CUPERTINO, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a diversified global renewable natural gas and biofuels company, announced the Company’s subsidiary in India, Universal Biofuels, received multiple orders for an aggregate of $31 million for the delivery during May, June and July of more than 33,000 kiloliters of biodiesel to the three government-owned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Additional OMC orders are expected throughout the year in order to continue shipments to fuel blending terminals on an ongoing basis to support the India government goal of increasing from a 1% to 5% biodiesel blend.
”Universal Biofuels and other biodiesel producers look forward to continuous support from the government of India to ensure that climate issues are addressed, while ensuring a healthy biodiesel industry,” stated Sanjeev Duggal, CEO of Universal Biofuels.
“We are pleased with the progress being made in India in support of the 5% biodiesel blending target of more than 1.2 billion gallons per year,” stated Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “The OMCs did not take deliveries during this past winter and instead decided to issue new orders for biodiesel with deliveries from May to July. Our Universal Biofuels subsidiary has successfully completed deliveries under contracts with the OMCs for the past several years, highlighting our track record for producing and timely delivering high quality renewable fuels at our India plant.”
Recently, India achieved a 20% ethanol blend into gasoline and the government stated a new 30% blend target for ethanol, enabling further growth in ethanol production and expanding revenues for farmers while reducing the importation of petroleum gasoline into India.
Universal Biofuels significantly expanded the production capacity of the Kakinada biodiesel plant to 80 million gallons per year during a recent plant upgrade and maintenance cycle, including expansion of its proprietary process that produces biodiesel from waste and byproducts that Universal utilizes to produce biofuels that are lower carbon intensity at a significantly reduced cost.
Aemetis’ Universal Biofuels subsidiary is one of the largest biodiesel producers in India, having been in operation for more than 17 years. Universal Biofuels increased annual biodiesel capacity from 50 million gallons to 80 million gallons last year, with further biodiesel expansion to other locations and diversification into biogas production planned for 2025. To support further growth, Universal Biofuels is preparing for an IPO in India which is expected to be completed in late 2025, subject to continued favorable stock market conditions.
Universal Biofuels completed $112 million of biodiesel and glycerine shipments in the twelve months ended September 2024, including deliveries to the three government-owned oil marketing companies under a cost-plus contract. Shipments of biodiesel to OMC’s are expected to begin in early May under the next round of biodiesel contracts.
About Aemetis
Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and renewable fuel company focused on the operation, acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis is operating and actively expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel plant and a CO2 sequestration project in California. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections of financial results; statements related to the development, engineering, financing, construction and operation of the Aemetis biodiesel and other biofuel facilities; our ability to promote, develop, finance, and construct facilities to produce biodiesel, renewable fuels, and biochemicals; and statements about future market prices and results of government actions. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.
Company Investor Relations Media Contact: Todd Waltz (408) 213-0940 investors@aemetis.com
External Investor Relations Contact: Kirin Smith PCG Advisory Group (646) 863-6519 ksmith@pcgadvisory.com
Every day, Briana Brady ’25 (CAHNR) gets up at 5:30 a.m.
She packs school lunches and snacks for her two children, gets their backpacks ready, and gives them breakfast.
She squeezes in a shower for herself, puts the kids on the bus to school, and then drives an hour and a half to Storrs.
“I live all the way in Plymouth, over by Waterbury, so it’s three hours of driving a day,” Brady says. “And sometimes I’m only here for one class, so I drive more than I’m actually in class.”
In the afternoons, she races back home to get her kids off the bus.
Then there’s softball. Basketball. Wrestling. Dance. Clubs and carpooling. Dinner.
When everyone is fed and relaxing before bedtime, Brady tries to do some homework before she crashes out for the night herself – getting ready to do it all over again the next day.
It’s been her routine for the last two years, and it hasn’t always been easy for the Natural Resources & the Environment major and New Jersey native, who has spent the last 18 years living a nomadic life.
A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Brady spent six years in service that took her all over the country. She’s been stationed in San Francisco, Virginia, South Carolina, and Maine. She spent months in and out of Alaska, patrolling the Bering Sea and stopping in some of its ports.
Alaska is where she met her husband, who is still in active duty with the Coast Guard. They came to Connecticut when her husband was transferred five years ago.
While serving in the Coast Guard, Brady was a Boatswains mate third class – expected to be capable of serving in nearly any job on a vessel, an expert in seamanship and navigation, a leader responsible for the safety of their crew.
“I did a lot of navigation,” she explains. “A lot of chart work. A lot of driving of the boat.”
In some ways, she hasn’t stopped serving in that role even though her time in the military has ended.
‘I don’t want to just get a job to have a job’
She’s still navigating things, still driving the boat. And still living on the water.
After earning an associate’s degree from Three Rivers in Norwich, Brady applied to UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. She knew she wanted to do environmental work, but found her calling when she took courses on water resource management and geospatial technologies.
“I think water is insanely important,” she says. “Water resources are everywhere, so anywhere I have to move, there’s water. And I just want to feel good about what I’m doing – I don’t want to just get a job to have a job. I want to feel good about it.”
She continues, “I think that we don’t consider how we contaminate our resources. The things we add to water are hard to filter out and sometimes go undetected for a long time. And then we drink this, and we give this to our kids, and we don’t think twice. We assume it’s clear. Even if we live in U.S., there’s still poor water quality in places, and I think people take it for granted.”
She found willing mentors in several UConn professors and, in addition to her classes and at-home responsibilities, has been working in the campus’s Water Quality Lab after taking a course on green stormwater management, where she helps to build sample kits that are used in the lab’s well testing outreach program.
“I go to events, collect samples, and talk to people about why it’s so important to test your well water,” Brady says, “because sometimes you don’t even know what’s in it.”
Brady’s been a welcome addition to the lab, says Michael Dietz, a water resources extension educator and director of the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources who oversees the lab and the well testing program.
“Although she is a nontraditional student with family responsibilities at home, Briana puts in outstanding effort in her courses,” says Dietz. “She does this work with humility and without complaint. It has also been wonderful to watch her confidence grow through her career as a student. I will truly miss her presence and her warm wit when she graduates!”
And graduation is imminent for Brady – she’s set to wear the cap and gown and walk in her commencement ceremony this May, earning her bachelor’s degree from UConn.
Taking care of a family as a full-time student
It’s something that still doesn’t feel real, she says.
“I can’t even wrap my head around it, because I have papers and finals and projects to do,” she says. “I just look at it day-by-day. I can’t think about what I have to do too far in the future, because it’s overwhelming.
“So, I just keep trucking away. And then sometimes I look back, and I’m like, whoa, how did I do that?”
She did it by getting plenty of sleep. By trying to exercise. By drinking a ton of that precious water, she says, and paying a lot of attention to what she eats.
Taking care of a family as full-time student taking five-to-six course a semester? It’s been extremely challenging.
“I try to balance it as best as I can, but sometimes it’s like, ‘Mom, can you get off the computer?’ she says. “And I’m like, ‘I have a lab due. I’m so sorry, but it’ll be worth it.’ And I think they know it.”
Her efforts haven’t been lost on those around her, including her professors.
“Bri is a highly dedicated individual, not only as student, but also to her family. She definitely gives a 100% to both,” says Morty Ortega, an associate professor in the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment. “Bri has a real passion for the environment – the more she learns about it, she then passes that to her children.”
‘If you think you can’t do it, just do it’
This summer, Brady and her family will be making what she hopes will be their last move, to Pennsylvania, which is closer to their extended families. Her husband has about five years of service left in the Coast Guard.
While her life as a nomad might be ending, her life as a student likely isn’t over. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree once her family is settled while also entering the workforce.
Her advice for other students – those who have taken a traditional path to college, or those, like her, who’ve had a different journey?
Just do it.
“If you think you can’t do it, just do it, because chances are that if you are determined and motivated and disciplined, you will get it done and you’ll get it done well,” Brady says. “It’s mental, and you just have to take that chance and go for it and apply. Don’t be scared.
“It’s very intimidating, especially for someone who has a ton of responsibilities. But I don’t regret going forward. At all.”
Dragonfly Energy’s collaboration with the National Forest Foundation underscores the company’s continued commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The pledge from Dragonfly Energy to plant thousands of trees is part of a bigger environmental plan initiated by the US Forest Service to combat climate change.
Dragonfly Energy is committed to helping the National Forest Foundation reach its goal to successfully plant 50 million trees by the end of 2025.
RENO, Nev., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) (“Dragonfly Energy” or the “Company”), an industry leader in green energy storage and maker of Battle Born Batteries®, in recognition of Earth Day, is pledging to plant thousands of trees through a collaboration with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official non-profit partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In support of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Dragonfly Energy aims to exceed last year’s planting of 10,000 trees.
The National Forest Foundation is leading the charge on natural solutions for climate change having planted more than 33.5 million trees to date since the campaign began in 2018, and over five million alone in 2024. In Dragonfly Energy’s backyard alone, the Sierra Nevada, the NFF planted 24,225 trees in 2024, which included planting in five National Forests. These efforts are helping to restore public lands and ensure that forests can continue to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2), as America’s forests are the most efficient natural systems for pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere.
“Healthy forests are vital to a greener future, just as eco-friendly battery development and manufacturing are essential to sustainable progress,” said Tyler Bourns, chief marketing officer for Dragonfly Energy. “As we enter our second year of partnership for Earth Day, we remain dedicated to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of a more sustainable planet.”
Earth Day, celebrated globally on April 22, serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the planet for future generations. In honor of this world-wide celebration, Dragonfly Energy pledges to plant 10 trees for every battery sold during its annual Earth Day sale taking place April 21 through April 25.
“We want to thank Dragonfly Energy for its commitment to our reforestation initiatives and dedication to making significant environmental impacts within United States through an annual donation of trees being planted on public lands,” said Abby Schembra, National Forest Foundation Reforestation Team. “As a project-focused nonprofit organization, we value our partners who are helping us to reach our goal to successfully plant 50 million trees by the end of 2025.”
For more information about Dragonfly Energy, visit DragonflyEnergy.com. For more information about the National Forest Foundation and its Reforestation Program, visit NationalForests.org.
About National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation works on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation. Each year the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, facilitates common ground, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease and improves recreational opportunities. The NFF believes our National Forests and all they offer are an American treasure and are vital to the health of our communities. Learn more at nationalforests.org.
About Dragonfly Energy
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company, specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries® brand, Dragonfly Energy has established itself as a frontrunner in the lithium battery industry, with hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs deployed in the field through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. At the forefront of domestic lithium battery cell production, Dragonfly Energy’s patented dry electrode manufacturing process can deliver chemistry-agnostic power solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The Company’s overarching mission is the future deployment of its proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid-state battery cells.
To learn more about Dragonfly Energy and its commitment to clean energy advancements, visit investors.dragonflyenergy.com.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief, or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the National Forest Foundation and its Reforestation Program, the Company’s future results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” “forecast” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include those set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC available at www.sec.gov. If any of these risks materialize or any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
BharatNet Extending Internet Access, Expanding Rural Progress
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 2:48PM by PIB Delhi
Q: What is the BharatNet project?
A: BharatNet is an ambitious project of the Government of India aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. It is one of the biggest rural telecom projects in the world.
Q: What is the objective of the BharatNet project?
A: The primary objective is to provide unrestricted access to broadband connectivity to all the telecom service providers. This enables access providers like mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cable TV operators, and content providers to launch various services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote India. It aims to empower rural India, foster inclusive growth, and bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.
