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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why tax literacy should be a national priority in Canada

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Esteban Vallejo Toledo, PhD Student in Law and Society, University of Victoria

    The last time Canada’s political parties campaigned during a tax season was more than a decade ago. This year, taxes are a hot topic, and for good reason. Shortly after the federal election was called, the political parties began rolling out promises of tax cuts to win over voters.

    At the same time, although Canada’s consumer carbon tax was scapped last month, debates about the industrial carbon tax are likely to continue.

    As the election campaign continues and political parties make more tax-related promises, approximately 3,520 tax clinics and 18,090 volunteers are doing their best to help people file their taxes until April 30. Some of the volunteers are struggling to help as many people as possible.

    No candidate has talked about a tax issue that is essential for life in free and democratic societies: tax literacy. If Canada is to maintain an informed, financially responsible and democratic society, tax literacy must become part of the national conversation.

    A longstanding idea with modern relevance

    The notion of tax literacy has been gaining traction in recent years, but it’s far from a new idea.

    One of the earliest advocates for tax literacy and education was Charles Montesquieu, a French judge and political philosopher of the Enlightenment.

    Portrait of Charles Montesquieu by an anonymous artist.
    (Wikimedia Commons)

    In his 1748 book The Spirit of Laws, Montesquieu argued for tax literacy and education for two key reasons.

    First, he was convinced that knowledge about taxation was necessary to defend oneself against the corruption and abuse that characterized private tax collectors, known at the time as tax farmers.

    Second, he believed education in democratic societies could enhance people’s sense of responsibility for public affairs and help hold authorities accountable for their actions. In his view, tax literacy and education were instrumental in how societies organized themselves for the common good.

    More than 275 years later, Montesquieu’s argument remains just as relevant.

    Tax literacy is neglected in Canada

    In Canada, tax literacy continues to be neglected despite efforts by tax agencies like Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Revenu Québec to promote it.

    There are important reasons to treat tax literacy as a national priority. It helps people understand and navigate federal, provincial and municipal taxes, recognize the social importance of taxation and responsibly exercise their rights. It also allows people to manage their financial affairs according to the law.

    Tax literacy is also instrumental in contesting economic populism, a political approach that claims to represent the interests of “ordinary people” against perceived elites, often by oversimplifying complex issues like taxation.

    It also helps counter the spread of of disinformation, misinformation and malinformation about taxes in the media, online and on social networks.



    Read more:
    The Canada Carbon Rebate is still widely misunderstood — here’s why

    In Canada, recent examples include misleading claims that Canada has the highest taxes in the world, mischaracterizations of climate tax policies, flawed analyses of the carbon rebate’s cost and other misconceptions about the carbon rebate.

    Tax literacy vs. financial literacy

    While Canada has done considerable work to further financial literacy since 2001, tax literacy has received far less attention from both authorities and scholars.

    In fact, only two peer-reviewed studies have examined tax literacy in Canada. Published in 2016 and 2020, these studies analyze tax literacy within the context of financial literacy and mostly in relation to the income tax.

    Similar to financial literacy, the authors of these studies define tax literacy as “having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible tax decisions.”

    Canada’s federal and provincial governments, as well as non-profit organizations and tax preparers, tend to use a benefit-based narrative to promote tax literacy and encourage tax compliance.

    This narrative frames filing income taxes as positive because it allows people to receive direct payments from the government. In Canada, the income tax system is closely linked to the social support system that benefits everyone, particularly low-income people for whom filing taxes is the primary way to access benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST Credit and the Canada Workers Benefit.

    The missing fiscal dimension

    While the benefit-based approach aligns with international standards and has clear advantages, it also has drawbacks.

    Most notably, it overlooks the fiscal dimension of tax literacy. This dimension highlights the role taxes play in raising revenue to support government programs, promoting collective well-being, regulating economic activity, addressing social inequalities, strengthening democratic institutions and advancing social goals like environmental protection.

    Taxes are far more than mandatory payments to government. Recognizing this enables citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes and hold governments accountable.



    Read more:
    10 things everyone should know about taxation

    The fiscal dimension also broadens public understanding beyond the income tax. On one hand, it helps people interact with tax authorities beyond the CRA, including those administered by provinces, municipalities and First Nations.

    On the other hand, it helps citizens better understand public budgets and recognize that while income tax is an important source of revenue, it is not the only one.

    The fiscal dimension also challenges harmful narratives that attempt to create social divisions by using the terms “taxpayer” and “taxpayer money.” It also counters the spread of wrongful stereotypes of Indigenous people. These narratives are often used in populist rhetoric to undermine democracy by excluding marginalized groups.

    What needs to happen now

    Tax literacy must become a national priority in Canada, and public institutions must lead this process. To move in this direction, Canada’s public institutions should:

    1) Adopt a holistic approach to tax literacy that includes both the fiscal and financial dimensions.

    2) Address misinformation and discrimination experienced by Indigenous people regarding tax exemptions. This is essential to honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

    3) Offer long-term partnerships and support to teachers and educational institutions to integrate tax literacy into schools.

    4) Lead the production of education resources to ensure a holistic approach. Education resources produced or sponsored by the private sector tend to focus on individual responsibility and frame financial choices in moral terms without considering broader social contexts.

    5) Ensure tax literacy initiatives serve not only children and youth but adults as well, in line with UNESCO’s vision of education as a lifelong right.

    6) Ensure adult tax literacy resources follow the recommendations of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). They should be thorough but easy to understand, offered in multiple formats, concise and supplemented by additional resources. Public authorites should expand podcasts, learning platforms and tax initiatives.

    The history of taxes in Canada has been one of important developments but also of social and economic conflicts, wrongful discrimination and colonial racism. It must not also become a history of populism and missed opportunities.

    Now is the time for Canada to write a different chapter. By advancing tax literacy, both authorities and society as a whole can strengthen democracy and build a more informed public.

    Esteban Vallejo Toledo receives funding from the Law Commission of Canada Emerging Scholars Program. He has previously received funding from SSHRC, LFBC, and UVic.

    – ref. Why tax literacy should be a national priority in Canada – https://theconversation.com/why-tax-literacy-should-be-a-national-priority-in-canada-252722

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Devastating Impact of Federal Cuts on Infrastructure

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today shared a breakdown of how the Trump administration’s cuts to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program will impact critical infrastructure and community resilience projects in New York State. With this action, the federal Department of Homeland Security has revoked over $325.5 million in funding for projects that have not yet begun construction. Additionally, there is another $56 million worth of projects where work has already begun, that are potentially at risk.

    “In the last few years, New Yorkers have faced hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires and even an earthquake –– and FEMA assistance has been critical to help us rebuild. Cutting funding for communities across New York is short sighted and a massive risk to public safety. Without support for resilience projects now, our communities will be far more vulnerable when disaster strikes next,” Governor Hochul said. “As I’ve said all along: no state in the nation can backfill the massive cuts being proposed in Washington, and it’s critical New Yorkers stand united to call out the damage this will cause.”

    New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “It is far more expensive to rebuild than it is to prevent damage before it happens. Mitigation is the best way to save taxpayer dollars and increase resiliency. These projects were created with the sole purpose of helping prevent further damage from the storms that continue to impact the residents of New York State.”

    The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program supports states, local and territorial governments and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk. The program aims to support communities as they build capability and capacity. BRIC also encourages and aids innovation. It helps partnerships grow; supports infrastructure projects; and fosters flexibility and consistency.

    Selected Federal Cuts by the Numbers:

    • NYC – NYC DEP Central Harlem Cloudburst Flood Mitigation
      • Federal funds: $50 million
      • The Central Harlem Cloudburst Hub aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events through the strengthening and improvement of stormwater infrastructure. The project is focused on a 370-acre area with primarily disadvantaged and low-income neighborhoods and contains six schools, two daycare centers, three hospitals, six places of worship and three elder care facilities.
    • NYC – NYC DEP East Elmhurst Cloudburst Flood Mitigation
      • Federal funds: $50 million
      • The East Elmhurst Hub aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events through the strengthening and improvement of stormwater infrastructure. The project is focused on a 485-acre area with primarily residential neighborhoods.
    • NYC – NYC EDC Seaport Coastal Resilience Project
      • Federal funds $42.4 million
      • The NYCEDC Seaport Coastal Resilience Project will reduce flood risk to the Historic South Street Seaport by strengthening and improving infrastructure to mitigate impacts from multiple hazards including coastal flooding, sea level rise, extreme precipitation and urban heat island effect. The Historic South Street Seaport is a highly vulnerable mixed-use neighborhood that provides critical services to Lower Manhattan and beyond. The area houses many businesses, community facilities and a growing residential population.
    • NYC – NYC DEP Kissena Corridor Cloudburst Hub
      • Federal Share funds: $46.6 million
      • The project aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events by integrating traditional underground drainage infrastructure with above-ground solutions into ongoing urban infrastructure planning. Specifically, the focus is to enhance stormwater management through storage and surface flow infrastructure, while developing urban areas with benefits for citizens, local businesses and the city alike.
    • NYC – NYC DEP Corona East Cloudburst Hub
      • Federal Share funds: $47 million
      • The project aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events by integrating traditional underground drainage infrastructure with above-ground solutions into ongoing urban infrastructure planning. Specifically, the focus is to enhance stormwater management through storage and surface flow infrastructure, while developing urban areas with benefits for citizens, local businesses and the city alike.
    • NYC – NYC DOB Stormwater Flooding Building Codes Provision Development
      • Federal funds: $468,000
      • Stormwater Flooding Building Codes Provision Development aims to support the development of stormwater flooding building code provisions that would address safety risks and reduce damages from stormwater flooding at the building level. Once developed and adopted, these code provisions would apply to buildings at-risk of stormwater flooding across New York City.
    • NYC – NYCHA Polo Grounds Houses Coastal Storm Surge Barrier
      • Federal funds: $11.5 million
      • The project aims to support the construction of floodwalls on the northeast side of the NYCHA Polo Grounds Tower Development and the adjacent P.S. 046 Arthur Tappan public school to protect from coastal storm surge and future sea level rise.
    • NYC – Breukelen Houses Stormwater Protection
      • Federal funds: $16 million
      • This is a phased flood mitigation project for a public housing complex to mitigate flood risk from a 10-year storm with a 4.8′ sea level rise. Mitigation will include bioretention and underground drainage basins.
    • NYC – Hunts Point Food Security Mitigation
      • Federal funds: $13 million
      • The project aims to increase community resilience and protect New York City’s food supply by protecting two critical facilities against flooding. This project also reduces flood risk to community lifelines in the area, including food, water, shelter, safety and security.
    • NYC – Stormwater Protections for Nostrand and Sheepshead Bay Houses
      • Federal funds: $18.8 million
      • The project aims to bring a flood risk reduction strategy to a Public Housing development that is vulnerable to stormwater flooding during a rain event of any magnitude, contributing to flood control in more extreme rain events. A backup power generation strategy will provide emergency power to a community center if it is needed in the event of a grid power disruption.
    • Westchester – Upper Minkel Dam Decommissioning and Riparian Corridor Restoration
      • Federal funds: $731,000
      • The project is a result of a 2017 study which concluded that removing the Upper Minkel Dam, a high hazard Class “C” Dam, and restoring the stream and surrounding land would be of great environmental benefit, specifically by reducing the potential flood hazard associated with the dam, as well as restoring the stream’s natural systems. The design will allow for a low flow channel into Purdy Pond and includes a higher elevation flood storage shelf that will reduce and possibly eliminate any future flood events.
    • New York Power Authority Vischer Ferry Dam Ice Jam and Flood Mitigation Project
      • Federal funds: $24 million
      • Until recently, NYPA had no organized method for addressing ice jam formation anywhere on the NYS Canal system. This project will reduce the formation of ice jam flooding and flush ice from the Vischer Ferry impoundment. This would avoid ice jam flooding and the potential for ice dam formation between Vischer Ferry Dam and Lock E-8.
    • Buffalo – Building Codes: Modernizer workforce or expedited results
      • Federal funds: $284,000
      • Building Codes: Modernized Workforce for Expedited Results is a project designed to improve the City of Buffalo’s ability to meet and exceed the State’s mandates for building construction, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other emerging technologies. This project has three major components: Workforce Training and Development, Building Code Support and Efficiency Management.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: QuantalRF Samples Wi-Fi 7 CMOS Front-end Modules to Tier-1 Mobile SoC Players

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuantalRF, the pioneering developer of RF semiconductor and antenna solutions, samples its innovative Wi-Fi 7 CMOS front-end module (FEM) to two Tier-1 mobile SoC players. The QWX27120, a 5-7 GHz CMOS FEM designed for Wi-Fi 7, fully integrates a patent-pending power amplifier (PA) architecture, an SP3T switch, and a low-noise-amplifier (LNA) into a monolithic CMOS die. Optimized for Wi-Fi 7 applications in smartphones, AR/VR, tablets, laptops and smart home devices, this all-silicon solution outperforms competing GaAs and SiGe products in power efficiency, size, RF performance, and cost.

    The QWX27120, part of the QuantalRF Elementum™ family of Wi-Fi 7 products, builds on the success of the its predecessors with enhanced features, including a power detector output. Fabricated in CMOS SOI technology, the QWX27120 leverages QuantalRF’s unique PA architecture to reduce power consumption, enabling devices to achieve a longer battery life and reduce heat dissipation. The CMOS FEM also enables a high degree of on-chip configurability, allowing for the versatile reconfiguration for different supply voltages, channels, and linear/non-linear operational modes. Selectable high/low transmit gain modes and digital pre-distortion (DPD) further improve power efficiency.

