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Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, inaugurated E-Vet Gate, the first digital platform in the world dedicated to veterinary products.
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Accessible through the website and app of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), E-Vet Gate serves as a complete reference for safe and certified veterinary pharmaceutical products registered in the UAE.
The move aligns with MOCCAE’s mandate to implement the Federal Law No. 9 of 2017 regulating the handling, trading, marketing, and circulation of veterinary products that aims to curb illegal activities across these processes.
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri said: “Developing animal wealth is a core priority of the Ministry as part of its goal to enhance food security. We have established an integrated approach to achieving this objective, including close monitoring of veterinary products. In this context, we are proud to launch E-Vet Gate as a valuable comprehensive source of information on the specifications and uses of approved veterinary products traded in UAE markets.”
Through educating veterinarians and livestock breeders about veterinary pharmaceutical products, E-Vet Gate seeks to ensure that only licensed products sourced from reliable suppliers are traded. This will boost animal health and productivity, safeguard public health, and keep zoonoses at bay, strengthening biosecurity in the UAE. Improving the safety of animal-based food products will increase their contribution to local production and support the livestock sector in the country.
E-Vet Gate will be updated regularly, adding new products along with their information, such as package inserts, manufacturers, and local distributors. The user-friendly tool offers multiple channels to submit constructive suggestions.
AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA EVENT IN THAILAND AWAITS 300 INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS
The third edition of AGRITECHNICA ASIA will be held from 25-27 May 2022 at BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand, in conjunction with Horti Asia, the region’s largest trade exhibition for smart horticulture in Asia, and the special exhibition Systems & Components Asia.
Registered exhibitors from 26 countries have greeted the news that quarantine for vaccinated travelers to Thailand is no longer needed. Supported by the official co-host, the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and with 300 exhibitors expected, the trade fair’s theme is sustainable production.
“More and more countries in Southeast Asia are opening their borders to quarantine-free travel. Seeing these developments, we are looking forward to a high international turnout of exhibitors with so much to offer Southeast Asian farmers,” said Ms. Katharina Staske, Managing Director of DLG’s office in Thailand.
“Smart farming as sustainability solutions, vertical farming and even cannabis production are just some of the many highlights that farmers can discover in Bangkok in 2022. The Industry Ministry is planning to make Thailand a hub of cannabis businesses to produce new products in the medical sector and support tourism. So I think it is the perfect time to bring this topic to our exhibitions,” said Panadda Kongma, Director Agribusiness & Operations of VNU Asia Pacific.
AGRITECHNICA ASIA presents agricultural engineering solutions, inputs and smart solutions that support the development of agriculture in the Asian markets. Mechanization through modern machinery will increase significantly in the next decade, spurred on by worsening labor shortages, increased competition and pressure to reduce production costs.
BRAZIL AND UAE DISCUSS INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES
In line with international initiatives that promote innovative and sustainable agricultural practices to achieve sustainability and food security, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) hosted the ‘Brazil-UAE Agri Talks,’ in association with the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).
The high-level event brought attention to the potential of the Brazilian agribusiness sector and UAE’s holistic approach to food security during the forum, which was held recently at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dubai. The event also provided a platform for the participants to network and engage with business leaders from Brazil’s
AL RAWABI TO SET UP AED 650 MILLION DAIRY PRODUCTION FACILITY IN KIZAD
KIZAD, part of AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones (EC&FZ) cluster, announced the signing of a lease agreement with Al Rawabi, one of the leading dairy and juice companies in the UAE, for the establishment of a dairy production facility in Abu Dhabi designed to meet growing consumer demand.
Under this agreement, Al Rawabi will initially develop two square kilometres in KIZAD with an additional three square kilometres slated for the future. The dairy farm, with an investment of AED 650 million will be home to 10,000 Al Rawabi cows and increase their export efforts across the wider GCC region.
Abdullah Al Hameli, Head of Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster, said: “Al Rawabi’s confidence in KIZAD is a testament to AD Ports Group’s commitment to driving the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy through the supply of high-quality dairy and food products, while also contributing to the growth of the nation’s industrial sector.
In addition to supporting the advancement of local farms and creating job opportunities in the local farming sector, our agreement presents a positive boost for regional consumers by offering easier access to fresh produce.”
Prof. Dr. Ahmed El Tigani, CEO, Al Rawabi, said: “Al Rawabi’s investment in KIZAD’s food ecosystem will enable us to service a broader scope of consumers both in the UAE and the wider region. The strategic location, access to food-related services, and readiness of land area in KIZAD will help Al Rawabi grow its operations longterm, increasing business reach and potential export across markets.
“Today, Al Rawabi can look forward to growing market share in the UAE, GCC, and Africa by leveraging the strategic location in KIZAD that offers a fully integrated trade and logistics platform to facilitate export across the emirates and the region. We expect to produce 23 million litres in the first operational year out of KIZAD, and to move approximately 1,000 containers of goods annually.”
Driven by a workforce of over 200 skilled people, Al Rawabi’s dairy production facility in KIZAD will include milk parlours, a dairy plant, a mechanic and maintenance workshop, a feed factory, staff accommodation, and a biogas plant, along with fertilizer manufacturing amenities that will also support the wider agriculture ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
Al Rawabi will apply the latest technologies in processing waste resulting from the project that will include the production of green energy. Additionally, 10 megawatts of clean power will be generated by equipping a large portion of site assets with solar panels, reducing the operational costs and CO2 emissions at the site.
Al Rawabi will also benefit from proximity to KIZAD’s recently launched Regional Food Hub – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Rungis, set to be one of the region’s largest multi-category wholesale food trading and logistics platforms.
agribusiness sector, such as representatives from EMBRAPA, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation.
The ceremony was attended by Mauro Mendes, the Governor of Mato Grosso, Júlio Busato, President of the Brazilian Association of Cotton Producers (ABRAPA), and Joaquim Leite, the Minister of the Environment of Brazil, who participated by videoconference. Agri Talks also saw the launch of the Floresta+ – a program initiated for the cotton sector.
The discussions also shed light on Brazil's agribusiness sector, which marked USD 1.4 billion in exports to the UAE in 2021. USD 694.5 million 255 million from sugar, USD 155.1 million from frozen meat of bovine animals and USD 17.96 million from coffee are the amounts of revenue generated from product export in the agribusiness in 2021. UAE was the 3rd main arab destination for Brazilian exports in the agribusiness sector.
The talk also marked the presence of top officials from Brazil and the UAE and featured insightful discussions led by industry experts on key topics such as the UAE and Brazil government policies to support a sustainable future, projects and initiatives for sustainable development in the agricultural sector, innovation driven productivity, and profitability in agriculture projects and financing the agribusiness sector.
The event also showcased the UAE's initiatives towards ensuring food security and attaining sustainability in the food industry.
DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ANNOUNCES 62 PER CENT COMPLETION OF WORLD'S LARGEST WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY
Dubai Municipality announced that the construction of the Dubai Waste Management Centre (DWMC) in Warsan, the world’s largest and most efficient energy project of its kind, is now 62 per cent complete. The project will contribute to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Municipality pointed that
more than 3.8 million working hours were spent to date by 30 companies tapped to carry out contracting, supply, and consulting services. By 2024, the facility will treat approximately 5,666 tonnes of solid waste across five burning lines daily, with 12,480 air filters to treat all emissions. The waste will be converted into energy, which will then be utilized to feed the local electricity grid with about 200 MW/h of clean energy.
Eng. Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said that the strategic Dubai Waste Management Centre has sustainable development, economic, and environmental dimensions. It is the first globally in terms of size and work efficiency. Occupying a total area of more than 400,000 sqm, the plant will have an operational capacity to process 1.9 million tonnes of waste annually and will be capable of converting them into energy resources to meet the needs of Warsan Sewage Treatment Plant and the DWMC, which is equivalent to the consumption of over 135,000 households.
The Municipality said that the installation of the facility’s generators, which will provide electricity produced from waste treatment, and the turbine engines are completed. Once operational, the centre will treat 45 per cent of the current municipal waste
FRIESLANDCAMPINA AND DSM TAKE MAJOR STEP TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM DAIRY CATTLE
It’s a European first by FrieslandCampina: a large-scale pilot project to gain practical experience with Bovaer®, DSM’s innovative feed additive that consistently reduces methane emissions from cows by around 30 percent. Following EU approval for the additive’s use in February 2022, the parties have decided to launch this pilot immediately. The Dutch feed supplier Agrifirm will supply the feed additive to the participating farmers. Through innovations like this, Dutch dairy farmers can build on sustainability improvements over recent years and contribute to a sustainable food production system.
The Bovaer® pilot collaboration between the Dutch companies FrieslandCampina, DSM, and Agrifirm marks an important step forward in increasing the sustainability of the dairy sector. Some 200 FrieslandCampina dairy farms in the Netherlands will take part in the pilot in the second half of 2022. Providing the results are positive, the use of Bovaer® will be further upscaled from 2023.
Bovaer® is a feed additive for cows and other ruminants. DSM has researched and developed this additive over ten years. Just a quarter of a teaspoon of Bovaer® added daily to each cow’s feed will enable a consistent reduction in methane emissions of 30 percent, on average. This feed additive therefore contributes to a significant and immediate reduction in the environmental footprint of meat and dairy products. With its Food System Commitments, DSM addresses several of the most urgent societal and environmental challenges facing the world’s food consumption and production up to 2030. One of its commitments is to enable a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in dairy production. Since the end of last year, Bovaer® has been approved for use in Brazil and Chile, and, at the start of 2022, it also received EU approval.
