotamia, China, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Researchers reconstructed the development of rice across Asia using whole-genome sequences of over 1,400 varieties in the two main subspecies of rice, japonica and indica, as well as geographic, archaeological, and historic climate data.

Lead Scientist and Silver Professor of Biology at New York University, faculty investigator at NYUAD's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, and the

July-August 2020

leader of the study Michael Purugganan commented on the research: “We are always concerned with how climate change will affect food security, including here in the UAE and the Gulf. By trying to understand how crops have evolved in the past to adapt to past climate change and different environments, we can hopefully find genes to help us today and in the future.”

Tropical varieties of japonica continued evolving after the cooling event - likely supported by trade and travel networks – and the study finds tropical japonica reached Southeast Asian islands 2,500 years ago. However, the evolution of indica was more recent, migrating into China approximately 2,000 years ago, having originated in India’s lower Ganges Valley around

4,000 years ago.

Genomic differences between tropical and temperate varieties of japonica uncovered in the study suggest that temperature was the most significant factor in rice’s evolutionary development.

The study involved researchers from across the world, including members of the Purugganan laboratory at the NYUAD Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, alongside experts at Pennsylvania State University, Universidade Nova de Lisboa in Portugal, the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Manitoba, University College London, North-West University in China, University College Dublin, and the University of California San Diego.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

29

Supply Chain Solution

BLOCKCHAIN IN AGRICULTURE: SOLVING AGRI-FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES WITH NEW-TECH

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here are factors of the agri-food supply chain that can be addressed by implementing blockchain in agriculture technology.

Challenges ranging from consumer demand for more information and greater transparency around the food they buy, to record-keeping and food integrity issues; this promising new technology may hold the answer.

The Agri-food supply chain The global agri-food supply chain is an inherently complex system; evolving since the age of hunter-gatherers through primitive agriculture. Today it is a globalised system comprised of many moving parts that make it ever-more complicated. The European Commission predicted that by 2015 approximately 12 million farms would harvest agricultural products that

30 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

would be processed by 300,000 enterprises in the food and beverage industry.

These products would then be sold to 2.8 million enterprises within the food distribution and service industry to feed 500 million consumers within the European Union. With such a complicated journey for food to reach our plates, one can expect many information management problems along the way within the supply chain.

Some typical concerns faced by actors in the supply chain include a lack of coordination due to individualistic mindsets and biased opinions and a lack of transparency, which can lead to food security issues like the well-publicised horsemeat scandal of 2013. A study carried out by Chopra in 2007 shows that supply chain coordination needs to happen at each stage to avoid cost implications. Many

researchers are now considering how blockchain technology could solve these problems to increase transparency and traceability within the system. “The epicure of the future will manufacture their food rather than rely on natural growth.�

What is blockchain technology?

In simple terms, blockchain is a digitised platform that stores and verifies transactions between users of a system. It is a shared ledger where one block represents one transaction, and it is decentralised meaning it can be accessed by all members of the system. Every block is unique to a specific transaction which cannot be altered, changed or reversed. This reduces the chances of corruption, meaning every transaction made is highly encrypted. The problem solved

July-August 2020

Supply Chain Solution by blockchain is one of building a consensus foundation for secure information without worrying about data tampering by any member who cannot be trusted by the whole network.

This emerging technology also has the ability to track a product from its origin and process it through the entire supply chain.

“We shall escape the absurdity of growing a whole chicken in order to eat the breast or wing, by growing these parts separately under a suitable medium.”

Companies from many industries are investing in pilot projects of blockchain technology, and food companies are no exception to this. Coffee giant Starbucks recently embarked upon a project called “Bean to Cup”; a tracking system for consumers who want to know exactly where their coffee comes from. Another pilot study carried out in South Africa attempts to trace the journey of table grapes from their origin to European consumers.