    “Wi-Fi 7’s advanced features and higher data rates pose significant power consumption challenges,” said Dr. Ali Fard, CEO and CTO of QuantalRF. “Our innovative PA architecture—integrated within a monolithic CMOS SOI platform—delivers superior linear output power and best-in-class power efficiency. With the QWX27120 Wi-Fi 7 FEM now sampling, we are ready to collaborate with more customers to turbocharge their Wi-Fi efficiency with intelligent and adaptive technology.”

    QWX27120 Features & Benefits:

    • Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 compatible – supports 5150–7125 MHz
    • Superior power efficiency – reduces power consumption by up to 50-percent
    • Power detector output – provides real-time power monitoring
    • Ultra-small form factor – integrates all RF front-end components into a single die, available in a 2 x 2mm LGA package or as a flip-chip die.

    Samples and evaluation kits are now available. Contact QuantalRF for more information.

    About QuantalRF AG
    QuantalRF is transforming the RF signal chain for wireless communications to deliver an unmatched user experience. Its ultra-compact, highly configurable front-end ICs and extremely efficient antennas substantially improve area, cost, power, and overall performance. Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, with R&D centers in the USA and Sweden, QuantalRF has an extensive portfolio of over 200 patents. For more information, visit www.quantalRF.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and projections about future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. A non-exclusive list of risk factors may be found on our website at www.quantalRF.com/forward-looking-statement.

    Media Contact:
    Dave Aichele
    EVP Sales & Business Development
    dave.aichele@quantalrf.com
    +1 858-401-6444

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Peru’s ancient irrigation systems succeeded in turning deserts into farms because of the culture − without it, the systems failed

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ari Caramanica, Assistant Professor of Archaeology, Vanderbilt University

    A pre-Hispanic canal funnels water from mountains to farm fields. Ari Caramanica

    Seeing the north coast of Peru for the first time, you would be hard-pressed to believe it’s one of the driest deserts in the world.

    Parts of the region receive less than an inch of rain in an entire year. Yet, water and greenery are everywhere. This is the nation’s agro-industrial heartland, and, thanks to irrigation canals, almost every inch of the floodplain is blanketed in lucrative export crops, such as sugarcane, asparagus and blueberries.

    However, the apparent success of this system masks an underlying fragility.

    Water shortages have plagued the region for centuries, and now modern climate change combined with agro-industrial practices have further intensified droughts. In response, the Peruvian government has invested billions of dollars in irrigation infrastructure in recent years designed to deliver more water from a resource more than 100 miles away: glaciers in the Andes.

    But the Andean glaciers are disappearing as global temperatures rise. Peru has lost over half its glacier surface area since 1962. At the same time, floods often connected to wet El Niño years are increasing in both frequency and intensity. These floods often destroy or obstruct critical irrigation infrastructure.

    Andean glaciers are disappearing as global temperatures rise. Peru lost over half its glacier surface area in the past half-century.
    mmphoto/DigitalVision via Getty Images

    As an archaeologist investigating societal responses to environmental and climate disaster in Peru, I’m interested in unraveling the histories of complex systems to understand how to improve similar systems today. To understand the Peruvian heartland’s vulnerabilities, it helps to look to the deep past.

    Most of the modern canal network originally dates to pre-Hispanic times, more than 1400 years ago. However, evidence suggests that while the canal systems of the past may have looked similar to those of the present, they functioned in more efficient, flexible ways. The key to adapting to our present and future climate may lie in comprehending the knowledge systems of the past – not just the equipment, technology or infrastructure, but how people used it.

    An environment of extremes

    The north coast of Peru is an environment of extremes.

    In this desert, thousands of years ago, societies encountered many of the same challenges posed by the modern climate crisis: expanding drylands, water scarcity, vulnerable food production systems, and frequent, intense natural disasters.

    Yet, people not only occupied this area for millennia, they thrived in it. Moche and Chimu societies created sophisticated, complex political and religious institutions, art and technology, and one of the largest pyramidal structures in the Americas.

    Relief of fish adorn an adobe wall in the historic Tschudi Complex archaeological site at Chan Chan, the former capital of the Chimu empire in Peru.
    FabulousFabs/Flickr, CC BY-NC

    When the Spanish arrived on the desert north coast of Peru shortly after 1532 C.E., early chroniclers remarked on the verdant, green valleys across the region.

    The Spanish immediately recognized the importance of the canal network. They had used similar canal technology in Spain for centuries. So, they set about conscripting Indigenous labor and adapting the irrigation system to their goals.

    Just a few decades later, however, historic records describe sand dunes and scrublands invading the green valleys, water shortages, and in 1578 a massive El Niño flood that nearly ended the young colony.

    So how did the Indigenous operation of this landscape succeed, where the Spanish and the modern-day agro-industrial complex have repeatedly failed?

    Culture was crucial for ancient canal systems

    Ancient beliefs, behaviors and norms – what archaeologists call culture – were fundamentally integrated into technological solutions in this part of Peru in ancient times. Isolating and removing the tools from that knowledge made them less effective.

    Scientists, policymakers and stakeholders searching for models of sustainable agriculture and climate adaptations can look to the archaeological record. Successfully applying past practices to today’s challenges requires learning about the cultures that put those tools to work effectively for so long, so long ago.

    The pre-Hispanic societies of Peru developed agricultural principles around the realities of the desert, which included both dry seasons and flash floods.

    Large-scale irrigation infrastructure was combined with low-cost, easily modified canals. Aqueducts doubled as sediment traps to capture nutrients. Canal branches channeled both river water and floodwater. Even check-dams – small dams used to control high-energy floods – worked in multiple ways. Usually made of mounded cobble and gravel, they reduced the energy of flash floods, captured rich sediments and recharged the water table.

    A drone’s view of sugarcane fields shows a pre-Hispanic adobe aqueduct on the right and small feeder canals in the modern fields.
    Ari Caramanica

    The initial failures of the Spanish on the north coast exemplify the problem of trying to adopt technology without understanding the cultural insights behind it: While they may be identical in form, a Spanish canal isn’t a Moche canal.

    Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow. The Moche and Chimu canal was tied to a complex labor system that synchronized cleaning and maintenance and prioritized the efficient use of water. What’s more, Moche canals functioned in tandem with floodwater diversion canals, which activated during El Niño events to create niches of agricultural productivity amid disasters.

    A handmade gate on a modern canal in northern Peru doesn’t seem that different from ancient canals, but the pre-Hispanic canal systems were generally more conceptually complex and interconnected.
    Ari Caramanica

    Desert farming required flexibility and multifunctionality from its infrastructure. Achieving that often meant forgoing impermeable materials and permanent designs, which stands in stark contrast to the way modern-day water management works are constructed.

    Copying ancient practices without the culture

    Today, the Peruvian government is pushing forward with a decades-old, multibillion-dollar project to deliver water to the north coast from a glacier-fed river.

    The Chavimochic project promises a grand transformation, turning desert into productive farmland. But it may be sacrificing long-term resilience for short-term prosperity.

    The project feeds on the temporary abundance of glacial meltwater. This is creating a water boom as the ice melts, but it will inevitably be followed by a devastating water bust as the glaciers all but disappear, which scientists estimate could happen by the end of the 21st century.

    Farmers sell locally grown corn and other crops at a street market in Piura, Peru.
    Christian Ender/Getty Images

    Meanwhile, sustainable land management practices of past Indigenous inhabitants continue to support ecosystems hundreds and even thousands of years later. Studies show higher levels of biodiversity, crucial to ecosystem health, near archaeological sites.

    On the Peruvian north coast, pre-Hispanic infrastructure continues to capture floodwater during El Niño events. When their modern-day fields are flooded or destroyed by these events, farmers will sometimes move their crops to areas surrounding archaeological remains where their corn, squash and bean plants can tap into the trapped water and sediments and safely grow without the need for further irrigation.

    Critics might point out the difficulty of scaling up ancient technologies for global applications, find them rudimentary, or would prefer to appropriate the design without bothering with understanding “the cultural stuff.”

    But this framing misses the bigger point: What made these technologies effective was the cultural stuff. Not just the tools but how they were used by the societies operating them. As long as modern engineering solutions try to update ancient technologies without considering the cultures that made them function, these projects will struggle.

    Understanding the past matters

    Archaeologists have an important role to play in building a climate-resilient future, but any meaningful progress would benefit from a historical approach that considers multiple ways of understanding the environment, of operating an irrigation canal and of organizing an agriculture-based economy.

    That approach, in my view, begins with saving indigenous languages, where cultural logic is deeply embedded, as well as preserving archaeological and sacred sites, and creating partnerships built on trust with the people who have worked with the land and whose cultures have adapted their practices to the changing climate for thousands of years.

    Ari Caramanica receives funding from The National Endowment for the Humanities.

    – ref. Peru’s ancient irrigation systems succeeded in turning deserts into farms because of the culture − without it, the systems failed – https://theconversation.com/perus-ancient-irrigation-systems-succeeded-in-turning-deserts-into-farms-because-of-the-culture-without-it-the-systems-failed-251199

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Live! Casino & Hotel Partners With Signature Systems, Inc. For Their Newest U.S. Gaming Property

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WARMINSTER, Pa., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Signature Systems, Inc. (SSI), the multi-award-winning technology solutions provider known for their point-of-sale solutions, announced their continued partnership with Cordish Gaming. The newest casino hotel property in Bossier, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, is the first to be running entirely on SSI hardware.

    SSI has installed their point-of-sale technology suite, PDQ POS and more than 50 devices in Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. The state-of-the-art gaming facility has purchased tablets and SSI’s exclusive 3-in-1 kiosks, ensuring the best possible guest experience. SSI has also installed their brand-new mobile ordering suite in the property, a first for the POS provider.  

    Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana marks the fourth Cordish Companies property to install PDQ POS since the partnership began more than three years ago.

    Located in Bossier City, LA, the new property opened on February 13, 2025, and is among the premier gaming properties in the region, with more than 47,000-square-feet of gaming space and 549 hotel rooms. Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana contains 10 food and beverage outlets, giving visitors to the casino a wide variety of options for meals, entertainment and much more.

    “Live! is among the most exciting brands in gaming, and our continued partnership with them has given us extra motivation to add exciting features that no other enterprise-level POS provider can compete with,” said John White, EVP/CIO at Signature Systems, Inc. “This mobile ordering experience will be the first of its kind in the nation, with more PDQ POS properties adding it soon.”

    About Signature Systems (SSI)

    With deep roots in food and beverage, SSI is a 35-year tenured technology solutions provider whose signature product is PDQ POS, a top rated, all-concept point of sale management system. SSI differentiates itself from all others by virtue of its all-in-one, custom solution sets; all-in-house, domestic teams (including development, live 24x7x365 support, and data/cyber security); and all-in accountability for prompt, accurate issue resolution. Products & services include a natively integrated enterprise reporting mobile app, natively integrated “In-Place Dining” mobile app, natively integrated online ordering, an array of guest empowerment solutions including self-serve kiosks with multiple tenders, full PCI DSS compliance, comprehensive menu management, value-added integrations via RESTful APIs, expert project management, onsite training and education, and much more. Learn more at SSIpos.com. SSI is the proud winner of the 2022 Innovation Award for Integration Services and the 2023 Partner Award from Gaming & Leisure©.

    About The Cordish Companies

    The Cordish Companies’ origins date back to 1910 and encompass four generations of privately held, family ownership. During the past ten decades, The Cordish Companies has grown into a global leader in Gaming & Entertainment; Commercial Real Estate; Entertainment Districts; Sports-Anchored Developments; Hotels; Residential Properties; Restaurants; Coworking Spaces; and Private Equity. One of the largest and most respected developers in the world, The Cordish Companies has been awarded an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for public-private developments that are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. The Cordish Companies has developed and operates highly acclaimed dining, entertainment and hospitality destinations throughout the United States, many falling under The Cordish Companies’ Live! Brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country. Welcoming over 55 million visitors per year, these developments are among the highest profile dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. In gaming, The Cordish Companies has developed among the most successful casino hotel resorts in the world, including the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Hollywood and Tampa, FL, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Live! Casino Pittsburgh and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. Over the generations, The Cordish Companies has remained true to the family’s core values of quality, entrepreneurial spirit, long-term personal relationships and integrity. As a testimony to the long-term vision of its family leadership, The Cordish Companies still owns and manages virtually every business it has created. For more information, visit www.cordish.com or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @cordishco.

    About Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
    On February 13, 2025, the Ark-La-Tex region welcomed a world-class gaming, hotel, dining and entertainment destination with the opening of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. Situated along the scenic Red River in Bossier City, and adjacent to Shreveport, the $270+ million facility is a transformative development bringing economic opportunity and inclusiveness to local residents. Featuring the market’s first-ever land-side casino, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana spans over 47,000 square feet, including 1,000+ slots and electronic table games, 40+ live action table games, a sportsbook, an upscale hotel, resort pool and fitness center; and a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose Event Center for top name entertainment, meetings and special events. Award-winning dining and entertainment options, include the Zagat-rated #1 steakhouse, The Prime Rib®; Sports & Social, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; PBR Cowboy Bar, offering high energy music, entertainment and a mechanical bull; Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine; Ridotto Grand Café, featuring Italian cuisine with a Venetian flair; and R Bar, featuring tapas, oysters and other shareable plates. Ample, secure parking is available. Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is owned and managed by LRGC Gaming Investors, LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies, the premier developer of Live! dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country, including Texas Live! in nearby Arlington, TX. For information, visit Louisiana.LiveCasinoHotel.com or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram @livecasinola. 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8f1de26-78be-426d-8d31-ef5b219a8cee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ESO Releases Fire Service Index: Reports 28% Increase in Wildland Fire Incidents, Calls for Improvements in Decontamination Efforts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESO, a leading data services and software provider for EMS, fire departments, hospitals, and state and federal agencies, released its 2025 Fire Service Index, which illustrates the staggering impact of nationwide wildland fires as well as the demand for broader decontamination efforts. Now in its sixth year, the index analyzed 7,919,600 incidents from calendar year 2024 from 2,739 participating agencies nationwide that use ESO services.