Q: How many Gram Panchayats (GPs) are targeted under BharatNet?
A: The project initially aimed to connect approximately 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across the country.
Q: What are the different phases of the BharatNet project?
A: The Telecom Commission approved the implementation of the project in three phases on 30.04.2016:
Phase I: Focused on laying optical fibre cables to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats by utilising existing infrastructure. This phase was completed in December 2017
Phase II(ongoing): Expanded coverage to an additional 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats using optical fibre, radio, and satellite technologies. This phase incorporated collaborative efforts with state governments and private entities.
Phase III(ongoing): Aims at future-proofing the network by integrating 5G technologies, increasing bandwidth capacity, and ensuring robust last-mile connectivity. This phase is ongoing. The Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) approved in August 2023 can be considered part of this evolution.
Q: What is the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)?
A: Approved in August 2023, the ABP is a design improvement aiming for Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology (a network design where connected devices form a circular data channel) and OF connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages on demand. It includes features like IP-MPLS (Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network with routers at Blocks and GPs, operation and maintenance for 10 years, power backup, and Remote Fibre Monitoring System (RFMS). The cost allocated is Rs. 1,39,579 crores.
Q: What other initiatives support digital empowerment in rural India?
A: Several other initiatives complement BharatNet, including:
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): To ensure digital literacy in rural households, with over 6.39 crore individuals trained by March 31, 2024.
National Broadband Mission (NBM): Launched to fast-track the expansion of digital communications infrastructure. National Broadband Mission 2.0 was launched on January 17, 2025. Key initiatives under NBM include the Centralized Right of Way (RoW) Portal GatiShakti Sanchar.
Q: How is BharatNet being funded?
A: BharatNet is primarily funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), which is a fund that replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The total funding for BharatNet (Phase-I and Phase-II) approved by the Cabinet is Rs 42,068 crores (exclusive of GST, Octroi, and local taxes). As of 31.12.2023, a total of Rs. 39,825 crores have been disbursed under the BharatNet Project since its inception.
Q: Who is executing the BharatNet project?
A: The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which was incorporated on 25.02.2012 under the Indian Companies Act 1956. Under the Amended BharatNet Program, BSNL is appointed as the single Project Management Agency (PMA) for Operation & Maintenance of the entire network.
Q: What is the current status of BharatNet implementation?
A:
As of 19th March 2025, 2,18,347GPs have been made service ready under the BharatNet project in the country.
As of March 25, 2025, the Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) length has increased to 42.13 lakh route km.
As of 13.01.2025, 6,92,676 Km of OFC (Optical Fiber Cable) has been laid.
12,21,014 Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) connections are commissioned
1,04,574 Wi-Fi hotspots are installed.
Q: How is the BharatNet network utilised?
A: The network is utilised through leasing bandwidth and dark fibre, Wi-Fi to access broadband or internet services in public places, and Fibre to the Home (FTTH). Last Mile Connectivity (LMC) is provided through Wi-Fi in public places or other suitable broadband technologies, including FTTH at Government institutions such as schools, hospitals, post offices, etc.
Q: What are the benefits and impact of the BharatNet project?
A: BharatNet has had a transformative impact on rural India, contributing to socioeconomic development in multiple ways:
Digital Inclusion: Connecting remote villages to high-speed internet, enabling access to e-governance, online education, and telemedicine.
Economic Opportunities: Enabling participation in digital commerce, access to financial services, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Education and Healthcare: Facilitating digital classrooms and telehealth services.
Empowering Local Governance: Enabling Gram Panchayats to implement e-governance projects.
Q: What is the role of CSC e-Governance Services India Limited in BharatNet?
A: CSC (Common Services Centre) e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV) was assigned to provide the last mile connectivity in GPs through Wi-Fi Access Points and FTTH connections. As of September 2024, 1,04,574 Wi-Fi Access Points and 11,41 ,825 FTTH connections have been installed in the GPs. CSC-SPV also undertook a pilot project for laying overhead optical fiber from GPs.
Q: What is the collaboration between DBN and NABARD?
A: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have signed an MoU to drive rural development by providing access to digital services, digital governance, and promoting a digital economy through high-speed broadband connectivity under the BharatNet program. Key areas of collaboration include reference data sharing, digital content sharing, digital services integration, awareness and capacity building, promoting a digital economy, and inclusion of ICT infrastructure.
Q: How does BharatNet relate to mobile connectivity in rural areas?
A: Alongside BharatNet, the government is also focusing on expanding mobile connectivity in rural areas. As of December 2024, around 6,25,853 villages are covered with mobile connectivity, including 6,18,968 villages having 4G mobile coverage. The median mobile broadband speed has increased significantly. These efforts are complementary to BharatNet in bridging the digital divide.
What you need to know: Leaders across the nation, from elected officials to representatives from the business community, are praising California’s efforts to challenge President Trump’s authority to unilaterally enact tariffs.
SACRAMENTO – This week, Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a joint lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit seeks to end President Trump’s tariff chaos, which has created havoc on the economy, destabilized the stock and bond markets and caused hundreds of billions of dollars in losses, and inflicted higher costs for consumers and businesses. These harms will only continue to grow, as President Trump’s tariffs are projected to shrink the U.S. economy by $100 billion annually.
State leaders
Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire: “President Trump’s last trade war cost America’s ag industry $27 billion. This time around, California’s farmers and families across the state are getting hit even harder. The Golden State is the nation’s largest importer and second largest exporter, the largest manufacturing state, and the 5th largest economy in the world. Republicans in Congress are simply sitting on their hands as the President burns the economy down. Too much is at stake, which is why the Governor and the Attorney General’s action is so important.”
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas: “Trump’s tariffs are the single largest tax increase in our lifetime, and they’re jamming Californians with higher prices on groceries, medicine and cars. This is why we enacted a legal defense fund: to fight Republican policies that harm taxpayers. We’re protecting our residents — and all American families — from unlawful economic chaos.”
Retail and business leaders
Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce: “CalChamber has long supported a free trade agenda that fosters economic growth and job creation, including advocacy on lowering or eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers for businesses. Protectionist measures, such as tariffs, disrupt global supply chains and raise costs on businesses, which are ultimately reflected through higher consumer prices or limited choices on products. As Californians grapple with rising costs and worry about daily pocketbook issues, additional tariffs will only further exacerbate the affordability crisis that millions are facing and will have dire consequences on the California economy.”
Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association: “Retailers across California—large and small—are navigating an unprecedented level of uncertainty due to these tariffs. For small businesses in particular, the volatility is devastating. Many neighborhood retailers simply do not have the resources to absorb these additional costs or quickly pivot supply chains forcing them to either raise prices or risk going out of business altogether. This is not sustainable for our communities or California’s economy and the current environment makes it nearly impossible to plan for the future. While we recognize the federal government’s goal of strengthening American industry, we urge all leaders to consider the real-world impact on our state’s businesses and families. California’s retailers stand ready to work with the Governor and Attorney General to find solutions that support growth, stability, and prosperity for all Californians.”
Rodney Fong, CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce: “These tariffs are having a devastating downstream impact on San Francisco’s economy — especially our small businesses that rely on global supply chains and export markets to survive. From rising costs on imported goods to sudden disruptions in inventory and operations, our local entrepreneurs are bearing the brunt of an unpredictable trade policy. We support the state’s efforts to restore certainty and stability to the economic environment our businesses depend on.”
Jason Pagiou, President and CEO of the Asian Business Association of San Diego: “As President and CEO of the Asian Business Association, we want to thank Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta for their continued leadership in protecting working families and small businesses across California. Our latest survey shows that economic pressure isn’t just theoretical — it’s showing up in rent, grocery bills, and the rising costs of essentials.”
Shipping and logistics leaders
Martha Miller, Executive Director of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA): “California is home to the most productive goods movement system in the Nation, moving cargo to every corner of the country and supporting millions of jobs. As the primary trade gateway with Asia, our state’s ports are among the first to experience the impacts that tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, and trade uncertainty creates across the global supply chain. We support the Governor’s leadership to mitigate the impacts of these tariffs on American consumers, workers, and businesses.”
Mike Jacob, President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA): “No state has more private and public dollars invested in their seaports, logistics infrastructure, and freight transportation sector than California, and, as a result, no state has more jobs, more economic activity, more public financing, and more state and local tax revenues at risk of being a casualty in a global trade war than California. We applaud the leadership of the Governor and Attorney General to defend our private and public investments in the largest, most productive, and most environmentally advanced maritime gateways in the Western Hemisphere.”
City leaders
Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach: “Governor Newsom’s announcement of California’s lawsuit represents a critical opportunity to pause and evaluate the real-world impacts of these sweeping tariff changes. Here in Long Beach—home to the nation’s busiest container port—we’re already projecting a 20% drop in cargo volume in the second half of the year. That’s not just a local issue. Trade through the Port of Long Beach supports 2.6 million jobs across the country. Sudden shifts in trade policy, without robust dialogue or congressional oversight, risk long-term harm to our economy and to working families nationwide. It’s time for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to shaping U.S. trade policy.”
Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena: “In Pasadena, we’re focused on building back a strong, resilient economy. We’re investing in our small businesses, we’re encouraging job development, and we’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth. But these federal tariffs jeopardize all of that. They drive up costs, create uncertainty, and threaten the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve. That’s why I stand with Governor Newsom in challenging these policies—because cities like ours can’t afford to pay the price for decisions that are short-sighted and out of step with our local needs.”
Larry Agran, Mayor of Irvine: “I appreciate the leadership that Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta are providing in challenging the legality of the Trump Tariffs. Other states need to follow California’s lead. If these tariffs are fully implemented, the effects will be devastating here in Irvine – many thousands of jobs lost, and sharp rises in prices of food, clothing, cars and other goods and services. Evictions and worsening homelessness will inevitably follow. We simply can’t let any of this happen. – Larry Agran, Mayor of Irvine.”
Kevin Jenkins, Interim Mayor of Oakland: “Oakland is grateful for the steadfast leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta in standing up to the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff proposals. These actions pose a serious threat to California’s economy, including the Port of Oakland and our small businesses, and jeopardize thousands of jobs tied to trade and commerce.”
Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose: “Silicon Valley’s success story is built on the free movement of people, ideas, and goods as well as laws that protect those freedoms from arbitrary restrictions. Our companies and communities succeed when we can export their innovative and essential products all over the world.”
Raj Salwan, Mayor of Fremont: “Fremont is the advanced manufacturing capital of Silicon Valley. With the largest manufacturing base in California, we are home to over 900 manufacturers powering industries from semiconductors and artificial intelligence to American-made electric vehicles. Tariffs threaten the global supply chains that sustain our local economy and jeopardize tens of thousands of local jobs. We are hearing directly from our manufacturers that untenable cost increases for key components and growing policy uncertainty around tariffs are leading them to re-evaluate their expansion plans or US operations entirely. Fremont is a shining example of re-shoring U.S. manufacturing and indiscriminate tariffs run completely counter to this stated policy goal. We are deeply concerned for our collective prosperity if these taxes being levied against our businesses and families are not reversed.”
Anna Velazquez, Mayor of Soledad: “The Trump administration tariffs will have a devastating impact to our working families. Soledad is a working class community and our residents will have to endure paying more for everyday household goods, groceries, fruits and vegetables as a result of tariffs that do not address our current inflation and fail to provide an economic plan that supports our working class community. We need a viable economic plan that provides relief to families that are already working hard to stretch their dollars.”
County leaders
Leticia Perez, Chair of the Kern County Board of Supervisors: “Tariffs will cause harmful impacts to Kern County families and small businesses. Families are already dealing with rising costs- they do not deserve this additional strain and uncertainty. I commend Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta for standing up to protect working families and small businesses across California.”
Doug Chaffee, Chair of Orange County Board of Supervisors: “Orange County is home to one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the nation — from advanced manufacturing and biomedical innovation to world-class tourism and global trade. The Trump administration’s harmful tariff policies will disrupt supply chains, drive up costs, and put local jobs at risk. I fully support Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta’s efforts to defend California’s economy and protect the hardworking businesses and families that keep Orange County thriving.”
Mani Grewal, Stanislaus County Supervisor: “As a farmer and businessman, I understand the critical role that agriculture and trade play in our region’s economy. In Stanislaus County, where agriculture is a cornerstone of our livelihood, the uncertainty and financial strain caused by these tariffs hit particularly hard. Farmers and businesses need certainty and a sense of finality to operate best for their customers and the larger community. We must work to strengthen our agricultural community with policies that support economic wellbeing, not hinder it.”
Terra Lawson-Remer, Acting Chair of San Diego County Board of Supervisors: “These tariffs aren’t just a political talking point—they’re a direct hit on working families here in San Diego. They raise the cost of everyday goods, threaten local jobs, and destabilize the very industries that sustain our economy and fund critical County services. I’m proud to stand with Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta as California becomes the first state to take legal action against this reckless overreach. We need trade policies that lift up American businesses and workers—not ones that punch holes in family budgets and County revenues alike.”
Recent news
Apr 18, 2025
News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has granted 16 pardons and 9 commutations. The Governor granted a posthumous pardon to Sergeant Richard Allen Penry, an Army Veteran who received the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest…
Apr 18, 2025
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Brian Kaplun, of San Francisco, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Policy and Strategic Planning at the Health and Human Services Agency. Kaplun held several roles at the United…
Apr 18, 2025
News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration continues to make significant investments in protecting California’s communities from the threat of climate change and extreme weather conditions with groundbreaking of a $1.95 billion flood protection…
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses 17th Civil Services Day The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years: PM
India’s aspirational society – youth, farmers, women – their dreams are soaring to unprecedented heights,To fulfil these extraordinary aspirations, extraordinary speed is essential: PM
Real progress does not mean small changes but full-scale impact; Clean water in every home, quality education for every child, financial access for every entrepreneur and benefits of digital economy for every village, this is Holistic Development: PM
Quality in governance is determined by how deeply schemes reach the people and their real impact on the ground: PM
In the past 10 years, India has moved beyond incremental change to witness impactful transformation: PM
India is setting new benchmarks in governance, transparency and innovation: PM
The approach of ‘Janbhagidari’ turned the G20 into a people’s movement and the world acknowledged,India is not just participating, it is leading: PM
In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems, it is about multiplying possibilities: PM
We have to increase the competence of civil servants so that we can prepare a future-ready civil service; That is why I consider both Mission Karmayogi and Civil Service Capacity Building Programme very important: PM
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 1:14PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed Civil Servants on the occasion of 17th Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today. He also conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone on the occasion of Civil Services Day and highlighted the significance of this year’s celebration, as it marks the 75th year of the Constitution and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Recounting Sardar Patel’s iconic statement on April 21, 1947, where he referred to civil servants as the ‘Steel Frame of India’, Shri Modi emphasized Patel’s vision of a bureaucracy that upholds discipline, honesty, and democratic values, serving the nation with utmost dedication. He underscored the relevance of Sardar Patel’s ideals in the context of India’s resolve to become a Viksit Bharat and paid a heartfelt tribute to Sardar Patel’s vision and legacy.
Reflecting on his earlier statement from the Red Fort, emphasizing the need to strengthen the foundation of India for the next thousand years, Shri Modi noted that 25 years have already passed in this millennium, marking the 25th year of the new century and the new millennium. “The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years”, he highlighted. Quoting ancient scriptures, he said just as a chariot cannot move with a single wheel, success cannot be achieved solely by relying on fate without effort. Underscoring the importance of collective effort and determination in achieving the goal of a developed India, he urged everyone to work tirelessly, every day and every moment, towards this shared vision.
Mentioning the rapid changes occurring globally, noting how even within families, interactions with younger generations can make one feel outdated due to the fast pace of change, the Prime Minister highlighted the swift evolution of gadgets every two to three years and how children are growing up amidst these transformations. He emphasized that India’s bureaucracy, work processes, and policymaking cannot operate on outdated frameworks. He remarked on the significant transformation initiated in 2014, describing it as a grand endeavor to adapt to the fast-paced changes. He highlighted the aspirations of India’s society, youth, farmers, and women, stating that their dreams have reached unprecedented heights and stressed the need for extraordinary speed to fulfill these extraordinary aspirations. The Prime Minister outlined India’s ambitious goals for the coming years, including energy security, clean energy, advancements in sports, and achievements in space exploration, emphasizing the importance of raising India’s flag high in every sector. Underscoring the immense responsibility on civil servants to ensure that India becomes the world’s third-largest economy at the earliest, he urged them to prevent any delays in achieving this critical objective.
Expressing happiness over the theme of this year’s Civil Services Day, ‘Holistic Development of India’, Shri Modi emphasized that this is not just a theme but a commitment and a promise to the people of the nation. “Holistic development of India means ensuring that no village, no family, and no citizen is left behind”, he stressed, remarking that true progress is not about small changes but about achieving a full-scale impact. He outlined the vision of holistic development, which includes clean water for every household, quality education for every child, financial access for every entrepreneur, and the benefits of the digital economy for every village. He highlighted that quality in governance is not determined by the mere launch of schemes but by how deeply these schemes reach the people and their real impact. The Prime Minister noted the visible impact in districts like Rajkot, Gomati, Tinsukia, Koraput, and Kupwara, where significant progress has been made, from increasing school attendance to adopting solar power. He congratulated the districts and individuals associated with these initiatives, acknowledging their excellent work and the awards received by several districts.
Highlighting that over the past 10 years, India has progressed from incremental change to impactful transformation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the country’s governance model is now focused on Next Generation Reforms, leveraging technology and innovative practices to bridge the gap between the government and citizens. He noted that the impact of these reforms is evident in rural, urban, and remote areas alike. He remarked on the success of Aspirational Districts and emphasized the equally remarkable achievements of Aspirational Blocks. He recalled that the program was launched in January 2023 and has shown unprecedented results in just two years, highlighting significant progress in indicators such as health, nutrition, social development, and basic infrastructure across these blocks. Citing examples of transformational changes, he said that in the Peeplu Block of Tonk district, Rajasthan, measurement efficiency for children in Anganwadi centers increased from 20% to over 99%, while in the Jagdishpur Block of Bhagalpur, Bihar, registration of pregnant women during the first trimester surged from 25% to over 90%. He further added that in the Marwah Block of Jammu & Kashmir, institutional deliveries rose from 30% to 100% and in the Gurdih Block of Jharkhand, tap water connections grew from 18% to 100%. He emphasized that these are not just statistics but evidence of the government’s resolve for last-mile delivery. “With the right intent, planning, and execution, transformation is possible even in remote areas”, he added.
Underlining India’s achievements over the past decade, emphasizing transformative changes and the nation’s attainment of new heights, Shri Modi remarked, “India is now recognized not merely for its growth but for setting new benchmarks in governance, transparency, and innovation”. He identified India’s G20 Presidency as a significant example of these advancements, noting that, for the first time in G20’s history, over 200 meetings were held across more than 60 cities, creating a broad and inclusive footprint. He underscored how the approach of public participation transformed the G20 into a people’s movement. “The world has acknowledged India’s leadership; India is not just participating, it is leading”, he affirmed.
The Prime Minister highlighted the growing discussions around government efficiency, emphasizing that India is 10-11 years ahead of other nations in this regard. He remarked on the efforts made over the past 11 years to eliminate delays, introduce new processes, and reduce turnaround time through technology. He noted that over 40,000 compliances have been removed, and more than 3,400 legal provisions have been decriminalized to promote ease of business. He recalled the resistance faced during these reforms, with critics questioning the need for such changes. However, he emphasized that the government did not succumb to pressure, asserting that new approaches are essential for achieving new results. He further highlighted the improvement in India’s Ease of Doing Business Rankings as a result of these efforts and noted the global enthusiasm for investing in India. The Prime Minister urged the need to capitalize on this opportunity by eliminating red tape at the state, district, and block levels to achieve set goals effectively.
“The successes of the past 10-11 years have laid a strong foundation for a developed India”, said Shri Modi, remarking that the nation is now beginning to construct the grand edifice of a developed India on this solid base but acknowledged the significant challenges ahead. He noted that India has become the most populous country in the world, emphasizing the prioritization of saturation in basic amenities. He urged a strong focus on last-mile delivery to ensure inclusivity in development. He highlighted the evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, remarking that the Civil Service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant. Shri Modi stressed the need for setting new benchmarks, moving beyond comparisons with previous benchmarks. He urged measuring progress against the vision for a developed India by 2047, examining whether the current pace of achieving goals in every sector is adequate, and accelerating efforts wherever necessary. He underscored the advancements in technology available today and called for leveraging its power. Highlighting the accomplishments of the past decade, Shri Modi mentioned the construction of 4 crore houses for the poor, with a target of building 3 crore more, connecting over 12 crore rural households to tap water within 5-6 years, with the aim of ensuring every village household has a tap connection soon. He further mentioned the building of over 11 crore toilets for the underprivileged in the past 10 years, while targeting new goals in waste management and providing free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for millions of underprivileged individuals. Shri Modi emphasized the need for renewed commitments to improve nutrition for citizens and declared that the ultimate goal must be 100% coverage and 100% impact. He highlighted that this approach has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in the past decade and expressed confidence that it will lead to a poverty-free India.
Reflecting on the past role of bureaucracy as a regulator that controlled the pace of industrialization and entrepreneurship, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation has moved beyond this mindset and is now fostering an environment that promotes enterprise among citizens and helps them overcome barriers. “Civil Services must transform into an enabler, expanding its role from merely being the keeper of rule books to becoming a facilitator of growth”, he said. Citing the example of the MSME sector, he highlighted the importance of Mission Manufacturing and how the success of this mission is heavily reliant on MSMEs. The Prime Minister pointed out that amidst global changes, MSMEs, startups, and young entrepreneurs in India have an unprecedented opportunity. He stressed the necessity of becoming more competitive in the global supply chain and noted that MSMEs face competition not just from smaller entrepreneurs but also globally. He remarked that if a small country provides better ease of compliances to its industries, it could outpace Indian startups. Thus, he emphasized the need for India to continuously evaluate its position in global best practices. The Prime Minister asserted that while the goal of Indian industries is to create globally best products, the goal of India’s bureaucracy must be to provide the world’s best ease of compliance environment.
