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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Spring Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas of the March 31 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the adverse weather conditions occurring in the following counties last spring.

    Declaration

    Number

    Primary

    Counties

    Neighboring

    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline
    20507 Ashley Bradley, Chicot, Drew and Union in Arkansas; Morehouse and Union in Louisiana. Excessive Rain, Hail and High Winds May 13-14, 2024 3/31/25
    20508 Boone Carroll, Marion, Newton and Searcy in Arkansas; Taney in Missouri. Hail and High Winds May 8-9, 2024 3/31/25
    20509 Carroll Benton, Boone, Madison and Newton in Arkansas; Barry, Stone and Taney in Missouri. Tornado, Flash Flood, Hail, High Winds and Lightning May 24-26, 2024 3/31/25
    20510 Lonoke Arkansas, Faulkner, Jefferson, Prairie, Pulaski and White in Arkansas. Excessive Rain, Hail and High Winds May 20-24, 2024 3/31/25
    20511 Madison Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Newton and Washington in Arkansas. Excessive Rain, Flash Flood, High Winds and Lightning April 26-29, 2024 3/31/25
    20512 Prairie Arkansas, Lonoke, Monroe, White and Woodruff in Arkansas. Hail and High Winds May 24-26, 2024 3/31/25

    Under these declarations, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared these disasters on July 29, 2024. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 31, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Topanga Canyon Landslide

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in California of the April 1, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the March 9-June 2, 2024 Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) landslide.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 1, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: March 2 to 8 Proclaimed Engineering and Geoscience Week in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 28, 2025

    Highways Minister David Marit has proclaimed March 2 to 8 as Engineering and Geoscience Week in Saskatchewan to highlight the important work of those professionals. 

    “Engineers and geoscientists play an integral part of developing the infrastructure we use every day,” Marit said. “We are thankful for these hard-working professionals that call Saskatchewan home and help build and support the province during a significant period of growth.”

    Engineers and geoscientists play a role in a wide variety of areas, infrastructure and industries.

    This includes:

    • Agriculture;
    • Aerospace;
    • Environment;
    • Forestry;
    • Manufacturing;
    • Mining;
    • Utilities;
    • health care;
    • Education;
    • Highways; and
    • Natural resources.

    “Saskatchewan people put their trust in the competence, integrity, and professional conduct of engineers and geoscientists,” Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (APEGS) President Erin Moss Tressel said. “We are committed to protecting that trust by upholding the highest ethical and professional standards and recognizing the exemplary achievements and contributions of our members.” 

    APEGS is the regulatory body for the engineering and geoscience professions in the province with more than 15,000 members. The Minister of Highways is also the minister responsible for the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act for Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Announces Tariffs Will Begin March 4th, Welch Cosponsors Bill to Shield Consumers and Businesses from Tariffs; Votes Against Trump’s USTR Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Bill led by Sen. Shaheen would block the President’s authority to impose duties or tariff-rate quotas on imports to the U.S.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Trump reversed course and announced his proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico will begin March 4th, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-N.H.) Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act, which would shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The bill would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools.  
    This week, Senator Welch also voted against Jamieson Greer, Trump’s pick to serve as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), about whom he expressed reservations during the nominee’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Welch released the following statement:
    “We need trade policies that are rooted in a ‘Do No Harm’ approach, not ones that make things harder for Vermont businesses and consumers. I’ve heard from hardworking Vermonters who have told me that Trump’s tariffs and Trade War would only harm our businesses, farmers, and families. Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Vermont’s largest trading partner, will hammer small and rural businesses that depend on trade with our neighbor. 
    “We need to fight against these tariffs in every way that we can, and that includes having a U.S. Trade Representative who will stand up for American consumers and small businesses. Jamieson Greer made it clear that he lacks courage or capacity to stand up to President Trump and will be a rubber stamp for the President’s chaotic economic policies. It’s why I voted against him and why I will push back against any and all trade policies he puts forth that would harm Vermonters. 
    “Over the last few weeks, the President has made it clear that he’s ready to leverage the economic wellbeing of everyday Americans to pursue misguided foreign policy goals. It’s crucial that we shield Americans from the consequences of Trump’s reckless actions. That’s why I’m proud to support the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act, which will limit how the White House can impose these tax increases and protect Vermonters from price hikes.” 
    Learn more about the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act. 
    Read the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster opens the first of eight newly refurbished public conveniences | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has reopened the newly upgraded public conveniences on the Victoria Embankment. These enhanced facilities, essential for the health and wellbeing of our local communities and visitors, feature a redesigned, clean and accessible layout. The upgrade is part of a wider transformation programme across Westminster, that reflects the council’s commitment to improved public toilet provision across the city. Through this investment the council is seeking to incorporate the highest standards of modern design and showcase new public artwork inspired by the local area.

    The transformed site now includes refitted women’s and men’s facilities, an onsite attendant, as well as disabled access and a Changing Places toilet. Changing Places toilets go beyond standard accessible toilets; they are larger facilities equipped with a changing bench and a hoist to support disabled people who need assistance. The inclusion of these essential facilities ensures a fairer Westminster for residents and visitors alike, enhancing the value of these important upgrade works.

    As a global hub for culture and tourism, the City of Westminster requires a strong infrastructure of services to support its multitude of outdoor spaces and public attractions. The overhaul of this key site supports wider initiatives to enhance public amenities and encourage more people to enjoy the Thames Riverside.

    Coinciding with the 150-year anniversary of the opening of Victoria Embankment Gardens, the City of Westminster had a bold creative vision for the refurbishments in Victoria Embankment, aiming to strike a suitable balance of form and function.

    The City of Westminster appointed FM Conway, its delivery partner, to carry out the works. FM Conway was supported by the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy, Harley Haddow, Healthmatic, Hugh Broughton Architects, and M&M Moran for their specialist expertise on different phases of the works.

    Artist James Lambert was commissioned to creatively integrate artwork throughout each distinct site. The Victoria Embankment facility welcomes visitors with a large artwork inspired by the nearby sphinx statues, as well as reference to the London Underground and Victoria Embankment Gardens. Inside the building the artwork continues, complemented by ‘Westminster Blue’ tiles and offset by lighter tones on the floor and ceiling. From the three-in-one integrated sinks through to the anti-fingerprint linen and platin finish on the metal cubicle doors, the facilities have been designed and built to be robust and long lasting.

    The Embankment site is part of a wider refurbishment programme covering eight public conveniences across Westminster. The next site to be delivered is one of the City of Westminster’s busiest public conveniences, situated beneath Parliament Street and linked via the subway to Westminster Underground Station. It will feature artwork that draws on the high energy of the area and includes the iconic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.

    Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, said:

    “I am thrilled to officially reopen the Victoria Embankment public toilets, which now features stunning public artwork celebrating the vibrant character of our city.

    “As part of our £12.7 million investment across eight public toilets in the West End, we are proud to provide high-quality, accessible facilities that not only serve the community’s needs but also contribute to the cultural landscape of Westminster.

    “This exciting development is part of our broader commitment to enhance public spaces for residents and visitors alike.”

    Matt Smith, Managing Director, FM Conway said:

    “I was delighted that the City of Westminster turned to FM Conway when they needed a trusted partner to deliver this important programme of works. After months of rigorous consultation and design development, I’m happy to see the first of these facilities, at Victoria Embankment, being completed and brought into public use.

    I would like to acknowledge the outstanding and valuable contributions made by our professional delivery partners including the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy, Harley Haddow, Healthmatic, Hugh Broughton Architects, M&M Moran, and, not least, our project Artist James Lambert.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK’s food system is broken. A green new deal for agriculture could be revolutionary

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Benjamin Selwyn, Professor of International Relations and International Development, Department of International Relations, University of Sussex

    William Edge/Shutterstock

    The UK’s food system was described as broken in a recent parliamentary report – and it’s not hard to see why. High living costs, a health crisis of diet-related chronic disease, farmers’ incomes squeezed and low pay across the agricultural sector all play their parts.

    And these elements are underpinned by an environmentally destructive mode of agricultural production – the longer the livestock-intensive system prevails, the greater the environmental, economic and social costs.

    The opportunity cost of not dealing with the food crisis is severe. The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission found that the price of the UK’s unhealthy food system is around £268 billion a year – almost equivalent to the government’s entire expenditure on health. And farmers are also worried about the sector as they face an unpredictable climate, smaller profits and changes to tax relief policies.

    I have researched how a green new deal for agriculture – namely a food system that complements rather than undermines the environment, while tackling social inequities – could begin to address these problems.

    In 2024 the UK’s farming sector experienced its second-worst harvest on record. Huge levels of rain last winter disrupted farmers’ ability to grow crops and reduced yields.

    The UK’s population faces a significant health crisis, exacerbated by the high cost of living. In 2022, around two-thirds of the population across all four nations were either overweight or obese.

    Retailers, processors and distributors grab an exorbitant share of the final value of many agricultural products. Sometimes farmers make as little as 1p profit for each item they produce. And farm workers’ earnings can sometimes leave them facing absolute poverty.

    What’s more, the UK farming sector is systemically inefficient. Dairy and meat products provide about 32% of calories consumed in the UK, and less than half (48%) of the protein. At the same time, livestock and their feed make up 85% of the UK’s total land use for agriculture.

    To make matters worse, land ownership is highly concentrated – about 25,000 landowners, typically corporations and members of the aristocracy, own about 50% of England, for example.

    What would change look like?

    A green new deal for agriculture would require a significant reorientation of policy, akin to the 1945 Labour government’s establishment of the welfare state. Critics might decry the costs and difficulties – but the longer the government waits, the greater the economic and environmental costs are likely to be.



    Read more:
    Britain’s unearned wealth has ballooned – a modest capital tax could help avoid austerity and boost the economy

    The government could introduce compulsory sale orders to spread land ownership more evenly. These would enable public bodies to obtain land that has been left derelict, vacant or that has been used in environmentally damaging ways. These measures could be supported by the establishment of community land trusts – non-profit, democratic organisations that own and work land for the benefit of local people.

    And a green new deal for agriculture could start with the government using its ecosystems service payments, where farmers and landowners are paid to manage their land in an environmentally beneficial way, to stimulate a transition to more plant-based proteins. This could combat hardship among farmers and agricultural workers, and tackle food poverty and ill health in the population. It would also establish the basis for a more sustainable agricultural system.



    Read more:
    Subsidised community restaurants could help tackle the UK’s broken food system – here’s how

    The UK think tank Green Alliance has mapped a green protein transition. It would entail an increase in “agro-ecologically” farmed land – that is, methods that bring a more ecological approach to farming. At present, this is about 3% of UK land, and it would have to rise to 60% by 2050. Under the plan, by 2030 10% of farmland would become semi-natural habitat, rising to one-third by 2050. This would protect land and facilitate natural restoration, and would also support agro-ecological farming methods.

    In this scenario, Britons would be projected to eat 45% less meat and dairy, replacing them with alternative proteins – plants and synthetic foods such as those made from precision fermentation. This is a revolutionary technology producing proteins that can be used in new alternatives to meat and dairy.

    Many conceptions of the protein transition from animal sources to more plant products ignore the necessity of improving farmers’ and agricultural workers’ incomes. But this will be crucial.

    Ecosystems service payments should be broadened to include a focus on sustainable incomes. Farms can be paid directly by government for sustainable production to combat farmer poverty. And the real living wage of £12.60 an hour should be compulsory for agricultural workers.

    As land use shifts from livestock grazing and feed crop production, more ground could be used for food crops for human consumption. There would then be more scope to change which food crops are produced – from wheat to legumes, for example.

    Flour made from broad beans – which can be grown in the UK – packs a bigger protein punch than traditional wheat flour.
    Narsil/Shutterstock

    Research has shown that flour made from broad beans is higher in key nutrients – protein, iron and fibre – than wheat flour. Bread, pasta, pizza, cakes and biscuits could increasingly be produced using broad bean flour, underpinning a shift towards more nutritious diets.

    A protein transition would also free up land for fruit and vegetable production for domestic consumption, reducing the UK’s heavy import dependence by using polytunnels and environmentally sustainable greenhouses.

    Climate breakdown means that the frequency of poor harvests will increase. And the volatile economic and political global picture means that affordable food imports cannot be taken for granted.

    A green new deal for agriculture could begin to remedy many of the problems the UK faces due to its broken food system. What’s needed is a coalition including courageous political parties, farmers, and workers within and beyond food production. Working together, these groups would be well placed to withstand the economic, political and environmental shocks that are on the horizon.

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

    – ref. The UK’s food system is broken. A green new deal for agriculture could be revolutionary – https://theconversation.com/the-uks-food-system-is-broken-a-green-new-deal-for-agriculture-could-be-revolutionary-250565

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt acts fast against B virus

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it immediately adopted a multipronged approach to prevent the spread of the B virus or herpes simiae virus, after confirming the first human infection in Hong Kong on April 3 last year.

    Apart from issuing a press release that day to announce details of the case, including the treatment of the patient in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit and reminding the public of the precautions to be taken against the virus, the CHP notified the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department to take appropriate measures as a matter of urgency.

    As this is the first case of its kind in Hong Kong, the centre promptly stepped up local medical surveillance. On April 5 last year, it put the disease onto the list of “Other communicable diseases of topical public health concern” and issued letters to doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong, asking them to pay attention to the disease during medical consultations and report suspected cases to the CHP for follow-up.

    The CHP also produced promotional leaflets and provided health information on its website and social media since April 5 last year. In addition, it reported the latest epidemiological investigation results of the case in the Communicable Disease Watch in June last year and yesterday, reminding the public and healthcare workers to exercise caution against the B virus.

