News

ANPARIO SEES TURNOVER AND PROFITS RISE IN A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR GLOBAL AGRICULTURE MARKETS

Strong trading in Latin America and the Middle East and a welcome recovery in sales in Asia helped Anparioplc increase sales by 3 percent to £29m and gross profit by 7 percent to £14.5m in its results for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Anpario is a leading international producer and distributor of natural animal feed additives for animal health, nutrition and biosecurity.

“I am pleased we achieved such a solid performance in a difficult year for global agriculture markets challenged by extreme weather conditions, animal diseases and political uncertainty,” commented chief executive Richard Edwards. “We have made a sound start to trading in the current year and our strong balance sheet and cash generation provides us with the confidence that we can grow across our markets and capitalise on any opportunities which may arise.”

“We are very aware that the outbreak and subsequent spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus) is causing concerns to all industries. And, while we have not yet experienced any material impact on our business, we continue to monitor the situation within our business and with distribution and supply channels very closely. We are taking all necessary safeguards,” added Mr Edwards.

During the year, Anpario Direct’s online channel was launched in the UK to smaller farm customers as well as the equine and pigeon markets. It is the company’s intention to offer Anpario Direct in a number of other geographic markets during 2020. Also completed was the £1m investment in the automated bottling plant at Manton Wood and all previously toll-manufactured products have now been brought in-house.

Anpario’s product development activity continues with new formulations and extensive trial work with leading universities and producers. These innovations and developments highlight the company’s ambitions to deliver health, production and performance benefits too. This includes being able to reduce and replace antibiotics responsibly as part of a biosecurity solution.

HUMIC ACID GROWTH AGENT BOOSTS WHEAT YIELDS BY 29%

Developed through extensive testing and chelation research, MPXA is known for enhancing stronger growth in crops though stimulating oxygen uptake, increasing chlorophyll content and increasing the availability of macro and micronutrients to plant roots. However trials have revealed that MXPA is particularly effective with wheat crops.

Manufactured by Californian plant research-based agricultural production company FARMCo Affiliates LLC, MPXA has been producing remarkable results in wheat trials. A study by the Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Centre using MPXA produced an increase in bushels

GERMANY IS MOVING UP TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF BUSINESS COOPERATION WITH THE ARAB WORLD.

The Hanseatic Institute for Entrepreneurship and Regional Development at the University of Rostock, Germany, is currently working on a project focused on internationalization of German small and medium sized enterprises (SME). The project is financed by the Ministry of Economics, Employment and Health of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The project aims at unlocking a potential for cooperation between German companies and business in the Arab countries.

One of the current activities addresses strengthening potential of agriculture by development of a Smart Green House (SGH). A combination of new construction materials and advanced technology creates a unique innovative concept, tailor-made for specific weather conditions i.e. high temperature, limited access to water and suitable ground for agriculture activities.

MARTEX ® PLANTING BAGS AND CONTAINERS Parking and transportation of planting bags, other types of containers, mulch mats and rings

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

Mulch mats for weed protection Packing and transportation Arrangement and transportation Arrangement and transportation

Small mulch mats Packing and transportation Metal trunk shaping rings ARBO ® -STRONG

Elastic mulch mat ARBO ® -SAUNA 100% jute container in 270-360 g/m 2 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

per acre of 18% over the control site. And a study by Kansas State University yielded an average increase of 29% over the control.

“FARMCo’s proprietary process creates a unique, high performing humic acid which is producing significant increases in both root growth and yields acrossa range of crops, including wheat”, says Henry Johnson, Sales Manager at ExNonProfit Consulting Ltd, the distributor for MPXA.“ The fact that MPXA is 100% soluble means that it can easily be applied via standard watering, fertigation and foliar spraying practices. And its low cost per acre is driving significant returns on investment for agricultural holdings. The majority of our customer base is in the US and Canada. However we already have a major wheat trials going on in the Ukraine and Estonia, and we are looking forward to getting more going internationally”.

MPXA is different in that it chelates micronutrients at much higher rates (94% – 100%) compared to other nonenvironmental products such as EDTA. Formulated from Leonardite Ore, MPXA’s humic and fulvic acids contain millions of bonding sites that capture micronutrients in either acid or alkaline environments. This makes for an extremely effective chelating agent that improves plants ability for micronutrient uptake. The resulting increase in metabolism produces significantly more new root tissue, creating a stronger base for crops. MPXA also supports the mycorrhizal zone where symbiotic plant biologicals can thrive and support plant growth.

FARMERS ACROSS AFRICA BENEFIT FROM DIRECT MARKET ACCESS AS SELINA WAMUCII OPENS UP PLATFORM TO GROUPS & COOPERATIVES

Selina Wamucii, the platform that helps businesses from anywhere in the world to buy and import food & agricultural produce from any African country has announced that it is opening up its platform to organized farmers groups and cooperatives to sell or export directly to markets worldwide.