Why blockchain in agriculture could be good for agri-food business The length and complexity of the modern food supply chain has created distance between the consumer and producer, making it difficult for producers to directly address the consumer and their concerns around food. In the current system, most of the data and information is audited and handled by a third party and stored on paper or in a centralised database, which creates more room for food fraud. In 2017, Walmart carried out traceability tests on mangos and found that it took six days, 18 hours and 26 minutes to track it back to its original farm. By using blockchain technology, they

July-August 2020

Figure: Visual presentation of how blockchain ledger works

Source: Goldman Sachs Research

could provide all the information to customers within 2.2 seconds. What’s more, the technology could also help farmers who are obliged to trust the marketing teams responsible for promoting their products. It could give them a better insight into their own commodity. Implementing blockchain technology could result in an “Uberization” of the agri-food value chain; bypassing middlemen and reducing transaction fees.

Shortcomings of blockchain technology Just like other disruptive technologies, blockchain in agriculture has some short comings and socio-economic challenges. These include determining how to link physical flows to information flows and how to handle a high number of transactions in a single system. Some argue that the technology is still in its infancy, but business applications and proofs of concept are fast emergings. Another argument notes that while it does foster transparency, it sacrifices confidentiality in

the system, which in some cases is a risk.

Conclusion Blockchain technology is still looming. Knowing the reliability that digitisation brings, and the demand for data and food integrity, there is certainly scope for exploring this technology. It could prove helpful for value chain partners in making systems more transparent, business transactions and compliance processes more efficient, and reduce complex traceability operations. For NGOs, it could prove effective for investors to support inclusive business models.

Benefits not with standing, the question still remains: Would this new technology be superior to existing IT solutions? Whatever the consensus, it’s clear that overlooking blockchain technology due to a lack of understanding could result in a waste of resources and missed opportunities for businesses and society as a whole.

For more information, visit www.farrellymitchell.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

31

Middle East Update

KUWAIT’S NOX MANAGEMENT OPENS THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE INDOOR VERTICAL FARM IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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arm to produce daily 550 kg of tasty leafy green varieties in a highly automated indoor vertical farm in Kuwait. &Ever Middle East, a joint venture between Kuwait’s NOX Management and German company &ever, in partnership with German engineering companies SAP and Viessmann, has opened

the first commercial indoor vertical farm in the Middle East.

Kuwait, a country that previously relied on European and overseas imports for most of their leafy greens and herbs, can now locally grow up to 250 varieties of greens and herbs using Dryponics technology. The facility, with approximately 3,000 sqm growing (or faming) space, has a daily output capacity of up to 550 kg of salad, herbs, and cresses. The products are available in all leading retailers and coops under the brand name &ever Kuwait.

The farm produces high-quality and sustainable crops indoors, which increase Andy Froemmel, Managing Director, SAP Kuwait. the nutritional quality

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and decrease environmental impact. The cutting-edge vertical farming method uses 90 percent less water compared to traditional farming, 60 percent less fertilizer, and zero pesticides. Using a sustainable “farm to fork” model, the technology is able to preserve the plants’ nutritional value until the produce reaches the customer.

“Previously, Kuwait’s restaurants imported all of our greens and herbs, mainly from Europe,” said Faisal AlMeshal, Director of Strategy and Business Development, NOX Management. “Our JV with &ever and the partnership with SAP and Viessmann on this indoor farm is enabling the local farming supply chain to save on costs and logistics, to minimize waste,

July-August 2020

Middle East Update Farmers can monitor, analyze, and adjust hundreds of data points on plant health, airflow, light, carbon dioxide levels, humidity, and temperature in real-time.

“Technology is the foundation for transforming customer experiences in restaurants and agricultural production in Kuwait, and for fostering diversified economic growth and sustainable agriculture worldwide,” said Andy Froemmel, Managing Director, SAP Kuwait.

“Digitally transforming Kuwait’s agricultural sector supports New Kuwait 2035 goals, and helps to foster the local innovation economy and job creation.”

and to make a better choice for the planet. Our customers have enhanced experiences with tastier and fresher produce.”

