NewzIntel.com

Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Everything you can do with your nature strip

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Nature strips help create Canberra’s “garden city” character.

    Nature strips, otherwise known as street verges, help create Canberra’s “garden city” character.

    On most streets, nature strips include footpaths for people walking and cycling. Meaning there are certain things a nature strip can and cannot be used for.

    Looking after verges is a responsibility shared by the ACT Government and residents, and there are lots of ways Canberrans can use them.

    Before you do anything to your nature strip, read the Nature Strip Guidelines in detail.

    Here are some of the things you can do to your verge that don’t require approval.

    Plant a veggie garden

    You can use your nature strip to plant a vegetable garden with seasonal produce of your choosing.

    Fiona Buining of Ainslie Urban Farm says that a verge garden can be planted in less than two hours.

    Read Fiona’s tips on planting a vegetable garden on your nature strip.

    Plant grass, groundcover or shrubs

    Read up on which plants you can use and avoid spiky plants and any weeds or plants that have been declared pest plants. Natives are a great place to start, especially if you are new to landscaping – but if you prefer an exotic grass, a dryland blend is the go-to in Canberra’s climate.

    Remember to keep all plants below 50 centimetres (or 20 centimetres if you live in a bushfire prone area ).

    Install compacted gravel

    Adding gravel to your nature strip can help capture water runoff and improve the quality of stormwater.

    There are some limits on the amount and size of gravel you can use so be sure to do your research.

    Use organic mulch

    When adding organic mulch like pine bark to your verge, please ensure it is free of stones, soils and other contaminants.

    Keep a 50 millimetre clearance from tree trunks and remember to rake it flush with surrounding levels.

    Erect temporary protective fencing

    If you’ve just planted grass or plants and you want to protect your newly refreshed nature strip, you can erect temporary fencing made of rope or string, supported by stakes.

    The fencing can be up for a maximum of 13 weeks. It mustn’t pose a safety hazard to the public.

    Install garden edging

    You can install garden edging on your verge if it’s made of stone, brick or timber.

    The edging can have a maximum height of 150 millimetres, and a depth of 100 millimetres below the surface of the nature strip.

    Always remember to contact Before you Dig – 1100, before you start work.

    Things you can do to your nature strip that require approval:

    • erect bollards to prevent parking on the nature strip
    • modify an existing driveway or construct a new driveway
    • store landscaping materials for longer than two weeks
    • store a skip or construction material.

    Things that are unlikely to be approved for your nature strip:

    • ponds
    • water fountains
    • permanent fencing
    • retaining walls
    • letterboxes
    • shipping containers
    • chicken runs
    • play equipment
    • boulders
    • pavers or concrete paths
    • new trees.

    Parking on the nature strip is prohibited and remember that if you live in a heritage precinct – like some areas of Ainslie, Braddon, Reid and parts of the inner south – you may not be able to make changes to the nature strip in front of your home.

    For more information, read the Nature Strip Guidelines.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council to review historic conservation area

    Source: City of Leicester

    PEOPLE can give their views on how the special character of one of Leicester’s 25 designated conservation areas should be preserved or enhanced.

    Leicester City Council has launched a public consultation inviting comments on a new draft character appraisal and management plan for the Evington Village conservation area.

    The Evington village conservation area is centred on the historic Evington village, stretching from Evington Park in the north to Shady Lane in the south. It contains several listed buildings, including the Gothic-style Baptist chapel on the High Street, the War Memorial on Main Street and the church of St Denys, which dates from the 13th century.

    There is also a scheduled ancient monument in the area. Known as Piggy’s Hollow, this is the remains of a medieval manor house, also dating back to the 13th century. The area’s distinctive name is thought to come from a local farmer who lived in Church Road and kept pigs in the hollow.

    The city council is proposing to introduce a new character appraisal and management plan for the area. A character appraisal is a document that defines the special qualities of a conservation area, and is used to help preserve and enhance the area’s character and appearance.

    The new character appraisal will mean all 25 conservation areas in the city have an appraisal document for the first time, with work ongoing to revise versions for various other conservation areas in the city.  

    Linked to the new management plan, the council is also consulting on potentially introducing a new Article 4 Direction. This would give the council more powers to help protect the distinctive character of properties in the area.

    Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who is responsible for heritage and conservation, said: “Evington Village conservation area is a real asset to our city. The buildings, archaeological features and unique character of the area need to be protected for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future. This is why we’re seeking views on our character appraisal for the area, and on whether we should increase our powers to preserve this heritage.

    “We know that many local people are interested in Evington’s fascinating history, and we look forward to hearing everyone’s views in our consultation.”

    People can comment on the proposals by visiting www.leicester.gov.uk/consultations

    A public drop-in event will also be held on Wednesday 30 April from 5-8pm at St Denys Parish Centre on Church Road, where people can find out more. Council staff will be available to answer questions and there will be a presentation from 6pm.

    The council has also recently confirmed new Article 4 Directions for the conservation areas in Braunstone and Knighton villages, introduced after similar consultations and as part of new management plans for these areas, which were published last autumn. A range of other enhancement works to those areas has been completed, including new signage, removal of street clutter, fencing repairs, new planting and other improvements. 

    The consultation runs until Monday 12 May at www.leicester.gov.uk/consultations

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: [UPDATED TIME] – MIFFLIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro, Secretary Redding to Highlight Efforts to Support Pennsylvania Farmers and Agricultural Innovation in the Face of Economic Uncertainty

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 01, 2025 – Reedsville, PA

    ADVISORY – [UPDATED TIME] – MIFFLIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro, Secretary Redding to Highlight Efforts to Support Pennsylvania Farmers and Agricultural Innovation in the Face of Economic Uncertainty

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will visit Metzler Forest Products in Mifflin County for an announcement on the Administration’s action to support agricultural innovation and discuss how we are standing up for farmers across the Commonwealth. This announcement comes amid growing uncertainty for Pennsylvania farmers and businesses as a result of the tariffs enacted by the federal government.

    Last week, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Redding announced that his Administration is appealing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s unlawful termination of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, which provides funds to Pennsylvania’s farmers who supply local food banks with fresh produce.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary Russell Redding, Department of Agriculture
    Kevin Kodish, Mifflin County Commissioner
    Nate Metzler, General Manager of Metzler Forest Products
    Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, Executive Director of Keystone Wood Products Association
    Nick Gilson, Founder and CEO of Gilson Snow

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 12:30 PM
    *This is an updated time.

    WHERE:
    Metzler Forest Products
    26 Timber Lane
    Reedsville, PA 17084
    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: GOP lawmakers eye SNAP cuts, which would scale back benefits that help low-income people buy food at a time of high food prices

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tracy Roof, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Richmond

    A shopper who gets SNAP benefits shops for groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2023. AP Photo/Allison Dinner

    Congress may soon consider whether to cut spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the main way the government helps low-income Americans put food on the table. The Conversation U.S. asked Tracy Roof, a political scientist who has researched the history of government nutrition programs, to explain what’s going on and why the effort to reduce spending on SNAP benefits, which can be used to purchase groceries, could falter.

    Why does it look like the federal government may cut SNAP spending?

    Conservative critics of SNAP believe that the U.S. spends too much on the program, which cost the federal government US$100 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.

    Federal spending on SNAP, however, has been falling since it peaked at $119 billion in 2022, before extra pandemic-related benefits ended.

    Some Republican lawmakers are calling for new changes that would cut spending on the program.

    Is there a SNAP budget?

    No.

    Today, SNAP helps nearly 42 million people put food on the table, including 1 in 5 children. Americans can usually qualify for SNAP benefits if their income is under 130% of the federal poverty line. In 2025, that would be $41,795 for a family of four and they have limited savings. Some eligibility guidelines can vary by state.

    The rules are complex. Most adults under the age of 60 are subject to work requirements if they are “able-bodied” and not caring for a child or incapacitated adult. If adults between the ages of 18 and 54 don’t log at least 20 hours of work or another approved activity, their benefits can be cut off. Immigrants without authorization to reside in the U.S. aren’t eligible for SNAP.

    Despite those restrictions on who can get SNAP benefits, there is no set limit to what the federal government can spend on the program. As more people become eligible due to their low incomes and therefore obtain benefits during economic downturns, this spending automatically increases. When the economy improves, it usually declines.

    States administer the program under federal government guidelines. The federal government covers the full cost of benefits low-income people receive through the program, but the states cover roughly half of the administrative costs.

    How can the federal government try to cut SNAP spending?

    There are two main paths to program cuts.

    One is through the farm bill, a legislative package Congress typically renews every four or five years that sets policies for SNAP and programs that support farmers’ incomes. The most recent farm bill expired in 2023. Congress has passed multiple one-year extensions on the measure because lawmakers have been unable to pass a new one.

    The latest extension will expire on Sept. 30, 2025.

    The other option is through the so-called budget reconciliation process underway in Congress. Right now, the primary Republican plan calls for extending $4.5 trillion in tax cuts passed in the first Trump administration and making up to $2 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade.

    The House took the first step in this process by narrowly passing a budget blueprint on Feb. 25. This plan requires the House Agriculture Committee to cut $230 billion in spending over 10 years. While it does not force the committee to cut SNAP specifically, the program accounts for $1 trillion of the $1.3 trillion spent over a decade that the committee oversees – leaving few alternatives.

    What kinds of changes might cut costs?

    Most Republicans appear to favor changing how benefits are calculated and imposing stricter work requirements.

    Today, the value of SNAP benefits that participants in the program can get are calculated based on the “thrifty food plan,” a blueprint for a low-cost, nutritionally adequate diet. A family of four, for example, can get benefits of up to $939 a month if they have no income.

    The Biden administration updated that plan in 2021 in a way that increased monthly SNAP benefits by 23%, not counting the short-term pandemic adjustments to the program. Republican lawmakers want to prevent future changes to the thrifty food plan that might again sharply increase benefits.

    Another proposal would roll back the 2021 change in the thrifty food plan. This would cut current benefits and save $274 billion over a decade. One hitch is that House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson has promised no cuts to monthly SNAP benefits.

    Many Republicans would like to stiffen the work requirements by requiring work of recipients who are up to age 65 or are the parents of children who are more than six years old. They also could limit the ability of states to make exceptions in places that don’t have enough jobs.

    Other options include limiting states’ flexibility to offer benefits to people with incomes that are a little higher than 130% of the federal poverty level, capping the monthly benefit for larger households to the amount available to a family of six, and shifting more of the program’s costs to the states.

    Other proposals would crack down on fraud and benefit overpayments. Those steps would be likely to achieve a tiny fraction of the spending reductions the GOP seeks.

    How popular do you think these changes would be?

    The food insecurity rate, which reflects the number of people who worry about getting enough to eat or who report skipping meals or buying less nutritious food because of costs, has been high in recent years. Polls show most Americans support increasing SNAP benefits, not cutting them.

    Angry constituents have recently turned out to protest potential benefit cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP at town hall meetings held by members of Congress.

    Food prices are climbing, and there are growing concerns that a recession could be around the corner. As in earlier downturns, that would probably mean that more people would be eligible for SNAP benefits.

    Food banks, already struggling to meet demand and facing federal spending cuts, have warned they will not be able to fill gaps caused by reduced SNAP spending or new limits on benefits.

    What are some of the obstacles in the way of huge cuts?