“Selina Wamucii now welcomes farmer groups, associations, processors and cooperatives based in any African country to sign up by visiting selinawamucii.com and start selling their produce directly to a large selection of interested buyers from around the world who are already using our platform”, said John Oroko, the company’s CEO.

Farmers can sell directly on the Selina Wamucii platform as registered, organized groups. The platform enables farmers to control the entire process from growing, harvesting to supplying directly to local markets right in their countries, within Africa (intra-Africa) or even export directly by themselves to any market worldwide.

Among the requirements for farmers to sign up is that the farmers need to be organized in groups of active members with the group having a clear leadership structure in place. "At Selina Wamucii, we believe all farmers and other producers should be seamlessly connected to markets anywhere in the world regardless of geographical limitations, size of

CRA-VAC INDUSTRIES TO INTRODUCE HALAL VERSION OF PROTEIN-PLUS ® PELLET BINDER

Protein-Plus ® Halal will be available in 2020, the halal-appropriate version of the popular Protein-Plus® pellet binder, which is the strongest, and lowest inclusion pellet binder in the Cra-Vac Industries’ product line.

Protein-Plus Halal is specially designed for feed manufacturers in regions where halal products are desirable, if not mandatory, according to Ann-Marie Anderson, President, Cra-Vac Industries Inc. In 2020, feed manufacturers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East can benefit from this powerful, high-protein pellet binder the same way feed producers in the USA have for years.

The new Protein-Plus Halal has an excellent amino acid profile, one that will appeal to the nutritionist. The pricing will be very competitive to other inert binders such as ureaformaldehyde. A chance to get away from synthetic binders for animal feeds without a reduction in pellet quality. Watch for Protein-Plus Halal coming in 2020 and ask how this excellent binder can make a difference in your feed production.

farm, facilities or resources. That’s why we’re building the first truly Pan-African platform for food and agricultural produce. The platform uses technologies including artificial intelligence, data, and algorithms to streamline the extremely fragmented agricultural supply chains across entire Africa," says John Oroko, CEO of Selina Wamucii. "Our platform is now accessible to farmers in every corner of the African continent who will now be able to easily take to market a wide range of Africa’s food & agricultural produce. From Cape Verde's mackerel sourced by local fishermen to Madagascar's vanilla grown by family farmers, we are building a marketplace that connects producers to market opportunities regionally and globally, ultimately unlocking opportunities that fuel economic prosperity for millions of farmers and other food producers across the African continent.", adds Oroko.

LANDSCAPE LAUNCHES #GROWHAPPY INITIATIVE

With all the uncertainty during these challenging times, the team at the LANDSCAPE Show has been hugely motivated by the huge display of community

ZOETIS ACQUIRES PERFORMANCE LIVESTOCK ANALYTICS TO EXPAND ITS DIGITAL AND DATA ANALYTICS OFFERING TO LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS

Zoetis recently announced the acquisition of Performance Livestock Analytics to enhance its animal health solutions across the continuum of care for beef producers. The addition of Performance Livestock Analytics, a technology company that simplifies data and analytics for the livestock industry, will help Zoetis to accelerate progress in precision livestock farming and improve sustainability of producers’ operations. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Performance Livestock Analytics was the first company to offer cloudbased data management to beef producers. Today, its innovative Performance Beef solution combines cloud-based technology with automated on-farm data collection to provide powerful analytics that help feedlot managers make better decisions across financials, nutrition and animal health. Simplifying feeding to financials, Performance Beef makes it easy to change rations; create accurate invoices and closeout reports; and analyze trends in feed efficiencies, costs and performance. New animal health inputs can automatically be captured at the chute, providing insights into individual animal performance and health protocol compliance. Cattle Krush is a complementary tool to Performance Beef, using real-time market data to give producers instant breakeven, market analytics and profit alerts to help in buying and selling cattle.

“The addition of Performance Livestock Analytics is an important part of our strategy to bring precision livestock farming to our customers to help improve the health of their animals and the sustainability of their operations,” said Mike McFarland, DVM, DABVP, Executive Vice President and Group President of Accelerated Growth Businesses for Zoetis. “The team at Performance Livestock Analytics has successfully applied Silicon Valley technology learnings to the needs of livestock producers, and we are thrilled to have them join us at Zoetis to continue leading the way in digital and data analytics for livestock.”