    “The Fire Service Index represents our commitment to protecting those who protect us,” said Antonio Fernandez, PhD, NRP, principal research scientist for ESO. “The insights we uncover can guide agencies to direct prevention resources where they’re needed most. By making these data freely accessible, we’re empowering fire departments nationwide to benchmark performance, identify critical trends and take proactive measures in their communities.”

    Notable findings from the analysis include:

    • 54,489 wildland fire incidents were reported in 2024 (up 28% year over year), totaling 1.78 million total acres burned—a 650% increase in acreage from 2023.
    • Wildland fire incidents were frequent throughout most of the year—not just in warmer months.
    • Fire departments continue to respond to more EMS calls than fire incidents. EMS incidents accounted for the majority of all incidents (63%), while fire responses accounted for just 3% of all calls.
    • 19% of firefighters did not document a decontamination procedure (e.g. cleaning exposed areas, dry-brushing gear, using wet wipes, etc.) after fire exposure, which can drastically increase long-term health risks such as cancer.

    “The intensifying frequency of wildland fires across the country is yet another reason why proper decontamination has become critical to safeguarding the health and lives of our nation’s firefighters,” said Bill Gardner, executive director of fire and EMS for ESO. “We’re encouraged that 80% of departments are documenting one decontamination method after exposure, but we cannot stress enough the importance of increasing that number to 100% and establishing multiple decontamination procedures as the gold standard.”

    Decontamination metrics are now available in ESO’s static benchmarking dashboards. This enhancement allows fire departments nationwide to compare themselves with peers and enables ESO to better monitor prevention effectiveness.

    The release of the 2025 Fire Service Index follows ESO’s receipt of the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) V1 Compatible Badge, which ensures Fire Incident customers remain compliant with the new standard. To access the 2025 ESO Fire Service Index, click here. To learn more about ESO, visit www.eso.com.

    Methodology and Limitations
    The dataset for the 2025 ESO Fire Service Index report is real-world data, compiled and aggregated from 7,919,600 incidents that occurred in calendar year 2024 across the United States. There are no universal rules designed around these trends. The purpose of the Index is to be informative and directional, but it is not intended to be a scientific study—nor is it intended to be comprehensive in nature. ESO hopes this Index serves as a body of literature that adds to the discussion and conversation around best practices for each of the selected metrics to help improve community health and safety.

    About ESO
    ESO (ESO Solutions, Inc.) is dedicated to improving community health and safety through the power of data. Since its founding in 2004, the company continues to pioneer innovative, user-friendly software to meet the changing needs of today’s EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals, and state and federal offices. ESO currently serves thousands of customers across the globe with a broad software portfolio, including the state-of-the-art Logis IDS CAD solution, industry-leading ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR), the next-generation ePCR; ESO Health Data Exchange (HDE), the first-of-its-kind health care interoperability platform; ESO Fire RMS, the modern fire Record Management System; ESO Patient Registry (trauma, burn and stroke registry software); and ESO State Repository. ESO is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.eso.com.

    Media Contact:
    For ESO,
    Hope Sander
    Red Fan Communications
    eso@redfancommunications.com
    737-280-8783

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TN Member Op-Ed: Trump Chose the Right Man to Help Make American Agriculture Great Again

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tennessee members of the House of Representatives published an op-ed in Agri-Pulse titled, “Trump Chose the Right Man to Help Make American Agriculture Great Again”. In the op-ed the members argue that Judge Stephen Vaden, a West Tennessee native, is the right choice to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    Trump Chose the Right Man to Help Make American Agriculture Great Again
    By: Reps. David Kustoff (TN-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Andy Ogles (TN-05), John Rose (TN-06), and Mark Green (TN-07)

    As Tennessee members of the House of Representatives, we are honored to support the nomination of Stephen Alexander Vaden as deputy secretary of the Department of Agriculture. 

    A native of west Tennessee, Vaden is currently serving a lifetime appointment as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade. Vaden combines a wealth of legal expertise, extensive agricultural experience, and a nuanced understanding of global trade. These qualities make him exceptionally suited to help lead the USDA in advancing policies that serve American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

    President Donald Trump has always been a champion for rural America. His nomination of Vaden reinforces that commitment. By selecting a farmer from rural west Tennessee, Trump is placing a leader in his administration who deeply understands the realities of rural life and the agricultural industry.

    Vaden grew up on his family farm in Union City, Tennessee. It was there that he developed a deep appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and challenges that American farmers face every day. Today, he continues to manage operations there, carrying forward his family’s agricultural legacy. Vaden understands firsthand the hardships of fluctuating commodity prices, rising input prices, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment. These experiences have fueled his passion for ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and thriving industry.

    Throughout his career, Vaden has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for America’s producers. As general counsel at USDA during Trump’s first term, he led efforts to streamline regulatory processes to better serve rural communities and implemented the 2018 farm bill. His focus on expanding international markets and advocating for free trade will be crucial for the future of agriculture. With the U.S. set to hit a record agricultural trade deficit, Vaden’s leadership will be essential in addressing this imbalance and leveling the playing field for American farmers.

    What further distinguishes Vaden is his service as a federal judge. Vaden was nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate to serve on the U.S. Court of International Trade. His legal skill and in-depth knowledge of trade law enable him to offer sound guidance to the USDA as it develops effective policies and regulations. In this day and age, international market forces are rapidly shifting, and the agricultural sector is facing increased volatility. Vaden’s ability to ensure both efficient and fair executive practices will prove vital for domestic producers. As a judge, he has presided over key trade cases, including rulings on unfair trade practices and import restrictions that posed a threat to domestic producers. These decisions have directly strengthened the stability of U.S. agriculture in an increasingly competitive global market.

    In Tennessee, agriculture is not just an industry but a way of life. We look forward to having a deputy secretary who understands the unique challenges facing our rural communities. With his roots in Union City, Vaden is uniquely qualified to advocate for policies that will keep our farms competitive on the global stage. In the coming years, Vaden’s leadership will be crucial as Congress negotiates a new farm bill that addresses labor issues, improves market access, and strengthens the resilience of our supply chains.

    We are confident that Vaden’s confirmation will be a crucial step in securing a prosperous future for the Americans who feed, clothe, and fuel the world. Trump has chosen the right man to help make American agriculture great again.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Pushes Back on Proposed Shipping Fees That Would Hurt Kansas Businesses, Farmers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Recently, Representative Sharice Davids urged U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to amend a new shipping policy that would hurt Kansas businesses, farmers, and U.S. national security. The plan would impose massive fees on American shipping companies that rely on foreign-built ships — costs so high that Merriam-based Seaboard Corporation warns that its Marine Division could be forced out of business.

    “While I support strengthening America’s shipbuilding industry and the American workers employed by the sector, I am concerned that the Proposed Action, as currently written, will have unintended consequences that would be devastating for United States-owned international ocean carriers and employment at dozens of ports around the country,” wrote Davids. “I urge you to consider the broader impacts on the U.S. shipping and agriculture industries as USTR moves ahead with the Section 301 process.”

    The initial policy — outlined in Section 301 Investigation of China’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance — is meant to boost American shipbuilding, but Davids and industry experts warn it could backfire, leaving fewer shipping options for U.S. exporters, driving up costs, disrupting supply chains, and giving Chinese companies an advantage. Davids is urging the USTR to amend the policy to protect U.S.-owned shipping companies while also encouraging the long-term growth of American shipbuilding. 

    “Kansas Farm Bureau fully supports Rep. Sharice Davids’ efforts to ensure U.S.-owned shipping companies and their customers, which include farmers and ranchers, aren’t caught in the crosshairs of misguided policy,” said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau. “We support efforts to increase America’s competitiveness in shipbuilding, but the USTR’s existing plan would raise shipping costs, destroy jobs and make Kansas agricultural products less competitive in global markets.”

    Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company based in Merriam, Kansas, owns Seaboard Marine, the largest U.S.-owned international shipping carrier. The company says that under the proposed policy, they and other U.S.-owned shipping companies would be forced to pay enormous fees — up to $1.5 million every time a foreign-built ship docks at a U.S. port, even if the ship was bought when no such rule existed. Additional penalties would apply to companies that have already ordered new ships from foreign shipyards, further squeezing U.S. businesses.

    The impact wouldn’t just be felt in the shipping industry. Kansas farmers rely on global shipping to export crops and import necessary supplies like fertilizer and seed. In 2022, Kansas exported $7.2 billion in agricultural products. If shipping options shrink or costs rise, farmers could be left paying more or struggling to sell their goods abroad.

    Right now, the U.S. does not have enough shipbuilding capacity to meet the demand for new commercial vessels. Only ten container ships were built in the U.S. between 2010 and 2023. Davids argues that without a reasonable transition period, U.S. shipping companies will be forced out of business while foreign competitors gain even more market control. She continues to advocate for policies that protect Kansas businesses, create good jobs, and strengthen America’s position in global trade.

    Read a full copy of Davids’ letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Providing farmworkers with health insurance is worth it for their employers − new research

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By John Lowrey, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain and Health Sciences, Northeastern University

    Farmworkers at Del Bosque Farms pick and pack melons on a mobile platform in Firebaugh, Calif., in July 2021. AP Photo/Terry Chea

    Agricultural employers who provide farmworkers with health insurance earn higher profits, even after accounting for the cost of that coverage. In addition, farmworkers who get health insurance through their employers are more productive and earn more money than those who do not.

    These are the key findings from our study published in the March 2025 issue of the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.

    To conduct this research, we crunched over three decades of data from the Labor Department’s National Agricultural Workers Survey. We focused on California, the nation’s largest producer of fruits, nuts and other labor-intensive agricultural products in the U.S., from 1989 to 2022.

    We determined that if 20% more farmworkers got health insurance coverage, they would have earned $23,063 a year in 2022, up from $22,482 if they did not. Their employers, meanwhile, would earn $7,303 in net profits per worker annually in this same scenario, versus $6,598.

    Why it matters

    Roughly half of California’s agricultural employers are facing labor shortages at a time when the average age of U.S. farmworkers is also rising.

    Some of them, including grape producers, are responding by investing more heavily in labor-saving equipment, which helps reduce the need for seasonal manual labor. However, automated harvesting isn’t yet a viable or affordable option for labor-intensive specialty crops such as melons and strawberries.

    Despite labor shortages, agricultural employers may be reluctant to increase total compensation for farmworkers. They may also be wary of providing additional benefits such as health insurance for two main reasons.

    First, seasonal workers are, by definition, transient, meaning that the employer who provides coverage may not necessarily be the same one who benefits from a healthier worker. Second, it costs an employer money but doesn’t necessarily benefit them in the future if the worker moves on.

    Most U.S. farmworkers are immigrants from Mexico or Central America. Roughly 42% are immigrants who are in the U.S. without legal authorization, down from 55% in the early 2000s.

    As the share of farmworkers who are unauthorized immigrants has declined, the share who are U.S. citizens – including those born here – has grown and now stands at about 39%.

    The low wages farmworkers earn offer little incentive for more U.S. citizens and permanent residents to take these jobs. These jobs might become more attractive if employers offered health care coverage to protect the health of the worker and their household.

    Farmworkers who lack legal authorization to be in the U.S. are not eligible for private health insurance policies, and many can’t enroll in Medicaid, a government-run health insurance program that’s primarily for low-income Americans and people with disabilities. Regardless, some employers do take steps to help them gain access to health care services. As of 2025, a large share of farmworkers remain uninsured, including many citizens and immigrants with legal status.

    Limited access to health care is an unfortunate reality for farmworkers, whose jobs are physically demanding and dangerous. In addition, farmworkers are paid at or near the minimum wage and are constantly searching for their next employment opportunity. This uncertainty causes high levels of stress, which can contribute to chronic health issues such as hypertension.

    What still isn’t known

    It is hard to estimate the effect of employer-provided health insurance on workers and employers, since labor market outcomes are a result of highly complex interactions.

    For example, wages, productivity and how long someone keeps their job are highly interdependent variables determined by the interaction between what workers seek and what employers offer. And wages do not always reflect a worker’s skills and abilities, as some people are more willing to accept a job with low pay if their compensation includes good benefits such as health insurance.

    The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Providing farmworkers with health insurance is worth it for their employers − new research – https://theconversation.com/providing-farmworkers-with-health-insurance-is-worth-it-for-their-employers-new-research-253200

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Peru’s ancient irrigation systems turned deserts into farms because of the culture − without it, the systems failed

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ari Caramanica, Assistant Professor of Archaeology, Vanderbilt University

    A pre-Hispanic canal funnels water from mountains to farm fields. Ari Caramanica

    Seeing the north coast of Peru for the first time, you would be hard-pressed to believe it’s one of the driest deserts in the world.

    Parts of the region receive less than an inch of rain in an entire year. Yet, water and greenery are everywhere. This is the nation’s agro-industrial heartland, and, thanks to irrigation canals, almost every inch of the floodplain is blanketed in lucrative export crops, such as sugarcane, asparagus and blueberries.

    However, the apparent success of this system masks an underlying fragility.

    Water shortages have plagued the region for centuries, and now modern climate change combined with agro-industrial practices have further intensified droughts. In response, the Peruvian government has invested billions of dollars in irrigation infrastructure in recent years designed to deliver more water from a resource more than 100 miles away: glaciers in the Andes.