    Getting the House and the Senate to agree on a budget bill that curbs SNAP spending will be very tricky, to say the least.

    Republicans have a very small majority in the House and they would need almost every vote. There are seven House Republicans from areas where over 20% of all residents get SNAP benefits, making it hard for them to vote for changes that would reduce or restrict the program’s scale.

    Other House Republicans, especially those expressing concerns about the national debt, are likely to insist that this spending be cut. It is unclear who will win this tug-of-war.

    There’s another complication. If substantial SNAP cuts are made in the current budget process, it could make reaching a compromise on a new farm bill even harder than it’s been in recent years. And while the budget can be passed without any votes from Democrats in Congress, the farm bill will require some bipartisan support.

    Tracy Roof has previously received funding from Virginia Humanities and several foundations associated with presidential archives to study the history of the food stamp program.

    – ref. GOP lawmakers eye SNAP cuts, which would scale back benefits that help low-income people buy food at a time of high food prices – https://theconversation.com/gop-lawmakers-eye-snap-cuts-which-would-scale-back-benefits-that-help-low-income-people-buy-food-at-a-time-of-high-food-prices-208556

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strengthening Connecticut Farms with Risk Management Training and Tools

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In 2024, extreme rain events left farmers devastated as they surveyed their flooded fields, witnessing the destruction of their crops, time, and financial investments. The sheer volume of rainfall made damage prevention nearly impossible, wiping out expected revenue and threatening livelihoods.

    UConn Extension professionals, working alongside farmers and partner agencies, provided critical support before and after the floods, helping to strengthen resilience. Their ongoing efforts focus on developing resources and tools to ensure Connecticut’s agricultural industry and food supply remain vibrant and sustainable.

    “Operating a financially viable farm can be incredibly challenging, and so our goal is to take advantage of current technologies, such as smart phones, and use those as tools to help farmers reduce their risk,” says Amy Harder, associate dean for Extension.

    Farm businesses face a wide range of risks, from unpredictable weather to volatile markets. To help farmers navigate these challenges, UConn Extension, located within UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), has developed new resources, including two innovative apps, that provide real-time support. A new online farm risk management course also offers comprehensive strategies to help farmers safeguard their operations and build resilience in an ever-changing industry.

    An App for That

    Crop insurance provides financial security if an extreme weather event or insect infestation ruins the crop before it can be harvested and sold. Mary Concklin and Joseph Bonelli are emeriti UConn Extension professionals working on the farm risk management program through a USDA grant.

    “We developed the crop insurance notification app to help farmers report on time and maintain their coverage,” Concklin says. “This tool ensures farmers receive timely notifications—via text message or email—at least 30 days before a policy deadline, with an additional reminder one to two weeks before. It helps busy farmers stay on top of important dates and avoid lapses in coverage.”

    Missing a deadline could mean losing coverage, which can have severe financial consequences. This app serves as an essential reminder for farmers managing multiple responsibilities.

    Another innovative tool is the market pricing app, designed to collect real-time data from farmers’ markets and provide valuable insights for agricultural agencies.

    The market pricing app collects data from farmers’ markets to provide accurate pricing information to USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg). Unlike self-reported data, this app ensures consistency and accuracy by requiring university or government agencies to collect the information. “The summarized pricing data can help farmers understand market trends, price their products competitively, and make informed decisions about future crop production,” Bonelli says. “It’s useful for both short-term sales strategies and long-term business planning.”

    Student employees are visiting farmers’ markets throughout the state to enter the pricing data. Then, Bonelli and Concklin can analyze the data and distribute it to the partner agencies. Farmers can access the summarized data, providing insights into pricing trends and helping farmers make better business decisions.

    A Holistic Approach to Farm Risk Management

    To complement these tools, UConn Extension also launched an online course focused on farm risk management. This course provides farmers with strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with agriculture. The course is appropriate for farmers at all experience levels. “The course consists of 12 modules covering topics like crop insurance, farm financial management, climate adaptation strategies, and general farm insurance. The goal is to provide farmers with a range of tools to reduce risk and improve long-term sustainability,” Concklin says.

    Participants learn at their own pace in the asynchronous course, taking the modules they need or are interested in. It includes assessments and offers a certificate of completion, which may be useful for professional development or demonstrating additional education in farm management. More importantly, it provides effective strategies for farm risk management that farmers can immediately apply to their operations.

    The course and apps were developed in response to listening sessions with farmers.

    Beyond technology, Bonelli and Concklin encourage farmers to engage with additional resources to enhance their knowledge. Farmers should attend field days, talk to their neighbors, and stay connected with industry experts.

    “No single tool has all the answers; we encourage deeper engagement with UConn Extension specialists and other experts,” says Bonelli. “Whether it’s an online course, an app, or direct conversations, farmers benefit from a multi-faceted approach to managing risk.”

    This work is funded in partnership by USDA, Risk Management Agency, under award numbers RMA23CPT0013448 and RMA24CPT0013928.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers of Salem Proudly Spotlights Employee Jenni Eber for Her Generous Charitable Giving Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Property and Casualty insurer, Farmers of Salem, is proud to support employee involvement in community activities that improve the quality of life in those communities where our employees live. Today, we spotlight Jenni Eber, Claims Customer Service Supervisor, who will be celebrating her 20-year career with Farmers later this year.

    Jenni has always had a close relationship with military veterans. Her brother, Glenn Cherry Jr, is a Navy veteran. It has always been his dream to retire, run a farm and help his military brothers and sister. Jenni says, “My love language has always been Acts of Service.” So, it was natural for the close brother and sister to team up in 2017 and give their time and energy to Gallant Heart of NJ (GH). Glenn is a founding member, and Jenni is currently the COO.

    GH hopes to bring awareness to the aftercare of our military veterans. They often attend veteran sponsored events and chip in wherever needed. “Being involved for some years now, I still struggle with the words, but I feel more passionate than ever to help in any way I can.” Jenni continued, “The basic premise is to reduce veteran suicide.” 

    Gallant Heart is a non-profit that focuses on providing leisure activities to our nation’s heroes. The non-profit prides itself on creating a supportive environment for veterans and first responders to experience camaraderie, brotherhood and relaxation through hunting and social events. It is our mission to provide a cost-free experience and to play a role in their continued healing and quality of life.

    Each GH founding member involves their children to ensure the acts of service live beyond expectations. This past summer Jenni took her 14-year-old daughter, Blair and her field hockey teammates to a Veterans picnic. They served the veterans lunch, escorted them to locations they needed to go, and cleaned up the entire event with a smile. “It was very eye opening for them, and I’m extremely grateful I was able to provide that opportunity.”

    The organization recently completed their 2025 Flagship Event: The Wounded Veteran Pheasant Hunt. The weekend event hosted 24 Purple Heart recipients and/or 100% disabled veterans. This is an all-inclusive program for wounded and injured veterans which utilizes the therapeutic effects of the outdoors, camaraderie, and social engagement to help improve everyday quality of life. All food, equipment, lodging, and travel was provided.

    Regarding Jenni’s career at Farmers, she stated: “I’ve worked my way up in the claims department, starting as a part time clerk. I now handle Property Loss claims and manage our Customer Service Representatives. I truly love my job, as I’ve said before, Acts of Service is my love language. Knowing that I’m helping people in their time of need is truly fulfilling.”

    “When I started at Farmers, I was a 24-year-old in college. Now I’m married, with two beautiful kids, and have a beautiful home, all while building a career with Farmers of Salem. I’ve also been able to coach sports for over 20 years and never missed a school event due to Farmers of Salem believing in putting family first.”

    For more information about Gallant Heart of NJ, visit wwwgallantheartnj.org

    About Farmers of Salem
    Founded in 1851, Farmers of Salem provides insurance coverage to homeowners and businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through a network of independent agents. Rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best Company and has received a Financial Stability Rating of A Exceptional by Demotech, Inc. We pride ourselves in providing Superior Service with Personal Attention.

    Farmers of Salem provides compensated Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to full-time employees for use during their regular workday. Farmers’ recognizes volunteering provides employees with a valuable opportunity to meaningfully support their chosen charitable missions and is very proud of their employee’s service to others.

    For more information about Farmers of Salem, visit farmersofsalem.com

    As a mutual corporation, fundamentally rooted in serving our community, we engage in corporate philanthropy, giving annually to an array of organizations and causes. Through our giving, in local markets where we have a presence, Farmers of Salem has supported educational development, physical education, and health and wellness programs that provide communities in most need with essential services, opportunities to improve the quality of their lives and provide them with assets to create a better future.

    A partial list of events and organizations that Farmers of Salem supports annually:

    • Autism Delaware
    • Serviam Girls Academy
    • Vehicles for Veterans
    • Salem County Humane Society
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • VFW Post #253
    • Operation Legacy
    • Keeping Hope Alive, Inc.
    • Temple University 
    • Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
    • Holiday Service Project – Thanksgiving Food Baskets – Salvation Army
    • Make A Wish
    • American Red Cross
    • American Cancer Society
    • Longwood Gardens
    • Bo Lends a Paw Pet Pantry
       
    Contact: Kim Lorenzini
      856-628-0150
      klorenzini@fosnj.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/422aee69-f48d-4b0e-a4ae-4e587dea06dd

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Local and Mainland Egg Prices Comparable in Latest Data for Honolulu

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Local and Mainland Egg Prices Comparable in Latest Data for Honolulu

    Posted on Mar 31, 2025 in Main

    March 31, 2025
    NR25-07

    HONOLULU – The price of local and mainland eggs in Honolulu rose significantly in the first quarter of this year. However, the price between local and mainland eggs was comparable, according to latest statistics from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Market Analysis and News Branch (MANB).

    Since Jan. 1, 2025, egg prices rose by 20% for local eggs, with a median price of $9.51 per dozen, while the price for imported mainland eggs rose 30% to $9.46, just a few cents difference.

    Hawai‘i still pays significantly higher prices than the rest of the U.S., which averages at $4.90 per dozen. The increase in the price of mainland eggs can be mainly attributed to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) which has impacted egg production across the continental U.S.

    January 2025, HDOA released data that indicated that between 2021 and 2024, the price for a dozen locally produced eggs rose by 28.4% from $6.91 to $8.87 while the price of imported mainland eggs increased by 51.8% from $5.50 to $8.35. The data collected between 2023 and 2024 show that local egg prices rose by 2.7% while mainland eggs prices rose by 6.2%.

    “While the increasing price of all eggs is a concern for everyone, it is good to see that local eggs are able to be very competitive in the marketplace,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “Of course, the added benefit of locally produced eggs is that they are fresher and we hope that everyone will choose local when available and support our local producers.”

    While HPAI was detected in two locations on O‘ahu in early November 2024, no further detections of the virus have been confirmed and no Hawai‘i egg production facilities have been involved. HDOA continues to work with the local poultry industry to keep HPAI from infecting flocks.

    # # #

    Statistics on Egg Prices, Quarter 1, 2025
    Statistics on Egg Prices, December 2021-2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global Assessment Report (GAR) 2025

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Disasters, pandemics, and other shocks are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more unpredictable. At the same time, the costs of responding and rebuilding are rising faster than many countries can manage. To avoid falling deeper into debt and disruption, we need a new kind of financial system, one that is ready before the crisis starts, and flexible enough to support recovery after.