Emphasising the need for civil servants to acquire skills that not only help them understand technology but also enable its use for smart and inclusive governance, Shri Modi remarked, “In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems; it is about multiplying possibilities.” He stressed the importance of becoming tech-savvy to make policies and schemes more efficient and accessible through technology. He highlighted the need for expertise in data-driven decision-making to ensure accurate policy design and implementation. Observing the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Physics, predicting a forthcoming revolution in technology that will surpass the digital and information age, Shri Modi urged civil servants to prepare for this technological revolution to deliver the best services and fulfill citizens’ aspirations. Underscoring the importance of enhancing the capabilities of civil servants to build a future-ready civil service, he highlighted the significance of Mission Karmayogi and the Civil Service Capacity Building Program in achieving this goal.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to closely monitor global challenges in rapidly changing times, highlighting that food, water, and energy security remain major issues, particularly for the Global South, where ongoing conflicts are exacerbating difficulties, impacting daily lives and livelihoods. He further stressed the importance of understanding the growing interconnection between domestic and external factors. He identified climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and cybercrime threats as critical areas requiring proactive action, urging India to stay ten steps ahead in addressing these challenges. He underlined the need to develop localized strategies and build resilience to effectively tackle these emerging global issues.
Reiterating the concept of “Panch Pran” introduced from the Red Fort, emphasizing the resolve for a developed India, liberation from the mindset of servitude, pride in heritage, the power of unity, and the honest fulfillment of duties, Shri Modi remarked that civil servants are the key carriers of these principles. He stated, “Every time you prioritize integrity over convenience, innovation over inertia, or service over status, you propel the nation forward.” He expressed his complete trust in the civil servants. Addressing young officers embarking on their professional journeys, he highlighted the societal contributions to individual success. He remarked that everyone seeks to give back to society in their own capacity. He emphasized the privilege civil servants have in being able to contribute significantly to society, urging them to make the most of this opportunity provided by the nation and its people.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to reimagine reforms for civil servants, calling for an accelerated pace and expanded scale of reforms across sectors. He highlighted key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy goals, internal security, terminating corruption, social welfare schemes, and targets related to sports and the Olympics, urging the implementation of new reforms in every domain. He remarked that the achievements so far must be surpassed manifold, setting higher benchmarks for progress. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of human judgment in a technology-driven world, urging civil servants to remain sensitive, listen to the voices of the underprivileged, understand their struggles, and prioritize resolving their issues. Concluding his address, he invoked the principle of “Nagrik Devo Bhava,” likening it to the ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” and called on civil servants to see themselves not just as administrators but as architects of a developed India, fulfilling their responsibilities with dedication and compassion.
Union Minister of State for Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary – 2 to Prime Minister, Shri Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary, Shri T V Somanathan and Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Shri V Srinivas were present on the occasion.
Background
Prime Minister has always encouraged Civil Servants across India to dedicate themselves to the cause of citizens, be committed to public service and strive towards excellence in their work. This year, 16 awards were given by the Prime Minister in the categories of Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme and Innovation to civil servants. They were recognised for work done for the welfare of common citizens through this.
India’s aspirational society – youth, farmers, women – their dreams are soaring to unprecedented heights.
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a distinguished Agronomist, has assumed charge today as the Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in its notification last week, named Dr Jat as the new Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, for period of three years. Prior to this he was serving as Deputy Director General (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad.
Dr. Jat, a globally respected figure in sustainable agriculture, brings over 25 years of rich experience in agronomy, climate-resilient farming, and conservation agriculture. His appointment is expected to catalyze a new era of innovation, sustainability, and farmer-first research within ICAR and the broader agricultural ecosystem. An alumnus of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Dr. Jat holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy with a specialization in soil moisture conservation in rain-fed pearl millet—a critical area for food security in arid regions. His pioneering research has shaped sustainable intensification strategies for smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa, contributing to global efforts on food system resilience.
With an impressive portfolio of over 350 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Jat has held key leadership positions at ICRISAT, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), besides 12 years at ICAR as Systems Agronomist. He has championed climate-smart technologies, regenerative farming practices, and digital innovations in agriculture, influencing agricultural policies and practices across continents. Dr. Jat has held key roles with several prominent national and international organizations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA). A Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), he has been honored with numerous accolades throughout his career, notably the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, one of ICAR’s highest recognitions for excellence in agricultural research. As he steps into this dual leadership role, Dr. Jat is poised to guide ICAR in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food system transformation. His vision aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development, precision farming, and ensuring nutritional security for its vast population.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s Brazil visit becomes important on many counts Participates in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting; also initiates important steps towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasizes on promoting production and export of soya in India
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies
Joint efforts will strengthen global food security: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Shri Shivraj Singh expresses concerns for small farmers in the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting
Posted On: 20 APR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi
Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is schedule to return from his Brazil visit on Monday morning, 21 April. His Brazil visit is important on many counts. Besides leading the Indian delegation at the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, the Union Minister’s visit is an important step towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil. During Brazil visit, the Union Minister stressed on promoting production and export of soya in India. He intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies. He said that joint efforts of various countries will strengthen global food security.
During his Brazil visit, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh mainly expressed his concerns related to small farmers of India. He said that unless the small farmers are protected and empowered, the goal of global food security will remain incomplete. The Union Minister said that India is fully committed to inclusive, equitable and sustainable agriculture. Echoing the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, he said that India always follow the message of trust and cooperation with all countries. He called for enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology, innovation, capacity building and trade facilitation so that farmers and agricultural enterprises of various countries can benefit. On the BRICS platform, India called for further strengthening cooperation in agricultural technology transfer, research, food processing and trade. Shri Chauhan’s address, on behalf of India, focused on global food security, empowerment of small farmers, agricultural innovation and technological cooperation and advancing partnership with BRICS countries.
Altogether, Shri Chouhan’s visit to Brazil is not just a diplomatic but also a concrete initiative towards technological innovation, production increase and global partnership for Indian agriculture, which can yield direct benefits to the farmers.
The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, held in Brasilia, was attended by Agriculture Ministers/Senior Officials from India, host Brazil and BRICS member countries including Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran. The main theme of the meeting was “Promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through cooperation, innovation and equitable trade among BRICS countries”.
Besides participating in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting, Shri Chouhan’s visit is expected to give a new direction to agricultural cooperation between India and Brazil. This will boost agricultural trade between the two countries. The Union Minister expressed his desire to share knowledge with Brazil on climate-friendly soyabean varieties, mechanization, precision farming and sustainable agricultural practices. He also expressed his desire to learn from Brazil’s agricultural model, mechanization, irrigation and research and implement it in Indian agriculture so that maximum benefits can be transferred to the farmers.
Cooperation in the areas of biofuel, bioenergy, supply chain integration and agricultural machinery was discussed during the meetings which would enable Indian farmers to have access to global technology. Joint efforts of the two countries will also strengthen global food security as Brazil has achieved tremendous growth in agricultural exports in the last 50 years, an inspiration for India as well.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also held bilateral meetings with Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Henrique Baquetta Favero and Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture, Luiz Paulo Teixeira. During these meetings, the issues of enhancing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, agro-technology, rural development and food security were discussed. The Union Minister also met 27 members of Brazil’s agribusiness community at Sao Paulo. During this meeting, possibilities of cooperation on agricultural trade, production technology, food processing, biofuel, technological innovation and supply chain integration were discussed.
Union Minister Shri Chouhan visited soyabean production plant, tomato farm and other institutes in Brazil and closely observed the latest technologies related to mechanization, irrigation and food processing. Currently India imports soyabean oil, but now both the countries are jointly exploring the possibilities of investing and setting up technology and plants for soyabean production and processing. This can boost soyabean production and export in India. Shri Chouhan said that there is a plan to work together with Brazil to increase soybean production and processing in India. Besides, possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in mechanization and seed research will also be explored.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s routine of planting a sapling every day continued in Brazil as well. He participated in the tree plantation drive at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, promoting environmental protection and respect for motherhood. Shri Shivraj Singh also met the Indian diaspora at Sao Paulo in Brazil and appreciated their role in bilateral relations. He said that this is the Amrit Kaal of our independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In 2047, we will complete 100 years of independence and our goal is to make India a developed nation by then.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh said, “During my stay in Brazil, I got the opportunities to enrich myself with various experiences and techniques. We will utilize these technologies to increase production in India. I am confident that the mutual cooperation between India and Brazil will empower our farmers and give a new direction to global food security.”
This visit is an important step towards India-Brazil agricultural cooperation, partnership with BRICS countries and accelerating innovation and sustainable growth in Indian agriculture, Shri Singh added.
A girl looks at postcards made by Chinese farmer-artists at a Chinese folk art exhibition in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A Chinese folk art exhibition titled “Chinese Intangible Heritage, Shared by the World”, opened Saturday in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
The exhibition, jointly organized by Northwest Normal University and the University of Sarajevo, showcased nearly 60 pieces of traditional Chinese art, including paintings and paper cuttings created by Chinese farmer-artists, as well as faculty and students from Northwest Normal University. The event is held in celebration of the upcoming United Nations Chinese Language Day and will run until April 23.
People view artwork at a Chinese folk art exhibition in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Zhang Xuezhong, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sarajevo, said the exhibition coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and BiH, and the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute, co-founded by the two universities. He expressed hope that cultural exchanges would further strengthen the bonds between the two peoples.
Dusanka Boskovic, vice-rector of the University of Sarajevo, said that these Chinese folk artworks – often made by farmers – celebrate life and joy, and would be warmly received by local visitors.
People view artwork at a Chinese folk art exhibition in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Zhang Guorong, a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts at Northwest Normal University, emphasized that artistic exchange serves as a bridge between cultures.
In addition to the exhibition, academic lectures and hands-on workshops on Chinese folk art will be held at various local institutions.
A staff checks newly harvested wheat at a storehouse of a grain and oil company in Qitai County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] China is poised to see a further increase in its grain output in 2025, building on last year’s record-high of 706.5 million tonnes, while also strengthening its capacity to supply grain and other major agricultural products, a report has shown. The country’s 2025 grain output is projected to hit 709 million tonnes, pushed up by the increased efforts to boost per unit crop yield on a large scale and growing enthusiasm for grain planting and production, according to the report released by the Chinese Agriculture Outlook Committee, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, on Sunday. In 2025, soybean output is expected to grow 2.5 percent year on year to 21.17 million tonnes, the report notes. As domestic production rises and consumption growth eases, the imports of bulk agricultural products are expected to decline, according to the report. The report projects that China, in the next decade, is expected to experience a breakthrough in agricultural productivity. Improvements will be observed in comprehensive grain production capacity and the ability to mitigate and address major risks and challenges facing the sector.
From bustling ports brimming with goods to digital arenas buzzing with new opportunities, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are increasingly coming together in a partnership that promises common prosperity and a shared future filled with boundless potential.
Since establishing a dialogue relationship more than three decades ago, China and ASEAN have stood together and supported each other through thick and thin, developing a model featuring the most dynamic and fruitful cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
As the world’s second and fifth-largest economies, respectively, China and ASEAN represent a quarter of the global population, and their commitment to win-win cooperation could offer stability and growth for a world overshadowed by rising economic uncertainty and fragmentation.
Win-win cooperation
How fast can a Malaysian fresh durian reach Chinese consumers from its orchard of origin? This time may well be shorter than many can imagine.
Thanks to an efficient logistics network as well as rapid inspection and expedited clearance procedures between China and the Southeast Asian country, this delicacy can be harvested and appear in a Chinese supermarket thousands of kilometers away within just 24 hours — a sprint that allows consumers to relish the fruit at its freshest.
Grown across tropical Southeast Asia, durian is known as the “king of fruits,” cherished by consumers for its creamy texture and intense aroma.