    But the Andean glaciers are disappearing as global temperatures rise. Peru has lost over half its glacier surface area since 1962. At the same time, floods often connected to wet El Niño years are increasing in both frequency and intensity. These floods often destroy or obstruct critical irrigation infrastructure.

    Andean glaciers are disappearing as global temperatures rise. Peru lost over half its glacier surface area in the past half-century.
    mmphoto/DigitalVision via Getty Images

    As an archaeologist investigating societal responses to environmental and climate disaster in Peru, I’m interested in unraveling the histories of complex systems to understand how to improve similar systems today. To understand the Peruvian heartland’s vulnerabilities, it helps to look to the deep past.

    Most of the modern canal network originally dates to pre-Hispanic times, more than 1400 years ago. However, evidence suggests that while the canal systems of the past may have looked similar to those of the present, they functioned in more efficient, flexible ways. The key to adapting to our present and future climate may lie in comprehending the knowledge systems of the past – not just the equipment, technology or infrastructure, but how people used it.

    An environment of extremes

    The north coast of Peru is an environment of extremes.

    In this desert, thousands of years ago, societies encountered many of the same challenges posed by the modern climate crisis: expanding drylands, water scarcity, vulnerable food production systems, and frequent, intense natural disasters.

    Yet, people not only occupied this area for millennia, they thrived in it. Moche and Chimu societies created sophisticated, complex political and religious institutions, art and technology, and one of the largest pyramidal structures in the Americas.

    Relief of fish adorn an adobe wall in the historic Tschudi Complex archaeological site at Chan Chan, the former capital of the Chimu empire in Peru.
    FabulousFabs/Flickr, CC BY-NC

    When the Spanish arrived on the desert north coast of Peru shortly after 1532 C.E., early chroniclers remarked on the verdant, green valleys across the region.

    The Spanish immediately recognized the importance of the canal network. They had used similar canal technology in Spain for centuries. So, they set about conscripting Indigenous labor and adapting the irrigation system to their goals.

    Just a few decades later, however, historic records describe sand dunes and scrublands invading the green valleys, water shortages, and in 1578 a massive El Niño flood that nearly ended the young colony.

    So how did the Indigenous operation of this landscape succeed, where the Spanish and the modern-day agro-industrial complex have repeatedly failed?

    Culture was crucial for ancient canal systems

    Ancient beliefs, behaviors and norms – what archaeologists call culture – were fundamentally integrated into technological solutions in this part of Peru in ancient times. Isolating and removing the tools from that knowledge made them less effective.

    Scientists, policymakers and stakeholders searching for models of sustainable agriculture and climate adaptations can look to the archaeological record. Successfully applying past practices to today’s challenges requires learning about the cultures that put those tools to work effectively for so long, so long ago.

    The pre-Hispanic societies of Peru developed agricultural principles around the realities of the desert, which included both dry seasons and flash floods.

    Large-scale irrigation infrastructure was combined with low-cost, easily modified canals. Aqueducts doubled as sediment traps to capture nutrients. Canal branches channeled both river water and floodwater. Even check-dams – small dams used to control high-energy floods – worked in multiple ways. Usually made of mounded cobble and gravel, they reduced the energy of flash floods, captured rich sediments and recharged the water table.

    A drone’s view of sugarcane fields shows a pre-Hispanic adobe aqueduct on the right and small feeder canals in the modern fields.
    Ari Caramanica

    The initial failures of the Spanish on the north coast exemplify the problem of trying to adopt technology without understanding the cultural insights behind it: While they may be identical in form, a Spanish canal isn’t a Moche canal.

    Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow. The Moche and Chimu canal was tied to a complex labor system that synchronized cleaning and maintenance and prioritized the efficient use of water. What’s more, Moche canals functioned in tandem with floodwater diversion canals, which activated during El Niño events to create niches of agricultural productivity amid disasters.

    A handmade gate on a modern canal in northern Peru doesn’t seem that different from ancient canals, but the pre-Hispanic canal systems were generally more conceptually complex and interconnected.
    Ari Caramanica

    Desert farming required flexibility and multifunctionality from its infrastructure. Achieving that often meant forgoing impermeable materials and permanent designs, which stands in stark contrast to the way modern-day water management works are constructed.

    Copying ancient practices without the culture

    Today, the Peruvian government is pushing forward with a decades-old, multibillion-dollar project to deliver water to the north coast from a glacier-fed river.

    The Chavimochic project promises a grand transformation, turning desert into productive farmland. But it may be sacrificing long-term resilience for short-term prosperity.

    The project feeds on the temporary abundance of glacial meltwater. This is creating a water boom as the ice melts, but it will inevitably be followed by a devastating water bust as the glaciers all but disappear, which scientists estimate could happen by the end of the 21st century.

    Farmers sell locally grown corn and other crops at a street market in Piura, Peru.
    Christian Ender/Getty Images

    Meanwhile, sustainable land management practices of past Indigenous inhabitants continue to support ecosystems hundreds and even thousands of years later. Studies show higher levels of biodiversity, crucial to ecosystem health, near archaeological sites.

    On the Peruvian north coast, pre-Hispanic infrastructure continues to capture floodwater during El Niño events. When their modern-day fields are flooded or destroyed by these events, farmers will sometimes move their crops to areas surrounding archaeological remains where their corn, squash and bean plants can tap into the trapped water and sediments and safely grow without the need for further irrigation.

    Critics might point out the difficulty of scaling up ancient technologies for global applications, find them rudimentary, or would prefer to appropriate the design without bothering with understanding “the cultural stuff.”

    But this framing misses the bigger point: What made these technologies effective was the cultural stuff. Not just the tools but how they were used by the societies operating them. As long as modern engineering solutions try to update ancient technologies without considering the cultures that made them function, these projects will struggle.

    Understanding the past matters

    Archaeologists have an important role to play in building a climate-resilient future, but any meaningful progress would benefit from a historical approach that considers multiple ways of understanding the environment, of operating an irrigation canal and of organizing an agriculture-based economy.

    That approach, in my view, begins with saving indigenous languages, where cultural logic is deeply embedded, as well as preserving archaeological and sacred sites, and creating partnerships built on trust with the people who have worked with the land and whose cultures have adapted their practices to the changing climate for thousands of years.

    Ari Caramanica receives funding from The National Endowment for the Humanities.

    – ref. Peru’s ancient irrigation systems turned deserts into farms because of the culture − without it, the systems failed – https://theconversation.com/perus-ancient-irrigation-systems-turned-deserts-into-farms-because-of-the-culture-without-it-the-systems-failed-251199

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Individual arrested for charges related to importing prohibited weapons

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Petrolia, Ontario
    OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau | Canada Border Services Agency
    April 8, 2025

    An individual is facing 24 charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Customs Act (CA) after a package was intercepted containing seven prohibited weapons.

    On February 27, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a package destined for a location in Petrolia. The package contained seven prohibited weapons. The CBSA’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) engaged Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) members assigned to the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) for further investigation.

    On March 19, 2025, a warrant was executed by members from BEST, OPP-led Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, CBSA-OFSET and Lambton County OPP Community Street Crime Unit at a residence in Petrolia. As a result, investigators seized:

    • Brass knuckles
    • Two automatic opening knives
    • A brass knuckle knife
    • A centrifugal opening knife with a thumb stud
    • A conducted energy weapon
    • Three butterfly knives

    Phillip GRENDEL, age 32 of Petrolia, has been charged with the following offences contrary to the CC and CA:

    • Attempt to possess a prohibited weapon – seven counts
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon – two counts
    • Import a prohibited weapon knowing it’s unauthorized – seven counts
    • Unauthorized importation of a prohibited weapon – seven counts
    • Smuggling prohibited goods into Canada

    The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia on April 16, 2025.

    If you have any information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaims California Library Week 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 7, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring April 6 to April 12, 2025 as California Library Week.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    During National Library Week, we celebrate the essential services, resources, and opportunities that libraries and library workers provide for all Californians. Free and open to all, each of our 1,127 public libraries is a community hub for education and lifelong learning, health and wellness, civic engagement, and workforce and economic development.

    Libraries are gateways not just to learning but to new opportunities and ideas. Our state’s public libraries provide hundreds of thousands of programs each year and continually evolve and adapt to the needs of all Californians. They offer online tutoring, adult literacy programs, summer reading, test prep, resources for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM), early learning for infants and toddlers, meals for children, and services for job seekers.

    Libraries are community centers and shelters, serving as heating and cooling centers, technology and communication providers, and safe places during emergencies. They provide free Wi-Fi and offer collaborative workspaces, career centers, quiet spaces for studying, and community gardens.

    But the heart and soul of California’s libraries are the workers who help people of all ages and all backgrounds access the resources, programs, and services they need and serve as a key source for trusted information. Librarians help us start new chapters at every stage of our lives, from showing us the magic of reading as children to teaching us new skills in our golden years, with expanded digital access offering more opportunities than ever before.

    School and library book challenges have been on the rise for some time, many targeting LGBTQ+ authors and writers of color. But now libraries themselves – and their critical programs and supports – are under attack, too. Now more than ever, we must celebrate and support the vital role that libraries, and all that they offer, play in keeping Californians informed and supported. These institutions house millions of books and materials that reflect the breadth of our rich diversity and defend the essential role of public libraries in protecting intellectual freedom.

    In California, we know libraries hold more than books — they are the heart of our communities. During National Library Week, we honor our libraries and the dedicated library workers who offer endless possibilities to enrich the lives of Californians across the state.

    NOW THEREFORE I, ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Acting Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim proclaim April 6 to April 12, 2025 as “California Library Week.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 3rd day of April 2025.

    ELENI KOUNALAKIS

    Acting Governor of California

    ATTEST:

    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.

    Secretary of State

    Recent news

    Apr 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: CAL FIRE is launching a new campaign supporting Californians to take steps now – including home hardening and defensible space – to prepare for peak fire season. SACRAMENTO – “Prepare your home and property! Start at the house and work your…

    Apr 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: As National Library Week begins, California is suing the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to the state’s libraries were terminated abruptly when the federal administration illegally dismantled a federal agency….

    Apr 5, 2025

    News Family farmers share how these cuts will harm their businesses and communities What you need to know: Governor Newsom sent a letter of appeal today to the Department of Agriculture asking for a reversal of the termination of $47 million meant to support…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With peak fire season on horizon, California launches statewide wildfire preparedness campaign

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 7, 2025

    What you need to know: CAL FIRE is launching a new campaign supporting Californians to take steps now – including home hardening and defensible space – to prepare for peak fire season.

    SACRAMENTO – “Prepare your home and property! Start at the house and work your way out.” Millions of Californians will soon see that message as the state launches a new wildfire preparedness campaign to support preparation efforts for fire season.

    As California heads into peak wildfire season, CAL FIRE is urging residents across the state to take proactive steps now to protect their homes and communities. Today’s campaign launch follows Governor Newsom’s action last month proclaiming a state of emergency to fast-track critical projects protecting communities from wildfire, ahead of peak fire season. 

    2025 has already seen an unprecedented start to the year with January’s Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles. These fires rank as the second and third most destructive in California’s history, underpinning the importance of acting now to prepare one’s family, property, and community for wildfire.

    The Los Angeles fires are a stark reminder of the year-round threat wildfire poses for our communities. As we head into peak fire season, we’re ramping up efforts to communicate with those in areas where preparedness measures like home hardening and defensible space can save lives. Now is the time to prepare your home and property.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This year’s campaign emphasizes two essential strategies in wildfire preparedness: home hardening and defensible space. Now through late May residents across the state will see digital and social media advertising, posters and materials at hardware and convenience stores, and messaging at gas pumps and other popular locations in Wildland Urban Interface communities. Outreach will be delivered in both English and Spanish to reach as many Californians as possible.

    Creating a five foot buffer zone of defensible space, known as Zone 0, and taking steps to harden your home has been scientifically proven to be the most effective way to increase the likelihood of your home surviving a wildfire.

    Governor Newsom has invested unprecedented resources into wildfire response and prevention, including nearly doubling CAL FIRE’s budget to $4 billion and investing 10x the amount than when the Governor took office for forest and land management. The state has also created the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, increased the use of prescribed burns, and implemented new technologies including AI and satellite technology to fight fires.

    Key tips to prepare for wildfire 

    Home hardening:

    • Install or upgrade to fire-resistant materials on roofs, vents, siding, windows, and decks.
    • Clear debris from roofs, gutters, vents, and under decks.
    • Seal all cracks and openings larger than 1/8 inch to prevent embers from entering the home.

    Defensible space:

    • Maintain a 5-foot ember-resistant zone immediately around the home—no flammable vegetation or materials.
    • Maintain 100 feet of defensible space, including trimming trees, cutting grasses, and removing dead vegetation.
    • Store combustible items (firewood, propane tanks, vehicles) at least 30 feet away from structures.

    To make preparation easier, CAL FIRE offers the firePLANNER tool at ReadyForWildfire.org, where residents can:

    • Create a custom wildfire readiness plan.
    • Access checklists, safety tips, and alerts.
    • Stay informed with real-time wildfire and evacuation updates.

    Now is the time to act. Start at the house and work your way out. Learn more at ReadyForWildfire.org. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: As National Library Week begins, California is suing the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to the state’s libraries were terminated abruptly when the federal administration illegally dismantled a federal agency….

    Apr 5, 2025

    News Family farmers share how these cuts will harm their businesses and communities What you need to know: Governor Newsom sent a letter of appeal today to the Department of Agriculture asking for a reversal of the termination of $47 million meant to support…

    Apr 5, 2025

    News California Just a Nevada-Sized Economy Away from Overtaking Germany and Japan as World’s No. 3 Economy— Bloomberg News SACRAMENTO — As President Trump threatens the U.S. economy with reckless tariffs and rising uncertainty, Governor Gavin Newsom announced new…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California sues Trump administration after funding for critical library services threatened

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 7, 2025

    What you need to know: As National Library Week begins, California is suing the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to the state’s libraries were terminated abruptly when the federal administration illegally dismantled a federal agency.