    This section explores how governments, businesses, and financial institutions can work together to build that system. It looks at how public and private money can be combined to fund resilience, how better data and regulation can reduce risk, and how financial tools, from insurance to social protection, can help people and economies bounce back stronger.

    Each part offers practical ways to shift from a system that reacts to disasters, to one that plans, protects, and invests in long-term resilience.

    5.1 Scaling Up Blended Finance

    Most countries do not have enough public money to meet their growing disaster and climate risks. But private investors are often hesitant to put money into high-risk areas. Blended finance helps solve this problem by using public or development funding to reduce risk and attract private capital.

    Platforms like GAIA (Global Action on Investment for Adaptation <<https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp223>>) aim to make this easier. [add link] GAIA works to bring governments, private investors, and communities together to support projects that reduce disaster risk, protect ecosystems, and build long-term resilience. These platforms make it easier to fund solutions in places that need them most, but that investors might otherwise avoid.

    Blended finance is not just about funding projects. It is about changing how and where money flows, so that resilience becomes part of every investment decision.

    5.2 Corporate Climate Risk Disclosures

    Businesses face growing risks from climate change and disasters, but many still do not fully understand or report them. This creates blind spots for investors, insurers, and regulators. One important step is to make climate risk disclosure part of standard business reporting.

    Mandatory reporting systems, like those being adopted in the European Union and other regions, help companies identify their exposure to climate risks. This includes physical risks, like floods or heatwaves, and financial risks, such as supply chain disruptions or energy price shocks.

    When risks are made visible, businesses are more likely to act early. Investors can make better decisions, and regulators can help reduce systemic financial risks across the economy.

    5.3 Expanding Regional Insurance Mechanisms

    For many small or vulnerable countries, the cost of disasters is too big to manage alone. Regional insurance pools allow countries to share the risk and access quick funding after a shock. These systems are especially useful for small island states and low-income countries with limited financial reserves.

    Two leading examples are: [links to those initiatives in the web]

    These mechanisms help countries access payouts quickly after hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. This reduces pressure on public budgets and speeds up recovery. Countries pay into the pool, and when disaster strikes, they get fast, rules-based support. Check how regional insurance helped Dominica recover more quickly from one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Caribbean.

    Case study: [CCRIF payout after Hurricane Maria in Dominica]

    5.4. Unlocking Green Resilience Bonds

    Green bonds are already used to fund projects that reduce emissions or support clean energy. But they can also support disaster resilience. When these bonds include components like flood protection, climate-smart agriculture, or heat-resilient infrastructure, they become powerful tools for long-term risk reduction.

    Some governments and financial institutions are now designing green resilience bonds that combine climate and disaster goals. These bonds allow investors to support both environmental and social outcomes.

    For example, Costa Rica issued green bonds with a focus on nature-based solutions and climate adaptation. These projects aim to both cut emissions and reduce the impacts of floods and droughts.

    Case study: [Costa Rica’s green bond program]

    5.5. Adaptive Social Protection for Disaster Recovery

    Social protection systems, like cash transfers, food assistance, or public works programs, can be powerful tools for resilience, especially when they are flexible. When designed to scale up during shocks, they can protect people from falling into poverty after a disaster.

    This is called adaptive social protection. It links disaster early warning systems with financial systems that can respond quickly to changing needs. For example, a drought warning might trigger extra cash support for farmers before their crops fail.

    Like in the Philippines, a national social protection program was adapted to respond to typhoon impacts. It helped deliver assistance more quickly and reach the most vulnerable communities during emergencies.

    Case study: [Philippines’ shock-responsive social protection system]

    5.6. How Central Banks Can Support Resilience Finance

    Central banks play a key role in keeping economies stable. As climate risks grow, they can also help make financial systems more resilient. This means looking at how disasters affect inflation, lending, and investment flows, and adjusting policies to support preparedness.

    Central banks can include disaster and climate risks in their stress tests and financial supervision. They can also support green finance guidelines, invest in resilience bonds, or offer incentives for banks that support risk reduction projects.

    Bangladesh’s central bank created a special refinancing scheme to support solar energy, flood-resilient housing, and climate-smart farming. This shows how monetary policy can support resilience at the local level.

    Case study: [Bangladesh Bank’s green refinancing program]

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Where the Land Meets the Sea

    Source: Government of India

    Where the Land Meets the Sea

    Mangroves as Guardians of Life and Livelihoods

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 2:36PM by PIB Delhi

    As the morning tide gently laps against the shores of Navghar, Vandana Patil steps onto the damp earth of her village’s coastline. She recalls a time when the sea was generous, offering abundant crab and fish catch. But over the years, that generosity faded. “Earlier, we used to see unpredictable crab and fish catch and had to rely on other sources of livelihoods,” she says, her voice carrying the weight of years spent worrying about an uncertain future.

    The culprit was clear: the unchecked destruction of mangroves. The towering green guardians of the coastline had been silently disappearing, their roots no longer anchoring the land, their dense canopies no longer sheltering marine life. With every tree lost, so too was a piece of the community’s livelihood. Yet, many in Navghar remained unaware of the deep connection between the mangroves and their survival.

    Change arrived in the form of a far-reaching initiative. The Government of India, in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund and UNDP, launched a project to enhance climate resilience in India’s coastal communities. This initiative, operational across three coastal states-Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha focused on conserving and restoring marine ecosystems, including mangroves, while creating climate-resilient livelihoods.

    Navghar became a symbol of this transformation. In 2021, the project formed a Mangrove Co-Management Committee, bringing together village members, the Gram Panchayat, and women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Their mission was twofold: protect the mangroves and revive local livelihoods. Women, often the most affected by economic instability, were placed at the forefront.

    Through structured training, they learned sustainable crab farming techniques, creating new livelihood groups like Healthy Harvest and Wild Crab Aqua Farm. These groups now farm mud crabs over two acres of coastal land while ensuring the protection of mangroves from illegal cutting. The impact was immediate.

    “Through our campaigns and drives, we have raised awareness about mangroves and their link to healthy fish catch and livelihoods,” explains Rohan Patil, president of the committee. “People no longer see them as just trees—they see them as protectors.”

    By 2023, the once-barren coastline had transformed. The mangroves stood tall, shielding the land from erosion and storms, while the waters teemed with life again. The benefits extended beyond the environment. “The project helped us a lot,” Vandana shares. “Earlier, women worked only seasonally. Now, we have employment throughout the year. Besides, earlier we had to travel far and wide for crab farming; now, we can do it locally.”

    What is Mangrove?

    A mangrove is a salt-tolerant plant community found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. These ecosystems thrive in high-rainfall areas (1,000–3,000 mm) with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 35°C. Mangrove species are adapted to survive in waterlogged soils, high salinity, and frequent tidal surges. They serve as crucial biodiversity refuges and act as bio-shields against extreme climatic events. Additionally, rural populations depend on mangroves for biomass-based livelihoods.

    India’s Progress in Mangrove Conservation

    India has made significant strides in mangrove conservation through a combination of robust regulatory frameworks and targeted promotional initiatives. As per the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR-2023), India’s total mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq. km, constituting 0.15% of the nation’s geographical area. There has been net increase of 363.68 Sq.km (7.86%) in Mangrove cover area of the country in 2023 as compared to 2013 and net increase of 509.68 Sq.km (11.4%) between 2001 and 2023.

    West Bengal holds the largest share of the country’s mangrove forests, accounting for 42.45% of the total cover, followed by Gujarat (23.32%) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12.19%). Notably, Gujarat has recorded an impressive increase of 253.06 sq. km in mangrove cover between 2001 and 2023, attributed to large-scale plantations, community participation, and public-private partnerships.

    Key Regulatory Measures

    India has implemented a series of stringent legal frameworks to ensure mangrove protection:

    • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, categorises mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), restricting activities within a 50-metre buffer zone where mangrove cover exceeds 1,000 sq. m.
    • Mandates compensatory replantation at a 3:1 ratio if mangroves are affected by development.
    • Additional protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Indian Forest Act, 1927, and Biological Diversity Act, 2002, among others.

    Key Promotional Initiatives and Achievements

    1. Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI):
      • Launched on 5 June 2023 to promote restoration and afforestation across 540 sq. km in 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories.
      • Implementation through convergence funding with the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
      • For FY 2024–25, ₹17.96 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Puducherry for the treatment and restoration of 3,836 hectares of degraded mangroves.
    2. National Coastal Mission – Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs:
      • Financial assistance for the conservation of 38 mangrove sites and 4 coral reef sites across the country.
      • Operates on a 60:40 cost-sharing model between the Centre and States.
      • ₹8.58 crore released to seven coastal States during 2021–23 for mangrove conservation.
    3. GCF-ECRICC Project (Green Climate Fund – Enhancing Coastal Resilience of Indian Coastal Community):
      • Active since 2019 in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
      • Aims to restore and conserve 10,575 hectares of mangroves.
      • As of 2024, 3,114.29 hectares have been successfully restored.

     

    Why Mangroves Matter

    Mangroves: Nature’s Carbon Vault

     

    As per World Wildlife Fund mangroves store 7.5–10 times more carbon per acre than tropical forests. Their loss contributes to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. These coastal forests hold over 21 gigatons of carbon, 87% of which is locked in the soil beneath their roots. Restoring just 1.6 million acres of lost mangrove forests could capture an additional 1 gigaton of carbon.

    A Tidal Shift Towards Sustainability

    Navghar’s transformation reflects a broader movement sweeping across India’s coastline where communities are not just adapting to change but actively shaping it. The revival of mangroves, once overlooked and degraded, now stands as a testament to collective action and inclusive development.

    Through the integration of science, policy, and grassroots participation, India is forging a path where ecological restoration directly uplifts local economies. Women like Vandana Patil are no longer passive witnesses to environmental loss but active custodians of their natural heritage, securing livelihoods while nurturing resilience.

    This shift marks more than environmental progress. It signals a future where nature-based solutions become central to climate action and communities, once vulnerable, emerge as champions of sustainable change.

    References

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Promote Fishing Practices

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:45PM by PIB Delhi

    ‘Fisheries’ is a state subject. While the governance of fisheries in the territorial waters of 12 nautical miles falls under the domain of the State Governments, fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond is the subject of the Union Government. The ‘National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017’ (NPMF, 2017) notified by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India provides guidance for sustainable harnessing of marine resources in the country. The conservation and management measures implemented for sustainable harnessing of marine resources inter alia include 61 days of annual fishing ban, Ban on destructive fishing practices viz. paired bottom trawling or bull trawling and use of artificial and LED lights in fishing, marine protected areas (MPAs) and protection of endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species, Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets, fishing gear and mesh-size regulations, minimum legal size (MLS) of fishes, spatial-temporal restrictions, and zonation of fishing areas by the coastal States/UTs, etc.