“Our digital platform changes how livestock producers manage their business. Real-time, accurate data allows producers to make better management decisions to help boost efficiency and profitability,” said Dane Kuper, co-founder and CEO, Performance Livestock Analytics. “Both our culture and vision align well with Zoetis. Now as part of Zoetis, we will be better positioned to provide practical technology solutions to improve livestock health and sustainability for our customers.”

Precision livestock farming can help improve producers’ decision-making, right down to the level of each individual animal, to maximize health and well-being, performance, and efficiency across livestock operations. Digital platforms and technology can help integrate information that a producer has available from multiple sources and turn that information into useful insights that inform health and management decisions. On-farm data also may be meaningful if shared throughout the supply chain in response to consumers’ growing interest in how food-producing animals are raised.

spirit in recent weeks and are eager to play their part in helping everyone through the difficult weeks ahead. Inspired by this, the #GrowHappy initiative was born, in conjunction with the Landscape Institute, The London College of Garden Design and Davies White Landscape Architects to create a fun and exciting challenge for all the family. It goes without saying that we all need a ray of sunshine in our lives right now and what better way than with a Giant Sunflower!

It’s really easy to be involved in #GrowHappy and don’t worry if you don’t have any sunflower seeds to hand, LANDSCAPE will send you some. Simply email info@landscapeshow.co.uk with your name, address and social media details (so LANDSCAPE can help you share your progress!) and you’re on your way! Be really inventive in how you start out, where can you plant the seeds? An old shoe, a teapot, a small bowl or perhaps just an actual pot! Remember, after about 7 to 10 days once the leaves start to appear, you’ll have to plant them in something larger to give the sunflower the chance to grow bigger.

Why not challenge your friends, neighbours, family and work colleagues too? Tag all of the people you would like to nominate to take part with you; they can then nominate and so on and so on to keep the chain going! Who can share the best pictures, tallest sunflower or the most impressive nomination chain? Remember to share your progress along the way on social

MADAR FARMS TO SELL ITS UAE-GROWN VEGETABLES ONLINE DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS FOR THE FIRST TIME

As part of its commitment to support the UAE communities during the current situation, Madar Farms’ locally grown produce can now be purchased online for the first time through three online platforms.

Madar Farms, a UAE-based AgTech company, has partnered with FreshOnTable, Narinport and Barakat to deliver its high-quality microgreens directly to consumers across the country.

The announcement comes at a significant time with Madar Farms using innovative and safe ways to cope with the high demands of local food given the present global health challenges. Madar Farms also plans to launch more of its products online in the coming weeks.

The seven varieties that can be ordered include Pea Shoots (which pairs well with fish and chicken), Arugula (ideal for salads and sandwiches) and Bull’s Blood, that is tender, crunchy and sweet with a beet-like flavour. Also available are Tendril Peas – a versatile ingredient that can be added to salads, sandwiches, soups and summer fruits - and Daikon Radish that can be used in Asian cuisine dishes, salads, soups and with many sandwich varieties.

Customers can also try Amaranth (which is mild in flavour, similar to spinach) as well as Shiso Britton (a delicious, mild, mint-basil aroma microgreen that adds flavour to salads, Asian dishes and fish).

By working with FreshOnTable, Narinport and Barakat, it gives the people the opportunity to try Madar Farms produce in the comfort of their own home and support local suppliers in the UAE.

Now in its third year of operation, Madar Farms has been leading an agricultural revolution in the region by using Controlled Environment Agriculture methods to produce a wide variety of fresh produce. As well as growing local produce, part of Madar Farms’ mission is to help solve food and water security challenges in the region.

Abdulaziz AlMulla, CEO and co-founder of Madar Farms, said: “In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to eat and shop local - and across the UAE we are seeing an increasing move towards this. By working with FreshOnTable, Narinport and Barakat, we will be able to make our produce available directly to consumers for the first time and reach out to even more people across the UAE.

“We are responding to this current demand that we’re facing today,

partnering with our online ordering and delivery partners to service people across the Emirates. When our customers receive their produce, it will be clean, safe and fresh as all our products are delivered within 24 hours of harvesting.

“This is just the beginning of offering directly to consumers as we plan to launch more products in the coming weeks.

“We look forward to hearing about some of the delicious recipes people are cooking up at home using our microgreens!”

Madar Farms recently announced the company will quadruple the quantity of its microgreens when its new facility begins operating at Khalifa Industrial Abu Dhabi Zone (KIZAD) by the end of this year. The facility will also include the world’s first commercial indoor tomato farm using LED lights.

media from planting your seeds all the way to measuring your sunflower! The measure-up date of the sunflowers is on the 31 st August and the winner will be announced one week afterwards. Make sure you get ahead of the competition today and plant your seeds today.