    Sacramento, California – As National Library Week begins, Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to state libraries were terminated abruptly through the Trump administration’s efforts to illegally shutter the agency that administers them. This threatens federal funding to California libraries that support library staff and critical library programs, including literacy and language tutoring and summer reading and activity programs.

    In California, we know libraries hold more than books. Libraries, and librarians, stand at the crossroads of opportunity and information, offering countless programs and supports for everyone in the community, from career help to free meals for children. An attack on libraries is an attack on communities – and California is fighting back.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Our libraries are hubs for learning, civic engagement, and community. They provide important services to Californians, from kids summer reading and meal programs, to programs that help families, seniors, and veterans navigate an increasingly digital world,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “On Friday, we sued the Trump Administration for unlawfully attempting to shutter the Institute of Museum and Library Services—a federal agency that supports libraries across the nation. This National Library Week, we recognize the essential role that libraries play in our communities and to preserve our rich cultural heritage, and vow to continue the fight to ensure that all Californians can access the public services libraries provide our communities every day.”

    Executive Order No. 14238 continues the Trump administration’s unlawful attack on several Congressionally-established agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which supports educational and cultural institutions and programs across the country. Through IMLS’s Grants to States Program, the California State Library received $15.7 million in federal funding to support statewide library programs and staffing – less than 40 cents per Californian. Over 21 percent of that funding has yet to be sent to California. 

    IMLS funds support numerous programs that serve all Californians – especially lower-income families, seniors, and veterans. These funds also help expand access to the Career Online High School program that enables adults to earn their high school diplomas through local libraries, and the Braille and Talking Book Library that ensures that visually impaired Californians have free access to books in accessible formats. If the Order stands, all functions and staff positions paid for with IMLS funding will be at risk. 

    Attorney General Bonta joined the lawsuit alongside the attorneys general of New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

    This is California’s 12th lawsuit against the Trump administration. A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

    More on California’s State Library

    With IMLS funding, the State Library works with the 1,127 libraries across the state to provide high-quality literacy and summer programs, high-speed broadband, disaster preparedness, early learning, homework help, teen services, career resources, and collections. It supports transparency, providing free and open access to government information through the Federal and State Depository Library Programs. The State Library also maintains and expands the Braille and Talking Book Library, providing audio and braille books, magazines, and descriptive videos to blind and print disabled Californians. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 5, 2025

    News Family farmers share how these cuts will harm their businesses and communities What you need to know: Governor Newsom sent a letter of appeal today to the Department of Agriculture asking for a reversal of the termination of $47 million meant to support…

    Apr 5, 2025

    News California Just a Nevada-Sized Economy Away from Overtaking Germany and Japan as World’s No. 3 Economy— Bloomberg News SACRAMENTO — As President Trump threatens the U.S. economy with reckless tariffs and rising uncertainty, Governor Gavin Newsom announced new…

    Apr 4, 2025

    News “California is not Washington, D.C.” What you need to know:As President Trump’s tariffs take effect, Governor Gavin Newsom is pursuing new strategic partnerships with international trading partners while calling for California-made products to be excluded from…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Community Involvement Committee on Greening announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Community Involvement Committee on Greening announced 
         The new non-official members are Dr Edmond Cheng Kam-wah, Ms Linda Ho Wai-ping, Ms Venus Kuk Wing-yee, Ms Grace Kwok May-han, Mr Lam Tak-shing, Dr Louis Lee Shing-him, Mr Warren Luk Hua and Dr Tse Wai-lok. The reappointed non-official members are Miss Linda Choy Siu-min, Dr Tony Ip Chung-man, Miss Trazy Kong Lok-yi, Ms Florence Tsui Ho-fun, Mr Wong Chung-leung and Ms Idy Wong Lai-yin.
     
         A spokesman for the DEVB said, “The CICG comprises members from various sectors including community, construction/property management, education, green groups/industry bodies and public relations. The Committee offers valuable insights and advice on the promotion of our greening efforts and related community involvement activities.”
     
         The spokesman also expressed gratitude to the nine outgoing non-official members, Dr Johnnie Chan Chi-kau, Ms Chan Man-kuen, Mr Cheng Ka-ho, Mr Cheung Yung-pong, Dr Jeffrey Hung Oi-shing, Ms Una Lau Yuk-min, Dr Caroline Law Man-yee, Dr Angie Ng Ying-sim and Ms Poon Wing-yi, for their invaluable advice and contributions to the CICG during their tenure.
     
         Appointed by the Secretary for Development, members of the CICG advise the DEVB on measures to encourage quality greening and nurture a culture of tree care through civic education and community involvement activities. The membership of the new term of the CICG is set out below:
     
    Chairman
    ————
    Permanent Secretary for Development (Works)
     
    Non-official members
    —————————
    *Dr Edmond Cheng Kam-wah
    Miss Linda Choy Siu-min
    *Ms Linda Ho Wai-ping
    Dr Tony Ip Chung-man
    Miss Trazy Kong Lok-yi
    *Ms Venus Kuk Wing-yee
    *Ms Grace Kwok May-han
    *Mr Lam Tak-shing
    *Dr Louis Lee Shing-him
    *Mr Warren Luk Hua
    *Dr Tse Wai-lok
    Ms Florence Tsui Ho-fun
    Mr Wong Chung-leung
    Ms Idy Wong Lai-yin
     
    Official Members
    ———————
    Secretary for Education or representative
    Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation or representative
    Director of Civil Engineering and Development or representative
    Director of Environmental Protection or representative
    Director of Home Affairs or representative
    Director of Housing or representative
    Director of Leisure and Cultural Services or representative
    Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) 1
     
    Secretary
    ————
    Head of Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section
     
    * New non-official members
    Issued at HKT 11:03

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government of India Procures 100 Lakh Bales of Cotton Under MSP Operations through its Nodal Agency

    Source: Government of India

    Government of India Procures 100 Lakh Bales of Cotton Under MSP Operations through its Nodal Agency

    38% of total cotton arrivals procured under MSP operations up to March 31, 2025

    Rs 37,450 crore paid to cotton farmers

    Telangana leads with 40 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra WITH 30 lakh bales and Gujarat WITH 14.02 lakh bales

    508 procurement centers operational

    Direct Aadhaar-linked payments and digital tracking through the Cott-Ally mobile app

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

    In current cotton season 2024-25, up to March 31, 2025, Government of India, through its nodal agency, the Cotton Corporation of India Ltd. (CCI) under Ministry of Textiles has successfully procured 525 lakh quintals of seed cotton, equivalent to 100 lakh bales, under Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations. This procurement accounts for 38% of the total cotton arrivals of 263 lakh bales and 34% of the estimated total cotton production of 294.25 lakh bales in the country.

    Among the states, Telangana has recorded the highest procurement at 40 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra with 30 lakh bales and Gujarat with 14 lakh bales. Other states with significant procurement include Karnataka (5 lakh bales), Madhya Pradesh (4 lakh bales), Andhra Pradesh (4 lakh bales), and Odisha (2 lakh bales). Procurement in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab stands at 1.15 lakh bales.  In total, Rs.37,450 crore has been paid to approximately 21 lakh cotton farmers across all  cotton producing states.

    The MSP mechanism continues to provide remunerative prices to cotton farmers, protecting them from distress sales when market prices fall below the MSP. To facilitate efficient procurement, CCI has opened 508 procurement centers nationwide. Several digital initiatives have been implemented, including on-spot Aadhaar authentication, SMS notifications for payments and 100% direct payments through the National Automated Clearing House (NACH).   The Cott-Ally mobile app, available in nine regional languages, enables farmers to access real-time information on MSP rates, procurement centers, and payment tracking.   Further, all cotton bales produced by CCI are traceable via QR codes, by using Block-chain technology to ensure transparency and accountability.

    Government of India remains committed to safeguard interests of cotton farmers through a fair, transparent and efficient procurement process.

    ***

    Dhanya Sanal K, IIS

    Director

    (Release ID: 2120025) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Future of the common agricultural policy – E-001315/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001315/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    The discussions at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 24 March reflected Member States’ concerns over the Vision for Agriculture and Food, published by the European Commission on 19 February.

    While I strongly support the idea of bureaucratic simplification promised by the Commission, I believe that this should not mean amalgamating completely different areas, and I am convinced, as Vice-President of the Committee on Security and Defence, that the increased funding needed to strengthen the EU’s defensive capacities must not come at the expense of food security and the sacrificing of EU citizens’ living standards, so would call on the Commission to answer the following questions:

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to maintain, in the period after 2027, an independent budget for the common agricultural policy of an amount at least equal to that of the current multiannual financial framework, based on the two pillars of direct aids and rural development funding?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s position on the requests made by representatives of Romania and other Member States to: a) include purchases of breeding animals among the expenditure eligible for EU funding; b) review the current rules so as to support the modernisation of fishing fleets?

    Submitted: 31.3.2025

    Last updated: 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Director banned after securing Covid loans for takeaway and parcel delivery company which never traded

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Director banned after securing Covid loans for takeaway and parcel delivery company which never traded

    He made false statements on his applications for Bounce Back Loans

    • Adam Ebrahim set up two companies which were intended to be a takeaway and separate business delivering packages, but neither began trading  

    • Despite this, Ebrahim made two false applications for Covid Bounce Back Loans in 2020, claiming the companies had annual incomes of hundreds of thousands of pounds 

    • Ebrahim has been banned as a company director until April 2038 following investigations by the Insolvency Service

    A director has been banned after securing £100,000 in Covid support funds for a takeaway and delivery company which never traded. 

    Adam Ebrahim was the director of Chicken Grill Cottage Ltd and Presto Delivery Ltd, which had registered office addresses in Uxbridge and the Docklands area of London. 

    Ebrahim falsely claimed that the two companies had a turnover of £400,000 and £235,000 when he made the applications for Bounce Back Loans in 2020. 

    He then transferred the loan funds to his personal account, breaking the rules of the scheme again. 

    Ebrahim, of Trevelyan Gardens, London, was banned as a director for 13 years at a hearing of the High Court in London on Tuesday 18 March. 

    His ban started on Tuesday 8 April. 

    The 41-year-old was also ordered to pay £9,555 in costs. 

    Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Adam Ebrahim exploited the Bounce Back Loan Scheme by securing two maximum-value loans for companies which never began trading. 

    “Ebrahim made matters worse by pocketing the funds when the loans were not supposed to be used for personal purposes. 

    “Tackling Bounce Back Loan misconduct remains a key priority for the Insolvency Service more than five years on from the start of the pandemic and we will continue to take action against those who stole from the public purse during a national emergency.

    Ebrahim made the false applications to two separate banks for £50,000 Bounce Back Loans for Chicken Grill Cottage in May 2020 and Presto Delivery in September of that year. 

    Both companies were incorporated in 2019 but never began trading. 

    Chicken Grill Cottage and Presto Delivery entered liquidation on the same day in June 2022 owing more than £100,000 combined. 

    The disqualification order prevents Ebrahim from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Companies House starts to verify identities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Companies House starts to verify identities

    The voluntary period for identity verification is open for business. More than 6 million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year. This phased approach reduces the burden on companies.

    Today (8 April 2025) sees the launch of a new service that allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login. People can also verify their identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

    The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This landmark legislation gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth. 

    Identity verification will provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK. There will be the same level of assurance whether individuals are verifying their identity directly with Companies House or through an ACSP.

    Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE said:

    Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.

    To save time later, we encourage directors, people with significant control of companies (PSCs) and those filing information with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window.

    We expect identity verification to become mandatory from autumn 2025.

    To reduce the burden on business, the identity verification requirement for existing directors will be integrated into the annual confirmation statement update process.

    Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets Justin Madders MP said:

    In a time where economic crime has become too common, it is imperative that we bring in measures to prevent identities being stolen online and today marks a significant milestone in our plans to require identity verification for those setting up and running companies on the Companies House register later this year.

    This is good for business, lenders and transparency and will give companies, consumers and lenders more certainty about who they are doing business with.

    AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark MP said:

    Ensuring trust and transparency in the digital age is vital and today marks an important step forward. Identity verification at Companies House through our GOV.UK One Login service will make it easier to do business with confidence – protecting entrepreneurs, consumers, and the UK economy from fraud and financial crime.

    By embracing digital identity checks, we’re reducing red tape while strengthening our defences against abuse of the system. This is a win for businesses, a win for transparency, and a win for economic growth – a key driver for our Plan for Change.

    Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

    The introduction of these new security measures will be welcomed by the thousands of genuine businesses who want to know that fraudsters and criminals cannot masquerade as legitimate concerns.

    Protecting the names of good firms and making it harder for those with dishonest motives to set up a business can only be a good thing.

     Thom Townsend, Executive Director, Open Ownership said:

    Open Ownership welcomes the introduction of identity verification for individuals listed on Companies House. This will make the information on Companies House more accurate, reliable, and ultimately more useful, and ensures the UK meets international standards.

    Ben Cowdock, Senior Investigations Lead, Transparency International said:

    We welcome the introduction of ID checks at Companies House, which should make it harder for criminals to hide behind false identities. Having greater assurance over who owns and controls companies is a vital step towards defending the UK against money laundering and building confidence in the business environment.

    Glenn Collins, Head of Technical and Strategic Engagement at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) said:

    At ACCA, we welcome the moves to improve and strengthen the integrity of the register, which includes the introduction of identity verification for anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK.