    The Department of Fisheries, Government of India is implementing a flagship scheme “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)” with a vision of ecologically healthy, economically viable and socially inclusive fisheries sector that contributes towards economic prosperity and well-being of fishers in a sustainable and responsible manner. Under PMMSY, the activities such as sea ranching and installation of artificial reefs are supported for the first time by the Government across entire coastline of India for enhancing the fish stocks and supporting livelihood of fishers. Besides, the activities such as mariculture including seaweed cultivation, open sea cage culture, bivalve culture and ornamental fisheries are also promoted under PMMSY to reduce the fishing pressure in the nearshore waters and enhancing marine production. Advisories are also issued to coastal States/UTs from time to time for preventing juvenile fishing and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

    Government schemes including PMMSY are aimed at reducing the post-harvest losses by development and modernization, strengthening of fisheries post-harvest infrastructure, value chain and marketing infrastructure including construction/ modernization and upgradation of fishing harbours/fish landing centres, setting up of markets and marketing infrastructures, providing cold-chain of transportation and storage facilities. During the last 10 years, the Government of India has approved the projects for construction/modernization of 67 Fishing Harbours and 50 Fish Landing Centres at a total cost of Rs 9,735.89 crore for safe landing and berthing of about 48,000 fishing vessels, benefitting 9 lakhs fishers and associated stakeholders. Further, the GoI has also created a dedicated fund namely ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund’ (FIDF) with a corpus of Rs 7522.48 crore in 2018-19 for providing the concessional finance. GoI has also supported for improvements in the transportation & logistics network including processing facilities. This includes 27,189 fish transportation facilities, 6,916 fish retail markets, wholesale markets and fish kiosks, 11 integrated aquaparks, 1,725 fish feed mill/plants & ice plant/cold storages and 128 value added enterprise units. Three Modern and Smart Fish Markets are being developed with facilities such as IoT, e-Trading, green technology, logistic supply chain integration, etc.

    DoF, GoI is taking various steps under the PMMSY towards providing financial assistance to fishers, which includes livelihood and nutritional support provided annually to ~5.94 lakh fisher families during the fishing ban and lean periods. Besides, the Group Accident Insurance Scheme cover was increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh benefiting 32.16 lakh fishers. The empowerment of fisheries cooperatives and entrepreneurship has been prioritized through the establishment of 2,195 Fisheries Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs). Additionally, 63 FFPOs have been integrated into the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), improving access to markets and fair pricing. Under the PMMSY, financial assistance is also provided to traditional fishers for acquisition of deep-sea fishing vessels, upgradation of existing fishing vessels for export competence, procurement of boats and nets by traditional fishers for better catch, vessel communication and support system and safety kits to ensure safety of fishermen at sea.

    The Government has taken several steps to increase the fish stocks, such as implementation of uniform fishing ban during monsoon season, ban on destructive fishing methods, discouraging juvenile fishing, installation of artificial reefs, promoting sea ranching, alternate/additional livelihood to coastal communities to reduce fishing pressure etc. The potential of fishery resources are estimated in regular intervals by committee of experts to ascertain the status of fish stocks and revalidation of potential of fishery resources in the Exclusive economic Zone of India. The sustainable fisheries in the maritime zones of India is ensured by way of implementation of laws, regulations and policies at national and state levels. As per the report of Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022, published by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), the marine fish stocks of the Indian waters are in good health and 91.1% of the 135 fish stocks evaluated in different regions during 2022 were found sustainable.

    The NPMF, 2017 inter alia recommends the use of Information Technology (IT) and Space Technology (ST) to ensure optimum use for harnessing the benefits in support of the fisher community. The DoF, GoI through its schemes and programs, has promoted use of IT and ST for various applications for the benefits of fishers such as providing real-time Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories and weather forecasts to fishers, use of Vessel Monitoring System/Automatic Identification System, safety kits to fishers for their safety. The Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) is provided to ensure safety of fishermen at sea. The bycatch could undermine the integrity of the marine ecosystem, therefore, DoF, GoI is providing 100% financial assistance to fishers shared between Centre and State/UTs in the ratio of 60% Central share and 40% State share without any share of fisher/beneficiary, for installation of Turtle Excluder Device (TED).

    The availability of fish and fish products throughout India is ensured through promotion of sustainable and responsible fishing practices, conservation and optimum utilization of fishery resources, promotion of aquaculture and reduction in post-harvest losses. Moreover, the DoF, GoI has been implementing various schemes and programs which inter alia promotes various activities for enhancing production and productivity of fishery resources, ensuring availability of fish as an affordable source of nutrition for the growing population, especially in low-income regions.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Promotion of Aquaculture Insurance

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:42PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing various schemes for development of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying sectors which inter-alia include (i) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), (ii) Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), (iii) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), (iv) Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, (v) Infrastructure Development Fund, (vi) Dairy Development, (vii) Rashtriya Gokul Mission, (viii) Livestock Census & ISS, (ix) National Livestock Mission and (x) Dairying through Cooperatives.  During the year 2024-25, an amount of Rs. 5113.00 crore has been allocated and an amount of Rs.3459.74 crore has been spent for various activities across the country under these above schemes by 23rd March, 2025.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a new Central Sector Sub-scheme namely the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) under the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 at an estimated outlay of ₹6000. The Component 1-B of PM-MKSSY provides onetime incentive to the aquaculture farmers against purchase of insurance with farm size upto 4 hectares of water spread area.

     The ‘onetime incentive’ is provided at the rate of 40% of the cost of premium subject to the ceiling of ₹25000 per hectare of water spread area of the aquaculture farm. The maximum incentive payable to single farmer is ₹100,000 upto farm size of 4 hectares of water spread area. For intensive form of aquaculture other than farms such as cage culture, Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS), bio-floc, raceways, etc. the incentive payable is 40% of premium. The maximum incentive payable is ₹1 lakh and the maximum unit size eligible is 1800 m3. The aforesaid benefit of ‘onetime incentive’ is provided for aquaculture insurance purchased for one crop only i.e. one crop cycle.  Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Women beneficiaries would be provided an additional incentive @ 10% of the incentive payable for General Categories. 

    The Component 3 of PM-MKSSY provides financial incentive to fisheries micro and small enterprises in the form of Performance Grant for adoption of value chain efficiencies, safety and quality assurance systems in fish and fishery products against a set of measurable parameters. The quantum of Performance Grant is: (i) for microenterprise, 25% of the total investment or, ₹35 lakhs, whichever is lower, for General Category and 35% of total investment or, ₹45 lakhs, whichever is lower, for SC, ST and Women owned microenterprises. (ii) for Small enterprise, 25% of total investment or ₹75 lakhs, whichever is lower, for General Category and 35% of total investment or ₹100 lakhs, whichever is lower, for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Women owned small enterprises. (iii) for Village Level Organizations and Federations of Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmer Producer Organisation (FFPOs) and Cooperatives, 35% of total investment or ₹200 lakhs, whichever is lower.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Entrepreneurship in Fisheries Sector

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has organized the Fisheries Startup Conclave on 8th March, 2025 at Hyderabad, Telangana to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector. During the Conclave, the ‘Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0’ was launched with the aim to encourage the startups to develop transformative solutions in the fisheries sector and to drive innovation, sustainability and efficiency by supporting Startups with seed funding and incubation.  The Fisheries Startup Conclave witnessed active participation from over 50 fisheries startups, highlighting their innovations in areas such as aquaculture, fisheries technology, and value addition. Key outcomes of the conclave included the identification of potential areas for promoting innovation and sustainability, challenges and opportunities for startups regarding validation of their products & services, access to funding, market linkages, technology adoption and sustainability concerns.

    Under Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0, two Startup winners will be selected    for each of the five problem statements, resulting in a total of 10 Grand Winners. Each winning Startup will receive a cash prize of Rs. 10.00 lakh, amounting to Rs. 1 crore in seed funding support. Winning Startups will gain access to incubation facilities and mentorship provided by ICAR, National Fisheries Development Board, and attached offices of the Department of Fisheries, GoI. This challenge presents a unique opportunity for fisheries-focused startups to develop high-impact solutions, scale their innovations, and contribute to the growth and modernization of India’s fisheries sector. Earlier, on 13th January, 2022, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with the Startup India under the Invest India, DPIIT, Government of India organised the Fisheries Grand Challenge 1.0, wherein,12 Startup winners were selected and awarded a cash grant of Rs 2.00 lakh each, including an incubation support and a seed grant up to Rs. 20.00 lakh (General category) and Rs. 30.00 lakh (SC/ST/Women) to 10 winners for transforming their ideas into effective pilots, which would further translate into commercialization. Further, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has also sanctioned 39 Nos of Project Proposals with subsidy assistance of Rs. 31.22 Crores, under the Entrepreneur Model of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Government of India is focusing on the areas in fisheries technology, aquaculture, and value addition by supporting a basket of interventions/activities along the fisheries value chain including quality fish production, expansion, diversification and intensification of aquaculture, promotion of export oriented species, infusion of technology, robust disease management and traceability, training and capacity building, creation of modern post-harvest infrastructure with seamless cold chain and processing facilities. The technology infusion and adoption has been enhanced through establishment of 52,058 reservoir cages, 22,057 RAS & Biofloc units and raceways and 1,525 sea cages approved under PMMSY with an investment of Rs. 3040.87 crore. The Department of Fisheries has collaborated with several research institutions under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and private incubators to boost the fisheries startup ecosystem.

    The Department of Fisheries has supported the establishment of five fisheries business incubation centers namely LINAC-NCDC Fisheries Business Incubation Centre (LlFIC), Guwahati Biotech Park, Assam, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai and ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi to provide mentorship and training for developing business models by fisheries start-ups, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Government of India has approved construction/modernization of 66 Fishing Harbors (FHs) and 50 Fish Landing Centers (FLCs) with total outlay of Rs. 9,558.91 crore that are expected to create safe landing and berthing for about 47,000 fishing vessels, benefitting 8.94 lakhs fishers and other stakeholders. 3 Smart & Integrated Fishing Harbours are being developed with global standards, technological advancements, seamless hygienic and post-harvest management etc. Under Fisheries Infrastructure and Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF) 141 proposals have been approved with a total project cost of Rs. 5915.54 crore. This included establishment/ upgradation/maintenance of 22 Fishing harbours and 24 Fish Landing Centres at an outlay of Rs. 4,905.77 crore and Rs. 182.20 crore, respectively. 6.16 lakh stakeholders are expected to benefit, and 2.5 lakh employment opportunities will be created including 8,000 stakeholders benefiting from 33 private investment projects.

    Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) the Department of Fisheries has approved the development of post-harvest interface viz- cold storage, fish processing and Marketing infrastructure. The major post-harvest and Marketing infrastructure include; 66 fishing harbours/fish landing centres, 634 ice plants/cold storages, 21 Modern wholesale fish markets including 3 Smart Wholesale Markets, 202 retail fish markets, 6694 fish kiosks, 27118 units of fish transportation facilities, 128 value add enterprises, 5 E-platform for e-trading and e-marketing of fish and fisheries products. Further, the Department of Fisheries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with an objective to provide a digital platform and empower all stakeholders including traditional fishermen, fish farmers producer organization, entrepreneurs from fisheries sector to buy and sell their products through e-market place. Further, PMMSY has supported 2195 fisheries cooperatives as Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) with project outlay of Rs. 544.85 crore to facilitate fishermen with better market linkages, improved bargaining power and sustainable value-chain for higher returns.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: MEASURES TO IMPROVE INDIA’S GLOBAL RANKING IN TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:09AM by PIB Delhi

    In order to popularize Indian textiles in global market and to promote Indian textiles, the Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated , world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre (MMF) Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain ; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicraft artisans. Under these schemes, support is provided for marketing, skill development, cluster development, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructure and technology support etc.

