Researchers%20from%20Flinders%20University%20are%20investigating%20organic%20nitrogen%20fertiliser%20to%20return%20nitrogen%20to%20soil%20without%20the%20need%20for%20chemicals.%0A%0ACurrently%2C%20the%20global%20agricultural%20industry%20is%20facing%20challenges%20with%20deteriorating%20soil%20health.%20In%20order%20to%20combat%20this%2C%20Australian%20scientists%20are%20exploring%20the%20manufacture%20of%20a%20sustainable%20organic%20nitrogen%20fertiliser%20composed%20of%20aquatic%20cyanobacterial%20biomass%2C%20which%20is%20suitable%20for%20severely%20damaged%20areas%20that%20are%20dependent%20on%20chemical%20fertilisers.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CMany%20soils%20are%20degraded%20and%20becoming%20less%20fertile.%20This%20challenges%20agriculture%20to%20produce%20sufficient%20high-quality%20food%20to%20feed%20the%20continuously%20growing%20population%2C%20which%20is%20further%20exacerbated%20by%20climatic%20instability%20threatening%20crop%20production%2C%E2%80%9D%20explained%20Flinders%20University%20researcher%20Associate%20Professor%20Kirsten%20Heimann.%0A%0ABiofertiliser%20from%20cyanobacteria%0A%0AJoining%20the%20Flinders%20researchers%2C%20US%20and%20European%20scientists%20are%20now%20assessing%20the%20functionality%20of%20a%20novel%20biofertiliser%20comprised%20of%20very%20fast-growing%20freshwater%20cyanobacterium%20Tolypothrix%2C%20which%20is%20capable%20of%20fixing%20nitrogen%20from%20the%20atmosphere%20without%20necessitating%20further%20nitrogen%20fertilisation.%20This%2C%20therefore%2C%20makes%20the%20biomass%20far%20cheaper%20to%20produce%20in%20comparison%20to%20alternative%20microalgal%20and%20macroalgal%20biofertilisers.%0A%0AThe%20research%20group%20has%20discovered%20that%20it%20is%20possible%20to%20cultivate%20this%20kind%20of%20non-toxic%20blue-green%20algae%20in%20freshwater%2C%20as%20well%20as%20in%20somewhat%20saline%20or%20industrial%20wastewater%20like%20that%20from%20coal-fired%20power%20stations%3B%20capturing%20biofuel%20could%20also%20be%20used%20to%20balance%20out%20the%20cost%20of%20production.%0A%0AThis%20form%20of%20non-toxic%20blue-green%20algae%20can%20be%20cultivated%20in%20freshwater%20and%20even%20slightly%20saline%20or%20industrial%20wastewater%20such%20as%20from%20coal-fired%20power%20stations%2C%20the%20research%20team%20has%20found.%20Capturing%20biofuel%20may%20also%20be%20used%20to%20offset%20production%20costs.%0A%0AEnergy%20inputs%20to%20produce%20Tolypothrix%20biomass%20can%20be%20offset%20by%20generating%20biogas%2C%20which%20is%20a%20methane-rich%20gas%20for%20drying%20the%20biomass%20to%20extract%20high-value%20health%20supplement%20phycocyanin%20or%20to%20produce%20carbon%20and%20nitrogen-rich%20liquid%20and%20solid%20biofertilisers%20to%20remediate%20soil%20infertility.%0A%0ABiological%20soil%20enhancement%0A%0AIn%20a%20recent%20paper%20in%20Chemosphere%2C%20Dr%20Heimann%20and%20his%20associates%20explore%20Tolypothrix%20generation%20as%20a%20sustainable%20answer%20to%20the%20question%20of%20biological%20soil%20enhancement%2C%20which%2C%20when%20combined%20with%20biogas%20or%20the%20spirulina-like%20nutritional%20powder%2C%20offers%20%E2%80%9Cstrong%20economic%20returns%20for%20regional%20and%20remote%20farming%20communities%E2%80%9D.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CAustralian%20soils%2C%20in%20particular%20in%20the%20marginal%20wheat%20belt%20in%20Western%20Australia%2C%20are%20structurally%20degraded%2C%20which%20cannot%20be%20overcome%20by%20applications%20of%20synthetic%20fertilisers%2C%E2%80%9D%20commented%20Associate%20Professor%20Heimann.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CTo%20improve%20soil%20structure%2C%20organic%20carbon%20applications%20are%20required%20to%20return%20the%20soils%E2%80%99%20capacity%20to%20sustain%20a%20healthy%20soil%20microbiome%20and%20to%20improve%20the%20soils%E2%80%99%20cation%20exchange%20of%20nutrients%20and%20water-holding%20capacity.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20group%20explained%20that%20conversion%20of%20pond-generated%20cyanobacterial%20biomass%20manufactured%20on%20farming%20land%20could%20offer%20a%20massive%20in-situ%20source%20of%20renewable%20nitrogen-rich%20fertiliser%2C%20thus%20also%20aiding%20the%20reduction%20of%20carbon%20emissions%20from%20chemical%20fertiliser%20production%20and%20transport.%0A%0ASustainable%20biofertiliser%20for%20a%20growing%20population%0A%0AThe%20UN%20estimates%20that%20the%20global%20population%20will%20reach%208.5%20billion%20in%202030%2C%209.7%20billion%20by%202050%20and%2010.9%20billion%20in%202100.%20As%20a%20result%20of%20projected%20population%20growth%2C%20higher%20energy%20and%20food%20demands%20are%20estimated%20for%20the%20future.%0A%0AThese%20projections%20promote%20research%20into%20biofertiliser%20and%20biogas%20manufacture%20through%20sustainable%20energy%20generation%2C%20utilising%20waste%20organic%20material%20of%20controlled%20production%20of%20biomass%20like%20microalgae%20and%20multicellular%20cyanobacteria.%0A%0AScientists%20have%20formerly%20recorded%20photosynthetic%20fixation%20of%20CO2%20by%20cyanobacteria%20of%20100%20to%20%3E200%20tons%20CO2ha%E2%88%921y%E2%88%921%20under%20outdoor%20cultivation%20conditions%20in%20open%20ponds%2C%20raceway%20ponds%2C%20photobioreactors%20and%20attached%20growth%20bioreactors.%0A%0AFurther%20studies%20indicate%20that%20in%20contrast%20to%20various%20cyanobacterial%20species%2C%20Tolypothrixsp%2C%20a%20freshwater%20cyanobacterium%2C%20is%20filamentous%20and%20forms%20aggregates%20that%20self-flocculate%2C%20rendering%20it%20incredibly%20simple%20to%20harvest%20from%20suspension%20cultures%2C%20decreasing%20dewatering%20expenses%20by%20up%20to%2090%25.

Developing organic nitrogen fertiliser

Agtech%20startup%20SupPlant%E2%80%98s%20flagship%20product%20is%2C%20essentially%2C%20a%20Babel%20fish%20for%20plants%3A%20leveraging%20a%20set%20of%20hardware%20sensors%2C%20the%20plants%20can%20tell%20you%20whether%20they%E2%80%99ve%20been%20drinking%20enough%20water%2C%20or%20whether%20they%20could%20do%20with%20an%20additional%20sip%20or%20two.%20In%20a%20world%20where%20under-watering%20has%20far%20more%20damaging%20results%20than%20over-watering%2C%20a%20non-tech-enabled%20farmer%20may%20be%20tempted%20to%20keep%20the%20soil%20wetter%20than%20it%20needs%20to%20%E2%80%94%20wasting%20a%20tremendous%20amount%20of%20precious%20water%20in%20the%20process.%20By%20carefully%20measuring%20the%20plants%2C%20and%20pairing%20their%20status%20with%20weather%20and%20soil%20data%2C%20it%20can%20give%20very%20precise%20watering%20needs.%20The%20company%20just%20raised%20%2427%20million%20to%20continue%20fertilizing%20and%20watering%20its%20own%20growth%20trajectory.%0A%0AWhen%20the%20agricultural%20revolution%20happened%2012%2C000%20years%20ago%2C%20farmers%20started%20tracking%20how%20crops%20grew%20based%20on%20various%20weather%20patterns%20and%20broad-stroke%20variability%20in%20weather%20forecasting%2C%20etc.%20A%20lot%20of%20these%20patterns%20are%20being%20disrupted%20by%20climate%20change.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20ability%20to%20make%20decisions%20based%20on%20seasonality%20of%20the%20weather%20is%20literally%20getting%20lost%20%E2%80%94%20that%E2%80%99s%20where%20we%20come%20in.%20By%20sensing%20the%20plant%20we%20can%20identify%20exactly%20what%20it%20needs%20regardless%20of%20the%20season%2C%E2%80%9D%20explains%20Ori%20Ben%20Ner%2C%20CEO%2C%20and%20founder%20at%20SupPlant%2C%20who%20is%20a%20third-generation%20farmer.%20He%20admits%20that%20his%20grandfather%20%E2%80%94%20who%20is%2091%20this%20year%20and%20still%20grows%20onions%2C%20watermelons%20and%20corn%20%E2%80%94%20would%20barely%20recognize%20what%20he%20does%20as%20farming.%20%0A%0AThe%20company%20has%20two%20products%3B%20a%20software-only%20solution%2C%20and%20a%20hardware-and-software%20product.%20The%20hardware%20product%20measures%20one%20plant%20per%2025%20acres%20or%20so%2C%20and%20uses%20this%20data%20to%20extrapolate%20the%20needs%20of%20all%20the%20crops%20in%20the%20field.%20The%20solution%20uses%20five%20different%20sensors%20%E2%80%94%20deep%20soil%2C%20shallow%20soil%2C%20trunk%2C%20leaf%20and%20fruit.%20Each%20of%20the%20sensors%20feeds%20data%20into%20an%20algorithm%2C%20which%20also%20takes%20into%20consideration%20weather%20patterns%2C%20weather%20forecasts%2C%20soil%20information%20and%20other%20proprietary%20data%2C%20to%20give%20advice%20about%20how%20to%20water%20crops%20strategically%20over%20the%20next%2010-14%20days.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20learned%20the%20specific%20patterns%20of%20the%20trunk%20and%20%E2%80%94%20later%20on%20the%20season%20%E2%80%94%20of%20the%20fruit%20itself%20through%20tweaking%20the%20irrigation%20recommendations%20that%20we%E2%80%99re%20giving.%20Our%20system%20learns%20the%20optimal%20patterns%20and%20irrigation%20regimes.%20It%20keeps%20the%20plant%20and%20fruit%20on%20the%20maximized%20growth%20pattern%20that%20the%20plant%20is%20capable%20of%2C%E2%80%9D%20explains%20Ner.%20%E2%80%9CFrom%20there%2C%20it%20starts%20to%20get%20into%20specifics%20of%20their%20specific%20regimes%20to%20increase%20sugar%20levels.%20For%20wine%20grape%20growers%2C%20for%20example%2C%20you%20want%20to%20stress%20the%20plant%20at%20a%20certain%20time%2C%20three%20weeks%20from%20now%2C%20to%20encourage%20the%20plant%20to%20accumulate%20sugar.%20The%20more%20sugar%20in%20the%20grape%2C%20the%20better%20the%20wine.%20Basically%2C%20the%20end%20result%20is%20dramatic%20enhancements%20of%20yields.%20Our%20main%20goal%20is%20to%20increase%20and%20enhance%20produce%2C%20but%20the%20byproduct%20is%20that%20we%20save%20a%20lot%20of%20water.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20company%20closed%20a%20%2427%20million%20round%20led%20by%20Red%20Dot%20Capital%2C%20with%20participation%20from%20strategic%20philanthropy%20investors%20Menomadin%20Foundation%2C%20Smart%20Agro%20Fund%20and%20others.%20The%20round%20brings%20SupPlants%E2%80%99s%20total%20funding%20to%20date%20to%20more%20than%20%2445%20million.%20The%20company%20currently%20has%2070%20or%20so%20employees%20and%20is%20planning%20to%20grow%20to%20100%2B%20this%20year.%0A%0AIn%20addition%20to%20the%20hardware-based%20product%2C%20the%20company%20recently%20launched%20an%20API%20product%2C%20a%20sensor-less%20technology%20that%20has%20served%20500%2C000%20maize%20farmers%20in%20Kenya%20over%20the%20last%20season.%20SupPlant%20is%20making%20its%20technology%20available%20to%20these%20smallholder%20farmers%20by%20changing%20the%20basic%20concept%20of%20irrigation%20methods.%20The%20new%20technology%20is%20designed%20for%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20450%20million%20small%20growers.%20In%202022%2C%20SupPlant%E2%80%99s%20aim%20is%20to%20get%20more%20than%20a%20million%20African%20and%20Indian%20smallholders%20on%20its%20platform.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CAfter%20a%20couple%20of%20years%20on%20the%20market%2C%20and%20with%20tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20sensors%20deployed%2C%20we%20have%20millions%20of%20irrigation%20events%2C%20covering%20more%20than%2033%20crops%2C%20with%20over%20200%20varieties%20in%20any%20geography%20you%20can%20imagine%2C%20and%20in%20every%20climate%20condition%20you%20can%20imagine.%20So%20the%20fundamental%20value%20of%20the%20product%20today%20is%20the%20fact%20that%20we%20own%20the%20most%20unique%20database%20of%20irrigation%20on%20Earth.%20The%20hardware%20will%20be%20an%20enabler%20for%20that%2C%E2%80%9D%20explains%20Ner.%20Obviously%2C%20the%20hardware%20solution%20is%20more%20accurate%20than%20software%20alone%2C%20but%20as%20the%20company%20gathers%20more%20and%20more%20data%2C%20it%20is%20able%20to%20extrapolate%20how%20various%20crops%20will%20perform.%20%E2%80%9COur%20main%20markets%20%E2%80%94%20that%20is%2C%20where%20most%20of%20the%20sales%20teams%20are%20located%20%E2%80%94%20are%20Australia%2C%20Mexico%2C%20South%20Africa%20and%20Argentina.%20We%20are%20just%20on%20the%20verge%20after%20a%20super%20successful%20proof-of-concept%2C%20of%20signing%20100%25%20of%20the%20dates%20in%20UAE.%20That%20comprises%202.1%20million%20trees.%20Our%20solution%20enables%20the%20UAE%20to%20save%2070%25%20of%20its%20water%20consumption.%20The%20amount%20that%20we%20are%20able%20to%20save%20per%20tree%20is%20the%20consumption%20of%2010%20people%20in%20the%20Emirates%20%E2%80%94%20one%20of%20the%20aridest%20places%20on%20earth.%E2%80%9D

