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HomePosts Tagged "Netherlands"
Horticulture, Supply Chain, Trade

The container was flagged off by Rajesh Aggarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA at MSAMB’s Irradiation Facility Center in Vashi

INI Farms, India’s leading F&V exporter flagged off the first container of ‘Kimaye’ pomegranates to the USA. This is a groundbreaking development for Indian F&V exports as it marks the start of fruit exports to the USA via the sea route. Travelling nearly 20,000 km, this is the longest distance travelled by any Indian fruit in the world!

The outcome is the result of more than year-long joint efforts of APEDA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry – GOI, Ministry of Agriculture Govt of Maharashtra, Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), United States Department of Agriculture APHIS (USDA APHIS), NPPO, Pomegranate National Research Center and INI Farms. This encompassed various initiatives from farm registrations, training & monitoring, air shipment trials, development of sea protocol, static trials for shelf life extension and post-harvest treatment.    

The container was flagged off by Rajesh Aggarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA at MSAMB’s Irradiation Facility Center in Vashi (Navi Mumbai). The event was graced by dignitaries from MSAMB, Regional Plant Quarantine Station (RPQS – MoA&FW), US Consulate and US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), APEDA and NRC Solapur. The consignment of 4200 boxes (12.6 tons) of ‘Kimaye’ pomegranates is set to sail to delight customers in the US

Today, India is the world’s largest producer of pomegranates, with over 2,75,500 hectares of land under cultivation. During the fiscal year 2022-23, the country exported over 60,000 metric tonnes of pomegranates to countries like UAE, the Netherlands, Oman, Bahrain and others. The successful export of pomegranates to the USA opens up a new opportunity for Indian pomegranate farmers and exporters and will open doors to other long-distance markets like Australia.

The container was flagged off by Rajesh

Horticulture, R&D, World

This innovation promises good yields and high-quality strawberries, but it also represents a significant advancement in the sustainable cultivation of this crop

Netherlands’s Limgroup announced its revolutionary F1 Hybrid Strawberries concept at the International Soft Fruit Conference. The launch of Limgroup’s first strawberry variety from seed marks a turning point in the strawberry sector. This innovation promises good yields and high-quality strawberries, but it also represents a significant advancement in the sustainable cultivation of this crop.

“This transformation is set to revolutionise the entire strawberry sector,” says Vincent Deenen Limgroup’s CEO. “The transition to strawberries grown from seed will have significant advantages for every link in the chain: breeders will have access to cutting-edge technologies allowing them to innovate more effectively. Propagators can start with clean plant materials and automation presents them with new opportunities. Additionally, their production cycle will be drastically reduced from two years to just 16 weeks. Among other things, the resulting benefits represent a significant step forward in making strawberry cultivation more sustainable, a goal our industry needs to work towards.”
 
Roland Sweijen, Product Lead Strawberry adds: “And the availability of fresh plants at virtually any time gives growers more flexibility in their cultivation methods, resulting in increased efficiency, precision and professionalism. Retailers can respond to market demand for sustainably produced strawberries, whilst consumers will benefit from healthier, more sustainably produced strawberries, which results in a better eating experience. This transition creates a win-win situation for everyone.”

This innovation promises good yields and high-quality

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, World

The Company is a leading global supplier of MCA and the first and only producer of green MCA

Nouryon, a global speciality chemicals leader, announced that it is now certified to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification standard ISCC PLUS for the production of green monochloroacetic acid (MCA) at its site in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. The Company is a leading global supplier of MCA and the first and only producer of green MCA that is derived from sustainably sourced raw materials.

“We are pleased to be the first supplier to offer green MCA as a building block for our customers that contributes to their sustainability goals,” said Joppe Smit, Senior Vice President of Natural Resources and Intermediates at Nouryon. “Today’s announcement underscores our efforts to deliver solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.”

MCA is used in the manufacture of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), agrochemicals, surfactants, and other functional chemical building blocks that are essential to building and construction, crop protection, food additives, personal care products, cleaning goods, and pharmaceuticals. Nouryon’s green MCA is a sustainable alternative offering a significant reduction in product carbon footprint while delivering the same quality and performance.

As a manufacturer of speciality chemicals, Nouryon works to ensure that its products meet or exceed industry benchmarks for sustainability without sacrificing performance. Learn more about the Company’s overall strategy to reduce Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions water-use intensity, and other sustainability targets.