    Government provides Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure remunerative prices to cotton farmers and saves them from distress sales in any eventuality of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) cotton prices falling below MSP. During Cotton season 2023-24 also, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) supported the cotton farmers and procured 32.84 lakh bales valuing Rs. 11,712 crore under MSP operations, benefitting about 7.25 lakh cotton farmers in all cotton growing States. During the current cotton season 2024-25, CCI has procured a total of Rs. 99.41 lakh bales as on 25.03.2025 out of total arrival of 260.11 lakh bales.

    Further, for global branding of Indian Textile, Government has registered Kasturi Cotton India’s brand as a trademark to give a unique identity to Premium Quality Indian Cotton.

    A successful Global Mega Textile Event BHARAT TEX 2025 was organized in February, 2025 by Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to showcase, India’s prowess as a premier textile manufacturing hub, encompassing the entire value chain from raw materials to finished products. The event highlighted diversity and richness of Indian textiles, while emphasizing the industry’s manufacturing strength, global competitiveness as well as its commitment to sustainability and circularity.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SUPPORT TO SILK FARMERS AND WEAVERS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:07AM by PIB Delhi

    The Government through implementation of Silk Samagra-2 scheme has extended support for the development of sericulture industry in the country and to increase the productivity & livelihoods of silk farmers and weavers. So far, an assistance of Rs. 1,074.94 crore has been extended to State Governments covering around 78,000 beneficiaries, for implementation of beneficiary oriented critical field level components under the scheme.

    Further, under the National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme implemented by the Handloom sector, support to handloom workers including silk handloom workers is provided.

    The thrust of the ongoing Silk Samagra-2 scheme is to become Aatmanirbhar in silk sector.  The initiatives under Silk Samagra-2 scheme are to enhance international grade bivoltine silk production and boosting of silk exports.

    The Government aims to establish India as a global leader in silk production and exports through a multi-pronged strategy focusing on production enhancement, quality improvement, infrastructure development, R&D, and market expansion.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA Boosts Millet Exports with Trade Fairs, Exhibitions & Global Promotions

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Commerce, through Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized trade fairs, exhibitions and Millet Conclave for awareness, usage and export promotion of millets. Under the International Year of Millets 2023, a host of activities were conducted in close association with Indian Embassies/Missions and Government departments, which included millet themed participation in international trade fairs, sampling events, millet galleries, international buyer seller meets etc. Further, Millets are one of the key focus areas for enhanced branding and publicity in key global and domestic fairs, in which APEDA participates.

    The Government of India launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), to promote natural farming in a mission mode across the country as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. NMNF aims at promoting natural farming practices for providing safe & nutritious food for all. There is significant scope for promotion of India’s natural products abroad, based on availability of certified natural products, given the global trend of increasing demand for healthy and chemical free produce.

    The government is taking focused initiatives for boosting India’s agricultural exports making India a key exporter of agricultural products. Some of the key initiatives are:

    i. Broad basing India’s agricultural export basket by exporting new products.

    ii. Penetration of exports into new markets.

    iii. Exporting from new producing regions and exports.

    iv. Enhanced branding and promotion of India’s agricultural produce.

    v. Increase export realization by value added agri exports.

    vi. Expanding exports of Organic products.

    vii. Enhanced training and capacity building of producers and stakeholders to ensure quality produce and meeting of phyto-sanitary requirements of importing countries.

    viii. Development of Sea Protocols for enhancing exports of Perishable Horticultural produce.

    ix. Linking Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Self Help Groups(SHGs)to the export value chain.

    x. Enhanced market access through FTAs and engagements with trading partners.

    To enhance the export of Indian agricultural products and to protect exporters from protectionist trade policies, the Government is actively engaging in intensive bilateral discussions with respective importing countries to secure market access and to address trade barriers. The Government is also engaging in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions with trading partners for duty-free/concessional access to those countries. In case of barriers in the form of strict Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)/Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), efforts are made to resolve them through bilateral meetings with trading partners and in case of their no-resolution, by raising Specific Trade Concerns (STCs) at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: All gazetted beaches continue to meet bacteriological Water Quality Objective (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) released the 2024 Beach Water Quality Report today (April 1). The report reveals that all 42 gazetted beaches in Hong Kong continued to fully achieve the bacteriological Water Quality Objective (WQO) for bathing waters in that year, with 23 beaches ranked as “Good” and the remaining 19 ranked as “Fair”. No beaches were ranked as “Poor” or “Very Poor”.
     
         An EPD spokesman said, “All gazetted beaches have fully complied with the WQO for 15 consecutive years since 2010.
     
         “The satisfactory beach water quality over the years is attributed to various pollution control and environmental improvement measures implemented by the Government, including the enforcement of the Water Pollution Control Ordinance and Livestock Waste Control Scheme, extension of the sewerage network to the beach hinterland, and the implementation of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme.
     
         “The EPD will continue to embrace the use of innovative technologies to enhance the effectiveness of environmental water quality management, with a view to protecting and improving beach water quality to safeguard the health of swimmers,” the spokesman added.
     
         The 2024 Beach Water Quality Report can be found at the EPD’s website (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach).

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank approves $19.85 million grant for emergency support to the most vulnerable in Sudan’s conflict areas

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

    NAIROBI, Kenya, April 1, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $19.85 million grant to support emergency humanitarian operations in Sudan, with a strong focus on improving women’s livelihoods and easing the impact of the ongoing conflict on communities and infrastructure.                                                              

    The Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project takes a gender-responsive approach to urgent humanitarian needs. Since April 2023, armed conflict has devastated critical infrastructure and triggered a humanitarian crisis that has disproportionately impacted women and children the hardest.

    In the short term, the Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project will train and mobilize frontline workers such as health professionals, midwives, water and sanitation specialists, and market facilitators. The project will also restore five health facilities and four emergency centers in conflict zones, as well as construct and rehabilitate 10 water and energy systems in urban and rural settings.

    The Bank financing also facilitates delivery of emergency food aid, from lentils and sorghum to other staples like tea leaves and sugar. Some 60,000 people will receive farming inputs like fertilizers and seeds this year alone. The project will facilitate cash grants to support livelihoods of another 125,000 people, with a focus on women and their dependents, as well as survivors of gender-based violence.

    Overall, the project will benefit 1.5 million Sudanese, or 265,000 households, of which 65 percent are estimated to be led by women. The Bank categorizes the Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project “Category 1” on its Gender Marker System, indicating “the principal objective of the project directly addresses gender equality and/or women’s empowerment.”

    “Peace, security and stability are urgently needed for Sudanese communities to reach its full potential,” Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, said about the project.

    “The Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project will help restore social services and economic opportunities to some of the country’s most vulnerable communities. The Bank financing will also strategically promote inclusive and resilient economic activities,” she added.

    The Bank’s Transition Support Facility (https://apo-opa.co/3DNnQfy) is financing the project. The Facility, introduced in 2008, provides additional concessional resources to countries facing situations of fragility and conflict.

    The International Committee of the Red Cross, or ICRC, will draw on its deep operational experience and long-standing presence in Sudan to implement the Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project. The ICRC will work through existing staffing and infrastructure, which include specialists in monitoring and evaluation, environment and safeguards, gender, procurement, and communications.

    This Bank crisis response operation, implemented in collaboration with the ICRC, goes beyond short-term humanitarian interventions to invest in long-term resilience and sustainable development with a focus on women and affected communities. It adopts a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach which blends urgent humanitarian relief with efforts to lay the foundation for long-term development and peace. While addressing the conflict with a rapid response focused on food security and other livelihood support, the project’s focus remains on early recovery tactics for affected communities and displaced populations.

    To date, an estimated eight million Sudanese have been displaced, and another 1.6 million — mostly women and children — have been forced to flee to neighboring countries. Supporting Sudan’s stabilization requires coordinated efforts of combined immediate relief laying the foundation for long-term development and lasting stability. Policy dialogue will be key to ensuring women’s participation in crisis management.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Limekiln Wind Farm, Scotland: Boralex’s First Production Site in the United Kingdom Now Operational

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDINBURGH, United Kingdom, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) is pleased to announce that the Limekiln Wind Farm and all its turbines are operational. Limekiln Wind Farm, located near Thurso in Caithness, is the Corporation’s flagship project in Scotland and its first operational site in the United Kingdom, with an installed capacity of 106 MW.

    “I am extremely proud of the Boralex team, whose expertise and dedication over the past few years have enabled us to reach this historic milestone for the company today,” said Patrick Decostre, President and CEO. “The UK is a key geography in achieving our growth and diversification objectives, and the operation of Limekiln Wind Farm enables us to strengthen our strategic position in the UK, while contributing to the global energy transition.”

    “The operational phase announced today is a major step towards achieving our ambition of increasing our portfolio of ready-to-build and operational renewable energy assets in the UK, a market with high development potential, to 1 GW by 2030,” said Nicolas Wolff, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe. “It is also the result of valuable consultation work with local communities carried out by our teams, who have been present on the ground since the very first stages of the project.”

    Limekiln Wind Farm consists of 24 Vestas V136-4.5MW wind turbines, measuring 150m to the tip of the blade. Apart from zero-carbon electricity, the wind farm will also deliver a full package of social, economic and environmental benefits, including biodiversity enhancements such as a native species planting scheme and a peat restoration programme, as well as a Community Benefit Fund of over £500,000 annually for the life of the project.

    This project benefits from a government-backed 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD) that will start in April 2028. Boralex has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft, one of the leading PPA providers in the UK, to cover the period between commissioning of the wind farm, and the beginning of the CfD.

    In addition, the project offers local employment opportunities: the site’s operation would support at least 8 direct jobs and around 50 indirect jobs. Lastly, the wind farm will provide sufficient electricity to meet the needs of around 100,000 British homes every year, based on the average generation mix of UK power sources.

    For more information, please visit the Limekiln Wind Farm page on our website.

    Boralex accelerates its development in the United Kingdom

    The operation of Limekiln Wind Farm comes at a time of strong growth for Boralex in the UK. Since 2023, the Company has expanded its team from 10 to 23 renewable energy professionals and aims to recruit more than a dozen new employees by the end of the year in all departments. Two major milestones were reached in the past year, with the closing of financing and the signing of the Corporate PPA for Limekiln Wind Farm. Boralex also acquired the Sallachy (wind – up to 50 MW) and Clashindarroch Extension (wind – 145 MW and storage – 50 MW) projects. Boralex opened a new office in Ringwood, in the south of England, in January 2025, allowing it to continue its growth in this region and in Wales.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, within the meaning of securities legislation. Boralex would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results or the measure it adopts could differ materially from those indicated by or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular forward-looking statement. Unless otherwise specified by the Company, the forward-looking statements do not take into account the possible impact on its activities, transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after the statements are made. There can be no assurance as to the materialization of the results, performance or achievements as expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless required to do so under applicable securities legislation, Boralex management does not assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or other changes.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have development activities and production facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.1 GW. Our pipeline of projects and growth path total over 8 GW in wind, solar and electricity storage projects. We develop those projects guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

    For more information

    MEDIA INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Camille Laventure
    Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications

    Boralex Inc.

    438 883-8580
    camille.laventure@boralex.com

    		 Stéphane Milot
    Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis

    Boralex Inc.

    514 213-1045
    stephane.milot@boralex.com
       
    MEDIA – UNITED KINGDOM  
    Marlies Koutstaal
    Communications Manager

    Boralex United Kingdom

    07876 341561
    marlies.koutsaal@boralex.com

    		  
       

    Source: Boralex inc.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d9ca4d0-9894-41e3-9bb7-e3a68e59e4b5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring food security in the face of meteorological and climate threats – E-000397/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    A range of EU policies currently support the development and uptake of technologies for the agricultural sector to assist in climate change adaptation — including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Horizon Europe[1].

    The Commission’s communication on ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food’[2], addresses related issues and paves the way forward. It notes the importance of research, development and innovation to improve the competitiveness of agriculture, forestry and rural areas, and states that the CAP will continue to support agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS) strategies. It also addresses aspects of the climate change adaptation challenge other than technology-related needs.

    With regard to data on EU food security, the Commission invites the Honourable Member to explore the rich databases available[3].

    With regard to the agricultural reserve, the aforementioned Vision for Agriculture and Food notes that the Commission and Member States should ensure policy coherence between risk and crisis management tools, and greater flexibilities for their uptake.

    The functioning of the agricultural reserve should be carefully assessed to refocus it on specific crises of a specific magnitude, such as major market disturbances and animal/plant health issues, while the provision of exceptional support to farmers should be better linked to appropriate risk management and preventive measures.

    • [1] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0075
    • [3] https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/DataPortal/food-supply-security.html
    Last updated: 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Boosting support to farmers in view of the challenges of the new CAP – E-000096/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Vision for Agriculture and Food presented on 19 February 2025[1] contains an ambitious roadmap and the different work streams towards an agri-food system that is attractive, competitive, future-oriented and fair for current and future generations.

    The Commission is of the opinion that working towards a more environmentally sustainable and competitive sector must and can go hand in hand.

    Going forward to achieve both objectives, the vision envisages a more inclusive approach, with a focus to build trust and dialogue across the entire agri-food system in the EU, to work towards solutions that are tailored to specific contexts in a pragmatic way.

    Working towards a sustainable agri-food sector, the transition must integrate economic, environmental and implementation challenges, as well as the need for a just transition in social terms.

    It must also recognise specificities of farming: on the one hand, agriculture will always have a degree of impact on natural resources, with limitations in terms of mitigation compared to other sectors of the economy. On the other, it needs to cater for the resources it depends on.

    Also, situations across regions and territories differ greatly. This calls for well-tailored and targeted solutions. The future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period post-2027 will consider all these elements.

    Meanwhile, the Commission continues its efforts to simplify the delivery of the current CAP in view of reducing the administrative burden and providing more flexibility to farmers and national administrations.

    The second simplification package of the current CAP is expected for the second quarter of 2025.

    • [1]  https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/vision-agriculture-food_en#:~:text=Shaping%20the%20future%20of%20farming%20and%20the%20agri-food,entire%20value%20chain%20within%20the%20EU%20and%20globally

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Justification and conditionality of financial support to South Africa under the Global Gateway initiative – E-001120/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001120/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Milan Zver (PPE)

    The Commission has announced that it will invest EUR 4.7 billion in South Africa under the Global Gateway initiative to support sustainable projects and the development agenda.

    Recent reports point to increasing violence against white farmers in the country, and Amnesty International has reported various human rights violations and high levels of crime and economic inequality. South Africa also faces challenges of corruption and inefficiencies in public services, where international funds are often used in a way that is not transparent.

    • 1.Before approving this comprehensive package, did the Commission take note of these reports and carry out an in-depth analysis to ensure that EU funds do not support or indirectly finance structures that violate human rights?
    • 2.Is the aid linked to respect for human rights and reporting of violence against white farmers and other groups, and what specific monitoring will the Commission carry out to check how the funds are being used and effectively prevent any misuse or siphoning off of the funds into undemocratic structures?
    • 3.The EU currently needs more resources to defend itself and face up to its economic challenges. In light of these priorities, does the Commission consider that an investment of this amount is justified, especially if there is a risk of serious human rights violations, and what action will the Commission take in the event of any misuse?

    Submitted: 17.3.2025

    Last updated: 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Acorn Farm’s New Gate Lodge Garden officially opens

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Acorn Farm’s New Gate Lodge Garden officially opens

    1 April 2025

    Spring has certainly sprung in the new Acorn Farm Gate Lodge Garden located at the St Columb’s Park Gate Lodge which has been officially opened by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr.

    The new garden is part of the ambitious Acorn Farm Project, a partnership project supported by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s, Climate Action Fund and the UK Government.

    Mayor Barr was joined by pupils from St Anne’s Primary School in Derry, who had the opportunity to learn about the importance of seed planting and growing cycles, and taste the benefits of the freshly harvested food.

    The new space has been created to connect local communities, families, households and food producers with sustainable food practices, healthy eating and climate-friendly learning. It will help facilitate elements of the Acorn Farm’s wider engagement programme through events, workshops and guided visits.

    The Acorn Farm project is delivered by a partnership team consisting of Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Conservation Volunteers, Developing Healthy Communities and Community Garden Support.

    Officially opening the gardens, Mayor Barr said they provided a beautiful learning space for all ages. “I am thrilled to be here today and to see the next stage in the development of the Acorn Farm project. There is a fantastic array of produce already being grown, and local people can draw on the expertise from local horticulturists and other experienced growers. Congratulations to everyone involved in realising this wonderful new green space.”

    Paul Sweeney, Northen Ireland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I am delighted to be at the Gate Lodge Gardens today for the official opening and to see the progress made so far in the Acorn Farm Project, which has been supported by over £2 million of National Lottery funding.

    “A priority of The National Lottery Community Fund’s strategy to 2030 is to support communities in becoming environmentally sustainable. Innovative and ambitious projects like Acorn Farm are a fantastic example of our funding being put into action by communities, by creating a movement and helping develop more sustainable and responsible ways of sourcing and producing food.

    “Well done to everyone involved in developing this community hub which will boost mental health, encourage physical activity and build stronger community connections.”

    Shauna Kelpie, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “What we see here today is the culmination of outstanding collaboration between partner organisations committed to improving the lives of local people and our environment through access to more sustainable food choices. This project kick starts so many ‘green focused’ activities and will be life changing for so many families now and into the future.”

    The total funding investment pot of £6.2m in capital infrastructure (UK Government and Derry City and Strabane District Council) and over £2m (National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund) in skills-based engagement programmes, is assisting local people to take climate action through food choice and make the link between sustainable food and better health outcomes for this generation and future ones.

    Find out more about the project at https://acornfarmni.com/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – CBA Emergency Assistance for flood affected areas in Queensland and NSW

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    Special arrangements are in place to assist customers who may need additional support in flood affected areas in Queensland and NSW.

    Commonwealth Bank will provide its Emergency Assistance to customers and businesses in areas affected by flooding in Queensland and NSW.

    Retail Banking Services Group Executive, Angus Sullivan, said: “We want our customers to know that we are here to help them. We are thinking of everyone in the impacted regions and have several measures in place to support affected customers and employees through this challenging time.

    “We also want to thank the emergency services teams and volunteers who work tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.”

    CBA understands each customer will have different needs and we encourage them to discuss their individual circumstances by either contacting the bank in the CommBank app or phoning 1800 314 695. Business customers can also call 1800 314 695 or speak with their dedicated CommBank relationship manager.

    For more information on the support we’re providing to impacted communities, visit: commbank.com.au/support/emergency-assistance.

    CBA Emergency Assistance includes a range of options for eligible customers, including:

    Customised payment arrangements for home loans, business loans, personal loans and credit cards.
    Waiving fees and charges, including waiving fees for temporary and damaged merchant EFTPOS terminals, as well as support with merchant terminal rental fees.
    Temporary overdrafts, additional loans or emergency credit limit increases (subject to credit approval).
    Waiving fees and notice periods for early access to Term Deposits (including Farm Management Term Deposits).
    Emergency accommodation may be available for customers who have taken out Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank, subject to making a claim and policy terms and conditions.
    Helping direct claims enquiries for customers seeking support through their Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank.

    To access this support, customers should contact the bank through the CommBank app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 314 695. Branch availability and further information about CBA’s Emergency Assistance is available online at commbank.com.au/support/emergency-assistance.

    For emergency help call the State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit your State Emergency Service Website

    Queensland: ses.gov.qld.au
    NSW: ses.nsw.gov.au

    In a life-threatening emergency call 000 (triple zero).

    During this time customers should also remain vigilant and be extra cautious of unexpected calls or messages claiming to be from well-known organisations including banks, telecommunications companies and government agencies.

    CommBank will never send customers links in text messages directing them to sites that ask for passwords, and customers should never click on any of these they receive.

    If customers receive an unexpected call claiming to be from CommBank, they should ask the caller to verify the legitimacy of the call by using CallerCheck which triggers a security message in the CommBank App.

    How customers can better protect themselves from scams

    • Stop: Does a call, email or text seem off? The best thing to do is stop. Take a breath. Real organisations won’t put you under pressure to act instantly.
    • Check: Ask someone you trust or contact the organisation the message claims to be from.
    • Reject: If you’re unsure, hang up on the caller, delete the email, block the phone number.
    • Change your passwords.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Monday, 31 March 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament 2

    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, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, 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, 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, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, 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, 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, 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, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, 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, Droese Siegbert Frank, Dworczyk Michał, 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, 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, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Griset Catherine, 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, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, 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, 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, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Kohut Łukasz, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, 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, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, 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, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, 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, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, 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, 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, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, 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, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, 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, 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, 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, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, 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, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Tridico Pasquale, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Valet Matthieu, 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, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Verheyen Sabine, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, 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, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Hojsík Martin

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Torrential rains created inland seas in outback Queensland. Soon, they will supersize Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia

    The small Queensland town of Eromanga bills itself as Australia’s town furthest from the sea. But this week, an ocean of freshwater arrived.

    Monsoon-like weather has hit the normally arid Channel Country of inland Queensland. Some towns have had two years’ worth of rain in a couple of days. These flat grazing lands now resemble an inland sea. Dozens of people have been evacuated. Others are preparing to be cut off, potentially for weeks. And graziers are reporting major livestock losses – more than 100,000 and climbing. In some areas, the flooding is worse than 1974, the wettest year on record in Australia.

    Why so much rain? Tropical, water-laden air has been brought far inland from the oceans to the north and east. This can happen under normal climate variability. But our ocean temperatures are the highest on record, which supercharges the water cycle.

    In coming weeks, this huge volume of water will wend its way through the channels and down to fill Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, the ephemeral lake which appears in the northern reaches of South Australia. It’s likely this will be a Lake Eyre for the ages.

    In the first three months of the year, deadly record-breaking floods hit northern Queensland before Cyclone Alfred tracked unusually far south and made landfall in southeast Queensland, bringing widespread winds and rains and leaving expensive repair bills. Now the rain has come inland.

    Why so much rain in arid areas?

    Some meteorologists have dubbed this event a pseudo-monsoon. That’s because the normal Australian monsoon doesn’t reach this far south – the torrential rains of the monsoonal wet season tend to fall closer to the northern coasts.

    Because the Arafura and Timor Seas to the north are unusually warm, evaporation rates have shot up. Once in the air, this water vapour makes for very humid conditions. These air masses are even more humid than normal tropical air, because they have flowed down from the equator. Many Queenslanders can vouch for the intense humidity.

