Author: Crop Protection
The cost of potatoes in the UK has surged to its highest level in three decades, with prices expected to exceed £1 per kilogram. Industry experts warn that shortages of popular varieties are likely in the coming months, as a combination of poor weather and delayed planting continues to impact the nation’s potato supply. The UK potato industry, already facing challenges from wet weather over the past 18 months, is now contending with the consequences of what many are calling “spudflation.” With some regions experiencing the wettest conditions since records began in 1836, farmers are grappling with waterlogged fields, leading…
A recent study has unveiled the top dining destinations at Disneyland Paris, highlighting the best and worst-rated restaurants within the theme park. The research, conducted by travel experts at Disneyland Tickets, examined Tripadvisor reviews across all quick service, table service, and buffet restaurants at the park. The results provide a clear guide for food enthusiasts visiting Disneyland Paris, offering a glimpse into where visitors are most and least satisfied with their dining experiences. Downtown Restaurant: Best-Rated Overall Topping the list of the best-rated restaurants is Downtown Restaurant, known for its blend of American-Italian dishes. With 60.5% of its 81 Tripadvisor…
Netmore Group has been selected by Yorkshire Water to spearhead a substantial water meter exchange programme across the Yorkshire region, contingent on final approval from Ofwat, due in December 2024. The agreement marks a significant expansion of Netmore’s role in the UK water sector and underlines Yorkshire Water’s ongoing commitment to enhancing water resource management and customer service. The ambitious programme will see the replacement of 1.3 million existing water meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems, designed to provide improved service, efficiency, and customer support. This initiative aligns with Yorkshire Water’s strategic objectives as outlined in its Water Resources…
Moolec Science SA, a pioneering company in science-based food ingredients, has confirmed the harvest of its genetically engineered products GLASO™ and Piggy Sooy™ in the US, marking significant milestones for the firm. The harvest, set to take place in October 2024, involves two major campaigns. The first, GLASO™, is based in Idaho, where 600 acres of genetically modified safflower have been cultivated. This crop is engineered to produce high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a beneficial fatty acid. Moolec expects to harvest between 300 to 400 tons of GLA-rich safflower seeds. The company has secured an offtake agreement with a…
Pan Global Resources Inc., a mineral exploration company with operations in Spain’s Iberian Pyrite Belt, has announced a major expansion in the soil geochemistry anomaly at its high-priority Bravo target, located within the company’s 100%-owned Escacena Project. Recent survey results indicate that the area of lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) anomalies has doubled in size, now covering an area of 1.7 km by 1.0 km. This development significantly enhances the potential of the Bravo target as a site for concealed volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralisation, which is a key focus of Pan Global’s exploration efforts. The expanded anomaly coincides with a robust 2.0…
Sungrow, a global leader in PV inverters and energy storage systems, has announced a significant partnership with Penso Power and BW ESS to supply advanced energy storage solutions for the Hams Hall energy storage project in central England. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in the UK’s efforts to enhance grid stability amid an increasing reliance on renewable energy. UK’s Energy Grid Challenges and the Need for Stability As the UK accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, integrating these sources into the national grid has become increasingly complex. The influx of renewable energy, while vital for reducing carbon emissions, has…
A rare and economically significant variety of rice, prized for its pinkish hue and grown in the remote highlands of Nepal, has been rescued from the brink of extinction. Jumli Marshi rice, a staple for communities in Jumla, Nepal, has faced a critical threat due to disease. However, through the efforts of Professor John Witcombe from Bangor University, the strain has been safeguarded with new, disease-resistant varieties. Professor Witcombe, renowned for his work in plant breeding and food security, has previously helped secure the livelihoods of over five million smallholders across India, Pakistan, and Nepal. His recent project in Nepal…
Southwest China’s Guizhou Province is enhancing its agricultural cooperation with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) through a series of promotional activities, underscoring its commitment to expanding international markets. In August, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted a significant showcase, featuring a range of agricultural products from Guizhou, marking the eighth consecutive year of the province’s participation in the Hong Kong Food Trade Expo and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair. The promotional event was spearheaded by Guizhou’s provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs, alongside its department of commerce. The gathering aimed to broaden the reach…
The UK’s food-to-go market has experienced substantial growth in 2024, with spending surpassing £48.2 billion, a significant 14% increase from the previous year. This surge in out-of-home dining highlights a recovery in volume growth, which had been affected by inflation in recent years. According to recent data from AHDB and Kantar, the market’s upward trajectory is expected to continue, with projections indicating a nearly 40% increase by 2028 compared to 2019 levels. The rise in spending reflects a broader trend in consumer behaviour. Research from IGD reveals that while almost half of food-to-go meals are consumed during daily routines, such…
In a field fraught with controversy, a new report sheds light on the multifaceted impacts of oil crops, revealing that the issues at stake are more nuanced than previously understood. Produced by Borneo Futures, which hosts the IUCN Oil Crops Task Force, the report aims to provide clarity on the role of oil crops in biodiversity loss, human rights, and nutrition. Oil crops, which cover 37% of global cropland, are at the heart of ongoing debates due to their significant environmental and social implications. While these crops are vital for global income and nutrition, they are also associated with severe…