This knowledge exchange complements Germany and Kuwait’s trade ties. Bilateral trade is €1.3 billion, and Germany’s private sector invests €14.6 billion in Kuwait, according to Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

"Germany and Kuwait strong partners in politics but also in business,” said His Excellency Stefan Möbs, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kuwait, who recently participated in a virtual media roundtable about the farm’s success hosted by the German Business Council Kuwait. “I welcome the innovative business idea of German

July-August 2020

company &ever specifically here in Kuwait. Both countries are seeking new ways in difficult times.

Even better to work together!”

Standing on the shoulders of “German Engineering” giants The farm has partnered with Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions to develop highly efficient climatized rooms which are used in its indoor vertical farm. The technology is 40% more energy-efficient than other indoor vertical farming systems when it comes to energy use for climatization. &ever built its operating system, &ever Cloud, using the SAP Business Technology Platform -- SAP HANA in-memory platform and SAP Cloud Platform.

&ever is ready to roll-out globally Building on the global deployment capabilities of its key partners, &ever will scale its operations quickly and globally. “Our vision is to bring better tasting greens with high nutritional value to more and more people,” says Mark Korzilius, Founder of &ever.

“We have an interesting pipeline of opportunities around the globe,” adds Dr. Henner Schwarz, CEO of &ever.

“We hope to be able to travel internationally again soon to get our next farms live as quickly as possible.”

The German Business Council Kuwait is a non-profit organization and business platform, founded in 2005, in order to promote and cultivate relations between German speaking individuals and companies with their counterparts from the host country and the region.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

33

Polish Update

BAGS AND CONTAINERS FROM POLAND M ARTEX®-Jerzy Marek Strenkowski, is a family owned company from Poland engaged in the production and supply of textile products for nurseries, including those can be effectively used in the temperate, dry or even hot climate.

The company offers

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different kinds of products including a series of containers under the common name of ARBO®.

Also there are nursery and transportation bags, bags for general purpose and for the collection of small plastic items (plastic bottles, cans, AL), household waste utilization, and many others.

Under the brand of

MARTEX®, the company offers mats for protection against weed, containers for ground and water perennials, expanding tape for connecting of tree and its support, multicolour marking tape, protective material for draining pipes and trees located near the roads and streets, tunnels/ sleeves for ventilation and weights used

July-August 2020

Polish Update in foil tunnels.

Additionally, the company offers the following range of products: jute textile (in bales and KARO type clothing), jute felt, knitted fabric/net for shading, bedding material for application directly on ground, geo-textile, foil and foam with thermo insulative properties for plants and objects (in bales and variety of formats), capillary mats for tables, wrapping band for trees, stabilizers of ground in the slopy area.

Water saving jute mat, for application in dry and hot climate, which effectively reduces water evaporation and its assimilation by weed; aluminum foil coated container which reflects sunlight, and thermo insulative inserts, for application inside bags, pots or directly on ground are also included in the product range.

ARBOÂŽ-EKO Biodegradable Containers (jute, jute felt), without impregnation extending resistance to decay, last about 2-3 months.

Natural material increases the visual value of the product during the exhibition and increases the aesthetics of the sale. The humidity around the plant is also increased, and additionally - humus, which forms when the natural raw material decomposes around the roots. They can be supplemented with such accessories as: handles, pockets, anti-weed covers, welts, utility or information graphics, etc.

ARBOÂŽ-STRONG Nursery Containers are the universal flexible containers for the production of ornamental, fruit, forest and reclamation seedlings on nursery farms, as well as in institutes, universities, agricultural dormitories, state and private forests, botanical gardens, urban greenery, environmental protection, etc.

MARTEXÂŽ delivers its products to more than 24 countries in Europe.

For more information, visit www.arbo.pl

July-August 2020

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

35

Dairy Farming

SUMMER HEAT STRESS IN COWS – BETTER MILK QUALITY WITH ANCO FIT

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ummer heat stress in cows is known to reduce milk yields and milk quality, reducing the profitability of dairy farms, which is why it is important to find ways to effectively manage it on farms.

Lactating dairy cows prefer ambient temperatures of between 5 and 25 °C, the “thermoneutral” zone. At ambient temperatures above 26°C, the cow reaches a point where she can no longer

36 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

cool herself adequately and enters heat stress. Where as the upper critical limit of the thermoneutral zone for dairy cattle is between 25 °C and 26 °C, the temperaturehumidity index (THI) is below 72.