SupPlant - Internet of Trees solution dramatically

The%20European%20Commission%20may%20delay%20the%20publication%20of%20proposals%20on%20sustainable%20farming%20and%20nature%20that%20had%20been%20expected%20this%20week.%20The%20impact%20of%20the%20war%20in%20Ukraine%20on%20food%20supply%20has%20led%20some%20countries%20to%20resist%20reform.%0A%0AThe%20EU%20is%20overhauling%20all%20sectors%20to%20become%20greener%2C%20including%20agriculture%2C%20which%20produces%20roughly%2010%25%20of%20EU%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions.%20Brussels%20has%20mooted%20targets%20that%20include%20halving%20chemical%20pesticide%20use%20by%202030%2C%20and%20is%20drawing%20up%20binding%20laws%20to%20make%20them%20a%20reality.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20European%20Commission%20is%20considering%20delaying%20two%20new%20proposals%20-%20binding%20targets%20to%20restore%20nature%2C%20and%20a%20more%20sustainable%20pesticides%20law%20-%20which%20were%20to%20have%20been%20made%20public%20on%20Wednesday.%0A%0AEU%20officials%20were%20expected%20to%20decide%20on%20Monday%20on%20the%20timing%20of%20the%20proposals%2C%20which%20are%20competing%20for%20attention%20with%20emergency%20plans%20on%20soaring%20energy%20prices%20and%20food%20supply%2C%20after%20Russia's%20invasion%20of%20Ukraine%20drove%20up%20prices%20of%20wheat%20and%20barley%20and%20raised%20fears%20of%20shortages.%0A%0AHow%20important%20are%20Ukraine%20and%20Russia's%20food%20exports%20to%20the%20EU%3F%0A%0ARussia%20and%20Ukraine%20make%20up%20more%20than%2030%25%20of%20global%20trade%20in%20wheat%20and%20more%20than%2050%25%20for%20sunflower%20oils%2C%20seeds%20and%20meals.%20The%20EU%20also%20imports%20significant%20amounts%20of%20animal%20feed%20and%20fertilisers%20from%20the%20region.%0A%0AEU%20farm%20ministers%20also%20gathered%20on%20Monday%20to%20discuss%20measures%20to%20respond%20to%20the%20impact%20of%20the%20war.%0A%0AFrench%20agriculture%20minister%20Julien%20Denormandie%20said%20it%20had%20led%20some%20countries%20to%20question%20the%20transition%20to%20a%20new%20EU%20farming%20policy%2C%20but%20that%20did%20not%20mean%20it%20should%20not%20happen.%0A%0A%22Yes%20it's%20complicated%2C%20doing%20this%20transition%2C%20while%20ensuring%20food%20supply%2C%20but%20it's%20not%20the%20case%20that%20we%20don't%20do%20it%20because%20it's%20complex%2C%22%20Denormandie%20said%20on%20arrival%20for%20the%20meeting.%0A%0AHow%20can%20the%20EU%20prevent%20food%20shortages%3F%0A%0AThe%20Commission%20is%20considering%20measures%20to%20address%20food%20security%2C%20such%20as%20by%20allowing%20land%20lying%20fallow%2C%20a%20practice%20that%20allows%20the%20land%20to%20recover%20between%20seasons%2C%20to%20be%20used%20for%20crop%20production%20or%20animal%20grazing.%0A%0AA%20group%20of%20400%20scientists%20and%20food%20sector%20experts%20on%20Friday%20said%20abandoning%20sustainable%20farming%20practices%20would%20be%20counter-productive.%0A%0A%22These%20measures%20would%20not%20move%20us%20towards%20but%20further%20away%20from%20a%20reliable%20food%20system%20that%20is%20resilient%20to%20future%20shocks%2C%20and%20delivers%20healthy%20and%20sustainable%20diets%2C%22%20their%20statement%20said.%0A%0AIt%20called%20instead%20for%20a%20shift%20to%20crops%20less%20reliant%20on%20fertilisers%20produced%20using%20Russian%20gas%2C%20and%20more%20plant-based%20diets%20to%20cut%20the%20amount%20of%20grain%20needed%20for%20animal%20feed.

Ukraine war can delay EU sustainable farming plans

Project%20led%20by%20OneFarm%20expected%20to%20grow%20up%20to%20415%20tonnes%20of%20leafy%20greens%20and%20herbs%20for%20local%20customers%20each%20year%0AThe%20UK's%20largest%20vertical%20farm%20is%20poised%20to%20begin%20construction%20in%20Suffolk%20later%20this%20year%2C%20as%20part%20of%20a%20%22multi-million%20pound%22%20project%20led%20by%20OneFarm%20that%20is%20designed%20to%20grow%20up%20to%20415%20tonnes%20of%20sustainable%20food%20a%20year%20for%20supply%20to%20local%20customers.%0A%0AThe%206%2C400%20square%20metre%20indoor%20farm%20in%20Newmarket%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20fully%20operational%20from%20early%20next%20year%2C%20following%20the%20conversion%20of%20an%20existing%20disused%20warehouse%20site%20where%20the%20firm%20plans%20to%20grow%20a%20range%20of%20herbs%20and%20salad%20leafs%20on-demand%20for%20retailers%20and%20other%20customers%20in%20the%20region%2C%20according%20to%20OneFarm.%0A%0AThe%20sustainable%20food%20specialist%20announced%20it%20had%20secured%20the%20green%20light%20for%20the%20project%20yesterday%2C%20which%20it%20said%20would%20be%20delivered%20in%20partnership%20with%20indoor%20agritech%20specialist%20IGS%20ltd%2C%20Suffolk%20County%20Council%2C%20and%20the%20New%20Anglia%20Local%20Enterprise%20Partnership%20(NALEP).%0A%0AThe%20first%20phase%20of%20the%20project%20is%20set%20to%20deliver%20up%20to%206%2C400%20square%20metres%20of%20growing%20area%20across%20nine%20metre-high%20growth%20towers%2C%20which%20OneFarm%20said%20would%20make%20it%20the%20largest%20vertical%20farm%20in%20the%20UK.%20Moreover%2C%20it%20is%20eyeing%20a%20second%20phase%20for%20the%20project%20that%20would%20double%20the%20growing%20area%20to%20around%2013%2C000%20square%20metres%2C%20thereby%20increasing%20the%20vertical%20farm's%20capacity%20to%20over%201%2C000%20tonnes%20of%20crops%20each%20year%2C%20the%20firm%20said.%0A%0AThe%20project%20marks%20the%20first%20of%2025%20vertical%20farm%20hubs%20that%20OneFarm%20envisages%20developing%20and%20operating%20across%20the%20UK%20in%20the%20coming%20years.%20The%20company%20said%20its%20farms%20would%20all%20place%20an%20emphasis%20on%20provenance%2C%20localised%2C%20and%20sustainable%20supply%20chains%20to%20bolster%20food%20security%20without%20using%20herbicides%20or%20pesticides.%0A%0AMira%20Merme%2C%20CEO%20of%20OneFarm%2C%20said%20her%20ambition%20was%20to%20produce%20environmentally%20sustainable%20and%20%22truly%20local%20food%20for%20local%20people%22.%0A%0A%22Consumers%20deserve%20locally%20grown%2C%20fresh%2C%20good%20quality%20food%2C%20grown%20without%20pesticides%20and%20with%20low%20water%20usage%2C%20and%20OneFarm's%20in-house%20brand%2C%20Wholly%20Food%2C%20provides%20just%20that%2C%20every%20day%20of%20the%20year%2C%22%20she%20said.%20%22We%20are%20excited%20to%20be%20at%20the%20forefront%20of%20this%20fast-emerging%20sector%2C%20which%20we%20strongly%20believe%20will%20play%20an%20important%20role%20in%20the%20future%20of%20food%20production.%22%0A%0AFunding%20for%20the%20public-private%20project%20has%20been%20raised%20through%20Abundance%20Investment%2C%20while%20OneFarm%20said%20it%20already%20had%20agreements%20in%20place%20to%20supply%20selected%20retailers%20in%20the%20region.%0A%0AVertical%20farms%20have%20slowly%20grown%20in%20prominence%20in%20the%20UK%20in%20recent%20years%2C%20with%20a%20wave%20of%20major%20projects%20either%20having%20either%20started%20development%20or%20already%20opened.%20Proponents%20argue%20indoor%20farms%20offer%20a%20more%20efficient%20and%20sustainable%20means%20of%20producing%20food%20in%20urban%20areas%2C%20as%20they%20do%20not%20require%20as%20much%20soil%2C%20water%20or%20sunlight%20to%20grow%2C%20reduce%20the%20need%20for%20fertilisers%20and%20pesticides%2C%20and%20can%20be%20located%20closer%20to%20population%20centres%2C%20leading%20to%20reduced%20transport%20emissions%20and%20costs.%0A%0AA%20recent%20report%20from%20the%20Tony%20Blair%20Institute%20argued%20governments%20should%20ramp%20up%20support%20for%20the%20nascent%20sector%20as%20a%20means%20of%20enhancing%20food%20security%20and%20bolstering%20climate%20resilience.%0A%0ADavid%20Farquhar%2C%20CEO%20of%20IGS%2C%20said%20the%20Newmarket%20project%20was%20aimed%20at%20addressing%20the%20growing%20desire%20among%20consumers%20%22to%20really%20know%20and%20understand%20where%20their%20food%20is%20coming%20from%20and%20ensure%20availability%20and%20quality%20of%20produce%22.%0A%0A%22Across%20the%20world%2C%20the%20focus%20on%20environmental%20and%20economic%20sustainability%20has%20increased%20dramatically%20in%20recent%20years%2C%20accompanied%20by%20the%20imperative%20need%20for%20food%20security%2C%22%20he%20said.

UK's largest' vertical farm to open in 2023

The%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20vertical%20farm%20is%20being%20built%20to%20help%20end%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20reliance%20on%20imported%20foods.%20British%20retailers%20already%20get%20almost%20a%20third%20of%20their%20fresh%20basil%20from%20the%20team%20at%20Jones%20Food%20Company%20(JFC).%20It%20is%20grown%2C%20alongside%20other%20leafy%20greens%2C%20at%20Europe%E2%80%99s%20largest%20vertical%20farm%20in%20Lincolnshire%2C%20England.%0A%0ABut%20now%20they%20are%20experimenting%20with%20growing%20soft%20fruits%2C%20flowers%2C%20vegetables%20and%20even%20vines%20on%20a%20commercial%20scale.%20A%20state%20of%20the%20art%20innovation%20centre%20has%20just%20opened%20near%20the%20city%20of%20Bristol%20where%20researchers%20are%20working%20to%20make%20these%20ideas%20a%20reality%20in%20the%20next%2010%20years.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20already%20know%20we%20can%20grow%20products%20other%20than%20leafy%20greens%2C%20from%20mushrooms%20to%20blackberries%20to%20tulips%2C%20but%20our%20task%20through%20this%20new%20facility%20is%20to%20push%20the%20speed%20of%20growth%20to%20work%20on%20a%20commercial%20scale%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Glynn%20Stephens%2C%20head%20of%20growing%20at%20JFC.%0A%0AThe%20company%20wants%20to%20eliminate%20the%20need%20to%20import%20these%20products.%20In%202020%2C%20nearly%20half%20of%20all%20food%20consumed%20in%20the%20UK%20was%20brought%20in%20from%20overseas%2C%20according%20to%20the%20government.%0A%0AAnd%20a%20recent%20report%20from%20real%20estate%20services%20company%20Savills%20found%20that%2069%20per%20cent%20of%20these%20imports%20come%20from%20countries%20with%20lower%20environmental%20scores%20than%20the%20UK%20such%20as%20South%20Africa%20and%20Turkey.%20For%20fruits%2C%20vegetables%20and%20cereals%20that%20proportion%20increases%20to%2077%20per%20cent.%0A%0ATo%20help%20end%20this%20reliance%20on%20food%20from%20overseas%2C%20JFC%20is%20building%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20vertical%20farm.%0A%0AThe%20multi-million%20pound%20facility%20will%20have%20more%20than%2013%2C500%20square%20metres%20of%20growing%20space%20-%20the%20equivalent%20of%2096%20tennis%20courts%20stacked%20on%20top%20of%20each%20other.%20It%20is%20set%20to%20open%20in%20autumn%20this%20year.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20want%20consumers%20to%20be%20able%20to%20pick%20up%20vertically%20grown%20peppers%2C%20tomatoes%20or%20berries%20at%20their%20local%20retailer%2C%20and%20know%20that%20that%20product%20is%20sustainable%20and%20hasn%E2%80%99t%20had%20to%20travel%20hundreds%20of%20miles%20to%20get%20to%20their%20plate%2C%E2%80%9D%20Stephens%20adds.%0A%0AHe%20hopes%20that%20with%20JFC%20leading%20the%20charge%2C%20vertical%20farms%20can%20be%20the%20main%20suppliers%20of%20fresh%20food%20in%20the%20UK%20in%20the%20coming%20years.%20%0A%0AWith%20development%20moving%20relatively%20quickly%2C%20it%20could%20mean%20British%20strawberries%20at%20Christmas%20before%20we%20know%20it.%0A%0AAre%20vertical%20farms%20better%20for%20the%20environment%3F%0A%0AJFC%20says%20vertical%20farms%20use%20less%20fertiliser%20than%20outdoor%20operations%20as%20it%20is%20recycled%20through%20the%20farm%E2%80%99s%20water%20system%20if%20the%20plants%20don%E2%80%99t%20absorb%20it.%20There%E2%80%99s%20also%20no%20risk%20of%20fertilisers%20running%20off%20of%20fields%20and%20polluting%20water%20sources.%0A%0AThe%20company%20adds%20that%20this%20innovative%20food%20growing%20setup%20can%20be%20powered%20with%20100%20per%20cent%20green%20energy%2C%20uses%2095%20per%20cent%20less%20water%20and%20reduces%20the%20air%20miles%20attached%20to%20our%20food.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CConsumers%2C%20retailers%2C%20government%20and%20everyone%20involved%20recognises%20the%20importance%20and%20benefits%20of%20reducing%20emissions%2C%20reducing%20food%20miles%2C%20reducing%20pesticide%20use%2C%20reducing%20water%20use%20and%20generally%20being%20more%20sustainable%20in%20the%20way%20we%20grow%20our%20food%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20founder%20and%20CEO%20of%20JFC%2C%20James%20Lloyd-Jones.%0A%0AVertical%20farming%20is%20also%20carried%20out%20in%20a%20completely%20controlled%20environment.%20This%20means%20the%20process%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20rely%20on%20seasonal%20weather%20changes%20or%20limited%20land%20space%20to%20produce%20food%20365%20days%20a%20year.%0A%0ALloyd-Jones%20says%20JFC%E2%80%99s%20innovations%20could%20soon%20mean%20the%20UK%20will%20be%20wholly%20reliant%20on%20homegrown%20fresh%20produce.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%E2%80%99s%20clear%20from%20what%20we've%20achieved%20and%20are%20planning%20that%2C%20within%20the%20next%2010%20years%2C%20the%20UK%20could%20be%20in%20a%20position%20where%20we%20no%20longer%20have%20to%20fly%20in%20soft%20fruits%20and%20herbs%20from%20southern%20Europe%2C%20North%20Africa%2C%20the%20Caribbean%20or%20anywhere%20else.%E2%80%9D

World’s largest vertical farm is building in UK

Sales%20of%20peat%20for%20use%20on%20private%20gardens%20and%20allotments%20will%20be%20banned%20in%20England%20from%202024%2C%20the%20government%20has%20announced.%20Environmental%20campaigners%20have%20long%20called%20for%20stricter%20laws%20to%20restore%20peatlands.%0A%0AAs%20well%20as%20carbon%20capture%20and%20storage%2C%20peatlands%20provide%20habitat%20to%20some%20of%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20most%20threatened%20wildlife%2C%20and%20also%20filter%20water%20and%20prevent%20flooding%20downstream.%0A%0ABut%20a%20combination%20of%20draining%20them%20for%20agricultural%20use%2C%20burning%20to%20create%20the%20right%20habitat%20for%20game%20birds%20and%20harvesting%20for%20compost%20means%20just%2013%25%20are%20in%20a%20near-perfect%20state.%0A%0AOvergrazing%20by%20livestock%20and%20wild%20deer%20have%20also%20contributed%20to%20the%20problem.%0A%0AThe%20Department%20for%20Food%2C%20Environment%20and%20Rural%20Affairs%20(Defra)%20said%20on%20Saturday%20the%20sale%20of%20peat-based%20compost%20would%20be%20banned%20in%20garden%20centres%20and%20supermarkets%20within%2018%20months.%0A%0AIn%202011%2C%20the%20government%20agreed%20that%20the%20horticultural%20industry%20should%20voluntarily%20bring%20about%20an%20end%20to%20the%20use%20of%20peat%2C%20but%20by%202021%20it%20still%20accounted%20for%2029.8%25%20of%20commercially%20sold%20compost.%0A%0AA%20public%20consultation%2C%20which%20received%205%2C000%20responses%2C%20found%2095%25%20of%20people%20supported%20the%20ban%20and%20Defra%20admitted%20the%20voluntary%20approach%20had%20not%20succeeded.%0A%0ABagged%20peat%20sold%20by%20retailers%20accounts%20for%2070%25%20of%20the%20peat%20sold%20in%20the%20UK%2C%20according%20to%20Defra.%0A%0AIt%20said%20that%20at%20this%20stage%2C%20the%20ban%20did%20not%20apply%20to%20those%20working%20in%20the%20horticultural%20trade%2C%20and%20that%20a%20date%20for%20this%20would%20be%20decided%20after%20a%20discussion%20with%20industry%20bodies%20in%20September.%0A%0AA%20spokesperson%20for%20the%20department%20acknowledged%20that%20landowners%20would%20still%20have%20the%20right%20to%20extract%20peat%2C%20but%20said%20the%20ban%20would%20in%20time%20bring%20about%20a%20reduction%20in%20demand.%0A%0AShe%20added%20the%20government%20was%20aiming%20to%20help%20mineral%20planning%20authorities%2C%20usually%20a%20department%20within%20a%20county%20council%2C%20unitary%20authority%20or%20national%20park%2C%20to%20modernise%20existing%20licences%20in%20order%20to%20bring%20an%20end%20to%20peat%20extraction.%0A%0AThe%20government%20has%20a%20target%20of%20restoring%2035%2C000%20hectares%20of%20peatlands%20by%202025%20as%20part%20of%20its%20commitment%20to%20reach%20net%20zero%20carbon%20emissions%20by%202050.%0A%0AIn%20addition%20to%20the%20newly%20announced%20ban%2C%20a%20further%20%C2%A311m%20has%20been%20awarded%20to%20six%20projects%20working%20to%20restore%207%2C000%20hectares%20of%20peatland.%0A%0AThe%20money%20comes%20from%20the%20second%20round%20of%20grant-making%20by%20the%20Nature%20for%20Climate%20Peatland%20Grant%20Scheme%2C%20which%20is%20administered%20by%20non-departmental%20public%20body%20Natural%20England.%0A%0AMoney%20to%20restore%208%2C000%20hectares%20of%20peatland%20was%20awarded%20in%20the%20first%20round%20of%20funding.%0A%0AThe%20environment%20minister%2C%20Richard%20Benyon%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20actions%20announced%20today%20mark%20a%20new%20chapter%20in%20the%20story%20of%20our%20iconic%20peatlands%20%E2%80%93%20safeguarding%20their%20long-term%20health%20and%20vitality%20as%20part%20of%20our%20commitments%20to%20achieve%20net%20zero%20and%20deliver%20our%2025-year%20environment%20plan.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20chair%20of%20Natural%20England%2C%20Tony%20Juniper%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThis%20ban%20on%20the%20sale%20of%20peat-based%20compost%20and%20work%20to%20phase%20out%20use%20in%20other%20areas%20is%20an%20essential%20step%20toward%20protecting%20these%20valuable%20natural%20assets%20and%20allowing%20for%20the%20recovery%20of%20degraded%20areas.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20RSPB%20welcomed%20the%20announcement%20but%20was%20concerned%20the%20plans%20did%20not%20go%20far%20enough.%0A%0AEmma%20Marsh%2C%20executive%20director%20of%20digital%20technology%20and%20communications%20at%20the%20RSPB%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CWhile%20we%20welcome%20this%20announcement%20we%20are%20concerned%20it%20does%20not%20meet%20the%20Climate%20Change%20Committee%E2%80%99s%20advice%20to%20end%20all%20peat%20use%20and%20extraction%20by%202023.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20in%20the%20midst%20of%20a%20nature%20and%20climate%20emergency%2C%20and%20this%20is%20the%20type%20of%20action%20we%20need%20to%20be%20seeing%2C%20especially%20when%20there%20are%20many%20peat-free%20alternatives%20available.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20a%20good%20step%20in%20the%20right%20direction%2C%20but%20we%20need%20to%20see%20this%20followed%20up%20with%20more%20decisions%20that%20protect%20our%20precious%20peatlands.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAndy%20Jasper%2C%20head%20of%20garden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Sale of peat banned in England from 2024

The%20Biden-Harris%20administration%2C%20though%20the%20USDA%2C%20is%20investing%20up%20to%20US%242.8bn%20in%2070%20projects%20that%20address%20poultry%2C%20ruminant%2C%20and%20pork%20feed%20innovation%20along%20with%20methane%20emissions%20reduction%20in%20dairy%20production%2C%20among%20a%20raft%20of%20other%20targets.%20%0A%0AThe%20US%20Department%20of%20Agriculture%20(USDA)%20backed%20Partnerships%20for%20Climate-Smart%20Commodities%20funding%20pool%20will%20increase%20the%20competitive%20advantage%20of%20US%20agriculture%20both%20domestically%20and%20internationally%2C%20while%20building%20wealth%20in%20rural%20America%2C%20according%20to%20US%20ag%20secretary%2C%20Tom%20Vilsack.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20strong%20and%20growing%20interest%20in%20the%20private%20sector%20and%20among%20consumers%20for%20food%20that%20is%20grown%20in%20a%20climate-friendly%20way%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20noted.%0A%0AThe%20overarching%20goal%20of%20the%20program%20is%20to%20expand%20markets%20for%20climate-smart%20commodities%2C%20leverage%20the%20greenhouse%20gas%20benefits%20of%20climate-smart%20commodity%20production%20and%20provide%20direct%2C%20meaningful%20benefits%20to%20production%20agriculture%2C%20including%20for%20small%20and%20underserved%20producers%2C%20said%20the%20USDA.%0A%0AReacting%20to%20the%20funding%2C%20Michael%20Dykes%2C%20CEO%20of%20the%20Washington%20based%20International%20Dairy%20Foods%20Association%20(IDFA)%2C%20said%20that%20around%20US%24700m%20has%20been%20committed%20by%20the%20USDA%20to%20voluntary%2C%20incentive-based%20efforts%20focused%20on%20supporting%20climate%20and%20conservation%20projects%20in%20dairy%20and%20dairy-related%20businesses%2C%20catapulting%20the%20US%20into%20a%20position%20of%20global%20leadership%20in%20climate-smart%20food%20and%20agricultural%20production.%0A%0AIncreased%20funding%20%0A%0AEarlier%20this%20year%2C%20Vilsack%20announced%20that%20the%20USDA%20had%20allocated%20US%241bn%20for%20the%20program%2C%20divided%20into%20two%20funding%20pools.%20Because%20of%20the%20unprecedented%20demand%20and%20interest%20in%20the%20program%2C%20and%20potential%20for%20meaningful%20opportunities%20to%20benefit%20producers%20through%20the%20proposals%2C%20the%20Biden-Harris%20administration%20decided%20to%20increase%20the%20total%20funding%20allocation%20to%20more%20than%20US%243bn%2C%20with%20projects%20from%20the%20second%20funding%20pool%20to%20be%20announced%20later%20this%20year.%0A%0AThe%20USDA%20received%20over%20450%20proposals%20from%20more%20than%20350%20groups%20for%20the%20first%20funding%20pool%2C%20totaling%20over%20US%2418bn%20in%20requests%20for%20funding%2C%20including%20from%20non-profit%20organizations%3B%20for-profits%20and%20government%20entities%3B%20farmer%20cooperatives%3B%20conservation%2C%20energy%2C%20and%20environmental%20groups%3B%20state%2C%20tribal%20and%20local%20governments%3B%20universities%3B%20small%20businesses%3B%20and%20large%20corporations.%0A%0AThe%2070%20selected%20projects%20announced%20on%20Wednesday%20this%20week%20were%20deemed%20by%20the%20jury%20to%20be%20the%20most%20competitive.%0A%0AFor%20applications%20in%20the%20first%20funding%20pool%20(US%245m%20to%20US%24100m)%2C%20projected%20greenhouse%20gas%20(GHG)%20benefits%20were%20weighted%20more%20heavily.%20For%20applications%20in%20the%20second%20funding%20pool%20(under%20US%245m)%2C%20equity%20and%20outreach%20criteria%20will%20be%20weighted%20more%20heavily%2C%20reported%20the%20organization.%0A%0AFeed%2C%20methane%20emissions%20reduction%20projects%20%0A%0AWe%20identified%20some%20of%20the%20feed%20and%20methane%20emissions%20reduction%20linked%20initiatives%20chosen%20for%20funding%20in%20the%20first%20round%3A%0AA%20project%20led%20by%20Tyson%20Foods%20is%20looking%20to%20expand%20climate-smart%20markets%20and%20increase%20carbon%20sequestration%20while%20reducing%20emissions%20in%20the%20production%20of%20beef%20and%20row%20crops%20for%20livestock%20feed.%20Small%20and%20underserved%20producers%20will%20receive%20technical%20assistance%20and%20incentive%20payments%20to%20increase%20their%20capacity%20to%20reduce%20emissions%20and%20adopt%20climate-smart%20practices.%0A%0AMcDonald's%2C%20Deloitte%20Consulting%2C%20and%20Bayer%20are%20some%20of%20the%20other%20partners%20involved%20in%20that%20project%20which%20has%20a%20funding%20ceiling%20of%20US%2460m%20placed%20against%20it.%0A%0AAn%20initiative%20put%20forward%20by%20the%20US%20National%20Pork%20Board%2C%20which%20has%20also%20secured%20the%20involvement%20of%20Swiss%20group%2C%20Nestl%C3%A9%2C%20among%20other%20partners%2C%20was%20awarded%20funding%20of%20up%20to%20US%2420m.%20The%20project%20is%20aimed%20at%20increasing%20the%20sustainability%20of%20US%20pork%20products%20by%20advancing%20climate-smart%20agriculture%20practices%20within%20the%20feed%20supply%2C%20thereby%20maintaining%20market%20demand%20and%20price%20premiums%20in%20a%20rapidly%20evolving%20consumer%20world.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20geography%20of%20focus%20%E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Biden invests $3bn in 'climate-smart farming'

Mohammad%20Mostafa%2C%20a%20farmer%20in%20the%20low-lying%20deltas%20of%20southwestern%20Bangladesh%2C%20has%20revived%20his%20forefathers'%20farming%20practice%20of%20growing%20crops%20on%20floating%20rafts%20as%20rising%20seas%20and%20storm%20flooding%20threaten%20more%20and%20more%20farmland.%0A%0AWith%20prolonged%20waterlogging%20posing%20an%20increasing%20threat%20to%20families%20growing%20their%20own%20food%2C%20more%20have%20turned%20to%20using%20the%20rafts%20as%20secure%20platforms%20to%20grow%20vegetables%20and%20fruit%20including%20cucumbers%2C%20radishes%2C%20bitter%20gourds%2C%20papayas%20and%20tomatoes.%20Most%20are%20sold%20as%20saplings.%0A%0AThe%20rafts%2C%20woven%20from%20the%20stems%20of%20invasive%20hyacinths%2C%20are%20providing%20a%20lifeline%20for%20families%20during%20the%20increasingly%20extreme%20monsoon%20seasons%2C%20when%20dry%20land%20can%20be%20especially%20scarce.%0A%0AThe%20200-year-old%20technique%20was%20initially%20adopted%20by%20farmers%20in%20the%20region%20during%20the%20flooding%20season%2C%20which%20used%20to%20last%20about%20five%20months%20each%20year.%20But%20nowadays%20the%20area%20remains%20underwater%20for%20eight%20to%2010%20months%20and%20more%20land%20is%20being%20flooded.%0A%0A%22These%20days%2C%20the%20land%20is%20under%20water%20for%20a%20longer%20time.%20This%20ancient%20technique%20has%20helped%20us%20to%20earn%20a%20living%2C%22%20said%2042-year-old%20Mostafa%2C%20as%20he%20planted%20balls%20of%20seedlings%20on%20floating%20beds.%0A%0A%22My%20father%20and%20forefathers%20all%20used%20to%20do%20this.%20But%20the%20work%20is%20not%20that%20easy.%20So%2C%20at%20first%20I%20tried%20to%20earn%20as%20a%20fruit%20vendor%20but%20ended%20up%20in%20debt%2C%22%20said%20Mostafa%2C%20the%20sole%20breadwinner%20in%20his%20six-member%20family.%20%22I%20tried%20my%20luck%20at%20floating%20farming%20five%20years%20ago%20and%20that%20made%20a%20great%20difference%20to%20my%20life.%22%0A%0AThe%20approach%2C%20now%20practised%20by%20some%206%2C000%20subsistence%20farmers%20across%20the%20swampy%20southwest%2C%20may%20prove%20crucial%20as%20climate%20change%20sends%20sea%20levels%20higher%20and%20makes%20the%20monsoons%20more%20erratic.%0A%0ADigbijoy%20Hazra%2C%20an%20agriculture%20official%20in%20the%20Nazirpur%20sub-district%20of%20Pirojpur%2C%20said%20that%20the%20number%20had%20risen%20from%20around%204%2C500%20five%20years%20ago.%0A%0AFloating%20farms%20now%20cover%20a%20total%20157%20hectares%20(388%20acres)%20in%20Pirojpur%20district%2C%20with%20120%20hectares%20in%20Nazirpur%20that%20expanded%20from%2080%20hectares%20five%20years%20ago.%0A%0A%22It%20requires%20less%20space%20than%20conventional%20farming%20and%20does%20not%20need%20pesticides%2C%22%20Hazra%20told%20Reuters.%20%22When%20we're%20fighting%20...%20the%20impact%20of%20global%20warming%2C%20floating%20farming%20could%20be%20the%20future.%22%0A%0ALow-lying%20Bangladesh%20is%20considered%20among%20the%20most%20climate-vulnerable%20countries%2C%20with%20the%20impact%20of%20rising%20waters%20compounded%20by%20storms%2C%20floods%20and%20erosion.%0A%0AThe%20climate%20impact%20is%20being%20compounded%20by%20natural%20factors%2C%20such%20as%20tectonic%20shifts%20that%20are%20causing%20the%20land%20beneath%20to%20sink%2C%20and%20upstream%20dams%20holding%20back%20silt%20that%20would%20replenish%20the%20eroding%20delta.%0A%0ABetween%202000%20and%202019%2C%20Bangladesh%20was%20ranked%20seventh%20in%20a%20list%20of%20countries%20hit%20hardest%20by%20climate%20change%2C%20according%20to%20the%20Global%20Climate%20Risk%20Index%202021%20produced%20by%20non-profit%20Germanwatch.%0A%0A%22Because%20it%20is%20the%20largest%20delta%20in%20the%20world%20...%20a%20huge%20portion%20of%20Bangladesh's%20land%20area%20experiences%20frequent%20flooding%2C%20especially%20flash%20floods%20along%20with%20river%20erosion%2C%22%20the%20Asian%20Development%20Bank%20said%20in%20a%202021%20report.%0A%0ABangladesh%20is%20also%20frequently%20hit%20by%20cyclones%20that%20barrel%20up%20the%20Bay%20of%20Bengal%2C%20while%20global%20warming%20makes%20rainfall%20patterns%20increasingly%20erratic.%20More%20than%20a%20quarter%20of%20Bangladesh's%20population%20of%20165%20million%20live%20in%20the%20coastal%20zone.%0A%0ARising%20sea%20levels%20and%20coastal%20erosion%20could%20cause%20Bangladesh%20to%20lose%2017%25%20of%20its%20land%20surface%20and%2030%25%20of%20its%20food%20production%20by%202050%2C%20according%20to%20a%202019%20International%20Monetary%20Fund%20report.%0A%0ANavigating%20a%20boat%20along%20one%20of%20the%20country's%20countless%20waterways%2C%20Mostafa%20said%20he%20is%20now%20able%20to%20feed%20his%20family%20%22without%20asking%20for%20help.%22%0A%0AThe%20profit%20margins%2C%20however%2C%20have%20been%20shrinking%20as%20costs%20rise%2C%20he%20added.%20This%20year%2C%20he%20spent%20about%204%2C500%20taka%20(%2443)%20for%20a%20boatload%20of%20water%20hyacinths%20weighing%20about%201.2%20tonnes%20to%20weave%20into%20new%20rafts%20for%20the%20year.%20Last%20year%2C%20the%20cost%20was%20just%201%2C000%20taka.%0A%0AThe%20rafts%2C%20which%20take%20two%20months%20to%20make%2C%20are%20typically%20around%206%20metres%20long%20and%201%20metre%20wide%2C%20but%20can%20be%20several%20times%20that%20length%2C%20farmers%20said.%20They%20need%20to%20be%20replaced%20with%20new%20ones%20after%20three%20to%20four%20months.%0A%0AMohammad%20Ibrahim%2C%20another%20farmer%20in%20the%20area%2C%20said%20the%20floating%20beds%20allow%20him%20to%20grow%20more%20crops%20reliably.%0A%0A%22Water%20levels%20are%20rising.%20I%20still%20can%20remember%20I%20used%20to%20play%20football%20in%20the%20land%20that%20now%20goes%20underwater%20during%20the%20normal%20tide%2C%22%20the%2048-year-old%20said%20as%20he%20sold%20gourd%20saplings%20that%20he%20grew%20on%20the%20floating%20beds%20on%20a%20boat.%0A%0AThe%20effort%20is%20not%20without%20cost.%0A%0AHis%20wife%20Murshida%20Begum%2C%2035%2C%20said%20she%20works%20more%20than%20eight%20hours%20a%20day%20making%20balls%20of%20seedlings%20that%20are%20planted%20on%20the%20rafts%2C%20but%20the%20hyacinths%20often%20cause%20itching%20and%20sores%20across%20her%20palms%20and%20fingers.%0A%0AKajol%20Begum%2C%20a%2030-year-old%20mother%20of%20two%20daughters%2C%20said%3A%20%22The%20work%20is%20so%20hard%20and%20painful.%20I%20can't%20sleep%20at%20night%20due%20to%20waist%20pain.%20But%20what%20else%20will%20I%20do%20when%20water%20is%20everywhere%20most%20of%20the%20time%3F%22

Bangladesh farmers revive 'floating farms'

China%2C%20the%20world's%20top%20user%20of%20pesticides%2C%20aims%20to%20reduce%20their%20use%20in%20cultivation%20of%20fruit%2C%20vegetables%20and%20tea%20by%20a%20tenth%20within%20three%20years'%20time%2C%20the%20farm%20ministry%20said%20on%20Thursday%2C%20in%20an%20effort%20to%20curb%20chemicals%20in%20the%20food%20chain.%0A%0AHigh%20levels%20of%20chemical%20pesticides%20and%20fertilisers%20are%20used%20to%20produce%20crops%20on%20China's%20small%2C%20heavily-exploited%20plots%2C%20but%20overuse%20can%20degrade%20the%20soil%20and%20pollute%20water%2C%20while%20improper%20use%20can%20cause%20contamination%20and%20hurt%20biodiversity.%0A%0AThe%20ministry%20also%20wants%20to%20reduce%20pesticide%20use%20on%20rice%2C%20wheat%20and%20corn%20by%205%25%20in%20the%20same%20period%2C%20and%20step%20up%20use%20of%20organic%20fertilisers%20by%20the%20same%20amount%20by%202025.%0A%0A%22There%20is%20an%20urgent%20need%20to%20improve%20the%20efficiency%20and%20scientific%20use%20of%20pesticides%20and%20fertilizers%20when%20promoting%20the%20reduction%20of%20chemical%20pesticides%2C%22%20the%20ministry%20of%20agriculture%20and%20rural%20affairs%20said%20on%20its%20website.%0A%0AAt%20the%20same%20time%2C%20national%20food%20security%20and%20supplies%20of%20key%20products%20must%20be%20maintained%2C%20it%20said%20in%20its%20plan.%0A%0AChina%20began%20to%20tackle%20the%20problem%20in%202015%2C%20with%20a%20campaign%20to%20halt%20growth%20in%20use%20of%20chemicals%20by%202020.%0A%0AWhile%20use%20of%20pesticides%20and%20fertilisers%20had%20dropped%20by%2016.8%25%20and%2013.8%25%20respectively%20by%202021%2C%20the%20country%20is%20still%20using%20too%20much%20and%20inefficiently%2C%20the%20ministry%20added.%0A%0AA%20greater%20focus%20on%20natural%20enemies%20such%20as%20insects%20should%20be%20part%20of%20efforts%20to%20eliminate%20pests%20and%20disease%2C%20the%20ministry%20said%2C%20with%20such%20%22green%22%20prevention%20methods%20aimed%20to%20be%20used%20on%20more%20than%2055%25%20of%20planted%20area%20by%202025.%0A%0AChina%20has%20just%207%25%20of%20the%20world's%20arable%20land%2C%20but%20soaks%20up%20a%20third%20of%20global%20consumption%20of%20chemical%20fertiliser%2C%20with%20its%20per%20unit%20use%202.7%20times%20higher%20than%20the%20world%20average%2C%20said%20a%20state-backed%20publication%2C%20China%20Energy%20News.

China eyes 10% cut in pesticide use on vegetables

Food%20experts%20at%20Queen%20Margaret%20University%20(QMU)%20in%20Edinburgh%2C%20Scotland%2C%20have%20developed%20an%20innovative%20palm%20oil%20substitute%2C%20PALM-ALT%2C%20poised%20to%20transform%20the%20bakery%20industry.%20This%20ground-breaking%2C%20healthier%20alternative%20to%20palm%20oil%20could%20drastically%20reduce%20the%20ecological%20damage%20caused%20by%20palm%20oil%20production%2C%20a%20leading%20culprit%20behind%20Southeast%20Asia%E2%80%99s%20deforestation.%0A%0APALM-ALT%2C%20packed%20with%20less%20fat%20and%20more%20fibre%2C%20emerges%20as%20a%20game-changer%20with%20its%20plant-based%2C%20clean-label%20composition.%20Using%20EU%20and%20UK-sourced%20materials%20like%20linseed%20industry%20by-products%20and%20rapeseed%20oil%2C%20this%20alternative%20promises%20a%20more%20sustainable%20supply%20chain.%20This%20revelation%20promises%20a%20future%20of%20delicious%2C%20lower-fat%20bakery%20goods%20that%20don%E2%80%99t%20compromise%20our%20rainforests.%0A%0AThe%20Power%20of%20PALM-ALT%3A%20a%20healthier%2C%20greener%20palm%20oil%20substitute%0A%0APALM-ALT%20has%20a%20remarkable%2025%20percent%20less%20total%20fat%20and%2088%20percent%20less%20saturated%20fat%20than%20its%20traditional%20counterpart.%20Despite%20these%20nutritional%20improvements%2C%20it%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20compromise%20the%20taste%2C%20texture%2C%20or%20colour%20of%20baked%20goods%2C%20making%20it%20a%20promising%20contender%20in%20the%20food%20industry.%0A%0AUnlike%20palm%20oil%2C%20PALM-ALT%20is%20allergen-free%20and%20void%20of%20added%20flavorings%2C%20sugar%2C%20sweeteners%2C%20preservatives%20or%20colorings%2C%20earning%20it%20a%20clean-label%20status.%20Its%20base%20ingredients%20include%20a%20by-product%20from%20the%20linseed%20industry%2C%20fibre%20and%20rapeseed%20oil%2C%20which%20can%20be%20sourced%20from%20within%20the%20EU%20and%20UK%2C%20thereby%20significantly%20reducing%20the%20carbon%20footprint%20commonly%20associated%20with%20palm%20oil%E2%80%99s%20lengthy%20supply%20chains.%0A%0AA%20victory%20for%20the%20environment%0A%0APalm%20oil%20production%20is%20a%20primary%20driver%20of%20deforestation%20in%20Southeast%20Asia%2C%20leading%20to%20habitat%20loss%20for%20endangered%20species%20and%20contributing%20to%20climate%20change.%20The%20creation%20of%20PALM-ALT%20represents%20a%20significant%20stride%20towards%20a%20more%20sustainable%20food%20industry%2C%20offering%20a%20viable%20alternative%20that%20could%20drastically%20reduce%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of%20palm%20oil%20production.%0A%0ABut%20the%20benefits%20of%20PALM-ALT%20extend%20beyond%20environmental%20implications.%20The%20palm%20substitute%20was%20developed%20to%20satisfy%20consumer%20demand%20for%20healthier%20food%20products.%20With%20its%20reduced%20fat%20content%20and%20increased%20fiber%2C%20it%20aligns%20with%20current%20nutritional%20guidelines%20and%20caters%20to%20health-conscious%20consumers.%0A%0AThe%20journey%20to%20commercialisation%0A%0AQMU%20has%20patented%20the%20PALM-ALT%20composition%20and%20process%20and%20is%20currently%20in%20talks%20with%20potential%20partners%20to%20bring%20this%20innovative%20ingredient%20to%20the%20industrial%20level.%20The%20goal%20is%20to%20collaborate%20with%20food%20companies%20interested%20in%20replacing%20palm-based%20fat%20in%20their%20products%20with%20this%20environmentally%20friendly%20and%20healthier%20alternative.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20there%E2%80%99s%20a%20long%20journey%20ahead%20to%20bring%20PALM-ALT%20into%20mainstream%20use%2C%20and%20one%20of%20the%20most%20significant%20challenges%20lies%20in%20the%20cost.%20Despite%20the%20substantial%20environmental%20and%20health%20benefits%2C%20the%20production%20cost%20of%20this%20alternative%20remains%20higher%20than%20that%20of%20traditional%20palm%20oil.%0A%0AFacing%20the%20challenges%0A%0AWhile%20PALM-ALT%20offers%20a%20promising%20solution%2C%20it%20is%20important%20to%20note%20that%20it%20is%20not%20the%20only%20alternative%20in%20the%20pipeline.%20Synthetic%20palm%20oil%2C%20created%20by%20companies%20like%20C16%20Biosciences%2C%20is%20another%20contender.%20This%20alternative%20uses%20a%20fermentation%20process%20similar%20to%20brewing%20beer%2C%20employing%20genetically-engineered%20microbes%20to%20convert%20food%20waste%20and%20industrial%20by-products%20into%20a%20product%20resembling%20natural%20palm%20oil.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20synthetic%20alternatives%20face%20their%20own%20set%20of%20challenges%2C%20including%20consumer%20aversion%20to%20genetically%20modified%20organisms%20and%20a%20higher%20production%20cost%20compared%20to%20natural%20palm%20oil.%20Debates%20are%20ongoing%20about%20whether%20synthetic%20alternatives%20could%20become%20mainstream%20or%20remain%20niche%20products.%0A%0ALooking%20at%20the%20bigger%20picture%0A%0AInterestingly%2C%20in%202021%2C%20deforestation%20linked%20to%20palm%20oil%20production%20in%20Southeast%20Asia%20has%20shown%20a%20decline%20for%20the%20second%20consecutive%20year%2C%20reaching%20its%20lowest%20level%20since%202017.%20This%20trend%20is%20attributed%20to%20an%20increasing%20number%20of%20companies%20adopting%20no-deforestation%20policies%20and%20smaller%20companies%20running%20out%20of%20forest%20to%20clear.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20a%20crucial%20factor%20is%20the%20%E2%80%98leakage%20market%E2%80%99%2C%20where%20companies%20without%20no-deforestation%20commitments%20continue%20to%20clear%20rainforests%20and%20sell%20palm%20oil.%20The%20future%20of%20palm%20oil%20deforestation%20depends%20significantly%20on%20the%20size%20of%20this%20leakage%20market%20and%20the%20demand%20from%20programs%20like%20Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20biodiesel%20scheme%2C%20which%20sources%20palm%20oil%20from%20companies%20known%20for%20deforestation.%0A%0AA%20step%20forward%0A%0AWhile%20challenges%20remain%2C%20the%20development%20of%20PALM-ALT%20is%20undeniably%20a%20step%20towards%20a%20more%20sustainable%20and%20healthier%20food%20industry.%20Offering%20a%20viable%20alternative%20to%20palm%20fat%20opens%20up%20possibilities%20for%20a%20future%20where%20the%20foods%20we%20love%20don%E2%80%99t%20come%20at%20the%20cost%20of%20our%20environment.%20If%20adopted%20widely%2C%20PALM-ALT%20could%20be%20a%20transformative%20solution%2C%20helping%20the%20food%20industry%20make%20significant%20strides%20toward%20sustainability%20and%20health%20goals%20while%20satisfying%20consumer%20demand%20for%20delicious%2C%20lower-fat%20bakery%20products.