    We recognise that businesses, including agents will take some time to get used to the changes and extra requirement. We expect our members to be busy advising and helping companies of all sizes adapt to these new regulations and we look forward to continuing to work with Companies House to make sure of a good transition.

    Overall identify verification will help to reduce economic crime and improve corporate transparency. In doing so, it will contribute to the growth of the UK economy by helping businesses make better decisions.

    Patrick Walsh, Chair of the Business Informational Providers Association (BIPA) said:

    BIPA welcomes Companies House’s launch of the new identity verification measures, as set out in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. These are crucial steps towards realising the enhanced security and transparency that the Act aims to achieve.

    The implementation of these robust checks will deter fraud and bolster confidence in Companies House as the custodian of reliable business data.

    We believe these measures will strengthen the UK’s economy by fostering transparency and accountability across business sectors.

    BIPA remains committed to engaging with Companies House to ensure successful adoption and implementation of these important changes.

    The Law Society of England and Wales Company Law Committee said:

    The Law Society of England and Wales has been working closely with Companies House on the development of the new procedures for identity verification. We are pleased that Companies House is introducing the procedures on a staggered basis, which will give companies and LLPs the option to ensure their directors (or, in the case of LLPs, members) and PSCs complete the necessary checks ahead of time if they wish.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Wandile Sihlobo, Senior Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University

    The South African government has underscored the urgent need to diversify the country’s agricultural exports in the wake of the US decision to increase tariffs on its trading partners.

    The progress of South Africa’s agricultural sector has relied partly on exports, which now account for roughly half of the production in value terms. South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a new record of US$13.7 billion in 2024, up 3% from the previous year, according to data from Trade Map. South Africa also imports various agricultural products. In 2024, South Africa’s agricultural imports amounted to US$7.6 billion.

    The US accounts for 4% of South Africa’s agricultural exports. The biggest agricultural exports to the US are citrus, wine, grapes and nuts. These typically entered the US market duty free, and now fall under the tariff level of between 10% and 31% which Washington has levied on South Africa.

    The ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement after Washington’s move:

    Efforts will intensify to diversify export destinations, targeting markets across Africa, as well as in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Moreover, where deemed appropriate, such efforts will also involve bilateral arrangements that allow for the pursuance of our national interest.

    As a medium to longer term strategy this makes sense in the context of the trade friction with the US and the overall growth of South Africa’s agricultural sector. But export diversification will take time to achieve. New markets take time to open up because negotiations with countries, especially in agricultural products, are complex. For example, it took 16 years for South Africa to reopen Thailand for apple exports.

    Moreover, trade agreements typically take a minimum of five years to conclude.

    This means that, in the short term, the South African government will urgently be seeking to engage with Washington to maintain critical access to the US market. In their joint statement, the two departments managing the fallout said they would be seeking “additional exemptions and favourable quota agreements”.

    So what does the long-term strategy look like? And what are the building blocks that need to be put in place to secure diversified destinations for South Africa’s agricultural products in the future?

    As an agricultural economist who has looked at these issues for some time, I would recommend these three areas of focus.

    Firstly, South Africa trade authorities should put resources into understanding the opportunities in dynamic markets in the Gulf and Asia. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are some of the key markets in the Gulf. In Asia, China, India and Vietnam should remain priorities.

    Secondly, the agricultural sector and government need to develop better ways of working together. This will help ensure business relationships are cultivated in the countries that the government is engaging, and that there’s alignment between the commercial and political interests of the country.

    Thirdly, South Africa’s agricultural sector – government and organised agriculture – must get its house in order. For example, promoting livestock products won’t work unless the necessary disease controls are in place.

    Opportunities

    The African continent accounts for the biggest share of South African exports at 38%. The EU accounted for a 19% share in 2023. Asia and the Middle East accounted for a quarter of South Africa’s agricultural exports in the same year.

    Asia and the Far East, in particular China, have already been identified as key growth areas. Even though Asia and the Middle East are strong destination points, huge pockets of opportunity remain in terms of products and countries.

    The Brics grouping remains crucial in this endeavour. Here, the South African government must have a sharper focus on lowering import tariffs and phytosanitary barriers in countries such as China, India and Saudi Arabia.

    China is the biggest opportunity, largely because of its population and economic size. China, the world’s second largest economy after the US, must feed 1.4 billion people. To do this, China is a huge importer, resulting in an agricultural trade deficit with the rest of the world of about US$117 billion. This suggests there’s a gap for countries with good agricultural offerings.

    Vietnam and India also have sizeable populations. Importantly, South Africa remains a small participant in their agricultural markets.

    The sectors worth targeting include horticulture and wine producers. Expanding exports in these sectors has been a long-running talking point. Now there’s a need for renewed energy and urgency from the government officials’ side.

    The livestock industry is also geared to promote its exports.

    In the short term

    Agricultural stakeholders can play a constructive role in supporting the government’s efforts to engage the US. Stakeholders can assess the impact of the increased US tariff on their exports, mainly citrus, grapes, wine, and nuts, among other products, as well as the impact on jobs in their regions.

    There is also scope to provide more flexibility for American products in the South African market to ease current trade tensions. For example, South Africa currently allows US exporters to sell over 70,000 tonnes of poultry products into the country without any tariff. However, US poultry producers have only used less than 60% of this quota. One reason for this is the low-quality products that have not met the South African specifications. Hence the need to seek negotiating points.

    Next steps

    Trade is about trade-offs and backing the correct winners.

    Both organised agriculture – commodity associations – and business must work together to define new priorities for the country and how these can be pursued internationally.

    Negotiating free trade agreements should be the mainstay of trade policy. South Africa has excelled in opening up new markets in the past 20 years, by concluding several free trade agreements with critical regional and international markets. These include deals with the Southern African Development Community countries as well as the region’s agreement with the European Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    It needs to expand this list.

    But free trade agreements require hard choices over which industries a country is prepared to place on the table for possible trade-offs while building long-term competitiveness in sectors that can be major drivers for growth.

    Government must engage the various agricultural sectors about their key priorities and what trade-offs they’re prepared to consider.

    Wandile Sihlobo is the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).

    – ref. Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariff-hikes-and-south-africa-hunt-for-new-agricultural-markets-must-begin-now-253984

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Wandile Sihlobo, Senior Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University

    The South African government has underscored the urgent need to diversify the country’s agricultural exports in the wake of the US decision to increase tariffs on its trading partners.

    The progress of South Africa’s agricultural sector has relied partly on exports, which now account for roughly half of the production in value terms. South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a new record of US$13.7 billion in 2024, up 3% from the previous year, according to data from Trade Map. South Africa also imports various agricultural products. In 2024, South Africa’s agricultural imports amounted to US$7.6 billion.

    The US accounts for 4% of South Africa’s agricultural exports. The biggest agricultural exports to the US are citrus, wine, grapes and nuts. These typically entered the US market duty free, and now fall under the tariff level of between 10% and 31% which Washington has levied on South Africa.

    The ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement after Washington’s move:

    Efforts will intensify to diversify export destinations, targeting markets across Africa, as well as in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Moreover, where deemed appropriate, such efforts will also involve bilateral arrangements that allow for the pursuance of our national interest.

    As a medium to longer term strategy this makes sense in the context of the trade friction with the US and the overall growth of South Africa’s agricultural sector. But export diversification will take time to achieve. New markets take time to open up because negotiations with countries, especially in agricultural products, are complex. For example, it took 16 years for South Africa to reopen Thailand for apple exports.

    Moreover, trade agreements typically take a minimum of five years to conclude.

    This means that, in the short term, the South African government will urgently be seeking to engage with Washington to maintain critical access to the US market. In their joint statement, the two departments managing the fallout said they would be seeking “additional exemptions and favourable quota agreements”.

    So what does the long-term strategy look like? And what are the building blocks that need to be put in place to secure diversified destinations for South Africa’s agricultural products in the future?

    As an agricultural economist who has looked at these issues for some time, I would recommend these three areas of focus.

    Firstly, South Africa trade authorities should put resources into understanding the opportunities in dynamic markets in the Gulf and Asia. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are some of the key markets in the Gulf. In Asia, China, India and Vietnam should remain priorities.

    Secondly, the agricultural sector and government need to develop better ways of working together. This will help ensure business relationships are cultivated in the countries that the government is engaging, and that there’s alignment between the commercial and political interests of the country.

    Thirdly, South Africa’s agricultural sector – government and organised agriculture – must get its house in order. For example, promoting livestock products won’t work unless the necessary disease controls are in place.

    Opportunities

    The African continent accounts for the biggest share of South African exports at 38%. The EU accounted for a 19% share in 2023. Asia and the Middle East accounted for a quarter of South Africa’s agricultural exports in the same year.

    Asia and the Far East, in particular China, have already been identified as key growth areas. Even though Asia and the Middle East are strong destination points, huge pockets of opportunity remain in terms of products and countries.

    The Brics grouping remains crucial in this endeavour. Here, the South African government must have a sharper focus on lowering import tariffs and phytosanitary barriers in countries such as China, India and Saudi Arabia.

    China is the biggest opportunity, largely because of its population and economic size. China, the world’s second largest economy after the US, must feed 1.4 billion people. To do this, China is a huge importer, resulting in an agricultural trade deficit with the rest of the world of about US$117 billion. This suggests there’s a gap for countries with good agricultural offerings.

    Vietnam and India also have sizeable populations. Importantly, South Africa remains a small participant in their agricultural markets.

    The sectors worth targeting include horticulture and wine producers. Expanding exports in these sectors has been a long-running talking point. Now there’s a need for renewed energy and urgency from the government officials’ side.

    The livestock industry is also geared to promote its exports.

    In the short term

    Agricultural stakeholders can play a constructive role in supporting the government’s efforts to engage the US. Stakeholders can assess the impact of the increased US tariff on their exports, mainly citrus, grapes, wine, and nuts, among other products, as well as the impact on jobs in their regions.

    There is also scope to provide more flexibility for American products in the South African market to ease current trade tensions. For example, South Africa currently allows US exporters to sell over 70,000 tonnes of poultry products into the country without any tariff. However, US poultry producers have only used less than 60% of this quota. One reason for this is the low-quality products that have not met the South African specifications. Hence the need to seek negotiating points.

    Next steps

    Trade is about trade-offs and backing the correct winners.

    Both organised agriculture – commodity associations – and business must work together to define new priorities for the country and how these can be pursued internationally.

    Negotiating free trade agreements should be the mainstay of trade policy. South Africa has excelled in opening up new markets in the past 20 years, by concluding several free trade agreements with critical regional and international markets. These include deals with the Southern African Development Community countries as well as the region’s agreement with the European Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    It needs to expand this list.

    But free trade agreements require hard choices over which industries a country is prepared to place on the table for possible trade-offs while building long-term competitiveness in sectors that can be major drivers for growth.

    Government must engage the various agricultural sectors about their key priorities and what trade-offs they’re prepared to consider.

    – Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now
    – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariff-hikes-and-south-africa-hunt-for-new-agricultural-markets-must-begin-now-253984

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni chairs meeting at Palazzo Chigi on tariffs

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, chaired a meeting at Palazzo Chigi today to discuss in-depth the tariffs imposed by the United States and the possible implications for the Italian economy.

    The meeting was attended by the Vice-Presidents of the Council of Ministers, Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, the Minister for European Affairs, the NRRP and Cohesion Policy, Tommaso Foti, and Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano.

    During the meeting, the Ministers outlined to President Meloni the various proposals under consideration to support production chains and boost the competitiveness of businesses. Said proposals will be the focus of the discussions with production sectors to be held at Palazzo Chigi tomorrow, Tuesday 8 April.

    It was reaffirmed that a ‘trade war’ would not benefit anyone, neither the European Union nor the United States. The meeting highlighted the need to address this issue with determination and pragmatism, as any alarmism risks causing far more damage than that strictly linked to the tariffs.

    The meeting also discussed the necessary business support tools, addressing the Green Deal’s ideological rules that are difficult to agree with, and the need to simplify the regulatory framework.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rise in unlicensed wells and boreholes on West Country farms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Rise in unlicensed wells and boreholes on West Country farms

    The Environment Agency is warning farmers with private springs, wells and boreholes to check they are taking water legally from the environment.

    A water meter is needed to show how much water is being abstracted

    Farm inspectors are finding a lot of unlicensed abstraction taking place in Devon and Cornwall during routine farm inspections.

    Many farms rely on their own private water supply from springs, wells and boreholes. How much water is being taken is unmonitored – meaning farmers could be unknowingly breaching the allowed limit for abstraction without a licence. 

    Lisa Best, agriculture team leader for the Environment Agency in Devon and Cornwall, said:

    All landowners should know how much water they are abstracting and ensure they have the relevant licence if needed.  

    Abstracting water without the necessary licence or in breach of your licence conditions is an offence and could lead to enforcement action.  

    Taking 20,000 litres of water a day is enough to wash over 100 cars. Taking more water than you are permitted could impact on other users and damage the environment.

    The Environment Agency controls how much, where and when water is abstracted through our licensing system. Anyone taking 20 m3 of water per day or over is required to have an abstraction licence. Environment Agency farm inspectors have issued 70 actions to farmers over the past 2 years to install a meter to monitor how much water is being taken and apply for a licence where it is clear one is needed. 

    Abstraction licences have conditions on them to ensure the environment and the rights of other abstractors are protected. Our powers and duties enable us to regulate the use of water under existing licences and to decide whether to grant new ones. Where abstraction is damaging the environment, we also have the power to amend or revoke existing licences.  

    Climate change and population growth means there will be less available water with a greater demand for it. By 2050, the amount of water available could be down by 10-15%, with some rivers seeing 50-80% less water during the summer months. We all need to protect the environment by reducing the amount of water we use and ensuring greater efficiency in its use and re-use. 