    The centre said that in the fight against communicable diseases, it adheres to the principles of real-time surveillance, rapid intervention and responsive risk communication.

    Regarding this human B virus infection case, the CHP stressed there was no delay in its investigation, disease control and prevention, and publicity and education efforts.

    The CHP also acknowledged comments that it could have issued a press release on the day of the patient’s death and said it will review the current practice and consider announcing crucial changes in the clinical conditions of special infectious disease cases as soon as practicable.

    This is in addition to announcing the results of the relevant epidemiological investigations, prevention and control work, and public education.

    So far, only one case of B virus human infection has been recorded in Hong Kong. As the virus is naturally carried in the saliva, urine and stool of macaques – wild animals commonly found in Hong Kong, people must remain vigilant and stay away from wild monkeys and avoid touching or feeding them.

    The CHP advised anyone bitten or scratched by a monkey to rinse the wound with water as soon as possible and seek medical attention immediately.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.27.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 27, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Aaron Maguire, of Roseville, has been appointed Executive Officer of the Board of State and Community Corrections, where he has been Acting Executive Officer at the Board of State and Community Corrections since 2024, and was previously Chief Deputy Director and General Counsel from 2022 to 2024, and General Counsel from 2016 to 2022. Maguire was Owner and Managing Partner at Maguire & Pank from 2014 to 2016. He was General Counsel and Legislative Representative at Warner & Pank, LLC from 2012 to 2016. Maguire was Assistant Secretary of Legislation at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2012. He was a Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Brown from 2011 to 2012. Maguire was a Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Schwarzenegger from 2009 to 2010. He was Deputy Attorney General in the Office of the California Attorney General from 2001 to 2009. Maguire earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the University of California, San Diego. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $219,156. Maguire is a Democrat. 

    Abby Edwards, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Deputy Director of State Planning and Policy at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Edwards has held multiples roles at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation since 2022, including Acting Senior Deputy Director, Deputy Director of Climate and Planning Programs, and Adaption Planning Program Manager. She was Program Development and Operations Manager at CivicWell from 2019 to 2022. Edwards was a Manager for Twisted Fields from 2018 to 2019. She was a Sustainable Agricultural Specialist at the Peace Corps from 2016 to 2018. Edwards was a Course Manager at the University of California, Santa Cruz from 2014 to 2016. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Environmental Policy and Management from University of Colorado, Denver and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science from University of California, Santa Cruz. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $170,004. Edwards is a Democrat.

    Gareth Elliott, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the University of California Board of Regents, where he has served since 2015. Elliott has been Partner at Sacramento Advocates, Inc. since 2015. He was Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Edmund Brown Jr. from 2011 to 2015. Elliott was Policy Director at the Office of State Senator Alex Padilla in the California State Senate from 2008 to 2011. He held multiple roles in the Office of State Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata from 2004 to 2008, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Elliott held multiple roles in the Office of State Senate Don Perata in the California State Senate from 1996 to 2004, including Legislative Director and Legislative Aide. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Humbolt. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Elliott is a Democrat. 

    Darnell C. Grisby, of Oakland, has been reappointed to the California Transportation Commission, where he has served since 2021. Grisby has been Senior Vice President of Beneficial State Foundation since 2022. He was Executive Director of TransForm from 2020 to 2021. Grisby was Director of Policy Development and Research at the American Public Transportation Association from 2011 to 2020. He was Deputy Policy Director at Reconnecting America from 2010 to 2011. Grisby was Government Affairs Representative at Farmers Insurance from 2007 to 2010. He was Legislative Director in the Office of Assemblymember Mike Davis from 2006 to 2007. Grisby was a Budget and Policy Analyst at the New York Independent Budget Office from 2003 to 2006. He was Legislative Assistant in the Office of Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza from 2000 to 2001. He earned a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Grisby is a Democrat. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 27, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – California and a consortium of 21 Brazilian states are partnering together to combat pollution and foster sustainable economic growth. Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Renato Casagrande of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo signed a Memorandum…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced multiple clemency actions. He granted pardons in three cases. He also sent multiple clemency cases to the Board of Parole Hearings, initiating the process for granting clemency in fifteen cases. He also sent two…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today released a new economic vision for California’s future with a bold plan, realized locally. The unveiling comes alongside the announcement of more than $245 million in investments to help support workers statewide,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex reports net earnings of $74 million for fiscal 2024 and continues construction of its large-scale projects in Québec, Ontario and the United Kingdom

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: BLX) is pleased to report its results for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Highlights
    Financial results

    • EBITDA(A)1, operating income and net earnings under pressure in Q4-2024 owing to adverse wind and hydropower conditions
      • Production 16% (11% on a Combined1 basis)2 lower than in Q4-2023 and 16% (12%) below anticipated production1, due primarily to the adverse climate conditions. For fiscal 2024 overall, production was 5% (2%) lower than in 2023 and 10% (8%) below anticipated production.
      • EBITDA(A) of $169 million ($191 million) for Q4-2024, down $33 million ($38 million) from Q4-2023. For fiscal 2024, EBITDA(A) was $581 million ($670 million), up $3 million (down $5 million) from 2023. The decrease in production was partly offset by the contribution of newly commissioned sites in France and the positive impact of the electricity selling price optimization strategy.
      • Operating income of $78 million ($53 million) for Q4-2024, down $20 million ($66 million) from Q4-2023. For fiscal 2024, operating income totalled $226 million ($267 million), unchanged (down $39 million) from 2023.
      • Net loss of $2 million in Q4-2024, down $60 million from T4-2023. For fiscal 2024, net earnings amounted to $74 million, $41 million lower than in 2023. Excluding the impairment of an asset, net earnings would have been $6 million higher in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023.
    • Lower cash flow related to operating activities for the quarter but balance sheet remains strong
      • Net cash flows related to operating activities of $31 million for Q4-2024 and $215 million for fiscal 2024, compared to $107 million for Q4-2023 and $496 million for fiscal 2023.
      • Discretionary cash flows1 of $47 million for Q4-2024 and $158 million for fiscal 2024, down $44 million from Q4-2023 and $26 million from fiscal 2023.
      • Boralex has $592 million in cash and cash equivalents and $523 million in available cash resources and authorized financing1 as at December 31, 2024.
      • A record of nearly $1.2 billion in project financing, bridge financing and letter of credit facilities obtained in 2024.

    Update on development and construction activities

    • Portfolio of projects under development and growth path totalling 8,005 MW in the high growth potential markets of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and France, 1,227 MW or 18% higher than in 2023
    • Progress in under-construction and ready-to-build projects
      • Start of electrification of the Limekiln wind farm in the United Kingdom (106 MW) in February 2025, with full commissioning planned for early April, and work continues on the Apuiat wind farm in Quebec (total 200 MW, Boralex’s share 100 MW), with commissioning planned for the first half of 2025.
      • Construction of the Hagersville (300 MW) and Tilbury (80 MW) storage projects in Ontario progressing on schedule, with commissioning planned for the fourth quarter of 2025. Financings closed in December 2024.
      • Start of work on the Des Neiges Sud wind project in Quebec (total 400 MW, Boralex’s share 133 MW), with commissioning scheduled for 2026.
    • Acquisition of the Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension project in the United Kingdom, with an installed capacity of 145 MW, and the adjacent battery energy storage system (BESS) with a maximum capacity of 50 MW, for a total capacity of 195 MW. Boralex has a 50% interest, but has control over the project and will fully consolidate the results in the financial statements.
    1 EBITDA(A) is a total of segment measures. Anticipated production is an additional financial measure. “Combined,” “discretionary cash flows” and “available cash resources and authorized financing” are non-GAAP financial measures and do not have a standardized definition under IFRS. Consequently, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. For more details, see the Non-IFRS financial measures and other financial measures section of this press release.
    2 Figures in brackets indicate results on a Combined basis as opposed to a Consolidated basis.
       

    “The year 2024 proved to be full of challenges, which our employees met head-on. I would highlight in particular the significant effort our team invested in 2024 to secure nearly $1.2 billion in financing, a record for Boralex, on very good terms. Despite high volatility in the financial markets and pressure on the stock prices of renewable energy companies, notably in the wake of the American elections, we are convinced that renewable energy development will continue in many regions. Strong growth in electricity demand is expected in the regions where we are developing wind and solar farms and battery storage systems, namely Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and France,” said Patrick Decostre, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex.

    Renewable energy, which is the most competitive type of energy, can be brought on line to meet demand much faster than other types of energy. Boralex is in a position to capitalize on its project pipeline and growth path, which now represent more than 8 GW of power, and will continue to develop key projects with rates of return in line with its targets.

    “Boralex saw its financial results decline in fiscal 2024, mainly as a result of adverse wind conditions in France and to a lesser extent in Canada, as well as impairment of an asset. During the year, we continued to implement our various initiatives aimed at optimizing administrative, financial and development costs. We ended our 2024 financial year with net earnings of $74 million, a strong balance sheet and good financial flexibility, with over $500 million in available cash resources and authorized financing,” Mr. Decostre added.

    Boralex continues to excel on the corporate social responsibility front. In 2024, the Corporation announced that it was one of the few in the industry to have had its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This recognition shows Boralex’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, Boralex ranked 94th out of the 215 S&P/TSX Composite Index companies and trusts analysed as part of The Board Games, with a score of 80/100, while in 2023 it was 102nd with a score of 76. Finally, Boralex placed 15th in the ranking of Canada’s 50 best corporate citizens, out of the 340 leading Canadian organizations analysed.

    4th quarter highlights

    Three-month periods ended December 31

      Consolidated Combined
    (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified)   2024     2023 Change   2024     2023 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Power production (GWh)1   1,520     1,814   (294 ) (16 )   2,099     2,351   (252 ) (11 )
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium   228     315   (87 ) (28 )   258     345   (87 ) (25 )
    Operating income   78     98   (20 ) (21 )   53     119   (66 ) (55 )
    EBITDA(A)   169     202   (33 ) (17 )   191     229   (38 ) (17 )
    Net earnings (loss)   (2 )   58   (60 ) >(100 )    (2 )   58   (60 ) >(100 )
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of Boralex   (16 )   37   (53 ) >(100 )    (16 )   37   (53 ) >(100 )
    Per share – basic and diluted   ($0.15 ) $0.36   ($0.51 ) >(100 )    ($0.15 ) $0.36   ($0.51 ) >(100 )
    Net cash flows related to operating activities   31     107   (76 ) (71 )   —     —   —   —  
    Cash flows from operations2   105     161   (56 ) (35 )   —     —   —   —  
    Discretionary cash flows   47     91   (44 ) (48 )   —     —   —   —  
                                             

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, Boralex produced 1,520 GWh (2,099 GWh) of power, 16% (11%) less than the 1,814 GWh (2,351 GWh) produced in the same quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to adverse weather conditions. As a result, Boralex ended the quarter with total production that was 16% (12%) below anticipated production.

    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $228 million ($258 million), 28% (25%) lower than in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to the lower production. EBITDA(A) amounted to $169 million ($191 million), down 17% (17%) from the fourth quarter of 2023. The decline in production was partly offset by the contribution of new assets commissioned in France and the positive impact of the electricity selling price optimization strategy. Operating income totalled $78 million ($53 million), compared to $98 million ($119 million) for the same quarter of 2023. The Company posted a net loss of $2 million, which represents a $60 million decrease from the $58 million in net earnings reported for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    1 Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations as management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation’s performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium.
    2 The cash flows from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure and does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS. Accordingly, it may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. For more details, see the Non-IFRS and other financial measures section of this press release.
       

    Years ended December 31

      Consolidated Combined

    (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified)

    		   2024   2023 Change   2024   2023 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Power production (GWh)1   5,691   5,973   (282 ) (5 )   7,845   8,020   (175 ) (2 )
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium   817   994   (177 ) (18 )   933   1,104   (171 ) (15 )
    Operating income   226   226   —   —     267   306   (39 ) (12 )
    EBITDA(A)   581   578   3   —     670   675   (5 ) (1 )
    Net earnings   74   115   (41 ) (35 )   74   115   (41 ) (35 )
    Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Boralex   36   78   (42 ) (54 )   36   78   (42 ) (54 )
    Per share – basic and diluted $0.35 $0.76 ($0.41 ) (54 ) $0.35 $0.76 ($0.41 ) (54 )
    Net cash flows related to operating activities   215   496   (281 ) (57 )   —   —   —   —  
    Cash flows from operations   415   445   (30 ) (7 )   —   —   —   —  
    Discretionary cash flows   158   184   (26 ) (14 )   —   —   —   —  
      As at
    Dec. 31    		 As at
    Dec. 31    		 Change As at
    Dec. 31    		 As at
    Dec. 31    		 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Total assets   7,604   6,574   1,030   16     8,476   7,304   1,172   16  
    Debt – principal balance   4,032   3,327   705   21     4,588   3,764   824   22  
    Total project debt   3,608   2,844   764   27     4,166   3,281   885   27  
    Total corporate debt   424   483   (59 ) (12 )   424   483   (59 ) (12 )
                                         

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, Boralex produced 5,691 GWh (7,845 GWh) of power, less than the 5,973 GWh (8,020 GWh) produced during the same period in 2023. Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $817 million ($933 million), down $177 million ($171 million) or 18% (15%) from the same period in 2023.

    EBITDA(A) amounted to $581 million ($670 million), up $3 million (down $5 million) from the same period last year. Operating income totalled $226 million ($267 million), essentially unchanged (down $39 million) from the same period in 2023. Overall, Boralex posted net earnings of $74 million ($74 million) for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $115 million ($115 million) for fiscal 2023.