Higher producing cows, and thus multiparous cows, are more sensitive to the effects of heat stress compared to lower producing or primiparous cows.

As milk yield increases from 35 to 45 kg/d, the heat stress threshold

is decreased by 5°C. Recent studies show that modern cows become heat-stressed starting at an average THI of 68 with the levels of stress increasing with increasing THI values.

Higher-producing cows exhibit more signs of heat stress than lower-producing cows because higher-producing cows generate more heat as they eat more feed for higher production. They must get rid of the extra heat generated

July-August 2020

Dairy Farming due to metabolizing more nutrients in the feed. As a result, much of the reduction seen in milk production is due to lower feed intake by the cow. Feed intake in lactating dairy cows starts to decline at around 25°C and drops more rapidly above 30°C. High producing dairy cows also have a higher metabolic heat load produced through processes such as lactogenesis and milk secretion.

Consequently, as milk production and metabolic heat production rise genetically, heat stress will increasingly limit the expression of genetic potential in the future.

The stage in the lactation curve at which the cow experiences heat stress is another important factor for the total lactation yield.

Cows are less able to cope with heat stress during early lactation and heat stress has the biggest impact during the first 60 days of lactation.

This is because cows are in negative energy balance and make up for the deficit by mobilizing body reserves in this early part of lactation. Catabolic processes are associated with heat production.

Summer heat stress in cows affects milk quality Milk quality is important for producers to earn monetary bonuses through lower somatic cell counts and increased butterfat/protein, increasing farm profitability.

Controlling somatic cell count (SCC) is a year-round challenge for most dairy producers, and hot humid weather intensifies this challenge. Heat stress generally increases the

July-August 2020

production of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS).

This can lead to oxidative stress, which again has been associated with increased SCC in milk.

Results from studies on the impact of heat stress on milk components are inconsistent, however several studies have reported reduced milk fat and protein levels in response to heat stress. Some researches argue that fat yield decreases could be explained by a decrease in forage intake with low fiber levels, and protein decreases could be attributed to reduced DMI and energy intake when the animal is

under heat stress. Other research has shown that milk fat depression during heat stress can be linked to depressed rumen health. Therefore, supporting optimal rumen function by nutritional means may help to reduce the negative impact of heat stress on milk fat.

Strategies to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress in cows Cool water It is highly important that cows are provided cool water during periods of high temperature.

Water is the primary nutrient needed to make milk and cows drink up to 50 percent more water

when the temperature-humidity index is above 80. Water should be easily accessible to cows and located in a position such that cows do not have to cross areas of hot sun.

Commercial trial with Anco FIT in cows during summer heat Gut agility activators, such as Anco FIT and Anco FIT Farm are designed to support the cow to adapt to challenges including heat stress more efficiently by minimising stress reactions including oxidative stress at the cellular level, shifts in the rumen balance and reduced feed intake.

Feedback from a commercial dairy farm with 750 cows in Germany during months where temperatures were recorded above 26°C included that SCC over a period of 3 months were reduced by 13% and milk fat and protein levels increased by 3%.

Furthermore, treatments for high SCC were reduced from 5 treatments/week to 1-2 treatments per week. Cows were fed a ration based on corn silage, grass silage, soya and grains, where Anco FIT was added at 30g/cow/day and received a milking concentrate in the milking robot.

It was concluded that feeding Anco FIT to dairy cows during hotter months helped the cows to cope with the heat better and reduce some of the stress reactions that would otherwise impact milk quality and cow wellbeing.

For more information, visit www.anco.net

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

37

Poultry Bedding

SPANVALL POULTRY BEDDING CONSIDERABLY REDUCES PODODERMATITIS/ FOOTPAD BURNS 38 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

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or several years, there has been an ongoing debate regarding problems with footpad burns in chickens.

