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Modern solutions, such as the JOSKIN spreading booms and injectors, ensure greater precision, better distribution and reduced losses. (Image source: JOSKIN)

Once considered a waste product, liquid manure is now recognised as a valuable fertilising resource, with some factories producing liquid wastes such as vinasse, molasses or sludge, which also contain valuable fertilising elements for agriculture

To optimise the properties of these effluents and minimise losses, particularly of ammonia, a specific spreading equipment is required. This reduction in losses limits odour nuisance and economic losses. Traditional spreading methods, such as scatterers, were imprecise and lacked homogeneity, resulting in significant nitrogen losses. In response, modern solutions, such as the JOSKIN spreading booms and injectors, ensure greater precision, better distribution and reduced losses.

JOSKIN spreading booms and implements, such as those with line hoses or skids, have transformed effluent spreading practices. Line spreading booms deposit the liquid directly at the foot of the plants, limiting contact with the air and reducing volatile losses by over 35%. JOSKIN Pendislide line spreading booms with skids, on the other hand, apply nutrients to the soil without contaminating plants, reducing volatile losses by up to 50%. The slurry tanker can also be fitted with a JOSKIN arable injector, which mixes soil and effluent. In this way, waste is used optimally and losses are practically nil.

Technological advances, combined with increasingly stringent regulations, are fostering a more sustainable agriculture. The latest generation of JOSKIN spreading implements preserves the fertilising properties of liquid effluent and reduces the cost of mineral fertilisers, making this investment more profitable. Thanks to the efficient use of livestock effluents, these innovations enable a profitable, sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture.

The latest innovation demonstrates the longstanding collaboration between Valio and Berry, and the strength of the partnership between the two businesses. (Image source: Berry)

Berry Global has launched a revolutionary packaging solution to help Finnish dairy pioneer Valio meet its commitment to significantly reduce plastic usage by 2026

Valio aims to cut down the usage of plastic in its single-use and single-serve packaging by 15%, as part of which its popular range of PROfeel protein puddings are being switched to a custom-designed version of Berry’sCombiLight pot. 

The CombiLight is a hybrid packaging solution made from a plastic skeleton and carton sleeve, which are melted together to create a strong structure. Valio had already switched its quark products to the CombiLight, but for the puddings the conversion required the development of a new coating with enhanced barrier properties to ensure optimal shelf life.

Working in collaboration with Stora Enso, a leader in barrier technology, the new barrier solution was achieved by Berry. In addition to reducing food waste, this extended shelf life will also provide better export opportunities for Valio.

The protein-rich PROfeel puddings will be available in various flavours including chocolate, caramel, and vanilla-meringue and will be launched by the company in the new packaging this December. Some notable features like enhanced print quality as well as a printable bottom surface for the display of important product information will allow a clean, polished look on the sides of the pot, in turn creating better branding opportunities for Valio.

“Working with Berry is a pleasure,” said Valio’s head of Packaging Development, Juhana Pilkama. “Their team is not only willing to try new things, but they are also highly reliable and open in their approach. We have regular meetings to align on projects and share ideas, and that has been crucial in developing the enhanced CombiLight pot. We could not be more satisfied with the result.”   

In an attempt to drive the consumption of South African stone fruit, Hortgro will once again be using a wide-ranging marketing campaign to support the season in the UK. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Following disruption from weather and logistical issues during the 2023/24 period, South African stone fruit growers are predicting a better 2024/25 export season 

The export crops for nectarines, plums and apricots are all expected to rise against last year on the back of investment in the planted area and new varieties, while there is cautious optimism that strategic changes at the Port of Cape Town will result in a more reliable service.

Industry body Hortgro has forecast the season total for nectarines to rise by 4% to 9.12 million cartons. The early crop is however likely to be adversely affected by the weather, with early varieties set to be down 8% compared to the previous season. Plum volumes are also projected to increase by 12% to an average-sized crop. Exports are expected to reach 13.7 million cartons, thanks to more favourable weather conditions and new plantings coming on stream. 

In an attempt to drive the consumption of South African stone fruit, Hortgro will once again be using a wide-ranging marketing campaign to support the season in the UK. This will include everything from recipe creation, retailer activity, trade and consumer press releases, to feature articles, trade advertising, social media, influencer collaboration and much more!

The objective of the campaign is to maximise visibility at point of sale and highlight not only the exceptional taste of the druit, but also the country's most sustainable source of south hemisphere stone fruit. 

While the impact of logistical issues have mostly been focused around the Port of Cape Town, Hortgro believes that a turning point in the crisis has been reached. Another challenging season is however expected to lie ahead, due to which the industry seeks to utilise alternative modes of shipping. Although this will likely add cost, it will however ensure on-time deliveries of quality fruit and a timely fulfillment of clients' programmes. 

For long term benefits, the strategic replacement and refurbishment of equipment and machinery is being implemented by logistics operator Transnet at the Port of Cape Town, while also contracting maintenance and related services and appointing additional staff. All this is expected to boost productivity.

Nevertheless, Hortgro is nevertheless preparing for challenges such as downtime on equipment and wind delays, and is contingency planning for alternative modes and nodes of shipping such as the use of specialised reefer vessels and other ports in the Eastern Cape and Durban.

“South African stone fruit will continue to meet the market’s expectations for high-quality and great-tasting produce," said Jacques du Preez, general manager of trade and markets at Hortgro. "South African growers are positive about the 2024/25 harvest and export season. Continuous delivery of top-quality, great-tasting fruit remains the aim, and will lead to repeat sales. But it’s important suppliers receive fair returns from the market after several years of having to contend with severe price pressure and adverse weather.” 

 

This funding acts as a catalyst for BiocSol's development. (Image source: David Plas)

UCLouvain spin-off, BiocSol which specialises in sustainable crop protection solutions recently announced the successful closure of its initial seed funding round after securing US$5.6mn in equity

BiocSol aims to attract a total US$10.5mn by year-end through additional non-dilutive and equity financing. Agri Investment Fund and VIVES IUF led the round, bringing extensive expertise in agribusiness and biotechnology, alongside Belgian investors, including Invest.BW and IMBC Spinnova SA.

The funding, which behaves as a catalyst for BiocSol's development, will not only enable the company to broaden its team and R&D pipeline, but also kickstart the regulatory processes for its pioneering biofungicies. Moreover, the product will also increase production to meet demand and optimise its quality and efficiency processes. BiocSol empowers farmers through the development of innovative microbial-based biopesticies, thereby providing an efficient biocontrol to protect their crops.  

“This new investment is strategic for our fund as it enables us to become part of the rapidly growing Wallonia AgTech ecosystem,” said Patrik Haesen, CEO of Agri Investment Fund. “We are particularly impressed by BiocSol's innovative approach, which addresses some of the most pressing agricultural problems by creating multiple modes of action to combat pathogens that are swiftly developing resistance to current solutions.” 

Advancing their mission to develop sustainable crop protection solutions, CTO and founder of BiocSol, Simon Caulier emphasised that they were at a pivotal moment for the company. "This investment allows us to bring impactful solutions to agriculture, fostering a healthier planet for future generations,” Caulier concluded.

Dr Stanford Blade highlighted ICRISAT's commitment to advancing research quality and services. (Image source: ICRISAT)

In an attempt to boost soil health technology and practices, ICRISAT is strengthening ties between Asia and Africa 

The eighth Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) meeting was held from 11-13 November at FAO Headquarters in Rome, during which Dr Pushpajeet Choudhari, soil scientist at ICRISAT and chair of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), represented the organisation.

Building on its active membership in SEALNET, ICRISAT is set to align efforts with the African Soil Laboratory Network (AFRILAB) and NARS partners. Elh Moudi Moustapha Abdourahaman, GLOSOLAN chair, and Dr Choudhari discussed plans to bolster ICRISAT’s African soil laboratories, aligning them with the AFRILAB network to further strengthen regional soil health initiatives.

Registered in GLOSOLAN since 2019, ICRISAT’s Charles Renard Analytical Laboratory (CRAL) delivers high quality analytical service for farmers and other stakeholders. As a member of ​SEALNET, CRAL has been engaged in developing and harmonising analytical methods in compliance with FAO GLOSOLAN. 

During the meeting, Dr Choudhari updated GLOSOLAN delegates on SEALNET’s progress, highlighting key outcomes from the eighth SEALNET meeting with a focus on knowledge-sharing and harmonising soil testing methods across the region. 

"Our collaboration with FAO's Global Soil Laboratory Network marks a significant milestone in this effort. We are proud to contribute to this network, which is dedicated to strengthening regional and global soil laboratories in support of the global mission to improve soil health," said Dr Stanford Blade, Interim Director General and Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT, highlighting ICRISAT's commitment to advancing research quality and services.

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