Together with its member dairy farmers, FrieslandCampina, aims to achieve a 33 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on its farms by 2030. To this end, the dairy cooperative is working on various solutions, such as generating sustainable energy on farms, using guaranteed deforestation-free soy in cattle feed, and thanks to this project reducing cow methane emission using Bovaer®. Previous tests with Bovaer® at the Dairy Campus in Leeuwarden showed an average reduction in methane in enteric emissions per kilogram of milk of 30 percent. This leads to a reduction of approximately 10 percent in CO2 footprint.
volume in Dubai. The plant is designed to accommodate 1,000 trucks per day, approximately 88 trucks per hour. The recycled bottom ash from generated by the process will be used in infrastructure projects. The project will also use recycled water from the Warsan sewage treatment plant (STP), which will promote circular economy and sustainability.
The Dubai Municipality has implemented its action plans under the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy, which aims to reduce and divert waste from landfills by 2030 and address the power needs of Dubai's growing population and economy. The Municipality also plays a central role in the implementation of Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021-2041, which aims to promote innovation in the management, recycling, and conversion of waste into energy to achieve almost zero hazardous waste by 2041.
HAMLET PROTEIN FEATURED IN GLOBAL THOUGHT LEADERS’ SERIES
Hamlet Protein, global leader in vegetable protein solutions for young animal nutrition, is featuring in the 50 Global Leaders Series. A series of documentary films, being broadcast by Reuters, shows how industries are set to evolve in a rapidly changing landscape and how they create and harness new opportunities in a sustainable manner.
Hamlet Protein represents the animal nutrition industry in the segment dedicated to ‘Global Food Security – The Evolution of Livestock Nutrition Management.’ Against the backdrop of an increasing demand for safe feed and food, the movie explores how Hamlet Protein can contribute to feeding a growing world population.
“We are honored to be part of this documentary series, alongside other global companies, and to be recognized as a leading company in our industry,” commented Hamlet Protein CEO Erik Visser.
AIM FOR CLIMATE SEEKS TO DOUBLE INVESTMENT IN CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS INNOVATION BY COP27
The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), a global initiative led by the UAE and the US with the support of over 140 government and nongovernment partners, announced a new target to raise investment commitments from US$4 billion, pledged upon its launch in 2021, to US$8 billion by the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
The ambitious investment goal was announced at AIM for Climate’s first Ministerial Meeting, held at Expo 2020 Dubai, where government partners discussed the initiative’s priorities and plans for COP27. At the meeting, AIM for Climate welcomed the
ELITE AGRO INTRODUCES UAE-GROWN RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, AND STRAWBERRIES, DIRECT FROM FARM TO TABLE
Elite Agro (EAG), a leading UAE producer and distributor of fresh produce, is expanding its range of locallygrown, highdemand crops by growing raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for the first time at their Al Foah farm.
Under Berry World’s license, EAG is now producing a range of premium berry varieties at their local farm in Al Ain, including “Diamond Jubilee” raspberries and “Midnight” blackberries. They are also introducing three premium strawberry varieties called “Florida Beauty”, “San Andrea”, and “Sensation”. The all-new berry range will be available in retail stores in the coming weeks under the newlylaunched “Elite Berry” brand.
By introducing raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries to the UAE for the first time, EAG aims to exponentially reduce farm-to-shelf delivery times, making high quality produce that stays fresh for longer more accessible to their customers.
“As part of our commitment to deliver the freshest farm produce to our customers, we’re expanding our range of high-quality crops to include three new types of berries. We’re proud to be the UAE’s only producer of locally-grown blueberries, and we’re confident that this expansion will open even more opportunities to achieve greater success in sustainable farming, in line with the UAE’s food security strategy,” said Ian Summerfield, Elite Agro CEO.
The berry saplings were first planted in November 2021 at EAG’s Al Foah farm. Equipped with stateof-the-art automated and sustainable technologies and solutions, the farm’s raspberry production area is now 1.8 hectares with an average of 18,500 stems per hectare and is expected to yield 18 tons of raspberries per hectare. Meanwhile, the blackberry production area is 1.2 hectares with an average of 30,000 stems per hectare and is expected to yield 20 tons per hectare.
In a country dominated by deserts, the berries are grown in temperaturecontrolled greenhouses with advanced micro irrigation through a drip system that combines specific levels of water with a unique combination of nutrients. Grown in a soilless medium that combines coco peat, perlite and other substances, each plant is nurtured by regular analysis and is naturally pollinated by EAG’s family of lovable and very helpful bumblebees to ensure optimum yields.