Various measures have been taken to solve the problem and now Spanvall, already known for its quality shavings, offers a product that significantly reduces pododermatitis. An additional advantage of Spanvall’s product is that it is very suitable for both broiler and breeder production. The product itself is a patented blend of shavings and peat as well as micro woodchips and a low pH value of approx. 4.5%.

Jacob Ostergaard, Spanvall’s CEO: “We have developed a type of bedding that works perfectly in poultry houses. It has

July-August 2020

Poultry Bedding been found to reduce footpad burns to well below 5%. We can also see an improvement of FCR in the houses that use Spanvall Poultry Bedding.”

Over the past few years, Spanvall has been conducting research in order to find the most optimal bedding for both broilers and breeders: “Spanvall Poultry Bedding is optimized to absorb ammonia and also allows ventilation to penetrate the bedding and remove moisture from the house. Both of these measures help reduce pododermatitis enormously.”

The normal standard rating scale for footpad burns ranges between 0 and 50%, with 50 being the worst, but there have been cases where much higher ratings have been given. Fewer or no footpad burns means better animal welfare but also has a financial effect. Jacob Ostergaard explains: “When we bring pododermatitis down below 5% we see greatly improved FCR as well as substantially improved quality of the slaughtered chickens, all of which contributes to improved profits for the slaughterhouse and the farms. That's why we are talking about a combination of financial benefits and animal welfare."

This Spanvall product can be delivered in containers in big bales or in smaller bags.

For more information, visit www.spanvall.com

July-August 2020

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

39

Poultry Nest

KOOZII, THE BIGGEST AND MOST COMFORTABLE NEST FOR HAPPY HENS AND GROWERS

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he comfort and welfare of the hens and very careful handling of the eggs are the main priorities of the KooziiÂŽ group nest. Roxell offers a comprehensive range of nests for broiler breeders and commercial layers. There is now a Koozii group nest for every size of house and every possible layout, regardless of the regional differences, such as climate, stocking density and the specific needs of the poultry farmer.

Optimal conditions for happy hens The Koozii group nest has all the features required to make a hen feel comfortable. The nest has the largest nesting areas for broiler breeders or commercial layers.

The nest sections are on average 8% larger than other nests on the market. For a poultry farmer, the nest volume is an important factor, because more space means more oxygen and a more pleasant climate.

The perforated AstroTurf mat contributes to this. This artificial mat with small holes has the additional advantage that dirt is carried away from the nest. This means the nest stays clean. At the nest entrance, Koozii also has a step and curtains. For the hen, it’s an entrance to a safe space with

40 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

lots of shade, mimicking the conditions they prefer in nature.

Lots of space, oxygen, a clean nest floor and safety create a very high nest acceptance. Koozii creates a very natural environment for a hen to lay eggs.

Careful handling of eggs For the hatchery, eggs need to be clean and undamaged with no hairline cracks. The Koozii nest helps poultry farmers to achieve this result. Because the AstroTurf keeps the nest clean, the eggs also stay clean. Then the Koozii quickly yet softly rolls the eggs to the egg belt, out of sight of the hens.

Critical transition points, such as at the transport belt or the egg collection table, have been thoroughly tested by Roxell. Tests show that eggs easily glide over these transition points. During the transport from the nest, there will be no damage or hairline cracks.

The requirement for the eggs in the hatchery to be clean and intact is therefore guaranteed.

Koozii group nest is no exception.

The durability is created with the base frame and the quality of the nest slats. These components of the Koozii are strong and robust, meaning the nest can be used for many years. The nest makes daily tasks easier. For example, the curtains on the nest entrance can be lifted up in one go, which facilitates quick inspections. The animal friendly expulsion system prevents hens from getting injured, which results in lower mortality rates. The fact that the hens cannot stay in the Koozii group nest at night is good for hygiene. The nests stay clean, which keeps the eggs clean too.

This also allows you to stop the hens going broody. The Koozii nest is easy to dismantle when you want to thoroughly disinfect it. The Koozii can help poultry farmers to increase their profitability in the short and long term.

For more information, visit www.roxell.com

Profitable for the poultry farmer Roxell systems are known for being good investments in the short and long term and the new version of the

July-August 2020

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