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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Agency grants permit for Whitestone landfill site

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Environment Agency grants permit for Whitestone landfill site

    The environmental permit sets out strict conditions on operation of the proposed inert landfill site at Lower Hare Farm

    An environmental permit sets the conditions which GRS Stone Supplies Ltd must adhere to when operating the inert landfill site.

    Following extensive public consultation, the Environment Agency has granted an environmental permit to the operators of a proposed landfill site at Lower Hare Farm in Whitestone, Exeter today.

    In reaching the decision, after considering all feedback from the local community and interested groups, the agency agreed that GRS Stone Supplies Ltd had met all of the necessary criteria required for the environmental permit to be issued.

    Chris James for the Environment Agency said:

    We have carefully considered all of the submissions and feedback we received during our public consultations, and we thank everyone who took the time to contact us with their views.

    This permit will ensure that robust levels of environmental protection are applied. Our permitting decision process is objective and based on the applicant demonstrating they will meet the legal requirements outlined in the permit.

    Where an application meets the requirements of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (2016) the agency must issue a permit.

    An environmental permit sets the conditions which GRS Stone Supplies Ltd must adhere to when operating the inert landfill site.  It covers the management and operation of the site and the control and monitoring of emissions.    

    When the Environment Agency considers a permit application, it reviews the design of the proposed site, how it will be operated, the emissions it will generate (to air, water and land) and whether it will meet the required standards. Partner organisations, including the UK Health Security Agency, are also consulted as part of the process.  

    Issues such as suitability of the location, operating hours and traffic management are matters for the planning authority, not the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency can only consider issues covered by the environmental permit and can only refuse a permit application based on technical information.   

    The final permit, decision document and our review of other documents received during consultations, can be viewed on our public register. You can request these by calling our Customer Contact Centre on 03706 506 506 or emailing DCISEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Join Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Rescind Illegal Executive Order Threatening Federal Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in urging President Donald Trump to rescind his March 27 executive order to end collective bargaining agreements between public employee unions and dozens of federal agencies and bureaus. In their letter, the Democratic Senators blasted the move as a “gross overreach” of presidential authority, asserting that the executive order is a clear attempt to gut the federal merit-based civil service and implement a system of political cronyism. They stressed that the order poses a grave threat to the ability of over 1 million federal workers to carry out their missions and deliver important services for the American people – and thus should be rescinded immediately.
    “We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people,” the Senators began.
    “The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs,” they continued. “There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference.”
    “This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants. We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution,” the Senators concluded.
    The Senators’ letter is endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
    Led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senators Heinrich and Luján were joined on this letter by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    A copy of the letter is available here and below.
    Dear President Trump: 
    We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). 
    This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people. They care for our veterans, deliver disaster assistance, prevent wildfires, help farmers improve crop yields, manage health benefits for 9/11 first responders, research treatments and cures for diseases, keep air travel safe, process tax returns, staff our national parks and much, much more. Nearly one third of these dedicated civil servants are veterans seeking to continue their service to our country out of uniform.  
    The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs. The national security exemption has existed for nearly 50 years and has been used only sparingly by Republican and Democratic Administrations—including during your first term—to exclude federal offices with an unquestionable core function in intelligence, counterintelligence, or national security. There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference. 
    Federal employees’ collective bargaining agreements are critical to ensuring they continue to serve the American people with the peace of mind that comes with being protected from unfair labor practices. Unlike in the private sector, federal employee unions in most cases cannot negotiate pay or benefits, which are set by Congress, and they are legally prohibited from striking. The federal collective bargaining agreements do, however, protect federal employees from illegal firings, retaliation, and discrimination. They also promote resources for whistleblowers and veterans. These federal union contracts give employees in the civil service protections from retaliation so they can serve the American people fairly and effectively without partisan political interference.  
    This executive order, which ruthlessly strips collective bargaining agreements for over one million federal workers, is the most recent attack your Administration has levied against our merit-based civil service in the effort to cut the workforce and replace them with political cronies. While the CSRA does give the president the authority to limit collective bargaining agreements due to national security concerns, the executive order’s direction to terminate mass swaths of federal employee collective bargaining agreements is clearly intended to broadly dismantle the CSRA, which is specifically designed to grant federal employees the right to collective bargaining as a means to resolve workplace issues while maintaining the smooth functioning of government operations.  
    When the Secretary of Labor testified in February in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Members of Congress asked her both in-person and through questions for the record whether she and the Administration would commit to honoring all legally binding collective bargaining agreements signed by federal agencies and labor unions, and whether federal employees have the right to organize and collectively bargain without fear of retaliation. The Secretary answered, “if confirmed, I will follow the law and work with the experts at the Department to understand the collective bargaining process at the Department and the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreements in place.” This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants.  
    We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McGovern, Brown, Hayes Introduce Bill Blocking GOP Plan To Cut SNAP Benefits For Tax Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

    ** VIDEO: Press Conference Announcing The Hunger Free Future Act **

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced The Hunger Free Future Act to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from backdoor benefit cuts. 

    The legislation has 56 cosponsors in the House. 

    The Hunger Free Future Act requires that any updates to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) do not result in an increase in hunger among low-income families. The USDA uses the Thrifty Food Plan to determine benefit size. SNAP maximum allotments (benefit amounts) are updated each year based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June, taking effect on Oct. 1. The Thrifty Food Plan is the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four. 

    The House Republican budget resolution, which passed in February, calls for $230 billion in cuts to SNAP. According to reporting by Politico, Congressional Republicans are primarily targeting changes to the Thrifty Food Plan to execute these cuts. 

    “SNAP helps make sure children, seniors, veterans, and Americans with disabilities have enough food to stay healthy. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are going after these very modest benefits –about $2 per meal – to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. It’s a special kind of cruel to take food out of the mouths of hungry people to fund yet another tax break for the richest people in this country,” said Congressman James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and a senior Member of the Committee on Agriculture. “Our bill is simple: it will protect modest SNAP benefits and make sure future updates don’t make hunger worse.”  

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk: take your hands off SNAP. This bill sends a loud and clear message: we won’t let Republicans gut food assistance to fund tax handouts to billionaires,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “I’m proud to introduce the Hunger Free Future Act with two relentless anti-hunger champions, Congressman McGovern and Congresswoman Hayes, backed by over 50 of our colleagues. Our bill would block Republican efforts to fund tax cuts for the wealthy by making backdoor cuts to SNAP benefits through so-called reforms to the Thrifty Food Plan. Slashing SNAP to help the ultra-wealthy buy another yacht isn’t just wrong—it’s heartless, gutless, and shameless. We will fight this every step of the way.”

    “Forty-seven million food insecure Americans are too many. Yet at every chance House Republicans continue to push for crush feeding programs,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. “SNAP is our most effective anti-hunger tool ensuring children, families, and seniors get the nutritious food they need to live healthy lives. Efforts to shrink the program will devastate our most vulnerable communities. I am pleased to join Rep. Brown and Rep. McGovern in introducing the Hunger-Free Future Act to block any changes that would compromise SNAP or exacerbate food insecurity in our country.”

    “At a time when some Congressional leaders are threatening to cut federal nutrition programs, we are pleased to see Reps. Brown, Hayes, and McGovern take a stand for the more than 42 million Americans relying on SNAP to keep food on the table. The Hunger-Free Future Act keeps future benefit adjustments for the Thrifty Food Plan, the basis for determining a household’s monthly SNAP allotment, ensuring that children, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans and those living in rural areas, can continue to afford the food they need for an adequate diet,” said Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “We want a country where children thrive, families have what they need, and our economy works for everyone, and that vision requires protecting and strengthening SNAP. We urge Congress to reject proposals that would weaken SNAP and instead focus on strengthening this nutrition lifeline.” 

    Bill text available here.

    In addition to bill sponsor Brown and co-leads McGovern and Hayes, the following members are cosponsors of the Hunger Free Future Act: Rep. Adams (NC-12), Rep. Ansari (AZ-03), Rep. Beatty (OH-03), Rep. Bell (MO-01), Rep. Bishop (GA-02), Rep. Carson (IN-07) Rep. Carter (LA-02), Rep. Chu (CA-28), Rep. Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Davis (IL-07), Rep. McClain Delaney (MD-06), Rep. DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Fields (LA-06), Rep. Figures (AL-02), Rep. Goldman (NY-10), Rep. Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Jacobs (CA-51), Rep. Jackson (IL-01), Rep. Johnson (GA-04), Rep. Johnson (TX-32), Rep. Kelly (IL-02), Rep. Khanna (CA-17), Rep. Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rep. Landsman (OH-01), Rep. Latimer (NY-16), Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Meng (NY-06), Rep. Moore (WI-04), Rep. Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rep. Pingree (MA-01), Rep. Pressley (MA-07), Rep. Ramirez (IL-03), Rep. Riley (NY-19), Rep. Rivas (CA-29) Rep. Salinas (OR-06), Rep. Scanlon (PA-05), Rep. Smith (WA-09), Rep. Sorenson (Il-17), Rep. Soto (FL-09), Rep. Stevens (MI-03), Rep. Stickland (WA-10), Rep. Sykes (OH-13), Rep. Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Tlaib (MI-12), Rep. Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Titus (NV-01), Rep. Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Velazquez (NY-07)

    Additional Background

    1. In 2021, the Biden Administration updated the Thrifty Food Plan, providing the first real increase in SNAP purchasing power in decades. For more information on possible Republican cuts to the Thrifty Food Plan, click here.
    2. According to the USDA, 21% of households in Congresswoman Brown’s district, OH-11 (75,000 households total) rely on SNAP benefits, including 31% of Black households. The percentage of households in OH-11 that depend on SNAP is the highest for a congressional district in Ohio. 
    3. Congresswoman Brown has made fighting for SNAP recipients a priority. Brown invited the President of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank as her guest to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. She also recently took part in the SNAP Challenge, attempting to purchase a week’s worth of groceries on a budget of $42, reflecting that the average daily benefit for SNAP is just six dollars. 
    4. On March 17, Brown and McGovern joined all Agriculture Committee Democrats in a letter led by Ranking Member Hayes to Committee Chairman Thompson urging bipartisan negotiations on the farm bill and opposing harmful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EarthOptics Launches Scalable $4/Acre Total Farm Platform, Marking Its First Significant Step Post-Merger with Pattern Ag

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EarthOptics announced its new subscription-based Total Farm program for the 2025 crop year. This is the company’s first collaborative release following last year’s merger of EarthOptics and Pattern Ag, two ag technology firms each founded in 2018. The Total Farm program combines the EarthOptics GroundOwl™ sensor suite, soil biological test results (DNA), a farmer’s yield data, and satellite imagery to produce full-field soil fertility and crop planning recommendations that farmers can use to increase yield profitability and lower input costs.

    Agronomic advisors and farmers who sign up for the Total Farm program receive a comprehensive data service, including a high-resolution nutrient map that shows automated variable-rate soil fertility prescriptions and soil biological risk assessments. The new platform keeps farmers informed about key in-season and long-term agronomic decisions across their entire farm, with the goal of improving their efficiency, productivity, and input optimization. A Total Farm subscription includes soil testing and analysis, crop protection recommendations, fertility prescriptions, and use of a first-of-its-kind crop planning tool, all at a flat rate of $4 per acre.

    “Total Farm makes the highest-resolution agronomic data accessible and actionable to farmers at the whole-farm level,” said Dr. Lars Dyrud, EarthOptics CEO. “We integrate soil biology, soil fertility, and yield-based data into a single workflow that farmers and their trusted advisors can use to make informed decisions and eliminate much of the guesswork that goes into crop planning.”

    Once farmers are enrolled in the Total Farm program, EarthOptics seamlessly handles everything for the customer from start to finish, including soil testing, laboratory analysis, and results reporting. The entire process is managed and carefully documented within the EarthOptics chain of custody, ensuring testing integrity along with fast, reliable results.

    Farmers and their trusted advisors can export Total Farm recommendations in multiple file formats, including shapefiles, for use with farm machinery or prescription software. For example, Total Farm is compatible with and integrates with most popular ag data platforms, including Climate FieldView, MyJohnDeere, CNH, and Raven.

    With more than 4.6 million acres being measured, EarthOptics continues expanding its reach through its vast dealer network of participating agronomists, seed dealers, ag retailers, and professional crop consultants.

    “EarthOptics and PatternAg merged to join complementary technologies and data systems,” said Dyrud. “Our first collaboration is a platform that supports a new level of accurate agronomic decision-making while contributing to improved soil health and more targeted use of fertilizer and crop inputs. Total Farm is the beginning of many great new product offerings on the horizon that we are working to create and launch in coming months and years.”

    Interested farmers can enroll in the Total Farm program and schedule soil sampling either before planting or after the harvest. Enrollment operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, with early signups prioritized for soil sampling, testing, and planning in the upcoming 2026 crop year. For more details, visit earthoptics.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Drone Surveying Market One of The Fastest Growing Segments of the Drone Industry as Revenue Opportunity Climbs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The US Drone Surveying Market has been the Global Market Leader in recent years and is expected to continue for years to come. The US has been the market leader in the drone industry since the start of the drone revolution. Across industries, companies have employed drones for their day-to-day operations. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, mining, real estate, and agriculture are some of the prominent end-use industries for the drone surveying market. According to an industry report, the US drone surveying market is expected to witness double-digit market growth in the forecast period and is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 2540.0 million by the end of 2033. The construction and mining industry is expected to be the market leader in the demand for drone surveying services. Increased spending from governments and rising demand for residential and commercial spaces would add a significantly high pace to the overall drone surveying demand in the US. The report said; “Why Land Survey Commands Largest Market Share? The drone land survey as a service is a common one among all industries. The demand for land surveys arises from sectors such as construction, mining, energy, real estate, public administration, and agriculture among others. That is why land survey services contribute most to the drone survey company’s revenue. The drone land survey holds around 53% of the total market share in the drone survey industry. With the help of drone land surveys, companies/institutions get their desired datasets which ultimately help them in making informed decisions. For example, a land survey for infrastructure development can help companies and planning and development by providing required 3D maps or images. It is expected that the land survey market to remain the top revenue contributor for drone survey service providers.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR), EHang (NASDAQ: EH), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT).

    Fact.MR continued: “Construction Industry to Contribute Most to the Drone Surveying Service Demand. The spending on infrastructural development has been all-time high across the major economies of the world. The market players are taking the help of drone service providers in different stages of planning and development. Drone surveying companies provide services for the use of town planning, land record digitalization, urban city development, and other development-related services. With the help of drones, companies are able to cover increased areas (acres of land/area) within no time, and with precise and accurate data. These collected images and data can be easily converted into meaningful output, which can be useful in the planning and development of urban towns. Drone surveying has been very useful for the construction industry by providing important insights with minimal cost and improved efficiency.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Closes Second Southeast Region Acquisition, Wallace Surveying Corporation, Set to Become the Third Acquisition to Power Its National Drone as a Service (DaaS) Business – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that it has closed the acquisition of Wallace Surveying Corporation (“Wallace”) of West Palm Beach, Florida, a well-established land survey company with thirty years of experience. Wallace provides construction and land development surveys delivering accurate and reliable data that supports project planning and design for developers, contractors, engineers, and architect customers.

    This is ZenaTech’s second acquisition in the Southeast region as part of a larger national roll-up strategy to disrupt the land survey industry by accelerating the use of drones for speed and accuracy benefits. The acquisition also further powers the Company’s national Drone as a Service, or DaaS, business as the third US acquisition set to provide access to the ZenaDrone 1000 and the IQ series. These multifunction drones are set to provide a variety of services including power line inspections, precision agriculture, law enforcement, and search and rescue for natural disasters such as hurricanes.

    “Wallace Surveying Corporation is well respected in the South Florida business community with longstanding existing customer relationships. Its team brings considerable expertise toward our goal of innovating land surveys at scale leveraging advanced drone data collection, data management, mapping and digital deliverables. This acquisition is another step towards our vision to create a national DaaS business, bringing AI drone efficiencies and precision to a variety of legacy verticals and manual tasks,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaTech’s Drones as a Service or DaaS model is similar to Software as a Service (SaaS), but instead of providing software solutions over the Internet, the company will offer ZenaDrone solutions and services on a subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for eliminating manual or time-consuming tasks achieving more precision, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or farming precision agriculture applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves.

    The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/.

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) 2024 Financial Results Shows Revenue and Assets Increase.

    2024 Financial Results:

    • As of December 31, 2024, and consistent with its recent 6K filing, ZenaTech’s 2024 full-year revenue increased by 7% to $1.96 million as compared to $1.82 million for the full year of 2023 (all figures in $Cdn. dollars)
    • Comprehensive loss for the period was ($4.04 million) versus ($.251 million) last year due to increased one-time costs of listing on Nasdaq Capital Market from lawyers, accountants, auditors, financial advisor (investment banker) and other going public expenses
    • Assets have increased over 110% to $34.6 million at year-end 2024, up from $16.4 million at year-end 2023. This is due to the company’s acquisition of three patents, and a total of four software companies. In addition, the company has signed multiple Letters of Intent (LOIs) as part of an acquisition strategy that will tremendously increase future revenue
    • Liabilities continue to be low, having increased $3.7 million to $12.8 million at year-end 2024 from $9.1 million at year-end 2023
    • The Company’s ratio of debt to total capitalization is 31%, which is well within the accepted standard of less than 50%
    • ZenaTech’s existing cash and funds available through lines of credit will be sufficient to finance the next 12 months of the company’s operations. We anticipate that cash generated internally, and lines of credit will be sufficient to fund our drone development and acquisitions
    • Additional information is available from ZenaTech’s 6K filing on the SEC EDGAR website. The company will be filing its 20F by the due date, which is April 30, 2024, for Private Foreign Issuers. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/.

    Other recent developments in the drone/aviation industries include:

    Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) and Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR) recently announced a partnership today to build the AI foundation for the future of next-gen aviation technologies. For decades, the aviation industry has made only incremental improvements, constrained by legacy technology and a dominant duopoly in commercial aviation. With the rapid acceleration of AI, as well as breakthroughs in distributed electric propulsion, the industry is now poised for change.

    The two plan to leverage Palantir Foundry and AIP to accelerate the scaling of Archer’s aircraft manufacturing capabilities at its facilities in Georgia and Silicon Valley, with the intent to advance the development of software solutions to drive innovation across the entire value chain.

    This would include the development of next-gen software utilizing AI to improve a range of aviation systems, including air traffic control, movement control and route planning, with the goal of improving efficiency, safety and affordability across the industry.

    Archer and Palantir will formalize this partnership later today during a signing ceremony between Palantir co-founder and CEO, Alex Karp, and Archer founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, at Palantir’s AIPCon.

    EHang (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology platform company, recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Guangdong EHang General Aviation Co., Ltd. (“EHang General Aviation”), and its joint venture company in Hefei, Hefei HeYi Aviation Co., Ltd. (“HeYi Aviation”), have been granted the first batch of Air Operator Certificates (“OC”) for civil human-carrying pilotless aerial vehicles by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”).

    This milestone officially marks the launch of China’s human-carrying flight era in the low-altitude economy, allowing citizens and consumers to purchase flight tickets for low-altitude tourism, urban sightseeing, and diverse commercial human-carrying flight services at related operation sites in Guangzhou and Hefei. In the future, operators will also gradually expand into more other scenarios such as urban commuting based on operational conditions legally and compliantly. The issuance of the first batch of OCs sets a new benchmark for the low-altitude economy and urban air mobility and further unleashing a more powerful vitality of the new-quality productive forces.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently reported its financial results for the 2024 Transition Period (as of December 31, 2024 and the eight months then ended) and provides a corporate update.

    “Red Cat’s partnerships and global expansion strategy is already yielding strong results. Over the past few months, we’ve introduced the Black Widow and Edge 130 drones to key international markets, including the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and soon Latin America,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “This momentum underscores growing global interest in our Family of Systems. The ongoing development of Black Widow for the U.S. Army’s SRR Program of Record, bolstered by AI partners like Palantir and Palladyne, we’re not only meeting immediate defense needs—we’re ensuring our warfighters and allies are well equipped for rapidly-evolving battlefield.”

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Verity Announces Agreement with Minnesota Soybean Processors to Track and Verify Sustainable Agriculture Attributes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verity Holdings, LLC (“Verity”), is pleased to announce we have partnered with Minnesota Soybean Processors (“MnSP”) to implement Verity’s proprietary track and trace software. This collaboration aims to unlock additional value for MnSP through export premiums while streamlining compliance reporting and auditability.

    “This partnership with MnSP is a great example of how Verity’s technology empowers producers to capture and communicate the value of sustainable agriculture,” said Kimberly Bowron, President of Verity. “By leveraging our advanced data verification and supply chain transparency solutions, MnSP can document key attributes with confidence, ensuring that sustainably grown soybeans translate into real value for farmers, processors, and international buyers alike.”

    This partnership reinforces Verity and MnSP’s commitment to expanding opportunities in international markets for sustainably certified products, such as those derived from regeneratively grown soybeans. Both companies share the view that this is the first of many opportunities to create value by ensuring complete traceability from farm to finished products.

    Since 2003, MnSP has operated a soy crush plant that processes 100,000-plus bushels per day; a refinery for producing feedstock for edible oil and biofuels out of crude soybean oil; and a 41 million gallon per year biodiesel-production plant that has operated for 20 years, located in Brewster, Minnesota.

    About Verity
    Verity Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gevo, Inc (NASDAQ: GEVO), is pioneering the ability to track, verify, and quantify carbon intensity across the entire carbon cycle. Through its proprietary digital MRV (Measure, Report, Verify) platform, which is powered by distributed ledger technology, Verity offers comprehensive carbon project development and accounting services. These services are designed to enhance the environmental value across entire business systems, maximizing the value of carbon and sustainability efforts at each stage. Verity is at the forefront of creating the ability to track, verify, and empirically value carbon intensity across the full carbon lifecycle.

    About Gevo
    Gevo, Inc. is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including SAF, motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    About Minnesota Soy Processors
    Minnesota Soy Process is striving to become the largest independent soybean crush facility in the country and to grow into a diverse, vertically integrated leader in soybean processing, logistics and commodity management. MnSP wants to provide superior value to its customers, security for its employees, and returns to its shareholders. For more information, please visit mnsoy.com.

    Forward Looking Statement
    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, Verity’s technology and platform, the commercial benefits of using the Verity platform, and the attributes of Verity’s platform, the value of sustainability premiums and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

    Media Contact
    Heather Manuel
    VP, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    IR Contact
    Eric Frey
    Vice President of Finance & Strategy
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Market Hall unveils latest set of traders – including butcher and bakery

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council is excited to announce the third wave of traders set to move into the revitalised Derby Market Hall.

    Following a £35.1m restoration of the historic Grade II-listed building, the Market Hall will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday 24 May, marking a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. 

    A curated mix of traditional and contemporary traders will be in place when the Market Hall reopens its doors, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of the city and blending the Market Hall’s rich history with a modern experience. 

    The newest announcement of traders offers fresh produce from a traditional butcher and a craft bakery, plus an exciting variety of retailers and another occupant of our make and trade stalls, which offer local makers and creators new spaces to reach new audiences, inspire others, and grow their businesses in the heart of the city centre.

    Fresh produce: 

    • Anthony Andrews Butchers will be bringing a traditional trade to Derby Market Hall. A small family-run business in Duffield since 2011, the team sources all their meat as locally as possible, working alongside local farmers. Their popular award-winning sausages – made to a secret recipe! – alongside pork pies, steak pies and much more are all handmade. You’ll be able to pick up prime cuts of quality meat and poultry, including dry cured steak and bacon, black pudding and free-range chicken. The business extends its eco-friendly ethos to its packaging, which has a focus on sustainability.
    • Olivia’s Coffee and Bakery will be bringing freshly-baked breads, pastries, and treats while brewing amazing coffee. From humble beginnings in 2018 as a small craft bakery in Loughborough, the thriving business is now trading from four locations. All their food is handmade, freshly baked every morning and seasonal, while the coffee is crafted with care using amazing Colombian coffee beans roasted by the amazing Monsoon Estates roasters. As well as their delicious bread and pastries, Olivia’s will offer sandwiches, which will be available for pre-order for those needing a quick bite, and celebration cakes to order. Look out for their range of vegan and gluten-free products too!

    Local retailers:

    • Dawkins Pet Supplies is a Derbyshire-based, family-owned business dedicated to providing the best natural treats, raw foods, toys, and accessories for customers’ beloved pets, including vegan treats. They promise to offer only the highest quality products that the team would feel comfortable giving to their own furry companions. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and pet well-being, customers can trust that their pets are receiving the care and attention they deserve.
    • Bringing the beauty and healing power of crystals to Derby Market Hall, Derbyshire-based SpiritCrystals offers a selection of ethically-sourced crystals, minerals, fossils, and spiritual gifts. Combining education and experience to help customers discover the deeper meanings behind each stone, SpiritCrystals aim to create meaningful gifts that people appreciate. More than 6,000 customers have already taken their crystal quiz, which helps people discover the right crystal for them. Products include jewellery, exclusive crystal candles, pet rocks, and giftable crystal cards.
    • Ayup Bikes is a non-profit, volunteer run project dedicated to proving a top-class service to the Derby’s cycling community and saving bikes from the scrap heap! Founded by a group of Derby cyclists, the co-operative sells fully-refurbished bikes that people can trust, while their excellent, industry-qualified mechanics offer low-cost, high-quality servicing and repairs to get cycles working as good as new. Ayup partners with local charities, businesses, and schools, offering maintenance classes and repairs for the community.

    Make and trade:

    • Sportwear specialist Layer is on a mission to create durable, performance-driven training gear that stands up to the demands of the most intense workouts while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. Owner and founder Dan Bacon has spent many years working at the top level of sport in the UK; working with the biggest sportswear brands in the world along the way. Layer also operates Layer Run Club in Long Eaton and plans to open a second club in Derby this summer.

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

    It was important to us to offer a variety of local, independent and traditional traders in the Market Hall, as well as the best of the region’s eating, drinking, and entertainment. There really will be something for everyone.

    I’m getting more excited with every week that goes by and I can’t wait to welcome everyone on Saturday 24 May.

    Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year. 

    More traders will be announced in the coming weeks.

    Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website to find out more.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Roper Technologies schedules first quarter 2025 financial results conference call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SARASOTA, Fla., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Roper Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROP) announced that its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, ended March 31, 2025, will be released before the market opens on Monday, April 28, 2025. A conference call to discuss these results has been scheduled for 8:00 AM ET on Monday, April 28, 2025. The call can be accessed via webcast or by dialing +1 800-836-8184 (US/Canada) or +1 646-357-8785, using conference call ID 07867. Webcast information and conference call materials will be made available in the Investors section of Roper’s website prior to the start of the call.

    About Roper Technologies

    Roper Technologies is a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000. Roper has a proven, long-term track record of compounding cash flow and shareholder value. The Company operates market leading businesses that design and develop vertical software and technology enabled products for a variety of defensible niche markets. Roper utilizes a disciplined, analytical, and process-driven approach to redeploy its excess capital toward high-quality acquisitions. Additional information about Roper is available on the Company’s website at www.ropertech.com.

    Contact information:
    Investor Relations
    941-556-2601
    investor-relations@ropertech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Drone Surveying Industry Witnessing Continuous Technological Advancements Generating Rising Revenue Opportunity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The drone surveying market is witnessing increased demand for its services across different industries. The survey done by drones has multiple benefits in comparison to the traditional way of surveys such as lower cost, reduced time, and improved end results. According to Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global drone surveying market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.3% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2033. The report said; “The drone covers a larger area within less amount of time and money for a survey if compared with the traditional or conventional way of surveys. Since the data is captured and generated with actual imagery, it also brings better transparency in the end result. All these benefits have resulted in increased demand from governments and real estate development companies for drone surveying services. The drone surveying service providers are entering into partnerships with companies and the government to carry out surveys on their behalf for the planning and development of urban areas and townships. The image and data collected from the drone surveys are more accurate and can be converted into meaningful output as per the requirements. This helps governments and infrastructure development companies in different stages of planning in township development, urban planning, and land surveys. The continuous advancement of technology in the drone market has led to increased demand for their products and services. The services or task performed by a drone has significantly improved in the last few years which has ultimately resulted in improved demand.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV).

    Fact.MR concluded; “The industries catered to by drones have also increased significantly. Earlier most of the demand for drones was from agriculture and public administration, now it has increased to infrastructure development, mining, energy, education, and transportation among others. Now a mining company can easily calculate/measure the area covered for the mining, or the stockpile volume with the help of drone surveys. It is expected that in the coming years, the drone surveying industry will witness continuous technological advancement, resulting in the expansion of service offerings.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Closes Second Southeast Region Acquisition, Wallace Surveying Corporation, Set to Become the Third Acquisition to Power Its National Drone as a Service (DaaS) Business – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that it has closed the acquisition of Wallace Surveying Corporation (“Wallace”) of West Palm Beach, Florida, a well-established land survey company with thirty years of experience. Wallace provides construction and land development surveys delivering accurate and reliable data that supports project planning and design for developers, contractors, engineers, and architect customers.

    This is ZenaTech’s second acquisition in the Southeast region as part of a larger national roll-up strategy to disrupt the land survey industry by accelerating the use of drones for speed and accuracy benefits. The acquisition also further powers the Company’s national Drone as a Service, or DaaS, business as the third US acquisition set to provide access to the ZenaDrone 1000 and the IQ series. These multifunction drones are set to provide a variety of services including power line inspections, precision agriculture, law enforcement, and search and rescue for natural disasters such as hurricanes.

    “Wallace Surveying Corporation is well respected in the South Florida business community with longstanding existing customer relationships. Its team brings considerable expertise toward our goal of innovating land surveys at scale leveraging advanced drone data collection, data management, mapping and digital deliverables. This acquisition is another step towards our vision to create a national DaaS business, bringing AI drone efficiencies and precision to a variety of legacy verticals and manual tasks,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaTech’s Drones as a Service or DaaS model is similar to Software as a Service (SaaS), but instead of providing software solutions over the Internet, the company will offer ZenaDrone solutions and services on a subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for eliminating manual or time-consuming tasks achieving more precision, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or farming precision agriculture applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves.

    The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) 2024 Financial Results Shows Revenue and Assets Increase.

    2024 Financial Results:

    • As of December 31, 2024, and consistent with its recent 6K filing, ZenaTech’s 2024 full-year revenue increased by 7% to $1.96 million as compared to $1.82 million for the full year of 2023 (all figures in $Cdn. dollars)
    • Comprehensive loss for the period was ($4.04 million) versus ($.251 million) last year due to increased one-time costs of listing on Nasdaq Capital Market from lawyers. accountants, auditors, financial advisor (investment banker) and other going public expenses
    • Assets have increased over 110% to $34.6 million at year-end 2024, up from $16.4 million at year-end 2023. This is due to the company’s acquisition of three patents, and a total of four software companies. In addition, the company has signed multiple Letters of Intent (LOIs) as part of an acquisition strategy that will tremendously increase future revenue
    • Liabilities continue to be low, having increased $3.7 million to $12.8 million at year-end 2024 from $9.1 million at year-end 2023
    • The Company’s ratio of debt to total capitalization is 31%, which is well within the accepted standard of less than 50%
    • ZenaTech’s existing cash and funds available through lines of credit will be sufficient to finance the next 12 months of the company’s operations. We anticipate that cash generated internally, and lines of credit will be sufficient to fund our drone development and acquisitions
    • Additional information is available from ZenaTech’s 6K filing on the SEC EDGAR website . The company will be filing its 20F by the due date, which is April 30, 2024, for Private Foreign Issuers. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, recently announced that it has secured a $3.2 million purchase order from a governmental entity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The new order supports the continued buildout of urban autonomous drone infrastructure in the UAE and expands the existing Optimus drone network, which is operated by the local government as part of its broader Safe and Smart City initiatives.

    “We are witnessing the network effect of the Optimus drone network in UAE,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings. “The effectiveness of the Optimus System and its ability to reduce response times of emergency units have been proven during our operations there, and this order further validates the system’s value. We are proud to support the UAE’s leadership in Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology, which is also developing in the US. We believe that our Optimus system is the most mature and robust platform in the market and certified for such critical security operations. We look forward to replicating this success in other cities around the world.”

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, recently provided a corporate update and announces its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “2024 was a defining year for AgEagle. We secured three of the largest orders in our history while implementing significant strategic cost reductions that have strengthened our foundation for long-term sustainable growth. We assembled an exceptional leadership team with deep expertise in scaling technology companies, optimizing operations, and executing aggressive sales strategies. Combined with a leaner expense structure, record demand, and a growing product portfolio, we believe we are well positioned to expand our customer base, secure new partnerships, and leverage our innovative drone technologies to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the burgeoning global UAS market.

    AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently announced that its stockholders have approved the issuance of AV common stock in connection with the Company’s pending acquisition of BlueHalo LLC (“BlueHalo”) at a Special Meeting of Stockholders held earlier today.

    “Stockholder approval marks an important milestone as we move forward with the acquisition of BlueHalo and accelerate our transformation into the leading next-generation defense technology company,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “Together, AV and BlueHalo will drive agile innovation and deliver integrated, all-domain solutions designed to redefine the future of defense and address the most important priorities and needs of our nation and allies around the globe. We thank stockholders for their continued support and look forward to closing this transaction and unlocking new opportunities for growth and value creation.”

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), a drone and drone components manufacturer, recently announced it filed its Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and provided the following letter to its shareholders from CEO Allan Evans.

    Dear Shareholders, This shareholder letter follows the completion of our fiscal year 2024. This is our first year being public. It has been an excellent fourth quarter and an incredible year. We continue to see great interest in the company and receive questions from shareholders. We would like to take this opportunity to provide context and deeper insights into our operations and what these represent for Unusual Machines’ future.

    Unusual Machines revenue for the fourth quarter revenue was over $2.0 million which represents a sequentially quarter over quarter increase of approximately 31%. This is our best revenue quarter of all time (again) and was done while improving gross margins slightly to 28%. With the launch of our Blue Framework products, approximately 15% of our Q4 revenue was from enterprise sales. Our total revenue of $5.65M for FY2024 exceeded our target of $5M for 2024 by 13%. This growth was achieved without customer concentration as no single customer represented more than 5% of our total revenue for 2024.

    About FN Media Group:
    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:
    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: COVID modelling reveals new insights into ancient social distancing – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    lindasky76/Shutterstock

    Five years since COVID emerged, not only has the pandemic affected the way we live and work, it’s also influencing the way researchers are thinking about the past.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, archaeologist Alex Bentley explains how the pandemic has sparked new research into how disease may have affected ancient civilisations, and the clues this offers about a change in the way humans designed their villages and cities 8,000 years ago.

    As an anthropologist and archaeologist at the University of Tennessee, Alex Bentley usually spend his time studying neolithic farming villages. But in the early days of the pandemic, he decided to team up with an epidemiologist on a research project to model the feedback loops between social behaviour, such as wearing a mask or not and the spread of disease. He says:

     In doing that project, we learned so much about the spread of disease and its interaction with different behaviours. It was a perfect setup for looking at the same kind of question in the distant past when diseases were evolving for the first time in dense settlements.

    Bentley was particularly interested in whether it could shed light on a conundrum: a curious pattern from the archaeological record that showed that early European farmers lived in large dense villages, then dispersed for centuries, then later formed cities again, which they also abandoned.

    All this was happening in the neolithic period, between around 9000BC and 3000BC, a time when humans shifted from a nomadic hunterer-gatherer lifestyle to settling in small tribes in one place, cultivating the land and domesticating animals.

    Bentley decided to apply the same model of how disease and patterns of behaviour spread during COVID, to map out how a contagious disease could have spread in an mega settlement called Nebelivka in modern-day Ukraine. This settlement was designed in an oval layout and divided into neighbourhoods, or clusters. Bentley and his colleagues suggest this layout, whether the inhabitants knew it or not, could have helped prevent the spread of disease.

    Listen to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly to hear the interview with Alex Bentley.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood and hosted by Gemma Ware. Sound design was by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Newsclips in this episode from ABC News.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    R. Alexander Bentley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. COVID modelling reveals new insights into ancient social distancing – podcast – https://theconversation.com/covid-modelling-reveals-new-insights-into-ancient-social-distancing-podcast-253649

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry pupil helps E.ON Next drive to net zero

    Source: City of Coventry

    An Aldermoor Farm Primary School pupil has had their design brought to life as the wrap for E.ON Next’s newest electric vans.

    The vans will transport E.ON Next engineers to homes around Coventry and the surrounding area, installing smart meters and other sustainable energy solutions.

    The initiative is part of E.ON’s pioneering 15-year partnership with Coventry City Council, helping to make the city more sustainable.

    Y6 pupil at Aldermoor Farm Primary School, Fredrica, had her design chosen as part of a series of workshops previously run by E.ON across Coventry, aimed at educating and inspiring pupils about sustainability, renewable energy and the initiatives happening in their city to promote new types of energy, cleaner air and green jobs and skills.

    The eye-catching design, which features a bold message to ‘save energy’ will adorn two E.ON Next vans tasked with transporting E.ON Next engineers as they work to deliver net zero by installing a variety of sustainable energy solutions.

    Fredrica said: “I was really excited to hear that my design had been chosen. I thought of a quick and easy way to get the message across. Lots of adverts have too many words so I wanted to choose something that would have an immediate impact. Saving energy should be everyone’ s life goal. We can all contribute by doing simple things like turning off the lights and not wasting electricity.”

    The vans were proudly presented to Fredrica and her fellow classmates by Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery at E.ON Next and Councillor Jim O’Boyle Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council at an unveiling ceremony at Aldermoor Farm Primary School.

    Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “It’s brilliant that Fredrica’s amazing design will be seen all over the city. It’s bold and clear and that’s exactly the right approach for such an important issue – the drive to net zero. Young people understand this as well as anyone and this competition really caught the imagination of local school pupils making it hard to select a winner. Our Strategic Energy Partnership is all about transforming the city’s approach to carbon reduction and through initiatives like this, the next generation of homeowners, drivers and energy users are learning about it early which is great.”

    Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery at E.ON Next, said: “The only way we’ll deliver our new energy world is if everyone feels energised and enthusiastic about a more sustainable future. And this initiative, as part of our Strategic Energy Partnership with Coventry Council, does exactly that. We’re so proud of the fantastic effort the pupils at Aldermoor Farm have put into this initiative, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the winning design. These electric vans will now join our fleet and support our engineers installing smart meters and other sustainable energy solutions like solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers across the region.”

    Lucy Wright, Headteacher at Aldermoor Farm Primary School, said: “When I was told that a child at this school won the competition, I felt immense pride. Fredrica has truly embodied our value of ‘aspirational’ and I’m certain her example can inspire all children to have the highest of expectations for themselves. The vans look incredible with Fredrica’s design and seeing her name on the vans was the best of all. To have a student’s name on something so publicly positive is an almost indescribable feeling. Well done, Fredrica!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Good Earth Oils Canola Oil Now Available on JD.com

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT) today announced Good Earth Oils (GEO) premium quality canola oil has successfully entered the JD.com supply chain and is now available for purchase on JD.com’s self-operated platform.

    “This milestone marks another significant advancement for GEO’s presence in the Chinese market,” said Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer. “By joining JD.com’s self-operated platform, GEO enhances its visibility and credibility among Chinese consumers, offering them access to healthy, natural, and high-quality Australian canola oil. With a focus on quality, transparency, and sustainability, GEO is poised to become a trusted name in households across China.”

    The successful integration into JD.com was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Shanghai Maiwei Trading Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Maiwei Trading Co., Ltd. Their strategic coordination and unwavering commitment ensured that GEO canola oil met the rigorous standards required by JD’s platform.

    In addition to JD.com, GEO’s online presence is expanding through sales channels on other leading e-commerce platforms in China such as Tmall Supermarket and Douyin (TikTok China). Maiwei is also actively developing large-scale offline private domain sales networks to further strengthen GEO’s market reach and brand recognition. This collaboration underscores the shared vision between Good Earth Oils and its partners in China to bring the best of Australian agriculture to the world, paving the way for further expansion across e-commerce and retail channels in China.

    About Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. is an Australian proprietary company that, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, is focused on the manufacture and sale of sustainable oilseeds (e.g., seeds grown primarily for the production of edible oils) and is committed to working with all suppliers in the food supply chain to eliminate chemicals from the production and manufacturing systems to supply quality products to customers globally. The Company engages in the business of processing, manufacture and sale of non-GMO oilseeds and organic and non-organic food-grade oils, for the rapidly growing oilseeds market, through sourcing materials from suppliers focused on reducing the use of chemicals in consumables in order to supply healthier food ingredients, vegetable oils, proteins and other products to customers globally. Over the past 20 years, the Company’s cold pressing oil plant has grown to become the largest in Australia, pressing strictly GMO-free conventional and organic oilseeds.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Amarjeet Singh, CFO
    Email: amarjeet.s@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meals4Moms: UConn, CT Small Business Develop Program to Support Gestational Diabetes Management

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    An interdisciplinary team of UConn and UConn Health researchers have teamed up with a Hartford-based small business, My Local Chefs, to develop a program to help pregnant persons diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (also known as GDM) navigate their diagnosis and make choices to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

    This program, Meals4Moms, provides people diagnosed with GDM free meals aligned with the American Diabetes Association recommendations for GDM management, personalized exercise support, and access to evidence-based information and resources via a website.

    Dr. Andrea Shields, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the UConn School of Medicine at UConn Health, is spearheading the project team. Other members include Molly Waring, associate professor of allied health sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR); Vanessa Sena, CEO of My Local Chefs; Ock Chun, professor of nutritional sciences in CAHNR; Linda Pescatello, professor of kinesiology in CAHNR; and Helen Wu, associate professor of psychiatry in the UConn School of Medicine.

    Gestational diabetes impacts 2 to 10% of U.S. pregnancies, and about 50% of patients with GDM will develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Having diabetes during pregnancy can impact both the long-term health of both mom and baby. Moms may experience higher rates of blood pressure. The baby may require special care after birth and could be at risk of developing obesity.

    The Meals4Moms program offers a unique opportunity to not only help pregnant individuals with GDM make changes needed to manage their health during pregnancy, but also to prevent diabetes over the long-term and promote maternal and child health. Specifically, the program offers weekly meal delivery and specific recipes to help with managing GDM, educational videos and podcasts, and personalized fitness plans to encourage more physical activity during pregnancy.

    UConn’s Office of the Vice President for Research’s Clinical Research and Innovation Seed Program (CRISP) funded the program. CRISP supports faculty in clinical roles to launch significant research projects.

    “Patients with gestational diabetes face significant challenges in adjusting their diet. Meals4Moms offers a practical solution to help them make necessary changes swiftly and maintain optimal blood glucose control. The funding from OVPR was crucial to bringing together a cross-campus collaboration of clinical, translational, and basic science research experts to put together this important lifestyle intervention,” says Shields.

    The research team recently published results of the first phase of this research in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. In this study, the team interviewed nine pregnant adults with GDM to solicit their feedback about the Meals4Moms program.

    Participants were shown a mock-up of the Meals4Moms website, sample recipes, cooking demonstrations, exercise video, and free online yoga videos that the research team vetted. Participants were then asked about aspects of the Meals4Moms program they liked and opportunities for improvement.

    Overall, participants were enthusiastic about the Meals4Moms program. They were excited about being able to order meals for themselves and their families and felt that meal delivery would reduce the stress knowing what foods are “GDM-approved.”

    Participants also liked the idea of personalized support for exercise and access to recipes and exercise videos vetted by GDM experts. They emphasized the importance of offering meals and recipes in a variety of cuisines and that meet patients’ and families’ dietary patterns and food allergies.

    “It was really helpful to talk to women with GDM and hear from them how the Meals4Mom program would fit into their lives,” says Waring, who conducted the interviews along with graduate and undergraduate students on her research team.

    Study findings informed the project’s second phase, which consisted of a pilot randomized trial to test the feasibility of adding the Meals4Moms program to usual prenatal care for pregnant individuals with GDM.

    My Local Chefs also offers cooking demonstration videos and recipes online that are reviewed by pregnancy and nutrition experts.

    Data from these two studies will inform a clinical trial to test whether the Meals4Moms program along with usual prenatal care is more effective than usual care alone for helping pregnant individuals manage their GDM.

    The project’s goal is to support a healthier diet and lifestyle for study participants and their families. Additionally, the project seeks to evaluate whether the Meals4Moms program fits into the pregnant person’s life and improves diet and exercise over the long-term.

    The Meals4Moms program will also strengthen community engagement and improve Connecticut residents’ health by leveraging local stakeholders such as local chefs and farmers.

    “Collaborating with UConn and UConn Health has strengthened our ability to integrate evidence-based nutrition into patient care. Their research expertise has been invaluable in advancing our medically tailored meal programs,” says Sena, CEO of My Local Chefs. “We aim to expand our reach to support more expectant mothers and improve maternal health outcomes through personalized, medically tailored meals.”

    This approach has the potential to be applied to other communities within and beyond Connecticut.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Country creates sources of water in unlikeliest places 

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    West Country creates sources of water in unlikeliest places 

    Devon and Cornwall is leading the way in innovative water sources as the West Country’s industrial legacy is turned into gigantic water holes.

    A disused China clay pit that now holds water for use elsewhere

    Devon and Cornwall’s biggest water users are creating amazing sources of water which benefit the environment and business.  

    The 2022 drought in Cornwall and parts of Devon reminded everyone that new, smarter ways to use water and reduce demand must be found to adapt to our changing climate. 

    Arguably the biggest reduction of water use has been made in the counties’ china clay sector, with Environment Agency advice leading to an incredible 99.5% reduction in the amount of water taken from the River Fal.

    River Fal water used to pipe wet clay cut by 99.5%

    Five years ago, Imerys Minerals abstracted 2 billion litres of water a year from this freshwater river abstraction point, requiring significant pumping costs, to transport wet clay through its pipe network. 

    Thanks to Environment Agency advice and Imerys’ actions, the firm has saved significant carbon and electricity costs and reduced this abstraction to about 10 million litres per year– less than 1% of its original drain upon freshwater sources. 

    Instead of a river, the water now comes from the company’s disused china clay pits, so large they are visible on aerial maps – with some nearly rivalling the size of Cornwall’s largest reservoirs. These pits have filled with a mixture of rain and ground water which is now used by the company instead of river water.  

    Using these water sources also benefits the public’s drinking water supply. Taking and treating groundwater from three former china clay pits helps to supply the water in customers’ taps in Cornwall. 

    Enough water for 290,000 bathtubs at brassica farm

    Farmers are also moving away from river and groundwater abstraction and finding ways to collect their own rainwater. One farm in Cornwall produces 15% of England’s seedlings used to grow brassica vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

    A farm where a surface water reservoir is being built

    It relied on multiple abstraction licences for this water-intensive activity. Thanks to Environment Agency advice it has now invested in ways of storing rainwater to grow these brassica seedlings. This includes collecting water from its own polytunnels roofs and creating a clay-lined reservoir which will store 24 million litres of rain water – enough water to fill 290,000 bathtubs. 

    ‘Water is precious’

    Clarissa Newell of the Environment Agency said:

    Water is a precious resource, so it is great to see by-products of Devon and Cornwall’s industrial past being turned into new water sources.

    Farmers are also investing in new ways of getting water which will pay them back. This is the way forward.  

    The two biggest challenges for water are climate change and population growth. Only by finding smart ways to reduce our water demand can we protect the environment and in turn ourselves.

    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. 

    Climate change will alter the water in our rivers, lakes and groundwater. To protect and enhance the environment, we will need to change how we abstract water. Water companies will need to change their abstractions and will need to find new sources of water. 

    These alterations, on top of the demands faced by a growing population, and the additional pressures of agricultural pollution, wastewater discharges and urban pollution are all combining to exacerbate water stress.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red tides sighted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Red tides sighted 
         On March 28, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) spotted the first red tide at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung. Another red tide was spotted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Sai Kung, on April 2 by staff of the LCSD. The red tide at Silverstrand Beach has dissipated, while the red tide at Clear Water Bay Second Beach persists. No associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
     
         A spokesman for the working group said, “The red tide at Silverstrand Beach was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, while the red tide at Clear Water Bay Second Beach was formed by Scrippsiella acuminata. Both algal species are common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic.”
     
         The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at the fish culture zones of Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan, Tung Lung Chau and Po Toi O to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
     
         Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD’s proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining Advances Growth Prospects for African Economies

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Mineral-rich African countries are strengthening cooperation with global partners to optimize the mining value chain, leveraging investments to accelerate GDP growth and sustainable development. In recent years, the contribution of mining to the national fiscus has grown significantly across many nations, and looking ahead, this growth momentum is on track to continue as nations promote greater investment in mineral development.  

    Mali

    The Malian government expects to collect $1.2 billion (apo-opa.co/41Uk6C6) in tax revenue from the mineral sector in Q1, 2025 alone. New developments such as Hummingbird Resources’ Yanfolia project and Ganfeng Lithium’s Goulamina mine coming online, the country’s mining industry is set to expand even further. In 2023, the sector contributed approximately $1 billion to the economy, accounting for 21.5% of the national budget.

    Malawi

    Malawi is accelerating the rollout and monetization of mining projects under its Agriculture, Mining and Tourism strategy. The strategy focuses on boosting activities across these sectors, with goals including increase exports, job creation and greater investment. The World Bank (apo-opa.co/3E0bWyX) projects that the mining sector will contribute 12% to Malawi’s GDP by 2027, generating $300 billion in export revenue between 2026 and 2040.

    South Africa

    South Africa’s mining sector remains a major economic pillar, contributing 6% to the country’s GDP in 2024 and generating R100 billion in national revenue. The industry provided 474,876 formal jobs, accounting for 4.5% of total employment, while exports reached R800 billion – representing 45% of total merchandise exports. With efforts to revitalize the gold industry and accelerate growth in critical minerals underway, the industry’s contribution to economic stability continues.

    Zambia

    In Zambia, mining continues to play a critical role, contributing 20% of total revenue, 15% of formal employment and 70% of export earnings (apo-opa.co/447UXVS). A plan to increase annual copper production to 3.1 million tons by 2031, reallocate 1,000 repossessed mining licenses (apo-opa.co/3R1l2hS) and attract new investments by firms such as Barrick, Jubilee Metals and Tertiary Minerals, will further expand the sector’s contribution to GDP.

    Botswana

    With a wealth of untapped mineral opportunities, Botswana seeks to leverage international partnerships to unlock additional value across its diamond sector. Diamond mining currently accounts for 4% of employment, 30% of GDP and 85% of total exports in the country. Going forward, greater investment across the industry will not only spur job creation but generate increased revenue from the industry.

    Ghana

    Ghana’s mining industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with minerals such as gold, manganese, bauxite and diamonds generating substantial revenue for the economy. Gold accounted for 48.4% of GDP in 2024 while small-scale gold miners alone generated $5 billion in foreign earnings from gold exports in the same year. However, with a focus on improving industry regulation, formalizing small-scale mining operations and increasing investments, Ghana is on track to generate greater value from its mining sector.

    As global demand for minerals rises – driven by the energy transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution – the prospects for Africa’s mining sector remain strong. The upcoming African Mining Week – taking place on October 1-3 in Cape Town – will highlight the sector’s expanding role in economic growth, job creation and revenue generation. African Mining Week will explore how countries are leveraging mining revenues to drive economic growth and infrastructure development, ensuring the industry remains a cornerstone of Africa’s economic future.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tribal Entrepreneurs in Tourism Sector

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has approved the initiative to develop tribal homestays under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism as part of ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan”. The said intervention includes development of 1000 homestays with support of upto Rs.5.00 Lakh per unit for new construction, up to Rs.3.00 Lakh for renovation and Rs.5.00 Lakh for village community requirements.

    Ministry of Tourism has no specific scheme for Tribal Entrepreneurs. However, Ministry extends financial support to State Governments and Union Territories for development of tourism under its schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ for Tourism Infrastructure Development. Tribal-circuit was identified as one of the themes for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the details of the projects sanctioned under Tribal Circuit of Swadesh Darshan is at Annexure-I.

    Ministry has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a destination centric approach and has sanctioned 34 projects for Rs.791.25 Crore, including tribal experience. The details of projects sanctioned under SD2.0 scheme is at Annexure-II.

    The responsibility of obtaining land for undertaking projects in Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes is that of the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    ANNEXURE-I

    List of Projects Sanctioned Under the Tribal Circuit Theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

    S.

    No.

    State/ UT

    Circuit / Sanction Year

    Name of the Project

    Amount Sanctioned

    (in ₹ Crore)

    1.

    Chhattisgarh

    Tribal Circuit

    2015-16

    Development  of Jashpur-       Kunkuri- Mainpat-         Kamleshpur                 -Maheshpur                  -Kurdar                       – Sarodhadadar- Gangrel- Kondagaon– Nathiyanawagaon- Jagdalpur- Chitrakoot- Tirthgarh

    96.10

    2.

    Nagaland

    Tribal Circuit

    2015-16

    Development of Tribal Circuit Peren- Kohima- Wokha

    97.36

    3.

    Nagaland

    Tribal Circuit 2016-17

    Development  of Mokokchung-Tuensang- Mon

    98.14

    4.

    Telangana

    Tribal Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Mulugu- Laknavaram- Medavaram-   Tadvai- Damaravi- Mallur- Bogatha Waterfalls

    79.87

     

    ANNEXURE-II

     

    List of Projects Sanctioned Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme

     

    S. No.

    State

    Destination

    Name of the Experience

    Sanctioned Cost (₹ Crore)

    Year of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Araku-Lambasingi

    Borra Cave Experience at Araku

    29.87

    2023-24

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Nacho

    Unlock Nacho Expedition

    14.02

    2023-24

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Cultural Haat

    18.48

    2023-24

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Adventure Park

    12.75

    2023-24

    5

    Assam

    Kokrajhar

    Kokrajhar Wetland Experience

    26.67

    2023-24

    6

    Assam

    Jorhat

    Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate

    23.91

    2023-24

    7

    Goa

    Porvorim

    Porvorim Creek Experience

    23.56

    2024-25

    8

    Goa

    Colva

    Colva Beach Experience

    15.65

    2024-25

    9

    Karnataka

    Hampi

    Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

    25.64

    2023-24

    10

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Tonga ride Heritage experience zone

    2.72

    2023-24

    11

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Ecological Experience Zone

    18.47

    2023-24

    12

    Kerala

    Kumarakom

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience

    13.92

    2023-24

    13

    Ladakh

    Leh

    JulleyLeh Biodiversity Park

    24.89

    2023-24

    14

    Ladakh

    Kargil

    Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience

    12.01

    2023-24

    15

    Madhya Pradesh

    Gwalior

    Phoolbagh Experience Zone

    16.73

    2023-24

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    Chitrakoot

    Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot

    27.21

    2023-24

    17

    Maharashtra

    Pune

    Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3

    76.22

    2024-25

    18

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Waterfall Trails Experience

    27.84

    2023-24

    19

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Meghalayan Age Cave Experience

    32.45

    2023-24

    20

    Nagaland

    Chumoukedima

    Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint

    7.87

    2024-25

    21

    Nagaland

    Chumuoukedima

    Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat

    21.56

    2023-24

    22

    Puducherry

    Karaikal

    Karaikal beach and waterfront experience

    20.29

    2023-24

    23

    Punjab

    Kapurthala

    Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland

    20.06

    2023-24

    24

    Punjab

    Amritsar

    Border Tourism Experience at Attari

    25.90

    2024-25

    25

    Rajasthan

    Bundi

    Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan

    17.37

    2023-24

    26

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster

    15.40

    2023-24

    27

    Sikkim

    Gangtok

    Gangtok Cultural Village

    22.59

    2023-24

    28

    Tamil Nadu

    Mamallapuram

    Immersive experience at Shore Temple

    30.02

    2023-24

    29

    Telangana

    Bhongir

    Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone

    56.81

    2023-24

    30

    Telangana

    Ananathagiri

    Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest

    38.00

    2023-24

    31

    Uttar Pradesh

    Prayagraj

    Azad Park and DekhoPrayagraj Trail Exp

    13.02

    2023-24

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    Naimisaranya

    Vedic- wellness Experience

    15.94

    2023-24

    33

    Uttarakhand

    Pithoragarh

    Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji

    32.20

    2023-24

    34

    Uttarakhand

    Champawat

    Tea Garden Experience

    11.21

    2023-24

    TOTAL AMOUNT

         791.25

     

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2118259) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Wellness Tourism in the Country

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including wellness tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism complements the efforts of States/UTs by promoting various tourism products of the country through various initiatives.

    The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for tourism infrastructure development in the country.

    The details of projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes are given at Annexure.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    ANNEXURE

    List of Projects Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme Till 31.12.2024

                                                                                                                                       (₹ in crore)

    S. No.

    State/UTs

    No. of Projects

    Amount Sanctioned

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    152.62

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh 

    2

    146.49

    3

    Assam

    2

    185.66

    4

    Bihar

    5

    262.72

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    96.10

    6

    Goa

    2

    197.00

    7

    Gujarat

    3

    176.97

    8

    Haryana

    1

    77.39

    9

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    68.34

    10

    Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

    6

    519.58

    11

    Jharkhand

    1

    30.44

    12

    Kerala

    5

    312.47

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    4

    349.70

    14

    Maharashtra

    2

    64.53

    15

    Manipur

    2

    117.57

    16

    Meghalaya

    2

    184.10

    17

    Mizoram

    2

    158.63

    18

    Nagaland

    2

    195.50

    19

    Odisha

    1

    70.82

    20

    Punjab

    1

    85.32

    21

    Rajasthan

    4

    283.47

    22

    Sikkim

    2

    193.37

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    1

    73.13

    24

    Telangana

    3

    268.39

    25

    Tripura

    2

    127.68

    26

    Uttar Pradesh

    8

    490.95

    27

    Uttarakhand

    2

    145.49

    28

    West Bengal

    1

    67.99

    29

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    1

    27.57

    30

    Puducherry

    3

    142.84

    31

    Wayside Amenities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

    1

    15.07

     

    Total

    76

    5287.90

     

    List of Sanctioned Projects Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 as on 31.12.2024

     

    S. No.

    State

    Destination

    Name of the Experience

    Sanctioned Cost

    (₹ Crore)

    Date of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Araku-Lambasingi

     Borra Cave Experience at Araku

    29.87

    05-03-2024

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Nacho

    Unlock Nacho Expedition

    14.02

    05-03-2024

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Cultural Haat

    18.48

    05-03-2024

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Adventure Park

    12.75

    05-03-2024

    5

    Assam

    Kokrajhar

    Kokrajhar Wetland Experience

    26.67

    05-03-2024

    6

    Assam

    Jorhat

    Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate

    23.91

    05-03-2024

    7

    Goa

    Porvorim

    Porvorim Creek Experience

    23.56

    20-08-2024

    8

    Goa

    Colva

    Colva Beach Experience

    15.65

    20-08-2024

    9

    Karnataka

    Hampi

    Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

    25.64

    29-02-2024

    10

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Tonga ride Heritage experience zone

    2.72

    29-02-2024

    11

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Ecological Experience Zone

    18.47

    05-03-2024

    12

    Kerala

    Kumarakom

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience

    13.92

    05-03-2024

    13

    Ladakh

    Leh

    Julley Leh Biodiversity Park

    24.89

    05-03-2024

    14

    Ladakh

    Kargil

    Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience

    12.01

    05-03-2024

    15

    Madhya Pradesh

    Gwalior

    Phoolbagh Experience Zone

    16.73

    29-02-2024

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    Chitrakoot

    Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot

    27.21

    05-03-2024

    17

    Maharashtra

    Pune

    Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3

    76.22

    21-09-2024

    18

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Waterfall Trails Experience

    27.84

    05-03-2024

    19

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Meghalayan Age Cave Experience

    32.45

    04-03-2024

    20

    Nagaland

    Chumoukedima

    Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint

    7.87

    20-08-2024

    21

    Nagaland

    Chumuoukedima

    Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat

    21.56

    05-03-2024

    22

    Puducherry

    Karaikal

    Karaikal beach and waterfront experience

    20.29

    05-03-2024

    23

    Punjab

    Kapurthala

    Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland

    20.06

    05-03-2024

    24

    Punjab

    Amritsar

    Border Tourism Experience at Attari

    25.90

    20-08-2024

    25

    Rajasthan

    Bundi

    Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan

    17.37

    29-02-2024

    26

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster

    15.40

    05-03-2024

    27

    Sikkim

    Gangtok

    Gangtok Cultural Village

    22.59

    29-02-2024

    28

    Tamil Nadu

    Mamallapuram

    Immersive experience at Shore Temple

    30.02

    29-02-2024

    29

    Telangana

    Bhongir

    Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone

    56.81

    29-02-2024

    30

    Telangana

    Ananathagiri

    Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest

    38.00

    05-03-2024

    31

    Uttar Pradesh

    Prayagraj

    Azad Park and Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp

    13.02

    05-03-2024

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    Naimisaranya

    Vedic- wellness Experience

    15.94

    05-03-2024

    33

    Uttarakhand

    Pithoragarh

    Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji

    32.20

    05-03-2024

    34

    Uttarakhand

    Champawat

    Tea Garden Experience

    11.21

    05-03-2024

    TOTAL AMOUNT 

    791.25

     

    State Wise List of Projects Sanctioned Under PRASHAD Scheme.

    (₹ in crore)

    S. No.

    Name of the State/UT

    No. of Projects

    Sanctioned Amount

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    4

    150.22

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1

    37.88

    3

    Assam

    1

    29.8

    4

    Bihar

    2

    33.25

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    48.44

    6

    Gujarat

    4

    152.94

    7

    Goa

    1

    16.46

    8

    Haryana

    1

    48.53

    9

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1

    40.46

    10

    Jharkhand

    1

    36.79

    11

    Karnataka

    1

    45.71

    12

    Kerala

    1

    45.19

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    2

    93.92

    14

    Maharashtra

    1

    42.18

    15

    Meghalaya

    1

    29.29

    16

    Mizoram

    1

    44.89

    17

    Nagaland

    2

    43.38

    18

    Odisha

    1

    50

    19

    Punjab

    2

    37.97

    20

    Rajasthan

    1

    32.64

    21

    Sikkim

    1

    33.32

    22

    Tamil Nadu

    2

    18.85

    23

    Telangana

    3

    142.28

    23

    Tripura

    1

    34.43

    25

    Uttar Pradesh

    6

    130.27

    26

    Uttarakhand

    3

    145.28

    27

    West Bengal

    1

    30.03

     

    Grand Total

    47

    1594.4

    *****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2118257) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Benefits of the Bill

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    What is Waqf

    The concept of ‘Waqf’ is rooted in Islamic laws and traditions. It refers to an endowment made by a Muslim for charitable or religious purposes, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, or other public institutions. Another defining feature of a Waqf is that it’s inalienable- which means it cannot be sold, gifted, inherited or encumbered. Therefore, once a property is divested from the waqif, i.e., the creator of a waqf, it vests in God and as per Islamic belief since God is ever lasting, so is the ‘waqf property’.

    Addressing Longstanding Issues

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to address issues such as –

     

    1. Lack of transparency in Waqf property management
    2. Incomplete surveys and mutation of Waqf land records
    3. Insufficient provisions for women’s inheritance rights
    4. Large number of prolonged litigations including encroachment. In 2013, there were 10,381 pending cases which have now increased to 21,618 cases.
    5. Irrational power of the Waqf Boards in declaring any property as waqf land based on their own inquiry.
    6. Large number of disputes related to government land declared as aqf.
    7. Lack of proper accounting and auditing of Waqf properties.
    8. Administrative inefficiencies in waqf management. ‘
    9. Improper treatment to Trust properties.
    10. Inadequate representation of stakeholders in Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.        

     

    Modernizing the Waqf Bill

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

    1. Non-Muslim properties declared as Waqf– The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to streamline Waqf property management while safeguarding heritage sites and individual property rights. Various states have seen disputes over Waqf property claims, leading to legal battles and community concerns. As of data from September 2024, across 25 States/ UTs Waqf Boards, a total of 5973 government properties have been declared as Waqf properties. Some examples of the same:

     

    • Tamil Nadu: A farmer in Thiruchenthurai village was unable to sell his land due to the Waqf Board’s claim over the entire village. This unexpected requirement prevented him from selling his land to repay a loan for his daughter’s wedding.
    • Govindpur Village, Bihar: In August 2024, The Bihar Sunni Waqf Board’s claim over an entire village in August 2024 affected seven families, leading to a case in the Patna High Court. The case is sub-judice.
    • Kerala: In September 2024, around 600 Christian families in Ernakulam district are contesting the Waqf Board’s claim over their ancestral land. They have appealed to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
    • Karnataka: In 2024, Farmers protested after the Waqf Board designated 15,000 acres in Vijayapura as Waqf land. Disputes also arose in Ballari, Chitradurga, Yadgir, and Dharwad. The government, however, assured that no evictions would take place.
    • Uttar Pradesh: Complaints have been raised against alleged corruption and mismanagement by the State Waqf Board.

    Further, the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill (JCWAB) had also received some communications regarding unlawful claim of properties by Waqf Boards, some of which are as under:

    • Karnataka (1975 & 2020): 40 Waqf properties were notified, including farmlands, public spaces, government lands, graveyards, lakes, and temples.
    • The Punjab Waqf Board has claimed land belonging to the Education Department in Patiala.

    Additionally, MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) informed the JPC during their presentation in September 2024, that 108 properties under control of Land and Development Office, 130 properties under control of Delhi Development Authority and 123 properties in the public domain were declared as Waqf properties and brought into litigation.

    1. Rights of Muslim Women and Legal Heirs– The Bill also seeks to improve the economic and social status of Muslim women, particularly widows and divorced women, by promoting self-help groups (SHGs) and financial independence programs.

    Additionally, the Bill aims at achieving the following for the benefit for Muslim women-

    • Transparency in Waqf Management – Digitizing waqf records to curb corruption.
    • Legal Aid & Social Welfare – Establishing legal support centers for family disputes and inheritance rights.
    • Cultural & Religious Identity – Strengthening cultural preservation and interfaith dialogue.

    Women’s involvement ensures transparency and directs Waqf resources towards:

    • Scholarships for Muslim girls
    • Healthcare and maternity welfare
    • Skill development and microfinance support for women entrepreneurs
    • Vocational training in fields like fashion design, healthcare, and entrepreneurship
    • Establishing legal aid centers for inheritance disputes and domestic violence cases
    • Pension schemes for widows

     

    1. Upliftment of the Poor

    Waqf plays a crucial role in serving religious, charitable, and social welfare needs, especially for the underprivileged. However, its impact has often been reduced due to mismanagement, encroachment, and lack of transparency. Some key benefits of Waqf for the Poor:

     

    1. Digitization for Transparency and Accountability
    • A centralized digital portal will track Waqf properties, ensuring better identification, monitoring, and management.
    • Auditing and accounting measures will prevent financial mismanagement and ensure funds are used only for welfare purposes.
    1. Increased Revenue for Welfare and Development
    • Preventing misuse and illegal occupation of Waqf lands will boost revenue for Waqf Boards, allowing them to expand welfare programs.
    • Funds will be allocated to healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood support, directly benefiting the economically weaker sections.
    • Regular audits and inspections will promote financial discipline and strengthen public confidence in Waqf management.

     

    1. Addressing Administrative Challenges–

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to improve governance by:

    • Enhancing transparency in property management.
    • Streamlining coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities.
    • Ensuring stakeholder rights are protected.

     

    1. Empowerment of Backward classes & other sects of Muslim communities: The Bill aims at making the Waqf Board more inclusive having representation from different Muslim sects for better Waqf governance and decision-making-
    • The Bill mandates inclusion of one member each from Bohra and Aghakhani communities in State/UT Waqf Boards, if they have functional Auqaf.
    • Also, the Board will have representation from Muslims belonging to backward classes apart from Shia and Sunni members.
    • Includes two or more elected members from municipalities or Panchayats, strengthening local governance in waqf affairs.
    • The Board/CWC will have two non-Muslim members excluding the ex-officio members.

    Conclusion:

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 establishes a secular, transparent, and accountable system for Waqf administration. While Waqf properties serve religious and charitable purposes, their management involves legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities that require structured governance. The role of Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council (CWC) is not religious but regulatory, ensuring legal compliance and safeguarding public interest. By introducing checks and balances, empowering stakeholders, and improving governance, the Bill sets a progressive and fair framework for Waqf administration in India.

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ****

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

     

    (Release ID: 2118261) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bureau of Indian Standards Conducts Annual Convention on Sustainability and Environmental Standards

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 1:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) convened its Annual Convention for Deans and Heads of Departments (HoDs) from partner institutions focused on Environment and Ecology in Goa. During the two days’ convention; 45 delegates from 32 partner institutions, alongside senior BIS officials, delved into the theme “Sustainability through Standards.”

    In his welcome address, Shri Praveen Khanna, Deputy Director General (Southern Region), underscored the pivotal role of academic institutions in developing national and international standards.

    Shri Sanjay Pant, Deputy Director General (Standardization-II), highlighted the significance of standardization in addressing sustainability challenges. “Standardization is the foundation of sustainability. By collaborating with academia, we can develop research-driven standards that address environmental challenges and create a lasting impact for future generations,” said Shri Sanjay Pant.

    He introduced the newly established Environment and Ecology Department (EED), consolidating various BIS standardization activities into a dedicated division. Since its inception, the EED has released nearly 100 standards through its nine specialized committees.

    The convention included comprehensive technical sessions on ongoing initiatives within the Environment and Ecology Division Council (EEDC) where 8 expert panels are engaged in standardization across crucial areas, including Air Quality Management, Water Quality Management, Waste Management, Environmental Monitoring, Sustainable Habitat, Sustainable Agriculture, Circular Economy, and Biodiversity & Ecosystem

    Featured speakers included Dr. Alok Sinha (IIT Dhanbad), Dr. Anju Singh (IIM Mumbai), and Ms. Shabnam Bassi (GRIHA Council), who emphasized the necessity of addressing gaps in existing standards to bolster national climate initiatives such as the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC).

    Utilizing the ‘Know Your Standards’ feature on the BIS Care App, participants evaluated existing standards and pinpointed new areas for development. Key discussions included: Waste Management & Recycling; Water Quality & Management; Sustainable Construction & Materials; Environmental Monitoring & Pollution Control; Green Energy & Climate Change Mitigation; Health & Safety Standards and Campus & Industrial Sustainability

    On the second day, delegates observed a live demonstration of BIS’s digital solutions, which included the Academic Dashboard, a platform enabling partner institutions to access standards, submit research projects, and contribute to technical committees. BIS also presented tools for downloading and commenting on draft standards, facilitating involvement in international standardization efforts.

    A special session led by Shri Ritesh Baranwal (Director, Finance, BIS) concentrated on the role of standards in sustainability and sustainable finance. His presentation illustrated how financial frameworks can underpin sustainability initiatives through standardization.

    The BIS Annual Convention reinforced the organization’s dedication to collaborating with academia to formulate standards that address vital environmental and ecological issues. BIS aims to establish robust, research-driven standards that contribute to a more sustainable future by fostering partnerships among experts, researchers, and policymakers.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2118173) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden: EIB supports plant protein factory, reducing the need for imports entering Europe

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB provides a €50 million loan to Lantmännen to build a new factory producing pea protein in Sweden
    • Financing to strengthen EU food security and reduce dependence on imported proteins
    • Project will promote sustainable agriculture and help create jobs

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €50 million loan to Lantmännen to co-finance the construction of a new pea protein isolate factory in Lidköping. The loan will cover approximately half of the project investment cost.

    The first of its kind in Sweden, the factory will have an annual processing capacity of over 40 000 tonnes of peas grown by Lantmännen cooperative members. It is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027 and to create around 30 jobs in the region.

    The plant will manufacture high-quality plant proteins that can be used across a range of products from protein bars and drinks to bread, plant-based milks and meat substitutes – a recipe for replacing animal protein sustainably.

    The project is in line with EU targets for increasing plant protein self-sufficiency, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing climate impact.

    “By supporting Lantmännen’s investments in pea protein production, we will strengthen both food security and climate action in Sweden and across the European Union,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “This project is also a great example of how EU cooperation can deliver benefits on the ground.”

    Peas and beans are versatile and climate-friendly crops that need a relatively low amount of water and nutrients and are good for biodiversity. The use of legumes grown in Sweden will mean that the share of imported soybeans in food production can be reduced, further backing Swedish and EU sustainability goals.

    “We are delighted that the EIB recognises the long-term value of investment in the food of the future – plant protein – and that it has chosen to support our Lidköping facility,” said Lantmännen Chief Financial Officer Michael Sigsfors. “Promoting exports and expanding food production not only leads to better profitability for farmers, but also ensures improved food security. This is a grand and important project, and I am happy that the EIB is supporting our work to this end.”

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    Lantmännen

    Lantmännen is an agricultural cooperative and northern Europe’s leader in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy and food products. Owned by 17 000 Swedish farmers, Lantmännen has 12 000 employees, operations in over 20 countries and an annual turnover of SEK 70 billion. With grain at the heart of the operations, Lantmännen refines arable land resources to make farming thrive. Some of Lantmännen’s best-known food brands are AXA, Kungsörnen, Scan, Korvbrödsbagarn, GoGreen, FINN CRISP and Bonjour. The company is founded on the knowledge and values acquired through generations of farmers. By engaging in research, development and operations throughout the value chain, Lantmännen takes responsibility from farm to fork. 

    Lantmannen Pea Protein Investments
    Sweden: EIB supports plant protein factory, reducing the need for imports entering Europe
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    Lantmannen Pea Protein Investments
    Sweden: EIB supports plant protein factory, reducing the need for imports entering Europe
    ©EIB
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    Lantmannen Pea Protein Investments
    Sweden: EIB supports plant protein factory, reducing the need for imports entering Europe
    ©EIB
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-04-02

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – Strasbourg

    IN THE CHAIR: Sophie WILMÈS
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)

    The decisions of the LIBE, TRAN and AGRI committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations had been announced on 31 March 2025 (minutes of 31.3.2025, item 7).

    A request for a vote in Parliament had been formulated by the PfE, ECR, The Left and ESN groups pursuant to Rule 72(2), on the following decision by the LIBE Committee:

    – Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an EU talent pool (2023/0404(COD))

    The vote would take place the next day, 3 April 2025.

    A request for a vote in Parliament had been formulated by the PfE Group pursuant to Rule 72(2), on the following decision by the AGRI Committee:

    – Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on fodder plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on beet seed-producing crops and oil plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine (2024/0027(COD))

    The vote would take place the next day, 3 April 2025.

    As there had not been any requests for a vote in relation to the other decisions pursuant to Rule 72(2), the committees responsible had been able to begin negotiations upon expiry of the deadline.


    3. European Steel and Metals Action Plan (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: European Steel and Metals Action Plan (2025/2633(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Dennis Radtke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Dan Nica, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julie Rechagneux, on behalf of the PfE Group, Elena Donazzan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Bas Eickhout, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marina Mesure, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Christian Ehler, Mohammed Chahim, Tomasz Buczek, Beatrice Timgren, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Sara Matthieu, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Rudi Kennes, Susana Solís Pérez, Yannis Maniatis, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Letizia Moratti, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Jens Geier, Michael Bloss, Angelika Winzig, Nicolás González Casares, Ondřej Krutílek, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Tilly Metz, Elena Sancho Murillo, Valentina Palmisano and Adam Jarubas.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Bruno Tobback, Beata Szydło, who also answered a blue-card question from Petr Bystron, Massimiliano Salini and Majdouline Sbai.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Dariusz Joński, Jonás Fernández, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Brigitte van den Berg, Ana Miranda Paz and Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    4. Energy-intensive industries (debate)

    Commission statement: Energy-intensive industries (2025/2536(RSP))

    The President made some clarifications on the organisational arrangements of the debate, as a new format was being trialled.

    Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Wouter Beke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Giorgio Gori, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jana Nagyová, on behalf of the PfE Group, Mariateresa Vivaldini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Brigitte van den Berg, on behalf of the Renew Group, Benedetta Scuderi, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Anthony Smith, on behalf of The Left Group, Markus Buchheit, on behalf of the ESN Group, Dan Nica, András Gyürk, Daniel Obajtek, Anna Stürgkh, Per Clausen, Anja Arndt, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Kateřina Konečná, Radan Kanev, Jens Geier, who also answered a blue-card question from Davor Ivo Stier, Mélanie Disdier, who also answered a blue-card question from Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Kris Van Dijck, Mirosława Nykiel, Bruno Gonçalves, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Barbara Bonte, Marc Botenga, Tom Berendsen, Nicolás González Casares, Raffaele Stancanelli, Alexandr Vondra, Seán Kelly, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Milan Mazurek, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Niels Fuglsang, Georg Mayer, Diego Solier, Sofie Eriksson, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Thomas Geisel and Christian Ehler.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Krzysztof Hetman, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Katri Kulmuni, Majdouline Sbai and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné.

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate: minutes of 3.4.2025, item I.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    5. Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem – Statement by the President

    Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem – Statement by the President (2025/2649(RSP))

    The President made the statement.

    The following spoke: Loucas Fourlas, on behalf of the PPE Group, Costas Mavrides, on behalf of the S&D Group, Afroditi Latinopoulou, on behalf of the PfE Group, Geadis Geadi, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Group, Reinier Van Lanschot, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, and René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    6. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:07.


    7. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    7.1. Guidelines for the 2026 budget – Section III (vote)

    Report on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2026 budget, Section III – Commission [2024/2110(BUI)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteur: Andrzej Halicki (A10-0042/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 31 March 2025 (minutes of 31.3.2025, item 12).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0051)

    The following had spoken:

    Michał Dworczyk, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 12. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 1)


    7.2. Agreements on Financial Mechanisms for the period May 2021 – April 2028 (EEA: EU-Iceland-Liechtenstein-Norway; Norwegian: EU-Norway); Additional Protocols to EEC-Norway Agreement and to EEC-Iceland Agreement *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union, Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway on an EEA Financial Mechanism for the period May 2021 – April 2028, the Agreement between the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union on a Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the period May 2021 – April 2028, the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway and the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and Iceland [10005/2024 – C10-0103/2024 – 2024/0052(NLE)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Željana Zovko (A10-0036/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0052)

    Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreements and protocols.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 2)


    7.3. Protocol on the Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029) [12475/2024 – C10-0108/2024 – 2024/0159(NLE)] – Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Eric Sargiacomo (A10-0028/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0053)

    Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.

    The following had spoken:

    Before the vote, Eric Sargiacomo (rapporteur) to make a statement on his reports on the basis of Rule 165(4).

    (‘Results of votes’, item 3)


    7.4. Protocol on the Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) (Resolution) (vote)

    Report containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Implementing Protocol (2024–2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau [2024/0159M(NLE)] – Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Eric Sargiacomo (A10-0040/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0054)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 4)


    7.5. EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Agreement: cooperation between Eurojust and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Agreement between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters [COM(2024)0299 – 2024/0167(NLE)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Jaroslav Bžoch (A10-0027/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0055)

    Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 5)


    7.6. Strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement * (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a Council regulation on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement [COM(2024)0316 – C10-0112/2024 – 2024/0187(CNS)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Malik Azmani (A10-0041/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO THE COUNCIL

    Approved as amended (P10_TA(2025)0056)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 6)


    7.7. Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy – 2024 annual report [2024/2080(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: David McAllister (A10-0010/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 9).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0057)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 7)


    7.8. Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 [2024/2082(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (A10-0011/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 9).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0058)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 8)


    7.9. Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 [2024/2081(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Isabel Wiseler-Lima (A10-0012/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 10).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0059)

    The following had spoken:

    Bernard Guetta, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 4. Parliament had agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 9)

    (The sitting was suspended at 13:41.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
    Vice-President

    8. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 13:45.


    9. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    10. Social Europe: making life affordable, protecting jobs, wages and health for all (topical debate)

    The following spoke: Marie Toussaint to open the debate proposed by the Verts/ALE Group.

    The following spoke: Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Nikolina Brnjac, on behalf of the PPE Group, Gabriele Bischoff, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Lara Magoni, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jana Toom, on behalf of the Renew Group, Katrin Langensiepen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Li Andersson, on behalf of The Left Group, Maravillas Abadía Jover, Estelle Ceulemans, Valérie Deloge, Marlena Maląg, Irena Joveva, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Leila Chaibi, Maria Zacharia, Tomislav Sokol, Camilla Laureti, Pál Szekeres, Georgiana Teodorescu, Eugen Tomac, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Martins, Jan-Peter Warnke, Regina Doherty, Idoia Mendia, Isabella Tovaglieri, Francesco Torselli, Hristo Petrov, Gordan Bosanac, João Oliveira, Marc Angel, Mélanie Disdier, Nora Junco García, Engin Eroglu, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Marit Maij, Dick Erixon, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Jaak Madison and Johan Danielsson.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    11. European oceans pact (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: European oceans pact (2025/2610(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Gabriel Mato, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, António Tânger Corrêa, on behalf of the PfE Group, Veronika Vrecionová, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Isabelle Le Callennec, André Rodrigues, France Jamet, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Nikolas Farantouris, Carmen Crespo Díaz, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Annalisa Corrado, André Rougé, Ana Vasconcelos, Sebastian Everding, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Nicolás González Casares, Séverine Werbrouck, who also answered a blue-card question from Christophe Clergeau, Emma Wiesner, Jessica Polfjärd, Željana Zovko, Francisco José Millán Mon and Fredis Beleris.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Ana Miguel Pedro, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Ana Miranda Paz, Lukas Sieper, Nina Carberry, Thomas Bajada, João Oliveira, Giuseppe Lupo and Sofie Eriksson.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    12. Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (2025/2631(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Zoltán Tarr, on behalf of the PPE Group, Csaba Molnár, on behalf of the S&D Group, Tamás Deutsch, on behalf of the PfE Group, Jacek Ozdoba, on behalf of the ECR Group, and Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), and Tineke Strik, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Marc Angel, Paolo Borchia, Paolo Inselvini, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Daniel Freund, Ilaria Salis, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Enikő Győri, Milan Uhrík, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Ľuboš Blaha, who also answered a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Monika Hohlmeier, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Krzysztof Śmiszek, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Jacek Ozdoba, Ondřej Knotek, Moritz Körner, Kim Van Sparrentak, Tomasz Froelich, Lukas Sieper, Michał Wawrykiewicz, who also answered a blue-card question from Ernő Schaller-Baross, Chloé Ridel, Fabrice Leggeri, Sigrid Friis, Mélissa Camara, who also answered a blue-card question from Jacek Ozdoba, Reinhold Lopatka, who also answered a blue-card question from Daniel Freund, Evin Incir, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Rasmus Nordqvist, Regina Doherty, Matjaž Nemec, András László, who also answered a blue-card question from András Tivadar Kulja, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut and Dóra Dávid, who also answered a blue-card question from Annamária Vicsek.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Maria Walsh, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Csaba Dömötör and Dainius Žalimas.

    The following spoke: Lukas Sieper, concerning what certain speakers had said.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath.

    The debate closed.


    13. The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security (2025/2609(RSP))

    Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    The following spoke: Jens Gieseke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Johan Danielsson, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roman Haider, on behalf of the PfE Group, Roberts Zīle, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Merja Kyllönen, on behalf of The Left Group, and Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Dariusz Joński, Sérgio Gonçalves, Julien Leonardelli, Georgiana Teodorescu, Valérie Devaux, Stanislav Stoyanov, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Sophia Kircher, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca, François Kalfon, Rody Tolassy, Mario Mantovani, Thomas Geisel, Borja Giménez Larraz, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Ondřej Krutílek, Elena Nevado del Campo, Ştefan Muşoiu, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Aurelijus Veryga, Nikolina Brnjac, Piotr Müller and Kosma Złotowski.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Sandra Gómez López, Annamária Vicsek, Antonella Sberna, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, João Oliveira, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos and Francisco José Millán Mon.

    The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

    The debate closed.


    14. Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome (2025/2636(RSP))

    Jessika Roswall (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    The following spoke: Christine Schneider, on behalf of the PPE Group, César Luena, on behalf of the S&D Group, Mireia Borrás Pabón, on behalf of the PfE Group, Michele Picaro, on behalf of the ECR Group, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jutta Paulus, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Carola Rackete, on behalf of The Left Group, Sérgio Humberto, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Antonio Decaro, Michal Wiezik, Pär Holmgren and Manuela Ripa.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Seán Kelly and João Oliveira.

    The following spoke: Jessika Roswall.

    The debate closed.


    15. Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (2025/2611(RSP))

    Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Zoltán Tarr, on behalf of the PPE Group, Murielle Laurent, on behalf of the S&D Group, Elisabeth Dieringer, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alessandro Ciriani, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hristo Petrov, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alice Kuhnke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Estrella Galán, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Mazurek, on behalf of the ESN Group, Loránt Vincze, Francisco Assis, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Georgiana Teodorescu, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Tomáš Zdechovský, Marcos Ros Sempere, Reinhold Lopatka and Juan Fernando López Aguilar.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Silvia Sardone, Isabella Tovaglieri, Katrin Langensiepen and João Oliveira.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.

    The debate closed.


    16. Composition of committees and delegations

    The non-attached Members had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of the committees and delegations:

    – Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee: Grzegorz Braun

    – Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly: Kateřina Konečná

    The decisions took effect as of that day.


    17. Threat to freedom of expression in Algeria: the five-year prison sentence of French writer Boualem Sansal (debate)

    Commission statement: Threat to freedom of expression in Algeria: the five-year prison sentence of French writer Boualem Sansal (2025/2655(RSP))

    Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Céline Imart, on behalf of the PPE Group, Emma Rafowicz, on behalf of the S&D Group, Gilles Pennelle, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bernard Guetta, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.

    The debate closed.


    18. Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)

    (For the titles and authors of the motions for resolutions, see minutes of 3.4.2025, item I.)


    18.1. Prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior, Tsi Conrad

    Motions for resolutions B10-0230/2025, B10-0231/2025, B10-0232/2025, B10-0233/2025, B10-0234/2025, B10-0235/2025, B10-0236/2025 and B10-0237/2025 (2025/2627(RSP))

    Tomáš Zdechovský, Marta Temido, Catarina Vieira, Rima Hassan and Silvia Sardone introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Hannes Heide, on behalf of the S&D Group, and Marco Tarquinio.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    18.2. Execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani

    Motions for resolutions B10-0220/2025, B10-0222/2025, B10-0224/2025, B10-0225/2025, B10-0226/2025 and B10-0228/2025 (2025/2628(RSP))

    Danuše Nerudová, Francisco Assis, Veronika Vrecionová, Helmut Brandstätter, Hannah Neumann and Matthieu Valet introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Milan Zver, on behalf of the PPE Group, Daniel Attard, on behalf of the S&D Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, Davor Ivo Stier and Evin Incir.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Tiago Moreira de Sá.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    18.3. Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee

    Motions for resolutions B10-0218/2025, B10-0219/2025, B10-0221/2025, B10-0223/2025, B10-0227/2025 and B10-0229/2025 (2025/2629(RSP))

    Miriam Lexmann, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Helmut Brandstätter, Mārtiņš Staķis and Merja Kyllönen introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Michał Szczerba, on behalf of the PPE Group, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Dainius Žalimas, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Petar Volgin, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    19. Explanations of vote


    19.1. Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024 (A10-0010/2025 – David McAllister) (oral explanations of vote)

    Petar Volgin


    19.2. Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 (A10-0011/2025 – Nicolás Pascual de la Parte) (oral explanations of vote)

    Kathleen Funchion, Lynn Boylan


    19.3. Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    20. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 3 April 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.


    21. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.


    22. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 21:27.


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior, Tsi Conrad

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0230/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Rima Hassan
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0231/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Tomasz Froelich, Alexander Sell, Petr Bystron
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0232/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Catarina Vieira, Mounir Satouri, Maria Ohisalo, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0233/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marta Temido
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0234/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Silvia Sardone, Susanna Ceccardi, Roberto Vannacci, Nikola Bartůšek
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0235/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0236/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Sebastião Bugalho, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Miriam Lexmann, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0237/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alexandr Vondra, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Ivaylo Valchev, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0220/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Hannah Neumann, Mounir Satouri, Erik Marquardt, Catarina Vieira, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mélissa Camara, Maria Ohisalo
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0222/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Matthieu Valet, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Nikola Bartůšek, Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0224/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Helmut Brandstätter, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Abir Al-Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Bart Groothuis, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0225/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Daniel Attard, Evin Incir
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0226/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Aurelijus Veryga, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0228/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Sebastião Bugalho, Loucas Fourlas, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0218/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0219/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Mounir Satouri, Lena Schilling, Markéta Gregorová, Catarina Vieira, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Ville Niinistö, Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0221/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Robert Biedroń
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0223/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Adam Bielan, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Michał Dworczyk, Maciej Wąsik, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alexandr Vondra, Assita Kanko, Aurelijus Veryga, Rihards Kols, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Ivaylo Valchev, Roberts Zīle
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0227/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Michał Kobosko, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the investigative Committee (B10-0229/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Dariusz Joński, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Tomáš Zdechovský, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group


    II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))

    Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting certain language versions of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/857 supplementing Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying a standardised methodology and a simplified standardised methodology to evaluate the risks arising from potential changes in interest rates that affect both the economic value of equity and the net interest income of an institution’s non-trading book activities (C(2025)01555 – 2025/2614(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 17 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting the Dutch language version of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems (C(2025)01614 – 2025/2625(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 24 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/273 as regards the import of wine originating in Canada (C(2025)01628 – 2025/2617(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 19 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: AGRI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the methodology for calculation and verification of rates for recycling efficiency and recovery of materials from waste batteries, and the format for the documentation (C(2025)01674 – 2025/2621(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 21 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE, IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the elements that a financial entity has to determine and assess when subcontracting ICT services supporting critical or important functions (C(2025)01682 – 2025/2623(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 24 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) amending Regulation (EU) No 691/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards investments on climate change mitigation and introducing the classification of environmental purposes (C(2025)01777 – 2025/2643(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 26 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans by setting out the elements of the scoreboard for the Reform and Growth Facility (C(2025)01810 – 2025/2651(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 1 month from the date of receipt of 28 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: AFET, BUDG

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/126 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council with additional requirements for certain types of intervention specified by Member States in their CAP Strategic Plans for the period 2023 to 2027 under that Regulation as well as rules on the ratio for the good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) standard 1 (C(2025)01846 – 2025/2652(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 31 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: AGRI
    opinion: ENVI

    Draft delegated act for which the period for raising objections had been extended

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1122 supplementing Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the functioning of the Union Registry C(2025)00814 – 2025/2562(DEA)

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 11 February 2025

    Extension of the deadline for raising objections: 2 months at the request of the Council

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE


    III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)

    Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Regulation (EU) amending Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 as regards requirements for the import of used cooking oil (D098112/02 – 2025/2615(RPS) – deadline: 18 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cyantraniliprole, cyflumetofen, deltamethrin, mefentrifluconazole, mepiquat and oxathiapiprolin in or on certain products (D102376/03 – 2025/2626(RPS) – deadline: 26 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards carcinogens, germ cell mutagens or reproductive toxicants subject to restrictions (D102504/02 – 2025/2607(RPS) – deadline: 11 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE, IMCO

    – Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for amidosulfuron, azoxystrobin, hexythiazox, isoxaben, picloram, propamocarb, sodium silver thiosulfate and tefluthrin in or on certain products (D105252/02 – 2025/2622(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for chlorpropham, fuberidazole, ipconazole, methoxyfenozide, S-metolachlor and triflusulfuron in or on certain products (D105253/03 – 2025/2624(RPS) – deadline: 25 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the inclusion of Naringenin and 2‐methyl‐1‐(2‐(5‐(p‐tolyl)‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)piperidin‐1‐yl)butan‐1‐one in the Union list of flavourings (D105330/02 – 2025/2620(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sodium ascorbate (E 301) in vitamin A preparations intended for infant formula and follow-on formula (D105364/02 – 2025/2619(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1803 as regards International Financial Reporting Standards 1, 7, 9 and 10, and International Accounting Standard 7 (Text with EEA relevance) (D105674/01 – 2025/2616(RPS) – deadline: 11 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ECON
    opinion: JURI


    IV. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions

    In accordance with Article 31(1) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 02/2025 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the European Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 02/2025 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve transfer of appropriations 1-DEC/2025 – Section IV – Court of Justice.


    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve transfer of appropriations DEC-01/T/2025 – Section V – Court of Auditors.

    In accordance with Articles 31 and 49 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations 1-DEC – Section IV – Court of Justice.

    In accordance with Articles 31 and 49 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations V/DEC-01/T/25 – Section V – Court of Auditors.


    V. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from other institutions:

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 03/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0011/2025 – C10-0050/2025 – 2025/2066(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 04/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0012/2025 – C10-0053/2025 – 2025/2068(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Kohut Łukasz, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martins Catarina, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Omarjee Younous, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ami Bera, California Delegation Members Demand Continuation of Critical Food Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

    Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined the Democratic Members of the California Congressional Delegation in demanding the United States Department of Agriculture reverse harmful federal program cancelations and freezes impacting state food banks and farmers. 

    Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California.  The Trump Administration’s discontinuation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds threatens the livelihoods of more than 600 California farmers and jeopardizes food assistance for more than six million Californians.  A network of 49 food banks, serving 58 counties in California, have already seen over 300 food loads paused or cancelled. 

    “These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce,” wrote the Members.  “We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted.”

    Additional signers of the letter include: Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adam Gray (CA-13), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

    Read the full letter here or below:

    Dear Madam Secretary, 

    We write regarding recent decisions to discontinue the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds. These programs benefit producers of all sizes, expand market opportunities, and increase resilience in our local food systems, particularly as farmers continue to navigate rising input costs and economic uncertainty. With these cancellations, more than 600 California farmers will lose a vital market, and families and children will lose an important lifeline and access to healthy, locally grown food. We request and encourage you to reverse this decision and continue to fully fund and support these important initiatives. 

    As Members of the California Delegation, we proudly represent the farmers and producers that contribute to California’s agricultural abundance and the nation’s food supply. Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. It is important that this Administration continues to support California producers and bolster their access to local markets. 

    Given the significant role that USDA plays in bolstering local and regional agricultural supply chains in California and across the country, we urge your reconsideration of the discontinuation of the LFPA Cooperative Agreements for 2025 and LFS Cooperative Agreement Program. As you know, LFPA strengthens agricultural supply chains by facilitating the purchase of regionally grown food, while LFS helps schools and childcare facilities provide fresh, local options to students. These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce. 

    Additionally, both the freeze and cancellation of TEFAP funds will significantly impact our state’s food banks who partner with their network of churches, schools, and food pantries. As of the writing of this letter, we are aware that food banks across the state have had over 300 food loads paused or cancelled across the network of 49 food banks for distribution to eligible individuals and households within 58 counties. This means less food than expected for food banks who are serving more than 6 million Californians each month. 

    We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Farm income falls in 2023-24 from record high

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    The Chief Statistician has released figures on 2023-24 farm incomes. These show that farm incomes experienced a sharp decline in 2023-24, after record highs in 2022-23. The downturn in incomes is attributed to three main factors. First, some agricultural output prices saw a large drop following exceptionally high levels of the last year. This was compounded by decreases in output levels, with adverse weather conditions playing a role in diminishing production. Finally, while some input costs show a modest decrease, costs did not fall at the same pace as output prices, putting additional pressure on profit margins.

    Average farm income, a measure of farm profit after costs, fell 51% from the high of the previous year. At £35,500 for the average farm, income is at its lowest level since 2019-20.

    Falls in cereal and milk prices resulted in large drops in income for arable and dairy farms. Average incomes of arable, dairy and mixed farms remain the highest across all farm types. But a larger proportion of farms within these farm types are unprofitable compared to the previous year. In 2023-24, 31% of cereal and dairy farms are loss-making.

    Livestock farms, which make up 60% of commercial farms, continue to make a loss on their agricultural activity on average. Lowland cattle and sheep farm income fell by 87%, the largest drop in income across livestock farm types, largely driven by falls in livestock output. The proportion of unprofitable lowland cattle and sheep farms increased to 68%. The average income of Less Favoured Area (LFA) livestock farms decreased by a third.

    Increases in costs for fertiliser were often offset by decreases in feed and fodder, land and property costs. Across most farm types, regular labour costs fell. In some types, this was offset by increases in casual labour costs.

    Background

    The full statistical publication with supporting data tables is available at:

    Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2023-2024 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    These results are calculated from the 2023-24 Farm Business Survey, which covers the 2023 cropping year and the 2023-24 financial year. The Farm Business Survey is an annual survey of approximately 400 commercial farms with economic activity of at least approximately £20,000. Farms which do not receive support payments, such as pigs, poultry and horticulture, are not included in the survey.

    Trade disruption and tightening supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, led to volatility and high cereal prices in 2022. Prices of commodities such as wheat stabilised somewhat during 2023.   

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New initiatives to boost north Essex startups

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is to launch a range of new initiatives to support startups and freelancers in north Essex, thanks to support from the North Essex Economic Board.

    The Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA) will allocate “microgrants” of £250 to selected startups recognised as having significant potential, helping them reach growth targets with mentoring and support.

    A longer-term vision is for AREA to develop a Business Support Hub – a database of freelance services provided by ARU students and graduates – offering affordable business solutions such as accounting, web development, graphic design and social media marketing, to North Essex SMEs while also helping freelancers to launch and grow their careers.

    Additionally, funding of £5,000 will support a “Coworking Wednesdays” programme, hosted at the Arise Innovation Hub at ARU’s Chelmsford campus.

    The programme will consist of a series of interactive workshops covering issues such as intellectual property, harnessing AI and pitching tips, as well as coworking events to promote networking and provide access to relatable role models and startup expertise.

    The Coworking Wednesdays initiative is open to ARU students, recent graduates and businesses located at Arise, with some spaces made available for local startups.

    “This funding reflects our commitment to driving regional business engagement while enhancing entrepreneurial outcomes for ARU students and graduates.

    “These small but important initiatives will deliver measurable, sustainable impact across north Essex and beyond.”

    Professor Gary Packham, Pro Vice Chancellor for Student Enterprise at Anglia Ruskin University

    For more information about the Coworking Wednesdays initiative, visit https://forms.office.com/e/5z36RRweKe

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Panetta Introduces Legislation to Reclaim Congressional Trade Powers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the Reclaim Trade Powers Act which would modernize outdated trade authorities and ensure that Congress, not the Administration, has the final say when it comes to imposing broad tariffs.  This legislation was introduced ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned widespread tariffs on U.S. trading partners.

    The Reclaim Trade Powers Act would strike Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which currently allows the President to impose sweeping 15% tariffs on all imports in the event of a so-called balance of payments crisis.  This provision, originally intended to address a scenario in which a nation’s currency is backed by a commodity or foreign currency, is no longer applicable since the United States is no longer on the gold standard.

    “The balance of payments authority has been mischaracterized and misused to justify broad, indiscriminate tariffs that bypass Congressional oversight,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The Reclaim Trade Powers Act would close that loophole and help establish a trade policy that reflects modern economic realities rather than outdated statutes.  This legislation would protect our economy from unnecessary and harmful tariffs, ensure major trade decisions are not made solely by executive branch, and restore Congressional authority over trade.”

    In recent years, the Trump Administration misused the term “balance of payments issue” to justify imposing tariffs based on trade imbalances, rather than genuine economic crises.  This misuse underscores the need for Congress to reassert its Constitutional role in trade policy.

    By repealing Section 122, the Reclaim Trade Powers Act would:

    • Modernize U.S. tariff authorities to reflect current economic conditions;
    • Reclaim Congressional authority over trade powers;
    • Restrict the Administration from unilaterally imposing broad, across-the-board tariffs without Congressional approval.

    The Reclaim Trade Powers Act is co-sponsored by: Reps. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Don Beyer (VA-08), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Terri Sewell (AL-07).

    “Outdated laws are providing President Trump with the opening to argue that he can unilaterally impose huge tax increases on American consumers without congressional approval,” said Rep. DelBene.  “This legislation is one of several that would reaffirm Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy and ensure the president alone cannot impose broad-based tariffs, which are taxes, on our trading partners,” said DelBene.  

    “No one should be under any illusion that the Trump administration would require an actual balance in payments crisis to levy these across the board tariffs,” said Rep. Beyer.  “Pretextual and dishonest justifications are this president’s stock-in-trade, which makes this executive authority simply too dangerous to leave on the books.”

    “It’s long past time that Congress assert its constitutional responsibilities and put a check on President Trump’s reckless, arbitrary, and punitive approach to trade policy, which is only hurting our consumers, companies, and economy,” said Rep. Schneider.  “We must close outdated loopholes—like Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, among others—that Trump is using to impose sweeping tariffs while punishing our small businesses, retirement accounts, and economy.”

    “In a few short months, President Trump has abused multiple trade authorities as he initiates trade wars with our allies,” said Rep. Sewell.  “Congress must act to draw back trade authorities from this administration in order to protect American consumers, farmers, and manufacturers from President Trump’s reckless trade agenda.  I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to strengthen our checks against this administration.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Panetta Leads California Delegation Members Demanding Continuation of Critical Food Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) led the Democratic Members of the California Congressional Delegation in demanding the United States Department of Agriculture reverse harmful federal program cancelations and freezes impacting state food banks and farmers.  Co-leading this effort alongside Rep. Panetta are Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11).

    Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California.  The Trump Administration’s discontinuation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds threatens the livelihoods of more than 600 California farmers and jeopardizes food assistance for more than six million Californians.  A network of 49 food banks, serving 58 counties in California, have already seen over 300 food loads paused or cancelled. 

    “These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce,” wrote the Members.  “We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted.”

    Additional signers of the letter include; Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adam Gray (CA-13), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

    Read the full letter here or below.

    Dear Madam Secretary, 

    We write regarding recent decisions to discontinue the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds. These programs benefit producers of all sizes, expand market opportunities, and increase resilience in our local food systems, particularly as farmers continue to navigate rising input costs and economic uncertainty. With these cancellations, more than 600 California farmers will lose a vital market, and families and children will lose an important lifeline and access to healthy, locally grown food. We request and encourage you to reverse this decision and continue to fully fund and support these important initiatives. 

    As Members of the California Delegation, we proudly represent the farmers and producers that contribute to California’s agricultural abundance and the nation’s food supply. Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. It is important that this Administration continues to support California producers and bolster their access to local markets. 

    Given the significant role that USDA plays in bolstering local and regional agricultural supply chains in California and across the country, we urge your reconsideration of the discontinuation of the LFPA Cooperative Agreements for 2025 and LFS Cooperative Agreement Program. As you know, LFPA strengthens agricultural supply chains by facilitating the purchase of regionally grown food, while LFS helps schools and childcare facilities provide fresh, local options to students. These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce. 

    Additionally, both the freeze and cancellation of TEFAP funds will significantly impact our state’s food banks who partner with their network of churches, schools, and food pantries. As of the writing of this letter, we are aware that food banks across the state have had over 300 food loads paused or cancelled across the network of 49 food banks for distribution to eligible individuals and households within 58 counties. This means less food than expected for food banks who are serving more than 6 million Californians each month. 

    We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response. 

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Lofgren, Panetta, & CA Members of Congress Demand the Continuation of Critical Food Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, along with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) led their California colleagues in demanding the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reverse harmful federal program cancelations and freezes impacting state food banks and farmers.

    Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. The Trump Administration’s discontinuation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds threatens the livelihoods of more than 600 California farmers and jeopardizes food assistance for more than six million Californians. A network of 49 food banks, serving 58 counties in California, have already seen over 300 food loads paused or cancelled. 

    “These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce,” wrote the Members. “We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted.”

    Additional signers of the letter include: Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adam Gray (CA-13), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

    Read the full letter here or below.

    Dear Madam Secretary, 

    We write regarding recent decisions to discontinue the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds. These programs benefit producers of all sizes, expand market opportunities, and increase resilience in our local food systems, particularly as farmers continue to navigate rising input costs and economic uncertainty. With these cancellations, more than 600 California farmers will lose a vital market, and families and children will lose an important lifeline and access to healthy, locally grown food. We request and encourage you to reverse this decision and continue to fully fund and support these important initiatives. 

    As Members of the California Delegation, we proudly represent the farmers and producers that contribute to California’s agricultural abundance and the nation’s food supply. Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. It is important that this Administration continues to support California producers and bolster their access to local markets. 

    Given the significant role that USDA plays in bolstering local and regional agricultural supply chains in California and across the country, we urge your reconsideration of the discontinuation of the LFPA Cooperative Agreements for 2025 and LFS Cooperative Agreement Program. As you know, LFPA strengthens agricultural supply chains by facilitating the purchase of regionally grown food, while LFS helps schools and childcare facilities provide fresh, local options to students. These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce. 

    Additionally, both the freeze and cancellation of TEFAP funds will significantly impact our state’s food banks who partner with their network of churches, schools, and food pantries. As of the writing of this letter, we are aware that food banks across the state have had over 300 food loads paused or cancelled across the network of 49 food banks for distribution to eligible individuals and households within 58 counties. This means less food than expected for food banks who are serving more than 6 million Californians each month. 

    We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response. 

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Dairy Products in SNAP

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Nick Langworthy (NY-23), along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025, bicameral, bipartisan legislation to expand dairy access for SNAP/food stamps recipients while supporting local farmers.  “Dairy products play a vital role in a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients that support strong bones and healthy outcomes,” said Congressman Costa.  “Tulare County is the top dairy-producing county in the nation and state, yet too many families struggle to access these essential products. This bill expands incentives to make dairy more accessible, supports our local farmers, and delivers comprehensive solutions to improve nutrition across the board.”  “I’m proud to join Congressman Costa to introduce this legislation to expand access to dairy products and promote the long-term health of Americans. This effort will help to put healthy dairy options from farms in Western New York on more dinner tables across the country,” said Congressman Langworthy (NY-23).  “As a doctor who practiced medicine for more than 25 years, I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking whole milk, which serves as an excellent source of critical nutrients and contributes to a healthier cardiovascular system,” said Senator Marshall (R-KS). “The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 is a no-brainer and would provide common-sense updates to increase incentives for dairy purchases in SNAP – ensuring all American families can benefit from this superfood.” “A SNAP dairy incentive program is a reliable investment in improving our nation’s health and reducing hunger and chronic food insecurity among low-income Americans,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are nutritional powerhouses that promote healthy immune function, hydration, bone health, and lower risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. IDFA applauds U.S. Sens. Klobuchar and Marshall, and U.S. Reps. Costa and Langworthy for their leadership on the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025, which would help our nation’s most vulnerable people afford wholesome, nutrient-dense dairy products for their families.” “Dairy foods provide critical nutrients for healthy lives, but nearly 90 percent of Americans don’t meet dairy intake recommendations. We commend Representatives Jim Costa, D-CA, and Nick Langworthy, R-NY, and Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Roger Marshall, R-KS, for their bipartisan Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act, which would expand SNAP participant access to healthful dairy products at the grocery store. We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors and ensuring all Americans have access to healthy dairy products.” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation BACKGROUNDThe Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive Projects were established by the 2018 Farm Bill to promote milk as part of a healthy, balanced diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The latest DGA report shows that over 90% of Americans do not consume enough dairy to meet daily nutrition requirements.  The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act would expand the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program (HFMI) to include all milk varieties, cheese, and yogurt. Under this plan, SNAP participants would receive a coupon for additional cheese or yogurt when they purchase these items with their groceries. This legislation is endorsed by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and the National Grocers Association (NGA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Joins California Democrats Demanding Continuation of Critical Food Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington D.C. — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) joined Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Democratic Members of the California Congressional Delegation in urging the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reverse harmful decisions that cancel or freeze federal food assistance programs vital to California’s farmers, food banks and families. Alongside Speaker Emerita Pelosi and Rep. Panetta, this coordinated effort is also led by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18).

    Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California.  The Trump Administration’s discontinuation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds threatens the livelihoods of more than 600 California farmers and jeopardizes food assistance for more than six million Californians. A network of 49 food banks, serving 58 counties in California—including the SF-Marin Food Bank, which serves both San Francisco and Marin counties—have already seen over 300 food loads paused or cancelled.

    “These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce,” wrote the Members. “We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted.”

    The full letter is available [HERE].

    Additional signers of the letter include; Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adam Gray (CA-13), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

    MIL OSI USA News –