In The Spotlight
Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR centre director, Professor Darren Trott, CEAStAR centre deputy director, and Dr Bicheng Yang, director of MGI Australia (from L to R) (Image source: MGI Tech)
MGI Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of MGI Tech Co. Ltd, recently announced its partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ) led Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEAStAR), aiming to combat antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections affecting human health, agriculture, and the environment
MGI's proprietary DNBSEQ technology, renowned for its high accuracy and efficiency in genetic sequencing, plays a pivotal role in CEAStAR's efforts to combat antimicrobial resitance.
"Our goal is to deliver new antimicrobials for animal use, alternative treatments, and advanced detection methods to mitigate the spread of resistant microbes across sectors," said centre director professor Mark Blaskovich, while emphasising the urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
When integrated with MGI's automated laboratory systems, the DNBSEQ technology enables portable, on-site sequencing solutions. These solutions empower rapid detection, surveillance, and monitoring of AMR in diverse environmental settings, including wastewater and agricultural environments.
As part of the CEAStAR initiative, on World Food Day 2023 MGI announced support for an industry-driven graduate research project focused on developing sequencing-based surveillance to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the water environment.
"We have successfully collaborated with UQ, utilising our cutting-edge sequencing technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater," said director of MGI Australia, Dr Bicheng Yang. "We look forward to expanding this partnership, continuing to develop and apply innovative solutions to combat AMR."
The AFRICA Awards selection process is overseen by an Independent Awards Selection Committee composed of globally recognised experts. (Image source: Afreximbank)
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) recently announced winners of the inaugural Afreximbank-FARA Research, Innovation and Competence in Agriculture (AFRICA) Awards in Nassau, Bahamas
These prestigious awards honour individuals, groups, or established organisations that have made outstanding contributions towards improving food and nutritional security, income generation, resilience and natural resource management in Africa through research, innovation, agripreneurship and policy advocacy in the food and agriculture domain.
The awards were presented on the margins of the 2024 Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF). The AFRICA Awards selection process is overseen by an Independent Awards Selection Committee composed of globally recognised experts and encompasses three categories which include, the Africa Research Excellence Award, the Innovation-based Entrepreneurship Award, and the Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award.
Following a highly competitive selection process, the two laureates of the 2024 AFRICA Awards were announced:
1. Umezuruike Linus Opara: Recipient of the Africa Research Excellence Award in recognition of his contribution to developing and validating a novel integrated value-chain approach to post-harvest research and innovation, one crop at a time.
2. Professor Richard Mkandawire: Recipient of the Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award for his foundational role in conceptualising Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and catalysing its domestication in African countries at NEPAD.
“Africa’s vulnerability to climate shocks exacerbate its food insecurity concerns and heighten the urgency of structural transformation of its agricultural sector," said president and chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank, professor Benedict Oramah. "It needs to boost efficiency and productivity, modernise its agriculture, and reclaim its rightful position as a net exporter of agricultural products I applaud the winners of the Inaugural AFRICA Awards for the demonstrable and innovative impact they are delivering for agriculture.”
The course offers a convenient way for industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills at their own pace. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
In order to ensure quality and safety, the GMP+ Academy is launching an e-learning module that teach attendees the basics of correct sampling techniques
Effective sampling guides decision-making throughout production, thus ensuring that the feed is of high quality and safe for both humans and animals. The module is specifically designed for production companies in the feed industry. The course offers a convenient way for industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills at their own pace.
The course will guide attendees through the A-Z of sampling, addressing questions regarding the meaning of sampling; why and how to take samples; the type of sampling equipments needed; as well as techniques to correctly label, seal and store samples. The total duration of the course is 45 minutes and costs US$54.26.
To access the course, visit the GMP+ Academy platform: www.gmpplusacademy.org
Illustration of a horizontal cross-section of the solar powered aquaponics greenhouse. (Image source: WorldFish – Egypt)
WorldFish in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy has launched a revolutionary solar-powered aquaponics greenhouse in Egypt, demonstrating a move towards a sustainable integrated agriculture-aquaculture- (IAA) system
A demonstration aquaponics greenhouse was established at WorldFish's facility in Abbassa, Abu-Hammad, Sharqia. This milestone was achieved through the Centre for Renewable Energy in Aquaculture (CeREA), a four-year project funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo.