China’s appetite for this thorny fruit has soared in recent years, with its imports reaching a record of 1.56 million tonnes in 2024, according to customs data.
The story of the durian is just one example of the fruitful outcomes resulting from win-win cooperation between China and ASEAN. Numbers and facts paint the picture of a partnership in full bloom.
Notably, China and ASEAN have been each other’s largest trading partners for five consecutive years. Bilateral trade value has soared from less than 8 billion U.S. dollars in 1991 to nearly one trillion dollars in 2024. Accumulated two-way investment has also been booming — and it had surpassed 400 billion dollars as of July 2024.
This vigorous growth has come amid the two sides’ continued efforts to enhance trade and investment facilitation, including upgrading of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA).
Officials and analysts have seen the CAFTA as a cornerstone of China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation, and are expecting the upgraded CAFTA to take this role a step further, opening up more sectors for trade and investment, while promoting greater regulatory alignment.
China and ASEAN have substantially concluded upgrade negotiations concerning Version 3.0 CAFTA, and “we believe that with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, economic and trade cooperation between the two sides will surely achieve new and greater development,” Lyu Daliang, spokesperson of China’s General Administration of Customs, said this week.
Closer bond
About two hours’ drive from downtown Bangkok, near the Laem Chabang port in eastern Thailand, lies a well-planned industrial zone, known as the Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone.
Jointly built by China’s Holley Group and Amata Group of Thailand in 2006, this industrial zone was one of the first Chinese overseas industrial sites, serving as a witness and contributor to the expanding industrial cooperation between China and ASEAN.
Now home to 270 companies, most of which are Chinese-invested, the industrial zone has attracted a combined investment of more than 5.2 billion U.S. dollars and provided over 60,000 local jobs, said Zhao Bin, president of the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Realty Development Co.
Zhao sees Belt and Road cooperation and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as catalysts for the industrial zone’s development, which not only helps Chinese companies to invest in Southeast Asia, but also facilitates technology transfer to Thailand and skills development in local workforce.
Belt and Road cooperation, the RCEP and various other arrangements have enhanced partnership between China and ASEAN countries, with the two sides weaving a tighter economic fabric and unlocking new development potential, analysts said.
Numerous infrastructure projects are having positive impacts across the region, enhancing connectivity and reducing logistics costs.
In Laos, the over 1,000-km-long China-Laos Railway linking Vientiane, the capital of Laos, with Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, has helped convert the landlocked country into a land-linked hub, and significantly facilitated cross-border movement of people and goods since it started operating in December 2021.
On the financial front, ASEAN and China are also working to strengthen the regional safety net against financial risks. An ASEAN+3 meeting, featuring ASEAN, China, Japan and Republic of Korea, was held early this month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during which financial officials reached consensus on deepening policy coordination and strengthening regional financial safeguards.
Moreover, collaborative efforts span a wide range of activities, with people-to-people and cultural exchanges, such as educational cooperation and visa-free travel arrangements, flourishing.
Kheang Hong Kry, a Cambodian student studying electrical engineering at Guangxi University in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, was excited about the establishment of the China-ASEAN Institute of Energy last month. Calling it “a bridge” of learning and cooperation, he said the institute gives international students access to cutting-edge knowledge in China’s energy and power sectors, laying a foundation for their future career development.
New cooperation frontiers
Emerging fields such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and clean energy are adding to the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN.
In Vietnam, Chinese-made agricultural drones are helping farmers spray pesticide, making their work easier and safer, while at Laem Chabang port in Thailand, China’s electric and self-driving trucks have become reliable partners of port workers. In addition, Malaysian national automaker Proton has launched its first electric vehicle model, which was co-developed with Chinese automaker Geely. In Indonesia, the Cirata floating solar power plant, constructed by a Chinese company, has boosted the country’s supply of renewable energy.
Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, told media that emerging fields such as green energy, electric vehicles and digital technology have provided new impetus for the expansion of cooperation between these two countries.
Such cooperation will help Malaysia improve productivity, promote technology transfer and train talent, and contribute to Malaysia’s development and prosperity, he said.
Zhou Mi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that the close ties between China and ASEAN are of great significance — not only to Asia but also to the broader international community.
Zhou said deepening cooperation between the two sides will effectively facilitate the complementarity of their respective advantages. “It also provides a model for regional economic and trade rules integration, effectively boosting economic globalization.”
Liverpool’s much-loved Epstein Theatre is set to reopen after a deal was agreed to breathe new life into the historic city centre venue.
The Grade II listed theatre closed its doors in June 2023 following a decision by the city council, which owns the building’s freehold, to withdraw financial support which had helped to keep the 112-year-old venue running.
But now the Hanover Street landmark is due to welcome audiences once again, with new leaseholders and a new management team promising a busy programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.
Test events are set to take place over the spring and summer, with a full autumn programme of shows being launched including a special Gala Night on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday – which will feature local acts and celebrities.
Ahead of that, £1 million is being invested in the venue withextensive refurbishment works including refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths and sound, and improving the backstage areas.
The theatre’s bar is also being remodelled as part of the work.
The Epstein started life in 1913 as the Crane Music Hall, situated above the Crane brothers’ music emporium in Hanover Street.
The venue was renamed the Crane Theatre in 1938, and in 1967 the building came into the possession of the then Liverpool Corporation. Following refurbishment of the auditorium, including the stage, it reopened the following year as the Neptune Theatre.
A long-time favourite of local amateur drama groups along with visiting performers and comedians, the venue was closed in 2005 due to health and safety concerns. When it reopened its doors in 2011, following a £1.2 million upgrade, it gained its current name – the Epstein Theatre – in honour of the late Brian Epstein.
During the two years before its closure in 2023, it was run by Epstein Entertainments Ltd.
The theatre has been able to reopen its doors due to a transfer of the head lease from the former leaseholders to JSM Company Group Ltd, which holds a vast portfolio of properties in Liverpool and is now responsible for Hanover House, the building which contains the Epstein.
Liverpool City Council retains the freehold.
Meanwhile JSM Company Group Ltd has leased the Epstein Theatre itself to Theatrical TimesLtd, a new partnership between investors Joseph Roe and Anthony M. Sheedy. Joseph Roe has a history of building developments, and Anthony M. Sheedy a former operator of the Limerick Theatre Royal and a Producer/Stage Manager and Performer of the renowned Castle Entertainers at Bunratty and Knappogue Castles in Ireland.
Anthony Proctor, who was the Epstein’s theatre manager and programmer from 2022-23, returns as General Manager and Theatre Director.
He has a wealth of arts experience gained working across many venues in the Liverpool City Region over the last 20 years, including the Liverpool Empire, Unity Theatre and St Helens Theatre Royal as well as the Epstein.
He was part of the team that launched Farmageddon and during the last two decades has also worked extensively with many Liverpool festivals, while he also maintains a parallel career as a performer, educator and mentor.
And completing the executive team is Food and Beverage Consultant Maureen Bramwell, who has a 40-year history of running popular and successful venues in the city including Smokey Mo’s group.
The theatre is encouraging people to join the Epstein mailing list via the website www.epsteintheatre.com to be the first to hear about future shows.
Epstein Theatre General Manager Anthony Proctor said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, and really excited, to return to the Epstein and to bring this historic theatre back to life two years after it closed its doors.
“I know the Epstein holds a very special place in the heart of Liverpool audiences as well as generations of artists who have performed in its stunning auditorium, and I can’t wait to reveal the first new season and officially launch it with an amazing gala evening, aptly being held on what would have been Brian Epstein’s birthday.
“The venue has always been a home for great entertainment, and I can guarantee that will continue under Theatrical Times Ltd. I’m looking forward to welcoming audiences back through the doors this summer.”
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle said:“This is hugely exciting news for the City and our much-loved cultural sector.
“Anthony is the perfect person to breathe new life into this gem – his passion, ambition and vision signifies a new chapter for the theatre, and I look forward to seeing its renaissance and working with the team to help promote this cultural asset.
“Here’s to a bright future filled with incredible performances and unforgettable moments at this iconic venue.”
And Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, added:“Theatres Trust warmly welcomes the news that the Epstein Theatre is set to reopen. Following its closure in 2023, we added the Grade II listed venue to our Theatres at Risk Register and have been working since then to help find a way forward for this unique and beloved venue.
“We continue to work with Theatrical Times Ltd to ensure a bright and stable future for this glorious venue on its return to entertaining the people of Liverpool.”
SYDNEY, Australia, April 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XenDex is set to Launch as the Strategic Hidden Road Acquisition by Ripple founders signals XRP price surge.
The recent news of Hidden Road being acquired by the Ripple’s founding stakeholder has sent a wave of renewed excitement and hope to the Ripple community.
A new all-in-one Dex being developed on XRP is ready to harness this momentum and transform how users engage with decentralized finance on the XRP Ledger.
Introducing XenDex, the first all-in-one decentralized exchange (DEX) built on XRP to offer not only high-speed asset trading, but also non-custodial lending and borrowing options along with AI copy trading, all within a secure, community-driven ecosystem.
XenDex introduces features which XRP has never seen before; seamlessly combining the power of automation, lending protocols, AI powered copy trading, staking, and cross-chain potential.
Key features of XenDex include:
Lending and Borrowing: Use your assets as collateral to access liquidity or lend to earn passive yield.
AI-Powered Copy Trading: Let smart systems automatically mimic the trades of successful investors in real time.
Spot and Perpetual Trading: Fast, frictionless token swaps via a built-in AMM model.
Liquidity Farming & Staking: Earn rewards by providing liquidity or locking up $XDX.
DAO Governance: Every $XDX holder gets a say in platform upgrades, funding proposals, and ecosystem development.
Future Interoperability: Cross-chain compatibility for Cardano, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and more in the pipeline.
Token Details and Tokenomics
The XenDex token sale will begin soon, giving early supporters the chance to acquire the native utility token $XDX before public exchange listings begin right after token sale.
Token Information:
Token Ticker: $XDX
Total Supply: 1,000,000,000 XDX
Presale Allocation: 300,000,000 XDX
Holders of $XDX will enjoy governance rights, staking rewards, reduced platform fees, airdrops, and other premium benefits.
Ripple’s recent acquisition of Hidden Road is a powerful signal to the broader market: XRP is entering its next evolutionary phase, with increased institutional involvement, liquidity expansion, and enterprise-focused infrastructure.
“We built XenDex because the XRP Ledger needed more than just speed, it needed a full ecosystem,” said a core team member. He continued, “From AI trading to community governance and lending, XenDex is the DeFi engine XRP deserves.”
XenDex smart contracts are undergoing extensive auditing to ensure safety and transparency. The XenDex platform is fully non-custodial and will integrate community governance via on-chain voting. Early adopters will benefit from airdrops, staking bonuses, etc.
With a roadmap that includes cross-chain token bridges, Launchpad, etc. XenDex is built not just for today, but for the XRP future.
Join the presale on April 22nd and secure your spot in one of the most forward-thinking ecosystems on the XRP Ledger.
Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 20 — China is poised to see a further increase in its grain output in 2025, building on last year’s record-high of 706.5 million tonnes, while also strengthening its capacity to supply grain and other major agricultural products, a report has shown.
The country’s 2025 grain output is projected to hit 709 million tonnes, pushed up by the increased efforts to boost per unit crop yield on a large scale and growing enthusiasm for grain planting and production, according to the report released by the Chinese Agriculture Outlook Committee, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, on Sunday.
In 2025, soybean output is expected to grow 2.5 percent year on year to 21.17 million tonnes, the report notes.
As domestic production rises and consumption growth eases, the imports of bulk agricultural products are expected to decline, according to the report.
The report projects that China, in the next decade, is expected to experience a breakthrough in agricultural productivity. Improvements will be observed in comprehensive grain production capacity and the ability to mitigate and address major risks and challenges facing the sector.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates First Commercial Sea shipment of Indian pomegranates from Maharashtra to USA 14 Tons of Indian pomegranates exported from Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra to New York, USA
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 9:39AM by PIB Delhi
In a historic initiative towards introducing Indian Pomegranates to distant markets, a landmark commercial sea shipment of the prized Indian Bhagwa variety of Pomegranate has successfully arrived in New York, marking a significant milestone for India’s Fresh Fruits exports. With growing international demand for premium quality of Fresh Fruits, the arrival of this shipment heralds the potential of Indian Pomegranates becoming a preferred choice in the competitive U.S. market.
The Pomegranate season, which traditionally saw air freight as the primary mode of transportation, shifted gears in recent weeks to embrace the cost-effective and sustainable sea freight mode.
After India had been granted market access by USA for Pomegranates, during the season in 2023, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO – India) and National Research Centre for Pomegranate, Solapur (NRCP) successfully conducted the trial shipment of Pomegranate to USA by air.
Owing to the success of the static trial to enhance the shelf life of Pomegranates for up to 60 days by APEDA in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate, India had successfully flagged off its first trial commercial sea shipment of Pomegranates comprising of 4200 boxes i.e. 12.6 tons to the U.S. in collaboration with InI Farms from Irradiation Facility Center (IFC), Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), Vashi, Navi Mumbai in February, 2024.
APEDA facilitated the USDA pre-clearance program for Pomegranates in December, 2024 which played a pivotal role in easing the logistical and regulatory hurdles for Indian agriculture exporters and enabled them to enter the U.S. market. APEDA’s proactive approach in inviting the USDA inspectors for the pre-clearance process three months in advance ensured the smooth and timely arrival of the shipment
The inaugural sea shipment of 4,620 boxes of Indian Pomegranates, weighing approximately 14 tons reached the U.S. East Coast in the second week of March, well within five weeks of the point of departure. The shipment was met with exceptional enthusiasm in New York. The arrival quality was reported as “excellent” and customers were captivated by the remarkable visual appeal and the superior eating quality of the Indian Bhagwa variety of Pomegranates.
Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev remarked, “Government of India has been at the forefront in promoting Indian fresh fruits for the global market. APEDA has been supporting the export of Indian fruits like Mangoes and Pomegranates to USA by funding the pre-clearance program. Indian farmers will achieve better realisation when their fruit gets exported to premium international markets like USA. Indian mangoes have already reached annual exports of around 3500 tons and we hope that Pomegranates will also reach such strong numbers in the years to come”.
This consignment was sent by Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables from Mumbai and a registered exporter with APEDA. The Pomegranates in this consignment were directly sourced from the farms of Kay Bee Exports, ensuring that the benefits of this export reach Indian farmers at the grassroots level.
“We are thankful to APEDA for facilitating exports of Indian Pomegranates to USA. APEDA’s efforts have ranged from securing market access to setting up export protocols, co-ordinating with multiple stake-holders and organising the pre-clearance program in conjunction with USDA. Kay Bee is specialised in Pomegranates and hope to offer the best fruit that India has to offer. Our customers expect the best fruit quality and we always strive to do so” said Mr. Kaushal Khakhar, CEO, Kay Bee Exports on the successful shipment.
“While Indian Pomegranates have always been recognized for their taste, this shipment has proven that with the right quality and consistency, Indian fresh fruits can meet the discerning tastes of the American consumer,” said a representative from the Indian export consortium. “We are delighted with the reception in the market and are confident that this successful arrival will pave the way for an increase in volumes in the coming seasons.”
Looking ahead, the industry is optimistic that with continued marketing efforts and strategic promotional campaigns, Indian Pomegranates can carve a niche for themselves in the premium U.S. market. In light of the growing success, industry stakeholders sought APEDA’s continued support in launching promotional campaigns for the Indian Pomegranate in the coming year, with the aim of educating U.S. consumers on the fruit’s exceptional eating quality and diverse culinary applications.
India, being the second-largest producer of horticulture crops, sees major Pomegranate production in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. APEDA has established Export Promotion Forums (EPF) specifically for Pomegranates, aimed at boosting exports and removing supply chain bottlenecks. These EPF forums include representatives from the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, state governments, national referral laboratories and the top ten leading exporters, ensuring a collaborative effort in promoting Pomegranate exports.
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of Pomegranates worth USD 69.08 million. This year, there has been a significant growth in Pomegranate exports from India registering a growth of 21% with a value of USD 59.76 million in the period April – January, 2024-2025. Key export destinations include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain, Oman and USA.
Indian Pomegranates, particularly the Bhagwa variety, are renowned for their rich flavour, deep red colour and high nutritional value. These Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers worldwide.
The Government of India’s commitment to promoting the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, despite their perishable nature, is evident in their development of sea protocols to retain product attributes when exporting to long-distance destinations. This initiative not only reinforces India’s position in global markets but also directly supports Indian farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities.
The steady supply of high-quality fruit, coupled with continued marketing initiatives, will undoubtedly position Indian Pomegranates as a desirable choice for American consumers, ensuring their place on the U.S. retail shelves in years to come.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)
HARRISBURGH, Pa.– Today, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson andSecretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollinstoured central Pennsylvania and participated in a roundtable with local agricultural stakeholders with Senator Dave McCormick, Representatives Dan Meuser, Rob Bresnahan, and Lloyd Smucker.
This morning, at Talview Farms in Lebanon, Representative Thompson, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Senator Dave McCormick, and Representative Dan Meuser highlighted one of Pennsylvania’s proudest traditions: our dairy industry.
Stacey and Brent Copenhaver, the dedicated owners of Talview Farms, shared their insights on how to better support Pennsylvania producers and the vital need to pass legislation like the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a bill that provides essential nutrients to our students and supports family farms like Talview.
Next, Congressman Thompson, Secretary Rollins, Senator McCormick, Congressman Meuser, and Congressman Bresnahan toured Bell & Evans in Fredericksburg. This family-run operation, known for its organic, hormone-free, antibiotic-free chicken, has been a staple in the community for decades and employs 1,800 residents. Here, owner Scott Sechler and his family discussed the challenges facing the poultry industry, including bird flu and the measures they’re taking to mitigate these outbreaks.
While in Myerstown, Congressman Thompson, Secretary Rollins, Senator McCormick, Congressman Meuser, and Congressman Bresnahan held a roundtable where they engaged with local farmers and various stakeholders on topics including the upcoming farm bill, forestry, nutrition assistance, specialty crops, conservation efforts, and many more.
In Paradise, Congressman Thompson, Secretary Rollins, Senator McCormick, Congressman Meuser, Congressman Bresnahan, and Congressman Smucker met with Bank of Bird-in-Hand to discuss opportunities to expand credit availability to our nation’s producers.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL
In week of action against President Trump’s actions, Rep. Kelly heard concerns about public education, Social Security, healthcare
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) travelled throughout the Second District this week to hear from constituents concerning President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“Whether I was in Chicago, the south suburbs, or in rural Pontiac, I heard one clear message from my constituents: President Trump is taking our country down a dangerous, frightening path,” said Rep. Kelly. “Trump has engaged in an unending trade war as our farmers, small business owners and everyday consumers pay the price. As he’s playing a world-stage bully, Elon Musk is on a mission to privatize Social Security, eliminate public education, and terminate federal employees. Meanwhile, Trump’s followers in Republican leadership attack Medicaid and food assistance, making it harder to access healthcare and put food on the table.
“The American people are engaged and demanding answers from the Trump administration. I will continue to hear their concerns, answer their questions and bring their demands back to Washington, DC. My Republican colleagues need to hear that Trump’s agenda does not align with The People.”
On Public Education
Rep. Kelly held a roundtable discussion in Richton Park with public educators and superintendents who are concerned about President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. His plan to eliminate Title 1 grants would effectively fire 6,243 teachers in the Second District and stop $412 million in grants to the district.
On Social Security
Over 13,000 concerned constituents called into Rep. Kelly’s telephone town hall on Social Security. There are 151,140 Social Security recipients in the Second District, including widows, children, workers with disabilities and retired senior citizens. Elon Musk has called Social Security a “Ponzi scheme” and fired 7,000 workers at the Social Security Administration, causing chaos and instability.
On Food Assistance
On Wednesday, Rep. Kelly toured Free-N-Deed, a food pantry in Dolton, to hear how the facility and the community would be affected by cuts to food assistance. The House Republican budget slashes $230 billion from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which would leave almost 190,000 people in the Second District without a reliable meal. For every meal that a food pantry provides, SNAP provides nine meals. Food pantries like Free-N-Deed would not be able to fill in the gaps if SNAP was cut.
On the Trump Administration
Rep. Kelly hosted her second in-person town hall of the year in Pontiac, Illinois, the most western part of the District. She also had a special guest, Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy at ACLU of Illinois, to help give updates on lawsuits against the Trump administration’s unconstitutional actions. About 150 people attended the town hall.
On Black Maternal Health
In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, Rep. Kelly went live on Instagram with reproductive justice organization In Our Own Voice and U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman. They discussed the recent attacks by the Trump administration against healthcare and maternal health, including DOGE-led layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services.
On Emergency Operators’ Mental Health
Rep. Kelly toured the SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center in Matteson, Illinois, to hear how she can best support 911 operators and dispatchers. In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, she also introduced bipartisan legislation to support the mental health and wellbeing of emergency operators.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, April 19 — Amid swaying coconut trees and the soft rustle of sea breeze, I arrived in China’s southern island province of Hainan to cover the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE).
Beneath the clear blue sky, Haikou’s wave-shaped international convention center buzzed with energy. Crowds flowed through halls lined with dazzling displays of vehicles, cosmetics and homeware from across Europe, including the United Kingdom (UK), France, Italy and Slovakia, which captivated attention and sparked curiosity.
This year’s guest country of honor, the UK, showcased 53 British brands — a mix of long-established players in the Chinese market and first-time exhibitors — signaling its ambition to deepen economic engagement with China, the world’s second-largest economy.
Among the returning exhibitors was Tricker’s, one of the UK’s oldest shoemakers. “We’re back because last year’s expo significantly raised our profile in the market,” said Mike Hofmann, managing director at Tricker’s China.
“We see China not only as a sales market but also as a core place to invest and grow,” he added, highlighting the encouraging signals from China’s recent pro-consumption policies.
Just a few steps away, a subtle floral fragrance drew me toward a charming booth. It belonged to Aromatherapy Associates, a London-based wellness brand making its debut at the CICPE.
“Hainan’s Free Trade Port is key to our cross-border strategy,” said Yuan Quan, head of Aromatherapy Associates China. “We’ve seen a growing appetite among Chinese consumers for high-quality, therapeutic wellness products, which present great opportunities for us.”
Health and wellness stood out as a defining theme at this year’s expo. British biotech company Birmingham Biotech (BHM) chose the occasion to announce its official entry into the Chinese market.
“The expo opens doors to real-time feedback, collaboration and opportunity,” said Michael Hsu, founder and CEO of BHM.
He noted that Chinese consumers’ rising preference for drug-free, scientifically validated solutions aligns perfectly with the company’s innovations.