The Company is a leading global supplier

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, Sustainability

The Dutch partnership of leading horticultural companies, ‘NLHortiRoad2India,’ is embarking on its third journey to India

Dutch greenhouse experts see numerous opportunities to improve local food systems in India. Recently, it became clear that Indian vegetables and fruits contain alarmingly high levels of pesticides and chemicals, due to outdated agricultural practices. The Netherlands, known for its expertise in food safety solutions, holds the key to producing healthy food in India. This week, the Dutch partnership of leading horticultural companies, ‘NLHortiRoad2India,’ is embarking on its third journey to India. During World Food India, the Dutch delegation eagerly looks forward to connecting with Indian retailers, growers, and investors interested in investing in a healthier, more sustainable, high-quality, and profitable food system.

The trade mission to India begins with participation in World Food India, taking place from Friday, November 3rd, to Sunday, November 5th, at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. At this promising event, the Dutch horticulture sector will showcase its solutions for profitable food systems inside a captivating demo greenhouse. This greenhouse is not just an exhibit; it’s designed to provide visitors with a firsthand experience of the advantages of high-tech horticulture. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the high-tech greenhouse, observe the cutting-edge technology up close, and truly immerse themselves in the innovative world of Dutch horticulture

The cluster is also represented at The Netherlands Pavilion on the exhibition, where they are keen to engage in discussions with pioneers, early adopters, influencers, and potential partners regarding the implementation of innovative technologies to meet the growing market demand for high-quality fresh food.

Desh Ramnath, Director of Dutch Greenhouse Delta and Coordinator of NLHortiRoad2India, explains, “The Netherlands collaborates with countries around the world to improve local food systems. Combining India’s local expertise with our global knowledge and expertise, we can assist India in achieving greater self-sufficiency in food production. Profitably upscaling Indian horticulture with high-tech solutions is the primary focus of our consortium, NLHortiRoad2India, in collaboration with the Indian industry.”

The Dutch partnership of leading horticultural companies,

Company News, Floriculture, World

The Gerbera Catalogue for 2024 offers an overview of both new additions and long-time favourite varieties within Standard, Mini, Pomponi, Mini Pomponi and Piccolini

HilverdaFlorist shares two exciting new catalogues for the year 2024. These editions present the commercial Gerbera assortment as well as a wide range of other Cut Flowers (Limonium, Alstroemeria, Dianthus, Scabiosa, Gypsophila and Helleborus).

The catalogues collectively introduce over 40 new varieties, representing the forefront of product development and innovation. Both catalogues feature a vibrant spectrum of new colours, enhanced key attributes, unexpected versatility, and in-depth insights provided by HilverdaFlorist’s assortment managers, marketing and R&D experts, breeders, and managing directors of subsidiaries.

The Gerbera Catalogue for 2024 offers an overview of both new additions and long-time favourite varieties within Standard, Mini, Pomponi, Mini Pomponi and Piccolini. The Cut Flower Catalogue 2023 beautifully showcases Alstroemeria, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Helleborus, Limonium, and Scabiosa varieties. Discover new specialities and brands now! Both catalogues are available in print and online via hilverdaflorist.com.

In line with the catalogue launches, the Gerbera and Cut Flower show greenhouses in De Kwakel, Netherlands, burst into a display of flowers, offering a unique opportunity to witness the introductions of the new season in week 45.

From November 7 to 9, HilverdaFlorist will also unveil its latest innovations at the Royal FloraHolland Trade Fair in Aalsmeer. Furthermore, HilverdaFlorist’s subsidiary companies, HilverdaFlorist Colombia and Murara Plants in Kenya, will participate in the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in Vijfhuizen from November 8 to 10. In the same week, HilverdaFlorist invites visitors to the open days in the show greenhouses at Dwarsweg 15 in De Kwakel.

HilverdaFlorist focuses on the breeding, propagation and development of an extensive range of cut flowers, pots and garden plants. With a trusted, global network of subsidiaries, distribution partners and production locations, HilverdaFlorist provides local support and premium young plant material, suitable for every climate and evolving cultivation requirements.

The Gerbera Catalogue for 2024 offers an

Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade

The Indian government gave Kenya access to the market after notifying the World Trade Organisation

Kenya has been given the green light to export avocados to India starting in September. This move will allow Kenyan farmers to increase their avocado plantings, leading to higher earnings, employment opportunities, and downstream benefits.

Currently, Kenya’s primary export destinations for avocados are European countries such as the Netherlands, France, Spain, the UK, and Germany, making up 60 per cent of exports. In fact, avocados have become the second most valuable imported fruit from developing countries in Europe, surpassing grapes. Kenya also exports avocados to several other countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. The Indian government gave Kenya access to the market after notifying the World Trade Organisation. Kenyan avocado growers are required to fumigate the fruits with Methyl bromide or use cold treatment to control pests such as fruit flies. The inaugural shipment will be sent via diplomatic channels, and thereafter exporters will seek out partners to export with the help of KEPHIS. Kenya has been negotiating with India for five years on this export deal and has also recently expanded its avocado exports to China and Mauritius and is in talks with the USA and South Korea for market access.

The Indian government gave Kenya access to

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, World

Icos Capital Fund IV will be focused on new and emerging technologies in the areas of sustainable industry, decarbonisation technologies, circular economy, and sustainable food systems

Nouryon, a global speciality chemicals leader, announced that it will invest in Icos Capital Fund IV, a collaborative venture capital fund connecting corporations and financial institutions with start-ups that have a potential for fast growth. The investment strategy of the Icos Capital Fund IV will be focused on new and emerging technologies in the areas of sustainable industry, decarbonisation technologies, circular economy, and sustainable food systems.

“At Nouryon, we are focused on offering innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers,” said Philip Clark, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Nouryon. “Our investment with Icos provides Nouryon with an effective way of screening a very large number of start-ups and emerging technologies that are in and adjacent to our key end-markets with a focus on accelerating sustainability.”

Nouryon’s corporate partnership with Icos Capital goes back to 2017 with its original investment in Icos Capital Fund III, which has enabled several strategic partnership discussions and insights into innovation critical to Nouryon.

Icos Capital is active in the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Germany, with activities across Europe. Icos Capital Fund IV will expand its geographic reach to other parts of the world, including North America, and its corporate partners will play an important role in setting the fund strategy, as well as identifying and evaluating the start-ups.

Icos Capital Fund IV will be focused

Agrotech, Company News, Environment, Europe, Nature

INTERRA®Scan gives growers insight into the texture, nutrient and carbon content of the soil to optimize nutrition and carbon sequestration.

Syngenta has announced the availability of its new INTERRA®Scan service for growers in the Netherlands and Belgium. INTERRA®Scan maps the soil very accurately, allowing growers to make simple, more informed decisions for a more targeted use of input. This means not only productivity gains, but also more sustainable practices for long-term soil health.

This innovative service maps the soil in high resolution for up to 27 information layers. The strength of INTERRA®Scan lies in its ability to accurately visualize the texture, nutrient content and carbon content of the soil. This enables growers to optimize nutrition and carbon sequestration, regardless of soil moisture, compaction, cover or growing conditions. The service therefore works effectively under a wide range of conditions.

INTERRA®Scan offers growers direct economic value and is a potential long-term solution to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change through regenerative farming practices. The digital platform gives growers access to a uniquely detailed soil property map and enables them to easily generate variable dosing cards for their applications. With INTERRA®Scan, growers can make informed decisions about what to apply where and how much.

INTERRA®Scan gives growers insight into the texture,

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, Supply Chain, Trade

The state faces tough competition from other turmeric-producing states such as Telangana and Maharashtra

Turmeric fields in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya are attracting businessmen from India and abroad. The region’s Lakadong turmeric, considered the world’s best, is now in the news due to its freshness and curcumin content, which is used for pharmaceutical purposes and fetches a premium price.

After five years of implementing Mission Lakadong, local turmeric production in Meghalaya has transformed into a profitable economic activity with increased trade and farming opportunities. As a result, the state has been able to expand its exports to countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Despite this success, the state faces tough competition from other turmeric-producing states such as Telangana and Maharashtra.

If we compare the production of turmeric, it is seen that many other states surpass Meghalaya in terms of quantity. However, when it comes to quality, the situation is reversed. The West Jaintia Hill district cultivates three varieties of turmeric – Lachen, Lasain and Lakadong. While the first two have only four to five per cent of curcumin, Lakadong has an average of seven per cent curcumin. This variety is grown only by the locals of this small district, which is bordered by Bangladesh and Assam. Any efforts to grow this variety elsewhere have resulted in a sharp decline in its curcumin content.

The Meghalaya government launched ‘Mission Lakadong’ in 2018 to promote the cultivation and sale of turmeric. This involved appointing a nodal officer and working with groups such as Trinity Sio and Life Spice Processing Cooperative Society to find new markets and branding opportunities for farmers.

The state faces tough competition from other

Climate, Company News, Dairy, Environment, Live Stock, North America, Poultry, Sustainability

The production of factory-farmed chickens and pork by JBS alone causes emissions equivalent to 14 million gas-powered vehicles on the road each year

JBS Foods, the giant global meat producer, ranks highest in Greenhouse Gas emissions in World Animal Protection’s new Factory Farming Climate Culprits Scorecard.

The scorecard ranks the world’s top five factory farming giants based on the total emissions released from their chicken and pig production, which combined slaughter 11.5 billion chickens and 150 million pigs every year. Factory farming is an often-overlooked climate culprit, with the world’s five biggest factory farming companies responsible for emissions equivalent to 36.4 million cars on the road annually.

The production of factory-farmed chickens and pork by JBS alone causes emissions equivalent to 14 million gas-powered vehicles on the road each year – more than all the cars in New York City. In 2023, the National Advertising Division of the US Better Business Bureau concluded that JBS should discontinue its claims of achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2040 because there was no indication that the company is currently implementing any plans to achieve net zero.

JBS has been linked to multiple instances of illegal deforestation in Brazil, destroying wildlife habitats and ecosystems to source corn and soy for animal feed. The company’s current policy allows illegal deforestation of the Amazon region until 2025 and legal deforestation globally for a further ten years.

Annette Manusevich, Farming Campaign Manager, World Animal Protection, US, states, “This scorecard highlights the immense impact a handful of factory-farmed meat producers have on the climate. Companies like JBS are some of the largest contributors to the climate crisis, yet they are rarely held accountable. Animals are suffering extreme cruelty in factory farms, and our environment cannot sustain the unchecked expansion of mega meat producers. This scorecard adds to the mounting evidence that factory farming is not compatible with a climate-safe future.”

Lindsay Oliver, Executive Director, of World Animal Protection US, states, “JBS is responsible for unspeakable cruelty and the slaughter of billions of thinking, feeling animals each year and is the worst contributor of factory farming greenhouse gas emissions. This scorecard further exemplifies the corruption on which JBS is built and the exploitation of both animals and humans on which it profits.”

The scorecard builds on data from World Animal Protection’s Climate Change and Cruelty report, which captured the environmental and climate change impacts of farming chickens and pigs in the world’s four biggest factory farming hot spots – Brazil, China, the USA, and the Netherlands.

The production of factory-farmed chickens and pork

Agrotech, Cold Storage, Company News, Europe, Seeds, Supply Chain

Activities performed in the new facility will include seed extraction, seed treatments and seed storage.

Rijk Zwaan, a Dutch vegetable breeding and seed production company headquartered in De Lier in the province of South Holland builds a second facility for seed treatment and storage in the Netherlands.

Construction work is now underway on a new Rijk Zwaan facility for the treatment and storage of vegetable seeds. This marks a further expansion of the vegetable breeding company’s existing facilities in De Lier, the Netherlands. The new building is expected to be fully operational by spring 2025.

Activities performed in the new facility will include seed extraction, seed treatments and seed storage. Besides that, the building will house offices and a multifunctional meeting area for use by employees and visitors.

Rising demand for vegetable seeds

The demand for vegetable seeds is expected to continue to rise, not least due to the growing world population. “By increasing Rijk Zwaan’s capacity for seed treatment and storage, we can continue to meet growers’ needs for high-quality vegetable varieties. At the same time, our new facility will enable us to spread our seed processing and storage activities across multiple locations, thus supporting even better business continuity,” says Hubertien Doldersum, Manager Operations at Rijk Zwaan.

Consideration for the community

The wants and needs of the local community have been taken into account in the building plans. Parallel to the ‘Kralingerpad’ cycle path, for example, a public footpath and greenery will be created on the new Rijk Zwaan premises. Moreover, the existing watercourse has been widened to 12 metres to significantly improve drainage away from De Lier.

Activities performed in the new facility will