    Background 

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Historic Danish public-private partnership with WFP expands home-grown school meals in East Africa

    Source: World Food Programme

    The three-year initiative is backed by US$40 million in co-financing from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Grundfos Foundation.

    COPENHAGEN – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is extending its partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, through a historic private-public sector collaboration that brings in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Grundfos Foundation, to expand home-grown school meals programme in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

    This partnership builds on WFP’s leading work on school meals globally to co-create a programme to deliver safe, nutritious, and locally sourced school meals, while also strengthening the climate resilience of smallholder farmers and promoting clean cooking solutions in schools. The partnership includes a strong focus on research and learning, leveraging expertise of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Grundfos Foundation.

    Running from January 2025 for three years, the initiative is backed by a historic USD 40 million in co-financing from the Danish Government and the two foundations – the first of its kind to WFP.

    Over the next three years, the initiative will reach 321,400 students in 375 schools across East Africa with nutritious home-grown meals. Around these schools, the partnership will build an ecosystem of support that ensures the long-term sustainability of the initiative. This includes establishing 1,300 school gardens, training 61,500 smallholder farmers in climate-smart food production and equipping schools with fuel-efficient cooking infrastructure.

    The partnership builds on an initial phase that ran from November 2022 to December 2024 in Rwanda and Uganda with an initial USD 4.1 million investment from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This second phase expands on the effort to include schools in Kenya’s Turkana County and scale up coverage in Uganda and Rwanda.

    The home-grown school meals programme is a flagship WFP initiative that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing both people and the planet: food insecurity and sustainable agricultural practices. The linking of school meal programmes to local agriculture creates stable markets for smallholder farmers, helps to foster job creation—particularly for women—and supports the transition to climate-smart agricultural techniques.

    It also supports the local governments’ national development agenda, aligning with broader momentum around the school meals in the region and globally through the School Meals Coalition, which WFP serves as the Secretariat.  In addition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities will be constructed or rehabilitated, cooks and school staff will receive training and public information campaigns will inform and educate the local communities. Government staff will also be trained to strengthen national capacity.

    This initiative underscores the commitment of WFP and its partners to fostering resilient food systems and ensuring that school meals provide not only essential nutrition but also long-term economic and environmental benefits. By connecting school meal procurement to local agriculture, the programme enhances food security, supports smallholder farmers, and strengthens local economies.

     

    Notes to Editor

    Quote attributable to Cindy McCain, Executive Director, UN World Food Programme: “School meals are so much more than just a plate of food – they are transformational programs that help vulnerable children to learn, communities to make a sustainable living and economies to grow and prosper. This pioneering partnership demonstrates how we can bring together expertise from the private and public sectors to create and fund innovative programs that address the root causes of hunger and support long-term resilience against food insecurity.”

    Quote attributable to Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO, Novo Nordisk Foundation: “By supporting homegrown school meal programmes we are able to address both human and planetary health through the advancement of nutritious meals and clean cooking methods in schools coupled with climate-smart agriculture. Schools hold great potential to be catalytic platforms for food systems transformation while improving the health and learning outcomes of children.”

    Quote attributable to Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark: “More can be achieved when government, business and civil society join hands and find solutions together. It is a top priority for the Danish government to build stronger partnerships between public and private actors. This partnership is a great example of that aspiration. It will not only provide nutritious and healthy meals for school children and help improve food security, but also build resilience and generate employment in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.”

    Quote attributable to Kim Nøhr Skibsted, Executive Director, Grundfos Foundation: “This partnership offers a unique opportunity to create lasting, sustainable change with a long-term impact on both children, youth and adults by leveraging the combined strengths of the partners. With this partnership water solutions for climate-smart production will be strengthened by expanding water access and providing climate adaptation solutions.”

    About the School Meals Coalition: The School Meals Coalition is a government-led network of over 100 governments, 6 regional and sub-regional bodies and over 140 partners committed to school meals. It drives actions to urgently improve and scale up school meal programmes to ensure that every child can receive a healthy, nutritious meal in school by 2030. WFP serves as the Secretariat to the School Meals Coalition. For more information, visit : SchoolMealsCoalition.org

    #                    #                       #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_dk @wfp_africa

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stormont spending £1,000 a week on photographers

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “Some weeks ago, I exposed the fact that Stormont departments were spending over £35,600 a week on hospitality.

    “Due to a more recent set of questions, I have established that since the restoration of the Executive £60,675.40  has been spent on photographers by government departments.

    “Importantly, this figure does not represent the entire spend as one Department particularly fond of photographs – that of the First and deputy First Minister – has failed to respond. The Executive Office was required by Assembly standing orders to respond a month ago. However, as so often happens with the Executive Office Ms O’Neill and Ms Pengelly have simply ignored their duty to respond to the question within the required time frame. This lack of response shows contempt for the people of North Antrim who I represent in the Assembly and it is a common occurrence when it comes to the Executive Office.

    “In terms of the departments which did reply it is noteworthy that while some of the figures spent by departments are relatively modest, there are other Ministers who appear to be very fond of photographers. Agriculture, for example, has spent just £5,211 with the majority of that (£2,903) going on “publicity material essential for the promotion and marketing of a variety of events including Careers Fairs and Open Days to encourage student enrolment and courses for the wider community and industries.”

    “Minister Mur’s party colleague Mrs Long, however, heads a department which spent £11,311 with no such explanation offered for a much larger sum.

    “The full breakdown of answers by Departments can be accessed here.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace Statement: Greenpeace corrects Federated Farmers’ impotent attack

    Source: Greenpeace

    In response to the “desperate bid” by Federated Farmers to curtail Greenpeace, the environmental heavyweight has issued a correction to the agri-industry lobby group’s “scurrilous complaint” made to the Charities Commission yesterday.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Niamh O’Flynn says, “It’s just another attempt to shut down dissent by Federated Farmers. The Feds are a lobby group for New Zealand’s biggest polluters, and this crack at peaceful protest is part of a global trend that we must not stand for.
    Greenpeace has faced polluters trying to shut us down for decades. Just like the French bombed the Rainbow Warrior 40 years ago to try to stop our opposition to nuclear testing in the Pacific, and the oil industry is currently trying to eliminate Greenpeace in the US, this is another, albeit impotent, attempt to curtail legitimate peaceful protest.”
    Greenpeace says that the Federated Farmers list of Greenpeace protests is far from comprehensive and omits dozens of examples of direct action that have played a key role in bringing about positive change in Aotearoa and beyond.
    O’Flynn says, “Greenpeace has a long history of taking direct action to highlight environmental injustices and stop polluting industries like Fonterra from harming the environment. Federated Farmers have curated a list of some of our most impactful actions – but they’ve left quite a few out and we want to set the record straight.”
    “Since the 1970s, Greenpeace has campaigned in Aotearoa and the Pacific to ensure that the environment is protected from harm by industries like nuclear weapons, fossil fuels, intensive dairy and commercial fishing that cause significant harm to our collective home. That means that sometimes we will put our bodies on the line to stop corporations from harming the planet.”
    “Importantly, many of our actions to highlight environmental injustice have led to changes that we pride ourselves on as a nation. The nuclear free campaigns of the 1970s and 80s led to New Zealand declaring itself nuclear free, and to the end of nuclear testing in the Pacific. The GE-free campaign led to New Zealand imposing a moratorium on GE crops. The campaign to end oil and gas exploration led to a ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration in Aotearoa. The campaign to stop the Ruataniwha Dam protected the rivers of the Hawke’s Bay from pollution from intensive dairy expansion, and prevented conservation land from being flooded to build a dam.
    “New Zealanders care deeply about nature and history shows that Greenpeace protests have protected that.. Our actions sit alongside long-fought legal battles, petitions, and mass protests and marches in the streets of New Zealand’s biggest cities.
    “We wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on our long history of actions that have succeeded in protecting nature from industries that seek to destroy it.”
    An expanded (but not comprehensive), list of key Greenpeace Aotearoa actions dating back to the 1970s is below.
    1970s:
    • In 1972, the Nuclear Campaign started with the first protest flotilla mobilisation to oppose and disrupt the French Government’s atmospheric nuclear weapons testing programme at Moruroa Atoll in Te Ao Maohi/French Polynesia. This was led by the boat (SV) Greenpeace III, previously named the Vega.
    • In 1973, a second, larger flotilla sailed to the Moruroa Atoll including the Vega. Sailing into the nuclear testing zone prevented the French from being able to detonate bombs.
    1980s:
    • In July 1985, the Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior was bombed in the Auckland Harbour following direct actions in the Pacific to oppose nuclear testing – including the evacuation of the people of Rongelap.
    • In September 1985, Greenpeace sent MV Greenpeace to protest against the French Government’s nuclear testing programme at Moruroa Atoll alongside a flotilla of New Zealand protest boats including SV Vega, SV Alliance, SV Varangian, and SV Breeze.
    1990s:
    • In 1995 Greenpeace once again sailed the Rainbow Warrior II into nuclear testing zones in Moruroa and Tahiti to protest the resumption of French nuclear testing.
    • In 1995, Greenpeace protested against CHOGM in Auckland over the impending execution of Ogoni environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa by the military regime that ruled Nigeria.
    • In 1997, Greenpeace activists blocked the Stratford gas-fired power station’s generators being unloaded in the Port of Taranaki
    • In 1998, during the SV Rainbow Warrior II tour, Greenpeace ‘unplugged’ Fletcher Challenge Energy’s seismic testing cabling in Taranaki.
    • During the 1990s, Greenpeace championed the creation of a 50 million square kilometre Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary around the Antarctic continent and launched a series of anti-whaling expeditions into the Southern Ocean to expose and confront the Japanese Government’s bogus ‘scientific’ whaling fleet operating there.
    2000s:
    • In December 2000, Greenpeace activists stopped the production of genetically engineered feed at a Tegel plant in Takanini.
    • In 2002, activists in Auckland scaled a waste incineration facility chimney, capped it, and locked on to highlight dioxin pollution.
    • In August 2003, Greenpeace activists boarded a coal ship in Tauranga in opposition to coal mining.
    • In 2004, the SV Rainbow Warrior II‘s crew used inflatable boats to disrupt the NZ bottom trawler, Ocean Reward, to stop it destroying deep-sea life while fishing in international waters in the Tasman Sea. They delayed the fishing vessel from deploying its trawl net by attaching an inflatable life-raft to it, running the gauntlet of being shot at with compressed air guns and sprayed with high pressure fire hoses by the Ocean Reward’s crew.
    • In May 2004, Greenpeace activists locked on to the Auckland McDonalds distribution centre gates over McDonalds’ use of GE feed.
    • In February 2005, Greenpeace activists occupied the roof of the Marsden B power station.
    • In July 2006, Greenpeace activists locked on to a Chinese bottom trawling ship in the Port of Nelson to prevent the destruction caused by the bottom trawling industry to the seafloor.
    • In October 2008, Greenpeace activists in Tokoroa locked on to logging equipment to stop conversion to pasture for intensive agriculture.
    • In October 2009, Greenpeace activists locked on to a palm kernel shipment in Taranaki to protest links to rainforest destruction and climate change.
    • In November 2009, Greenpeace activists shut down a pit of a New Vale lignite coal mine, used by Fonterra to help fuel operations at its nearby Edendale dairy factory.
    2010s
    • In May 2010, Greenpeace activists locked on to a Fonterra coal power plant in Clandeboye
    • In February 2011, Greenpeace activists locked on to a ship carrying palm kernel in New Plymouth to protest the links to rainforest destruction and climate change.
    • Also in 2011, a flotilla of boats from around the North Island, including the Te Whanau a Apanui fishing vessel San Pietro, began a landmark at-sea protest against offshore oil surveying by oil giant Petrobras that lasted 42 days.
    • In 2012, Greenpeace activists occupied the oil drilling ship The Noble Discoverer in Port Taranaki and camped on its tower for 77 hours, to protest the environmental destruction caused by oil drilling.
    • In 2013, as part of the Oil Free Seas Flotilla, Greenpeace activists broke the newly introduced Anadarko Amendment by sailing into the exclusion zone to confront oil giant Anadarko at sea.
    • In September 2016, Greenpeace ‘returned to sender’ the site office at the Ruataniwha Dam construction site. The activists removed the site office from its location near the Makaroro River, and returned it to the regional council who were promoting the dam’s construction. After a long campaign to prevent this dam from being built, the Council pulled its funding for the dam and the land exchange required to construct it was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court.
    • In 2016, Greenpeace and people from around the country blockaded Sky City which was hosting the annual oil industry conference.
    • In 2016 Greenpeace activists locked on board the NIWA taxpayer-funded climate and ocean research boat which had been chartered by petroleum giant Chevron to survey for oil in New Zealand waters
    • In August 2017, Greenpeace protestors spent 12 hours locked inside irrigation pipes in a bid to slow the construction of the Central Plains Water Scheme
    • In September 2017, Greenpeace activists staged a ‘lightning’ occupation of a dam construction site in Canterbury after facing legal threats from a big irrigation company.
    • The Amazon Warrior Sea Protest in 2017, where Greenpeace’s Executive Director Russel Norman and two others jumped into the ocean in front of the Amazon Warrior to prevent seismic drilling.
    • In July 2018, Greenpeace protestors occupied the site of a proposed dairy expansion in Mackenzie Country and refused to leave.
    • The occupation of oil drilling support vessel the Skandi Atlantic at the port of Timaru in 2019, to prevent it from supporting oil giant OMV to search for oil off the coast of Taranaki
    • In 2019, Greenpeace activists alongside youth climate movement School Strike 4 Climate occupied the headquarters of OMV in Taranaki for several days over the role of the fossil fuel industry in fuelling the climate crisis.
    2020s:
    • In 2020, Greenpeace activists climbed the Fertiliser Association building and unfurled a giant banner calling for an end to the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Subsequently, the government introduced a cap on the amount of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser used on farms.
    • In 2021, Greenpeace activists took action against fishing company Talleys in Nelson, painting a message on the side of the ship to protest bottom trawling.
    • In 2022, Greenpeace activists deployed a 1500 square metre banner at the Kapuni Fertiliser factory, labelling synthetic nitrogen fertiliser ‘cancer fertiliser’.
    • In 2023, Greenpeace activists dropped banners inside the Parliament gallery to protest inaction on climate change.
    • In 2024, Greenpeace activists scaled Fonterra’s Te Rapa dairy factory in Hamilton and dropped a giant banner reading ‘Fonterra’s methane cooks the climate’, to protest the superheating methane gas produced by Fonterra’s oversized dairy herd.
    • Also in 2024, Greenpeace shut down the offices of Straterra – a mining lobbying firm who are working to advance seabed mining off the coast of Taranaki despite widespread community opposition. Two Greenpeace activists scaled the building while three others locked themselves inside the offices.
    • In November 2024, Greenpeace activists interrupted the AGM of Manuka Resources – the parent company of seabed mining company Trans-Tasman Resources who are attempting to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki.
    • In April 2025, Greenpeace activists shut down operations at a palm kernel storage facility in Port Taranaki for several hours, preventing a ship from offloading thirty thousand tonnes of palm kernel connected to the destruction of Indonesian rainforests.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Plan aims to boost strength in agriculture