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY: ITALIAN INDUSTRY DOES NOT STOP

The risks associated with the spread of Covid-19 impose special prevention rules, but agricultural machinery companies are maintaining good production rates, also to satisfy foreign demand, which accounts for 70% of the sector's turnover. The organization of EIMA International, the world exhibition to be held in Bologna from 11 to 15 November, is running at full capacity.

The emergency caused by the spread of Covid-19 imposed safety restrictions and procedures, but did not stop the manufacturing sectors from operating. The Italian agricultural machinery industries have their own production lines in operation to meet the demand, mostly from foreign countries, for "made in Italy" machinery and components.

The association of Italian manufacturers FederUnacoma highlights the international scope of this mechanical sector, which exports over 70% of its production (the total turnover is around 11 billion euros) with very substantial shares in valuable markets such as those of Germany, France and the United States. The association also warns of the risk that incorrect information relating to an alleged suspension of production and a difficulty in the movement of goods may damage normal commercial relations.

The factories - FederUnacoma reassures - continue their activity, albeit on the basis of new organizational criteria and scrupulous compliance with the prevention rules established by the Government and the scientific community.

Once the critical phase is over, specialized international exhibitions will return to the foreground, with all the product innovations and futuristic technologies that this sector of the industry is able to achieve. First among them, EIMA International, the great agricultural machinery exhibition that FederUnacoma organizes in Bologna, which will celebrate its 44th edition from 11 to 15 November. The Federation announces that the organizational machine is running at full speed, so that EIMA 2020 will be a formidable event, to be experienced by everyone as a symbol of rebirth for the economy and for the communities of citizens.

K+S POSTPONES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DUE TO CORONA PANDEMIC

As a result of the rapid spread of the coronavirus in Germany, K+S will not be able to hold the Annual General Meeting of the Company planned for 12 May 2020 in Kassel. The protection of the health of employees, shareholders and the service providers involved is of the utmost importance. The decision is also based on the current prohibition of the State of Hesse on attending events with 100 or more participants.

In accordance with the statutory period of notice, the Annual General Meeting must be held in person at the latest by the end of the eighth month of the financial year. The new date for the Annual General Meeting of K+S Aktiengesellschaft will be announced once it is determined.

CASE IH APPOINTS TECHNO PLANT AS DISTRIBUTOR FOR JORDANIAN TRACTOR MARKET

Case IH has signed Techno Plant to distribute its tractors in Jordan, with the new partner firm already having taken delivery of a fleet of six units, spanning three different models, for demonstration to farmers across the country – and more are on the way.

While Jordan has a relatively small market for new tractor sales, it is one which Case IH – a brand of CNH Industrial with a more than 175-year history and a wide range of models – has committed to with its new partner. Together with Techno Plant, it plans to focus on the popular 55-110hp sector in particular, but also has larger models for which market development is planned.

Techno Plant, which is based in Amman, employs ten staff and was founded in 2002. The business has already placed its first stock order for Case IH tractors, comprising a 45hp JX45T, two 55hp JX55T models and three 110hp Farmall JX 110 units, and the machines are available for demonstration to interested farmers and agricultural businesses across the country. In the near future, Case IH and Techno Plant plan to expand the product offering for Jordan’s farm businesses. A particular focus will be larger tractors of up to 225hp and both small and big square balers, for use in large-scale farming projects in the south of the country.

With a distinctive red-andblack livery, Case IH is well-

known across much of the world for its range of tractors, harvesters and other farm equipment. The brand traces its heritage back as far as the foundation of the original JI Case business in 1842. Case and the agricultural equipment arm of International Harvester came together in 1985 to create the Case IH brand. Since 1999, Case IH has been part of CNH Global, which later became CNH Industrial.

JIANGSU ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES JOINS FORCES WITH FAO TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL ECONOMIES

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) have signed a partnership agreement which foresees joint efforts to support smallholder farmers through technological innovation.

The collaboration will focus on developing sustainable, resilient and efficient food systems across urban and rural areas, and sharing knowledge and technologies with developing countries through FAO's South-South and triangular cooperation framework.

INTRODUCING: LIQUID FERTILIZERS & AMINO+

Ferm O Feed is constantly looking for new, innovative ways to preserve and improve the fertility of the earth. They have been doing this for years through their high-quality organic fertilizers. Their search for the best available products for the soil and the crop has not stopped. To help the farmer improve the quality and yield of their harvest, new products have been added to the product range: FERTIPLUS ® Liquid Organic Fertilizers and FERTIPLUS ® Amino+.