A game-changing replacement for palm oil

The%20FAO%20unveiled%20its%20ambitious%20new%20roadmap%20at%20Food%2C%20Agriculture%20and%20Water%20Day%20at%20COP28%20(10%20December).%20The%20Global%20Roadmap%20for%20Achieving%20Sustainable%20Development%20Goal%202%20(SDG2)%20without%20Breaching%20the%201.5%C2%B0C%20Threshold%20outlines%20more%20than%20120%20actions%20and%20milestones%20to%20transform%20food%20production%20to%20respond%20to%20the%20twin%20threats%20of%20the%20climate%20crisis%20and%20chronic%20hunger%20globally.%20The%20programme%20bids%20to%20deliver%20the%20Paris%20Agreement%20while%20ensuring%20that%20SDG%202%3A%20Zero%20Hunger%20is%20delivered.%0A%0AThe%20FAO%20has%20introduced%20targets%20to%20reduce%20methane%20emissions%20from%20agrifood%20production%20and%20systems%20by%2025%25%20by%202030%2C%20relative%20to%202020%20levels%2C%20before%20reaching%20carbon%20neutrality%20by%202035.%20Long-term%20targets%20include%20transforming%20the%20sector%20into%20a%20net-positive%20carbon%20sink%20by%202050%2C%20capturing%201.5%20gigatons%20of%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20annually.%0A%0AIt%20also%20sets%20out%20a%20pathway%20to%20eliminate%20chronic%20undernourishment%20by%202030%20while%20promoting%20healthy%20diets%20globally%20by%202050.%20Additional%20milestones%20listed%20in%20the%20roadmap%20include%20halving%20global%20food%20waste%20per%20capita%20by%202030%20and%20updating%20the%20FAO%E2%80%99s%20food-based%20dietary%20guidelines%20(FBSG)%20to%20ensure%20each%20country%20has%20recommendations%20suited%20to%20its%20circumstances%20on%20dietary%20patterns.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CFAO%E2%80%99s%20Global%20Roadmap%20for%20SDG2%20and%201.5C%20underscores%20the%20importance%20of%20climate%20financing%20for%20agrifood%20systems%20transformation%20to%20achieve%20good%20food%20for%20all%2C%20today%20and%20tomorrow%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20FAO%E2%80%99s%20Director-General%20Qu%20Dongyu%20said.%0A%0AWith%20more%20than%20600%20million%20people%20facing%20chronic%20hunger%20by%202030%2C%20the%20roadmap%20aims%20to%20deliver%20SDG%202%20while%20also%20responding%20to%20the%20escalating%20climate%20crisis%2C%20which%20has%20seen%20delegates%20at%20COP28%20continue%20negotiating%20on%20a%20potential%20phase-out%20of%20fossil%20fuels%20globally.%0A%0AThe%20comprehensive%20new%20strategy%20will%20span%20the%20next%20three%20years%2C%20with%20additional%20supporting%20initiatives%20to%20be%20rolled%20out%20at%20the%20next%20two%20annual%20climate%20conferences.%20At%20COP29%20next%20year%2C%20the%20FAO%20will%20explore%20regional%20adaptation%20and%20financial%20options%20to%20support%20the%20roadmap%2C%20while%20COP30%20in%20Brazil%20will%20outline%20investment%20and%20policy%20packages%20at%20a%20country%20level.%0A%0AThe%20strategy%20will%20aim%20to%20funnel%20investment%20into%2010%20areas%20that%20can%20deliver%20the%20biggest%20impact.%0A%0AFirstly%2C%20it%20outlines%20efforts%20to%20transform%20agrifood%20systems%20from%20a%20net%20emitter%20to%20a%20carbon%20sink%20and%20calls%20for%20the%20exploration%20and%20implementation%20of%20alternative%20production%20methods%2C%20adjusted%20consumption%20patterns%2C%20refined%20forestry%20management%2C%20and%20the%20introduction%20of%20solutions%20such%20as%20carbon%20capture.%0A%0AThese%20methods%20span%20across%20different%20areas%20of%20the%20agrifood%20sector%20including%2C%20clean%20energy%2C%20crops%2C%20fisheries%20and%20aquaculture%2C%20food%20loss%20and%20waste%2C%20forests%20and%20wetlands%2C%20healthy%20diets%2C%20livestock%2C%20soil%20and%20water.%0A%0AThe%20FAO%20also%20states%20that%20one-size-fits-all%20solutions%20will%20not%20work%20in%20the%20grand%20scheme%20of%20the%20plan%20and%20that%20nations%20must%20plan%20out%20efforts%20to%20deliver%20the%20roadmap%20in%20a%20Just%20and%20inclusive%20way.%0A%0AThe%20roadmap%20comes%20on%20the%20heels%20of%20the%20Emirates%20Declaration%2C%20which%20saw%20more%20than%20150%20countries%20commit%20to%20integrating%20food%20systems%20into%20their%20climate%20mitigation%20and%20adaptation%20plans.%0A%0AAdditionally%2C%20COP28%20also%20saw%20the%20launch%20of%20the%20Alliance%20of%20Champions%20for%20Food%20Systems%20Transformation%20(ACF).%20Brazil%2C%20Cambodia%2C%20Norway%2C%20Sierra%20Leone%20and%20Rwanda%20are%20the%20five%20nations%20that%20have%20launched%20the%20Alliance%20in%20a%20bid%20to%20transform%20national%20food%20systems%20to%20deliver%20universal%20access%20to%20affordable%2C%20nutritious%20and%20sustainable%20diets.%0A%0AThe%20nations%20have%20committed%20to%20a%20%E2%80%98whole%20of%20government%E2%80%99%20approach%20to%20transforming%20food%20systems%20across%20the%20themes%20of%20food%20and%20nutrition%20security%3B%20adaptation%20and%20resilience%3B%20equity%20and%20livelihoods%3B%20nature%20and%20biodiversity%3B%20and%20climate%20mitigation.

UN launches roadmap to end world hunger in line

Researchers%20at%20the%20University%20of%20S%C3%A3o%20Paulo%20(USP)%20and%20the%20Federal%20University%20of%20Vi%C3%A7osa%20(UFV)%20in%20Brazil%20have%20developed%20a%20sustainable%20sensor%20that%20can%20be%20placed%20directly%20on%20the%20surface%20of%20a%20vegetable%20or%20fruit%20to%20detect%20the%20presence%20of%20pesticides.%20Known%20for%20this%20reason%20as%20%22plant-wearable%2C%22%20it%20is%20made%20of%20cellulose%20acetate%2C%20a%20material%20derived%20from%20wood%20pulp.%0A%0AThe%20device%20has%20the%20potential%20to%20help%20assure%20food%20safety%20in%20a%20world%20that%20increasingly%20suffers%20from%20a%20shortage%20of%20food%20and%20the%20environmental%20and%20health%20problems%20caused%20by%20excessive%20use%20of%20agrochemicals.%0A%0AThe%20study%20is%20published%20in%20the%20journal%20Biomaterials%20Advances.%0A%0APesticides%20are%20widely%20used%20to%20raise%20crop%20yields%20and%20are%20typically%20applied%20by%20spraying%2C%20but%20only%2050%25%20reach%20their%20target.%20The%20rest%20ends%20up%20in%20soil%2C%20groundwater%2C%20surface%20water%2C%20raw%20drinking%20water%2C%20wastewater%20and%20food%20products.%20Monitoring%20of%20pesticide%20levels%20in%20water%2C%20soil%20and%20food%20is%20therefore%20essential%20to%20prevent%20contact%20between%20these%20toxic%20substances%20and%20the%20public%20via%20the%20skin%2C%20lungs%20or%20digestive%20system.%0A%0AThe%20analytical%20tools%20most%20often%20used%20for%20this%20purpose%20are%20chromatographic%20techniques%2C%20which%20are%20effective%20but%20have%20drawbacks%20such%20as%20the%20need%20for%20pretreatment%20of%20samples%2C%20expensive%20equipment%20and%20qualified%20laboratory%20specialists%2C%20as%20well%20as%20the%20long%20time%20taken%20to%20complete%20the%20analysis%20and%20lack%20of%20portability.%20The%20unsafe%20residues%20produced%20by%20organic%20solvents%20are%20also%20a%20significant%20problem%20under%20present-day%20conditions.%0A%0A%22As%20an%20alternative%2C%20electrochemical%20sensors%20can%20combine%20affordability%2C%20rapid%20detection%2C%20miniaturization%2C%20large-scale%20production%2C%20convenience%2C%20ease%20of%20use%2C%20high%20selectivity%20and%20in%20situ%20pesticide%20detection.%20Our%20invention%20has%20all%20these%20features.%20The%20analysis%20is%20performed%20directly%20on%20the%20surface%20of%20fruit%2C%20vegetables%20or%20leaves.%20Hence%20the%20term%20plant-wearable%2C%22%20said%20Paulo%20Augusto%20Raymundo-Pereira%2C%20last%20author%20of%20the%20article%20and%20a%20researcher%20at%20the%20S%C3%A3o%20Carlos%20Physics%20Institute%20(IFSC-USP).%0A%0A%22However%2C%20instead%20of%20the%20usual%20materials%2C%20which%20are%20environmentally%20unsustainable%20and%20take%20a%20long%20time%20to%20degrade%2C%20such%20as%20ceramics%20or%20plastic%20polymers%20derived%20from%20petroleum%2C%20we%20used%20cellulose%20acetate%2C%20a%20material%20derived%20from%20plants%20that%20has%20little%20impact%20on%20the%20environment%20and%20disintegrates%20completely%20in%20340%20days%20or%20less%20depending%20on%20local%20conditions.%20Of%20course%2C%20it%20has%20to%20have%20appropriate%20characteristics%20for%20any%20sensor%2C%20including%20low%20cost%2C%20portability%20and%20flexibility.%22%0A%0AThe%20biodegradable%20cellulose%20acetate%20substrate%20was%20produced%20by%20a%20casting%20method%20in%20which%20the%20material%20was%20placed%20in%20a%20space%20with%20the%20required%20shape%2C%20and%20the%20full%20electrochemical%20system%20with%20three%20electrodes%20was%20deposited%20by%20screen%20printing.%0A%0AThe%20researchers%20carried%20out%20laboratory%20tests%20in%20which%20a%20solution%20containing%20carbendazim%2C%20a%20fungicide%2C%20and%20paraquat%2C%20a%20herbicide%2C%20was%20sprayed%20on%20lettuce%20and%20tomatoes%20in%20a%20simulation%20of%20real-world%20use.%20Paraquat%20was%20banned%20by%20the%20European%20Union%20in%202003%20owing%20to%20its%20harmful%20effects%20on%20humans%20but%20is%20still%20used%20in%20Brazil.%20The%20sensor%20was%20then%20directly%20attached%20to%20the%20lettuce%20and%20tomatoes%2C%20and%20measurements%20showed%20a%20level%20of%20detection%20compatible%20with%20those%20obtained%20with%20polyethylene%20terephthalate%2C%20the%20sensor%20material%20most%20frequently%20used%20for%20this%20purpose.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EExcessive%20pesticide%20levels%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThe%20study%20also%20investigated%20whether%20washing%20and%20immersing%20vegetables%20in%20a%20liter%20of%20water%20for%20two%20hours%20was%20effective%20in%20removing%20pesticide%20residues.%20The%20results%20showed%20removal%20of%2040%25%20of%20the%20carbendazim%20and%2060%25%20of%20the%20paraquat%20from%20lettuce%2C%20and%2064%25%20of%20both%20from%20tomatoes.%0A%0A%22Washing%20and%20immersion%20were%20clearly%20insufficient%20to%20remove%20residues%20of%20the%20pesticides.%20At%20least%2010%25%20remained%20in%20the%20leaves%20or%20peel%2C%22%20Raymundo-Pereira%20said.%0A%0AThe%20technology%20can%20be%20useful%20for%20sanitary%20surveillance%20agencies%20worldwide%2C%20he%20added%2C%20as%20well%20as%20sellers%20of%20organic%20produce%20to%20certify%20absence%20of%20pesticides.%20Farmers%20generally%20can%20use%20it%20to%20monitor%20levels%20of%20pesticides%20in%20the%20field%20and%20be%20sure%20of%20applying%20only%20the%20requisite%20dose%20to%20each%20crop%20or%20part%20of%20a%20plantation.%20Pesticide%20use%20could%20decrease%20as%20a%20result%2C%20while%20yields%20will%20still%20rise%2C%20leading%20to%20lower%20consumer%20prices.%0A%0A