Additionally, the farm employs a two-hand touch approach – which means no one touches the berries after the picker and before the consumer – with only an efficient packing and delivery process in between. Using this method, Elite Agro ensures minimal damage and optimal hygiene in their berries.
newest partners Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt, the European Commission, Guyana, Mozambique, and Turkey to its coalition, announced AIM for Climate Ideations, a new cooperation opportunity for partners, and 2022 focal areas for innovation sprints to be launched at COP27.
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Agriculture and food systems offer immense opportunities for global climate action. By catalyzing innovation in climate-smart agriculture, we can reduce harmful emissions and sequester carbon in the sector, sustainably increase productivity to feed a growing global population, and support farmers on the frontlines in building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change. While AIM for Climate has had a notable start at COP26, we are raising the bar to mobilize even greater investments and coordinated support to drive global food systems transformation. By working together and drawing on the diverse knowledge and experience of countries and actors across the value chain, we can enable a quantum leap in agricultural innovation and address our shared climate challenges.”
AIM for Climate government partners provide the crucial foundation of the initiative through a wave of new public investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation. But other sectors, including business, philanthropy, and other nongovernment partners, are invited to build upon that foundation with innovation sprints – investments in specific, impactful, expedited efforts – or by providing critical knowledge for identifying investment gaps, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
CIBUS 2022: THE AGRIFOOD INDUSTRY DEALS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY
Cibus is the first important agrifood international exhibition welcoming back foreign buyers. The 21st edition, organised by Fiere di Parma and Federalimentare, will be held from 03 to 06 May 2022. The letting up of the pandemic emergency and new regulations
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easing participation to trade shows by parties outside the EU make it possible for buyers and commercial operators from every continent to attend. Nearly 60 thousand professional visitors and about 3 thousand exhibiting companies are expected at the event. The war in Ukraine and the sensitive geopolitical international situation is affecting the food sector too: rally in prices of gas and raw materials and logistics problems are straining the Italian food and beverage industry. This special condition assigns a delicate role to trade shows like Cibus: on the one hand creating a synthetic projection between supply and demand, and, on the other hand, planning procurement and assortment by overcoming the predicaments in the supply chain.
After all, demand for Italian agrifood has continued to be strong around the world. A look at the food industry export statistics tells us that: USA +14.3%, China +32.7%, South Korea +30.7%, Chile +50.5%, South Africa +21.2%, Poland +21.4%, Spain +19.6%, Germany + 6.7%, France +7.1%, (by Federalimentare processed based on Istat issued data, January/November 2021).
Cibus 2022 will put food back at the centre of the social and economic debate, presenting various scenarios and its essential place within our society. The trade show highlights the role of food as archetype of social relationships, framing how this sentiment can actually put us back in harmony with a development model consistent with the consumer’s requests, those of the communities, the environment and the agrifood businesses, increasingly more drawn towards virtuous behavioural choices. Cibus 2022 will focus sustainability in all its multiple facets: environmental, economic and social. GI products, both Italian and international, are also leading at Cibus for their roles in promoting and enhancing the areas of origin, the set of information needed to create value on the shelves and there is an area dedicated to start ups with Italian and foreign businesses as incubators of innovative proposals. It will also feature the enhancement of the good practices of the agrifood industry intended to trigger a positive chain reaction along the entire supply chain.
FLORMART INTERNATIONAL ROADSHOW STOPS OVER IN DUBAI AT EXPO 2020 WITH ITA AND FIERE DI PARMA
Flormart, the historic international fair of horticulture, greenery and landscape taking place in Italy since 1974, has selected Expo2020 Dubai to present the 71st edition of the trade show and the connected initiatives to the regional public. Organized by ITA – The Italian Trade Agency in Dubai, the press conference registered the participation of the main Emirati journalists of the horticultural sector.
Flormart, managed by Fiere di Parma, the organizer of the popular Cibus show, will be held in Padua (Italy) from 21 to 23 September 2022. The trade show represents an international showcase of horticulture and an opportunity of business matching between those who produce the plants, the materials, the furnishings, the means of production and the users, nurserymen, large garden centers, green builders, public bodies, real estate groups and buyers. ITA arranged the participation of a delegation of more than 30 international buyers coming from 10 different countries and Fiere di Parma of 12 Italian companies, which participated in the BtoB meetings at the M-eating Italy pavilion at Expo2020.
