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Company News, Finance, Organic, World

Farmland LP currently manages over 16,000 acres with approximately $250 million in assets under management (AUM)

Farmland LP, a preeminent fund manager specialising in organic farmland, announced the launch of its $250 million Vital Farmland III (Fund III), its third and largest fund to date. Fund III will extend Farmland LP’s mission of transforming conventional farms into dynamic, sustainable, and organic operations, catering to the surging consumer demand for food products derived from organic and regeneratively farmed sources.

Farmland LP currently manages over 16,000 acres with approximately $250 million in assets under management (AUM). Fund III will allow investors to align compelling financial returns with measurable, positive environmental impact. The firm’s previous funds have delivered strong performances; notably, Vital Farmland LP (Fund I) has since inception generated a net average after-tax return to original investors of 113 per cent.

“Farmland LP’s strategy is grounded in simplicity and effectiveness. We acquire conventional, chemical-dependent farms and reengineer them as models of organic and regenerative agriculture, thereby boosting cash flows and land values,” said Craig Wichner, CEO of Farmland LP. “With our proven 14-year track record, we have demonstrated that converting low-margin, high-volume farmland into higher-margin organic alternatives generates substantial financial benefits while simultaneously promoting environmental stewardship.”

“Driven by robust investor interest in high-performing, sustainability-focused farmland investments, Farmland LP continues to experience accelerated growth,” remarked Tom Sullivan, Managing Director of Capital Markets and Investor Relations for Farmland LP. “Our new fund provides a unique opportunity for institutional and accredited individual investors to tap into this high-potential asset class, fostering regenerative farming practices that benefit our planet.”

With greenwashing a growing concern in the farmland investment sector, Wichner added: “Investors are increasingly seeking verifiable claims of sustainability. Our commitment to Certified Organic standards and regenerative farming practices focused on soil health assures our investors that their capital is truly advancing sustainable agriculture.”

Farmland LP currently manages over 16,000 acres

Company News, World

The Mercaris team will accelerate the development of Argus agriculture pricing and analytics in the Americas, and open up opportunities in biofuels and other agricultural inputs

Energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has acquired Mercaris, the leading provider of sustainable agriculture prices and analytics in the US. 

Mercaris’ price assessments, analytics and forecasts for organic and non-GMO (non-genetically modified) agriculture cover organic corn, soybeans, soybean meal, wheat and other small grains, plus non-GMO corn and soybeans, as well as organic dairy markets. Its price assessments for cash crops of organic soybeans and corn adhere to the IOSCO Principles for Price Reporting Agencies and are used as the basis for physical and over-the-counter options contracts.

Besides price assessments, Mercaris provides acreage estimates, supply/demand analysis, and facilities density mapping to customers across the agriculture supply chain in the US. These include farmers, processors and retailers alongside government entities, financial and agricultural inputs companies.   

The addition of the Mercaris team will accelerate the development of Argus agriculture pricing and analytics in the Americas, and open up opportunities in biofuels and other agricultural inputs. 

Adrian Binks, Argus Media chairman and chief executive said, “We are pleased to further expand Argus agriculture capabilities in the Americas.  The development of sustainable agriculture is critical as the world embraces the transition to net zero.  The integration of Mercaris into Argus will allow us to scale our offering and provide valuable new market transparency.”

Kellee James, founder and chief executive of Mercaris added, “We are excited to become part of Argus which presents a great opportunity to leverage their trusted brand, global reach and scale with our best-in-class sustainable agriculture offering. Together, we will be able to broaden Argus agriculture insights both within the US and internationally and enhance our existing product portfolio, better serve our customers, and accelerate product development into related markets.”

The Mercaris team will accelerate the development

AgroPolicy, Climate, Environment, India, Organic, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Trade

Currently, Sikkim grows organic farm produce worth Rs 8 crores and it will grow up to Rs 8000 crores gradually by 2030

Sikkim is India’s first 100 per cent organic farming state and the government is planning to export agricultural organic produce from Sikkim, currently, Sikkim grows organic farm produce worth Rs 8 crores and it will grow up to Rs 8000 crores gradually by 2030, said Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Textiles and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, at the Asia Economic Dialogue in Pune.

Pune International Centre (PIC) a Pune-based think tank and Ministry of external affairs has organised Asia economic dialogue a three days conference. Experts from various fields participated in the forum.

Goyal said that to Sikkim make organic farm products export hub, the government plans to set Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Agricultural Processed Food Products Export Authority (APEDA) unit in Sikkim.

He said, “While the developed world is the largest contributor to climate change, they are preaching to us today about what we should be doing despite us being only 2.5 per cent of contributors to carbon emissions. The government has focused on addressing climate change as a responsible global citizen. We are promoting circular economies so that we recycle our waste. We are among the top five performing nations in addressing climate change goals. We are also promoting products like sustainable textiles.”

Currently, Sikkim grows organic farm produce worth

Agrotech, Company News, Organic, Sustainability, World

Growing high-nutrient, clean, sustainable fruits and vegetables all year-round is the target

US based company Advanced Container Technologies which is in the business of selling and distributing self-contained, automated, indoor “micro-farms”,  announces the launch of GrowPods, the company’s unique Controlled Environment Farms, which can help provide new income streams for farmers, along with a host of other significant benefits.

3 pounds of toxic chemicals are sprayed on food, per person, every year, many fruits and vegetables contain 90 percent fewer nutrients than at the start of this century. 

“Our food system is in peril and we can no longer keep going on as if everything is fine,”. “It’s time for farmers to look to new ways of growing crops that don’t depend on soil, and don’t require chemicals or pesticides.” Doug Heldoorn, CEO of ACTX, said.

GrowPods are hydroponic controlled environment farms that can grow about an acre of food with about a third of the water used in traditional farming. With state-of-the-art automation, GrowPods provide farmers, businesses, organisations, and individuals the ability to grow ultra-clean food which is even better than organic.

Heldoorn summarised saying “Our nation’s farmers need new tools and techniques to survive,” he said. “GrowPods offer a pathway forward to a more sustainable future.”

Growing high-nutrient, clean, sustainable fruits and vegetables

Acts & Schemes – Centre, India, Live Stock, Organic

Various schemes being implemented by the State and Central Government to  benefit the farmers and livestock keepers in particular

ICAR-AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilisation, Jhansi organised ‘Forage Day’ today across the country in 35 centres of ICAR Institutes, SAUs, CAUs, Regional Stations and NGOs to sensitise and impart basic understanding about different forage species (traditional fodder crops, range grass species, non-conventional fodder etc.)

As a part of this event, “Forage Day” was also organised by ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi. Ram Naresh Tewari, Independent Director, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd was the Chief Guest who briefed about the various schemes being implemented by the State and Central Government for the benefit of farmers in general and livestock keepers in particular. 

He also put emphasis on the importance of livestock in natural and organic farming and stressed upon the need of increasing farmer’s income and building a strong India.

Various schemes being implemented by the State

Agrotech, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, who is also a deep-rooted researcher, has shared some of the Agritech innovations developed by him with Union Minister of State (IC) Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (IC) Ministry of Earth Science; MoS of Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh, at Raj Bhavan. 

Devvrat, who is a great votary of natural farming as a way to avoid the ill effects of chemicals used in conventional farming, said that he has launched a PhD programme in Natural Agriculture by Gujarat University at the Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS), which will cover various aspects like rural management, environment management, innovation, Agri-entrepreneurship, Agribusiness and Value Chain Management.  He also endorses the idea of an integrated approach to promote Agri-tech Start-ups to make farming easy and more profitable. Dr Jitendra Singh also informed Acharya Devvrat the success of Purple Revolution in J&K is now being replicated in other hilly States with similar climatic conditions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and in North-Eastern States as a pilot project

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, who is also

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News

BioSpectra is the latest biorational fungicide to be organically certified for postharvest applications

Pace International, a leading provider of sustainable postharvest solutions and technologies for the fresh produce industry, announced that BioSpectra 100 SC is now listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for organic use in the US.

The announcement comes six years after the introduction of the product when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) approved the product for postharvest applications.

BioSpectra received its OMRI Listed seal after completing the rigorous certification process and requirements set forth for organic crop production use.

BioSpectra is the latest biorational fungicide to be organically certified for postharvest applications. It provides a broad-spectrum decay control against several major fungal postharvest diseases across various crops and has shown better disease control compared to other organic alternatives.

“As the world’s needs continue to evolve, effective biological solutions will play a key role in protecting the quality and marketability of fresh produce. We are proud to continue to bring innovative sustainable solutions to our customers and the fruit packing industry, something that we strive for every day,” said Jorge Gotuzzo, Senior Director of Marketing.

This natamycin-based fungicide is the result of the fermentation process of naturally occurring soil micro-organisms and provides a new mode of action, inhibiting pathogen growth.

BioSpectra is the latest biorational fungicide to

Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, Dairy, Organic, Start ups, Sustainability

Discussions were held on prospects, challenges, technologies and strategies 

The ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya recently organised a two-day National Conference on “Agri-Start-Ups: Prospects, Challenges, Technologies and Strategies (AGRiPACTS – 2022)” at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, Sikkim.

The conference focussed on agri-business ecosystems, potential technologies, IPR technologies and commercialisation, challenges faced by ecosystem builders and agri startups and convergence among stakeholders.

The Chief Guest, Lok Nath Sharma, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Service, Government of Sikkim highlighted the importance of organic farming and initiatives for the highest purity standards to create opportunities and demand for the agricultural products from Sikkim to the other parts of the country and globe. The Government of Sikkim’s initiatives for the widespread marketing opportunities and self-sufficiency achieved in milk production were also underlined by the Minister.

The Guest of Honor, Prof Avinash Khare, Vice-Chancellor, Sikkim University, Sikkim emphasised the branding of the agricultural products and processed items from Sikkim for marketing for sustainability and income generation of employment.

P Vaiphei, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur outlined the importance of developing Entrepreneurs in agriculture particularly, in organic products.

The need for the product development and issues of quality at start-ups / Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations and Entrepreneurs to reach customer level through networking was stressed by Dr K Srinivas, ADG (IP&TM), ICAR.

Earlier, Dr R Laha, Joint Director, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre delivered the welcome address.

More than 500 participants from all over the country including 70 Scientists / Venture or Business Experts; 75 office bearers/members of farmers’ producers’ companies / Organizations (FPCs / FPOs); 20 successful agri-start-ups and 120 state officials from all over the North-East Region, etc., participated in the conference.

Discussions were held on prospects, challenges, technologies

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, Oilseeds, Organic, Pulses, Trade

Narendra Singh Tomar stated that the centre and states would work together to ensure pesticide and seeds availability to reduce input costs for farmers

Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2022-23 at NASC Complex, New Delhi. The minister expressed satisfaction that as per 2nd Advance Estimates (2021-22), total foodgrains production in the country is estimated at 3160 lakh tonnes which will be a record. The pulses and oilseeds production will be 269.5 and 371.5 lakh tonnes, respectively. As per third advanced estimates, horticulture production during 2020-21 is 3310.5 lakh tonnes which is the highest ever for Indian horticulture. 

The minister stated that the centre and states would work together to ensure pesticide and seeds availability to reduce input costs for farmers. He urged that there should be a strategy to replace urea with nano-urea. He declared that the government would continue to emphasise natural and organic farming. On exports, the minister said that while agriculture exports have increased, attention should be paid to quality products so that they can compete in international markets. Exporters and farmers both should benefit.

The objective of this conference was to review and assess the crop performance during the preceding crop seasons and fix crop-wise targets for the Kharif season in consultation with state governments, ensure the supply of critical inputs and facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance production and productivity of the crops. The priority of the government is agro-ecological based crop planning for diversion of land from excess commodities like rice and wheat to deficit commodities like oilseeds and pulses and high-value export earning crops. The government is giving high priority to crop diversification with a focus on self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses and the promotion of oil palm. Consultations with all the stakeholders like major states, researchers, industries and policy makers have been held to finalise a National Policy Frame Work for Crop Diversification Programme in the country. All states should work towards crop diversification for making agriculture sustainable, profitable and self-sufficient in deficit commodities. 

The conference set national targets for total food grain production set at 3280 lakh tonne for the year 2022-23 compared to expected production of 3160 lakh tonne during the current year. The target for production of pulses has been fixed at 295.5 and 413.4 lakh tonne in 2022-23. Nutri-cereals production has to be increased from 115.3 in 2021-22 to 205.0 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. The strategy would be to increase area through inter-cropping and crop diversification and productivity enhancement through the introduction of HYVs and the adoption of suitable agronomic practices in low yielding regions. 

Manoj Ahuja, Secretary (Agriculture and Farmers Welfare), said that the country is maintaining an increasing trend in food grain production from 2015-16. The total food grain production has increased by 25 per cent in the last six years from 251.54 to 316.01 million tonne. Oilseeds have followed the same trend and have shown a growth of 42 per cent from 25.25 million tonne in 2015-16 to 37.15 million tonne in 2021-22. India’s exports of agricultural products have grown by 19.92 per cent during 2021-22 to touch $50.21 billion ( Rs 376575 crore). The commodities like wheat, other cereals, rice (other than Basmati), soya meal, raw cotton, fresh vegetable, processed vegetables etc have registered the most positive growths. 

He said, “We have to accelerate the production and productivity of agriculture and horticulture sectors for ensuring food and nutritional security in the rural areas. The government has adopted several developmental programmes, schemes, reforms and policies that focus on higher incomes for the farmers. Action Plan for three years Seed Rolling Plan (2021-22 to 2023-24) for all oilseeds with allocation Rs 381.95 crore will produce a total of 14.7 lakh quintals of quality seed of new HYVs will be produced in next three years.” 

Making a detailed presentation on the strategies for crop management in Kharif season, Dr AK Singh, Agriculture Commissioner said that country has recorded all-time high food grains, oilseeds and horticultural production due to timely interventions of the government. Now, special focus is given to oilseeds, pulses and nutria-cereals. Post monsoon, rainfall has been more than normal and about 55.76 lakh hectares were under cultivation during summer. Following government policy, there has been a reduction in area under rice with a corresponding increase in pulses and oilseeds cultivation. The government has worked out the requirement of seed and fertilisers and will ensure their timely supply. 

Narendra Singh Tomar stated that the centre

Agrotech, Organic, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Vegetables

Showcases progress updates on its food chain partnerships that connect growers to the food value chain

Bayer is presenting the latest innovative and sustainable fruits and vegetable solutions to, on and beyond the farm at Fruit Logistica from April 5 to 7. The company spotlights products for the challenges facing growers, such as the tomato virus, the increasing request for organic and low residue produce and the need to lessen agriculture’s impact on the environment and respond to climate change. An important focus lies in providing growers with what they need to deliver on consumer, regulatory, and ecological demands. Bayer also showcases progress updates on its food chain partnerships that connect growers to the food value chain, as well as updates to the BayG.A.P. Service programmes empower smallholders to grow better crops and increase yields, for a profit.

Bayer is showcasing vegetables and fruits products that reflect the decisions growers need to make to meet the changing demands of consumers. In 2021, Bayer introduced an expansion of products under the new vegetables by Bayer umbrella to offer organically produced seeds. This directly addresses the increased customer need for high-quality organic seeds.

Bayer has introduced BIOLOGICALS by Bayer, a new signet for all biological crop protection products. Bayer’s science-based biological products provide growers with a broader choice for pest and disease management while contributing to Bayer’s goal of reducing the environmental impact of crop protection by 30 per cent by 2030.

Showcases progress updates on its food chain

AgroPolicy, Environment, Horticulture, Organic

Discussions were held on how to set a 10 per cent export share in the global fruits and vegetable market by 2030

India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai hosted a seminar on ‘Indian Organic and Horticulture Sector–Moving Up the Value Chain’ as part of the ongoing ‘Food, Agriculture and Livelihood’ at EXPO2020 Dubai.

The seminar, to deliberate on the opportunities and huge export potential that the Indian agriculture sector offers, saw participation from the representatives of the government and private sector.
In his opening remarks, PK Swain, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, said, “In ‘Rising India’, agriculture is a dominant sector which contributes significantly to the Indian economy. With 15 agro-climatic zones, rich soil, mineral-rich water, and is driving the volume, variety, and quality. India is on its way to becoming the food basket of the world and is offering both food and nutritional security with good agricultural practices to the world.”

Applauding the expansion of the sector in the country, Swain said, “India is scripting history with the enchanting growth trajectory of organic horticulture.” He also urged the global investors to invest in the agriculture supply chain and take advantage of FDI policies introduced by the government in the sector.

Dr B Rajendra, Minister (Agriculture), Embassy of India, Rome and Italy & Representative, FAO said, “We need to put a lot of effort in ensuring the quality of our organic horticulture produce and take advantage of such global platforms to expand our export avenues.”

Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare said, “To ensure the quality of our organic produce, we need to have a robust system of certification and the Government of India has anchored two systems of certification for the organic products.”

He further emphasised that appropriate phytosanitary protocols need to be ensured for better acceptability of Indian organic and horticultural products. “We envisage targeting 10 per cent export share in global fruits and vegetable market by 2030,” he added.

It is pertinent to point out that despite the pandemic, India’s organic exports grew 51 per cent over 2019-20 levels. India’s organic exports stood at 8,88,180 MT in 2020-21.

K Srinivas, Partner, Food & Agribusiness, KPMG, said, “India is ranked amongst the top ten exporting countries in agriculture and the overall exports have been growing at an extremely significant rate. Despite the pandemic challenges, we were able to achieve this feat and it strengthens India’s positioning as an exporter globally.”

Emphasising the export-focussed strategy for the promotion of organic and horticulture produce, Srinivas said, “This platform is helping us initiate conversation around awareness and capacity building with investors to make prominence of India in horticulture space. Adoption of good agriculture practices, enhanced farm gate infrastructure, higher investment in R&D, and digital integration are some of the strategies that will play important role in promoting India’s horticulture exports.”

The ‘Food, Agriculture and Livelihood’ fortnight will conclude on March 2.

Discussions were held on how to set

AgroPolicy, Interaction

Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat underlined the components of the natural farming like use of Bijamrut, Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Mulching and multiple cropping systems

The ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra organise Virtual Sensitisation Workshop on “Natural Farming for Healthy Nation for Krishi Vigyan Kendras” on February 10, 2022.

Inaugurating the Workshop, the Chief Guest, Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat underlined the components of the natural farming like use of Bijamrut, Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Mulching and multiple cropping systems. He stressed that by using these methods, the natural farming can be done without affecting the yield and dependency on the import of agriculture fertilisers and other inputs can be reduced.

Devvrat highlighted the concept and philosophy of the natural farming. He stated that the natural farming helps in reducing the cultivation cost, enhancing the soil fertility and yields and protecting from uncertainties of climate change by adopting agro-ecology based principles.

The Special Guest, Jagdish Vishwakarma Panchal, Minister of State for Cooperation and Cottage Industries, Government of Gujarat underlined the Department’s working towards providing the marketing facilities to the farmers practicing natural farming in the state. He also urged the participants for taking the concept of natural farming at the village level too.

Dr CK Timbadia, Director of Extension Education, Navsari Agriculture University, Navsari, Gujarat outlined the success of forming the natural farming groups and master trainers for orienting the farmers and development functionaries.

Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat underlined the

Organic

The company has trademarked the name “Healing the Earth Farms” as its brand name for all growing activities.

Green Planet Group an emerging leader in green technology, announced recently that its wholly owned subsidiary, Healing the Earth (HTE) has launched its urban farm operation. The company has trademarked the name “Healing the Earth Farms” as its brand name for all growing activities.

The farm will utilise its patented growing technology to both demonstrate its effectiveness in growing 100 per cent organic food with 97 per cent less water, using no soil or chemical fertilizers, while accelerating growing time by as much as 300 per cent. The farm will begin growing three varieties of micro-greens, a Kalefetti, Radish, and a Spicy Micro mix. The ‘living’ micro-greens are harvested with their roots intact which improves shelf life while maintaining taste and nutrition values.

The Healing the Earth Farms label includes a QR code which will permit the retail customer to connect directly to its website to obtain additional product information and suggested recipes from Chef Alex. In addition, Chef Alex will begin a promotion whereby customers can submit their recipes for cash rewards.

The farm will harvest food every day, 365 days per year, and will begin delivering its products to up-scale grocery chains in the fourth week of this month, at the rate of 280 units per day or 8,500 units per month.

The company has trademarked the name "Healing

Organic

GrowPods allow growers to easily and affordably grow produce that is ultra clean, nutritious, and is better than organic.

The leading distributor of GrowPods, Advanced Container Technologies, Inc (ACTX) has recently announced that, GrowPods can help eliminate pesticides that are commonly found in many food products – including organic foods.

GrowPods are portable self-contained indoor farms that can be located virtually anywhere and offer farmers a way to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs that and free of pesticides, harmful chemicals and pathogen contamination.

Since, most people want the cleanest produce possible, and many opt for food labelled ‘organic’. However, most consumers don’t realise that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows many dangerous substances in organic farming.

GrowPods allow growers to easily and affordably grow produce that is ultra clean, nutritious, and is better than organic.

GrowPods allow growers to easily and affordably grow