    But there’s a second factor at work. At present, Australia’s climate is influenced by a positive Southern Annular Mode. This means the belt of intense westerly winds blowing across the Southern Ocean has been pushed further south, causing a ripple effect which can lead to more summer rain in Australia’s southeast, up to inland Queensland. This natural climate driver has meant easterly winds have blown uninterrupted from as far away as Fiji, carrying yet more humid air inland.

    Many inland rivers in Queensland are in major flood (red triangles) as of April 1.
    Bureau of Meteorology, CC BY

    These two streams of converging humid tropical air were driven up into the cooler heights of the atmosphere by upper and surface low pressure troughs, triggering torrential rain over wide areas of the outback

    While these humid air masses have now dumped most of their water, more rain is coming in the aftermath of the short-lived Cyclone Dianne off northwest Australia. These rains won’t be as intense but may drive more flood peaks over already saturated catchments.

    This is why it has been so wet in what is normally an exceptionally dry part of Australia.

    What is this doing to the Channel Country?

    Many Australians have never been to the remote Channel Country. It’s a striking landscape, marked by ancient, braided river channels.

    Even for an area known for drought-flood cycles, the rainfall totals are extreme. This is a very rare event.

    People who live there have to be resilient and self-sufficient. But farmers and graziers are bracing for awful losses of livestock. Livestock can drown in floodwaters, but a common fate is succumbing to pneumonia after spending too long in water. After the water moves down the channels, it will leave behind notoriously boggy and sticky mud. This can be lethal to livestock and native animals, which can find themselves unable to move.

    Where will the water go next?

    Little of these temporary inland seas will ever reach the ocean.

    Some of the rain has fallen in the catchment of the Darling River, where it will flow down and meet the Murray. The Darling is often filled by summer rains, while the Murray gets more water from autumn and winter rains. This water will eventually reach the Southern Ocean.

    But most of the rain fell further inland. The waters snaking through the channels will head south, flowing slowly along the flat ground for weeks until it crosses the South Australian border and begins to fill up Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Here, the waters will stop, more than 300 km from the nearest ocean at Port Augusta, and fill what is normally a huge, salty depression and Australia’s lowest point, 15 metres below sea level.

    When Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre fills, it creates an extraordinary spectacle. Millions of brine shrimp will hatch from eggs in the dry soil. This sudden abundance will draw waterbirds in their millions, while fish carried in the floodwaters will spawn and eat the shrimp. Then there are the remarkable shield shrimps, hibernating inland crabs and salt-adapted hardyhead fish.

    It’s rare that Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre fills up – but when it does, life comes to the desert.
    Mandy Creighton/Shutterstock

    The rain event will send enough water to keep Lake Eyre full for many months and it usually takes up to two years for it to dry out again. We can expect to see a huge lake form – the size of a small European country. Birdwatchers and biologists will flock to the area to see the sight of a temporary sea in the desert.

    Eventually, the intense sun of the outback will evaporate every last drop of the floodwaters, leaving behind salted ground and shrimp eggs for the next big rains.

    As the climate keeps warming, we can expect to see more sudden torrential rain dumps like this one, followed by periods of rapid drying.

    Steve Turton has previously received funding from the federal government.

    – ref. Torrential rains created inland seas in outback Queensland. Soon, they will supersize Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre – https://theconversation.com/torrential-rains-created-inland-seas-in-outback-queensland-soon-they-will-supersize-kati-thanda-lake-eyre-253529

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Why do I see or smell smoke?

    Source:

    With calm autumn conditions across much of the state, communities can expect to see smoke in the air as a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system and agricultural burns take place over the coming weeks.

    While current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning on some days.

    FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said it is crucial fire agencies take advantage of favourable conditions when they present.  

    “Planned burning on public land is one of the tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bushfires,” Mr Hardman said.

    “Our climate is changing and that means finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is becoming more challenging. Autumn typically provides our crews more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable

    “With the current favourable weather and forest conditions, we are delivering as much planned burning as we can.

    “Reducing dry vegetation such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.

    “We work closely with Country Fire Authority (CFA), Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as possible. We make every effort to make sure favourable weather conditions reduce smoke drift into communities.

    “Victorians can register to receive notifications of upcoming planned burns at the Planned Burns Victoria website.”

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan is urging Victorians to understand permit requirements before conducting private burn-offs while the Fire Danger Period (FDP) remains in place across most of Victoria.

    “We are now starting to issue schedule 13 permits to farmers to burn crop stubble to kill off weeds and reduce pests, however we remind Victorians, that no burning off is to occur unless people have received permission,” Mr Heffernan said.

    “While the FDP has ended in East Gippsland, it remains in place across the rest of Victoria. It is vital that landowners check local conditions are safe and appropriate before burning off – both on the day and the days following.

    “You may see a large amount of smoke in areas where these activities take place, so we ask farmers to let their neighbours know who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precaution.

    “Any burning off activity should have enough water and resources on hand to monitor and extinguish and Triple Zero Victoria must be notified as awareness for emergency services and community members.”

    Victoria’s Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Patrick Taylor said EPA understands smoke from any source, including planned burns and private burn-offs can cause health concerns.

    “Be prepared by watching for FFMVic planned burn notifications and by checking the air quality in your area through EPA’s AirWatch,” Professor Taylor said.

    “Your nose is also an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health.”

    The Planned Burns Victoria website has details of all planned burns currently on the three-year Joint Fuel Management Program, visit  https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.

    To find out what can and can’t be done during fire danger period, visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i

    Check fire restrictions and register private burns at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.

    Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found on EPA’s website.

    Visit the EPA website for tips about looking after health when there is smoke.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Master Circular – Credit facilities to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs)

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2025-26/03
    FIDD.CO.GSSD.BC.No.02/09.09.001/2025-26

    April 01, 2025

    The Chairman/ Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
    All Scheduled Commercial Banks (including Small Finance Banks)

    Madam/ Dear Sir,

    Master Circular – Credit facilities to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs)

    The Reserve Bank of India has, from time to time, issued a number of guidelines/instructions to banks on credit facilities to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs). The enclosed Master Circular consolidates the circulars issued by Reserve Bank on the subject till date, as listed in the Appendix.

    Yours faithfully,

    (R. Giridharan)
    Chief General Manager

    Master Circular – Credit Facilities to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs)

    Banks should take the measures indicated below to step up their advances to SCs/STs.

    1. Planning Process

    1.1 The District Level Consultative Committees formed under the Lead Bank Scheme should continue to be the principal mechanism of co-ordination between banks and development agencies in this regard. The district credit plans formulated by the Lead Banks should clearly indicate the linkage of credit with employment and development schemes.

    1.2 Banks will have to establish closer liaison with the District Industries Centres, which have been set up in different districts for promoting self-employment.

    1.3 At the block level, a certain weightage is to be given to SCs/STs in the planning process. Accordingly, the credit planning should be weighted in their favour and special bankable schemes suited to them should be drawn up to ensure their participation and larger flow of credit to them for self-employment. It will be necessary for the banks to consider their loan proposals with utmost sympathy and understanding.

    1.4 Banks should periodically review their lending procedures and policies to see that loans are sanctioned in time, are adequate and production-oriented and that they generate incremental income to make them self-liquidating.

    1.5 While formulating the Block/ District Credit Plan, special focus may be given to villages with sizeable population of SC/ST communities/ specific localities (bastis) in the towns/villages having a concentration of these communities.

    2. Role of Banks

    2.1 Bank staff may help the borrowers in filling up the forms and completing other formalities so that they are able to get credit facility within a stipulated period from the date of receipt of applications.

    2.2 In order to encourage SC/ST borrowers to take advantage of credit facilities, greater awareness among them about various schemes formulated by banks needs to be created through various means such as brochures, visits by field staff etc so that salient features of the schemes, as also the advantages that will accrue to them are known to such borrowers. Banks should advise their branches to organize meetings more frequently exclusively for SC/ST beneficiaries to understand their credit needs and to incorporate the same in the credit plan.

    2.3 Circulars issued by RBI/NABARD should be circulated among the staff for compliance.

    2.4 Banks should not insist on deposits while considering loan applications under Government sponsored poverty alleviation schemes/self-employment programmes from borrowers belonging to SCs/STs. It should also be ensured that applicable subsidy is not held back while releasing the loan component till the full repayment of bank dues. Non-release of subsidy upfront amounts to under-financing and hampers asset creation/income generation.

    2.5 The National Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation and National Scheduled Castes Finance & Development Corporation have been set up under the administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, respectively. Banks should advise their branches/controlling offices to render all the necessary institutional support to enable these institutions to achieve the desired objectives.

    2.6. Loans sanctioned to State Sponsored Organisations for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes for the specific purpose of purchase and supply of inputs and/or the marketing of the outputs of the beneficiaries of these organisations are eligible for priority sector classification.

    2.7 Rejection of SC/STs’ loan applications under government programmes should be done at the next higher level instead of at the branch level and reasons of rejection should be clearly indicated.

    3. Role of SC/ST Development Corporations

    The Government of India has advised all State Governments that the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes Development Corporations can consider bankable schemes/proposals for bank finance.

    4. Reservations for SC/ST beneficiaries under major Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

    There are several major centrally sponsored schemes under which credit is provided by banks and subsidy is received through Government Agencies. Credit flow under these schemes is monitored by RBI. Under each of these, there is a significant reservation/relaxation for the members of the SC/ST communities.

    4.1 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)

    DAY-NRLM (previously known as NRLM) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India by restructuring the erstwhile Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, effective from April 1, 2013. DAY-NRLM would ensure adequate coverage of vulnerable sections of the society such that 50% of these beneficiaries are SCs/STs. Details of the scheme are available in the Master Circular on DAY-NRLM as updated from time to time.

    4.2 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, launched the DAY-NULM (previously known as NULM) by restructuring the erstwhile Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY), effective from September 24, 2013. Under DAY-NULM, advances should be extended to SCs/STs to the extent of their strength in the local population. Details of the scheme are available in the Master Circular on DAY-NULM as updated from time to time.

    4.3 Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) Scheme

    Under the DRI Scheme, banks provide finance up to ₹15,000/- at a concessional rate of interest of 4 per cent per annum to the weaker sections of the community for engaging in productive and gainful activities. In order to ensure that persons belonging to SCs/STs also derive adequate benefit under the DRI Scheme, banks have been advised to grant eligible borrowers belonging to SCs/STs such advances to the extent of not less than 2/5th (40 percent) of total DRI advances. Further, the eligibility criteria under DRI, viz. size of land holding should not exceed 1 acre of irrigated land and 2.5 acres of unirrigated land, are not applicable to SCs/STs. Members of SCs/STs satisfying the income criteria of the scheme can also avail of housing loan up to ₹20,000/- per beneficiary over and above the individual loan of ₹15,000/- available under the scheme.

    5. Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for Scheduled Castes (CEGSSC)

    The CEGSSC was launched by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on May 6, 2015 with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship amongst the Scheduled Castes (SCs), by providing credit enhancement guarantee to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), which extend financial assistance to these entrepreneurs. IFCI Ltd. has been designated as the Nodal Agency under the scheme, to issue the guarantee cover in favour of MLIs for financing SC entrepreneurs.

    Individual SC entrepreneurs/Registered Companies and Societies/Registered Partnership Firms/Sole Proprietorship firms having more than 51% shareholding and management control for the previous 6 months by SC entrepreneurs/ promoters/ members are eligible for guarantee from IFCI Ltd. against the loans extended by MLIs.

    The amount of guarantee cover under CEGSSC ranges from a minimum of ₹0.15 cr to a maximum of ₹5.00 cr.

    The tenure of guarantee is up to a maximum of 7 years or repayment period, whichever is earlier.

    6. Monitoring and Review

    6.1 A special cell should be set up at the Head Office of banks for monitoring the flow of credit to SC/ST beneficiaries. Apart from ensuring the implementation of the RBI guidelines, the cell would also be responsible for collection of relevant information/data from the branches, consolidation thereof and submission of the requisite returns to RBI and Government.

    6.2 The Head Office of banks should periodically review the credit extended to SCs/STs on the basis of returns and other data received from the branches. Any major gap or variation in credit flow to SCs/STs on a year to year basis should be reported to the Board as part of the review on the theme of “Financial Inclusion” in terms of circular DBR No.BC.93/29.67.001/2014-15 dated May 14, 2015.

    6.3 Banks should review the measures taken to enhance the flow of credit to SC/ST borrowers on a quarterly basis. The review should also consider the progress made in lending to these communities directly or through the State Level Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Corporations for various purposes based, amongst others, on field visits of the senior officers from the Head Office/Controlling Offices.

    6.4 SLBC Convenor bank should invite the representative of National Commission for SCs/STs to attend SLBC meetings. Besides, the Convenor bank may also invite representatives from the National Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) and State Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (SCDC) to attend SLBC meetings.

    7. Reporting Requirements

    Data on advances to SCs and STs should be reported as prescribed in the Master Direction on Priority Sector Lending as updated from time to time, within the time frames stipulated.

    Appendix

    Credit Facilities to Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes

    List of Circulars Consolidated in the Master Circular

    No. Circular No. Date Subject
    1. DBOD.No.BP.BC.172/C.464(R)-78 December 12, 1978 Role of Banks in Promoting Employment
    2. DBOD.No.BP.BC.8/C.453(K)-Gen January 09, 1979 Agricultural Credit to Small and Marginal Farmers
    3. DBOD.No.BP.BC.45/C.469(86)-81 April 14, 1981 Credit Facilities to SC / ST
    4. DBOD.No.BP.BC.132/C.594-81 October 22, 1981 Recommendations of the Working Group on the Development of Scheduled Castes
    5. RPCD.No.PS.BC.2/C.594-82 September 10, 1982 Credit Facilities to SC / ST
    6. RPCD.No.PS.BC.9/C.594-82 November 05, 1982 Concessional Bank Finance to SC / ST Development Corporations
    7. RPCD.No.PS.BC.4/C. 594-83 August 22, 1983 Credit Facilities to SC / ST
    8. RPCD.No.PS.BC.20/C.568(A)-84 January 24, 1984 Credit Facilities to SC / ST – Rejection of Loan Applications
    9. RPCD.No. CONFS.62/PB-1-85/86 July 24, 1985 Role of Private Sector Banks in Lending to SCs / STs
    10. RPCD.No.SP.BC.22/C.453(U)-85 October 09, 1985 Credit Facilities to Scheduled Tribes under DRI Scheme
    11. RPCD.No.SP.BC.129/C.594(Spl)/88-89 June 28, 1989 National SC / ST Finance and Development Corporation
    12. RPCD.No.SP.BC.93/C.594.MMS-90/91 March 13, 1991 Scheduled Caste Development Corporation (SCDCs) – Instructions on Unit Cost
    13. RPCD.No.SP.BC.122/C.453(U)-90-91 May 14, 1991 Housing Finance to SCs / STs – Inclusion under the DRI
    14. RPCD.No.SP.BC.118/C.453(U)-92/93 May 27, 1993 Priority Sector Advances – Housing Finance
    15. RPCD.No.LBS.BC.86/02.01.01/96-97 December 16, 1996 Inclusion of National Commission for SCs / STs in State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs)
    16. RPCD.No.SP.BC.124/09.09.01/96-97 April 15, 1997 Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of SCs / STs – Insisting on Deposits from SCs/ STs by Banks
    17. RPCD.No.SAA.BC.67/08.01.00/98-99 February 11, 1999 Credit Facilities to SCs / STs
    18. RPCD.No.SP.BC.51/09.09.01/2002-03 December 04, 2002 Proceedings of the work shop on the role of financial institutions in the development of SCs and STs
    19. RPCD.No.SP.BC.102/09.09.01/2002-03 June 23, 2003 Sample study for review of credit flow to SCs and STs – Major Findings
    20. RPCD.SP.BC.No.49/09.09.01/2007-08 February 19, 2008 Credit facilities to SC/ STs – Revised Annexure
    21. RPCD.GSSD.BC.No.81/09.01.03/2012-13 June 27, 2013 Restructuring of SGSY as National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
    22. RPCD.CO.GSSD.BC.No.26/09.16.03/2014-15 August 14, 2014 Restructuring of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) as National Urban Livelihood Mission

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Rollins Fulfill Commitments to Expand Access to Biofuels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at an ethanol production facility in Atlantic, Iowa to announce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) continued support of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).
    Ernst has championed HBIIP since its inception and helped it grow into an essential tool for retail store owners to purchase the infrastructure necessary to provide higher blends of biofuels at the pump.

    Click here for more photos from today’s visit.
    “Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for announcing certainty for our farmers and biofuel producers while you’re right here visiting the great state of Iowa,” Senator Ernst said.“I’ve worked hard to help develop and maintain HBIIP over the years to ensure that from Casey’s to your local mom-and-pop gas stations, retail store owners have the tools they need to deliver higher blends of biofuels at the pump, expanding access to homegrown fuels and choices for consumers. This is another example of how the Trump administration is putting our rural communities first.”
    “President Trump is honoring our commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers and small businesses, especially here in Iowa where corn and soy growers are crucial to supporting ethanol and biodiesel production,” Secretary Rollins said. “Under the President’s leadership, we are moving away from the harmful effects of misguided climate policies like the Green New Deal. Instead, USDA will deploy energy investments that prioritize the needs of our rural communities. Through HBIIP, we will expand access to domestic, homegrown fuels which will increase good paying jobs for hardworking Americans, restore rural prosperity and strengthen our nation’s energy security.”
    Today’s announcement positively impacts over 275 stores across Iowa and provides certainty for the state’s farmers and biofuel producers. Iowa leads the nation in ethanol and biodiesel production, with 42 ethanol plants capable of producing over 4.7 billion gallons annually and 10 biodiesel plants with the annual production capacity of 416 million gallons.
    Background:
    Ernst was instrumental in creating and maintaining HBIIP as part of her commitment to invest in renewable fuel infrastructure, rural job opportunities, and hardworking farmers. She introduced the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Production Market Expansion Act, which would provide resources to retailers for purchasing more compatible biofuel infrastructure.
    More broadly, Ernst has been a leading advocate for homegrown, Iowa biofuels, securing access to E15 for the summer driving months, while continuing the call for permanent, nationwide availability that would give those in the biofuel industry the certainty they deserve. She has also advocated for raising RVO obligations to match biofuel production capacity and blasted the Biden administration for leaving behind all of rural America with the incomplete, delayed 45Z guidance.
    Ernst met with Secretary Rollins multiple times during her confirmation process and secured critical commitments from her in support of Iowa farmers. Ernst has been working in tandem with Rollins and the Trump administration to deliver results for the entire Iowa agriculture community.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, J&S Farm Supply

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: J&S Farm Supply of Iowa County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “Founded on faith, family, and farming, J&S Farm Supply has been cultivating the next generation of Iowa growers since 1955,” said Chair Ernst. “This family-owned and operated small business remains a cornerstone of the Williamsburg community and continues to meet the evolving needs of agricultural producers across our state.”
    In 1955, Leighton Jones founded Jones Fertilizer to support local growers through various farming services. By 1972, Dick Schaefer joined the business, and J&S Farm Supply was born. After managing the business for nearly 50 years, Leighton passed away in 2004 and his son, Tim Jones Sr., took full ownership. Today, Tim and his son, Tim Jones Jr., have grown the family business into a full-service agriculture hub with the turf and fabrication divisions headed by his sons-in-law, Ryan Sauser and Luke Williams, respectively. Later this year, J&S Farm Supply will celebrate its 70th anniversary in Iowa.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting The Social Safety Net: Gillibrand And East Harlem Elected Officials Demand No Cuts To Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, Senator Gillibrand stood alongside East Harlem elected officials to urgently call on the Trump administration to protect Social Security after their repeated actions to cut back the agency and the critical services it provides. New York City is home to one of the largest senior populations living in poverty nationwide, and cuts to the agency will decimate the Social Security system and deny New Yorkers their hard-earned benefits. 

    “Social Security is a promise, not a political bargaining chip. The Trump Administration’s reckless efforts to undermine this vital program will have devastating consequences for millions of New Yorkers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I urge the Trump Administration to safeguard this necessary lifeline and ensure Americans have access to services they rightfully deserve.”

    “Food stamps (SNAP) and EBT systems are vital tools in the fight against hunger and food insecurity, in my district, the state, and in communities around our nation,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “These programs ensure millions of individuals and families can access nutritious food, while EBT provides a secure, efficient, and dignified way to access benefits. Beyond feeding families, SNAP has strengthened local economies by supporting grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food retailers, and every dollar spent has generated economic growth. Additionally, EBT further enhances this impact by streamlining distribution, cutting administrative costs, and preventing fraud to ensure resources reach those who need them most. Donald Trump and Elon’s attempt to cut these essential programs are an attack on working families, seniors, and future generations. We will combat these reckless cuts and fight to protect and strengthen the safety net that millions rely on. American families deserve nothing less.”

    “The assault on Social Security isn’t just a policy change; it’s a moral betrayal. It’s stealing dignity from those who earned it with decades of hard work. We won’t tolerate a system that sacrifices our elders and those with disabilities to pad bottom lines. This isn’t about numbers; it’s about human lives, about families facing impossible choices. We’re drawing a line. This is our promise: we will defend every penny, every benefit, every person who relies on Social Security, with every ounce of our strength. They will not dismantle this lifeline on our watch,” said Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs.

    “Millions of low-income households, including thousands in my district, risk losing essential food assistance under the proposed House Republican cuts to SNAP,” said Councilwoman Diana Ayala. “These harmful reductions would endanger the health and stability of our community, creating long-term social and economic challenges. With the rising cost of living, many working families are already struggling to afford basic necessities, with some forced to work multiple jobs just to get by. Seniors living on fixed incomes face even greater hardship, as rising food and housing costs make it increasingly difficult for them to afford nutritious meals. Hunger affects a child’s ability to learn, makes it harder for job seekers to find employment, and places additional strain on individuals with disabilities. Programs like SNAP have played a crucial role in reducing food insecurity and supporting families in need. Now, as inflation continues to drive up costs, we must fight to protect this vital program and ensure that no one—whether a working parent, an older adult on a fixed income, or a person with disabilities—is left without the resources they need to survive.”

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already announced plans to cut 7,000 staff, despite the fact that SSA staffing is already at a 50-year low, and there are historically long case backlogs. Now, the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” plans to limit phone support for seniors, forcing them to file certain claims online – a challenge for many older adults – or visit a Social Security Administration office in person, even though appointments for these visits can only be made over the phone. DOGE is simultaneously planning to shutter Social Security Administration offices across the country, including two in New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –