Author: Crop Protection
Pact Coffee, a speciality coffee roaster based in London, has been recognised as one of the world’s top food and drink producers, achieving three prestigious Great Taste Awards. This milestone marks the fifth consecutive year that Pact Coffee has received accolades in this renowned competition, solidifying its reputation in the industry. Among this year’s award-winning products was Pact’s Buenos Aires Decaf, which distinguished itself as one of only seven decaffeinated coffees to earn a coveted two-star award. The company also saw recognition for its seasonal offering, Rich & Chocolatey Christmas Filter, along with its Single Estate Microlot Filter, which is…
An environmental campaigner has established a recruitment firm aimed at addressing labour shortages in UK horticulture by supplying seasonal workers from climate-affected regions in South-East Asia. Naseem Talukdar, who also founded the charity Projects Against Plastic (PAP), launched Regency Ltd to meet the increasing demand for farm labour amid a nationwide shortage. With many UK farms struggling to secure workers, hundreds of individuals from countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka have signed up through Regency. Talukdar believes this initiative benefits both the UK farming industry and the workers, who are able to earn a decent wage that can…
The Rhug Estate, a leader in sustainable farming and food production, has unveiled a range of new initiatives in celebration of Organic September. Located near Corwen in North Wales, the estate spans 12,500 acres and has been at the forefront of green agriculture for over two decades. Under the stewardship of owner Lord Newborough, the Rhug Estate team of 100 has introduced innovative systems and facilities in 2024, enhancing both customer experience and animal welfare. The estate is home to a variety of animals, including North American bison and slow-maturing turkeys, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity. Rhug Estate is one…
ADM (NYSE: ADM) and Bayer have announced an extension of their partnership aimed at promoting regenerative agricultural practices among farmers in Europe. This collaboration follows a successful feasibility study conducted last year, which focused on assessing the impact of these practices on carbon emissions, biodiversity, and soil health. The initial study involved oilseed rape farmers in Poland, covering approximately 9,000 hectares. It included an extensive risk assessment that aimed to evaluate the potential for reducing carbon emissions while developing tailored roadmaps for farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Preliminary findings indicated that farms employing at least one regenerative practice had carbon…
Freja, the UK’s leading bone broth brand, is set to transform the culinary landscape with the launch of its Instant Bone Broth Sachets, an all-natural alternative to traditional stock cubes. This innovative product, which will hit the shelves on 1st October, aims to provide a healthier, more nourishing option for consumers who are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in their cooking. Unlike the ultra-processed stock cubes that currently dominate the market, Freja’s Instant Bone Broth is crafted with a simple, natural ingredients list. It boasts an impressive nutritional profile, being high in protein and packed with collagen, making it a…
As more professionals seek an escape from the traditional office environment, outdoor franchises are emerging as an appealing alternative for those wishing to swap their desk jobs for a more fulfilling career in nature. Cheryl Harper, Managing Director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, has highlighted the significant benefits of investing in outdoor franchises, emphasising how they align with personal passions while providing potential for financial success. With approximately 90,000 hours spent working over a lifetime, Harper stresses the importance of choosing a franchise that resonates with one’s interests and values. “Investing in a franchise can cost a significant portion of your…
Vistry Group, a leading UK developer of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has teamed up with local partners to support a community food-growing project in Kirkleatham. The Growing in Harmony initiative, led by the Community Interest Company (CIC) In Harmony Food Revolution (IHFR), received much-needed assistance from Vistry North East to repair and revitalise neglected gardening spaces, benefiting the local community. The project, based in the North East, aims to promote food sustainability and improve access to organic produce. With the help of Vistry’s contractors Tees Valley Exteriors and HMH Civils, Vistry North East supplied materials and labour to rebuild dilapidated raised…
Quectel Wireless Solutions, a leading global provider of IoT solutions, has announced the launch of its new QLM29H series of dual-band, multi-constellation GNSS receivers. These receivers, which combine Quectel’s LC29H GNSS module with an integrated patch antenna, are designed to provide high-precision positioning while simplifying radio frequency (RF) design for manufacturers and integrators. The QLM29H series is equipped to receive signals from both L1 and L5 frequency bands, which enhances its ability to mitigate multipath interference. This is particularly important in challenging environments, such as urban areas where tall buildings can obstruct satellite signals, and precise location data is critical.…
The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) has voiced support for the potential publication of a long-anticipated strategic Land Use Framework in November, following discussions at the Labour Party Conference. The NFFN believes the framework will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable farming future for the UK, while addressing critical challenges such as climate change. The NFFN, a farmer-led organisation, is calling on the Government to ensure that the framework is ambitious enough to secure a resilient agricultural sector. They argue that the sector must be economically strong and able to confront the increasing threats posed by climate change.…
Nutrition expert and bestselling author Patrick Holford has introduced a new supplement to his range, aimed at supporting brain health. The ‘Brain Food Upgrade’ pack, launched through his HOLFORDirect brand, combines key nutrients designed to improve cognitive function and slow down brain shrinkage. Holford, known for his Amazon bestseller Upgrade Your Brain, explained that maintaining a healthy brain requires three essential components: omega-3 fats, phospholipids, and B vitamins. According to Holford, the brain’s dry weight is made up of 60% fat, with omega-3 DHA (primarily found in fish oils) and phosphatidylcholine (found in lecithin granules) being vital for brain structure.…