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial drone photo shows farmers operating machines for pest control at a wheat field in Yumin Village of Tongzhou District in Nantong City, east China’s Jiangsu province, Feb. 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China has unveiled a plan to accelerate building up its strength in agriculture for the period from 2024 to 2035.
    The plan, issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, sets the main goal of achieving notable progress in building up China’s strength in agriculture by 2027.
    It also aims for substantial advances in rural revitalization and a new stage of modernization in agriculture and rural areas by 2027.
    By 2035, the plan envisions decisive progress in all-round rural revitalization, the basic realization of agricultural modernization, and the establishment of modern standards of living in rural areas.
    According to the plan, China aims to fully establish its agricultural strength by the mid-century. The country seeks to ensure a stable and reliable supply, achieve self-reliance in scientific and technological innovation, build robust infrastructure, and develop efficient, well-integrated rural industrial chains.
    The plan also envisions building beautiful countryside, improving farmers’ well-being, enhancing the international competitiveness of agriculture, achieving full urban-rural integration and comprehensive rural revitalization, and fully modernizing agriculture and rural areas by mid-century.
    To achieve these targets, the plan outlines key tasks such as ensuring a more stable and reliable supply, and promoting innovation in agricultural science, technology and equipment.
    The plan calls for improving the modern agricultural business operating system, promoting better integration of smallholder farmers into modern agricultural practices, and upgrading the entire agricultural industry chain.
    The tasks also include further deepening international cooperation in agriculture, promoting the building of a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in, and improving rural living standards.
    In addition, the plan emphasizes promoting integrated urban-rural development and narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Southeast Asia Poised to Become a Global Hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 8 April 2025 — Southeast Asia’s abundant agricultural feedstocks offer potential for the region to become a global hub for SAF, according to a joint Canadian-ASEAN research project.

    The “Promoting the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) from Agricultural Waste in the ASEAN Region” project marks a significant step towards a more sustainable aviation future in Southeast Asia. It was carried out by the ASEAN Secretariat, GHD, Boeing, Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development (CTIF), funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and implemented by Cowater International, the Institute of Public Administrators of Canada (IPAC).

    SAF is a renewable or waste-derived aviation fuel that meets sustainability criteria, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, as a “drop-in” fuel.  Aviation engines can currently run on a mix of 50% SAF and 50% conventional aviation fuel, but the industry is working towards a 100% SAF mix. SAF lowers carbon emissions over the fuel’s life cycle by up to 80%, depending on the feedstock, with the potential to reduce even more in the future. SAF can be made from a wide variety of sources: cover crops and other nonedible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable municipal waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other feedstocks.

    As part of the project, a techno-economic assessment was conducted in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, focusing on feedstock availability, technology pathways, carbon intensity, logistics, environmental and social aspects, institutional frameworks, and financial assessment.

    With improvements in economic feasibility, SAF production in ASEAN could surpass regional demand, enabling exports both within and beyond ASEAN.

    The expansion of SAF feedstock supply is expected to stem from enhanced farming practices and large-scale biomass utilisation rather than land expansion. The report emphasised that mechanisation, improved irrigation, and R&D in crop optimisation could boost feedstock availability without increasing deforestation or land conversion.

    Beyond environmental benefits, the project highlighted SAF’s role in fostering gender equality and economic development. The SAF sector offers opportunities for job creation, upskilling, and workforce diversification, with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation of women and marginalised communities.

    Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, commended the initiative, stating: “This initiative marks a significant step in advancing ASEAN’s commitment to sustainable aviation. By leveraging regional resources and innovation, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also driving economic growth and enhancing energy security. The successful completion of this project underscores ASEAN’s capacity for effective collaboration in tackling climate challenges while creating new opportunities for our communities.”

    CTIF Project Manager Hendry Predy also commented on the initiative stating “CTIF technical assistance supported Southeast Asia countries with a project to improve the ability of the energy sector to assess the reliability of the upstream feedstock supply and the potential for sustained use and production within the region. The recommendations from the proposed project informed on the future development and operation of the pilot areas in selected member countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) to convert agricultural waste and residues to SAF. The project and recommendations supported the ASEAN Secretariat in ascertaining the reliability of feedstock supply for renewable fuels.”

    Sharmine Tan, Boeing’s regional sustainability lead for Southeast Asia said “SAF is the biggest opportunity to cut aviation emissions over the next 30 years. This research highlights Southeast Asia’s rich SAF feedstock potential, positioning the region as a key player in meeting global SAF demand. To unlock this potential, governments and industry must act decisively, harmonise sustainability policies, invest in infrastructure, and scale local production to build a robust regional SAF ecosystem. Southeast Asia has a unique opportunity to lead sustainable aviation while driving economic growth and environmental stewardship.”

    Sachin Narang, GHD’s Executive Advisor – Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The successful completion of this project represents a major milestone in ASEAN’s journey toward sustainable aviation. The insights gained will serve as a foundation for future SAF initiatives, investments, and policy development across the region.”

    The ASEAN Secretariat, together with its partners, invites continued collaboration with governments, industry leaders, research institutions, and investors to support the regional transition to SAF. Building on the findings of this project, the next phase will focus on areas such as enabling policy development, strengthening technical capacity, and mobilising investment to support SAF deployment, among other collaborative efforts. Together, ASEAN governments, businesses and communities can help shape a sustainable aviation future that contributes meaningfully to regional and global sustainability goals.

    The full Techno-Economic Assessment Report for the project can be referred to here: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/12634962-RPT-6-Techno-Economic-Assessment-Final-Report_April-2025.pdf

    Media contacts:

    ASEAN Secretariat

    Mustika L. Hapsoro Media Officer, mustika.hapsoro@asean.org

    Image Credit: ASEAN Secretariat
    The post Southeast Asia Poised to Become a Global Hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s who topped the rankings in this year’s scorecard for sustainable chocolate – and which confectionery giant refused to participate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Perkiss, Associate professor in accounting, University of Wollongong

    Jiri Hera/Shutterstock

    With the Easter weekend now around the corner, the sixth edition of the Global Chocolate Scorecard has just been released.

    This is an annual initiative produced by Be Slavery Free, in collaboration with two Australian universities and a wide range of consultants and sustainability interest groups.

    It ranks companies across the entire chocolate sector – from major multinational producers through to retailers – on a wide range of sustainability policies and practices.

    This year, there have been some improvements across the board.

    Transparency has increased, with 82% of companies now fully disclosing child labour data, up from 45% in 2023. The data reported also shows the discovery of child labour is down in the sector.

    On other measures, the sector is less commendable. Deforestation is still high, with more than a third of cocoa bought by companies coming from deforested or unknown sources.

    Companies reported that 84% of cocoa farmers in their supply chain are not earning a living income – or their income is unknown. And there hasn’t been enough progress on the use of pesticides to address the chronic exposure of communities to harmful chemicals.

    Chocolate’s annual scorecard

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard evaluates and ranks chocolate traders, manufacturers, brands and retailers.

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard is released every year around Easter time.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    This year, 60 companies from around the world were invited to participate. Collectively, these companies purchase more than 90% of the world’s cocoa.

    Companies are categorised as either large, small (less than 1,000 tons of cocoa) or retailers. They’re evaluated based on a range of policies and practices.

    These include:

    • traceability and transparency levels across supply chains
    • whether they pay farmers a living income
    • efforts to prevent the use of child labour
    • action on climate and deforestation
    • how they support agroforestry
    • efforts to eliminate the use of harmful pesticides.

    Top of the class

    Awards were given out this year to the best and the worst performers – a “Good Egg” award in each category, a gender award, and a “Bad Egg” award overall.

    This year, Tony’s Chocolonely won the Good Egg award in the large company category. It scored the highest against the six markers, representing the most sustainable chocolate company according to the scorecard.

    The Gender award went to Mars Wrigley – which produces Mars, Snickers, Twix and Malteasers – recognising the company for work supporting gender equality.

    The Good Egg award for smaller companies went to US chocolate manufacturer Beyond Good. Beyond Good buys beans directly from farmers in Madagascar and Uganda, ensuring traceability and fair trade practices.

    Unlike indirect sourcing in the cocoa commodity supply chain, Beyond Good’s direct trade model means the company buys cocoa direct from the farmers. Bypassing intermediaries enables better transparency and supply chain relationships.

    Companies reported 84% of cocoa farmers either weren’t earning a living income, or their income was unknown.
    Narong Khueankaew/Shutterstock

    The ‘bad egg’ award

    This year, multinational chocolate manufacturer Mondelēz, producers of Cadbury, Toblerone, Green & Black’s, Oreo and Daim, was given the “Bad Egg” award.

    The award recognises the company’s decision not to participate in this year’s chocolate scorecard process, indicating of a lack of transparency and public accountability.

    Mondelēz did participate in the last (fifth) edition, ranking 25th out of 38 large companies. The company has not provided a reason for not participating this year. However, it is an outlier, as all other large chocolate companies participated.

    Another notable absence from this year’s scorecard was major Australian retailer Coles, which has participated in the past.

    Transparency allows consumers to find out what steps companies are taking to improve sustainability in their supply chains.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    The understanding that businesses have a responsibility to be accountable to their consumers is not new. It encompasses aspects of corporate social responsibility – compliance, ethical and sustainable practices, and transparency.

    To be transparent, companies need to be open and honest about how their products are made, how their prices are set and what policies they follow.

    A sector in turmoil

    The global chocolate sector is facing some serious challenges. About 75% of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa.

    Cocoa prices surged to record highs in 2024. Many major chocolate companies increased their prices as a result.

    Despite the price of chocolate rising, these increases are often not passed on, leaving many cocoa farmers in extreme poverty. This is in addition to struggling with the impacts of climate change.

    New uncertainty for producers are only set to worsen in the wake of the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID and International Labour Affairs Bureau programs. Such cuts ending projects for health, humans rights and monitoring risk reversing the much celebrated progress on reducing child labour in chocolate supply chains.

    Stephanie Perkiss is part of the Chocolate Scorecard’s Data Integrity & Ethics and Research team.

    – ref. Here’s who topped the rankings in this year’s scorecard for sustainable chocolate – and which confectionery giant refused to participate – https://theconversation.com/heres-who-topped-the-rankings-in-this-years-scorecard-for-sustainable-chocolate-and-which-confectionery-giant-refused-to-participate-253933

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Farmer banned from owning farm animals for 2 years, placed on 6 months community detention over lack of food and welfare for sheep

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    A Woodville farmer has been banned from owning or being in charge of farm animals and placed on 6 months community detention over a lack of food and welfare that led to 55 sheep being euthanised and others suffering.

    Noel Thomas Cunningham (64) was sentenced (7 April 2025) in the Palmerston North District on 3 charges he pleaded guilty to under the Animal Welfare Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

    “When animal welfare inspectors visited the farm, they found infrastructure including fencing and water reticulation, particularly on the 40-hectare sheep block, showed maintenance and management had been lacking for some time. Most of the sheep fences were not stock proof and pasture was tired and indicative of poor grazing management.  An open fronted shed containing multiple sheep carcasses, along with shallow graves in an adjacent paddock indicated a history of poor care and management of the sheep,” says MPI manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance central, Gray Harrison.

    “Many of the existing sheep were underweight and displaying signs of lice infestation, and some had to be euthanised to prevent further stress and suffering.

    “This level of neglect is unacceptable. When we find evidence of it, we will take action.”

    An MPI animal welfare inspector and 2 veterinarians inspected a total of 322 animals. They found 25 recently dead sheep and a number of dead newborn lambs. 55 sheep had to be euthanised because they were so thin and affected by parasites. 90 ewes that were also very thin were not euthanised because it would have compromised the health of their lambs, and the welfare needs of 179 other sheep were not being met.

    “Mr Cunningham was an experienced farmer, yet we found no evidence of sheep management or routine husbandry being carried out. Some of the sheep that died were found near water courses, stuck in mud and at various stages of decomposition. Most farmers do the right thing for their animals. Mr Cunningham failed the basics – providing quality feed and good access to water, along with timely care,” says Gray Harrison.

    Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.

    For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –