Author: Crop Protection

World record-breaking vegetable grower Gareth Griffin from Guernsey has showcased his latest super-sized produce at this year’s Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, despite the challenges of unseasonally wet weather. The event, which took place from 13-15 September at Newby Hall, Ripon, attracted over 30,000 visitors. Organised by the North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS), the annual show is renowned for its impressive displays of garden produce, flowers, and expert gardening advice. One of the highlights is always the giant vegetable competition, in which Griffin has become a prominent figure. Last year, Gareth set a new world record with his colossal onion,…

A unique culinary festival is set to take place in Twentynine Palms, as Black Cactus Co-Working partners with Taste of the Desert for a day of food, music, and entertainment. The 29 Dines Taste of the Desert Food Festival will be held on Sunday, 22nd September 2024, from midday until 9:00 PM, promising a vibrant celebration of local culture and talent. The festival aims to showcase the rich culinary diversity of the region, with more than 20 food vendors offering a wide range of dishes to satisfy all tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or simply curious about the…

A former Vice President at Bosch has turned his expertise from the automotive industry into a new venture in the food sector, offering unique corporate workshops with a culinary twist. Rajesh Darji, who left his high-profile role after 22 years, launched his Leamington Spa-based business, Scratch Cook Social, earlier this year. His company provides private dining experiences, catering, and now, a new offering—the Spice Blending Team Building Experience. Darji, who is a self-taught chef, has combined his extensive leadership experience with his passion for food to create an immersive team-building workshop designed to foster better collaboration in the workplace. Drawing…

In a significant advancement for the agricultural technology sector, Varda, a data service provider founded by Yara, has announced a partnership with Slow Philosophy, an agrotech company dedicated to guiding decision-makers on crop cultivation. This collaboration aims to integrate Varda’s Global FieldID™ with Slow Philosophy’s innovative Agroscoring solution, enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability. The Global FieldID establishes a geospatial reference framework that will be seamlessly integrated into Slow Philosophy’s Agroscoring platform, a tool designed to aid policy makers, investors, and agribusinesses in making informed decisions about farmland usage. By merging these technologies, stakeholders will gain access to comprehensive agricultural reference…

Mangroves are unique ecosystems found at the interface of land and sea, serving as ‘superheroes’ for coastal environments. They play a pivotal role in the wellbeing and food security of coastal communities worldwide, supporting rich biodiversity and providing essential nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans. Furthermore, mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and coastal erosion. Their soils are also highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering significant amounts of carbon, which is crucial for mitigating climate change. Despite their importance, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate—three to five times faster than global forest…

Flaxseed, renowned for its health benefits, has recently gained attention in the beauty world. Many are using ‘flaxseed gel,’ created by mixing flaxseed with water, as a natural skincare product, claiming it can work as a DIY alternative to Botox. However, cosmetic dermatology professionals remain sceptical about these claims, stressing the distinct differences between the two. Dr Akis Ntonos, co-founder of Aion Aesthetics and a partner at Certainly Health, addresses the growing trend and clarifies the misconceptions. “Flaxseed is a fantastic ingredient with a wide range of health and cosmetic benefits,” he explains. “However, it’s not a viable substitute for…

The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention will take place from 20 to 23 September at the Hefei Binhu International Convention and Exhibition Center, located by the scenic shores of Chaohu Lake. This prestigious event will draw manufacturing representatives from across the globe, using the platform to promote innovation and collaboration in the sector. Anhui’s Industrial Transformation Anhui, historically associated with coal, grain, and steel production, has undergone a major industrial transformation. Once a predominantly agricultural province, Anhui is now positioning itself as a key player in global manufacturing. The shift from an economy driven by energy and raw materials to one…

A recent study published in Nature has underscored the significant environmental and socioeconomic benefits of Brazil’s second-crop corn ethanol production system. Conducted by Agroicone in collaboration with experts from MIT, UNICAMP, and Dartmouth College, the research highlights the system’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its role in advancing global sustainability efforts. The study delved into the impacts of Brazil’s burgeoning corn ethanol industry, which has seen rapid growth since its inception. By 2024, Brazil’s second-crop corn ethanol production had reached 6.3 billion litres, with forecasts suggesting an increase to between 13 and 15 billion litres by 2032, according…

Danone and Ajinomoto Co., Inc. have announced a strategic global partnership aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the dairy industry. This collaboration will see the implementation of Ajinomoto’s AjiPro®-L, a cutting-edge lysine formulation designed to minimise the environmental impact of milk production. Ajinomoto Co.’s AjiPro®-L is a groundbreaking solution that enhances lysine absorption in cattle. Lysine is a crucial amino acid that can improve feed efficiency and reduce costs. This innovative product not only aids in better nutrient absorption but also plays a significant role in decreasing GHG emissions from dairy farming. As part of Danone’s “Partner for…

Fruit Attraction, the premier international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, will host its 16th edition from 8 to 10 October in Madrid, with the highest participation levels in its history. Organised by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX, the event will feature Andalusia as its Guest Region and is set to attract more than 100,000 trade visitors from 145 countries. With 2,146 exhibiting companies from 56 nations, Fruit Attraction 2024 has seen a 7% increase in participation compared to last year, spread over 70,000 square metres at the Madrid Trade Fair Centre. This year marks the first time the…