    1 Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations imposed by its customers since management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation’s performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums.
       

    Outlook

    Boralex’s 2025 Strategic Plan is built around the same four strategic directions as the plan launched in 2019 – growth, diversification, customers and optimization – and six corporate targets. The details of the plan, which also sets out Boralex’s corporate social responsibility strategy, are found in the Corporation’s annual report. Highlights of the main achievements for the 2024 financial year in relation to the 2025 Strategic Plan can be found in the 2024 Annual Report, in the Investors section of the Boralex website.

    In the coming quarters, Boralex will continue to work on its various initiatives under the strategic plan, including project development, analysis of acquisition targets and optimization of power sales and operating costs. The Corporation will present a new plan for the period to 2030 during the course of 2025.

    Finally, to fuel its organic growth, the Corporation has a portfolio of projects under development and growth path based on clearly identified criteria, totalling more than 8 GW of wind, solar and energy storage projects.

    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 facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.1 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage 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 www.boralex.com or www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

    Non-IFRS measures
    Performance measures

    In order to assess the performance of its assets and reporting segments, Boralex uses performance measures. Management believes that these measures are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors to assess the operational performance of a company and its ability to generate cash through operations. The non-IFRS and other financial measures also provide investors with insight into the Corporation’s decision making as the Corporation uses these non-IFRS financial measures to make financial, strategic and operating decisions. The non-IFRS and other financial measures should not be considered as substitutes for IFRS measures.

    These non-IFRS and other financial measures are derived primarily from the audited consolidated financial statements, but do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS; accordingly, they may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Non-IFRS and other financial measures are not audited. They have important limitations as analytical tools and investors are cautioned not to consider them in isolation or place undue reliance on ratios or percentages calculated using these non-IFRS financial measures.

    Non-IFRS financial measures
    Specific financial
    measure    		 Use Composition Most directly
    comparable IFRS
    measure
    Financial data – Combined (all disclosed financial data) To assess the operating performance and the ability of a company to generate cash from its operations and investments in joint ventures and associates. Results from the combination of the financial information of Boralex Inc. under IFRS and the share of the financial information of the Interests.

    Interests in the Joint Ventures and associates, Share in earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures and associates and Distributions received from the Joint Ventures and associates are then replaced with Boralex’s respective share in the financial statements of the Interests (revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, etc.)

    		 Respective financial data – Consolidated
    Discretionary cash flows To assess the cash generated from operations and the amount available for future development or to be paid as dividends to common shareholders while preserving the long-term value of the business.

    Corporate objectives for 2025 from the strategic plan.

    		 Net cash flows related to operating activities before “change in non-cash items related to operating activities,” less
    (i) distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders;
    (ii) additions to property, plant and equipment (maintenance of operations);
    (iii) repayments on non-current debt (projects) and repayments to tax equity investors;
    (iv) principal payments related to lease liabilities;
    (v) adjustments for non-operational items; plus
    (vi) development costs (from the statement of earnings).    		 Net cash flows related to operating activities
    Cash flows from operations To assess the cash generated by the Company’s operations and its ability to finance its expansion from these funds. Net cash flows related to operating activities before changes in non-cash items related to operating activities. Net cash flows related to operating activities
    Non-IFRS financial measures
    Specific financial
    measure    		 Use Composition Most directly
    comparable IFRS
    measure
    Available cash and cash equivalents To assess the cash and cash equivalents available, as at balance sheet date, to fund the Corporation’s growth. Represents cash and cash equivalents, as stated on the balance sheet, from which known short-term cash requirements are excluded. Cash and cash equivalents
    Available cash resources and authorized financing To assess the total cash resources available, as at balance sheet date, to fund the Corporation’s growth. Results from the combination of credit facilities available to fund growth and the available cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents
    Other financial measures – Total of segments measure
    Specific financial measure Most directly comparable IFRS measure
    EBITDA(A) Operating income
    Other financial measures – Supplementary Financial Measures
    Specific financial measure Composition
    Credit facilities available for growth The credit facilities available for growth include the unused tranche of the parent company’s credit facility, apart from the accordion clause, as well as the unused tranche credit facilities of subsidiaries which includes the unused tranche of the credit facility- France and the unused tranche of the construction facility.
    Anticipated production For older sites, anticipated production by the Corporation is based on adjusted historical averages, planned commissioning and shutdowns and, for all other sites, on the production studies carried out.
       

    Combined

    The following tables reconcile Consolidated financial data with data presented on a Combined basis:

        2024     2023  
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) Consolidated   Reconciliation(1)   Combined   Consolidated  Reconciliation(1) Combined  
    Three-month periods ended December 31:              
    Power production (GWh)(2) 1,520   579   2,099   1,814 537 2,351  
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium 228   30   258   315 30 345  
    Operating income 78   (25 ) 53   98 21 119  
    EBITDA(A) 169   22   191   202 27 229  
    Net earnings (loss) (2 ) —   (2 ) 58 — 58  
    Years ended December 31:                    
    Power production (GWh)(2) 5,691   2,154   7,845   5,973 2,047 8,020  
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums 817   116   933   994 110 1,104  
    Operating income 226   41   267   226 80 306  
    EBITDA(A) 581   89   670   578 97 675  
    Net earnings 74   —   74   115 — 115  
      As at December 31, 2024
    		   As at December 31, 2023
    		  
    Total assets 7,604   872   8,476   6,574 730 7,304  
    Debt – Principal balance 4,032   556   4,588   3,327 437 3,764  
    (1) Includes the respective contribution of joint ventures and associates as a percentage of Boralex’s interest less adjustments to reverse recognition of these interests under IFRS. This contribution is attributable to the North America segment’s wind farms and includes corporate expenses of $2 million under EBITDA(A) for the year ended December 31, 2024 ($2 million as at December 31, 2023). 
    (2) Includes compensation following electricity production limitations.
       

    EBITDA(A)

    EBITDA(A) is a total of segment financial measures and represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude other items such as acquisition and integration costs, other losses (gains), net loss (gain) on financial instruments and foreign exchange loss (gain), with the last two items included under Other.

    EBITDA(A) is used to assess the performance of the Corporation’s reporting segments.

    EBITDA(A) is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure, namely, operating income, in the following table:

      2024       2023   Change 2024 vs 2023
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) Consolidated Reconciliation(1) Combined Consolidated Reconciliation(1) Combined Consolidated   Combined
    		  
    Three-month periods ended December 31:            
    EBITDA(A) 169   22   191   202   27   229   (33 ) (38 )
    Amortization (73 ) (15 ) (88 ) (75 ) (14 ) (89 ) 2   1  
    Impairment —   (47 ) (47 ) (20 ) (1 ) (21 ) 20   (26 )
    Other gains (losses) (3 ) —   (3 ) 1   (1 ) —   (4 ) (3 )
    Share in earnings of joint ventures and associates (3 ) 3   —   (17 ) 17   —   14   —  
    Change in fair value of a derivative included in the share in earnings of a joint venture —   —   —   7   (7 ) —   (7 ) —  
    Impairment included in the share in earnings of a joint venture (12 ) 12   —   —   —   —   (12 ) —  
    Operating income 78   (25 ) 53   98   21   119   (20 ) (66 )
                 
    Years ended December 31:            
    EBITDA(A) 581   89   670   578   97   675   3   (5 )
    Amortization (297 ) (59 ) (356 ) (293 ) (58 ) (351 ) (4 ) (5 )
    Impairment (5 ) (47 ) (52 ) (20 ) (1 ) (21 ) 15   (31 )
    Other gains 5   —   5   1   2   3   4   2  
    Share in earnings of joint ventures and associates (46 ) 46   —   (59 ) 59   —   13   —  
    Change in fair value of a derivative included in the share in earnings of a joint venture —   —   —   19   (19 ) —   (19 ) —  
    Impairment included in the share in earnings of a joint venture (12 ) 12   —   —   —   —   (12 ) —  
    Operating income 226   41   267   226   80   306   —   (39 )
    (1) Includes the respective contribution of joint ventures and associates as a percentage of Boralex’s interest less adjustments to reverse recognition of these interests under IFRS.
       

    Cash flow from operations and discretionary cash flows

    The Corporation computes the cash flow from operations and discretionary cash flows as follows:

      Consolidated
      Three-month periods ended Years ended
      December 31 December 31
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Net cash flows related to operating activities 31   107   215   496  
    Change in non-cash items relating to operating activities 74   54   200   (51 )
    Cash flows from operations 105   161   415   445  
    Repayments on non-current debt (projects)(1) (53 ) (50 ) (240 ) (232 )
    Adjustment for non-operating items(2) 5   2   7   6  
      57   113   182   219  
    Principal payments related to lease liabilities(3) (6 ) (4 ) (19 ) (17 )
    Distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders(4) (17 ) (33 ) (52 ) (57 )
    Additions to property, plant and equipment (maintenance of operations)(5) (3 ) 2   (10 ) (6 )
    Development costs (from statement of earnings)(6) 16   13   57   45  
    Discretionary cash flows 47   91   158   184  
    (1) Includes repayments on non-current debt (projects) and repayments to tax equity investors, and excludes VAT bridge financing, early debt repayments and repayments under the construction facility – Boralex Energy Investments portfolio and the CDPQ Fixed Income Inc. term loan.
    (2) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, favourable adjustment consisting mainly of acquisition, integration and other non-operating miscellaneous items.
    (3) Excludes the principal payments related to lease liabilities for projects under development and construction.
    (4) Comprises distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders as well as the portion of discretionary cash flows attributable to the non-controlling shareholder of Boralex Europe Sàrl.
    (5) Excludes the additions to the property, plant and equipment of regulated assets (treated as assets under construction since they are regulated assets for which investments in the plant are considered in the setting of its electricity selling price). During the fourth quarter of 2023, an amount of $4 million was reclassified as new property, plant, and equipment under construction.
    (6) During Q1-2024, the Corporation reclassified the employee benefits for 2023 and 2024 related to its incentive plans, which were reported in full under Operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. To better allocate these expenses to the Corporation’s various functions and thus provide more relevant information to users of the financial statements, the Corporation is now allocating these costs to Operating, Administrative and Development expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings according to the breakdown of staff. This change resulted in a $1 million increase in development costs for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 and $5 million increase for the year ended December 31, 2023.
       

    Available cash and cash equivalents and available cash resources and authorized financing

    The Corporation defines available cash and cash equivalents as well as available cash resources and authorized financing as follows:

      Consolidated
      As at December 31   As at December 31  
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) 2024   2023  
    Cash and cash equivalents 592   478  
    Cash and cash equivalents held by entities subject to project debt agreement and restrictions(1) (526 ) (388 )
    Bank overdraft (5 ) (6 )
    Available cash and cash equivalents 61   84  
    Credit facilities available for growth 462   463  
    Available cash resources and authorized financing 523   547  
    (1) This cash can be used for the operations of the respective projects, but is subject to restrictions for non-project related purposes under the credit agreements.
       

    Disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements

    Certain statements contained in this release, including those related to results and performance for future periods, installed capacity targets, EBITDA(A) and discretionary cash flows, the Corporation’s strategic plan, business model and growth strategy, organic growth and growth through mergers and acquisitions, obtaining an investment grade credit rating, payment of a quarterly dividend, the Corporation’s financial targets, the projects commissioning dates, the portfolio of renewable energy projects, the Corporation’s Growth Path, the bids for new storage and solar projects and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives are forward-looking statements based on current forecasts, as defined by securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as “will,” “would,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “continue,” “intend,” “assess,” “estimate” or “believe,” or expressions such as “toward,” “about,” “approximately,” “to be of the opinion,” “potential” or similar words or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, are used to identify such statements.

    Forward-looking statements are based on major assumptions, including those about the Corporation’s return on its projects, as projected by management with respect to wind and other factors, opportunities that may be available in the various sectors targeted for growth or diversification, assumptions made about EBITDA(A) margins, assumptions made about the sector realities and general economic conditions, competition, exchange rates as well as the availability of funding and partners. While the Corporation considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable, based on the information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to be inaccurate.

    Boralex wishes to clarify that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and that its results, or the measures it adopts, could be significantly different from those indicated or underlying those statements, or could affect the degree to which a given forward-looking statement is achieved. The main factors that may result in any significant discrepancy between the Corporation’s actual results and the forward-looking financial information or expectations expressed in forward-looking statements include the general impact of economic conditions, fluctuations in various currencies, fluctuations in energy prices, the risk of not renewing PPAs or being unable to sign new corporate PPA, the risk of not being able to capture the US or Canadian investment tax credit, counterparty risk, the Corporation’s financing capacity, cybersecurity risks, competition, changes in general market conditions, industry regulations and amendments thereto, particularly the legislation, regulations and emergency measures that could be implemented for time to time to address high energy prices in Europe, litigation and other regulatory issues related to projects in operation or under development, as well as certain other factors considered in the sections dealing with risk factors and uncertainties appearing in Boralex’s MD&A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    Unless otherwise specified by the Corporation, forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after such statements have been made may have on the Corporation’s activities. There is no guarantee that the results, performance or accomplishments, as expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, will materialize. Readers are therefore urged not to rely unduly on these forward-looking statements.

    Unless required by applicable securities legislation, Boralex’s management assumes no obligation to update or revise forward- looking statements in light of new information, future events or other changes.

