Author: Crop Protection

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…

Too Good To Go, the social impact company behind the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food, has joined forces with Hanshow, a leader in Internet of Things (IoT) and digital store solutions, to combat food waste on a global scale. This partnership aims to integrate Too Good To Go’s comprehensive surplus food management system with Hanshow’s advanced electronic shelf label (ESL) technology, providing food retailers with an efficient solution for tracking and redistributing surplus products. The collaboration has already seen success in six test stores across France, where Hanshow’s ESLs—equipped with LED-flashing pick-to-light functionality—are being utilised alongside the Too Good…

A recent survey by Pink Lady apples has revealed that 74% of office workers would enjoy their workday more if they could freely choose their lunchtime meals without the fear of being judged by colleagues. The findings highlight significant concerns around workplace etiquette, with many employees altering their lunch habits based on potential scrutiny from their peers. The poll, which surveyed 2,000 office workers, indicated a striking contrast between the meals consumed at home and those eaten in the office. The data suggests that many people feel compelled to select different, often less satisfying lunches when in a work environment.…

The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) is preparing to host an exciting Korean Pavilion at SIAL Paris 2024, which will run from 19th to 23rd October at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte. This year’s event features an impressive 76 Korean companies showcasing a diverse array of agricultural and food products aimed at global buyers seeking innovative and health-conscious solutions. Located in Hall 4 (Stand 4 L120) and Hall 7 (Stand 7 K259), the Korean Pavilion will present traditional and contemporary Korean food items, including a selection of fermented sauces, kimchi, noodles, ready meals, beverages, ginseng, and…