“The Hainan Free Trade Port’s policy advantages and openness to global cooperation make it an ideal destination for our localization plans,” Hsu added.
“The sheer scale of the Chinese market is a powerful incentive,” said Mark Clayton, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China, noting that “the middle class here is larger than the entire population of the UK.”
Driven by booming tourism, innovative policies, and robust retail growth, the island province of Hainan is rapidly becoming a vital domestic and international consumption destination, according to a white paper jointly released by KPMG China and the Moodie Davitt Report during the expo.
France showcased a national pavilion at the expo for the third consecutive year, featuring 12 French brands, including L’Oréal and Pierre Lannier, covering sectors such as cosmetics, luxury goods, health products and wines.
Familiar names also included Ducati, the legendary Italian motorcycle brand, and ETRO, the renowned Italian luxury fashion house, which set up a dedicated booth celebrating the 40th anniversary of its flagship Arnica fabric.
“China is rapidly evolving and has become one of our top-priority markets,” said Fabio Lambertini, CEO of Ducati China.
“Hainan is a crucial node in our long-term vision,” he added. With its winding coastal and mountain roads, he believes the tropical island has the potential to become a new hub for Ducati’s immersive riding experiences and investment.
The Czech jewelry brand Krasna Duse — meaning “beautiful soul” in Czech — drew a constant stream of visitors with its shimmering displays. While browsing the cases, college student Ma Kanghui selected a pair of earrings. “The brand is completely new to me,” she said. “The designs, with their Czech style, are so beautiful that I couldn’t resist.”
“Czech crystal has a unique charm and craftsmanship that I believe will conquer customers here in China,” said the company president, Olga Kopalova.
This year marked Slovakia’s debut with its own national pavilion, featuring a mix of skincare, wine, chocolate, and wellness brands. Pavol Kovarik, sales manager for Slovak beverage brand Cacaofe, said that his 22-hour journey from Vienna to Haikou via Chengdu was not only his first time in China but also the longest trip he had ever taken.
“I expected an inland Chinese city, but instead I arrived in a tropical paradise. Palm trees, beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere that I never imagined,” Kovarik said.
“This is a fresh start for our presence in China’s mega market. We also plan to attend exhibitions in Ningbo and Shanghai,” he added. “For now, I am looking forward to taking a bullet train to Sanya after the expo and spend a couple of days there enjoying the beautiful beaches.”
As the sun dipped below Hainan’s horizon, the expo’s buzz gradually faded, but the conversations it sparked about growth and cooperation are far from over. For many European brands, Hainan is more than just a stage for product display, it’s a gateway to long-term relationships, evolving tastes, and mutual growth.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
With rural industries creating more job opportunities, farmers’ incomes in China continued to rise in the first quarter of the year, a senior official with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Friday.
The per capita disposable income of Chinese rural residents in the first quarter of 2025 reached 7,003 yuan ($959), an increase of 6.5 percent after adjusting for inflation, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Pan Wenbo, head of the ministry’s crop production department, said rural industries are improving in quality and efficiency. From January to March, the added value of agricultural and sideline food processing enterprises increased by 7.2 percent year-on-year.
“New industries and business models in rural areas are flourishing, with food tourism, rural homestays and sightseeing becoming increasingly popular vacation choices for urban and rural residents,” Pan said, adding that online retail sales of agricultural products continue to grow rapidly.
In the first quarter of this year, grain and oil production made a good start. Efforts are being made to ensure solid spring field management and ploughing, laying a strong foundation for the summer harvest and overall annual grain output.
The area sown with winter rapeseed has seen a steady increase, and crop growth is better than both last year and the historical average, Pan said.
As of the end of March, there were 40.39 million breeding sows nationwide. In the first quarter, the total output of pork, beef, mutton and poultry reached 25.4 million metric tons, increasing 2 percent year-on-year, while milk production was 8.92 million tons, up 1.7 percent.
China’s beef and milk markets faced supply and demand imbalances in 2024, leading to a price downturn and losses for beef and dairy cattle farmers, said Chen Bangxun, head of the ministry’s department of development and planning.
“In response, the ministry introduced a series of support measures to alleviate the industry’s difficulties,” Chen said.
Local governments were urged to coordinate with financial institutions to increase credit and insurance support, easing financial pressures on farmers. Statistics indicate that the balance of beef and dairy cattle farming loans from major banks exceeded 160 billion yuan by the end of 2024, showing a dramatic increase from the previous year, he said.
“To reduce costs, farmers were encouraged to improve herd quality through selective breeding,” Chen said, adding that a campaign to conserve grain in animal husbandry was launched to optimize the structure of feed and forages.
Moreover, efforts were made to regulate the purchasing and sales of raw milk. Companies were guided to develop dairy products suitable for Chinese tastes and ethnic dairy products to meet diverse consumer demands. Quality grading standards for domestic beef were also revised to promote higher quality and pricing, Chen added.
As a result, live cattle prices across the country have rebounded since Chinese New Year earlier this year, gradually reducing losses for beef cattle farmers.
However, due to the seasonal decline in milk consumption after the Chinese New Year holiday, raw milk prices remain low, Chen said.
“The ministry will further strengthen supportive measures to enrich the variety of dairy products and help dairy cattle farming overcome its difficulties as soon as possible,” Chen said.
The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on performance of agriculture and rural economy in the first quarter of 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)
China’s agriculture and rural economy maintained stable growth in the first quarter, effectively supporting the overall stability of economic and social development, Pan Wenbo, an official with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said at a press conference on Friday.
Noting that the ministry is focused on meeting this year’s grain output target of around 700 million tonnes, Pan said grain and oil production got off to a solid start, with winter wheat planting areas remaining stable and winter rapeseed acreage continuing to grow steadily.
Pan added that the supply of “vegetable basket” products remained sufficient. In the first quarter, the production of pork, beef, mutton and poultry hit 25.4 million tonnes, an increase of 2 percent year on year.
Milk production was 8.92 million tonnes, up 1.7 percent year on year, and the output of domestic aquatic products was 14.83 million tonnes, an increase of 4.5 percent year on year, according to the official.
The achievements in poverty alleviation continued to be consolidated and expanded, with 30.898 million rural laborers from households newly lifted out of poverty employed nationwide by the end of March.
From January to March, the added value of agricultural products processing industry above the designated size increased by 7.2 percent year on year. In the first quarter, the per capita disposable income of rural residents was 7,003 yuan (about 971.7 U.S. dollars), an increase of 6.5 percent, Pan noted.
The potential of rural domestic demand continued to be unleashed, as the rollout of major projects like high-standard farmland building and modern agriculture facilities has boosted investment in agriculture and rural areas, according to Pan.
In the first quarter, fixed-asset investment in the primary industry increased by 16 percent year on year. The potential of rural consumption continued to be unleashed, with retail sales of rural consumer goods increasing by 4.9 percent year on year.
However, it should be noted that China’s external development environment has become increasingly complex and challenging, Pan said, adding that “the greater the risks and challenges we face, the more we need to stabilize the basic foundations of agriculture, rural areas and farmers, ensuring domestic production and supply to counterbalance external uncertainties.”
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Yakima, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited Gilbert Orchards, where she met with Owner Sean Gilbert, Orchard Manager Donny Schlect, Northwest Horticultural Council President Mark Powers, and Steve Smith, Vice President of Marketing for the Washington Fruit Growers, to hear about how President Trump’s trade war is affecting their businesses and the tree fruit industry in Washington state.
Gilbert Orchards is a family-owned growing operation that has been in the Yakima Valley for over 125 years, primarily growing apples, pears, and cherries. During the visit, Senator Murray toured the packing facility and heard concerns from Gilbert Orchards and other tree fruit growers about how an escalating trade war and the potential for steep retaliatory tariffs from other nations could hurt their bottom lines and be detrimental for farmers across Washington state. Washington’s tree fruit industry has historically borne the brunt of retaliatory measures for trade and tariffs.
“It was really important to me to hear from local tree fruit growers in Yakima today about how this administration’s trade war is affecting them, and how I can best advocate for them in the other Washington,” said Senator Murray. “Farmers thrive when they can sell their products domestically and internationally—but right now, President Trump is cutting off markets our farmers sell to while increasing their costs. We can help our farmers by opening up more markets for them to sell their products in—not shutting them down. I’ll continue working to end this senseless trade war and help farmers across Washington state succeed.”
“It was good to have Senator Murray visit us today. It’s important for our Members of Congress to understand that Washington state farmers rely on access to global markets and as much certainty around trade policy as possible,” said Northwest Horticultural Council President Mark Powers.
40 percent of jobs in Washington state are tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets if retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada take effect. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will be unlikely to be able to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, April 18, 2025/APO Group/ —
The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilize the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. These reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.
The macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.
Macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.
An International Monetary Fund team, led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, IMF mission chief for Nigeria, visited Lagos and Abuja on April 2–15 to hold discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultations with Nigeria. The team met with Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Yemi Cardoso, senior government and central bank officials, the Ministry of the Environment, the private sector, academia, labor unions, and civil society. At the end of the visit, Mr. Axel Schimmelpfennig, issued the following statement:
“The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilize the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved. Gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians as poverty and food insecurity remain high.
”The outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy. The reforms since 2023 have put the Nigerian economy in a better position to navigate this external environment. Looking ahead, macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, while creating enabling conditions for private sector-led growth.
“The authorities communicated to the mission that they will implement the 2025 budget in a manner that is responsive to the decline in international oil prices. A neutral fiscal stance would support monetary policy to bring down inflation. To safeguard key spending priorities, it is imperative that fiscal savings from the fuel subsidy removal are channeled to the budget. In particular, adjustments should protect critical, growth-enhancing investment, while accelerating and broadening the delivery of cash transfers under the World Bank-supported program to provide relief to those experiencing food insecurity.
“A tight monetary policy stance is required to firmly guide inflation down. The Monetary Policy Committee’s data-dependent approach has served Nigeria well and will help navigate elevated macroeconomic uncertainty. Announcing a disinflation path to serve as an intermediate target can help anchor inflation expectations.”
Search for overdue bushwalker in state’s south-west
Saturday, 19 April 2025 – 10:11 am.
A search including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been commenced in the Farmhouse Creek area in the State’s south-west for an overdue bushwalker.Police were notified about 8am this morning that a 28-year-old man had separated from his bushwalking colleague.The man was last seen about 9am yesterday on the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse near the Lake Sydney Track junction.The man is believed to be an experienced bushwalker but was not carrying a personal locator beacon.Anyone with information should call Police on 131444 and quote ESCAD reference 000072-19042025.
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
April 16, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, Ranking Members of the Senate Budget and Finance Committees, respectively, joined their colleagues in sending an open letter to the American public warning that Congressional Republicans are trying to take food away from hungry families in order to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. After promising to lower prices for families, Republicans in Congress are instead raising grocery costs and making it harder for families to put food on the table.
“Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by taking away food assistance from millions of Americans,” wrote Merkley, Wyden, and more than 40 other Senators. “SNAP supports 42 million Americans, including nearly 8 million seniors, 16 million children, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans, in putting food on their tables each month. Cuts of this magnitude—or anything close to it—would be devastating to American families in every state.”
The letter, led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); and signed by Merkley and Wyden and 42 of their colleagues, comes as Republicans in the Senate and House have passed a budget resolution that would fast-track cuts to nutrition assistance.
As of April 11, 2025, SNAP is helping 774,581 people in Oregon put food on the table. In fiscal year 2024, SNAP brought $1,596,585,242 to Oregon, according to the Food Research and Action Center.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Q: Why is the Renewable Volume Obligation important for Iowa farmers?
A: Biomass-based fuels convert feedstocks, including corn and soybeans, for use in the nation’s fuel supply, from passenger vehicles to commercial trucks, marine shipping, rail and aviation. Biodiesel and ethanol expand domestic markets for grain farmers, which is particularly vital when there’s uncertainty with overseas trading partners. Iowa farmers and biofuel producers stand ready to meet demand that provides reliable, affordable, cleaner fuel for consumers.
Two decades ago, I helped steer through Congress two federal laws that unleashed America’s renewable fuels era in the 21st century. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 built upon the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that established the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). President George W. Bush signed both pieces of legislation that accelerated use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector, primed the pump for the biofuel industry in rural America, produced cleaner burning fuel and fostered U.S. energy independence. The RFS set annual targets with the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO), a requirement that specifies volumes for refiners and importers to blend into the nation’s fuel supply. Congress authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the RFS program. It sets annual RVO’s divided among four buckets: conventional biofuel; advanced biofuel; cellulosic biofuel; and biomass-based diesel. As a lifelong family farmer and lawmaker on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I make my voice loud and clear under both Republican and Democrat administrations to champion homegrown biofuel, including speaking out against unfair policies for used cooking oil and imported ethanol. The EPA needs to follow the law as Congress intended. Bureaucratic lollygagging brings uncertainty to the marketplace and unfairness to farmers and biofuel producers who have the capacity to meet demand. During the Biden administration, I invited the White House Climate Czar to visit Iowa to see how renewable fuels are where the rubber meets the road for a more sustainable energy policy, cleaner environment and stronger economy in rural America.
Q: What are you pressing the Trump administration to do on this issue?
A: In April, I led a bipartisan letter with Sen. Amy Klobuchar pressing the EPA to keep its commitment to American energy production and affirm renewable fuels are an important component of that all-the-above energy strategy. We urged the administration to increase RVO levels that take into account biofuels production capacity and the productivity of the American farmer. Specifically, the EPA should set volume levels for biomass-based diesel at 5.25 billion gallons in 2026. What’s more, the EPA ought to provide multi-year RVO standards to provide certainty and growth for the biofuel industry. This would send a strong message to boost investment in biofuels that are an important piece of the economic pie in rural communities. We’ve seen what happens when RVO levels are low-balled, biofuel facilities are forced to reduce their workforce, idle production or shut down their facilities. That’s a big blow to economic vitality on Main Street and a big market loss for local farmers. I’ll be keeping close tabs on the EPA as it works to determine RVO standards.
In addition to trade and energy policies, the federal tax code holds significant sway over investment and profitability in rural America. As former chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve secured important energy tax incentives that ensured public policy kept pace with advancing technologies in alternative energy. As Congress takes up tax policy in the coming months, I’ll be at the table advocating for the family farmer and biofuel producers. Along those lines, in January I pressed Trump’s cabinet nominees about the importance of providing clarity about new biofuel incentives in the federal tax code. Specifically, I explained the urgency to clean up after the Biden administration’s failure to deliver certainty for farmers and biofuel producers by failing to issue guidance for the clean fuel production tax credit, called 45Z. I’m working as hard as ever on behalf of Iowa biofuel producers and family farmers who are putting in the work, taking on the risk and deploying new technologies to power America’s energy needs.
ICYMI— The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) today announced increased transparency and accountability for the federal permitting of two Department of Energy (DOE) critical minerals projects.
The projects — Michigan Potash and the South West Arkansas Project — are part of the first wave of critical minerals projects added to the Permitting Dashboard in response to President Trump’s Executive Order, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production. Once completed, both DOE-supported projects will help meet President Trump’s commitment to bolster domestic production of America’s vast mineral resources, support more American jobs and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
The Michigan Potash Project, supported by DOE’s Loan Programs Office, is projected to produce the largest American-based source of high-quality potash fertilizer and food-grade salt using mechanical vapor recompression technology and geothermal heat from subsurface brine. Once completed, this project will reduce reliance on potash imports, support American farmers, improve food security, and create 200 permanent and 400 construction sector jobs. DOE announced a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $1.26 billion to Michigan Potash in January 2025.
The South West Arkansas Project, under DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, supports the construction of a world-class Direct Lithium Extraction facility that will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from lithium-rich brine in North America. Once completed, this project will help secure the domestic lithium supply chain and is expected to create roughly 100 direct long-term jobs and 300 construction sector jobs.
These additions to the Federal Permitting Dashboard reflect the Administration’s commitment to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals and materials, reduce dependence on foreign sources, and advance President Trump’s bold agenda for American energy dominance through a more secure, affordable, and reliable U.S. energy system.
The Department looks forward to working with federal partners, project sponsors, and developers to ensure these projects move forward with increased transparency, clear project timelines, expedited reviews, and the support needed to strengthen domestic supply chains, drive economic growth, and deliver on the President Trump’s commitment to unleashing American energy and economic security.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas who sustained economic losses due to heat and winds occurring June 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.
The declaration includes the Texas counties of Andrews, Armstrong, Austin, Bailey, Borden, Brazos, Briscoe, Burleson, Callahan, Castro, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Colorado, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Dawson, Dickens, Donley, Ector, Fayette, Fisher, Floyd, Fort Bend, Gaines, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Grimes, Hale, Hall, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, King, Lamb, Lee, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, McCulloch, Menard, Midland, Mitchell, Motley, Nolan, Parmer, Reagan, Roberts, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Shackelford, Sterling, Stonewall, Swisher, Taylor, Terry, Tom Green, Upton, Waller, Ward, Washington, Wharton, Wheeler, Winkler and Yoakum as well as the New Mexico county of Lea and the Oklahoma counties of Beckham, Ellis and Roger Mills.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 11, 2025.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WISCONSIN – This week, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) stopped in Saukville, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Rhinelander, Merrill, and Wausau to connect directly with Wisconsin families, communities, and businesses struggling to deal with President Donald Trump’s trade war jacking up costs, Republicans advancing a plan to cut Medicaid, and Elon Musk and DOGE taking away food assistance to pay for their massive tax breaks.
Senator Baldwin celebrated 414 Day with a stop at Lakefront Brewing Company in Milwaukee to host a roundtable with local brewers, restaurants, farmers, roofers, and autobody shop owners to talk about how President Trump’s trade policy has sent their costs skyrocketing and made it harder to plan for the future. Small business owners shared how Trump’s trade war is increasing input costs, forcing them to raise prices on customers, and increasing uncertainty is making it harder to grow their businesses and make long-term investments. On Thursday, Senator Baldwin also joined local officials and business owners in Merrill to tour their Main Street and learn how small businesses are being impacted by rising costs from President Trump’s tariff policy.
“President Trump came into office promising to lower costs for Wisconsinites. Instead, his trade war is landing families and businesses alike with higher costs that make it harder to make ends meet and keep their doors open,” said Senator Baldwin. “This week, I’ve been meeting with small businesses across the state to understand how Donald Trump is single-handedly raising costs on families and making it next to impossible for Made in Wisconsin businesses to plan and grow for the future.”
Senator Baldwin also continued her “Hands Off Medicaid” tour with stops in Green Bay and Wausau, meeting with Wisconsinites who rely on Medicaid for essential health care, including for family members living with disabilities and mental health care. Last week, Congressional Republicans advanced their budget plan that includes up to $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, all to pay for tax breaks for big corporations.
“My phones have been ringing off the hook with Wisconsinites worried about what Republicans’ budget cuts will mean for their families who need Medicaid to afford cancer treatments, home care for loved ones with disabilities, and treatment for their addiction,” said Senator Baldwin. “Medicaid is a lifeline for over one million Wisconsinites, and I’m fighting tooth and nail to protect it from the deep cuts Republicans have outlined to pay for their tax cuts for Wall Street and corporations.”
Senator Baldwin also visited the Rhinelander Food Pantry to discuss how the Trump Administration’s cuts to critical food assistance programs, including the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), are endangering Wisconsin food banks’ ability to feed families in need. According to the Rhinelander Food Pantry, cuts in funding for both programs is threatening more than one-third of their capacity. Rhinelander Food Pantry serves over 750 households and over 1,500 individuals in their area. Baldwin also visited the Ozaukee Food Alliance in Saukville to hear firsthand how Trump’s cuts to TEFAP will mean fewer meals for vulnerable children and families in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
BOISE, Idaho – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Jim Risch emphasized the importance of local water resource management and his commitment to advancing the priorities of Idaho farmers, ranchers, and water users in a recent feature by Irrigation Leader Magazine.
Senator Jim Risch: Advocating for Western Water Needs and Local Water Management
Excerpts from the feature:
“Q: In Idaho, we have long considered you a water champion. Your office regularly takes the lead on water issues important to our state. Why do you believe you are drawn to water issues?
Senator Risch: I know firsthand that difficult problems—especially those relating to natural resources—are best addressed when local stakeholders come together to develop creative and tailored solutions. Unfortunately, it seems that the federal government is increasingly trying to impose one-size-fits-all mandates that do not work for Idaho and certainly do not work for Idaho water. As a senator for Idaho and a member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, it is my job to ensure that Idahoans have a seat at the table and to maintain our right to manage Idaho’s natural resources.
As a rancher, I recognize the critical role agriculture plays in Idaho’s economy and identity. Water is at the heart of our agriculture industry. When it comes to the issues that matter most, keeping Idaho’s farmers and ranchers in the driver’s seat is my top priority.”
“Q: Being in Congress gives you a special perspective on not only the challenges that water managers are facing in the West but also the politics of addressing those challenges. What do you see as the biggest issues affecting water use and management in the West?
Senator Risch: People outside the West struggle to understand the distinctive challenges we face. This is especially apparent when it comes to western water management. Idaho has been a leader in water innovation and conservation, employing aquifer recharge, surface water infrastructure upgrades, and other water-conserving technologies to ensure that our most valuable resource, water, remains available to future generations. Unfortunately, continuous overreach and regulation from the federal government, even on matters about which agencies have received clear direction from Congress, disrupt these tailored and effective efforts. Local stakeholders have the best ability to solve these difficult problems, and the federal government needs to leave states room to manage their water.”
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Department of Aging Announce New Initiative to Make the Commonwealth Friendlier, More Welcoming for Older Adults
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis joined Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich and local leaders today to kick off the first in a series of events across the Commonwealth to highlight efforts to develop age-friendly communities – all with the goal of encouraging more cities, towns and neighborhoods in the Commonwealth to ensure older Pennsylvanians have the services and support they need to thrive at every stage of life.
“Older adults in Allegheny County and here in my hometown of McKeesport are the backbone of our communities. They are our family, friends, and neighbors who have made great contributions in our lives that benefit all of us,” said Lt. Gov. Davis. “The organizers of age-friendly communities here in southwest Pennsylvania are making a positive impact, and I applaud their work and dedication as we welcome new faces to the table to expand these initiatives.”
INVITED SPEAKERS Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich Congresswoman Summer Lee Senator Nick Pisciottano Rich Fitzgerald, executive director, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Mary Esther Van Shura, AARP executive council member Paul Winkler, Southwest PA Partnership for Aging board member Dr. Megan Nagel, Penn State regional chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Farmer, dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Laura Poskin, executive director, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh