Author: Crop Protection

Modern Meadow, a pioneering company in the field of sustainable materials, has announced the appointment of David Williamson, PhD, as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Effective from 14 October 2024, Dr. Williamson, who has been with the company since 2015, will transition from his current role as president and chief operating officer (COO) to spearhead the company’s next phase of growth. Dr. Williamson has played a key role in shaping Modern Meadow’s strategy and development over the past nine years. His new role comes as the company reaches a significant production milestone in the creation of its innovative biofabricated…

Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, is set to celebrate the rich diversity of British heritage apples on Sunday, 20th October, with its inaugural Apple Day event. As the UK grapples with the dominance of global apple varieties like Gala and Braeburn, which together account for half of British apple sales, this celebration aims to highlight nearly 2,500 local varieties, including the lesser-known Hornsea Herring and Fillingham Pippin. Launched in 1990 by the charity Common Ground, Apple Day was established to honour the variety and history of this beloved fruit. Since then, it has inspired thousands across the UK to engage with…

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has announced the appointment of Amy Oliver as its new business development executive. Her addition to the sales team comes as part of the company’s expansion plans, particularly following a recent agreement with Tyson Foods’ UK division, aimed at enhancing the distribution of chicken products to independent frozen food wholesalers across the UK. Based near Central Foods’ headquarters in Collingtree, Northampton, Amy expressed enthusiasm for her new role. “I am excited to join Central Foods as a business development executive and start my journey within this wonderful local business in the exciting world of foodservice,”…

The UK government has been urged to develop an integrated materials strategy aimed at reducing demand, reusing, and recycling critical materials to support its existing Net Zero Strategy and bolster economic security. A new report from the National Engineering Policy Centre, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlights the urgency of addressing the nation’s dependence on materials that are increasingly being sourced from around the globe. Critical materials identified by the UK government include lithium, essential for battery production, and magnesium, used in steel alloys. Other vital elements such as indium, cobalt, niobium, and rare earth elements like neodymium…

The picturesque village of Braemar, located in the heart of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorm National Park, is gearing up to host its inaugural whisky festival on 25th and 26th October. The Braemar Whisky Festival aims to honour Scotland’s rich whisky heritage while also emphasising the importance of giving back to the local community. Organised by Julia Hall and Ann Medlock of GD Spirits, the festival features a stellar lineup of whisky experts and legends. Given Braemar’s cultural significance and royal connections, the event promises to be a significant addition to Scotland’s whisky calendar, offering attendees the chance to sample…

As the Autumn season sets in, Starbucks’ beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte has returned, sparking an 862% increase in global searches for the drink since its launch in August. This seasonal favourite, which has become a cultural phenomenon, tends to capture attention each year as temperatures drop and leaves change colour. However, for those looking to enjoy this popular beverage without the £4.65 price tag at Starbucks, pricing experts at PriceListo have revealed that making a homemade version could cost as little as £1.25. The homemade alternative offers a substantial savings of 73% compared to the café version. The analysis highlighted…

Planting spruce trees in parts of East Anglia and South East England will be restricted following the discovery of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, also known as Ips typographus. The Forestry Commission announced these measures on Tuesday, 8 October, as part of ongoing efforts to control the spread of this serious pest, which poses a significant threat to spruce trees. The new restrictions will come into effect on 29 October, affecting a designated area known as the Demarcated Area (DMA). Landowners, businesses, and land managers within this zone are urged to comply with the new regulations and remain vigilant to…

Ibiza recently hosted the inaugural meeting of European sea salt producers, an initiative spearheaded by SEASALT Europe aimed at fostering networking and collaboration within the sector. The gathering took place in the stunning Natural Park of Ses Salines, home to saltworks managed by Salinera Española, the event’s host. The meeting was designed as an open day, inviting both current SEASALT Europe members and potential new members to connect. While most attendees were affiliated with the association, the event welcomed any European sea salt supplier interested in exploring collaborative opportunities and sharing insights on sea salt production. Set against the backdrop…

The second edition of the World Living Soils Forum (WLSF), organised by Moët Hennessy and ChangeNOW, concluded yesterday at LUMA Arles, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders committed to soil regeneration. The event underscored the urgent need for collective action to preserve and rejuvenate living soils, which are crucial for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. Over two days, more than 500 participants gathered in Arles, with an additional 100 joining through satellite events in China and the United States. The forum featured over 70 sessions, including roundtables, conferences, and workshops, with contributions from 164 speakers and 20 moderators from around…

The second edition of the World Living Soils Forum took place on October 8 and 9 at LUMA Arles, with a strong focus on accelerating efforts for the preservation and regeneration of soils. Established in 2022 by Moët Hennessy, the forum gathered a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to soil regeneration, providing a platform for collaboration through conferences, round tables, meetings, and workshops. This year’s forum saw enhanced participation from ChangeNOW, which contributed to an expanded focus on innovative solutions. A total of 21 start-ups showcased their impactful innovations aimed at addressing soil health and regeneration. In addition, the forum…