The liquid fertilizers are composed of 100% natural components and are applicable by spraying and drip irrigation. Thereby they are immediately absorbable for the crop and very economical in use. Low doses can be applied accurately to the crop when mixed with water. By applying the liquid fertilizers, the balance in the soil will be maintained or restored. The high content of trace elements and sugars contributes to a healthy and effective soil life and therefore to healthy plants. The liquid fertilizers strengthen the vitality of the plant, making it more resistant to diseases and reducing the amount of pesticides. The use of liquid fertilizers increases production per hectare, while less nitrogen and phosphate is required. Applying Fertiplus© Liquid Fertilizers will result in a yield increase of 10% on average.

In addition to three compositions of liquid fertilizers, Ferm O Feed is introducing Amino+. Amino+ is a high-quality bio-stimulant that provides the plant with a considerable amount of amino acids to become stronger and more resilient. Amino+ by Ferm O Feed has a broad spectrum of enzymatically hydrolysed amino acids in a biological active form and

the lowest percentages of salt, chlorine and ash. A plant needs 20 essential amino acids in a wellbalanced ratio and this is exactly what Amino+ provides. By applying the product the plant will save the energy that it normally needs to produce its own amino acids and can use it for other vital processes.

Ferm O Feed advises to use Amino+ during critical, yielddetermining moments in the cultivation cycle. It has a great added value in the growth phase and during fruit development, but also during periods of drought, heavy rainfall, strong winds or high temperatures. By applying Amino+ just before or during a stressful period, the plant becomes stronger and more resilient. Tests of the product in various circumstances have shown positive results.

"The Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences has a long experience in working in China to help modernize and develop agriculture through science and technological innovation," said JAAS President Yi Zhongyi. "Cooperation with FAO will open a window of opportunity for JAAS to learn from and contribute to FAO's South-South and Triangular Cooperation framework." "Innovation and technology transfer are key to paving the way for healthy and sustainable food systems," said FAO Deputy Director-General, Laurent Thomas. "The partnership between JAAS and FAO will allow sharing of knowledge and expertise to support solutions and develop capacities for strengthening sustainable agriculture development in China, Southeast Asia and Africa."

JAAS is a comprehensive agricultural and veterinary medicine research institution in Jiangsu, China. Through its work, JAAS aims to address a broad range of challenges which currently impact agricultural development and local rural economies. The academy comprises 17 specialized institutes and 11 regional institutes, with research interests covering from crop sciences, animal sciences, food safety and nutrition, agricultural resources and environment to agricultural mechanization.

During the past decades, China has undergone a successful urban and rural revitalization. In the Yangtze River Delta region, an area which accounts for nearly 25 percent of China's GDP, JAAS has been active in implementing sustainable agriculture through innovation and digitalization, including in the region's Jiangsu Province. The partnership will focus on activities which promote rural revitalization and stronger urban-rural linkages, paying special attention to rural areas and to marginalized farmers. The aim is ensuring food safety, achieving food security, and reducing poverty in both urban and rural areas.

BDB AND IPM ESSEN CONTINUE COOPERATION

The world’s leading fair for horticulture, IPM ESSEN, and the Federation of German Nurseries (BdB) are extending their partnership until the end of 2023. The CEO of Messe Essen, Oliver P. Kuhrt, the BdB Managing Director, Markus Guhl, and the BdB President, Helmut Selders, met up during IPM ESSEN 2020 in order to sign the contract. In the future, too, trade visitors will profit from the prominent presence of the nurseries and an excellent accompanying program in the form of a meeting of international networks, a seminar and guided tours. Thus, IPM ESSEN will consolidate its position as a top-class platform on which questions about the future will be discussed in the context of climate change and sustainability and solutions will be presented.

Nurseries are traditionally well-represented at IPM ESSEN. They account for 45 percent of the exhibitors in the Plants area and 16 percent of these are German companies. As the leading association in the sector, the Federation of German Nurseries represents their interests. The BdB Managing Director, Markus Guhl: “IPM ESSEN is extremely significant for the German and international nursery industries. Therefore, it is a matter of course that we as BdB are looking for a close alliance with Messe Essen and are happy to be available as a cooperation partner.”

“BdB organizes a top-class supporting program and has at its disposal a network extending across different countries. No matter whether the European Nursery Reception or the seminar about the EU campaign entitled ‘Green Cities for a Sustainable Europe’ – the high participation level has shown how important the exchange of specialist ideas is,” Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, was pleased about the continuation of the cooperation. For the first time, a guided tour on the subject of climate trees was offered on the occasion of IPM ESSEN 2020. Tours of the fair are once again being planned for next year. “The contract extension is the foundation stone in order to expand these activities even further,” continued Kuhrt. Moreover, the Urban Green Areas Seminar as well as the Nursery Reception will take place as accustomed in 2021.

TRADITIONAL FARMING SYSTEM IN BRAZIL ADDED TO GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE LIST

Farmers known as Semprevivas flower gatherers from Espinhaço Mountain Range won recognition for their crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and preserving traditional knowledge.

A traditional farming system in the Southern Espinhaço Mountain Range of the Minas Gerais State in Brazil has been recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), managed by

the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It is the first time a Brazilian site has won the GIAHS recognition.

Rooted in mountainous areas, the Espinhaço’s unique mosaic of landscapes and ecosystems where the Sempre-Vivas flowers are picked is the most biodiverse savannah on the planet and plays a crucial role in regulating the region’s rainfall.

Local farmers also known as Sempre-vivas flower gatherers have developed an effective agricultural system combining flower gathering, agroforestry gardening, livestock grazing and crop cultivation – all performed at various altitudes of up to 1400 meters. Such complex system is based on a wide range of traditional knowledge and practices passed on from generation to generation helping people achieve harmony with the environment while ensuring their food and livelihood security.

“Thanks to their profound understanding of natural cycles and ecosystems, and their vast knowledge of native flora, the local communities manage all kinds of

FARMERP ON THE AGTECH INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK:

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way a lot of businesses function. It has affected various sectors within the agricultural industry as well. Daily wage earners and labourers working in farms are essentially out of jobs and are migrating back to their hometowns.

The supply chain has been disturbed on a massive level and steps are being taken to appropriately rectify them. The prices of agricultural produce has dropped by 20% which is a major cause for concern.

The AgTech industry has also been hit to an extent, due to less business coming in and declined demand for their services in the coming month. AgTech is a vast field and will be able to assist their clients and farmers as well in the approaching months to streamline processes and enable the smooth functioning of the agricultural

supply chain. A few ways in which the AgTech industry can be a key player post-COVID-19 are listed below: • Due to ‘work from home’ being an adaptable situation for companies in the AgTech sector, they will be able to assist their clients in keeping their systems working 24/7 and ensuring regular updates on all platforms. Using front running techniques like satellite imagery they will be able to assist individuals looking for specificities of crops, i.e, how much, where, conditions, etc. They may also use this technique to enable the tracking of transportation to ensure the people who require the products receive it. • An online supply chain would be the most ideal platform to be established, which the AgTech sector is working towards at a fast pace. This would backtrack most of the losses faced by the agricultural industry due to the disruptions witnessed in the agricultural supply chain. This would include the supply of products through varied online portals, which would be a boon for individuals who require groceries delivered directly to their homes, without the need to venture outside. The reality of individuals not venturing outdoors will increase the demand for products being supplied via online portals. This can be observed through the growth of E-Commerce websites such as Big Basket and Grofers. Food delivery apps like Zomato and Dominos (in collaboration with ITC) have also set up ‘essential’ columns where essential and daily groceries can be delivered directly to consumers. • In times of uncertainty, where individuals are extremely wary of the products which are entering their homes, technology establishes a sense of transparency due to traceable features. A software like FarmERP, a smart agriculture management ERP software platform, works towards establishing traceability and food safety among its various other goals. Similar organizations work tirelessly toward guiding their workflow in similar directions to ensure every entity comes out of COVID-19 with the minimal possible losses.

These are just a few ways in which the AgTech industry can help in certain scenarios related to the losses incurred due to this pandemic. Apart from these, in the broader picture, there can be many other ways in which they will be able to contribute effectively, including contribution to sustainability, food safety, traceability and climate resilience as well. These factors are still at large when it comes to the agricultural industry, not solely in India, but across the world.

agricultural activities well adapted to each soil type, geographic and climatic characteristics to sustain their lives,” said FAO GIAHS Coordinator Yoshihide Endo. “These activities also contribute to preserving valuable crop varieties, native vegetation and landscapes in the area.”

The local people’s activities vary from gathering, processing and conservation of native flowers in the commonuse highlands; traditional herding of livestock along centuries-old migration routes; collection of fruits, seeds, medicinal plants in the natural environment at lower altitudes, to maintaining traditional home gardens and larger crop fields along the foothills.

PERU TARGETS INDONESIA VIA ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA ROADSHOW IN ASIA

For the second year running, Peru has resumed its role as Official Partner Country at the biggest fresh fruit and vegetable trade fair in Asia, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. The next edition will be held in Singapore on 16-18 September. A series of roadshow promotional activities have been scheduled in five cities in Asia. The events, which focus on fruit and vegetable exporters and traders in the leading Southeast Asian markets, present the perfect platform to showcase the importance and potential of trade in fresh produce in the entire region, and how ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA can complement the market development of these diverse and emerging markets.

The upcoming informative session in Jakarta will analyze the growing demand for fresh produce in the Indonesian market, one of the countries that is showing the biggest surge in fruit and vegetable exports, according to the latest figures published by PROMPERU.

Peru, whose average annual increase of 4.9% in its GDP makes it one of the Latin American countries with the highest growth rates, has seen its agricultural exports represent an increasingly growing proportion of its total exports. The Latin American nation is the world leader in exports of asparagus and quinoa; second in blueberries, avocados and mandarins; and third in grapes. In the case of Indonesia, Peru is already exporting fresh grapes, pomegranates and processed maca and camu camu to the Asian nation.

Asia is one of Peru’s top trading partners and Peru seeks to consolidate by expanding existing trade agreements and firming up trade negotiations currently underway with different countries in the region. Peru has placed a high priority on growing its trade with the region. Peru’s presence at highcaliber events, such as ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, which it has been attending since its first edition, are a key factor in the country’s international trade promotional strategy. Business deals concluded in ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2019 were estimated to be US$180 million.

WEBINAR: DEVELOPING A LIGHT SPECTRUM – A BALANCING ACT

In an ocean of LED companies with conflicting claims, which one can be trusted for their horticultural lighting expertise? How can a grower understand which spectrum his/her plants would mostly benefit from? In this free webinar we will breakdown the spectrum development process so as to enable growers and researchers to better understand what kind of light is best for them.

Valoya, the research driven LED manufacturer from Finland, has conducted over 600 plant trials in the past decade in search for the highest quality light for cultivation and research purposes. In this process it has amassed over 100 patents and developed over 60 spectra of which only 5 were commercialized.

Choosing wavelengths such as blue, red, far red, UV and manipulating ratios such as red:far red and blue:green are some of the factors that go into account in the spectrum development process. In the plant trials conducted we observe parameters that are of importance to growers such as plant biomass and morphology, secondary metabolite accumulation etc. Additionally, growers need lights that achieve their cultivation targets efficiently, so spectrum development always includes economic considerations so that the minimal amount of Watts gets the desired output.

The webinar is free-ofcharge and will be held on May 27 th at 15.00 EET. It will be presented by Ms. Stefanie Linzer, Plant R&D Director and Mr. Harri Ekdahl, Product Manager at Valoya.

MORINGA SEEDS RELIEVE FATIGUE AND REDUCE BACK PAIN, STUDY FINDS

A recently published study conducted by the Ueno-Asagao Clinic in Tokyo, Japan, has shown that specific highly concentrated Moringa seed extract S can effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with computer work in healthy middle-aged adults: fatigue, back pain, stiff shoulders and strained eyes. After four weeks of daily supplementation with 120 mg of Moringa seed extract S, the severity of these stress- and posture-related symptoms among the study participants was significantly reduced.

Brave New Work? Even if the on-trend and much praised New Work model actually impacts current job practices —whether in the office or on the beach — most employees will still sit at their computers with their backs bent. Of the 86% of staff who use a computer, for example, 78% experience physical fatigue and related symptoms. It not only affects quality of life, but also, in the longterm, employee health and the ability to work. At the same time, more and more people are looking for alternatives to conventional medicine and commonly used painkillers. Herbal Moringa olifeira, part of the fast-growing Moringaceae tree family, is a particularly suitable replacement because of its nutrient profile. Many parts of the tree, including its roots, have found their way into the food chain in tropical and subtropical regions. Moreover,

Moringa is said to have 300 medicinal effects in Ayurvedic medicine.

Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have already demonstrated the pharmacological benefits of the phytochemical moringine, an isothiocyanate that affects or inhibits key signaling pathways that are upregulated in cancer and immune disorders. In addition, effects on chemoprotection and its antitumoral, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties have also been shown.

A four-week study conducted by a team of scientists at the Ueno-Asagao Clinic in Tokyo has now examined these effects in humans. The study was designed as a randomized, parallel, double-blind and placebocontrolled investigation. Among the randomly selected healthy subjects were 18 middle-aged men and 22 women with somewhat severe symptoms.The compressed 120 mg tablets, which contained 12 mg of glucomoringin, the main glycosinolate, ensured that the active ingredient was only absorbed in the intestine via delayed release where glucomoringin is enzymatically converted to moringin.

The findings evaluated the effect of the moringa seed extract on daily fatigue and lower back pain, and showed a significant decrease in fatigue, lower back pain, shoulder stiffness and eye strain. The effect measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was significantly better than in the control group after only two weeks. Before that, the antifatigue effect of moringa leaves was documented in an experiment with rats. The tablets were provided by plant-based ingredient expert, Taiyo, who also commissioned the study.

FRESH-CUT SALADS AND OTHER VEGETABLES, ARRIGONI'S TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTIONS

Fresh-cut salads and other vegetables now have an extra ally to grow and develop at their best throughout their life cycle. Arrigoni, a leading international company in the production of technical fabrics for agriculture, has in fact presented new tests on the effectiveness of the PRISMA ® thermo-reflective screens and BIORETE AIR PLUS ® for this type of crop.

A large audience of agronomist technicians met in Battipaglia (SA), in southern Italy. Over the years, this area of the Province of Salerno (i.e. the Piana del Sele) has become the true European center of baby leaf vegetables with the emergence of numerous innovative companies. Here, Arrigoni is successfully proposing the most advanced technical solutions for safe and quality production. Among these, PRISMA ® – white protective screens that guarantees temperature control – were the main topic of the meeting.

The shading systems used so far, such as the nets in black color, have proven to operate by "cutting" the useful radiation, but with little reduction in temperature. This is explained by the fact that colors other than white absorb short infrared (heat) then transferred inside. Furthermore, to these effects it is added that the filtered light in that case is direct.

For total protection from insects, Arrigoni recommends BIORETE ® AIR PLUS also for “baby leaf” producers. BIORETE ® AIR PLUS are the innovative insect screens with monofilament of low denier (thickness) and high resistance, for greater ventilation and safe production. There are several advantages that this solution ensures: better ventilation with the same level of protection, further

reduced temperatures inside greenhouses, reduced occurrence of cryptogamic diseases, better plant development, better quality and sensorial properties of production.

SANITAB – MULTIPLE USES AS A DISINFECTANT CAN COME HANDY ON FARMS DURING COVID-19

Artevet is annoucing the production of Sanitab – multipurpose water disinfectant. During these times, this tablet’s various uses can help the users at the farm and otherwise.

The easy to use tablet – which once dropped in water disintegrates rapidly to create a disinfected solution or a concentration solution, can be used for: cleaning public areas, hand wash, household public spaces, sprayed as a disinfectant among many others.

FDA APPROVES USE OF CHROMIUM PROPIONATE IN HORSE DIETS

Based on extensive research conducted by Kemin Industries, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine has approved the use of chromium propionate as a source of chromium in horse diets. With this new approval, chromium propionate is now approved for use in broiler chickens, cattle and horses. KemTRACE ® Chromium from Kemin is the only FDAreviewed source of chromium propionate on the market today and has been fed to millions of animals around the globe.

KemTRACE Chromium is a highly bioavailable, organic source of chromium propionate that helps stabilize insulin receptors in animals, improving glucose use and reducing the negative impacts of stress. Every cell in the horse relies on glucose to fuel its function and growth. Therefore, maximizing cells’ utilization of glucose may result in improved immune response, and overall health and performance.

“We are thrilled to introduce KemTRACE Chromium into the horse market,” said Kristi Krafka, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance for Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – North America. “Chromium supplementation is one way that Kemin has advanced nutrition and performance in livestock and poultry in recent decades, and we are proud to now offer the same quality, safe, efficacious product to horse owners, nutritionists and veterinarians.”

With more than 20 years of research and 50 peer-reviewed chromium research studies, Kemin established chromium propionate as safe and efficacious. Published research across many species has shown chromium may have the ability to reduce cortisol, which is a hormone secreted in response to stress. The reduction in cortisol during times of stress may decrease negative impacts from stress events – such as extreme heat or cold, diet changes, changes in routine and more.

KemTRACE Chromium is manufactured at Kemin in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. This facility has the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000, which is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) as a rigorous food safety management system, certified by approved third-party organizations. The certification covers the manufacturing of food ingredients used for further processing and is designed to deliver greater confidence in food, reduce health risks, lower audit costs, improve brand protection and improve supply chain management.

KemTRACE Chromium is available for use in more than 35 countries around the world for a variety of species.

SWEET PEPPER GROWERS BENEFIT FROM MULTI-TARGET MACROLOPHUSSYSTEM

While Macrolophus eats the eggs and larvae of greenhouse and tobacco whiteflies, it also loves aphids, spider mites and moth eggs. The bright green Macrolophus-System predatory bug is greedy and can be of great value to sweet pepper growers. However, timing and supplementation are crucial to its success, explains Biobest advisor, John van Eijk.

Most sweet pepper growers begin with a chemical spray programme after which they introduce predatory mites. With the imminent loss of more chemical actives, it is set to become increasingly challenging to control aphids, tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and caterpillars.

John says: “The Macrolophus predatory bug is polyphagous, which means it eats almost everything, making it ideal for keeping a number of pests under control. In tomato crops, for example, growers are already achieving great success with this bug.”

The right timing is important, explains John. “This predatory bug is extremely sensitive to chemical crop protection products, so it is important to take spray residues into account. Growers should not introduce Macrolophus-System too soon after the start of the growing season, or too late - as they need time to build up a population: between week 7 and week 15 is ideal.”