In The Spotlight
In partnership with Sistema.bio, Danone is equipping 6,500 smallholder dairy farmers with biodigesters to reduce methane emissions. (Image source: Sistema.bio)
Global leader in biodigestion technology, Sistema.bio recently announced its collaboration with leading food and beverage company, Danone during the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM)
Through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), Sistema.bio and Danone aim to support smallholder farmers by introducing biodigesters – a proven manure management solution to mitigate methane emissions, while providing access to renewable energy on-farm. The partnership aims to deploy 6,500 biodigesters by 2030 for smallholder dairy farmers across various geographies, starting with Mexico, Morocco and India.
These systems convert livestock waste into biogas and organic fertiliser, which can be used as valuable resources at farm level. Overall, this supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering production costs, and decreasing reliance on chemical fertilisers. The biodigester’s digestate can also be used as a natural organic fertiliser, which improves soil health and efficient water use, supporting agriculture to be more sustainable and resilient.
This partnership marks a major step toward decarbonising dairy farming by delivering locally adapted high-impact technological solutions, at the service of the farmers, ultimately empowering local communities to drive meaningful climate action. The project also aligns with Danone’s Impact Journey toward regenerative and resilient agriculture and ‘Hlib Bladi’ programme, which supports local milk sovereignty and promotes sustainable farming practices in Morocco.
The newly published NAP (2025-2029) provides a unified strategic framework for Rwanda to prevent, slow down, and control the spread of resistant organisms. (Image source: FAO)
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diminishes effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines against common infections in humans, animals, and plants jeopardising global health, food security, and sustainable development
Recognising the urgency of this challenge, Rwanda along with continued technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), has taken a step forward in its national efforts to combat AMR with the official validation and online release of its updated National Action Plan (NAP II) for the period 2025–2029.
The newly published NAP (2025-2029) provides a unified strategic framework for Rwanda to prevent, slow down, and control the spread of resistant organisms. It emphasises the optimal use of antimicrobials and aims to ensure the continuous availability of safe and effective medicines, a cornerstone for protecting human, animal, and environmental health.
Through a comprehensive assessment and prioritisation ion of activities jointly using FAO Progressive Management Pathway for AMR (PMP-AMR) and FAO Assessment Tool for Laboratories and AMR Surveillance Systems (FAO-ATLASS) for five days, countries could assess the implementation of the first AMR-NAP and identify the next steps to enhance the level and inform the revision process. The FAO has helped secure official endorsement and publication of the NAP, making this vital strategic document accessible to all stakeholders and the international community, a testament to transparency and commitment.
Therefore, not only does the NAP provide Rwanda with a clear roadmap to address AMR, it also strengthens its capacity to contribute to regional and global efforts to mitigate this pervasive threat.
The project will be rolled out in stages. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
A new US$9.2mn investment project has been launched to help 57,000 smallholder farmers and pastoralist households in chronically dry areas make their water supplies last longer and build their resilience to climate change
The Agriculture Sector in Libya (RENEWAL) project will be IFAD’s first-ever investment in Libya. It was recently launched by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in cooperation with the Government of Libya.
Being one of the world’s driest countries, Libya urgently needs to extend the lifespan of its available water resources. In addition, its outdated infrastructure, climate impacts and political transition have further exacerbated long-standing water scarcity. To address these challenges, an inaugural workshop was held on 28 April in Tripoli. In the presence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from IFAD, UNOPS and the Libyan government discussed RENEWAL’s goals and how they would be achieved.
Key project activities include the improvement of water and soil management, climate vulnerability assessments, and capacity building for local communities. The project emphasises social inclusion, prioritising the needs of women, smallholder farmers, and pastoralists. Targeting vulnerable areas across Libya, including the northwest, northeast, and southern regions, the project will be rolled out in stages. In addition to improving agricultural practices, the project will capture and disseminate knowledge across the country, ensuring that best practices are replicated in other regions.
Horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning could be a huge boost to the global dairy farming industry. (Image source: UCL)
Researchers have developed a new technique to extract tiny cellulose strands from cow dung and turn them into manufacturing-grade cellulose
A study published in The Journal of Cleaner Production, describes the potential of a new ‘pressurised spinning’ innovation that uses cow dung as a raw material to create cellulose materials more cheaply and cleanly than some current manufacturing methods. Cellulose is one of the world’s most commonly used manufacturing materials, and can be found in everything from cling film to surgical masks, paper products, textiles, foods and pharmaceuticals.
Professor Edirisinghe, the senior author of the study, considered the possibility of extracting tiny fragments of cellulose present in cow manure and turning it into manufacturing-grade cellulose materials. He first used mild chemical reactions and homogenisation, which was successful in fragment extraction. However, the use of pressurised spinning technology to turn these fragments into fibres failed.
However, upon trial and error, a new technique called horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning, proved successful. This is an energy efficient process that doesn’t require the high voltages of other fibre production techniques such as electrospinning. This advancement is a prime example of circular economy and is the first time that manufacturing-grade cellulose has been derived from animal waste.
Horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning could be a huge boost to the global dairy farming industry, given the fact that animal waste management continues to be a growing problem globally. The research team is currently seeking opportunities to work with dairy farmers to take advantage of the technology and scale it up.
The company's anniversary year 2025 brings numerous activities, retrospectives and special anniversary offers. (Image source: Pöttinger)
It has been 50 years since Pöttinger Landtechnik GmbH’s entry into the arable farming technology market
The family-owned company based in Grieskirchen, Upper Austria, has been delivering impressive results based on solid expertise in grassland, digital agriculture, tillage, and seed drill technologies.
Pöttinger has launched numerous exciting innovations, such as the new SERVO generation of trend-setting ploughs (1988), the particularly rugged LION power harrows (1991) and the SYNKRO linkage-mounted stubble cultivator. More innovative new products followed in recent years, such as the TERRADISC compact disc harrow (2003) and the new generation of TERRASEM mulch seed drills (2004), which set new standards in tillage and sowing technology. Several new innovations also joined the Pöttinger product range during the 2020-2024 period.
The company's anniversary year 2025 brings numerous activities, retrospectives and special anniversary offers on arable farming equipment, crop care machines, grassland implements, and digital agricultural technology.
Companies displaying a Biome Makers badge also have the opportunity to share their BeCrop Trials results publicly. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Biome Makers has become the first official ecosystem partner to feature on the AgList platform, after their recent collaboration marked a major milestone for the industry
This integration with AgList, the leading independent discovery platform for agricultural biologicals, enables products listed on AgList to feature a Biome Makers badge when they have been tested using Biome Makers' patented BeCrop Trials solution.
Companies displaying this badge also have the opportunity to share their BeCrop Trials results publicly, offering unmatched visibility into the real-world performance of their products. For users browsing AgList, the Biome Makers tag is more than a badge is a sign of commitment to independent research, integrity, and industry leadership.
This badge acts as a powerful signal to buyers, agronomists, and retailers alike. Using advanced biological analysis, the product has been independently evaluated under real-world field conditions. By surfacing trusted, third-party data directly on AgList, biological manufacturers now have a new way to differentiate products with scientific validation.
“This partnership is all about increasing transparency and building trust," said co-founder of AgList, Tyler Nuss. "Our goal is to help the industry cut through the noise, and Biome Makers' science-first approach gives credibility to the products that earn their badge."
By installing additional PEM electrolysers, Hy2gen plans to upgrade the facility by the end of 2025. (Image source: Hy2gen)
Hy2gen’s ATLANTIS facility, located in Werlte, Germany, has been certified by CertifHy as the first site in the country to produce RFNBO-compliant e-methane under the EU’s sustainability framework for renewable fuels
This certification confirms that ATLANTIS meets all EU criteria for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), including sustainability, traceability, and lifecycle emissions. By installing additional polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysers, Hy2gen plans to upgrade the facility by the end of 2025, to meet the growing demand for renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.
As part of its strategy, Hy2gen has also signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a German hydropower plant to supply additional renewable electricity to the ATLANTIS plant in the future. This will enable Hy2gen to expand the facility’s electrolysis capacity, increasing its ability to supply certified fuels to the European and international markets.
Managing director of Hy2gen Deutschland GmbH, Matthias Lisson expressed pride in the company being one of the first RFNBO hydrogen and e-methane molecules producing site in the world. “Our team at the ATLANTIS plant in Werlte are pioneers in the production of e-methane. Right now, we are operating the biggest e-methane production site in the world,” said Lisson. With the RFNBO certification, we increase the value of our molecules, as it offers our clients the security that our products are 100% renewable and can be used to decarbonise industrial sectors to comply with EU regulations.”
Expoliva is the ideal platform to share the exceptional results achieved with Alfa Laval’s vacuum-based extraction method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Alfa Laval will showcase the outstanding performance of its Olive Oil Booster system at the XXII International Trade Fair for Olive Oil and Related Industries (Expoliva 2025), taking place from 14-16 May in Jaén, Spain
The region surrounding La Selva Del Camp in northern Spain is now at the forefront of modern innovation. A forward-thinking partnership between the century-old cooperative Coselva and Alfa Laval is driving a new era of premium olive oil production.
As the leading global event in the olive oil sector, Expoliva is the ideal platform to share the exceptional results achieved with Alfa Laval’s vacuum-based extraction method. At Coselva, this innovative technology enabled a 10% increase in the extraction of premium extra virgin olive oil and a 20% boost in polyphenol content, marking a major advance in both efficiency and nutritional quality.
With global food demand expected to rise 70% by 2050, innovation in food processing is critical. Alfa Laval’s technologies are designed to maximise the availability of nutritious food while minimising environmental impact.
The Olive Oil Booster system integrates advanced thermal and separation processes, including a plate heat exchanger and centrifugal decanter—to improve performance without disrupting traditional production flow. When combined with Alfa Laval’s crusher and vertical centrifuge, the system significantly increases both oil yield and antioxidant levels compared to conventional methods.
With more than 200 attendees expected, this year’s IFTEX has seen a remarkable growth in the number of registered exhibitors. (Image source: HPP Exhibitions)
Youth leadership will be a core theme of the Africa Food Systems launch. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
In partnership with Sistema.bio, Danone is equipping 6,500 smallholder dairy farmers with biodigesters to reduce methane emissions. (Image source: Sistema.bio)
Global leader in biodigestion technology, Sistema.bio recently announced its collaboration with leading food and beverage company, Danone during the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM)
Through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), Sistema.bio and Danone aim to support smallholder farmers by introducing biodigesters – a proven manure management solution to mitigate methane emissions, while providing access to renewable energy on-farm. The partnership aims to deploy 6,500 biodigesters by 2030 for smallholder dairy farmers across various geographies, starting with Mexico, Morocco and India.
These systems convert livestock waste into biogas and organic fertiliser, which can be used as valuable resources at farm level. Overall, this supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering production costs, and decreasing reliance on chemical fertilisers. The biodigester’s digestate can also be used as a natural organic fertiliser, which improves soil health and efficient water use, supporting agriculture to be more sustainable and resilient.
This partnership marks a major step toward decarbonising dairy farming by delivering locally adapted high-impact technological solutions, at the service of the farmers, ultimately empowering local communities to drive meaningful climate action. The project also aligns with Danone’s Impact Journey toward regenerative and resilient agriculture and ‘Hlib Bladi’ programme, which supports local milk sovereignty and promotes sustainable farming practices in Morocco.
The newly published NAP (2025-2029) provides a unified strategic framework for Rwanda to prevent, slow down, and control the spread of resistant organisms. (Image source: FAO)
Horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning could be a huge boost to the global dairy farming industry. (Image source: UCL)
The project will be rolled out in stages. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
A new US$9.2mn investment project has been launched to help 57,000 smallholder farmers and pastoralist households in chronically dry areas make their water supplies last longer and build their resilience to climate change
The Agriculture Sector in Libya (RENEWAL) project will be IFAD’s first-ever investment in Libya. It was recently launched by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in cooperation with the Government of Libya.
Being one of the world’s driest countries, Libya urgently needs to extend the lifespan of its available water resources. In addition, its outdated infrastructure, climate impacts and political transition have further exacerbated long-standing water scarcity. To address these challenges, an inaugural workshop was held on 28 April in Tripoli. In the presence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from IFAD, UNOPS and the Libyan government discussed RENEWAL’s goals and how they would be achieved.
Key project activities include the improvement of water and soil management, climate vulnerability assessments, and capacity building for local communities. The project emphasises social inclusion, prioritising the needs of women, smallholder farmers, and pastoralists. Targeting vulnerable areas across Libya, including the northwest, northeast, and southern regions, the project will be rolled out in stages. In addition to improving agricultural practices, the project will capture and disseminate knowledge across the country, ensuring that best practices are replicated in other regions.
The company's anniversary year 2025 brings numerous activities, retrospectives and special anniversary offers. (Image source: Pöttinger)
Companies displaying a Biome Makers badge also have the opportunity to share their BeCrop Trials results publicly. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Entomatic is highly versatile and can be used in horizontal and vertical row crops. (Image source: Biobest)
The Entomatic automated dispenser stands as a game changer for spider mite control, ensuring precise and uniform Phytoseiulus distribution across crops
Phytoseiulus persimilis, a specialised predatory mite, feeds exclusively on spider mites and is an essential and well-established component of biocontrol programmes. Entomatic is highly versatile and can be used in horizontal and vertical row crops. It has been widely adopted in high-tech protected vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, sweet peppers and cucumbers, as well as cut flowers and open-field strawberry production.
Beyond Phytoseiulus-System, Entomatic efficiently distributes other predatory mites, most beneficial insects, and Artemac supplementary predator feed in tomatoes. Its user-friendly, modular design allows for easy configuration across different glasshouse setups, whether mounted on existing carts, tractors, robotic sprayers, or custom driving platforms.
Sam Gui, market development manager for High Tech IPM at Biobest explained how Entomatic maximises effectiveness by smoothly and precisely releasing Phytoseiulus-System, at a controlled rate, over the head of the plants. “Aside from the increased precision, due to automatisation, Entomatic can significantly cut labour costs. Depending on the Entomatic model, we’ve seen labour costs for beneficial mite introduction cut by up to 90%.”
Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
AGRIMAX PROHARVEST thus stands as a technologically advanced and cost-effective solution for all operators in the farming industry. (Image source: BKT)
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In partnership with Sistema.bio, Danone is equipping 6,500 smallholder dairy farmers with biodigesters to reduce methane emissions. (Image source: Sistema.bio)
The newly published NAP (2025-2029) provides a unified strategic framework for Rwanda to prevent, slow down, and control the spread of resistant organisms. (Image source: FAO)
The project will be rolled out in stages. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning could be a huge boost to the global dairy farming industry. (Image source: UCL)
The company's anniversary year 2025 brings numerous activities, retrospectives and special anniversary offers. (Image source: Pöttinger)
Companies displaying a Biome Makers badge also have the opportunity to share their BeCrop Trials results publicly. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
By installing additional PEM electrolysers, Hy2gen plans to upgrade the facility by the end of 2025. (Image source: Hy2gen)
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Entomatic is highly versatile and can be used in horizontal and vertical row crops. (Image source: Biobest)
Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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