    For more information:

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Post-Budget Webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Prosperity” to be held tomorrow

    Source: Government of India

    Post-Budget Webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Prosperity” to be held tomorrow

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to deliver virtual keynote address

    Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers ‘Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to address farmers

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 1:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is organizing a daylong Post-Budget Webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Prosperity” tomorrow. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address, it would be joined by the all the Union Ministers. Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan would present his views at 3:30 pm tomorrow. This webinar aims to engage stakeholders in a focused discussion and strategizing the effective implementation of the 2025 Budget announcements. The event, scheduled in the form of a webinar, will address key areas on agriculture growth and rural prosperity, ensuring a collaborative approach to realize the vision outlined in the budget. Besides, the webinar is also to align key stakeholders, including private sector experts, industry representatives, and subject matter specialists, in the implementation of the 2025 Budget for “Agriculture and Rural Prosperity’ through structured, sub-theme-focused webinars. The goal is to facilitate dialogue, gather insights, and ensure timely and coordinated actions towards achieving the set goals. It is scheduled to start at 10 am tomorrow and as many as seven to eight speakers would present their views on various subject. Besides Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address at 12:3O pm virtually.

     

    *****

    MG/RN/KSR

    (Release ID: 2106861) Visitor Counter : 84

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wild beavers: Nature’s engineers to return to English waterways

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Wild beavers: Nature’s engineers to return to English waterways

    Government to allow reintroduction of beavers into the wild after centuries of absence in a huge boost for nature conservation

    Credit: Beaver Trust

    • Brilliant beavers reduce flood risk, create new wetlands, and boost biodiversity
    • Reintroductions to be carefully managed under licence from Natural England

    Nature’s original master builder – the Eurasian beaver – is set to return to our waterways after centuries of absence, following a government decision to allow wild release.   

    Beavers are prodigious ecosystem engineers and proven climate champions – creating natural flood defences that can reduce flood risks and building wetlands which are thriving havens for wildlife.   

    Known as a keystone species because the habitats they create benefit myriad other species, they were once abundant in England but became extinct due to overhunting. In recent years, beavers have been returning to our waterways through a system of licensed releases into enclosures, and a limited trial of wild release in Devon.  

    Now in a major boost for conservation, the government has today (Friday 28 February) set out a new approach which will allow beavers to live wild in England’s treasured landscapes.  

    Ministers have set out how we will provide the certainty needed for conservationists, landowners and farmers in a new policy statement. It includes the detail of a new licensing system, support for landowners and farmers, and a commitment to produce a plan in consultation with these stakeholders for the long-term management of beavers in England.  

    The return of beavers will be carefully managed to avoid impacts on farming, food production and infrastructure. New wild release projects will need to have a project plan in place covering a 10-year period to support the introduction of beavers into a landscape before Natural England would consider granting a licence. 

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:  

    “Beavers are cherished creatures who bring so many benefits for people and our precious natural environment. They create wetlands which are havens for wildlife, reduce flood risk and improve the water quality of our rivers.  
       
    “Reintroducing beavers to the wild is a critical milestone for this Government’s plan to protect and restore our natural world.” 

    Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:   

    “Beavers have been missing from our landscapes for about four hundred years and this careful approach for their planned return is a significant landmark for Nature recovery in England. 

    “Beavers are environmental engineers. The dams, ponds and canals they build not only create amazingly rich habitats for many other species, but can also help reduce flood risk, purify water and catch carbon.  

    “Under licence from Natural England, the release of wild beavers will be managed to secure the long-term environmental benefits while seeking to minimise and avoid unwanted impacts.” 

    All existing beaver populations will be allowed to remain and expand naturally and will ensure that appropriate management measures are put in place. Existing populations of wild beavers will continue to be proactively managed by their local beaver management group.    

    Through this carefully planned reintroduction programme which is defined by a 5 step management approach, we will support farmers and communities to live alongside beavers, ensuring these natural problem-solvers benefit everyone.  

    The government will also now begin work on developing a long-term beaver management plan in England. This will build on the approach announced today and be developed with input from key stakeholders, to ensure we meet the challenges and opportunities posed by an expanding beaver population well into the future.  

    It is expected that the first release of wild beavers will happen at Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve soon with a licence issued to the National Trust.

    Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust said:  

    “This is fantastic news for nature recovery and people’s livelihoods. Beavers are unparalleled in their ability to restore landscapes, create wetlands that manage flood risk, improve our water quality, and bring back wildlife.   

    “Since 2020, we’ve introduced beavers at three National Trust sites through licensed, enclosed releases. We’ve seen first-hand the amazing benefits these fascinating mammals provide, and we’re thrilled to receive a licence for the first wild beaver release in England.  

    “It’s important to us, and the communities we work in, that beaver releases across wider landscapes happen in a responsible, carefully managed way. This licensing process is in everyone’s best interests. It will lead to well-chosen sites, minimise disruption to other landowners, and ensure local communities are fully consulted and involved enabling both people and nature thrive.”   

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency said:  

    “As part of our work to reduce flood risk and restore rivers to good health, the return of wild beavers will improve water quality, boost biodiversity and build resilience to climate change through nature-based solutions.  

    “Beavers help reduce flooding in nearby towns, remove pollutants from our precious waterways and help to create clean water. Working alongside our partners, the Environment Agency will continue to support the careful management of wild beavers”. 

    Applications for further wild release licences will first need to submit an ‘expression of interest’ to Natural England. The deadline for the first round of applications is 2 May 2025, with further application windows due to open in due course.   

    Additional information: 

    Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer of Beaver Trust said: 

    “This landmark moment in England’s beaver story could be a significant step toward helping to address some of the key environmental challenges we face. We welcome Government recognition of beavers’ potential and hope they now demonstrate their commitment through widespread license granting and proactive restoration of this species across England.  

    “We are generations behind the rest of Europe in bringing this species back, we have high levels of public support for their return, so we now need a government-led national strategy and effective mitigation framework in order to facilitate population expansion and to realise the valuable societal benefits beavers can bring.  

    “We look forward to seeing details of the government’s announcement and hope that it will support measures that encourage people to live alongside beavers and form a productive step toward normalising this native species.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SECOND ADVANCE ESTIMATES OF ANNUAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR 2024-25, QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER (OCTOBER-DECEMBER) OF 2024-25 AND FIRST REVISED & FINAL ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, NATIONAL INCOME, CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, SAVING AND CAPITAL FORMATION FOR 2023-24 & 2022-23 RESPECTIVELY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    SECOND ADVANCE ESTIMATES OF ANNUAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR 2024-25, QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER (OCTOBER-DECEMBER) OF 2024-25 AND FIRST REVISED & FINAL ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, NATIONAL INCOME, CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, SAVING AND CAPITAL FORMATION FOR 2023-24 & 2022-23 RESPECTIVELY

    Real GDP Growth Rate of 9.2% for 2023-24 is the highest in the previous 12 years except for 2021-22

    Growth Rate of Real GDP for 2024-25 is estimated as 6.5%

    Real GDP has observed a Growth Rate of 6.2% in Q3 of FY 2024-25

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

          The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is releasing in this Press Note the Second Advance Estimates (SAE) of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Financial Year (FY) 2024-25; Quarterly Estimates of GDP for October-December Quarter (Q3) of FY 2024-25 along with its expenditure components and following Revised Estimates of GDP, National Income, Consumption Expenditure, Saving and Capital Formation:

    a.  First Revised Estimates (FRE) for the Financial year 2023-24;

    b.  Second Revised Estimates or Final Estimates (FE) for the Financial year 2022-23.

         These estimates are released both at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices, in accordance with the release calendar of National Accounts. Detailed Notes on: (i) Second Advance Estimates (SAE) of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of FY 2024-25, Quarterly Estimates of GDP for October-December Quarter (Q3) of FY 2024-25 and (ii) Abovementioned Revised Estimates for financial years 2023-24 and 2022-23 are given respectively in Part A and Part B of the Press Note.

    Key Highlights:

    1.    Real GDP has been estimated to grow by 6.5% in FY 2024-25. Nominal GDP is expected to witness a growth rate of 9.9% in FY 2024-25. Both the growth rates are revised upward from their respective First Advance Estimates.

    2.    As per the First Revised Estimates, Real GDP has grown by 9.2% in the financial year 2023-24, which is highest in the previous 12 years except for the financial year 2021-22 (the post-covid year). This growth has been contributed by double-digit growth rates in ‘Manufacturing’ sector (12.3%), ‘Construction’ sector (10.4%) and ‘Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services’ sector (10.3%).

    3.    As per the Final Estimates, Real GDP has observed a growth rate of 7.6% in the financial year 2022-23, mainly contributed by double-digit growth rates in ‘Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication & Services related to Broadcasting’ sector (12.3%), ‘Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services’ sector (10.8%) and ‘Electricity, Gas, Water Supply & Other Utility Services’ sector (10.8%).

    4.    Real GDP is estimated to grow by 6.2% in Q3 of FY 2024-25. Growth rate in Nominal GDP for Q3 of FY 2024-25 has been estimated at 9.9%.

    5.    The growth rate of Real GDP for Q2 of financial year 2024-25 has been revised upward to 5.6%.

    6.    ‘Construction’ sector is estimated to observe a growth rate of 8.6%, followed by ‘Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services’ sector (7.2%) and ‘Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication & Services related to Broadcasting’ sector (6.4%) during 2024-25.

    7.    Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) is expected to register a good growth of 7.6% during 2024-25 as compared to 5.6% growth observed during 2023-24.

     

      PART A

    NOTE ON SECOND ADVANCE ESTIMATES OF ANNUAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR 2024-25 

    QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER (OCT-DEC) OF 2024-25  

             The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is releasing in this Press Note, the Second Advance Estimates (SAE) of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25 and Quarterly Estimates of GDP for the Third quarter (October-December) of 2024-25 along with its expenditure components both at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices. Annual, Quarterly as well as April-December estimates of Gross Value Added (GVA) at Basic Prices by kind of economic activity along with year on year percent changes, expenditure components of GDP and annual estimates of Gross/Net National Income and Per Capita Income for the Financial years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 at Constant and Current Prices are given in Statements 1A to 12A of Annexure A.

    I.  Annual Estimates and Growth Rates

              Real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices is estimated to attain a level of ₹187.95 lakh crore in the financial year 2024-25, against the First Revised Estimate of GDP for the year 2023-24 of ₹176.51 lakh crore. The growth rate in Real GDP during 2024-25 is estimated at 6.5% as compared to 9.2% in 2023-24. Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices is estimated to attain a level of ₹331.03 lakh crore in the year 2024-25, against ₹301.23 lakh crore in 2023-24, showing a growth rate of 9.9%.

               Real GVA is estimated at ₹171.80 lakh crore in the year 2024-25, against the FRE for the year 2023-24 of ₹161.51 lakh crore, registering a growth rate of 6.4% as compared to 8.6% growth rate in 2023-24. Nominal GVA is estimated to attain a level of ₹300.15 lakh crore during FY 2024-25, against ₹274.13 lakh crore in 2023-24, showing a growth rate of 9.5%

     

    Fig. 1: Annual GDP and GVA Estimates along with Y-o-Y Growth Rates at Constant Prices

     

    Fig. 2: Sectoral Composition and Growth Rates of Annual GVA

    Sectoral Composition of Nominal GVA in FY 2024-25

     

    Fig. 3: Composition and Growth Rates of Annual GVA in Broad Sectors

     

    II. Quarterly Estimates and Growth Rates

               Real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices in Q3 of FY 2024-25 is estimated at ₹47.17 lakh crore, against ₹44.44 lakh crore in Q3 of FY 2023-24, showing a growth rate of 6.2%. Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices in Q3 of FY 2024-25 is estimated at ₹84.74 lakh crore, against ₹77.10 lakh crore in Q3 of FY 2023-24, showing a growth rate of 9.9%.

                Real GVA in Q3 of FY 2024-25 is estimated at ₹43.13 lakh crore, against ₹40.60 lakh crore in Q3 of FY 2023-24, showing a growth rate of 6.2%. Nominal GVA in Q3 of FY 2024-25 is estimated at ₹77.06 lakh crore, against ₹69.90 lakh crore in Q3 of FY 2023-24, showing a growth rate of 10.2%.

    Fig. 4: Quarterly GDP and GVA Estimates along with Y-o-Y Growth Rates from Q1 FY 2021-22 to Q3 FY 2024-25 at Constant Prices

     

    Fig. 5: Sectoral Composition and Growth Rates of Quarterly GVA

    Sectoral Composition of Nominal GVA in Q3 of FY 2024-25

     

    Fig. 6: Composition and Growth Rates of Quarterly GVA in Broad Sectors

     

    [Primary Sector: Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Fishing and Mining & Quarrying 

    Secondary Sector: Manufacturing, Electricity, Gas, Water supply & Other Utility Services and    Construction

    Tertiary Sector: Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication and Services related to Broadcasting, Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services and Public Administration, Defence & Other Services]

     

    III. Methodology and Major Data Sources:            

               Second Advance Estimates of Annual GDP and Quarterly Estimates GDP are compiled using the Benchmark-indicator method i.e. the estimates available for the previous financial year (2023-24) are extrapolated using the relevant indicators reflecting the performance of sectors. The First Advance Estimates (FAE) of Annual GDP for the financial year 2024-25 were released on 7th January, 2025, which were based on very limited data and used Provisional Estimates of 2023-24 as Benchmark Estimates. For Compilation of SAE, 2024-25, the Provisional Estimates of 2023-24 used at the time of FAE have been replaced by FRE, 2023-24 which have been compiled using industry-wise/institution-wise detailed information. Thus, overall as well as sectoral variations in SAE from FAE is attributed to revision of benchmark estimates and additional or updated data available on various indicators. The quarterly estimates of previous years along with the First and Second quarter estimates of 2024-25 released earlier have also undergone revision in accordance with the revision policy of National Accounts.

                The sector-wise estimates have been compiled using indicators/data sources like (i) Index of Industrial Production (IIP), (ii) Financial performance of Listed Companies based on available quarterly financial results of these companies upto Q3 FY 2024-25, (iii) Estimates of Major Agricultural Crops and Horticultural crops for 2024-25, as provided by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (iv) Production Targets and Summer as well as Rainy season production estimates of Major Livestock Products for FY 2024-25; (v) Fish Production, (vi) Production of Coal, Crude Petroleum, Natural Gas, Cement and Consumption of Steel, (vii) Net Tonne Kilometres and Passenger Kilometres for Railways, (viii) Passenger and Cargo traffic handled by Civil Aviation, (ix) Cargo traffic handled at Major and Minor Sea Ports, (x) Sales of Commercial Vehicles, (xi) Bank Deposits and Credits, (xii) Premium related information of Life and Non-Life Insurance companies, (xiii) Data on outward Supplies of Goods and Services available from GSTN upto January, 2025 (xiv) Accounts of Central and State Governments, (xv) Goods and Services Tax collections etc., available for first 9-10 months of the FY 2024-25. Year-on-Year growth rates (%) in the main indicators used in the estimation are given in the Annexure B.

                Total tax revenue used for GDP compilation includes non-GST revenue as well as GST revenue. The Revised Estimates of Tax revenue for 2024-25 as available in the Annual Financial Statement of the Central Government, along with latest available information from the websites of Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) have been used for estimating taxes on products at Current Prices. For compiling taxes on products at Constant Prices, volume extrapolation is done using volume growth of taxed goods and services. The total product subsidies at Current prices were compiled using the latest information on major subsidies viz. Food, Urea, Petroleum and Nutrient based subsidy for Centre as available on CGA website and the expenditure incurred on subsidies by most States up to December 2024 as available on CAG website along with the Centre/State-wise RE and BE provision for FY 2024-25. Information available on Revenue expenditure, Interest payments, Subsidies etc. from Centre and States for FY 2024-25 were used for estimating Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE).

                Improved data coverage and revision in input data made by source agencies would have a bearing on subsequent revisions of these estimates. Estimates are, therefore, likely to undergo revisions for the aforesaid causes in due course, as per the release calendar. Users should take these into consideration while interpreting the figures. The Provisional Estimates of Annual GDP for FY 2024-25 along with Quarterly GDP estimates for the quarter January-March of FY 2024-25 (Q4 2024-25) will be released on 30.05.2025.

     

    ***********

    Annexure A

     

    Annexure B

     

    PART B

    NOTE ON FIRST REVISED & FINAL ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, NATIONAL INCOME, CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, SAVING AND CAPITAL FORMATION FOR 2023-24 & 2022-23 RESPECTIVELY

                In this part of the press note, First Revised Estimates of GDP, National Income, Consumption Expenditure, Saving and Capital Formation for the financial year 2023-24 and Second Revised/ Final Estimates for the financial year 2022-23 are given.

    2.         The First Revised Estimates for the year 2023-24 have been compiled using industry-wise/institution-wise detailed information instead of using the benchmark-indicator method employed at the time of release of Provisional Estimates on 31st May, 2024. The estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and other aggregates for the year 2022-23 have also undergone revisions on account of use of latest available datasets on agricultural production; industrial production (final results of Annual Survey of Industries: 2022-23); government data as available in budget documents (replacing Revised Estimates with actuals for the year 2022-23); comprehensive data available from various source agencies like Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) etc. and additional data from State/UT Directorates of Economics and Statistics (DES).

    3.         The salient features of the revised estimates at aggregate level are given in the paras as follows.

    Gross Domestic Product

    4.         Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for the years 2023-24 and 2022-23 stands at ₹176.51 lakh crore and ₹161.65 lakh crore, respectively, showing a growth of 9.2 per cent during 2023-24 as compared to growth of 7.6 per cent during 2022-23.

    5.         Nominal GDP or GDP at current prices for the year 2023-24 is estimated at ₹301.23 lakh crore, against ₹268.90 lakh crore for the year 2022-23, showing a growth of 12.0 per cent during 2023-24 as compared to growth of 14.0 per cent during 2022-23.

    GVA and its Industry-wise Analysis

    6.         At the aggregate level, nominal Gross Value Added (GVA) at basic prices has increased by 11.2 per cent during 2023-24 compared to growth of 13.9 per cent during 2022-23. Real GVA, i.e., GVA at constant (2011-12) prices, has increased by 8.6 per cent in 2023-24, compared to 7.2 per cent growth in 2022-23.

    7.         The shares of broad sectors of the economy in overall GVA during 2011-12 to 2023-24 and the annual growth rates during these periods are mentioned below:

    #: Final Estimates; @: First Revised Estimates

    8.         The growth rates of Primary sector (comprising Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fishing and Mining & Quarrying), Secondary sector (comprising Manufacturing, Electricity, Gas, Water Supply & Other Utility Services, and Construction) and Tertiary sector (Services) have been estimated as 2.7 per cent, 11.4 per cent and 9.0 per cent respectively in 2023-24 as against growth rates of 5.9 per cent, 2.4 per cent and 10.3 per cent respectively in the previous years. The growth in real GVA during 2023-24 is on account of growth in ‘Manufacturing’, ‘Electricity, Gas, Water Supply & Other Utility Services’, ‘Construction’, ‘Trade, repair, Hotels and Restaurants’, ‘Financial Services’, ‘Real Estate, Ownership of Dwelling & Professional Services’ and ‘Other services’ as may be seen from Statement 4.2B. However, ‘Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fishing’, ‘Mining and Quarrying’ and ‘Public Administration and Defense’ have witnessed modest growth.

    Net National Income

    9.         Net National Income (NNI) at current prices for the year 2023-24 stands at ₹263.50 lakh crore as against ₹233.91 lakh crore in 2022-23, showing a growth of 12.7 per cent during 2023-24 as compared to growth of 13.3 per cent in the previous year.

    Gross National Disposable Income

    10.       Gross National Disposable Income (GNDI) at current prices is estimated at ₹305.94 lakh crore for the year 2023-24, while the estimate for the year 2022-23 stands at ₹273.39 lakh crore, showing a growth of 11.9 per cent for year 2023-24 as compared to growth of 14.3 per cent in the year 2022-23.

    Saving

    11.       Gross Saving during 2023-24 is estimated at ₹92.59 lakh crore against ₹82.44 lakh crore during 2022-23. Share of Non-financial corporations, Financial corporations, General Government and Household sectors in Gross Savings during 2023-24 stands at 36.0%, 8.2%, (-) 3.1% and 59.0% respectively. Rate of Gross Saving to GNDI for 2023-24 is estimated at 30.3 per cent as against 30.2 per cent for 2022-23.

    Capital Formation

    12.       Gross Capital Formation (GCF) at current prices is estimated at ₹94.68 lakh crore for the year 2023-24 as compared to ₹87.72 lakh crore during 2022-23. The rate of GCF to GDP is 31.4 per cent during 2023-24 as against 32.6 per cent in the 2022-23. The rates of capital formation in the years 2011-12 to 2019-20 and 2021-22 to 2023-24 have been higher than the rate of saving because of positive net capital flow from Rest of the World (RoW).

    13.       In terms of the share to the total GFCF (at current prices), the highest contributor is Non-Financial Corporations followed by Household sector, share of which stood at 44.2% and 41.7% respectively in 2023-24.

    14.       The rate of GCF to GDP at constant (2011-12) prices was 35.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 34.6 per cent in 2023-24.

    Consumption Expenditure

    15.       Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) at current prices is estimated at ₹181.30 lakh crore for the year 2023-24 as against ₹165.28 lakh crore in 2022-23. In relation to GDP, the PFCE to GDP ratio at current prices during 2022-23 and 2023-24 are 61.5 per cent and 60.2 per cent respectively. At constant (2011-12) prices, the PFCE is estimated at ₹93.85 lakh crore and ₹99.07 lakh crore, respectively for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24. The corresponding PFCE to GDP ratio for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24 are 58.1 per cent and 56.1 per cent respectively.

    16.       Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) at current prices is estimated at ₹31.04 lakh crore for the year 2023-24 as against ₹27.58 lakh crore during 2022-23. At constant (2011-12) prices the estimates of GFCE for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24 stand at ₹15.44 lakh crore and ₹16.70 lakh crore respectively.

    Per Capita Estimates

    17.       Per Capita Income i.e. Per Capita Net National Income at current prices is estimated at ₹1,69,145 and ₹1,88,892 respectively for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24. Per Capita PFCE at current prices, for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24 is estimated at ₹1,19,516 and ₹1,29,967 respectively.

    Summary of Revisions in the GDP Estimates

    Revision in the estimates of the year 2023-24

    18.       The following statement gives the major reasons of variation between the Provisional Estimates (released on 31st May, 2024) and the First Revised Estimates of GVA for 2023-24.

     

    Sector

    GVA growth in 2023-24

    (at 2011-12 Prices)

    Major reasons for variation

    Provisional Estimate (PE),

    May 2024

    First Revised Estimate (FRE),

    Feb 2025

    Primary

    2.1

    2.7

    GVA estimates of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fishing sectors have undergone revision due to revision in production estimates of crop sector as per Final Estimate of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare. The revision in other industries in Primary Sector is due to the incorporation of latest revised data.

    Secondary

    9.7

    11.4

    Estimates of secondary sector have undergone revision due to use of data from source agencies along with detailed analysis of Non-departmental Enterprises (NDE) & Private Corporate sectors and budget documents of Government whereas provisional estimates were indicator based.

    Tertiary

    7.6

    9.0

    Data from source agencies along with detailed analysis of Departmental Enterprises (DE), NDE and Private Corporate sectors have been used for compilation of estimates for FRE 2023-24 whereas provisional estimates were indicator based. Furthermore, the revision in Public Administration and Defence sector is due to the use of detailed analysis of Budget documents (Centre and State Governments) and latest information of Local Bodies and Autonomous Bodies. In case of Financial services, FRE is based on analysis of annual reports of Financial Corporations and data released by RBI, NABARD and other financial regulators.

    Total GVA at Basic Prices

    7.2

    8.6

     

    GDP

    8.2

    9.2

     

    [Primary Sector: Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Fishing and Mining & Quarrying 

    Secondary Sector: Manufacturing, Electricity, Gas, Water supply & Other Utility Services and    Construction

    Tertiary Sector: Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication and Services related to Broadcasting, Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services and Public Administration, Defence & Other Services]

     

    Revisions in the estimates of the year 2022-23

    19.       The use of latest available data from various agencies has resulted in changes in both the levels of GVA and growth estimates for the years 2022-23.

    Revisions in Major Aggregates

    20.       The level of revisions in the major aggregates at current and constant (2011-12) prices are given in the following table:

     

    Major National Income Aggregates and their % Changes

                                                                                       (₹ in Lakh Crore)

    Sl. No.

    Item

    2022-23

    1st RE

    Final Estimates

    % change

    At Current Prices

    1

    GVA at basic prices

    246.59  

    246.47

    -0.1

    2

    GDP

    269.50

    268.90

    -0.2

    3

    GNI

    265.79

    265.20

    -0.2

    4

    NNI

    234.39

    233.91

    -0.2

    5

    GNDI

    273.99

    273.39

    -0.2

    At Constant Prices

    1

    GVA at basic prices

    148.05

    148.78

    0.5

    2

    GDP

    160.71

    161.65

    0.6

    3

    GNI

    158.31

    159.39

    0.7

    4

    NNI

    137.47

    138.51

    0.8

     

    Major reasons for revisions in GVA/GDP estimates for FY 2022-23 are as given below:

    • Use of updated production estimates (Final Estimates) of horticulture crops from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, increase in area under fodder crop and increase in production of sugarcane.
    • Increase in input value due to use of Cost of Cultivation Survey (CCS) 2022-23 and Electricity tariff for agriculture sector for the year 2022-23.
    • Use of updated information from NDE and updated information on minor minerals from States in case of Mining & Quarrying sector.
    • Use of final results of Annual Survey of Industries (ASI): 2022-23 and augmented data for non-financial private corporate sector.
    • Use of ‘Actuals’ in place of ‘Revised Estimates’ of different items of expenditure and receipts in the Central & State government budgets.
    • Use of updated information on Local Bodies & Autonomous Institutions.
    • Use of latest annual reports of Public Sector Enterprises.
    • Use of latest data received for Cooperative Banks, Post Office Saving Bank (POSB), Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs), and Financial Auxiliaries.

    Detailed statements

    21.       List of Statements released in part ‘B’ of the press note is given below. More details of the revised estimates, i.e., FRE 2023-24 and FE 2022-23 are available in Statements 1.1B to 9B of Annexure C, which are given in the PDF format of the press note.

    1. Statement 1.1B:          Key Aggregates of National Accounts at Current Prices
    2. Statement 1.2B:          Key Aggregates of National Accounts at Constant (2011-12) Prices
    3. Statement 2B:             Per Capita Income, Product and Final Consumption
    4. Statement 3.1B:          Output by Economic Activity and Capital Formation by Industry of Use at Current Prices
    5. Statement 3.2B:          Output by Economic Activity and Capital Formation by Industry of Use at Constant (2011-12) Prices
    6. Statement 4.1B:          Gross Value Added by Economic Activity at Current Basic Prices
    7. Statement 4.2B:          Gross Value Added by Economic Activity at Constant (2011-12) Basic Prices
    8. Statement 5B:             Finances for Gross Capital Formation
    9. Statement 6.1B:          Gross Capital Formation by Industry of Use at Current Prices
    10. Statement 6.2B:          Gross Capital Formation by Industry of Use at Constant (2011-12) Prices
    11. Statement 7.1B:          Gross Fixed Capital Formation by Asset & Institutional Sector at Current Prices
    12. Statement 7.2B:          Gross Fixed Capital Formation by Asset & Institutional Sector at Constant (2011-12) Prices                   
    13. Statement 8.1B:          Private Final Consumption Expenditure at Current Prices
    14. Statement 8.2B:          Private Final Consumption Expenditure at Constant (2011-12) Prices
    15. Statement 9B:             Institutional Sectors – Key Economic Indicators at Current Prices

    **************

    Annexure C

    FORMULAE

    1. GVA at basic prices (Production Approach) = Output at basic prices – Intermediate Consumption
    2. GVA at basic prices (Income Approach) = CE + OS/MI + CFC + Production taxes less Production subsidies(i)
    3. GDP = ∑ GVA at basic prices + Product taxes less Product subsidies(ii)
    4. NDP/NNI = GDP/GNI – CFC
    5. GNI = GDP + Net primary income from ROW (Receipts less payments)
    6. Primary Incomes = CE + Property and Entrepreneurial Income
    7. NNDI =NNI + other current transfers(iii) from ROW, net (Receipts less payments)
    8. GNDI = NNDI + CFC = GNI + other current transfers(iii) from ROW, net (Receipts less payments)
    9. Gross Capital Formation(iv) (Financing Side) = Gross Savings + Net Capital Inflow from ROW
    10. GCF (Expenditure Side) = GFCF + CIS + Valuables
    11. Gross Disposable Income of Govt. = GFCE + Gross Saving of General Government
    12. Gross Disposable Income (GDI) of Households = GNDI – GDI of Govt. – Gross Savings of All Corporations

     

    REMARKS ON THE FORMULAE

    1. Production taxes or subsidies are paid or received with relation to production and are independent of the volume of actual production. Some examples are:

    Production Taxes – Land Revenues, Stamps & Registration fees and Tax on profession

    Production Subsidies – Subsidies to Railways, Subsidies to village and small industries.

    1. Product taxes or subsidies are paid or received on per unit of product. Some examples are:

    Product Taxes- Goods & Service Tax, Excise duties, Sales tax, Service Tax and Import, Export duties

    Product Subsidies- Food, Petroleum and fertilizer subsidies.

    1. Other Current Transfers refers to current transfers other than the primary incomes.

    Gross Capital Formation (GCF) at the current as well as the constant prices is estimated by two approaches: – (i) through flow of funds, derived as Gross Saving plus net capital flow from Rest of the World (RoW); and (ii) by the commodity flow approach, derived by the type of assets.

    Click here to see Press Note in PDF format

    ********

    Samrat/ Dheeraj/Allen

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 3:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Ambassador of Israel, Mr. Reuven Azar called on Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting served as a platform to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, with a focus on food security, sustainable supply chains, and innovative agricultural technologies.

    Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized the longstanding partnership between India and Israel in agriculture and allied sectors. He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision for recycling sewage water for agricultural use, as well as key trade and grain storage issues.

    The meeting focused on the upcoming visit of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, the impact of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across 20 states on productivity, precision irrigation, post-harvest management, and market access issues.

    The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Indo-Israel cooperation in agricultural innovation, technologies, and the horticulture sector, emphasizing mutually beneficial outcomes for both nations.

    The Israeli delegation included Mr. Fares Saeb, Deputy Chief of Mission. The Indian side was represented by senior officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), including Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Joint Secretary (MIDH) and Additional Commissioner (Plant Protection).

    *****

    MG/RN/KSR

    (Release ID: 2106918) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 10,000 FPOs Achieved under Government’s Flagship Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    10,000 FPOs Achieved under Government’s Flagship Scheme

    A Step Towards Atmnirbhar Krishi

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 3:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The Central Sector Scheme for “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 29th February, 2020. The scheme was launched with a budget outlay of ₹6,865 Crore till 2027-28. Since the launch of the scheme, ₹254.4 Crore in equity grants has been released to 4,761 FPOs and credit guarantee cover worth ₹453 Cr. has been issued to 1,900 FPOs.[1]

    [2]

    Recently, on the occasion of the release of the 19th instalment of PM-KISAN in Bhagalpur, Bihar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the 10,000th FPO. The 10,000th FPO has been registered in Khagaria district and focuses on maize, banana, and paddy. FPOs are not just organizations but an unprecedented force to increase farmers’ income and provide small farmers with direct access to significant market benefits, bargaining power and improving market access. Approximately 30 lakh farmers in the country are connected to FPOs, with around 40 percent of them being women. These FPOs are now conducting business worth thousands of crores in the agricultural sector.[3]

    Under this scheme, there is a provision for handholding support for a period of five years to each new FPO formed, and financial assistance to the tune of Rs.18 lakhs to each FPO under the scheme towards management cost for 3 years. Additionally, matching equity grant upto Rs. 2,000 per farmer member of FPO with a limit of Rs. 15.00 lakh per FPO and a credit guarantee facility upto Rs. 2 crore of project loan per FPO from eligible lending institutions to ensure institutional credit accessibility to FPOs[4]

    What are FPOs?

    Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) is a generic name, which refers to farmer- producers’ organization incorporated/ registered either under Part IXA of Companies Act or under Co-operative Societies Act of the concerned States and formed for the purpose of leveraging collectives through economies of scale in production and marketing of agricultural and allied sector.

    The concept behind Farmer Producer Organizations is that farmers, who are the producers of agricultural products, can form groups. To facilitate this process, the Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) was mandated by Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, to support the State Governments in the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).[5]

    The “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)” scheme was launched with the main focus on leveraging economies of scale in production and marketing with a view to enhance productivity through efficient, cost effective and sustainable resource use for ensuring sustainable income-oriented farming, thus helping in reduction of cost of farm production and increase in farmers’ income.[6]

    Need for FPOs

    • Small, marginal and landless farmers face tremendous challenges during agriculture production phase such as for access to technology, quality seed, fertilizers and pesticides including requisite finances.
    • They also face tremendous challenges in marketing their produce due to lack of economic strength.
    • FPOs help in collectivization of such small, marginal and landless farmers in order to give them the collective strength to deal with such issues. Members of the FPO will manage their activities together in the organization to get better access to technology, input, finance and market for faster enhancement of their income.[7]

    OBJECTIVES

    1. To provide holistic and broad-based supportive ecosystem to form 10000 new FPOs to facilitate development of vibrant and sustainable income-oriented farming and for overall socio-economic development and wellbeing of agrarian communities.
    2. To enhance productivity through efficient, cost-effective and sustainable resource use and realize higher returns through better liquidity and market linkages for their produce and become sustainable through collective action.
    3. To provide handholding and support to new FPOs up to five years from the year of its creation in all aspects of management of FPO, inputs, production, processing and value addition, market linkages, credit linkages and use of technology etc.
    4. To provide effective capacity building to FPOs to develop agriculture entrepreneurship skills to become economically viable and self-sustaining beyond the period of support from the government.[8]

    Convergence of Ministries for FPOs in India-

    1. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Supports FPOs in getting seed, pesticides and fertilizer licenses, and helps in providing dealership through Agri Input companies. With this assistance, FPOs are able to work as dealers/distributors and generate income. The Ministry also supports FPOs by linking them to Institutional buyers and through ecommerce platforms like ONDC, e-NAM etc.[11]
    2. Ministry of Food Processing: Support for FPOs through financial outlays, such as providing credit-linked capital subsidy @ 35% of the eligible project cost, 50% financial grant for branding and marketing.[12]
    3. Ministry of Micro & Small Enterprises: Special provisions for FPOs such as access to funds in the form of FPO management cost, equity grant and credit guarantee facility apart from capacity building trainings, marked and credit linkages.  [13]
    4. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying: Benefits and schemes tailored to FPOs, such as “Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer organizations engaged in dairy activities” with a total allocation of Rs. 500 Cr during 2021-22 to 2025-26.[14] Additionally, forming and promoting 100 Fodder Plus FPOs through NDDB (National Dairy Development Board).[15]
    5. APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority): APEDA provides assistance to APEDA registered FPOs for export and MSME under its scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), which provides assistance for setting up enterprises.[16]
    6. Spices Board: The Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED) scheme is designed to expand area and improve productivity of Cardamom (small & large). It also aimed at generating an exportable surplus of quality spices through post-harvest improvement, export promotion of spices, increasing the share of value-added spices in the export basket, evaluating compliance of export consignments with applicable standards of quality and safety, capacity building & skill development of stakeholders etc. [17]

    [18]

    Services and Activities undertaken by FPOs

    The FPOs provide and undertake following relevant major services and activities for their development:

    1. Supply quality production inputs like seed, fertilizer, pesticides and such other inputs at reasonably lower wholesale rates
    2. Make available need-based production and post-production machinery and equipment like cultivator, tiller, sprinkler set, combine harvester and such other machinery and equipment on custom hiring basis for members to reduce the per 2 unit production cost
    3. Make available value addition like cleaning, assaying, sorting, grading, packing and also farm level processing facilities at user charge basis on reasonably cheaper rate. Storage and transportation facilities may also be made available
    4. Undertake higher income generating activities like seed production, bee keeping, mushroom cultivation etc
    5. Undertake aggregation of smaller lots of farmer-members’ produce; add value to make them more marketable
    6. Facilitate market information about the produce for judicious decision in production and marketing
    7. Facilitate logistics services such as storage, transportation, loading/un-loading etc. on shared cost basis.
    8. Market the aggregated produce with better negotiation strength to the buyers and in the marketing channels offering better and remunerative prices[19]

     

    Initiatives under the scheme

    Credit Guarantee Fund: FPOs need finance, both grants and loans, to quickly establish input collectivisation, working capital, marketing and improved services to member farmers. Considering FPOs’ need for credit from formal financial institutions, a dedicated Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF) has been created under the Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs. CGF provides credit guarantee cover to financial institutions for extending loans to FPOs.[20]

    ONDC platform: Almost 5 thousand out of 8,000 registered Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been registered on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) portal for selling the produce online to consumers across the country. The onboarding of FPOs on ONDC to reach out to their buyers in any part of the country is in line with the Central government objective of providing growers with better market access. The move aims to empower FPOs with direct access to digital marketing, online payment, business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions.[21]

    MoU to convert 10,000 FPOs into CSCs: An MoU between CSC SPV (Common Services Centres Special Purpose Vehicle) and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare was signed to convert FPOs registered under ‘Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs scheme’ into CSCs and help them to deliver citizen-centric services. As per the MoU, 10,000 FPOs will be converted into CSCs. CSC SPV will enable them to provide the services that are available on the Digital Seva Portal. The delivery of CSC services through FPOs is aimed at increasing employment opportunities in rural areas.[22]

    [23]

    FPOs provide special focus to include small, marginal and women farmers/women SHGs, SC/ST farmers and other economically weaker categories etc. as members to make FPOs more effective and inclusive.
     

    How to Apply

    FPOs/FPCs can register on e-NAM Portal via website (www.enam.gov.in) or mobile app or providing following details at nearest e-NAM mandi:

    • Name of FPOs/ FPCs
    • Name, address, email Id and contact no. of authorized person (MD/CEO /Manager)
    • Bank account Details (Name of Bank, Branch, Account no. IFSC Code)[24]

    Conclusion

    Formation & promotion of FPOs is the first step for converting Krishi into Atmanirbhar Krishi. The successful formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under the Central Sector Scheme marks a transformative milestone for the agriculture sector. By fostering collectivization, enhancing market access, and providing financial and institutional support, this initiative has empowered millions of small and marginal farmers, including women and economically weaker sections. This achievement not only boosts agricultural productivity and income but also contributes to rural job creation and economic resilience. As India moves forward, the continued support and expansion of FPOs will be instrumental in shaping a self-reliant, efficient, and prosperous agricultural ecosystem.

    References:

    Click here to see PDF.

    *****

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2106913) Visitor Counter : 88

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank, Pandemic Fund sign agreement to leverage resources for pandemic preparedness

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) Group has signed an agreement to become an implementing entity of the Pandemic Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4h0TQu3). This enables the Bank to coordinate financing of the Fund’s approved projects in Africa, as well as to participate in a call for proposals for financing investments scheduled to launch next month.

    The financial procedures agreement, signed in January with the World Bank Group (the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development acted as a trustee for the Pandemic Fund), qualifies the African Development Bank to participate in a share of $500 million in Fund Secretariat financing for proposals for pandemic-related programs, projects and policies, with a focus on low and middle-income countries.

    The Pandemic Fund is a partnership among donor countries, co-investors, foundations and civil society organizations hosted by the World Bank. The World Health Organization acts as the technical lead. The Fund assists countries and regions to strengthen their health systems and increase their investments, enabling them to boost pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities. 

    “There is growing demand from African countries for support to overcome gaps in national health infrastructure exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other health crises. As a Pandemic Fund implementing entity, the African Development Bank is capitalizing on our experience combining infrastructure financing with complementary support to improve the quality of life for the people of Africa,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.

    The Fund’s call for proposals will be in phases: the first phase will be open to single and multi-country proposals in March 2025; the second phase launches in June 2025 for regional proposals. 

    To date, the Pandemic Fund has financed two calls for proposals and approved 47 projects impacting 75 countries in six regions across the globe. On average, 43 percent of its resources have been allocated for countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest demand for Pandemic Fund grants. Under the second call for proposals, more than half of the funds awarded went to sub-Saharan Africa.

    As an implementing entity, the African Development Bank will also play an oversight role, providing implementation support to beneficiary implementing organisations, as well as providing financial and progress reports to the Fund’s Governing Board.

    The Bank’s collaboration with the Pandemic Fund aligns with its Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure in Africa that seeks to enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve health outcomes in Africa.

    In June 2023, the Bank approved approximately $124 million in financing for healthcare access expansion in Morocco. The country’s “Program to Support Inclusive Access to Healthcare Infrastructure” inboosts the country’s specialized healthcare services in women and children’s centers, supports building and equipping hospitals, and equips remote sites with telemedicine and teleconsultation facilities.

    Dunford says continued collaborating with the Pandemic Fund can help more Africans experience the benefits of strengthened healthcare systems.

    “As Africa’s premier financial institution, we are ready to provide relevant support to beneficiary implementing organisations, the Bank’s regional member countries, and regional economic communities in the Pandemic Fund’s third call for proposals. The Bank will leverage resources from the Fund, alongside our funding instruments, for bigger and better results,” she added.

    The Pandemic Fund was established in September 2022 with the Bank participating as an observer and formally announced two months later at the Group of 20 (G20) meetings in Bali, Indonesia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regenerative agriculture: a sustainable future for Turkmenistan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Regenerative agriculture: a sustainable future for Turkmenistan

    The British Embassy and Food and Agriculture Organisation hosted a screening of the documentary “Six Inches of Soil”.

    Regenerative agriculture: a sustainable future for Turkmenistan.

    On 21 February, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, had the honour of hosting a screening of “Six Inches of Soil” – a powerful documentary highlighting the urgent need for regenerative agriculture. This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion with senior Turkmen government officials, supported by leading professors and agricultural researchers from the renowned British universities.

    British Ambassador Mr Stephen Conlon speaks at the screening of “Six Inches of Soil”.

    As Turkmenistan looks to strengthen its agricultural resilience, regenerative practices offer a path toward healthier soils, increased productivity, and long-term food security. The discussion underscored the importance of sustainable land management, biodiversity, and climate adaptation – critical for ensuring a thriving agricultural sector in the years to come.

    The screening of “Six Inches of Soil”.

    A huge thank you to our expert speakers, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment Protection, and all participants for contributing to this vital conversation. We look forward to continued collaboration in bringing UK’s world-class, innovative, sustainable solutions to Turkmenistan’s agricultural landscape.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Bolster Local Meat Processing Capacity, Support Small Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is working to remove regulatory roadblocks and increase meat processing capacity by allowing livestock auction market owners to invest in small and regional packing facilities.
    Ernst recently introduced the Expanding Local Meat Processing Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would amend the Packers and Stockyards Act to allow livestock auction market owners to hold ownership in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a meat packing entity. This cap would exclude investment in the top 10 meat packers.
    “Removing outdated regulations that hinder the livestock industry should be a no-brainer,” said Ernst. “Allowing livestock auction markets to invest in small meat processing facilities will reduce market consolidation, decrease reliance on federal funding, and provide small producers with much-needed processing options. I’m proud to strengthen local food systems, increase competition, and ultimately lower meat costs for consumers through this effort.”
    Click here to view the bill text.
    Background:
    Currently, livestock auction markets are not able to own, invest in, manage, or operate a packing plant or meat marketing business due to outdated regulations in the Packers and Stockyards Act.
    Ernst has been pushing to remove this unnecessary barrier in the livestock industry since 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Business Recovery Centers in Florida to Assist Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA –The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of three Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Manatee, Sarasota and Volusia counties to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations who sustained economic losses from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRCs to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The BRC’s opening dates and hours of operation are listed below.

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)  

    Manatee County  

    Tingley Memorial Library

    111 2nd St. N.  

    Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

    Opening: Friday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

    Hours:         Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

     Closed:      Saturday and Sunday   

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)  

    Sarasota County  

     Sanford Information Center  

    (Entrance on Ringling Blvd)

     111 S. Orange Avenue

    Sarasota, FL 34236

     Opening: Monday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

     Hours:         Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

    Closed:       Saturday and Sunday  

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)  

    Volusia County  

    UCF Business Incubator Volusia County

    601 Innovation Way  

    Daytona Beach, FL 32114

    Opening: Friday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

    Hours:         Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

    Closed:      Saturday and Sunday  

    “SBA’s BRCs have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadlines to return economic injury applications are June 24, 2025, for Tropical Storm Debby and June 30, 2025, for Hurricane Helene.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: University Research – SMART Researchers Pioneer First-of-its-Kind Nanosensor for Real-Time Iron Detection in Plants

    Source: Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)

    • This is the first nanosensor capable of simultaneously detecting and differentiating between two different forms of iron, Fe(II) and Fe(III), in living plants with high spatial and temporal resolution 
    • This innovation enables real-time, non-destructive iron tracking within plant tissues across different plant species, optimising plant nutrient management, reducing fertiliser waste, and improving crop health
    • The new nanosensor also has potential applications beyond agriculture, in environmental monitoring, food safety, and health sciences, particularly in studying iron metabolism, iron deficiency, iron-related diseases in humans and animals.

    Singapore, 28 February 2025 – Researchers from the Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group (IRG) of Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, in collaboration with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have developed a groundbreaking near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor capable of simultaneously detecting and differentiating between iron forms – Fe(II) and Fe(III) – in living plants.

    Iron is crucial for plant health, supporting photosynthesis, respiration, and enzyme function. It primarily exists in two forms: Fe(II), which is readily available for plants to absorb and use, and Fe(III), which must first be converted into Fe(II) before plants can utilise it effectively. Traditional methods only measure total iron, missing the distinction between these forms – a key factor in plant nutrition. Distinguishing between Fe(II) and Fe(III) provides insights into iron uptake efficiency, helps diagnose deficiencies or toxicities, and enables precise fertilisation strategies in agriculture, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving crop productivity.

    This first-of-its-kind nanosensor by SMART researchers enables real-time, non-destructive monitoring of iron uptake, transport, and changes between its different forms, such as Fe(II) and Fe(III) – providing precise and detailed observations of iron dynamics. Its high spatial resolution allows precise localisation of iron in plant tissues or subcellular compartments, enabling the measuring of even minute changes in iron levels within plants – these minute changes can inform how a plant handles stress and uses nutrients.

    DiSTAP researchers develop sensors for rapid iron detection and monitoring in plants, enabling precision agriculture and sustainable crop management. Credit: SMART DiSTAP

    Traditional detection methods are destructive or limited to a single form of iron. This new technology enables the diagnosis of deficiencies and optimisation of fertilisation strategies. By identifying insufficient or excessive iron intake, adjustments can be made to enhance plant health, reduce waste, and support more sustainable agriculture. While the nanosensor was tested on spinach and bok choy, it is species-agnostic, allowing it to be applied across a diverse range of plant species without genetic modification. This capability enhances our understanding of iron dynamics in various ecological settings, providing comprehensive insights into plant health and nutrient management. As a result, it serves as a valuable tool for both fundamental plant research and agricultural applications, supporting precision nutrient management, reducing fertiliser waste, and improving crop health.

    “Iron is essential for plant growth and development, but monitoring its levels in plants has been a challenge. This breakthrough sensor is the first of its kind to detect both Fe(II) and Fe(III) in living plants with real-time, high-resolution imaging. With this technology, we can ensure plants receive the right amount of iron, improving crop health and agricultural sustainability,” said Dr Duc Thinh Khong, DiSTAP research scientist and co-lead author of the paper.
    “In enabling non-destructive real-time tracking of iron speciation in plants, this sensor opens new avenues for understanding plant iron metabolism and the implications of different iron variations for plants. Such knowledge will help guide the development of tailored management approaches to improve crop yield and more cost-effective soil fertilisation strategies,” said Dr Grace Tan, TLL Research Scientist and co-lead author of the paper.
    The research, recently published in Nano Letters and titled, “Nanosensor for Fe(II) and Fe(III) Allowing Spatiotemporal Sensing in Planta”, builds upon SMART DiSTAP’s established expertise in plant nanobionics, leveraging the Corona Phase Molecular Recognition (CoPhMoRe) platform pioneered by the Strano Lab at SMART DiSTAP and MIT. The new nanosensor features single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) wrapped in a negatively charged fluorescent polymer, forming a helical corona phase structure that interacts differently with Fe(II) and Fe(III). 
    Upon introduction into plant tissues and interaction with iron, the sensor emits distinct NIR fluorescence signals based on the iron type, enabling real-time tracking of iron movement and chemical changes.
    The CoPhMoRe technique was used to develop highly selective fluorescent responses, allowing precise detection of iron oxidation states. The NIR fluorescence of SWNTs offers superior sensitivity, selectivity, and tissue transparency while minimising interference, making it more effective than conventional fluorescent sensors. This capability allows researchers to track iron movement and chemical changes in real-time using NIR imaging. 
    “This sensor provides a powerful tool to study plant metabolism, nutrient transport, and stress responses. It supports optimised fertiliser use, reduces costs and environmental impact, and contributes to more nutritious crops, better food security, and sustainable farming practices,” said Professor Daisuke Urano, TLL Senior Principal Investigator, DiSTAP Principal Investigator, NUS Adjunct Assistant Professor, and co-corresponding author of the paper.
    “This set of sensors gives us access to an important type of signalling in plants, and a critical nutrient necessary for plants to make chlorophyll. This new tool will not just help farmers to detect nutrient deficiency but also give access to certain messages within the plant. It expands our ability to understand the plant response to its growth environment,” said Professor Michael Strano, DiSTAP Co-Lead Principal Investigator, Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, and co-corresponding author of the paper.
    Beyond agriculture, this nanosensor holds promise for environmental monitoring, food safety, and health sciences, particularly in studying iron metabolism, iron deficiency, and iron-related diseases in humans and animals. Future research will focus on leveraging this nanosensor to advance fundamental plant studies on iron homeostasis, nutrient signaling, and redox dynamics. Efforts are also underway to integrate the nanosensor into automated nutrient management systems for hydroponic and soil-based farming and expand its functionality to detect other essential micronutrients. These advancements aim to enhance sustainability, precision, and efficiency in agriculture.
    The research is carried out by SMART, and supported by the National Research Foundation under its Campus for Research Excellence And Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 54-2025: Scheduled Outage: Tuesday 04 March 2025 – PEBS

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    28 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All importers of plants, cats and/or dogs who will be required to use the Post Entry Biosecurity System during this planned maintenance period.

    Information

    Due to scheduled infrastructure maintenance, the Post Entry Biosecurity System (PEBS) will be unavailable between 23:00 to 23:59 Tuesday 04 March 2025 (AEDT). 

    Action

    Clients are advised to await the completion of this maintenance period before…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Crapo, Risch Release Statements Praising New USFS Chief

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), along with Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jim Risch (R-ID) released the following statements today regarding the announcement that Tom Schultz will serve as the 21st chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. 

    “President Trump and Secretary Rollins have made a great choice in naming Tom Schultz to lead the U.S. Forest Service,” said Lummis. “Tom is a University of Wyoming graduate and I’m confident that he is the leader who will bring balance back to the Forest Service and return the agency to responsible logging and management. I look forward to working with Tom to restore and protect our country’s great national forests.”

    “Congratulations to Idaho’s own Tom Schultz for being named the 21st Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Tom is a forester’s forester. With over 27 years of natural resource management experience, he is the no-nonsense leader our Western states urgently need to rein in the wildfire crisis and reinforce forest health,” said Risch. “Tom’s selection to lead the U.S. Forest Service underscores President Trump and Secretary Rollins’ recognition of the immense value that Idahoans bring to restoring American greatness. I look forward to the good work Tom will accomplish for our nation and the West.”

    “Tom Schultz’s deep on-the-ground experience and skills, including his long-time service in Idaho, will be critically useful as he manages our federal forests,” said Crapo. “He intimately understands how federal decision-making impacts our great state, and I look forward to working with him in this capacity.”

    Background:

    Schultz previously served as vice president of resources and government affairs at Idaho Forest Group, where he led timber procurement operations and managed relationships with government officials at all levels. A former U.S. Air Force officer, Schultz also served as director of the Idaho Department of Lands, overseeing the management of several million surface acres of endowment lands and minerals. He held leadership roles in Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, managing the Trust Lands and Water Resources Divisions.

    Schultz holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in political science from the University of Wyoming, and a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Montana.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Life saving road and level crossing upgrades for Western Australia

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    Local roads and railway crossings across Western Australia will receive important safety upgrades thanks to more than $17 million in new funding from the Albanese Government.

    The funding includes $9.9 million for 21 high-priority railway level crossing improvements across the state’s regional road network under Round 2 of the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF).

    A further $7.5 million will help fund the following four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP):

    • City of Albany – sealing, widening and improving drainage on Chillinup Road to alleviate traffic congestion and improve efficiency
    • City of Swan – construction of a Safe Active Street on Helena Street in Guildford, including reducing traffic speed to 30km/hr
    • Shire of Kondinin – sealing and upgrading a 17km gravel section of the Hyden-Norsman Road
    • Town of Victoria Park – safety improvements to the State Street and Albany Highway intersection.

    The SLRIP is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthen investment to support the delivery of safer and more productive roads across Australia. 

    The RLCUF aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

    The 21 level crossing upgrades will include treatments such as flashing lights and boom gates or bells, pedestrian mazes and improved signage.

    For more information, visit: 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “The Albanese Government has increased funding to both the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and the Roads to Recovery Program to support councils to maintain and repair their local road networks.

    “By delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety we’re freeing up money to be spent on projects that benefit local communities. 

    “The Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is delivering safer, more productive and more resilient local roads across Western Australia and the rest of the country.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Brand Madeleine King:

    “Western Australia is the engine room of the nation’s economy and the arteries of any economy are road and rail networks.

    “These upgrades will help farmers and miners get their products to their destinations faster and safer, creating more jobs and wealth for all.

    “The Albanese Government is investing in regional communities that support Western Australia’s agriculture and resources sector.”

    Funded projects – Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund:

    Project / Railway crossing

    Project location 

    Brookton Highway

    Brookton

    Mather Road

    Doodlakine

    Robinson Road

    Brookton

    Henrietta Street

    York

    Yarri Road

    Kalgoorlie

    Drove Street

    Katanning

    Bulong Road

    Parkeston

    South Street

    York

    Ryans Find Road

    Boorabbin

    Mt Burgess Homestead Rd

    Mount Burges

    Lavanter Road

    Picton East

    Ninth Road

    York

    Murdong Road

    Murdong

    Hannan Way

    Narrikup

    Dowerin Road

    Koorda

    Ballast Road

    Yikari

    Tom Starvevich VC Road

    Grass Patch

    Mather Street

    Lake Grace

    Desmond Road

    Tenindewa

    Stop Sign Improvements – Wheatbelt

    multiple locations

    Stop Sign Improvements – Regional

    multiple locations

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 53-2025: Services Restored: Friday 28 February 2025 – COLS

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    28 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment.

    Information

    The unplanned service disruption to the department’s Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) has been resolved.

    Detail: Between 07:55 and 10:50 Friday 28 February 2025 (AEDT) there was an unplanned service disruption to COLS. As a result, some users…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Mass NOAA Layoffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.27.25
    Cantwell Statement on Mass NOAA Layoffs
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Trump Administration laid off at least 880 workers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement:
    “The firings jeopardize our ability to forecast and respond to extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods—putting communities in harm’s way. They also threaten our maritime commerce and endanger 1.7 million jobs that depend on commercial, recreational and tribal fisheries, including thousands in the State of Washington. This action is a direct hit to our economy, because NOAA’s specialized workforce provides products and services that support more than a third of the nation’s GDP.”
    Last week, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, calling on him to exempt the National Weather Service (NWS) from the federal hiring freeze, and protect all NOAA workers from firings “that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.”
    “Without NOAA’s workforce, communities will not be prepared for the next big Nor’easter, hurricane, wildfire, or drought,” wrote Sen. Cantwell. “Ships will not be able to safely navigate through our waterways. Farmers will not have the data they need to manage their crops. NOAA’s workforce keeps people alive and provides communities with the scientific support tools to protect their families and grow their businesses. I urge you to appreciate these critical government functions and reverse the hiring freeze and refrain from mass firings of these invaluable public servants—American lives depend on it.”
    Also last week, speaking in opposition to the nomination of now-Secretary Lutnick on the Senate floor, Sen. Cantwell cited his “tepid support” for NOAA as a key reason for her decision to vote against his confirmation.
    “When asked for the record, ‘Should NOAA be dismantled, as called for in Project 2025?’, Mr. Lutnick would only say he’ll figure it out once he’s confirmed,” Sen. Cantwell said. “We needed a bigger commitment to NOAA. NOAA already supplies a big, important aspect of what we deal with, with weather forecasting, tracking extreme weather, hurricanes, wildfires, managing our fisheries, operating ships that conduct important charting for national security. Mr. Lutnick gave very tepid support for NOAA.”
    Project 2025 calls for NOAA to be “dismantled and many of its functions eliminated,” calling it part of the “climate change alarm industry.” NOAA provides critical services to the nation including weather forecasts, extreme storm tracking and monitoring, tools to enable communities to adapt to sea level rise and climate change, supporting fisheries management, and conserving marine mammals and other protected species including salmon and orcas.
    Sen. Cantwell is a champion of NOAA and helped secure $3.3 billion in NOAA investments in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change, boost science needed to understand changing weather and climate patterns, and invest in advanced computer technologies that are critical for extreme weather prediction and emergency response. Her Fire Ready Nation Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen NOAA’s ability to help forecast, prevent, and fight wildfires, passed the Commerce committee unanimously earlier this month and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Slotkin, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Address Cybersecurity Threats to American Agriculture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353February 26, 2025
    Cotton, Slotkin, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Address Cybersecurity Threats to American Agriculture
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D- Michigan) today reintroduced the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act, legislation that would strengthen cybersecurity protections for the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sectors. The bill will identify vulnerabilities and improve protective measures of both the government and private groups against cyber threats to America’s food supply chain.
    Co-sponsoring the legislation are Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Thom Tillis (R- North Carolina), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Katie Britt (R- Alabama), and Ted Budd (R- North Carolina). Congressman Brad Finstad (Minnesota-01) is introducing companion legislation in the House.
    Bill text may be found here.  
    “America’s adversaries are seeking to gain any advantage they can against us—including targeting critical industries like agriculture. Congress must work with the Department of Agriculture to identify and defeat these cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This legislation will ensure we are prepared to protect the supply chains our farmers and all Americans rely on,” said Senator Cotton.
    “Food security is national security, and the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act is a vital step toward safeguarding Michigan’s agriculture and food sectors,” said Senator Slotkin. “Cyber attacks threaten our food supply constantly, and we must ensure both government and private industries are prepared. This bipartisan bill will require the Department of Agriculture to work closely with our national security agencies to ensure that our adversaries, like China, can’t threaten our ability to feed ourselves by ourselves.”
    “With innovation and advancement in precision ag technology, the agricultural industry has become more technologically advanced, creating new challenges and vulnerabilities for farmers across southern Minnesota and the nation,” said Congressman Finstad. “Food security is national security. The Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act will make tremendous strides to protect our nation’s food supply from the imminent cyber threats that the ag sector experiences here at home.”
    Supporting the legislation are the North American Millers Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, USA Rice, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.
    The Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act would:
    Direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a risk assessment every two years of the cybersecurity threat to, and vulnerabilities in, the agriculture and food sectors and submit a report to Congress.
    Direct the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, as well as the Director of National Intelligence, to conduct an annual cross-sector crisis simulation exercise for food-related cyber emergencies or disruptions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 52-2025: Unplanned Service Disruption: Friday 28 February 2025 – COLS

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    28 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment.

    Information

    Start time: 

    As of: 07:55 Friday 28 February 2025 (AEDT).

    The Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) is currently experiencing an unplanned service disruption. As a result, clients may experience error messages when attempting to lodge…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Congratulates Idaho’s Tom Schultz on Appointment to Chief of U.S. Forest Service

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement on the appointment of Tom Schultz to serve as the 21st chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. 

    “Congratulations to Idaho’s own Tom Schultz for being named the 21st Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Tom is a forester’s forester. With over 27 years of natural resource management experience, he is the no-nonsense leader our Western states urgently need to rein in the wildfire crisis and reinforce forest health,” said Risch. “Tom’s selection to lead the U.S. Forest Service underscores President Trump and Secretary Rollins’ recognition of the immense value that Idahoans bring to restoring American greatness. I look forward to the good work Tom will accomplish for our nation and the West.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Warrawong Plaza rezoned for 1,300 new homes

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Warrawong Plaza rezoned for 1,300 new homes

    Published: 28 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    Warrawong is ready for an additional 1,300 well-located homes following the approval of new planning controls for Warrawong Plaza.

    The planning proposal at 43-65 Cowper Street, Warrawong, increases the maximum building height from eight to approximately 22 storeys which paves the way for the master planned mixed-use development to provide up to 1,300 new homes, with 15 per cent set aside as affordable housing for at least 15 years.

    This project is another example of the NSW Government helping to increase supply as the housing crisis continues to be the biggest issue facing the state.

    The rezoning will add a minimum of 6,500 square metres of publicly accessible open space, along with pedestrian links to Cowper Street and Northcliffe Drive, and Warrawong Plaza will continue to operate on the site.

    A new bus interchange has been added to the proposal following community feedback during the project’s public exhibition in June and July 2024.

    The proposal’s first homes could be built by 2028, which will help meet the Illawarra’s growing housing needs.  Trading will continue at Warrawong Plaza during construction.

    The proposal comes as Illawarra residents’ ideas help shape the Master Plan for the future of the 32-hectare Warrawong Parklands and around 100 construction jobs that will flow from the NSW Government’s approval of BlueScope’s $200 million Plate Mill refurbishment at nearby Port Kembla.

    Future development applications that are more than $60 million will be assessed by the Department and will be subject to design excellence requirements.

    This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

    For more information, visit the planning proposal webpage. 

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

    “The Warrawong Plaza and transport hub offers an ideal infill development opportunity to deliver more well-located homes and affordable housing in this changing suburb.

    “This is an ideal location close to Kully Bay Park, Lake Illawarra and a short drive from Port Kembla’s Beach Pavilion.  

    “Adding new homes will benefit young people, families and key local workers while also offering existing shops with increased customers and the potential for new businesses in the Warrawong CBD.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs First Bill of Legislative Session into Law Strengthening Colorado’s Healthcare Workforce

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed bipartisan HB25-1022 – Qualified Medication Administration Personnel, sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and Karen McCormick, and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Janice Rich. The bill helps expand qualifications for healthcare professionals and strengthen Colorado’s healthcare workforce. 

    “In Colorado we are committed to cutting costs and supporting quality health care that is affordable and accessible to all Coloradans. By boosting our workforce and setting high standards for our medical staff, we can continue to deliver the quality services all Coloradans deserve,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the following bills into law administratively: 

    • SB25-088 – Department of Agriculture Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-089 – Department of Corrections Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-090 – Department of Early Childhood Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-091 – Department of Education Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-092 – Department of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Office of State Planning & Budgeting Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-093 – Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-094 – Department of Higher Education Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-095 – Department of Human Services Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-096 – Judicial Department Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-097 – Department of Labor & Employment Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-098 – Department of Law Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-099 – Legislative Department Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-100 – Department of Local Affairs Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-101 – Department of Military Affairs Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-102 – Department of Natural Resources Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-103 – Department of Personnel Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-104 – Department of Public Health & Environment Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-105 – Department of Public Safety Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-106 – Department of Regulatory Agencies Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-107 – Department of Revenue Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-108 – Department of State Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-109 – Department of Transportation Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-110 – Department of Treasury Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25- 111 – Capital Construction Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-112 – Capital Construction Information Technology Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird. 
    • SB25-113 – Mid-Year Adjustments to School Funding, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Representative Shannon Bird, and Representative Rick Taggart. 
    • SB25-114 – Repeal of the FLEX Program, sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Representative Shannon Bird, and Representative Rick Taggart. 
    • SB25-115 – Seedling Tree Nursery Spending Authority Extension, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Representative Emily Sirota, and Representative Rick Taggart. 
    • HJR25-1004 – Water Project Eligibility Lists, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Ty Winter, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Cleave Simpson. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW’s State Fish, the Eastern Blue Groper, will continue being protected

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 28 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    The NSW Government today announced that the State’s Fish, the Eastern Blue groper, will continue to be protected following scientific advice and community feedback.

    Consequently, the no-line fishing prohibition, implemented 12 months ago, will continue for a further three years from 1 March 2025 to enable further research and monitoring on the species.

    This decision combines with the long-term existing prohibition on spearfishing and commercial fishing of the Eastern Blue Groper to continue the temporary prohibition of line fishing.

    This decision has been taken after the Government considered a range of important factors including recently published scientific information that raised concerns about the potential impacts of climate change and that caution should be taken in managing the species due to their unique biological traits.

    The State’s Fish holds a special place for many people and communities, and this has also contributed to the decision to continue the fishing prohibition of the iconic Eastern Blue Groper.

    This decision aligns with the situation in Victoria where for a long period of time there has been a prohibition of line fishing, spear fishing and commercial fishing for the Blue Groper.

    The Government is committed to the sound management of our fisheries resources while also enabling the important activity of recreational fishing to be undertaken along the coast and inland waters of NSW.

    Steps were taken early last year by the Government to ensure the protection of the State’s Fish, by placing a 12 month prohibition on line fishing for the fish, so research could be done to ascertain the best way to manage the Blue Groper and to enable community consultation.

    The protection afforded by a prohibition on fishing was required following a community outcry on the behaviour of persons found illegally spearing the fish along the NSW coast and a concern for the sustainability of the species.

    During the 12-month period of the ban, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development undertook both community engagement, comprehensive research and stock assessment of the Blue Groper.

    The stock assessment concluded that the Eastern Blue Groper is in a sustainable position, however there is a risk the species is being impacted by climate change and warming waters.

    The decision to continue a ban of line fishing will afford protection for the State Fish while the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development continue scientific monitoring and research of this important species, including looking at how the community can get involved through citizen science programs.

    NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

    “NSW’s State Fish, the Eastern Blue Groper, will continue being protected after the Government considered a range of advice, community feedback and scientific research.

    “There is a strong community interest in the State’s iconic Eastern Blue Groper, and there is a community expectation that we take every step possible to understand any potential impacts that climate change may be having on the species.

    “Three further years of scientific monitoring will deliver a deeper level of understanding of how this wonderful fish is coping with warming conditions and what impact those conditions are having on the population, particularly in our inshore waters where people interact with the Eastern Blue Groper.

    “I know some fishers will be disappointed, but I also know there are many in the NSW community, including fishers, who want this State Fish protected and that is what the Government is doing.”

    MIL OSI News –