The event was the occasion to discuss the shape and trends of the Italian horticulture sector and its role in the global market. Speakers at the official press conference were: Roberto Luongo, Italian Trade Agency Ceo & Managing Director; Marcella Pedroni, Fiere di Parma General Secretary; Leonardo Capitanio, ANVE – Italian Association of Nurserymen Exporters President; Cristiana Bertero, Flormart Brand Manager; Michela Lazzaro, Saonara Municipality Vice Major, Saonara Horticultural District representative.
CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE LEADS FIGHT AGAINST ABOVE-GROUND MAIZE PESTS
Corteva Agriscience has officially introduced PowerCore™ technology to South Africa’s maize farmers. The solution is a new highperforming, herbicide-resistant seed trait that effectively helps protect crops from damaging above-ground insects, such as the maize stalk borer and spotted maize stem borer. The company’s leading seed brands, Pannar® and Pioneer® will be offering PowerCore™ technology as part of new, high-yielding genetics within their respective maize portfolios.
“South Africa’s agricultural, food and beverage exports hit a record high of $12.4bn (approximately R191.4bn) in 2021, with maize being a significant contributor, reaching its largest export volume since 1994/1995. What’s more, maize is a staple for many across the country and, as such, it is critical that local farmers are given the tools they need to help protect their yields,” says Tony Esmeraldo, Business Director, Corteva Agriscience, speaking at this year’s Grain SA Congress, an annual gathering of the country’s leading grain producers and other industry players. “Not only have local trials demonstrated the efficacy of PowerCore™ technology, but the trait also has a proven track record in similar climates in both Brazil and Argentina, where it has been successfully used since 2012. We are extremely proud to share the latest advancement in Corteva Agriscience’s innovative pest control solutions with in-country farmers, to help them address one of the largest problems they face on a daily basis.”
PowerCore™ technology uses combined modes of action to combat primary and secondary pests that can cause significant crop damage and subsequent production losses. The trait comprises three different Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins, each targeting insects differently, while helping to prolong the durability of the technology.
SMARTMOISTURE SET TO BOOST ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH MOISTURE MANAGEMENT IN FEED PRODUCTION
Devenish has partnered with speciality chemicals innovator Perstorp to launch a new patented technology that will help animal feed mills to improve milling efficiency, prevent loss of volume, and ultimately reduce energy consumption and wastage during the milling process.
Developed in collaboration between the two companies, SmartMoisture is a unique moisture management product designed to maintain target moisture levels during the manufacturing process which delivers a range of production, performance, and economic benefits.
Globally, between 1-3% of animal feed is lost due to moisture loss and evaporation during storage and the milling process, which equates to approximately 30 million tonnes of feed wasted each year. Managing feed moisture as a feed ingredient is key to ensuring consistent feed quality and preventing these losses. Trials carried out by Devenish and Perstorp have shown that up to 3% moisture can be reintroduced into feed using SmartMoisture in pelleted feed and up to 4% in extruded feed, with no adverse impact on either animal performance or product quality.
One of the product’s unique features is that it uses the esters of propionic acid – rather than the more common salts of organic acids – which directly prevent the growth of moulds and offer longer protection to the treated feed.
The new Perstorp technology will be distributed exclusively by Devenish, and their growing network of engineering specialists who have in-depth experience of installing dosing machinery at customer sites globally.
EVONIK AND NUTRITION TECHNOLOGIES WORK TOGETHER TO SECURE FUTURE FOOD SUPPLY THROUGH INSECT PROTEIN PROTEINS
Evonik and Nutrition Technologies, a Singaporebased manufacturer of insectderived products, have agreed to jointly conduct a research and development project on the amino acid requirements of Black Soldier Flies (BSF) in
Southeast Asia. Insects have great potential as a sustainable protein source to feed animals, with lower greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water requirements than traditional livestock feed ingredients. The project aims to optimize BSF diets to maximize sustainability outcomes in livestock production while continuing to provide safe and healthy meat.
“The demand for nutritious animal protein is growing sharply in Asia”, says Shreedhar Patel, head of the Regional Platform Asia South in the Animal Nutrition business line of Evonik. “With Nutrition Technologies, we are applying our extensive animal nutrition expertise to explore the most efficient ways to incorporate alternative sources of protein into the food value chain. This should help bolstering food security and availability while minimizing use of arable land and freshwater”.
With the globally recognized knowledge of feed additives that Evonik brings to the project, and the expertise in Black Soldier Fly production from the Nutrition Technologies team, the agreement will accelerate the ability for both parties to deliver optimal BSF protein profiles to enrich animal diets. The research will take place across two locations: Nutrition Technologies’ flagship manufacturing facility in Johor, Malaysia, and Evonik’s state-ofthe-art laboratories in Singapore.
“Working with the global experts at Evonik and having access to their resources is enabling us to develop our understanding of the BSF nutritional requirements at an incredible rate – this will help us to unlock a whole raft of new raw materials, which is the key to expansion in this industry” said Nick Piggott, Founder and Co-CEO of Nutrition Technologies.
The project, which is scheduled to last two years, is already in place, developing protocols and trial regimes. Initial findings are expected to be implemented by the end of 2022.
GREENTECH AMSTERDAM 2022: BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER
From artificial intelligence, to robotics, 3D crop modeling and adaptive greenhouse
HILVERDAFLORIST ACQUIRES ROYAL SERIES FROM TAKII
HilverdaFlorist is pleased to announce the acquisition of the gerbera Royal F1 series from Takii. Since 2021 both parties have collaborated to accelerate pot gerbera breeding and seed production. This successful partnership has resulted in a strategic step for both companies; the acquisition of the complete gerbera Royal series by HilverdaFlorist.
HilverdaFlorist will continue with the breeding activities and seed production as initiated last year, and in addition will take over the sales starting of November 1st 2022.
The hybrid Royal series is a perfect addition to the strong Pot Gerbera assortment of HilverdaFlorist. Royal is an established series brand with a long successful history. It’s known for its high uniformity, strong colors and suitability for larger pot sizes. Combined with the current assortment of FloriLine and Sundayz, HilverdaFlorist confirms to have the strongest assortment in uniformity, genetics and diverse pot sizes to meet any customer demand.
Both family businesses have a long shared history and have collaborated strategically in many areas for years. Royal's new fit with HilverdaFlorist helps the gerbera specialist to maintain a strong position in a rapidly changing pot gerbera market and allows Takii to develop in other emerging pot- and bedding segments. Takii and HilverdaFlorist work closely together to ensure a smooth transition that safeguards the delivery of excellent quality material.
design, this year’s GreenTech Amsterdam is set to be bigger than ever. Over 13,000 horticulture professionals from around the world will come together to contribute towards improving global health under the theme ‘Happy Food Healthy Flowers’. The global horticulture sector is excited to be back together in person to network, celebrate, and learn, with around 90% of exhibitors already confirmed.
Taking place on 14-16 June at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, visitors can expect to see: • An opportunity to meet at least 500 exhibitors, all front runners of the horticulture technology industry • Country pavilions such as Canada, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands • Theme pavilions ie: Medicinal Cannabis, Vertical Farming, New: Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Robotics including Robot Arena. In these pavilions the providers of the latest technological solutions, for these sectors, come together. • More than 100 knowledge sessions in four theaters namely: Vision Theatre: ‘Happy Food Healthy Flowers’, Crops Theatre: Vegetables, soft fruits, flowers, herbs and new crops’, Technology Theatre: ‘Water, energy and automation solutions’, Vertical & Indoor Farming & Medicinal Cannabis Theatre: ‘Latest trends and developments on vertical farming and medicinal cannabis’. • Highlighted topics (and many more to come): Feeding & Greening the City, 3D crop modelling, Determine the flavor of vegetables without tasting,
NESTLÉ STRENGTHENS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EXPERTISE WITH NEW RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Delivering on Nestlé’s net zero roadmap and the transition towards a regenerative food system requires largescale changes in the way agricultural raw materials are produced and sourced. To translate novel agricultural science into concrete applications and to identify the most promising agricultural technologies, Nestlé today announced the creation of the Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences.
The new institute will focus on the areas of plant science, dairy livestock and agricultural systems science. In close collaboration with internal and external partners, it will assess and combine sciencebased solutions to improve the nutritional and sensorial qualities and the environmental impact of agricultural raw materials.
Stefan Palzer, Nestlé CTO, said: "Our transition towards a regenerative food system is enabled by agricultural science and new agricultural technologies. The new institute will accelerate the translation of science into concrete solutions that can be implemented at farm level, to support farmers globally in improving their environmental footprint, in reducing food and nutrient losses, and in better adapting to climate change while ensuring the quality of the raw materials they produce."
The institute builds on Nestlé's existing work and expertise in agricultural science, with important programs already being implemented. For example, our plant science experts have been contributing to the company's sustainable cocoa and coffee sourcing plans – the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and the Nescafé Plan – including with scientific discoveries such as the recently announced high-yield, drought and disease resistant coffee varieties. Nestlé experts are also working on identifying the most suitable pulses and grains to provide low carbon, plant-based alternatives to meat, seafood and dairy. This strong focus on plant science will be further strengthened and extended to additional crops. The institute will also accelerate the work with external partners to contribute to reducing emissions in dairy farming, to develop regenerative agriculture practices, and to improve biodiversity and soil health. The institute will also explore new approaches to upcycling agricultural side streams to reduce nutrient loss and food waste along the agricultural value chain.
Next steps in energy saving, Adaptive Greenhouse Design (low-mid-high tech). • Side events such as: The GreenTech Innovation Awards 2022, International Grower of the Year (AIPH), The Ladies Circle event (TLC).
And much more such as ‘Cannabis Greenhouse experience’, ‘Innovation LAB’, ‘Start-up pavilion’.
SILAL AND AEROFARMS COLLABORATE TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
Silal, Abu Dhabi’s leading fresh produce and agri-tech company, and AeroFarms, a Certified B Corporation and leader in indoor vertical farming, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to forge a long-term research and development collaboration involving knowledge and technology transfer of advanced farming systems to local farmers.
Under the MoU, both parties will assess opportunities to transfer technology and data analytics capabilities from high-tech farming systems to improve yield, reduce cost and waste, and enhance environmental sustainability practices in agriculture across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Both entities will also work across priority research areas that aim to benefit the local food supply and market dynamics including seedling quality improvement and crop diversification.
Speaking about the collaboration, Salmeen Obaid Alameri, CEO of Silal, referenced the importance of R&D to Abu Dhabi’s agriculture sector, saying: “One of our standing pillars at Silal is exploring innovative ways to increase local production, through R&D projects and collaboration with programs that foster growth. By working together with AeroFarms, we will explore localised advanced farming techniques that will enable local farmers to produce better, smarter, and more sustainably – bringing far reaching benefits for both producer and consumer alike. Our collaboration is another monumental step for Silal in its efforts to drive, deliver and safeguard high-quality food supply for the UAE and its people.” ”AeroFarms is excited to partner with world-class leaders like Silal to create innovative agricultural breakthroughs to improve the food system in the UAE,” commented David Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of AeroFarms.
The collaboration will focus on improving the genetics and seedling quality of vegetable and fruit varieties to become more resilient and tolerant to extreme growing conditions. The quality of a seedling is an essential factor for crop establishment, growth, and yield. The partnership will also focus on evaluating and testing crops that have large consumer demand such as
GREEK MEDIA DELEGATION VISITS EVOGREEN’S WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY IN SHARJAH
A Greek delegation of journalists visited the Evogreen Alternative Raw Material facility in Sharjah, where maritime and marine-related hazardous waste is being transformed into industrial-grade alternative materials for circular economy.
The facility is the first project of Evogreen, a joint venture between Polygreen and BEEAH. The 11 Greek journalists learned about the Evogreen facility, located within BEEAH Recycling’s award-winning waste management complex, and its importance in helping realise a zero-waste future and the larger circular economy. The journalists were briefed about BEEAH’s vision for a circular economy across the UAE and the wider region, which has driven the organisation’s growth into a leader in waste management and pioneer for sustainability in the Middle East.
Imran Gill, CEO of Polygreen Middle East, discussed Evogreen’s importance in tackling the pressing issue of marine pollution, utilising innovative marine and environmental management solutions as well as advanced waste processing.
The delegation also went on a tour of the waste management complex and visited the Evogreen Alternative Raw Material facility, where they saw the unique methods being used to treat contaminated metals and hazardous industrial waste. Recovered materials are then used to produce alternative materials for industrial use, promoting a circular economy and helping keep oceans clean.
chili pepper, capsicum, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, broccoli, courgette, melons, eggplant, strawberry, and blueberry.
EUROTIER 2022: THE VENUE FOR "FUTURE OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY”
"Transforming Animal Farming" - this is the guiding theme of EuroTier 2022, reflecting the changes currently embracing the livestock sector, The EuroTier trade fair will take place from 15 to 18 November 2022 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds and will be supported by an additional digital offering. The organizer DLG (German Agricultural Society) is placing the trade fair’s technical program of the world's leading trade fair for animal farming and livestock management under the guiding theme of "Transforming Animal Farming". The focus is on animal welfare, animal health, sustainability, emissions, genetics, husbandry, feeding, digitalization, management, processing and direct farm sales.
The national and international livestock sector is undergoing a transformation. A range of topics are shaping the current developments - animal welfare, sustainability, biodiversity, climate change and global food security as well as production efficiency and marketing strategies. These factor influence changes in production and value chains as well as societal and environmental demands on livestock farming. "In this challenging environment, livestock farmers need new perspectives, strategic approaches and the right technologies more than ever,
BELGIAN LIVESTOCK FARMING FURTHER REDUCES ANTIBIOTIC USE
Belgian livestock farming can show good figures when it comes to antibiotic use. While the drop in antibiotic use appeared to stagnate in 2020, use has further fallen in the past year. And with a new covenant (2021-2024) the sector has committed itself to take yet further steps. Less antibiotic use benefits animal and human health. Less use of antibiotics also reduces the likelihood of resistance. This also increases the likelihood of success after antibiotic treatment in human and animal health. With this wisdom in mind, years of efforts have already been put into reducing the use of antibiotics. And not without success. Raising public awareness, legislation and preventive measures have reduced antibiotic use since 2011 by 40 per cent.
The year 2020 was an exception, because after years of falls in antibiotic use a stillstand was noted for the first time. This was a wake-up call for the sector, as in the meantime better figures have emerged. From the latest antibiotic barometer from AMCRA, the knowledge centre for antibiotic use and resistance among animals, it appears that in the period between July 2020 and June 2021 fewer antibiotics were again registered.
According to Jeroen Dewulf, chairman of AMCRA, raising public awareness is an important weapon in the further reduction of antibiotic use. There is already much raising of awareness based on the new 2021-2024 antibiotic covenant. This covenant states that AMCRA and other stakeholders want to further reduce total antibiotic use in animals in our country to 65 per cent by 2024 compared to 2011.
To achieve this reduction, much is also expected from the reduction pathway agreed this year with the pig, veal calf and poultry sectors. In these sectors, benchmark reports are issued in which the performance of a farmer is tested against a set figure. If the report turns red, a programme to reduce antibiotic use will be set up. “In this way, a concrete reduction plan is worked out to achieve the targets,” says Fabiana Dal Pozzo, coordinator of AMCRA.
She also has high expectations of the antibiotics registration obligation that will apply to the dairy and beef farming sectors next year.
In addition to farm animals, AMCRA wants to extend its focus to horses and pets in the future. “There are still many steps to be taken here. And that is important because these animals frequently come into contact with humans and can thus transmit possible antibiotic resistance,” concludes chairman Dewulf.
in order to be able to successfully address the changes in the industry. As the world's leading trade fair and leading professional platform, EuroTier plays a
decisive role in offering the relevant innovations and solutions for farmers, farm managers and companies," explains Ines Rathke, EuroTier Project Manager, describing the central importance of EuroTier for international livestock farming.
GI OVO INTRODUCES THE TRAY INSPECTOR
GI OVO introduces the Tray Inspector, a machine that can identify, separate and remove the broken trays from your production line.
For more than 20 years our EggsCargoSystem® sets the standard for egg handling worldwide. A vital part of this egg handling infrastructure consists of our durable egg trays. The trays are built to last, but they are often used for a long period of time. They can eventually develop small cracks or other deficiencies. Broken trays may cause broken eggs, a disrupted production process or even severe damage to your machines. That is why we created the ECS® Tray Inspector that identifies and separates the broken trays.
The Tray Inspector is controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). This PLC is connected to a computer that runs specially designed software. The software analyses every tray and sees any sort of crack or malfunction. The PLC then decides to which stack the tray is transported: broken trays or correct trays.
The ECS® Tray Inspector is modular and can be upgraded with several convenient additions to match your specific needs. Its basis consists of a conveyor line, a re-packer, an unpacker, a pusher - that pushes the sorted trays - and especially designed vision technology which detects the broken trays. Our machine can be expanded with various additions, such as several stacking devices, a camera that reads the age of the trays and the possibility to connect to other machines.
NEW AGRI-TECH VERTICAL FARM SYSTEM RESHAPING AGRICULTURE TO SUSTAIN GROWING POPULATIONS WITH HIGH-YIELD CROPS
Future Crops announces a new investment round led by Tencent to accelerate growth. Future Crops is shaping the future of agriculture and our food system, making it more safe, resilient, and efficient.
Future Crops has developed advanced vertical farming from cutting-edge technology that uses a unique soil-like substrate to better reproduce the natural environment. The high-tech farm grows fresh, clean, ultra-sustainable, high quality crops at competitive price points. Researchers from Israel’s Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) were an integral part of the team that developed Future Crops’ cutting-edge technology.
Future Crops had already raised over $30 million in seed funding from a private equity arm run by the Lerman Family, leaders in the American steel industry to finance the construction of their state-of-theart facility and to build their team of experts. This is the first time Future Crops has sought investment beyond its initial round of funding.
“We are tremendously excited about this investment,” says Gary Grinspan, CEO and Co-Founder of Future Crops. “Tencent’s investment reflects the company’s focus on sustainable innovations and support for technologies, like vertical farming, which can create clean, locally grown sustainable food while helping to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. We believe our soil-substratebased platform is closer to nature and produces fresh, longer-lasting, higher-quality produce at improved yields, as plants grow best in soil".
“Tencent supports companies creating solutions to the world’s most critical challenges, including technologies that can feed more people using fewer resources” said Ling Ge, Chief European Representative, Tencent. “Investments in sustainable agriculture technologies, such as vertical farm systems, aligns with our mission to apply technology for good.”