This cutting-edge system comprises two fish tanks and two deep water culture units, with each fish tank stocked with genetically improved Nile tilapia. To ensure optimal conditions for the fish, the system is equipped with two submersible pumps, two air blowers and mechanical and biological filters. This design facilitates the efficient conversion of ammonia waste to nitrate nitrogen, thereby maintaining a harmonious aquatic-environment. To ensure optimal conditions for the fish, the system is equipped with two submersible pumps, two air blowers and mechanical and biological filters. This design facilitates the efficient conversion of ammonia waste to nitrate nitrogen, thereby maintaining a harmonious aquatic-environment.
Being the largest in the Africa, Egypt's aquaculture industry produces 2 million tons of fish annually with a production value of US$1.3bn. The waste produced by the fish provides nutrients required for the plants, while the plants filter the water for the fish, creating a harmonious cycle. By adding solar panels, a sustainable and energy-efficient farming system can be created and sustained.
"The integration of solar panels in aquaponics systems offers several key benefits. First and foremost, it reduces the reliance on traditional energy sources, thus lowering the carbon footprint of the farm, said country director of WorldFish, Egypt, Ahmed Nasr-Allah. "By harnessing the power of the sun, aquaponic farms can operate off-grid, making them ideal for remote or rural areas where access to electricity may be limited.”
TİKA established a vegetable and moringa production garden for 100 women members of Yaloufoiram Women’s Group. (Image source: TİKA)
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established a vegetable and moringa garden in the Yaloufoiram village of Niger, boosting women employment
Rural areas of Zinder are one of the regions most affected by acute drought cases in Niger. The government of Niger plays a huge role in encouraging the establishment of agricultural production facilities in the region. This largely helps in meeting the nutritional needs of the growing population and ensuring food security in the region.
Women play a significant role in agricultural production processes in Niger and the establishment of the production garden has enabled 100 women members of the Yaloufoiram Women’s Group, who are engaged in agriculture in the Yaloufoiram village of Dogo, in Zinder, to earn their living, contribute to the supply chain of the region, and boost agricultural production capacity of the region.
The garden, spanning a total area of 3 hectares, features 2 water wells and a water tank powered by solar energy panels, California-type irrigation systems, material warehouses and necessary agricultural equipment. The moringa plant is well-known for its rapid growth and high consumption in Niger and is anticipated to generate income in a short period of its industrial production.
This year’s event will feature not only the latest advancements in poultry but also innovations in dairy and agricultural sectors, providing a holistic view of the industry. (Image source: VNU)
Set to take place from 2-3 October at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) in Rwanda, VIV Africa 2024, previously known as Poultry Africa promises to be a landmark gathering for professionals from around the globe
This year, the event will feature the latest advancements in poultry as well as dairy and agricultural sector innovations, thereby providing a holistic view of the industry. According to VIV Africa project manager, Natalie Taylor, attendees can expect a more comprehensive event with a wider range of exhibitors, more diverse content, and new opportunities for networking and learning. Given the proven track-record of the previous editions, alongside the expansion of the show with dairy and agriculture, exhibiting spaces have already sold out.
The main focus for this year's event will be poultry, followed by agriculture and dairy. Break-out sessions will ensure that there is always a session on each sector. Moreover, with the increasing demand for quality protein sources, the protein industry in Africa is forecasted to witness significant growth. VIV Africa therefore, plays a crucial role by providing a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and industry networking, in turn bringing together key stakeholders and industry leaders. Through this approach, the event facilitates the adoption of best practices and the introduction of new technologies, all of which are essential for sustainable development.
VIV Africa is a combination of sessions and special events including in-depth workshops, technical seminars and a special networking cocktail with local talent on the first night of the event.
For more information about the event, visit: www.vivafrica.nl
All the project proposals are required to justify how they are bringing significative sustainable solutions to overcome challenges of the swine or poultry industry. (Image source: Adisseo)
Building on the success of the previous edition, this Grant will allocate US$1mn over the next three years to fund research projects addressing key challenges in animal nutrition
Through this initiative, Adisseo aims to foster international collaboration among leading laboratories and drive innovaton in the industry. The selection process of this research grant will be overseen by a prestigious Scientific Committee with numerous academic professors present.
In order to ensure that the selected projects align wih the grant objectives, the committee will rigorously evaluate proposals to confirm their potential to address complex industry challenges. For the third edition, the grant will support projects investigating nutritional approaches for monogastric (swine and poultry).
This year, the pre-proposal application period is open from 2 September. The pre-proposal research projects will be announced on 21 October and the full dossier submission deadline is 29 November.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.adisseo.com/en/adisseo-research-grant-2024/ or contact:
The AFRICA Awards selection process is overseen by an Independent Awards Selection Committee composed of globally recognised experts. (Image source: Afreximbank)
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) recently announced winners of the inaugural Afreximbank-FARA Research, Innovation and Competence in Agriculture (AFRICA) Awards in Nassau, Bahamas
These prestigious awards honour individuals, groups, or established organisations that have made outstanding contributions towards improving food and nutritional security, income generation, resilience and natural resource management in Africa through research, innovation, agripreneurship and policy advocacy in the food and agriculture domain.
The awards were presented on the margins of the 2024 Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF). The AFRICA Awards selection process is overseen by an Independent Awards Selection Committee composed of globally recognised experts and encompasses three categories which include, the Africa Research Excellence Award, the Innovation-based Entrepreneurship Award, and the Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award.
Following a highly competitive selection process, the two laureates of the 2024 AFRICA Awards were announced:
1. Umezuruike Linus Opara: Recipient of the Africa Research Excellence Award in recognition of his contribution to developing and validating a novel integrated value-chain approach to post-harvest research and innovation, one crop at a time.
2. Professor Richard Mkandawire: Recipient of the Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award for his foundational role in conceptualising Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and catalysing its domestication in African countries at NEPAD.
“Africa’s vulnerability to climate shocks exacerbate its food insecurity concerns and heighten the urgency of structural transformation of its agricultural sector," said president and chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank, professor Benedict Oramah. "It needs to boost efficiency and productivity, modernise its agriculture, and reclaim its rightful position as a net exporter of agricultural products I applaud the winners of the Inaugural AFRICA Awards for the demonstrable and innovative impact they are delivering for agriculture.”
This year’s event will feature not only the latest advancements in poultry but also innovations in dairy and agricultural sectors, providing a holistic view of the industry. (Image source: VNU)
NOVUS will present four abstracts across production topics. (Image source: NOVUS)
The course offers a convenient way for industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills at their own pace. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
In order to ensure quality and safety, the GMP+ Academy is launching an e-learning module that teach attendees the basics of correct sampling techniques
Effective sampling guides decision-making throughout production, thus ensuring that the feed is of high quality and safe for both humans and animals. The module is specifically designed for production companies in the feed industry. The course offers a convenient way for industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills at their own pace.
The course will guide attendees through the A-Z of sampling, addressing questions regarding the meaning of sampling; why and how to take samples; the type of sampling equipments needed; as well as techniques to correctly label, seal and store samples. The total duration of the course is 45 minutes and costs US$54.26.
To access the course, visit the GMP+ Academy platform: www.gmpplusacademy.org
Illustration of a horizontal cross-section of the solar powered aquaponics greenhouse. (Image source: WorldFish – Egypt)
All the project proposals are required to justify how they are bringing significative sustainable solutions to overcome challenges of the swine or poultry industry. (Image source: Adisseo)
Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR centre director, Professor Darren Trott, CEAStAR centre deputy director, and Dr Bicheng Yang, director of MGI Australia (from L to R) (Image source: MGI Tech)
MGI Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of MGI Tech Co. Ltd, recently announced its partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ) led Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEAStAR), aiming to combat antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections affecting human health, agriculture, and the environment
MGI's proprietary DNBSEQ technology, renowned for its high accuracy and efficiency in genetic sequencing, plays a pivotal role in CEAStAR's efforts to combat antimicrobial resitance.
"Our goal is to deliver new antimicrobials for animal use, alternative treatments, and advanced detection methods to mitigate the spread of resistant microbes across sectors," said centre director professor Mark Blaskovich, while emphasising the urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
When integrated with MGI's automated laboratory systems, the DNBSEQ technology enables portable, on-site sequencing solutions. These solutions empower rapid detection, surveillance, and monitoring of AMR in diverse environmental settings, including wastewater and agricultural environments.
As part of the CEAStAR initiative, on World Food Day 2023 MGI announced support for an industry-driven graduate research project focused on developing sequencing-based surveillance to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the water environment.
"We have successfully collaborated with UQ, utilising our cutting-edge sequencing technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater," said director of MGI Australia, Dr Bicheng Yang. "We look forward to expanding this partnership, continuing to develop and apply innovative solutions to combat AMR."
TİKA established a vegetable and moringa production garden for 100 women members of Yaloufoiram Women’s Group. (Image source: TİKA)
A training on cocoa fertilisation with farmers in Watte village San Pedro Cote dIvoire. (Image source: AfDB)
NOVACAT V 9200 CF for perfect swath placement. (Image source: Pöttinger)
Austrian agricultural machinery manufacturer Pöttinger's revolutionary mowing technology, CROSS FLOW is now available for the NOVACAT V 9200
This mower combination, NOVACAT V 9200 CF features impressively low weight and a low power requirement. Feedback from the field was the basis for this development, following demand for a cost-effective and straightforward system for merging swaths. CROSS FLOW works without a conditioner and is characterised by its low weight compared to conventional swath merging systems. This technology ensures optimum conservation of the forage and soil, as well as the running costs, thanks to the fuel savings.
Moreover, without a conditioner, the forage is handled extremely gently. Thanks to the closed trough shape, the forage is transported directly from the sward to the swath. This prevents forage losses, minimises dirt ingress and avoids disintegration losses.
The NOVACAT V 9200 CF with CROSS FLOW auger can be used very effectively both on grassland as well as with whole plant silage.
Results show almonds treated with Acadian biostimulants with improved Stem Water Potential in both stressed and non-stressed situations. (Image source: Acadian Plant Health)
The Zambezi River Basin project is expected to benefit millions through advancements in agriculture, fisheries, and dam operations. (Image source: AfDB)
Most Read
ABUNDA is produced through a zero-waste fermentation process, with Cargill’s glucose syrup as a main source. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
A farmer uses the FlipFarm System effortlessly on his farm without bending over or injuring his back. (Image source: FlipFarm)
Both projects aim to develop cost-effective, safe, non-invasive health solutions that can be conveniently included in the pig's feed. (Image source: Renaissance Bioscience)
Stress can cause reduced growth potential and the increased risk of secondary infections in salmon. (Image source: BioMar)
Key stakeholders in the animal health and livestock sector value chain in Zimbabwe attended the project’s launch. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
WeedOut's green solution for outsmarting resistant weeds supports improved yield, reduced herbicide need. (Image source: WeedOUT)
Latest news
Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR centre director, Professor Darren Trott, CEAStAR centre deputy director, and Dr Bicheng Yang, director of MGI Australia (from L to R) (Image source: MGI Tech)
The course offers a convenient way for industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills at their own pace. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Illustration of a horizontal cross-section of the solar powered aquaponics greenhouse. (Image source: WorldFish – Egypt)
TİKA established a vegetable and moringa production garden for 100 women members of Yaloufoiram Women’s Group. (Image source: TİKA)
All the project proposals are required to justify how they are bringing significative sustainable solutions to overcome challenges of the swine or poultry industry. (Image source: Adisseo)
Collaboration of Eurofins Agro Testing and trinamiX. (Image source: trinamiX)
NOVACAT V 9200 CF for perfect swath placement. (Image source: Pöttinger)
Analysis of these three cattle trials showed that cattle produced less methane and gained more weight each day, on average, when fed Rumin8’s development stage methane reducing feed additive. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
A training on cocoa fertilisation with farmers in Watte village San Pedro Cote dIvoire. (Image source: AfDB)
Results show almonds treated with Acadian biostimulants with improved Stem Water Potential in both stressed and non-stressed situations. (Image source: Acadian Plant Health)
More Articles
NOVACAT V 9200 CF for perfect swath placement. (Image source: Pöttinger)
Results show almonds treated with Acadian biostimulants with improved Stem Water Potential in both stressed and non-stressed situations. (Image source: Acadian Plant Health)
The Zambezi River Basin project is expected to benefit millions through advancements in agriculture, fisheries, and dam operations. (Image source: AfDB)
New Holland aims to bring autonomous solutions across all segments it serves, particularly in the speciality crop market. (Image source: CNH)
DSM-firmenich and BESTMIX software, through their partnership, unlock the value of sustainable feed production with Sustell. (Image source: BESTMIX Software)
Bühler is playing a major role in this transformation with its new Grain Processing Innovation Centre. (Image source: Bühler)
John Deere debuted five new P-Tier Skid Steer Loaders and Compact Track Loaders. (Image source: John Deere)
A drone flies over a farm in Tanzania. (Image source: FAO/Eduardo Soteras)
Novonesis, Andermatt collaborate to boost sustainable farming and farmer income in Africa with Cell-Tech soybean inoculant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The new-generation JOSKIN Tornado muck spreader boasts a redesigned, lighter body, integrated hydraulics, and versatile beaters for improved performance. (Image source: Joskin)
Symaga's new SGA and MES systems enhance warehouse efficiency, streamline inventory with DataMatrix codes, and improve quality control, earning an ACEI award. (Image source: Symaga)
The signing took place at the US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas. (Image source: AFC)