Scientists create biodegradable sensors for fruits

Thailand%20plans%20to%20ban%20corn%20imports%20from%20neighbouring%20countries%20that%20are%20linked%20to%20agriculture%20burning%20that%20causes%20air%20pollution%2C%20an%20official%20said%20on%20Wednesday.%0A%0AThe%20ban%20will%20not%20violate%20Thailand's%20commitments%20to%20the%20World%20Trade%20Organization%2C%20government%20spokesperson%20Chai%20Wacharonke%20said%2C%20adding%20the%20ban%20would%20come%20into%20force%20after%20the%20government%20passes%20the%20Clean%20Air%20Act.%0A%0AThai%20lawmakers%20are%20debating%20the%20clean%20air%20act%2C%20which%20will%20regulate%20activities%20that%20create%20pollution%20including%20factories%2C%20businesses%2C%20agriculture%20and%20transportation.%0A%0AThailand's%20plans%20to%20ban%20corn%20imports%20linked%20to%20pollution%20comes%20as%20its%20northern%20provinces%2C%20which%20borders%20Myanmar%20and%20Laos%2C%20saw%20air%20quality%20reach%20dangerous%20levels%20in%20recent%20weeks.%0A%0AChiang%20Mai%20was%20ranked%20the%20world's%20most%20polluted%20city%20last%20week%20by%20the%20Swiss%20air%20quality%20tracking%20website%2C%20IQAir.%0A%0AEarlier%20this%20year%2C%20government%20officials%20in%20the%20capital%20Bangkok%20worked%20from%20home%20to%20reduce%20pollution%20levels.%0A%0AAir%20pollution%20is%20caused%20by%20a%20combination%20of%20crop-related%20burning%2C%20industrial%20pollution%20and%20heavy%20traffic%2C%20which%20covers%20the%20cities%20in%20a%20thick%20smog.

Thailand to ban corn imports from neighbours

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Printed soil sensors boost crop yields

A%20newly%20engineered%20type%20of%20soil%20can%20capture%20water%20out%20of%20thin%20air%20to%20keep%20plants%20hydrated%20and%20manage%20controlled%20release%20of%20fertilizer%20for%20a%20constant%20supply%20of%20nutrients.%0A%0AUnderpinning%20this%20exciting%20smart%20soil%20system%20is%20a%20hydrogel%20material%20developed%20by%20researchers%20at%20The%20University%20of%20Texas%20at%20Austin.%20In%20experiments%2C%20the%20hydrogel-infused%20soil%20led%20to%20the%20growth%20of%20larger%2C%20healthier%20plants%2C%20compared%20to%20regular%20soil%2C%20all%20while%20using%20less%20water%20and%20fertilizer.%0A%0A%22This%20new%20gel%20technology%20can%20reduce%20the%20burden%20on%20farmers%20by%20decreasing%20the%20need%20for%20frequent%20irrigation%20and%20fertilization%2C%22%20said%20Jungjoon%20Park%2C%20a%20graduate%20student%20in%20the%20Walker%20Department%20of%20Mechanical%20Engineering%20and%20who%20led%20the%20research.%20%22The%20technology%20is%20also%20versatile%20enough%20to%20be%20adopted%20across%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20climates%2C%20from%20arid%20regions%20to%20temperate%20areas.%22%0A%0AThe%20research%20was%20published%20recently%20in%20ACS%20Materials%20Letters.%0A%0AAgriculture%20today%20accounts%20for%2070%25%20of%20global%20freshwater%20withdrawals%20and%20up%20to%2095%25%20in%20some%20developing%20countries%20as%20our%20global%20population%20continues%20to%20rise.%20The%20U.N.%20Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organization%20emphasizes%20the%20importance%20of%20improving%20irrigation%20efficiency%2C%20adopting%20water-saving%20technologies%20and%20promoting%20crops%20with%20lower%20water%20footprints%20to%20ensure%20sustainable%20food%20production%20and%20water%20resource%20management.%0A%0AMeanwhile%2C%20traditional%20farming%20methods%2C%20especially%20irrigation%20and%20fertilizing%2C%20face%20significant%20challenges%2C%20including%20inefficient%20water%20usage%20and%20environmental%20land%20degradation.%20As%20climate%20change%20intensifies%20and%20water%20resources%20become%20increasingly%20scarce%2C%20the%20need%20for%20more%20efficient%20and%20sustainable%20irrigation%20practices%20has%20never%20been%20more%20urgent.%0A%0AAdditionally%2C%20conventional%20fertilization%20techniques%20often%20result%20in%20excessive%20nutrient%20exposure%2C%20reducing%20nutrient%20uptake%20efficiency%20and%20causing%20environmental%20pollution%2C%20and%20farmable%20land%20degradation.%0A%0A%22The%20global%20water%20scarcity%20coupled%20with%20a%20growing%20population%20has%20an%20immediate%20impact%20on%20food%20security%2C%22%20said%20Yu%2C%20professor%20of%20materials%20science%20in%20the%20Cockrell%20School%20of%20Engineering's%20Walker%20Department%20of%20Mechanical%20Engineering%20and%20Texas%20Materials%20Institute.%0A%0A%22This%20new%20class%20of%20hydrogels%20offers%20a%20promising%20solution%20to%20meet%20the%20pressing%20needs%20of%20water%20scarcity%20and%20efficient%20nutrient%20uptake%20in%20modern%20sustainable%20agriculture.%22%0A%0AIn%20experiments%2C%20plants%20rooted%20in%20the%20hydrogel%20soil%20saw%20a%20138%25%20increase%20in%20stem%20length%20compared%20to%20a%20control%20group%20in%20regular%20soil.%20And%20the%20modified%20soil%20can%20achieve%20approximately%2040%25%20water%20savings%2C%20significantly%20reducing%20the%20need%20for%20frequent%20irrigation%20and%20ensuring%20robust%20crop%20development.%0A%0AThis%20research%20builds%20on%20previous%20discoveries%20involving%20hydrogels%20that%20can%20pull%20water%20from%20the%20atmosphere%20and%20make%20farming%20more%20efficient.%20It%20is%20part%20of%20Yu's%20overall%20mission%20that%20dates%20back%20to%20his%20childhood%3A%20to%20expand%20access%20to%20clean%20water%20to%20people%20around%20the%20globe.%0A%0AThis%20work%20mainly%20focused%20on%20calcium-based%20fertilizers.%20The%20project%20will%20continue%2C%20and%20the%20researchers'%20next%20moves%20involve%20integrating%20different%20types%20of%20fertilizers%20and%20longer%20field%20tests.%0A%0AJoining%20Yu%20and%20Park%20on%20the%20project%20are%20Weixin%20Guan%20and%20Chuxin%20Lei%2C%20who%20are%20also%20graduate%20students%20in%20the%20materials%20science%20and%20engineering%20program%20and%20Texas%20Materials%20Institute.

Smart soil can water and feed itself

A%20biological%20mechanism%20that%20makes%20plant%20roots%20more%20attractive%20to%20soil%20microbes%20has%20been%20discovered%20by%20scientists%20in%20the%20UK.%20The%20breakthrough%20%E2%80%93%20by%20researchers%20at%20the%20John%20Innes%20Centre%20in%20Norwich%2C%20Norfolk%20%E2%80%93%20opens%20the%20door%20to%20the%20creation%20of%20crops%20requiring%20reduced%20amounts%20of%20nitrate%20and%20phosphate%20fertilisers%2C%20they%20say.%20%0A%20%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20can%20now%20think%20of%20developing%20a%20new%20type%20of%20environmentally%20friendly%20farming%20with%20crops%20that%20require%20less%20artificial%20fertiliser%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Dr%20Myriam%20Charpentier%2C%20whose%20group%20carried%20out%20the%20research.%20%0A%20%0AExcess%20use%20of%20fertilisers%20has%20become%20a%20major%20ecological%20problem%20in%20recent%20years%20and%20has%20been%20linked%20to%20soil%20degradation%2C%20while%20run-offs%20from%20fields%20are%20causing%20major%20pollution%20in%20rivers%20where%20algae%20blooms%20spread%20across%20the%20water%2C%20and%20kill%20fish%20and%20other%20aquatic%20life.%20%0A%20%0AHowever%2C%20the%20research%20has%20uncovered%20a%20route%20that%20could%20lead%20to%20the%20development%20of%20crops%20that%20could%20reduce%20this%20problem%20by%20helping%20them%20scavenge%20nutrients%20from%20the%20soil%20more%20effectively%20%E2%80%93%20by%20gaining%20a%20little%20help%20from%20soil%20microbes.%20The%20basis%20of%20this%20approach%20is%20a%20process%20known%20as%20endosymbiosis%2C%20in%20which%20one%20organism%20exists%20within%20another%20in%20a%20mutually%20beneficial%20relationship.%20%0A%20%0AThis%20activity%20helps%20some%20plants%20to%20scavenge%20nutrients%20from%20nutrient-poor%20soil%20using%20the%20assistance%20of%20microbes%20in%20natural%20settings.%20However%2C%20in%20agricultural%20settings%2C%20where%20fertilisers%20are%20used%20to%20boost%20yields%2C%20these%20disrupt%20the%20natural%20interaction%20between%20crops%20and%20microbes.%20%0A%20%0AThe%20team%20led%20by%20Charpentier%20has%20announced%20that%20it%20has%20discovered%20a%20mutation%20in%20the%20legume%20Medicago%20truncatula%20which%20enhances%20partnerships%20with%20bacteria%20and%20fungi%20that%20supply%20the%20roots%20with%20nitrogen%20and%20phosphorus.%20This%20process%20improves%20the%20plant%E2%80%99s%20take-up%20of%20nutrients.%20%0A%20%0ACrucially%2C%20the%20team%20%E2%80%93%20whose%20research%20was%20recently%20published%20in%20Nature%20%E2%80%93%20showed%20the%20same%20gene%20mutation%20in%20wheat%20enhances%20similar%20partnerships%20in%20field%20conditions.%20This%20opens%20the%20door%20to%20the%20creation%20of%20wheat%20varieties%20that%20can%20exploit%20soil%20microbes%20to%20provide%20nutrients%20and%20so%20reduce%20the%20need%20to%20use%20large%20amounts%20of%20artificial%20inorganic%20fertilisers.%20%0A%20%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20discovery%20is%20created%20in%20a%20wheat%20variety%20that%20is%20non-GM%2C%E2%80%9D%20Charpentier%20added.%20This%20means%20that%20plant%20breeders%20can%20use%20traditional%20breeding%20methods%20to%20develop%20varieties%20that%20possess%20the%20trait.%0A%0AThe%20discovery%20is%20causing%20excitement%20because%20it%20opens%20the%20door%20to%20the%20use%20of%20endosymbiotic%20agents%20as%20natural%20alternatives%20to%20inorganic%20fertilisers%20for%20major%20crops.%20The%20team%E2%80%99s%20finding%20offered%20%E2%80%9Cgreat%20potential%20for%20advancing%20sustainable%20agriculture%E2%80%9D%2C%20Charpentier%20told%20the%20Observer.

UK soil breakthrough could cut farm fertiliser use

EU%20countries%20agreed%20to%20push%20forward%20with%20plans%20to%20ease%20current%20restrictions%20on%20some%20gene-edited%20crops%E2%80%94a%20move%20backed%20by%20farmer%20groups%20but%20opposed%20by%20environmentalists.%0A%0ARepresentatives%20for%20the%20bloc's%2027%20nations%20endorsed%2C%20with%20a%20few%20changes%2C%20a%20European%20Commission%20proposal%20aiming%20at%20allowing%20broader%20use%20of%20plants%20obtained%20by%20so-called%20new%20genomic%20techniques%20(NGTs).%0A%0A%22The%20proposal%20aims%20to%20boost%20innovation%20and%20sustainability%20within%20the%20agrifood%20sector%2C%20while%20contributing%20to%20food%20security%20and%20reducing%20external%20dependencies%2C%22%20the%20European%20Council%20said%20in%20a%20statement.%0A%0AThe%20council%20will%20now%20have%20to%20negotiate%20the%20final%20text%20with%20the%20European%20Parliament%2C%20with%20labeling%20and%20patenting%20expected%20to%20be%20among%20the%20most%20contentious%20issues.%0A%0APlans%20to%20relax%20the%20current%20rules%20on%20genetically%20modified%20organisms%20(GMO)%20were%20first%20put%20forward%20by%20the%20commission%20in%202023.%0A%0AProponents%20say%20some%20NGTs%20only%20speed%20up%20genetic%20modifications%20that%20could%20have%20come%20about%20naturally%20or%20through%20traditional%20cross-breeding%20procedures%E2%80%94thus%20warranting%20looser%20regulation.%0A%0AThe%20commission%20argued%20NGTs%20could%20help%20grow%20crops%20that%20require%20fewer%20pesticides%2C%20are%20better%20adapted%20to%20climate%20change%20and%20need%20less%20water.%0A%0AThe%20idea%20was%20broadly%20backed%20last%20year%20by%20the%20EU%20parliament%2C%20which%20voted%20in%20favor%20of%20the%20creation%20of%20two%20categories%20of%20NGT%20plants.%0A%0ANGT%201%20plants%E2%80%94considered%20to%20be%20equivalent%20to%20their%20naturally%20occurring%20varieties%E2%80%94would%20be%20freed%20from%20authorizations%2C%20labeling%20and%20monitoring%20rules%20for%20GMOs.%0A%0AAll%20other%20NGT%20plants%20would%20fall%20into%20the%20NGT%202%20category%2C%20which%20would%20mostly%20remain%20under%20the%20GMO%20restrictions.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EThorny%20debate%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AOn%20Friday%20member%20states%20agreed%20on%20the%20substance%20of%20the%20proposal%2C%20with%20a%20few%20amendments.%0A%0AThese%20include%20allowing%20member%20states%20to%20ban%20cultivation%20of%20NGT%202%20on%20their%20territory%20and%20creating%20an%20%22expert%20group%22%20on%20the%20effect%20of%20patents%20on%20NGT%20plants.%0A%0AThe%20proposal%20was%20passed%20with%20a%20narrow%20majority%2C%20according%20to%20diplomats.%0A%0AIt%20was%20decried%20by%20environmental%20groups%2C%20which%20have%20said%20deregulation%20favors%20big%20corporations%20and%20ignores%20potential%20dangers%20to%20the%20environment.%0A%0A%22EU%20governments%20have%20voted%20on%20the%20side%20of%20a%20handful%20of%20big%20corporations'%20profits%2C%20instead%20of%20protecting%20farmers%20and%20consumers'%20right%20to%20transparency%20and%20safety%2C%22%20said%20Mute%20Schimpf%20of%20Friends%20of%20the%20Earth%20Europe.%0A%0A%22They%20have%20slashed%20regulatory%20oversight%20to%20zero%20and%20eliminated%20liability%20for%20untested%20new%20GMOs%2C%20gambling%20on%20empty%20promises%20for%20plants%20that%20don't%20even%20exist%20yet.%22%0A%0ABut%20Pan-European%20farmers'%20group%20Copa-Cogeca%20hailed%20the%20decision.%0A%0AIt%20%22could%20revitalize%20European%20seed%20production%20and%20offer%20new%20opportunities%20to%20farmers%20and%20cooperatives%20by%20providing%20access%20to%20crop%20varieties%20that%20are%20more%20resistant%20to%20droughts%20and%20diseases%2C%20while%20improving%20yields%20and%20reducing%20input%20use%2C%22%20the%20group%20said.

EU countries eases gene-edited crop rules 

The%20use%20of%20pesticides%20on%20UK%20farms%20is%20to%20be%20reduced%20by%2010%25%20by%202030%20under%20government%20plans%20to%20protect%20bees%20and%20other%20pollinators.%0A%0ACampaigners%20welcomed%20the%20news%2C%20but%20said%20they%20were%20disappointed%20that%20the%20target%20applied%20only%20to%20arable%20farms%20and%20not%20to%20urban%20areas%20and%20parks.%0A%0AThe%20plan%20has%20been%20a%20long%20time%20coming%20%E2%80%93%20it%20has%20been%20delayed%20since%202018.%20The%20EU%E2%80%99s%20target%20for%20pesticide%20reduction%20is%20more%20ambitious%3B%20its%20member%20states%20aim%20to%20reduce%20the%20use%20and%20risk%20of%20chemical%20pesticides%2C%20as%20well%20as%20the%20use%20of%20more%20hazardous%20pesticides%2C%20by%2050%25%20by%202030.%0A%0AThe%20UK%20government%20will%20be%20unveiling%20a%20new%20pesticide%20load%20indicator%20to%20monitor%20progress%20towards%20this%20target%2C%20and%20encouraging%20integrated%20pest%20management%2C%20which%20is%20a%20way%20to%20reduce%20pests%20on%20farmland%20without%20using%20pesticides.%0A%0AThis%20can%20include%20sowing%20plants%20that%20are%20more%20attractive%20to%20certain%20pests%20next%20to%20crops%2C%20to%20divert%20their%20attention%20away%2C%20or%20using%20carnivorous%20beetles%20or%20other%20predators%20to%20keep%20down%20pest%20numbers.%20The%20plan%20also%20includes%20penalties%20for%20those%20who%20fail%20to%20use%20pesticides%20responsibly%2C%20and%20the%20target%20makes%20note%20of%20how%20toxic%20a%20pesticide%20is%20as%20well%20as%20how%20much%20of%20it%20is%20used%2C%20which%20campaigners%20also%20welcomed.%0A%0AA%20spokesperson%20from%20the%20Pesticide%20Collaboration%2C%20a%20grouping%20of%20health%20and%20environmental%20organisations%2C%20academics%2C%20unions%20and%20consumer%20groups%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20thrilled%20that%20the%20UK%20government%20has%20today%20announced%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20first%20ever%20pesticide%20reduction%20target%20of%2010%25.%20While%20we%20had%20hoped%20for%20a%20higher%20percentage%2C%20the%20adoption%20of%20a%20target%20which%20takes%20into%20account%20both%20how%20much%20of%20a%20pesticide%20is%20used%20and%20how%20toxic%20it%20is%20a%20clear%20signal%20that%20reducing%20pesticide-related%20harms%20to%20the%20environment%20is%20now%20being%20taken%20seriously.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20also%20pleased%20that%20there%20are%20commitments%20to%20increasing%20the%20uptake%20of%20non-chemical%20alternatives%20by%20farmers%20and%20urge%20the%20government%20to%20provide%20them%20with%20the%20support%20they%20need.%20While%20there%20are%20no%20commitments%20to%20phasing%20out%20urban%20pesticide%20use%2C%20we%20have%20been%20assured%20by%20the%20government%20that%20this%20area%20of%20work%20will%20be%20progressed%20separately.%E2%80%9D%0A%0APaul%20de%20Zylva%2C%20a%20nature%20campaigner%20at%20Friends%20of%20Earth%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20new%20plan%E2%80%99s%20failure%20to%20address%20the%20use%20of%20pesticides%20in%20urban%20areas%20is%20a%20major%20flaw.%20The%20government%20must%20commit%20to%20the%20phasing%20out%20of%20pesticide%20and%20herbicide%20use%20in%20urban%20parks%20and%20streets%2C%20which%20is%20unnecessary%20and%20risks%20the%20health%20of%20people%2C%20pets%2C%20wildlife%2C%20rivers%20and%20soils.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AFarmers%20have%20welcomed%20the%20plan%2C%20and%20asked%20for%20government%20support%20in%20creating%20habitats%20for%20the%20predatory%20insects%20that%20feed%20on%20pests.%0A%0AMartin%20Lines%2C%20the%20chief%20executive%20of%20the%20Nature%20Friendly%20Farming%20Network%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CI%20welcome%20the%20publication%20of%20this%20long-overdue%20action%20plan%2C%20especially%20the%20inclusion%20of%20specific%20targets%20for%20pesticide%20reduction.%20However%2C%20it%20remains%20to%20be%20seen%20whether%20it%20can%20truly%20can%20deliver%20the%20radical%20changes%20we%20urgently%20need.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CDramatically%20reducing%20the%20use%20of%20chemicals%20and%20transitioning%20to%20nature-based%20solutions%20%E2%80%93%20such%20as%20creating%20habitats%20for%20predatory%20insects%20%E2%80%93%20is%20absolutely%20key%20to%20building%20a%20food%20and%20farming%20system%20that%20is%20resilient%20for%20the%20future%20while%20also%20reversing%20the%20decline%20of%20nature%20and%20biodiversity.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThis%20is%20the%20latest%20step%20towards%20reducing%20pesticide%20use%20in%20the%20UK%2C%20after%20the%20government%20committed%20recently%20to%20ending%20the%20use%20of%20neonicotinoid%20pesticide%2C%20which%20is%20toxic%20to%20bees.%0A%0AThe%20environment%20minister%20Emma%20Hardy%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20government%20is%20restoring%20our%20natural%20world%20as%20part%20of%20our%20commitment%20to%20protect%20the%20environment%20while%20supporting%20productivity%20and%20economic%20growth.%20That%20is%20why%20we%20have%20banned%20bee-killing%20pesticides%20in%20England%20and%20today%20we%E2%80%99re%20going%20further%20to%20support%20farmers%20and%20growers%20to%20adopt%20sustainable%20practices.%E2%80%9D

Pesticide use on UK farms to be cut by 10% by 2030

France's%20constitutional%20court%20on%20Thursday%20blocked%20the%20re-introduction%20of%20a%20pesticide%20accused%20of%20harming%20bees%2C%20in%20the%20latest%20twist%20in%20a%20fierce%20political%20battle%20in%20the%20European%20Union's%20biggest%20agricultural%20producer.%0A%0AThe%20court%20said%20the%20re-authorisation%20of%20acetamiprid%2C%20part%20of%20the%20neonicotinoid%20group%20of%20pesticides%20banned%20in%20France%2C%20as%20proposed%20under%20a%20farming%20bill%20passed%20last%20month%20did%20not%20provide%20sufficient%20safeguards%20on%20the%20use%20of%20the%20crop%20chemical.%0A%0AThe%20planned%20relaxation%20of%20France's%20neonicotinoid%20ban%20fuelled%20opposition%20to%20the%20legislation%2C%20with%20a%20petition%20against%20it%20gathering%20over%202%20million%20signatures%2C%20a%20record%20for%20a%20petition%20on%20the%20website%20of%20France's%20National%20Assembly.%0A%0AThe%20court's%20ruling%20is%20a%20setback%20for%20supporters%2C%20including%20most%20of%20France's%20farming%20unions%20and%20conservative%20politicians%2C%20including%20Senator%20Laurent%20Duplomb%20who%20gave%20his%20name%20to%20the%20bill.%0A%0AThey%20had%20argued%20that%20acetamiprid%20is%20authorised%20elsewhere%20in%20Europe%2C%20as%20it%20does%20not%20pose%20the%20same%20risks%20as%20other%20neonicotinoids%20banned%20at%20EU%20level%2C%20and%20without%20it%20crops%20like%20sugar%20beets%20and%20hazelnuts%20face%20severe%20disease%20losses.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20FNSEA%20and%20JA%2C%20two%20of%20France's%20main%20farmer%20unions%2C%20welcomed%20the%20court's%20approval%20of%20most%20of%20the%20legislation%2C%20including%20steps%20to%20simplify%20planning%20permission%20for%20livestock%20buildings%20and%20water%20reservoirs%20for%20irrigation.%0A%0AFrench%20President%20Emmanuel%20Macron%2C%20whose%20centrist%20allies%20in%20parliament%20were%20divided%20over%20the%20legislation%2C%20would%20sign%20the%20bill%20into%20law%20%22as%20soon%20as%20possible%22%20in%20line%20with%20the%20court's%20decision%2C%20the%20Elysee%20said.

France vetoes pesticide comeback in farming law

A%20multidisciplinary%20research%20team%20from%20leading%20U.S.%20institutions%20has%20created%20a%20groundbreaking%20plant%20biotechnology%20platform%20that%20transforms%20grasses%E2%80%94including%20staple%20grain%20crops%20like%20corn%E2%80%94into%20living%20biosensors%20capable%20of%20detecting%20trace%20levels%20of%20chemicals%20directly%20in%20agricultural%20fields.%0A%0AScientists%20from%20the%20Donald%20Danforth%20Plant%20Science%20Center%2C%20the%20University%20of%20Florida%20in%20Gainesville%2C%20and%20the%20University%20of%20Iowa%20collaborated%20to%20develop%20genetic%20tools%20that%20allow%20grasses%20to%20visibly%20respond%20to%20environmental%20chemical%20exposure.%20These%20engineered%20plants%20can%20signal%20the%20presence%20of%20pollutants%20or%20harmful%20compounds%20by%20producing%20a%20distinct%20purple%20pigment%2C%20enabling%20real-time%2C%20noninvasive%20monitoring%20of%20crop%20and%20environmental%20health.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EEngineering%20crops%20to%20visually%20signal%20chemical%20exposure%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20project%20was%20led%20by%20principal%20investigators%20Dmitri%20Nusinow%2C%20Ph.D.%2C%20and%20Malia%20Gehan%2C%20Ph.D.%2C%20who%20focused%20on%20activating%20anthocyanin%E2%80%94a%20naturally%20occurring%20purple%20plant%20pigment%E2%80%94only%20when%20specific%20chemical%20signals%20are%20detected.%20By%20coupling%20this%20response%20with%20advanced%20imaging%20and%20data%20analysis%20technologies%2C%20the%20system%20can%20identify%20extremely%20low%20concentrations%20of%20chemicals%20that%20may%20pose%20risks%20to%20agriculture%20or%20human%20health.%0A%0AThe%20team%E2%80%99s%20research%2C%20titled%20%E2%80%9CRemote%20Sensing%20of%20Endogenous%20Pigmentation%20by%20Inducible%20Synthetic%20Circuits%20in%20Grasses%2C%E2%80%9D%20appears%20in%20the%20Plant%20Biotechnology%20Journal.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EFrom%20traditional%20crops%20to%20environmental%20sentinels%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20researchers%20explored%20a%20key%20question%3A%20could%20crop%20plants%20themselves%20warn%20farmers%20about%20unfavorable%20conditions%20or%20chemical%20contamination%3F%20While%20earlier%20plant%20biosensor%20technologies%20largely%20focused%20on%20dicot%20species%20such%20as%20Arabidopsis%20thaliana%2C%20monocots%E2%80%94grasses%20that%20dominate%20global%20food%20production%E2%80%94have%20remained%20underdeveloped%20in%20this%20area.%0A%0ABy%20leveraging%20plant%20pigments%20like%20anthocyanins%20as%20visual%20indicators%2C%20the%20team%20developed%20a%20non-destructive%20reporting%20system%20that%20works%20in%20grass%20species.%20They%20successfully%20implemented%20a%20ligand-responsive%20synthetic%20genetic%20circuit%20in%20Setaria%20viridis%2C%20a%20model%20C4%20grass%20closely%20related%20to%20major%20cereal%20crops.%0A%0AThis%20innovation%20opens%20the%20door%20to%20crops%20like%20corn%20changing%20color%20in%20response%20to%20targeted%20chemical%20exposure%2C%20making%20stress%20detection%20visible%20without%20laboratory%20testing.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EMajor%20scientific%20breakthroughs%20achieved%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20research%20delivered%20several%20critical%20advancements%20in%20plant%20synthetic%20biology%3A%0A%0ADiscovery%20of%20two%20transcription%20factors%20that%20can%20be%20expressed%20together%20from%20a%20single%20genetic%20sequence%20to%20initiate%20anthocyanin%20production%0A%0AValidation%20of%20both%20continuous%20and%20chemically%20inducible%20pigment%20expression%20in%20isolated%20plant%20cells%20and%20mature%20grasses%0A%0ACreation%20of%20hyperspectral%20imaging%20and%20analytical%20methods%20capable%20of%20detecting%20pigment%20changes%20remotely%20and%20without%20damaging%20the%20plant%0A%0A%0ACollectively%2C%20these%20innovations%20demonstrate%20a%20reliable%20system%20for%20precision%20chemical%20sensing%20in%20grasses%2C%20enabling%20crops%20to%20actively%20communicate%20environmental%20stressors.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EStrengthening%20food%20security%20through%20smart%20crops%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0A%E2%80%9CGrain%20crops%20are%20fundamental%20to%20global%20food%20security%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Nusinow.%20%E2%80%9CPlants%20that%20can%20act%20as%20early%20warning%20systems%20in%20the%20field%20have%20the%20potential%20to%20improve%20sustainability%20and%20resilience%20in%20agriculture.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThis%20technology%20represents%20a%20significant%20step%20toward%20plant-based%20monitoring%20systems%20that%20can%20detect%20chemical%20drift%2C%20contamination%2C%20and%20other%20environmental%20challenges%20that%20affect%20crop%20yield%20and%20safety.%20As%20sensing%20technologies%20continue%20to%20advance%2C%20crops%20that%20can%20self-report%20stress%20may%20redefine%20how%20farmers%20manage%20agricultural%20systems.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EOpen-access%20tools%20for%20the%20scientific%20community%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ATo%20support%20collaboration%20and%20accelerate%20innovation%2C%20the%20research%20team%20has%20made%20both%20the%20genetic%20constructs%20and%20imaging%20methodologies%20publicly%20available%20through%20open-access%20repositories.%20

Living biosensor crops detect chemical exposure

Scientists%20at%20the%20University%20of%20S%C3%A3o%20Paulo%20have%20developed%20innovative%20biodegradable%20wearable%20sensors%20designed%20to%20monitor%20plant%20health%20and%20detect%20pesticide%20contamination%20in%20real%20time.%20The%20research%20team%2C%20led%20by%20Paulo%20Augusto%20Raymundo-Pereira%20at%20the%20S%C3%A3o%20Carlos%20Institute%20of%20Physics%20(IFSC-USP)%2C%20created%20flexible%20plant%20sensors%20using%20carbon%20ink%20printed%20onto%20transparent%20cellulose%20acetate%20bioplastic.%0A%0AThe%20groundbreaking%20research%2C%20published%20in%20Biosensors%20and%20Bioelectronics%3A%20X%2C%20highlights%20a%20sustainable%20alternative%20to%20traditional%20wearable%20devices%2C%20which%20are%20commonly%20made%20from%20petroleum-based%20plastics.%20The%20World%20Economic%20Forum%20recently%20recognized%20wearable%20sensor%20technology%20as%20one%20of%20the%20top%20emerging%20technologies%20with%20the%20potential%20to%20revolutionize%20agriculture%20and%20improve%20crop%20productivity.%0A%0AUnlike%20conventional%20plastic%20sensors%2C%20the%20new%20biodegradable%20devices%20are%20made%20from%20cellulose%20acetate%2C%20a%20renewable%20material%20derived%20from%20agricultural%20waste.%20Cellulose%20is%20considered%20one%20of%20the%20most%20abundant%20natural%20polymers%20on%20Earth%20and%20offers%20several%20advantages%2C%20including%20flexibility%2C%20thermal%20stability%2C%20low%20toxicity%2C%20affordability%2C%20and%20environmental%20sustainability.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20Raymundo-Pereira%2C%20the%20lightweight%20sensors%20can%20be%20directly%20attached%20to%20plant%20surfaces%20such%20as%20leaves%2C%20stems%2C%20bark%2C%20and%20fruit%20skins.%20Once%20applied%2C%20they%20can%20monitor%20essential%20indicators%20including%20temperature%2C%20humidity%2C%20dehydration%20levels%2C%20nutrient%20deficiencies%2C%20plant%20diseases%2C%20biomarkers%2C%20and%20pesticide%20residues%20without%20damaging%20the%20crop.%0A%0AThe%20wearable%20biosensor%20platform%20contains%20two%20separate%20sensing%20units%20capable%20of%20identifying%20three%20pesticide%20compounds%20simultaneously%3A%20diquat%2C%20carbendazim%2C%20and%20diphenylamine.%20One%20sensor%20uses%20square-wave%20voltammetry%20(SWV)%20for%20diquat%20detection%2C%20while%20the%20second%20applies%20differential%20pulse%20voltammetry%20(DPV)%20to%20analyze%20carbendazim%20and%20diphenylamine%20in%20a%20single%20test.%0A%0AOne%20of%20the%20most%20notable%20advantages%20of%20the%20technology%20is%20its%20extremely%20low%20production%20cost.%20Each%20disposable%20sensor%20costs%20approximately%20%240.00077%20to%20manufacture%2C%20making%20it%20highly%20practical%20for%20large-scale%20agricultural%20applications.%20The%20full%20testing%20process%20takes%20just%20over%20three%20minutes%20to%20deliver%20accurate%20real-time%20results.%0A%0ATo%20perform%20the%20analysis%2C%20researchers%20place%20a%20small%20drop%20of%20water%20or%20phosphate%20buffer%20solution%20on%20the%20plant%20surface%20to%20create%20conductivity%20between%20the%20electrode%20and%20the%20sample.%20The%20flexible%20cellulose%20acetate%20material%20adapts%20easily%20to%20uneven%20surfaces%2C%20allowing%20sensors%20to%20function%20effectively%20on%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20such%20as%20apples%2C%20tomatoes%2C%20and%20bell%20peppers.%0A%0AThe%20smart%20sensor%20platform%20is%20connected%20to%20a%20portable%20wireless%20potentiostat%2C%20enabling%20farmers%20and%20researchers%20to%20instantly%20view%20pesticide%20detection%20results%20on%20a%20smartphone%20via%20Bluetooth%20technology.%20This%20creates%20a%20fast%2C%20decentralized%20monitoring%20system%20suitable%20for%20modern%20precision%20agriculture.%0A%0AThe%20research%20team%20previously%20developed%20a%20sensor-equipped%20glove%20in%202022%20for%20similar%20testing%20purposes.%20However%2C%20the%20new%20wearable%20plant%20sensor%20offers%20several%20advantages%2C%20including%20direct%20surface%20application%2C%20improved%20flexibility%2C%20full%20biodegradability%2C%20and%20the%20ability%20to%20recycle%20carbon%20ink%20from%20used%20devices%20for%20future%20sensor%20production.%0A%0AResearchers%20tested%20the%20technology%20by%20spraying%20apples%20and%20bell%20peppers%20with%20agrochemical%20solutions%20to%20simulate%20real%20farming%20conditions.%20After%20drying%2C%20the%20wearable%20sensors%20successfully%20detected%20pesticide%20residues%20directly%20on%20the%20fruit%20surface%20during%20onsite%20testing.%0A%0ABeyond%20agriculture%2C%20the%20biodegradable%20wearable%20sensor%20technology%20also%20shows%20promise%20in%20healthcare%20and%20environmental%20monitoring.%20Scientists%20demonstrated%20that%20the%20sensors%20can%20detect%20pesticide%20traces%20in%20saliva%20and%20tap%20water%20samples.%20Future%20applications%20may%20include%20analyzing%20sweat%2C%20urine%2C%20hormones%2C%20glucose%2C%20medications%2C%20sodium%2C%20potassium%2C%20lactic%20acid%2C%20cortisol%2C%20and%20other%20biomarkers%20in%20medical%20diagnostics.%0A%0ARaymundo-Pereira%20was%20inspired%20to%20adapt%20wearable%20sensor%20technology%20for%20farming%20after%20completing%20research%20at%20the%20University%20of%20California%2C%20San%20Diego%20under%20Professor%20Joseph%20Wang.%20While%20most%20international%20wearable%20sensors%20are%20designed%20for%20human%20skin%20applications%2C%20the%20Brazilian%20team%20focused%20on%20creating%20eco-friendly%20biodegradable%20versions%20suitable%20for%20both%20agriculture%20and%20healthcare.%0A%0APatent%20applications%20for%20both%20the%20sensor%20glove%20and%20the%20biodegradable%20wearable%20plant%20sensor%20have%20already%20been%20submitted%20to%20Brazil%E2%80%99s%20National%20Institute%20of%20Intellectual%20Property%20(INPI).%20The%20multidisciplinary%20project%20also%20involved%20researchers%20from%20the%20Federal%20University%20of%20Vi%C3%A7osa%2C%20including%20Samiris%20Teixeira%2C%20Nilda%20de%20F.%20F.%20Soares%2C%20and%20Ta%C3%ADla%20de%20Oliveira.

Biodegradable sensors detect plant pesticides

The%20European%20Commission%20has%20officially%20adopted%20the%20first%20three%20certification%20methodologies%20for%20carbon%20farming%20under%20the%20Carbon%20Removals%20and%20Carbon%20Farming%20(CRCF)%20Regulation%2C%20creating%20a%20standardized%20system%20for%20verifying%20climate-friendly%20land%20management%20practices%20across%20the%20European%20Union.%0A%0AThe%20newly%20adopted%20delegated%20act%20establishes%20detailed%20technical%20requirements%20designed%20to%20ensure%20that%20carbon%20farming%20projects%20are%20certified%20using%20transparent%2C%20reliable%2C%20and%20consistent%20criteria%20throughout%20all%20EU%20member%20states.%20The%20move%20represents%20a%20major%20milestone%20in%20the%20rollout%20of%20the%20EU%E2%80%99s%20voluntary%20carbon%20certification%20framework.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EThree%20carbon%20farming%20activities%20covered%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20certification%20methodologies%20apply%20to%20three%20key%20categories%20of%20land-based%20climate%20action%3A%0A%0A-%20Sustainable%20agriculture%20and%20agroforestry%20on%20mineral%20soils%0A-%20Rewetting%20and%20restoration%20of%20peatlands%20and%20other%20organic%20soils%0A-%20Afforestation%20and%20the%20creation%20of%20new%20forests%0A%0AThese%20practices%20not%20only%20remove%20carbon%20dioxide%20from%20the%20atmosphere%20or%20reduce%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20from%20soils%20but%20also%20deliver%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20environmental%20and%20economic%20benefits.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ESupporting%20climate%20resilience%20and%20biodiversity%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ABeyond%20carbon%20sequestration%2C%20the%20approved%20methodologies%20promote%20healthier%20ecosystems%20by%20improving%20biodiversity%2C%20enhancing%20soil%20quality%2C%20increasing%20climate%20resilience%2C%20and%20strengthening%20essential%20ecosystem%20services.%20They%20also%20contribute%20to%20safeguarding%20long-term%20food%20production%20and%20ensuring%20a%20sustainable%20supply%20of%20biomass%20for%20Europe's%20growing%20bioeconomy.%0A%0AFor%20farmers%2C%20foresters%2C%20and%20land%20managers%2C%20the%20certification%20framework%20creates%20new%20economic%20opportunities.%20Verified%20carbon%20farming%20activities%20can%20attract%20financial%20incentives%2C%20providing%20an%20additional%20revenue%20stream%20while%20encouraging%20the%20wider%20adoption%20of%20sustainable%20land%20management%20practices%20across%20Europe.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EMajor%20step%20in%20implementing%20the%20CRCF%20regulation%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20adoption%20of%20these%20methodologies%20marks%20another%20important%20phase%20in%20implementing%20the%20CRCF%20Regulation%20and%20expanding%20the%20role%20of%20carbon%20farming%20within%20the%20European%20Union's%20broader%20climate%20strategy.%0A%0AThe%20technical%20rules%20were%20developed%20following%20extensive%20consultations%20with%20stakeholders%2C%20including%20a%20public%20consultation%20process%20and%20discussions%20with%20the%20European%20Commission's%20Expert%20Group%20on%20Carbon%20Removals.%20Their%20input%20helped%20strengthen%20the%20methodologies%20to%20ensure%20they%20deliver%20a%20credible%2C%20science-based%20certification%20system.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EWhat%20happens%20next%3F%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AOnce%20the%20Delegated%20Regulation%20officially%20enters%20into%20force%2C%20certification%20schemes%20will%20be%20able%20to%20apply%20for%20formal%20recognition%20by%20demonstrating%20compliance%20with%20both%20the%20newly%20adopted%20methodologies%20and%20the%20minimum%20standards%20established%20under%20Implementing%20Regulation%20(EU)%202025%2F2358.%0A%0AThis%20recognition%20process%20will%20allow%20approved%20certification%20bodies%20to%20verify%20eligible%20carbon%20farming%20projects%20under%20the%20EU-wide%20framework.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EBackground%3A%20The%20EU%20carbon%20removals%20and%20carbon%20farming%20regulation%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Carbon%20Removals%20and%20Carbon%20Farming%20(CRCF)%20Regulation%20(EU)%202024%2F3012%2C%20which%20came%20into%20force%20on%206%20December%202024%2C%20introduced%20the%20European%20Union's%20first%20voluntary%20certification%20framework%20covering%20carbon%20removals%2C%20carbon%20farming%2C%20and%20carbon%20storage%20in%20products.%0A%0AThe%20legislation%20establishes%20common%20quality%20standards%2C%20along%20with%20harmonized%20monitoring%2C%20reporting%2C%20and%20verification%20requirements%2C%20ensuring%20that%20certified%20climate-beneficial%20activities%20are%20measured%20consistently%20and%20transparently%20across%20the%20EU.%0A%0ACertification%20methodologies%20are%20adopted%20by%20the%20European%20Commission%20through%20delegated%20acts%20and%20define%20the%20technical%20criteria%20operators%20must%20satisfy%20to%20prove%20compliance%20with%20the%20CRCF%20framework.%20The%20carbon%20farming%20methodologies%20were%20refined%20through%20expert%20consultation%20and%20stakeholder%20engagement%20to%20create%20a%20robust%2C%20trustworthy%20certification%20system%20that%20supports%20the%20EU's%20long-term%20climate%20neutrality%20objectives.