NewzIntel.com

Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI China: World’s first energy grass database created

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese researchers have developed the world’s first comprehensive database for energy grasses, a step that could support sustainable agriculture and advance renewable energy efforts, China Science and Technology Daily reported Wednesday.
    Energy grasses are a group of plants known for their rapid growth, high productivity and adaptability. They can be used to produce biomass fuels, pulp, cellulose, and chemicals, and they can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil quality.
    Researchers from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University created the Energy Grass Database, integrating multi-omics datasets from 11 energy grasses.
    The platform encompasses genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and phenomics data to support functional genomic research across diverse energy grass species.
    Lin Zhanxi, a professor at the university, said the database offers a multifunctional platform for both scientific exploration and practical research, helping to foster sustainable agriculture and renewable energy development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Marshall Introduce Legislation To Improve Weather Forecasts, Help Communities Better Prepare For Extreme Weather

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) today introduced a bill to strengthen the collection of weather and soil moisture data, improving the accuracy of extreme weather warnings and agriculture forecasts. The Improving Flood and Agricultural Forecasts Act of 2025 codifies and expands the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Mesonet Program, an initiative that aims to fill gaps in local weather data that impact forecasting and disaster response, as well as supporting agriculture and other weather-dependent industries through improved data collection.

    “For Hawai‘i and other states vulnerable to floods, droughts, and severe weather, better data means better forecasts, better prepared communities, and faster emergency response times,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “This same data also helps farmers and ranchers navigate droughts.”

    “The mesonet and soil moisture monitoring probes are crucial tools for Kansans. Weather affects everything on the farm, and a deeper understanding of what’s happening above and below the ground provides farmers more certainty when making crop decisions,” said Senator Marshall. “Better weather data collection for Kansas also helps us predict wildfires and tornadoes before they arrive, which has the potential to save lives in cases of extreme weather. I’m proud to introduce this important, bipartisan legislation.”

    Mesonets are weather observation data networks crucial for forecasting weather, flood, fire, and agricultural impacts. The legislation would provide grants to states, Tribes, private entities, and universities to expand local weather observation systems. By authorizing and enabling NOAA to purchase local weather data, assess its quality and cost-effectiveness, and integrate it into key forecasting systems, the bill aims to improve disaster preparedness and agricultural production nationwide. The legislation builds on Schatz’s efforts to increase funding for NOAA’s Mesonet Program, which has supported a key soil moisture sensing network in Hawai‘i.

    The text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ‘A peaceful, prosperous, democratic Pacific’

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good Evening
     
    Let us begin by acknowledging Professor David Capie and the PIPSA team for convening this important conference over the next few days. Whenever the Pacific Islands region comes together, we have a precious opportunity to share perspectives and learn from each other. That is especially true in our region, where distances between us are large. 
     
    We acknowledge, too, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Parliamentary colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
     
    New Zealand’s place in the world
    New Zealand, as a country, has a myriad of influences. We have enduringly strong connections – for reasons of history, migration and foreign policy alignment – to our traditional partners of Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. 
     
    First and foremost, among these is Australia, New Zealand’s one formal ally, and our closest and most likeminded partner. We cooperate extremely closely with Australia, in the Pacific and around the world. 
     
    We are increasingly integrated socially, economically and strategically into Asia, with large and increasing Asian communities here in New Zealand and ever closer diplomatic relationships in South, South East, and North East Asia.
     
    At the same time, the starting point for understanding how New Zealand views the Pacific is the following, very simple statement: New Zealand is a Pacific Island country, linked by geography, history, culture, politics, demography and indeed DNA. 
     
    Fully 1.3 million New Zealanders, or about one-in-four of us are in full or part Polynesian, Melanesian or Micronesian, with either Māori heritage or relatives or ancestors from other Pacific islands. 
     
    Auckland is home to more Polynesians than any other city. Around the same number of Samoans and Tongans live in New Zealand as do in Samoa and Tonga. Vastly more Cook Islanders, Niueans and Tokelauans live in New Zealand than back in their homelands.
     
    The original discovery and settlement of the Pacific Islands, including New Zealand, is one of the most remarkable stories of exploration in human history. The late New Zealand historian Michael King compared it to space exploration as both were voyages into the unknown. 
     
    But Pacific navigation is arguably even more remarkable because the canoes that set out from the Asian landmass knew not where they would land, nor when, nor indeed if they would find any new territory. 
     
    But find land they did, as they forged new identities and societies on atolls and islands that today stand as a testament to their imagination, endurance and the resilience to overcome formidable challenges of distance, geography, demography, and resource scarcity. 
     
    Last year, we had the enormous privilege of visiting almost all of those island nations spread across our vast Blue Continent. So, this evening we’d like to share some reflections about the Pacific, within the context of New Zealand’s Foreign Policy Reset. 
     
    We note, too, your conference theme, which raises the question of whether the Pacific Islands are a zone of peace or ocean of discontent. In 1520, the great Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan named this massive body of water the Pacific, due to its calmness – Pacific meaning peaceful. Ironically, it didn’t end that way for him, or some of his crew, so your conference theme holds both historical justification and appeal.
     
    An active, engaged Pacific policy
    When we again took on the role of New Zealand Foreign Minister in November 2023, we were determined to put the Pacific at the forefront of an energetic, engaged and active New Zealand foreign policy once more. This lay behind our decision to undertake the most ambitious, intensive year of Pacific diplomacy in New Zealand history. 
     
    Never before has a New Zealand political leader tried to spend time in all 18 member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum in a single year. But try we did: meeting the many diverse peoples scattered across this vast, beautiful blue continent. 
     
    As often as we were able, we took Parliamentary colleagues from across the spectrum of New Zealand’s political parties to reinforce that our friendship is bipartisan, enduring and long-term. 
     
    The purpose of all these discussions was to take the pulse of the region. As a democratic country operating in a democratic region, New Zealand is driven in our Pacific policy by three foundational questions focused on our region’s people: 

    Is what New Zealand is doing in the region reflective of what the people of the Pacific Islands want and need? 
    Are we effectively supporting the prosperity and security of Pacific Island peoples?; and 
    Are we undertaking and explaining this work in a way which maintains New Zealanders’ support for our objectives in the region? 

     
    When describing our observations of last year’s travel, an obvious starting point is the unimaginable vastness of our region. It is a massive ocean, covering over 30 percent of the Earth’s surface.
     
    While in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau, we learned of the logistical difficulties they faced in getting to last year’s Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga. We decided on the spot to offer the use of one of our 757 aircraft to take Micronesian leaders to and from Nuku’alofa. We have also announced, over the past year, significant investment in digital connectivity in the Pacific, alongside such partners as the Australia, Taiwan, United States and Japan. 
     
    Connecting all members of the Pacific family is vital given the huge, isolating physical distances between us. But because we believe that all Pacific voices are important and that talanoa – coming together for dialogue – must be regular and meaningful, we were happy to facilitate their coming together in Nuku’alofa. 
     
    Why? Because Pacific regionalism sits at the core of our Pacific approach, with the Pacific Islands Forum at its centre. We are a region with challenging issues that can polarise us, such as deep seabed mining and how best to manage strategic competition. The Forum plays a critical role in helping us to form a cohesive approach, resolve differences, bolster regional development and security, and use our collective voice to hold bigger countries to account.
     
    The Blue Continent’s challenges
    We have also reflected on how the Blue Pacific Continent and its peoples face a multitude of challenges. Our region is faced with the sharpest strategic competition it has confronted since World War 2 ended almost eighty years ago. As we face external pushes into our region to coerce, cajole and constrain, we must stand together as a region – always remembering that we are strongest when we act collectively to confront security and strategic challenges. 
     
    Climate change is a great threat facing the Pacific and we are at the global forefront of disaster risk exposure. Our ambition is that all Pacific peoples remain resilient to the impacts of climate change and other disasters and that New Zealand can support building resilience in practical ways. 
     
    Fisheries are vital to the economies, livelihoods, food security, and social and cultural wellbeing of many Pacific Island countries and is a crucial source of government revenue. But they face several complex interrelated and transboundary issues, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and the management of migratory fish species. 
     
    After years of volatility, the long-term growth trajectory risks settling well below pre-COVID averages for Pacific Island countries. Increasing investment, building fiscal and climate resilience, and improving the access to finance and greater regional connectivity will be key to improving long-run growth prospects in the Pacific.  
     
    Answering to the people
    One truism that runs through our three stints as Foreign Minister is this: there are no votes in it. Struggling New Zealand taxpayers and their families find it difficult to understand why their government is handing out multi-million-dollar aid grants overseas.
     
    Foreign policy practitioners and academics may focus intently on our obligations to New Zealand’s development partners and the way we conduct our relations with them. But the bottom line is that we are accountable first and foremost to the New Zealand taxpayer. 
    During our three tenures as Foreign Minister, we have demonstrated a staunch commitment to a well-resourced New Zealand development programme with a predominant focus on the Pacific. 
     
    Few New Zealand Governments have gone to the wire to significantly lift the size of our international development programme as a proportion of New Zealand’s Gross National Income. One was Norman Kirk’s Government in the 1970s. Two others were during my two previous terms as Foreign Minister. 
     
    In short, we have been determined to use all of our influence and all of our negotiating power to get the best possible New Zealand development programme for the Pacific. 
     
    And while times are very tough here at home right now, we will continue to advocate with our Cabinet colleagues and the New Zealand people for the importance of an active Pacific policy and a properly-resourced international agenda – whether in defence, foreign policy, or development. That’s what is right for New Zealand and it’s what is in the best interests of the Pacific.
     
    We will never apologise for directly connecting New Zealand’s security and prosperity to the security and prosperity of the region and world around us. 
    The Coalition Government’s Foreign Policy Reset established a new strategic direction for New Zealand, including for our international development programme, with an emphasis on sustaining our deep focus on the Pacific. 
     
    As part of ensuring our accountability to the New Zealand taxpayer, last year the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade undertook a review of our development programme to gauge alignment with government priorities and assess its overall impact and efficiency. A report on the review’s findings is being released today.
     
    The review found that while our development is generally aligned with Government priorities, some reshaping and streamlining is required. In short, we will achieve more impact by doing fewer, bigger, projects better. This work is already under way.
     
    Our predominant focus remains on the Pacific, where we will be working with partners including the United States, Australia, Japan and in Europe to more intensively leverage greater support for the region. We will maintain the high tempo of political engagement across the Pacific to ensure alignment between our programme and New Zealand and partner priorities. And we will work more strategically with Pacific Governments to strengthen their systems, so they can better deliver the services their people need.
     
    Greater development funding is being devoted to South East Asia to meet our ambition for closer relations overall with this important region. We have also increased humanitarian funding in response to the scale of need regionally and globally. And we have reduced multilateral funding, to focus on those partners who make the most concrete impact.
     
    We see this work of reshaping our development programme as part of meeting our obligation to the New Zealand taxpayers whose continuing support underpins its social licence.
     
    Friendship, challenges and dialogue
    Over the decades, our Pacific-oriented foreign policy has been defined as much by our actions as our words. We are there in times of need, whether in response to natural disasters, helping with budget support during fiscal emergencies, spurring economic development, or helping to resolve conflicts. 
     
    Our 2018 Pacific Reset emphasised that exhibiting friendship in all our engagements was the cornerstone of our Pacific foreign policy orientation. What does friendship in that context mean? 
     
    It means we are honest, empathetic, trustful and respectful through frequent engagement. And it means having frank and open conversations with our Pacific counterparts.
     
    Over the past year, we have consistently stressed that we see all states as equal, whatever their size. We are guided by the mutual respect and trust that has grown over time between New Zealand and other Pacific Island countries. A second theme that has run through all our public engagements is just how important diplomacy is in our troubled world. 
     
    New Zealand has faced two isolated challenges in the past twelve months in our relations with the Pacific. In these two very different cases, our accountability to our taxpayers and our fidelity to promoting the interests of Pacific peoples throughout the region require that we explain openly what has taken place. 
     
    Of the 18 Pacific Islands Forum member countries, the only one we did not spend time in during the past year was Kiribati. That was not for a lack of trying. 
     
    For more than a year we respected Kiribati’s preference to avoid outside engagement. But with over $100 million of development assistance committed to Kiribati over the past three years, we had to review the status of existing projects and understand Kiribati’s ongoing development needs. After all, we all have to negotiate with our Ministers of Finance. 
     
    This requirement was urgent given our own budget cycle and the need to make decisions about how future development spending is allocated in Micronesian countries and across the region for the next three years. 
     
    So, we were pleased when a visit to Kiribati was finally scheduled for January 2025. We began organising our cross-party Parliamentary group to visit Tarawa. Then, with about a week to go, we were told President Maamau, who is also my counterpart as Kiribati’s Foreign Affairs Minister, would no longer meet with our delegation. 
    We made public our regret and concern, as well as our consequent decision to review our development programme to Kiribati. We are accountable to the worker in Kaitaia, the builder in Gore, and the farmer in the Waikato for the spending of taxpayer money, and we felt it important to express our concerns openly and transparently. 
     
    At the same time, we have a long-standing relationship with the Kiribati people, which has overcome previous challenges. We will weather this one too. 
     
    We have made clear that we are still working towards meaningful dialogue with Kiribati’s President and Foreign Minister, whether in Kiribati, New Zealand or elsewhere in the region. We are taking positive steps towards that goal in coming weeks. 
     
    The second isolated challenge we have faced has been developments in our relationship with the Cook Islands Government. Unlike the people of Samoa, the people of the Cook Islands have never opted for their country to be fully independent from New Zealand – though they are of course always free to choose to do so. 
     
    Rather, they have opted since 1965 to be in free association with New Zealand. This means that New Zealand is bound constitutionally to the Cook Islands by sharing the King of New Zealand as a head of state, a common, single citizenship and passport, as well as by shared values and interests. 
     
    Over the past 60 years, New Zealand has taken very seriously its obligations and commitments to the Cook Islands people. Every year we deliver for the Cook Islands people in areas as broad as health and education, economic development, defence and security, good governance, resources and environment, and culture and heritage.
     
    The Cook Islands, in exercising self-government, is supported by New Zealand funding and provision of expertise. As long as the Cook Islands remain tied to New Zealand constitutionally, we have an expectation that the Government of the Cook Islands will not seek benefits only available to fully independent states – such as separate passports and citizenship, or membership of the United Nations or the Commonwealth – or pursue policies that are significantly at variance with New Zealand’s interests. 
     
    We also have an expectation that New Zealand will be fully and meaningfully consulted on all major international actions that the Cook Islands contemplates that affect our interests.
     
    These are not unreasonable expectations. And they are not new. For example, our Prime Ministers, Norman Kirk in 1973, David Lange in 1986 and Helen Clark in 2001 all expressed these expectations formally. 
     
    To use but one example: in 2001, Helen Clark stated that Cook Islanders retained New Zealand citizenship “on the basis that there will continue to be a mutually acceptable standard of values in Cook Islands’ laws and policies”. She again repeated our longstanding position that if full independence from New Zealand was what the Cook Islands people wanted, then they were free to opt for it at any time.
     
    These have been well-established and previously settled understandings between us, although there have been periodic attempts by Cook Islands Prime Ministers to test the boundaries of this constitutional pact. 
     
    But our free association relationship in its current form has endured because the overwhelming majority of Cook Islands people have wanted to maintain their New Zealand citizenship and passport and the rights it affords them to the same opportunities and privileges as all other New Zealanders, including in health and education. The wishes of the Cook Islands people are paramount here.
     
    Our explicit advice to Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and his officials since he first raised the issue with us in July 2024 was that if he proceeded with trying to implement a separate Cook Islands citizenship and passport system then the people of the Cook Islands would risk losing their New Zealand citizenship and passport – an outcome we know is opposed by the vast majority of Cook Islanders.
     
    There is also the matter of the Cook Islands Government’s decision to enter into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and a number of other agreements with China last week without any meaningful consultation with New Zealand or its own people over either the architecture or details of those deals. 
     
    New Zealand and the Cook Islands people remain, as of this evening, in the dark over all but one the agreements signed by China and the Cooks last week. 
     
    Given this lack of consultation, the New Zealand Government, once it has seen the text of all of the agreements that were signed, will need to undertake its own careful analysis of how they impact our vital national interests. Only then will we be able to fully gauge the deals’ impact on the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. 
     
    While the connection between the people of the Cook Islands and New Zealand remains resolutely strong, we currently face challenges in the government-to-government relationship. 
     
    But this state of affairs – disagreements and debates between the leaders of New Zealand and the Cook Islands – has been a periodic feature of our 60 years of free association. We have always found a way through, guided by the wisdom and wishes of the Cook Islands people. 
     
    As then US President Franklin Roosevelt said in 1945, “We shall strive for perfection. We shall not achieve it immediately – but we still shall strive. We may make mistakes – but they must never be mistakes which result from faintness of heart or abandonment of moral principle”.
     
    During 2025, as we celebrate 60 years of free association, we are going to need to reset the government-to-government relationship. We will also need to find a way, as we did in 1973 and 2001, to formally re-state the mutual responsibilities and obligations that we have for one another and the overall parameters and constraints of the free association model.
     
    Resetting and formally re-stating the parameters of the relationship is not a small task. But it is one which we are confident we can meet – powered by the history of goodwill and common bonds between New Zealand and the Cook Islands people.
     
    Another issue on which the region has devoted significant attention over the past year has been New Caledonia – which is, geographically, New Zealand’s closest neighbour. Uncertainty and discord there is obviously something that prompts concern and discussion right around our region. 
     
    From the moment of the unrest onwards, New Zealand has been very clear that everyone – no matter their view on New Caledonia’s political status – should agree that violence is not the answer. 
     
    The focus must be on dialogue – and finding a new pathway forward on the important issues facing New Caledonia. We had the benefit – working closely with authorities in Paris and Nouméa – to have had a productive visit to New Caledonia in December. 
     
    We went there to listen and to learn, and to engage with a very wide range of New Caledonians of all backgrounds. Hearing New Caledonians voice their hopes and dreams for economic development led us to the view that there may be lessons from New Zealand’s own experiences that might be of value. 
     
    We hope lessons from New Zealand’s own economic development as a multi-ethnic Pacific Island country can be shared with New Caledonians, who might be able to adapt them to their unique context.
     
    Conclusions
    When we reflect on the past year, it is impossible not to be optimistic about this region’s future. As we travelled to places as diverse as Suva, Pohnpei, Alofi, Port Vila, Nauru and Apia, we were struck also by a profound commonality. 
     
    Pacific Islanders scattered around our vast, beautiful region all want a brighter, more prosperous and more secure future for their children and for future generations. 
     
    As a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum, and as a Pacific and Polynesian country itself, New Zealand has always been at the forefront of efforts to bring about that future. 
     
    Over the past year, we have done our very best to deliver, through words and actions, on New Zealand’s commitment to contribute to a brighter future for all Pacific peoples. This very important work – involving discussion, debate and, yes, sometimes disagreement – will continue.
     
    The Pacific Islands region is a profoundly democratic one. People from every village, town or city in every Pacific Island country have a direct say in how their affairs are run. Just this year, people in six Pacific Islands Forum countries – Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tonga and Vanuatu – are heading to the polls to cast ballots which will help determine the future direction of their countries. 
     
    And so it is Pacific peoples’ hopes and aspirations which must drive political leaders and policy makers. Our policies must be responsive and accountable to the perspectives of those we represent. 
     
    And no matter the future we face, or the challenges we encounter, we will always be members of the same Pacific family. We inhabit the most vast and breathtaking ocean continent in the world. And as family, we will always find a way forward, together, towards the secure and prosperous future that our people deserve.
     
    Thank you. Kia kaha. Go well. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Confirming Howard Lutnick to Serve as Commerce Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 18, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—released the following statement after voting against Howard Lutnick’s nomination to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Senate confirmed Lutnick by a vote of 51-45.

    “I cannot vote for any nominee who won’t publicly pledge without hesitation that they’d refuse an unlawful order from President Trump—and Mr. Lutnick failed that simple test. As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their illegal spree to freeze federal funding and make deep cuts at critical agencies so they can pave the way for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, we need a Secretary of Commerce who is not afraid to stand up to this chaos, uphold the law and put our economy and middle-class Americans first. And yet, by confirming Mr. Lutnick today, Republicans are once again proving how easily they will appease Trump out of fear for their own political survival—and it will be American farmers, businesses and the middle class who will pay the price.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 45-2025: *Update* Scheduled Outage: Thursday 20 February to Friday 21 February 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    19 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients submitting the below declarations:

    • Full Import Declaration (FID)
    • Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
    • Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
    • Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
    • Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Member States’ Briefing on the Second Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    HE Amb. Tesfaye Yilma Sabo, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations, 

    HE Amb. Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, 

    Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is a real pleasure to join our Permanent Representatives and welcome you all today. 

    As you all know transforming our food systems is essential to driving progress across the Sustainable Development Goals and delivering for everyone, everywhere – sufficient, nutritious food – now and in the future, particularly as we go towards the five years to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.

    That is why, in 2021, the UN Secretary-General convened the UN Food Systems Summit.  This established the foundation for a new, integrated approach to food systems—placing food at the heart of our efforts to address poverty, zero hunger, inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss. 

    It has reshaped the global narrative, building an engine of transformation that recognizes food systems as a key lever to accelerate and reinforce SDG progress.

    Building on this momentum, the first Summit Stocktake, hosted by the Government of Italy in 2023, reaffirmed strong political will among nations. Countries pledged to increase the pace of their efforts towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems transformation.

    But it also highlighted persistent gaps and challenges. Among them, an urgent need to enhance public-private-community partnerships, and strengthen private sector engagement. 

    These crucial issues identified at the first stocktake, resulted in the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action. 

     The Call identified six critical areas for concerted action, including: securing concessional finance, investments, budget support, and debt restructuring. It also emphasized addressing food security in crisis situations. 

    The proposed SDG stimulus – of $500 billion a year – was recognized as a game-changer, offering fiscal space and resources, including through SDR rechannelling. 

    Finance was emphasized as a critical component of food systems transformation, along with support of our Multilateral Development Banks in unlocking investments in this field. 

    Given the global context riddled with challenges of rising living costs, social inequalities, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, we will need all hands on deck to reach food systems transformations with the impact to advance on the 2030 Agenda. 

    Now, in just over five months, Addis Ababa will host the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake. 

    We are grateful to the Government of Ethiopia for hosting this important event and for making our commitment to take the second stocktake to a developing country, a reality. Worth noting also is its leadership and extensive work on its policy environment, infrastructure development and the production of food that engages small holder farmers across the country. We are grateful to Italy, which has agreed to co-host, for its legacy and continued leadership and support to food systems transformation. It is important that we see leadership and sustainability of that support at country level.
     
    The Stocktake will be different, it has to be, in response to many of the requests for us to have more focus and impact.

    First, we will be reflecting on progress since 2023, with a Report from the system, but also a shadow report from our stakeholders.

    Second, we will be partnering to track commitments and outcomes through national food systems pathways to accelerate SDG implementation. 

    And third, unlocking investments to sustain and scale transformative initiatives aligned with the SDGs.

    In preparations for the Stocktake, we are committed to an inclusive, cross-sectoral efforts and consultations. 

     We will hold a second briefing in Nairobi next week engaging UN Headquarters in Nairobi, Rome and Geneva. 

    In addition, we will hold five regional briefings, on the margins of the United Nations Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, from March to May. 

    We will also be engaging all our Resident Coordinators in UN Country Teams, at the country level so that they are fully engaged with our member states in bringing to Addis Ababa, the progress and of course, the challenges and opportunities.

    At the same time, we will push progress towards food systems transformation, including through important gatherings this year – the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Spain, UNFCCC COP 30 in Brazil, the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar, and the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in France. 

    These are all critical platforms to drive progress, harness collective action and create new investment opportunities.

    As Member States, you are at the forefront of this transformation. Your leadership and coordination will be instrumental in ensuring that the Stocktake inspires real action at the national level.

    The United Nations is with you –committed to creating sustainable, inclusive, healthy and resilient food systems everywhere, across all our regions, reaching everyone.

    We thank you for this important opportunity that will help us to shape the Stocktake in Addis Ababa in July. 
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Reintroduces Legislation to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying American Farmland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    Legislation would prohibit the sale of agricultural land to Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia 
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) reintroduced the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, which would prohibit the sale of U.S. agricultural land to any individual or entity tied to the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia. The legislation follows Senator Tuberville’s recent reintroduction of the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act to better vet foreign purchases of America’s farmland.
    1819 News first reported the reintroduction of the bill. 
    “For too long, we’ve sat by while foreign nations have been trying to take over our nation’s agricultural industry,” said Senator Tuberville. “Our adversaries are always looking for any way to get their foot in the door and jeopardize our national security—including our agricultural assets. There’s no reason why foreign adversaries should be allowed to buy American farmland. Not only is it dangerous for our farmers, but it’s disastrous for our national security. It’s past time to take action to protect our American farmers and consumers from threats to our food security. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Banks, and will continue fighting to protect America’s farmland and put our farmers and producers first.”
    “Food security is national security. Leaving America’s basic needs vulnerable to extortion by foreign control is not an option,” said Senator Banks. “This bill prevents foreign adversaries, including communist China, from owning American farmland in Indiana and across the U.S.—a no-brainer. Proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Tuberville and Rep. Strong.”
    U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL-05) also introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “Chinese investment in U.S. farmland, much of which is in close proximity to sensitive national security sites, presents an enormous threat not only to our food, fiber, and fuel markets but also to our national security. As the CCP, Iran, Russia, and North Korea look to exploit weaknesses in our free and open society, it is our responsibility to ensure that the American people are protected against those who seek to undermine our national interest,” said Congressman Strong. 
    Specifically, the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act would:
    Restrict foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land, forests, and timberland by Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
    Prohibit participation in certain USDA programs for individuals from Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
    Close loopholes to ensure adequate reporting of foreign owned U.S. agricultural land,
    Establish a federal tax lien if a violation occurs and amend civil penalties,
    Establish more in-depth public data sets through online database,
    Require U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of National Intelligence (DNI), and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit individual reports to Congress.
    Read the bill or learn more here.
    BACKGROUND
    Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security and ability to survive. Senator Tuberville has long been a vocal critic of foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Tuberville has been sounding the alarm about foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain.
    According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly increased from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an annual average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres. Alabama has the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned agricultural land in the United States, with 2.2 million acres, most of which is forestland.
    Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville reintroduced the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) acknowledges the importance of our agricultural industry and supply chains by adding the Secretary of Agriculture as a permanent member of the committee. Currently, CFIUS does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses. 
    MORE:
    Tuberville Continues Efforts to Secure America’s Farmland from Foreign Adversaries
    Tuberville Continues Fighting Foreign Influence in American Agriculture
    Second Democrat Ag Secretary Endorses Central Provision in Tuberville’s FARM Act
    Biden Ag Secretary Endorses Central Part of Tuberville’s FARM Act
    Tuberville Continues Push to Combat Chinese Influence in U.S. Agriculture 
    Tuberville, Jackson Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Protect Ag Industry from Foreign Interference
    Tuberville Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying U.S. Farmland
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Missouri Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by November Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced that low‑interest federal disaster loans are available to Missouri businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred Nov. 3‑9, 2024. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Kehoe on Feb. 14, 2025.

    The disaster declaration covers Pulaski County.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations 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 small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to 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.

    SBA has established a virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) where customer service representatives will be on hand to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their electronic loan application. Applicants may call or email as indicated below.

    Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Monday – Friday
    8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PT
    FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
    (916) 735-1531

    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.

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is April 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 18, 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 New Zealand: Real change boosts farmer confidence, but Paris commitments still cause concern

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Agriculture spokesperson Mark Cameron is welcoming Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey, which shows farmer confidence has jumped to a 10-year high, but says there is more work to be done – including resolving challenges posed by our climate commitments.

    “Finally, we’ve got a Government committed to letting farmers farm, and it’s clear the real change ACT is resonating with rural New Zealand.

    “We’ve reined in waste and refocused the Reserve Bank on tackling inflation to bring interest rates down. We’ve kept agriculture out of the Emissions Trading Scheme and axed Labour’s anti-farmer policies including the ute tax and new resource management regime,” says Mr Cameron.

    “The progress is good, but farmers still deserve better. More work is underway to cut rural red tape, such as the repeal and replacement of the RMA that puts property rights first, so farmers can farm without having to worry about vacuous concepts like the mana and mauri of the water. The work I’m leading on the rural banking inquiry will ascertain exactly why farmers are getting a raw deal and how much woke banking practices have to do with it.

    “The Farm Confidence Survey shows climate policy has farmers increasingly on edge. This reflects what farmers are telling me. The Paris Agreement requires us to sign up to increasing costly targets, prime rural land gets covered in pine trees, farmers get lumped with new bills and red tape.

    “People need to eat, they need their baby formula, and if we shut down efficient Kiwi farms, that production will just be shifted offshore to countries that are less efficient. How’s that good for the environment? It’s a nonsense.

    “Rural New Zealand deserves an honest conversation about what these targets mean, how much they’ll cost, and the implications if we were to consider withdrawing. Resolving these questions would do a great deal to lift confidence higher.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Provides Opening Remarks at NOFA’s Winter Conference 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) delivered remarks to a gathering of over 300 organic farmers and food businesses at the Northeast Organic Farmers’ Association of Vermont’s (NOFA-VT) annual winter conference this weekend.  
    “Vermont was an early pioneer of organic farming, and our organic farmers and producers remain crucial to our economy. Last year, I was proud to work across the aisle and secure bipartisan provisions in the Farm Bill to support Vermont’s organic industry. But thanks to Elon Musk’s influence, Republicans removed crucial funding for organic programs from the bill at the eleventh hour,” said Senator Welch. “Finding common ground to protect people and industries under threat from the Trump Administration, like our organic farmers and producers, will be vital in the days ahead. I’ll do everything I can to find common ground to support and strengthen our organic farms in Vermont. 
    As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has led efforts to support Vermont’s organic farms and the transition to organics.  
    Senator Welch has introduced several bills to support Vermont’s dairy, organic, and specialty crop farmers; strengthen rural development and infrastructure; increase energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption; improve access to nutrition; strengthen our local food systems and expand markets; and make our communities more resilient to flooding—all of which were included in the Senate’s draft Farm Bill text during the 118th Congress, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. Senator Welch plans to reintroduce many of these bills and policy provisions in the 119th Congress. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ahuwhenua Trophy award finalists

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay and Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka today congratulated the finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy, celebrating excellence in Māori sheep and beef farming. 

    The two finalists for 2025 are Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust and Tawapata South Māori Incorporation Onenui Station.

    “The Ahuwhenua Trophy is a prestigious award celebrating the vital role Māori sheep and beef farmers play in New Zealand’s economy,” Mr McClay says.

    “This year’s finalists exemplify excellence in agribusiness, driving growth in our food and fibre sector while creating jobs in rural communities.

    “Māori agribusiness remains a key part of our rural economy, with sheep and beef operations alone employing over 10,000 Māori across the value chain.” 

    “Their hard work will help achieve the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling New Zealand’s exports by value in 10 years, while meeting the global demand for high-quality, safe and sustainable food and fibre products,” Mr McClay says.

    Mr Potaka says the Ahuwhenua Trophy recognises excellence in farming know-how, as well as the wider role that Māori intergenerational farming entities play in our regional communities and in protecting the environment.

    “Māori agribusiness provides employment and vital reinvestment back into marae, papakāinga, kura and education scholarships.

    “The prosperity and wellbeing farming generates for Iwi and Māori across the motu has far reaching impacts. I tautoko the outstanding work these finalists are doing.” 

    Each Ahuwhenua Trophy finalist will host a field day to demonstrate their farming operations. These field days and a second round of judging will determine the overall winner. The winner will be announced on 6 June in Palmerston North.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rural News – Farmer confidence jumps to 10-year high – Federated Farmers

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years.
    Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have all played a major role in that improvement.
    “I’ve definitely noticed a significant shift in the mood of rural New Zealand. Farmers are feeling a lot more positive,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
    “The last few years have been bloody tough for a lot of our farming families, with falling incomes, rising interest rates and unpaid bills starting to pile up on the kitchen bench.
    “At the same time, we’ve also been struggling with an incredibly challenging regulatory environment and farming rules that haven’t always been practical, affordable or fair.
    “These survey results paint a clear picture of a sector finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as some of that weight is lifted.”
    The January survey shows farmers’ confidence in current general economic conditions has surged from a deeply negative -66% in July 2024 to a net positive score of 2%.
    This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016.
    Meanwhile, a net 23% of farmers now expect better economic conditions over the next year – the highest confidence level since January 2014.
    There has also been a sharp lift in profitability, with 54% of farmers now reporting making a profit – double the number in the last survey six months ago.
    Langford says it’s important to note that, despite confidence being at its highest point in more than a decade, it’s still only just in the positive.
    “It’s been a remarkable recovery in farmer confidence over a short period of time, but I’m very conscious that we were coming off an extremely low base.
    “We’ve come a long way, but there’s a long way to go yet. Federated Farmers will keep pushing hard to cut costs out of farmers’ businesses and reduce some of that regulatory burden.”
    The survey results show regulation and compliance costs remains the greatest concern for farmers, followed by interest rates and banks, and input costs.
    “When it comes to farmer confidence, a lot of it comes down to what’s coming into our bank account, and what’s going out the other side. It’s a simple equation,” Langford says.
    “A lot of that is market driven, and farmers are used to riding those highs and lows, but Government rules and regulations have a significant impact on farmers’ costs.
    “Those compliance costs really can make or break your season and have a significant impact on a farmer’s confidence to keep investing in their business.
    “The Government have made a great start cutting through red tape for farmers and repealing a lot of the most unworkable rules, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
    Interest rates and banking issues have consistently been a top concern for farmers, which is why Federated Farmers fought so hard for a banking inquiry, Langford says.
    “Interest payments are a huge cost for most farming businesses and farmers have been under massive pressure from their banks in recent years.
    “We want to see the Government take a much closer look at our banking system and whether farmers are getting a fair deal from their lenders.”
    The survey shows farmers’ highest priorities for the Government are the economy and business environment, fiscal policy, and reducing regulatory burdens.
    “If the Government are serious about their ambitious growth agenda and doubling exports over the next decade, this is where they need to be focusing their energy,” Langford says.
    “For farmers to have the confidence to invest in our businesses, employ more staff, and grow our economy, we need to have confidence in our direction of travel as a nation too.
    “As a country, we’re never going be able to regulate our way to prosperity, but with the right policy settings, we might just be able to farm our way there.”
    The report’s key findings include:
    – General economic conditions (current): Farmer confidence has surged by 68 points since July 2024, rebounding from a deeply negative -66% to a net positive score of 2%. This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016.
    – General economic conditions (expectations): Optimism is rising, with net expectations increasing by 29 points since January 2024. A net 23% of farmers now anticipate better conditions over the next year-the highest confidence level seen since January 2014.
    – Farm profitability (current): The number of farmers making a profit has doubled since the last survey, with 54% of farmers now reporting a profit-up from just 27%. The net profitability score has surged by 60 points, the strongest turnaround since July 2022.
    – Farm profitability (expectations): Confidence in future profitability continues to climb, with a net 31% of farmers expecting improvement over the next 12 months-a 41-point increase since July 2024. This is the highest forward-looking profitability score since July 2017.
    – Farm production (expectations): A net 16% of farmers expect production to increase in the next year, extending a positive trend. This marks the first time since 2016/17 that there have been three consecutive periods of predicted growth.
    – Farm spending (expectations): Spending intentions have strengthened, with a net 23% of farmers planning to increase spending over the next 12 months-up 26 points from July 2024. This is the strongest expected rise since January 2023.
    – Farm debt (expectations): 41% of farmers plan to reduce their debt in the next year, up from 23% in July 2024. Lower interest rates, improved confidence, and stronger production forecasts are driving this shift.
    – Ability to recruit (experienced): Hiring challenges persist, with a net 16% of respondents reporting difficulty recruiting skilled staff in the past six months, largely unchanged from July 2024. However, this is the least difficult period for recruitment since July 2012.
    – Greatest concerns (current): The top concerns for farmers remain Regulation & Compliance Costs, Debt, Interest & Banks, and Input Costs.
    – Highest government priorities: Farmers want the Government to prioritise the Economy & Business Environment, Fiscal Policy, and reducing Regulatory Burdens. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dairy Sector – Fonterra provides update on Consumer divestment process

    Source: Fonterra

    Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today provided an update on the process to divest its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka.  

    Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the Co-op’s decision to pursue a divestment is grounded in an understanding of where it creates the most value for farmers today and where there’s further room for growth.

    “We are clear on our strategy and have a pathway to grow further value for farmer shareholders and the New Zealand economy through our innovative Foodservice and Ingredients businesses. At the same time, we recognise the responsibility we have to find the right steward for iconic brands such as Anchor , Mainland and Western Star and an ownership structure that allows these businesses to continue to grow.

    “We announced in November 2024 that we are pursuing both a trade sale and Initial Public Offering (IPO) as potential divestment options. Our intention is to thoroughly test the terms and value of both a trade sale and IPO before selecting an option to put to farmer shareholders for a vote. Ahead of that, we are today indicating the next steps that are required in both processes,” says Mr Hurrell.  

    As part of the trade sale process, over the coming weeks Fonterra will be engaging with potential buyers of the Consumer and associated business.  

    Alongside this, as part of preparing for a potential IPO, Fonterra has named key management team members and chosen a corporate brand for the entity if it is to be publicly listed.    

    “Fonterra has chosen Mainland Group as the corporate brand for the group if we are to proceed with an IPO. The Mainland brand has strong New Zealand dairy heritage and is also well known by consumers in New Zealand, Australia and across many of our global markets,” says Mr Hurrell.

    “I’m pleased to share that René Dedoncker has been named as CEO-elect for Mainland Group. René is currently Fonterra’s Managing Director Global Markets Consumer and Foodservice, leading the businesses in scope for divestment. He joined Fonterra in 2005 and has held several global leadership positions during that time. He has led our Australian business since 2017, including through its recent merger with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to form Fonterra Oceania. 

    “We have also appointed Paul Victor as CFO-elect for Mainland Group. Paul has joined Fonterra from ASX-listed Incitec Pivot Limited, where he was Chief Financial Officer. Paul brings more than 30 years of experience, working across functions including finance, treasury, tax, financial planning and analysis, control, M&A, investor relations and IT.

    “René and Paul are very capable leaders with the experience to take these businesses forward into their next phase. Both will lead roadshow meetings with potential investor groups, commencing in March.

    “We recognise the ongoing interest in the divestment process and will provide further updates as we make progress,” says Mr Hurrell.  

    Fonterra’s chosen option will balance:

    • Maximising long term value for farmer shareholders, including the best return on capital invested; 
    • Cementing Fonterra’s competitive advantage in Ingredients and Foodservice; and 
    • Expanding international channels to market for high-quality New Zealand dairy. 

    Fonterra continues to target a significant capital return to be made to farmer shareholders and unit holders following the divestment.

    About Fonterra 

    Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer,foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian Man Guilty of Access Device Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced that DORU ADAMESC, a/k/a “Petru Golban,” (“ADAMESC”), age 32, a national of Romania, pled guilty on February 13, 2025 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).

    According to court documents, on May 19, 2024 and May 20, 2024, ADAMESC, and a co-conspirator, purchased items at retail establishments so that they could approach the credit card reading machines.  ADAMESC’s co-conspirator then distracted the cashiers while ADAMESC covertly installed card skimmers on the credit card reading machines.  ADAMESC was arrested on June 5, 2024, when he returned to one of the stores to attempt to retrieve a skimming device.  A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of two large magnets, commonly used to activate the Bluetooth capabilities on skimming devices.  ADAMESC’s cellular phones were seized; one phone contained a photo of approximately 60 gift cards spread out on a counter.  Such gift cards are typically re-encoded with stolen card numbers in order to make fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.

    Law enforcement officers also seized six credit card skimmers before ADAMESC was able to retrieve them.  These skimmers captured approximately 421 credit, debit, and Electronic Benefit Transfer (“EBT”) cards.

    ADAMESC faces up to 7.5 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.  Sentencing before Chief Judge Brown has been scheduled for May 22, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Special Agents of the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; Special Agents with the United States Secret Service; Deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; Deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; Deputies with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Officers of the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Joins Fischer, Duckworth and Colleagues to Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make E15 Available Year-Round

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and 11 other Senators to introduce bipartisan legislation to make E15 available year-round. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 would enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent, helping to lower fuel prices and provide certainty in fuel markets for farmers and consumers.

    “I have long pushed to make E15 available year-round because investing in affordable, readily-available biofuels produced in the U.S. is good for drivers and farmers alike,” said Klobuchar. “By ensuring consumers can access E15 gasoline throughout the year, our bipartisan legislation will lower prices at the pump, support farmers, benefit our broader economy, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It’s critical that we diversify our fuel supply and invest in affordable energy solutions. I look forward to working with Senators Fischer and Duckworth to pass this bipartisan bill.”

    “It’s time to once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. My bill will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as with President Trump, to get this bill signed into law,” said Fischer.

    “For our country to remain a global energy leader, we must continue to invest in renewable and clean energy so we can decrease our emissions and dependence on foreign oil,” said Duckworth. “Producing less expensive fuel choices like E15 that can be sold year-round would help lower gas prices, protect the environment, support our farmers and drive economic opportunity throughout the Midwest. I’m proud to join Senator Fischer in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation that would do just that.”

    Additional cosponsors of this bipartisan bill include U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Thune (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Mike Rounds (R-SD). Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) lead companion legislation in the House.

    Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, American Petroleum Institute, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmer Union, and National Association of Convenience Stores endorsed the legislation.

    Klobuchar has long been a strong advocate for investing in renewable fuel infrastructure, increasing American biofuel production, and upholding the Clean Air Act’s RFS.

    In 2023, Klobuchar and Grassley led a bipartisan letter urging the EPA to strengthen the RFS by maintaining the blending requirements for 2023; denying all pending Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs); eliminating proposed retroactive cuts to the renewable volume obligations (RVOs); and setting RFS volumes at the statutory levels.

    In February 2024, Klobuchar and Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led a group of 40 bipartisan members of Congress urging the Biden Administration to act quickly to ensure that the model used to determine eligibility for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) tax credits unlocks the potential held by farmers, ethanol producers, and airlines to reduce carbon emissions from aviation. 

    In January 2024, Klobuchar, along with Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL.) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Farm to Fly Act. This legislation would help accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and allow further growth for alternative fuels to be used in the aviation sector, creating new markets for American farmers.

    In June 2021, Klobuchar announced the introduction of a package of bipartisan bills to expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels, incentivize the use of higher blends of biofuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    In 2021, Klobuchar and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CDPQ to sell 2,500,000 common shares of Intact Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTRÉAL, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CDPQ today announced its intention to sell 2,500,000 common shares of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC), representing approximately 1.4% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Intact as of February 18, 2025.

    The common shares are being sold at a gross price of $278.60 per share, which has been underwritten by CIBC Capital Markets and National Bank Financial. CDPQ expects to receive gross cash proceeds of approximately $696,500,000 from the offering.

    This transaction is part of CDPQ’s regular portfolio rebalancing. Once the transaction is complete, CDPQ will own approximately 6.6% of Intact’s issued and outstanding common shares, remaining its largest shareholder and Intact continuing as one of CDPQ’s largest holdings in the public markets.

    “CDPQ has been a major shareholder of Intact for over fifteen years, during which time our investment in the company has generated significant returns for our depositors,” said Vincent Delisle, Executive Vice-President and Head of Liquid Markets at CDPQ. “This transaction allows us to monetize a portion of these returns while retaining significant ownership in the company, based on our confidence in Intact’s growth prospects, including through several strategic operations based and managed in Québec.”

    “CDPQ continues to be a valued partner in Intact’s evolution as a leading global P&C insurer. This transaction enables a significant gain on a portion of one of their largest investments while remaining able to support our growth ambitions,” said Ken Anderson, Executive Vice President and CFO, Intact Financial Corporation. “We have delivered an annualized total shareholder return of 15% over the last 10 years, and we remain well positioned to sustain our track record of outperformance, given the strength of our platforms, our talented team and our clear strategic roadmap.”

    ABOUT CDPQ
    At CDPQ, we invest constructively to generate sustainable returns over the long term. As a global investment group managing funds for public pension and insurance plans, we work alongside our partners to build enterprises that drive performance and progress. We are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at June 30, 2024, CDPQ’s net assets totalled CAD 452 billion. For more information, visit cdpq.com, consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages, or follow us on X.

    CDPQ is a registered trademark owned by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and licensed for use by its subsidiaries. 

    ABOUT INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider of Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada, a leading Specialty lines insurer with international expertise and a leader in Commercial lines in the UK and Ireland. The business has grown organically and through acquisitions to almost $24 billion of total annual operating direct premiums written (DPW).

    In Canada, Intact distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through agencies and a wide network of brokers, including its wholly owned subsidiary BrokerLink. Intact also distributes directly to consumers through the belairdirect brand and affinity partnerships. Additionally, Intact provides exclusive and tailored offerings to high-net-worth customers through Intact Prestige. In the US, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions provides a range of Specialty insurance products and services through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies. Across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, Intact provides Personal, Commercial and/or Specialty insurance solutions through the RSA, 123.ie, NIG and FarmWeb brands.

    For more information
    CDPQ Media Relations Team
    + 1 514 847-5493
    medias@cdpq.com

    Caroline Audet
    Manager, Media Relations and Public Affairs, Intact Financial
    416 227-7905 / 514 985-7165
    media@intact.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Calls on Trump Administration to Contain Avian Flu, Protect Farmers and Consumers From Price Hikes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on President Trump to quickly develop a plan to contain the avian flu outbreak that is devastating the nation’s poultry flocks and dairy herds and driving egg costs to reach record highs. Baldwin’s letter follows the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) refusing to provide updated information to the public and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) failing to publish the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) for the first time in decades due to the pause on all public health communications.

    “In the last 30 days, 22.43 million birds, including 153 total poultry flocks, have been affected by avian flu. Last week, the average wholesale price for large, white shell eggs reached $8 a dozen, a 218 percent increase from the $2.51 average consumers were paying in December 2023. The number of avian flu detections, and increases in egg prices, are far surpassing previous records and will not slow down anytime soon unless your Administration commits to a robust response,” said Senator Baldwin.

    Senator Baldwin has long led in supporting the agriculture community and consumers from the impacts of avian flu outbreaks. In February 2023, she called on the Biden Administration to take swift action to address the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza and use the resources she helped pass in government funding bills to address the situation. In April 2024, Senator Baldwin pushed the Biden administration to quickly deploy additional resources to contain the spread of the ongoing avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle. In May 2024, she called on the United States Department of Agriculture to strengthen interagency coordination to continue to provide the public and state agencies with coordinated, up-to-date and accurate information on the spread of HPAI, particularly around the safety of the U.S. commercial milk or meat supply, and the risk to farmworker health.

    “Your Administration is responsible for ensuring that data and available resources reach stakeholders on the ground responding to the outbreak. When the CDC, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) coordinate with each other and their counterparts across the country, stakeholders working on the ground can make informed decisions. The CDC and USDA, specifically, should prioritize communicating and deploying resources to farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians to strengthen biosecurity measures that protect workers and livestock. Without these measures in place, we will not be able to contain the spread of the virus, further exacerbating the risk to our nation’s farmers and driving up food costs,” Baldwin continued.

    The full letter is available here and below.

    Dear Mr. President:

    I write regarding the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak that is devastating our nation’s poultry flocks and dairy herds. The outbreak is putting a strain on the livelihoods of American farmers and driving up prices for consumers. I ask that you task your Administration with creating and announcing a plan to contain the virus through robust agency engagement and coordination with stakeholders.

    In the last 30 days, 22.43 million birds, including 153 total poultry flocks, have been affected by avian flu. Last week, the average wholesale price for large, white shell eggs reached $8 a dozen, a 218 percent increase from the $2.51 average consumers were paying in December 2023. The number of avian flu detections, and increases in egg prices, are far surpassing previous records and will not slow down anytime soon unless your Administration commits to a robust response.

    In the first few weeks of your Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) refused to provide updated information to the public on HPAI. For the first time in decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) failed to publish the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), including data on the HPAI outbreak, due to the pause on all public health communications. While I am relieved that the CDC has now resumed releasing the reports, I am alarmed by the message your Administration is sending to the public: that avian flu is not a priority.

    The HPAI MMWR released this week suggests that the disease is capable of spreading undetected to humans, and that it is more prevalent than we previously understood. Now is not the time to delay federal guidance and funding for research, biosecurity, and testing, yet I am hearing directly from Wisconsinites concerned about their access to federal resources. Farmers, veterinarians, food processors, and local health officials are seeking federal leadership on the outbreak, and I request that your Administration execute a plan that includes these stakeholders in the avian flu response.

    Your Administration is responsible for ensuring that data and available resources reach stakeholders on the ground responding to the outbreak. When the CDC, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) coordinate with each other and their counterparts across the country, stakeholders working on the ground can make informed decisions. The CDC and USDA, specifically, should prioritize communicating and deploying resources to farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians to strengthen biosecurity measures that protect workers and livestock. Without these measures in place, we will not be able to contain the spread of the virus, further exacerbating the risk to our nation’s farmers and driving up food costs.

    The FDA must be an active partner in addressing the outbreak, including continuing research and publishing guidance on the HPAI outbreak. I hope your Administration will continue FDA funding for the Animal and Veterinary Innovation Center that is tasked with studying the virus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. FDA should also prioritize its duty to keep consumers safe by enforcing the current rigorous food safety protocols, including pasteurization of dairy and egg products. In doing so, your Administration will reduce the risk to the public’s safety and safeguard their confidence in the nation’s food supply.

    Over the last few years, I pressed the Biden Administration to address the avian flu outbreak that began in early 2022. I weighed in with Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Beccera, and I plan to do the same with Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rollins.  Again, I request that your Administration prioritize its response to the HPAI outbreak, and I look forward to working with you on this issue.

                   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects nearly $3.5 Million in Debts Owed to Federal Victims of Crime and the United States in Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SIOUX FALLS – U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota collected $3,496,288.47 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $1,584,408.91 was collected in criminal actions and $1,911,879.56 was collected in civil actions. The District of South Dakota office worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices elsewhere in the country and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $775,964.79. Excluded from these totals are significant recoveries obtained at the end of Calendar Year 2024, such as the $12.7M settlement to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes Surgical Hospital and two physician groups, and the $1.4M paid toward restitution in a pandemic fraud prosecution.

    “Ensuring the collection of federal debt restores justice to victims of crime and reinforces the integrity of our governmental institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell.

    In addition to filing 14 new garnishment actions, the Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office closed 44 civil and criminal restitution cases where the federal debt or victims were paid in full. For example, in a civil case involving the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Financial Litigation Unit recovered $52,561.75 from a borrower who sold calves in violation of his loan agreement with a local bank. In a criminal case arising from a wire fraud conviction, the same Financial Litigation Unit recovered $36,773.79 from an inheritance the defendant received while in custody, thus providing a substantial recovery to the victims of the defendant’s wire fraud. 

    United States Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department of Justice’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates India’s First “Open-Air Art Wall Museum” at Mausam Bhawan depicting and celebrating the 150 years of milestone journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates India’s First “Open-Air Art Wall Museum” at Mausam Bhawan depicting and celebrating the 150 years of milestone journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

    Mausam Bhawan Art Showcase 38 Murals Depicting IMD’s Meteorological Legacy and Impact

    Union Minister Hails IMD’s 150-Year Legacy, Unveils Artistic Tribute to Weather Science

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

     Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh  inaugurated India’s first “Open Air Art Wall Museum” a unique open-air art museum at “Mausam Bhawan” today, depicting and celebrating the 150 years of milestone journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    The initiative, developed in collaboration with “Delhi Street Art”, transforms the walls of IMD’s headquarters on Lodhi Road into a vibrant visual narrative of India’s meteorological advancements, history, and the impact of weather science on society.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the IMD’s enduring contribution to India’s socio-economic development by providing timely and accurate weather forecasts. “For 150 years, the India Meteorological Department has stood at the forefront of meteorological research, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address the challenges of a dynamic climate. This artistic endeavor further extends IMD’s outreach by visually engaging the public with the story of weather science,” he said.

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh speaking after inaugurating India’s first “Open Air Art Museum” at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi.

    The “Mausam Bhawan” special art showcase features 38 unique murals depicting India’s meteorological history, the evolution of weather forecasting, and its impact on agriculture, disaster management, and everyday life. The artwork illustrates crucial meteorological events, advancements in technology such as satellites and radars, and the role of IMD in safeguarding lives through early warnings for cyclones, monsoons, and extreme weather conditions.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the creativity of Delhi Street Art and its founder Late Yogesh Saini, whose vision transformed public spaces into artistic expressions. “Art is a powerful medium, and this project beautifully bridges science and creativity to communicate complex meteorological phenomena in a way that resonates with people of all ages,” he added.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that IMD’s pioneering efforts in meteorology have not only contributed to disaster risk reduction but have also played a crucial role in enhancing economic activities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and marine industries. “The accuracy and timeliness of IMD’s forecasts have empowered farmers, fishermen, and policymakers to make informed decisions, reinforcing India’s resilience against climate uncertainties,” he noted.

    Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, highlighted that the artistic initiative reflects IMD’s innovative approach to public engagement. “By presenting scientific knowledge through art, we can foster greater awareness about the significance of meteorology in daily life,” he said.

    The murals also pay tribute to India’s literary and cultural heritage by incorporating historical references such as Kalidasa’sMeghaduta and the legendary musical prowess of Tansen, who is believed to have influenced weather with his ragas. Other panels depict India’s diverse climatic zones, weather-related safety guidelines, and the scientific evolution of meteorology.

    Mayuri Saini, Director of Delhi Street Art, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to IMD’s legacy. “This project is more than just an art installation; it is a tribute to the journey of IMD and its impact on every citizen’s life. It also honors the memory of our founder, Mr. Yogesh Saini, whose passion for transforming urban landscapes through art continues to inspire us.”

    Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the government remains committed to strengthening India’s meteorological capabilities with continued investments in research, technology, and infrastructure. He acknowledged the efforts of IMD’s scientists and the artistic team in creating an initiative that not only educates but also inspires.

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    NKR/PSM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bharat Tex 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Bharat Tex 2025

    Revolutionizing Fashion, Sustainability, and Innovation

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 6:18PM by PIB Delhi

    World is adopting the vision of Fashion for Environment and Empowerment, and India can lead the way in this regard.
     –     Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

     

    Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, was successfully organized from February 14 to 17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event spanned 2.2 million square feet and featured over 5,000 exhibitors, providing a comprehensive showcase of India’s textile ecosystem. More than 1,20,000 trade visitors, from 120+ countries including global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, attended the event.

    Bharat Tex 2025 served as a platform to accelerate the government’s “Farm to Fibre, Fabric, Fashion, and Foreign Markets” vision. India’s textile exports have already reached ₹3 lakh crore, and the goal is to triple this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030 by strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding global reach. The event demonstrated India’s leadership in the textile sector and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.

    Defining Achievements of Bharat Tex 2025

     

    India’s Textile Industry: A Key Driver of Economic Growth

    India is the sixth-largest exporter of textiles globally, contributing 8.21% to the country’s total exports in 2023-24. The sector holds a 4.5% share in global trade, with the United States and European Union accounting for 47% of India’s textile and apparel exports.

    From an employment perspective, the textile industry provides direct employment to over 45 million people and supports the livelihoods of over 100 million individuals indirectly, including a large proportion of women and rural workers. It aligns with key government initiatives such as Make in India, Skill India, Women Empowerment, and Rural Youth Employment, reinforcing its role in inclusive economic development.

    The government’s focus on increasing textile manufacturing, modernizing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and upgrading technology has strengthened India’s position as a global textile hub. Bharat Tex 2025 provided a platform to showcase these advancements while promoting sustainable and high-value textile production.

    Supportive Policy Framework

    Vested by forward-thinking government initiatives, the Indian textile sector is set to spin a remarkable tale of innovation, fortitude, and economic flourishing in the years to come. With the support of proactive policies, the industry is primed to unleash creative potential, demonstrate resilience, drive economic growth etc.

    1. Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme
    Creating an Integrated Textiles Value Chain
    7 mega textile parks with an expected investment of USD 10 Bn are being set up with world class infrastructure, plug and play facilities and an integrated ecosystem.

    2. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
    Boosting manufacturing of MMF fabrics, Apparel & Technical Textiles
    Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme with approved incentives of INR 10,683 crore (~USD 1 Bn) to promote production of MMF Apparel, MMF Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles

    3. Samarth
    Building Capacity, addressing skill gaps in the textile value chain
    The scheme is a demand-driven and placement-oriented program across the textile value chain. In addition, various States have their own skilling/training support schemes.

    4. National Technical Education, Training
    Promoting Technical Textiles – towards USD 300 Bn by 2047
    National Mission to support and promote Research, Innovation and Development, Education Training, Skill development and Market Development in Technical Textiles

    5. Liberal State Policies
    Generous support & incentives by State Governments / Union Territories – Capital support, wage and skilling incentives, power and water support

    To boost the textile industry, the Ministry of Textiles, in the 10th Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) meeting, approved four Start-Ups under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ scheme, granting each INR 50 Lakhs for innovations in Medical, Industrial, and Protective Textiles. Additionally, three educational institutes, including IIT Indore and NIT Patna, received INR 6.5 Crores to introduce specialized courses in Geotextiles, Geosynthetics, and Sports Textiles, aiming to strengthen technical expertise in the sector. Further, 12 Skill Development Courses in Medical, Protective, Mobile, and Agriculture Textiles, developed by SITRA, NITRA, and SASMIRA, were approved to provide industry-focused training across the textile value chain.

    Global Textiles redefined from India to the World

    Bharat Tex 2025 is where India’s rich textile heritage meets modern innovation, setting the stage for global textile leadership. As the world’s youngest and largest global textile show, it’s a platform for forging partnerships and driving economic growth.

    It serves as a premier platform for industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, and innovators, bringing together key stakeholders from across the textile sector. The event facilitates collaboration among manufacturers, exporters, and importers, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their expertise, cutting-edge innovations, and latest collections to a global audience.

     

    Focused Zones for Focused Business

    Intelligent Manufacturing

    Intelligent manufacturing is revolutionizing the textile industry by integrating advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation. This transformation leverages automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics to modernize traditional textile production processes.

    Technical Textile

    Technical textiles are revolutionizing the textile industry in India by offering innovative solutions across various sectors. These specialized fabrics are designed for specific performance attributes and applications, ranging from automotive and aerospace to healthcare and construction. With a growing emphasis on technology and research, India is positioning itself as a global leader in this field, leveraging its strong textile heritage and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

    Home Textile

    India’s home textile sector is known for its rich traditions and craftsmanship, with various regions specializing in unique textile techniques and patterns. Gujarat is renowned for its vibrant and intricate embroidery, while Kashmir is famous for its luxurious woollen shawls and rugs. This diversity reflects India’s extensive heritage and expertise in textile production.
     

       

    Fabrics

    India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of fabrics, catering to both domestic and international markets. The sector is characterized by a mix of large-scale industrial manufacturing and small-scale artisanal production, reflecting a vibrant tapestry of innovation and tradition. Major fabric hubs in the country include Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and West Bengal, each known for its unique textile specialties.

     

    Apparel & Fashion

    In India, the apparel and fashion industry is a major economic driver, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The country is renowned for its rich heritage in textiles and traditional craftsmanship, including intricate handloom fabrics, embroidery, and dyeing techniques. India’s apparel sector is characterized by a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary styles, catering to diverse consumer preferences both domestically and internationally.

    Handloom

    India’s handloom sector is renowned for its variety of textiles, including intricate saris, shawls, scarves, and other woven items. Each region of India boasts distinct handloom traditions and techniques. For example, the Banarasi silk from Varanasi, the Kanjeevaram silk from Tamil Nadu, and the Jamdani from West Bengal are highly esteemed for their quality and craftsmanship. These textiles often feature elaborate patterns, vibrant colors, and traditional motifs, making them highly sought after both domestically and internationally.

    Handicrafts & Carpets

    The handicraft and carpets sector in India is a vibrant and culturally significant component of the country’s artisan economy, renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. This sector encompasses a wide range of products, from intricate handcrafted textiles and decorative artifacts to exquisite hand-knotted carpets. Each region in India contributes its unique traditions and techniques, resulting in a diverse array of products that reflect the country’s artistic diversity.

    A key attraction of the event was “Indie Haat,” held from February 12 to 18, 2025, at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, New Delhi. It showcased over 80 different types of handcrafted and handwoven products, created by 85 artisans and weavers from various states. Indie Haat underscored India’s vast handloom and handicraft traditions, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting rural artisans.

    Breathing Threads: Fashion Show at Bharat Tex 2025

    The office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India organized a fashion event titled “Breathing Threads” to feel the pulse of craftsmanship, honour a living legacy, and witness the timeless elegance of Indian handlooms in modern silhouettes.

    The beauty of handloom and the brand’s mission align with sustainability and a zero-waste strategy, reflecting the living habits of Indian villages. The event attracted international buyers and key stakeholders, reinforcing India’s potential in sustainable fashion and craftsmanship.

     

     

    Bharat Tex 2024: A Landmark Event

    Bharat Tex 2024 set the stage for India’s emergence as a global textile powerhouse, bringing together 3,500+ exhibitors, 3,000+ overseas buyers, and over 1,00,000 visitors from across the world. Covering an expansive 2 lakh sq. meters, Bharat Tex 2024 featured 50+ knowledge sessions, fostering discussions on global trade, innovation, and industry transformation.

    The event played a pivotal role in reinforcing India’s position as a key player in the global textile supply chain. Its success laid a strong foundation for Bharat Tex 2025, which scaled new heights in exhibitor participation, international collaboration, and industry impact.

    Weaving Tomorrow: India’s Textile Revolution

    Embodied in a vibrant tapestry of timeless craftsmanship and pioneering innovation, the Indian textile industry stands at the threshold of a resplendent future. With each passing year, it continues to evolve—leveraging cutting-edge technology, embracing sustainability, and setting global trends.

    As it forges ahead, the industry is not only preserving its rich heritage but also redefining excellence through research-driven advancements and digital integration. With a strong commitment to sustainability and a vision for global leadership, India’s textile sector is poised to shape the future of fashion, technical textiles, and intelligent manufacturing, reinforcing its position as a key driver of economic growth and innovation on the world stage.

    References

     

    Click here to see PDF:

    Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to inaugurate 77th Session of Executive Committee of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization in New Delhi tomorrow

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be inaugurated the 77th Session of the Executive Committee (EC-77) of African-Asian Rural Development Organization in New Delhi tomorrow. The 77th Session of the Executive Committee is being organised by its headquarters in New Delhi from 19-20 February 2025 with the support of Government of India. It will be attended by the Secretary/Permanent Secretary/senior officers of AARDO member countries from Asia and Africa nominated by their governments. From India, the Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development is the member of the Executive Committee.

    The EC-77, among others, will propose the names of the President and two Vice Presidents, one each from Asia and Africa to the 21stGeneral Session of AARDO Conference for the triennium 2025-2027 for consideration. It will also recommend the Work Programme and Budget Estimates for consideration of the 21stAARDO Conference. The EC-77 will approve the enrolment of new members in AARDO and 25 new MOUs that AARDO has signed with other organizations. The EC-77 will review the Human Resource Development Programme, Development Pilot Projects and activities of AARDO’s six (6) Regional Offices for the period May 2023 – October 2024. It will also adopt reports of AARDO’s Liaison Committee: 80th– 83rdSession and follow up actions taken thereof. The EC-77 will review membership contribution and consider proposing enhancement in the membership contribution to the 21stAARDO Conference for the triennium 2025-2027.

    The EC-77 will be a pre-AARDO Conference meeting at the same venue, where 21stGeneral Session of AARDO Conference will be held in New Delhi, India. Immediately after conclusion of the AARDO Conference, 78thSession of Executive Committee will be held on 25thFebruary 2025.

    The Executive Committee, consisting of President and two Vice Presidents, one each from Asia and Africa and ten members, five each from Asia and Africa, meets once a year and deals with all matters entrusted to it by the AARDO Conference.

    African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO), one of the the earliest examples of South-South and Triangular cooperation in the fields of agriculture and rural development in the African-Asian region, established in 1962, is an autonomous inter-governmental/multilateral organisation, comprising 32 country governments of Africa and Asia as full members and 3 associate members. The organization has been given the status of international organisation by the Government of India, at par with other UN organisations in India.

    AARDO implements its activities at organisational and technical level. Under the organizational level, AARDO secretariat organises governing body meetings, conducts Member Relations and supervises its six Regional Offices located, 3 each in Africa and Asia. The technical activities encompass human resource development (HRD) programmes, development pilot project, technology-based transformation, collaboration with international and regional organisations and information dissemination.

    The annual financial contribution by the members is the main source to run the activities of the Organization.  Besides, the member countries contribute in organising technical activities in their own countries. Important among these countries are Bangladesh, Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, India, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, Zambia etc.

    So far, seventy-six (76) Sessions of Executive Committee have been hosted by the member countries/AARDO Secretariat. The last Session was hosted by the Government of Republic of Zambia in June 2023.

    The Government of India has been supporting AARDO from the very beginning with numerous initiatives from time to time. India is host to the AARDO Secretariat by way of providing a permanent building in New Delhi for which recently, substantial financial assistance has been extended for major renovation of the building.

     

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    MG/RN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Celebrating a Decade of Soil Health Cards

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Celebrating a Decade of Soil Health Cards

    Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February, 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. The scheme was launched to assist State Governments to issue soil health cards to all farmers in the country. Soil health card provides information to farmers on nutrient status of their soil along with recommendation on appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and its fertility.

    The Soil Health Card Portal (www.soilhealth.dac.gov.in) facilitates generation of Soil Health Cards for the benefit of farmers in uniform and standardized format across country in all major languages and 5 dialects.

    The Soil Health Card contains status of the soil with respect to 12 parameters, namely N,P,K, S (Macro-nutrients); Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro – nutrients) ; and pH (Acidity or Basicity), EC (Electrical Conductivity) and OC (Organic Carbon).

    Based on this, the card will also indicate fertilizer recommendations and soil amendment required for the farm. Soil Samples are taken generally two times in a year, after harvesting of Rabi and Kharif Crop respectively or when there is no standing crop in the field.

    The Guideline of Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) was issued in June 2023. VLSTLs can be set up by individual entrepreneurs i.e. rural youth and community based entrepreneurs, including Self Help Groups (SHGs), Schools, Agriculture Universities etc. The beneficiary/village level entrepreneur should be a youth whose age should not be below 18 years and should not be more than 27 years. Self Help Groups, Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) can also be enrolled as VLSTL.

    As of February 2025, 665 Village-level Soil Testing Labs have been established in 17 States.

    School Soil Health Programme

    A pilot project on School Soil Health Programme has been undertaken by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in (DA&FW) collaboration with Department of School Education & Literacy (DSE&L), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Governments in 20 schools (10 Kendriya Vidyalaya & 10 Navodaya Vidyalaya) in rural areas. The aim is to make students aware about soil health for sustainable agriculture practices. 20 soil health labs were set up in these schools. Modules for students from class VI to XII and teachers were developed and disseminated. Under the programme, soil samples were collected by School Students and soil testing were also done by students and SHCs were generated Students also educated farmers about the recommendation of Soil health card for judicious use of fertilizer and crop recommendation.

    As of 2024, 1020 schools are implementing the School Soil Health Programme, with 1000 soil testing labs set up and 125,972 students enrolled.

    Soil Health Card scheme has been merged in Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme as one of its components under the name ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ from the year 2022-23.

    Technological Advancements

    SHC Mobile App–

    To further ease the process of obtaining easy access to the Soil Health Card, the Government of India in 2023 made technological interventions in the New Soil Health Card Scheme. The Soil Health Card portal was revamped and integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) system so that all the test results are captured and seen on a map. To make the implementation/monitoring of the scheme smooth and to facilitate farmers an easy access to his soil health card, the mobile application has been made robust with the additional features such as:

    • Restrict the sample collection region for the Village Level Entrepreneur/Operator collecting the soil samples
    • Auto selection of the latitude and longitude of the location
    • Generation of a QR code to link with the sample and test results of all samples directly on the portal from the geo-mapped labs, without any manual intervention.

    This application provides the graphical information of all over the India and also shows multiple layers State Boundary, District Boundary, Taluka Boundary, Panchayat Boundary and Cadastral Boundary.

    The new system was rolled out in April 2023 and samples are now being collected through the mobile application. Soil Health Cards are now generated on this revamped portal.

    For digitizing the Soil Health Cards, Web based work flow application Soil Health Card portal has been designed and developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC).

    Conclusion

    The Soil Health Card Scheme has transformed agricultural practices in India over the past decade. Since 2015, it has empowered farmers with crucial information on soil nutrient status and optimal fertilizer use, promoting sustainable farming and improved crop productivity. Initiatives like the School Soil Health Programme have expanded soil health awareness among students and local communities. With a robust mobile app, the process of obtaining a Soil Health Card has enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and transparency. As the scheme evolves, it continues to play a vital role in fostering sustainable agricultural development and safeguarding India’s soil health for future generations.

    References:

    Kindlty find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Congratulate Rwanda on Number of New Jobs Created, Ask Questions on Women’s Political Representation and Recognising the Cultures of Rwanda’s Different Ethnic Groups

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its review of the fifth periodic report of Rwanda, with Committee Experts commending the State on the number of new jobs created, while raising questions about women’s political representation and how Rwanda recognised the cultures of its different ethnic groups. 

    Preeti Saran, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, was impressed with some of the figures shared, including seven per cent gross domestic product growth and 1.3 million jobs created.  These were commendable and Rwanda should be congratulated.   

    Peters Sunday Omologbe Emuze, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, said Rwanda had made significant progress in gender equality, and especially women’s political representation.  What steps were being taken to increase women’s representation in local administration and the private sector? How was the gender pay gap addressed? What was being done to combat discrimination against women and stereotypes? 

    Ms. Saran said each ethnic group in Rwanda had a rich cultural heritage.  For the sake of national unity and reconciliation, if everyone was being referred to as Rwandan, how did the State propagate the cultural richness of the population?   Rwanda had been extremely welcoming to refugees from all over the world, who brought their own specific languages and cultures.  What measures had the State party taken to ensure equal cultural rights for ethnic groups that had come as aliens, refugees or asylum seekers? 

    The delegation said over the years, Rwanda had implemented measures to achieve gender equality, particularly in Parliament, where it was around 63 per cent in the Chamber of Deputies and around 53 per cent in the Senate.  Quotas were in place which mandated that a minimum of 30 per cent of leaders should be women.  When the issue of equality was dealt with properly, this had a cascading effect on other policies.  A few years ago, the State recognised that gender-based violent crimes were specific in nature and needed to be treated in a certain way. 

    The delegation said there was no significant cultural diversity within the country, as everyone shared the same language and culture.  Traditionally the ethnic groups had been defined based on occupation and turning them into an ethnicity was introduced by the colonialists.  It had been entrenched in identity cards for Tutsis, Hutus and Twas.  This negated the fact that people could have moved from one group to another.   There were no significant differences in culture between these groups.  Rwanda had received a number of people who faced difficulties in their own countries. Diversity days were organised at schools, encouraging refugees and asylum seekers to share their culture. 

    Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda and head of the delegation, said in 2023, Rwanda further refined its governance framework by aligning the schedules of presidential and parliamentary elections, enhancing efficiency and reducing electoral costs.  During the period under consideration, Rwanda successfully completed its ambitious 2020 Vision and adopted the Vision 2050.  From 2018 to 2024, Rwanda implemented its first national strategy for transformation, which laid the foundation for sustainable development, and was succeeded by the second national strategy for transformation, which ran until 2029.   Through these strategies, Rwanda maintained steady economic growth, with gross domestic product expanding at an average of 7 per cent and per capita income rising from $729 to $1,040 in 2023/2024. 

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Emuze thanked the Rwandan delegation for attending the dialogue, noting the high calibre of the delegation.  The Committee wished the delegation a safe journey home. 

    In his concluding remarks Mr. Ugirashebuja expressed appreciation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee.  The State had learnt many valuable lessons and looked forward to receiving the Committee’s recommendations.  Mr. Ugirashebuja extended an open invitation to the Committee to visit Rwanda in the future. 

    The delegation of Rwanda was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Justice; the National Institute of Statistics; the Rwanda Education Board; the Department of International Justice Judicial Cooperation; and the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee’s seventy-seventh session is being held until 28 February 2025.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 18 February to begin its consideration of the seventh periodic report of the Philippines (E/C.12/PHL/7).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fifth periodic report of Rwanda (E/C.12/RWA/5).

    Presentation of Report

    EMMANUEL UGIRASHEBUJA, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda and head of the delegation, said since the last review by the Committee over a decade ago, Rwanda had undergone significant changes in its policy, legal and institutional landscape.  In 2023, Rwanda further refined its governance framework by aligning the schedules of presidential and parliamentary elections, enhancing efficiency, and reducing electoral costs. 

    At the institutional level, Rwanda established the Rwanda Forensic Laboratory in 2016, upgrading it to the Rwanda Forensic Institute in 2023.  The Institute had enhanced forensic and advisory services, strengthening accountability in sectors critical to economic, social and cultural rights.  Its digital forensic and document services helped combat financial crimes like fraud and embezzlement.  In 2017, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau was established to enhance specialisation and professionalism in crime investigation. 

    In the judiciary, Rwanda made significant strides in strengthening its justice system.  In 2018, the Court of Appeal was established, further enhancing the country’s capacity to provide effective legal recourse.   In 2024, the establishment of an Appeal Tribunal to hear matters relating to refugee and asylum claims reinforced Rwanda’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals in vulnerable situations.  Rwanda’s legal framework strongly supported the protection of economic, social and cultural rights, as enshrined in the Constitution.  Since the last report, Rwanda had enacted several laws that aligned with the provisions of the Covenant and contributed to the progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights.  These included the education law that guaranteed access to quality education at all levels, as well as health laws. 

    During the period under consideration, Rwanda successfully completed its ambitious 2020 Vision and adopted the Vision 2050.  From 2018 to 2024, Rwanda implemented its first national strategy for transformation, which laid the foundation for sustainable development, and was succeeded by the second national strategy for transformation, which ran until 2029.   Through these strategies, Rwanda maintained steady economic growth, with gross domestic product expanding at an average of 7 per cent and per capita income rising from $729 to $1,040 in 2023/2024.  

    Infrastructure development advanced with the construction of over 1,600 kilometres of national roads and 4,137 kilometres of feeder roads.   Job creation efforts led to over 1.3 million decent and productive jobs, while financial inclusion improved from 89 per cent in 2017 to 96 per cent by 2024.  Life expectancy also increased from 66.6 in 2017 to 69.9 years in 2024. 

    Rwanda also significantly strengthened its healthcare system under the strategy. Seven new hospitals were added to the existing 52, while 23 were rehabilitated or expanded.  Community-based health insurance coverage reached 93 per cent of the population. Healthcare modernisation included advanced imaging, laboratory equipment, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and digital health systems.  

    In 2023, Rwanda, in partnership with Germany Biotechnology Company BioNTech, set-up an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility, the first of its kind on the African continent, which would have the capacity to produce between 50 and 100 million doses of mRNA vaccines annually, and conduct trials on new therapeutics for malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, cancers and other diseases.  

    Through the Girinka programme (one cow per family programme), Rwanda distributed 333,146 cows to an equivalent number of households.  Rwanda valued the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Committee.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, asked how the 2015 constitutional amendments had affected Rwanda’s commitment to international human rights standards.  Did it enable the State party to override Covenant protections in favour of domestic law? What measures were being taken to ensure that the provisions of the Covenant were invoked by domestic courts? 

    What training programmes were in place for judges, law enforcement and government officials to ensure consistent application of the Covenant?  The important work of Rwanda’s national human rights institution was noted.  Was the selection process of its members carried out by a committee appointed by the President?  Did members require clearance from the Prime Minister’s office for official travel outside Rwanda?  Had the State party accepted the recommendations of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions to strengthen the institution in line with the Paris Principles?

    What measures had been taken to guarantee that human rights defenders could continue their work without undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association?  What steps were taken to protect them from risks of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, harassment and intimidation, including judicial harassment?  Could the State party clarify the concerns regarding non-governmental organization registration requirements?  Were there any obstacles for opposition groups to promote and advocate for the promotion of human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights? 

    When would the State party finalise a national action plan for business and human rights?  What steps were being taken to put in place a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for human rights due diligence for businesses?  What measures were in place to ensure Rwanda met its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement? 

    What measures were in place to combat corruption, particularly in public procurement and State-owned enterprises?  What challenges did anti-corruption institutions face in maintaining independence and effectiveness?  What measures were being taken to address them?  The Committee noted Rwanda’s legislative efforts to combat discrimination.  However, reports indicated persistent structural inequalities, particularly affecting Batwa people, women and girls, people living in deprived urban and rural areas, persons with disabilities, people living in poverty, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.  How did Rwanda plan to address these challenges? 

    How did Rwanda plan to address the absence of disaggregated data to assess the situation of the Batwa people?  What steps were being taken to combat poverty, high infant mortality, malnutrition, and lower educational outcomes among the Batwa? What kind of barriers did the Batwa continue to face to land titling and how did Rwanda plan to secure their rights to land ownership?  What measures were in place to prevent forced displacement of the Batwa people from their ancestral lands?  How was adequate compensation provided when Batwa lands were expropriated?  How did the State party ensure consultations with Batwa people in decisions likely to affect them?

    Rwanda had made significant progress in gender equality, and especially women’s political representation.  What steps were being taken to increase women’s representation in local administration and the private sector?  How was the gender pay gap addressed?  What was being done to combat discrimination against women and stereotypes?  How had the Rwanda Gender Monitoring Office and its Gender Management Information System contributed to tracking gender equality initiatives? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said since the 2015 Constitutional amendments, no new organic laws had come into place.  There was consistent training on the use of human rights in courts.  However, the members of the bar tended not to apply international conventions in the courts. The reason for this was because the Constitution provided for a whole section of bill of rights, which was a replica of the Covenant.  However, lawyers were still trained on the use of human rights conventions.   

    Members of the human rights institution were manually selected via a presidential order.  This was a rigorous process, and many candidates were considered.  The appointment process was comparable to any other country with human rights mechanisms.  Whenever Commissioners wanted to travel, they informed the Minister’s office and a document was provided, called the travel clearance. Given that this caused significant confusion, the Government had decided to do away with the travel clearance.   

    Rwanda did all it could to strengthen the National Commission of Human Rights, and put in place any recommendations received. Rwanda was on track to reach its goals regarding carbon emissions.  The State was encouraging businesses to go green, which in turn would create “green jobs” which would contribute to more employment.  An example of this could be seen in the State employing young people to plant trees.  The Rwandan Government had heavily invested in areas key to social equality.  The community-based insurance now extended to certain diseases previously not covered, including cancer. 

    Rwanda aimed to achieve zero tolerance for corruption.  Key institutions like the Ombudsman’s office had played a key role towards achieving this goal.  Rwanda had improved its global ranking from 49th to 43rd place in 2024 in the Transparency Index Global Corruption Index.

    Rwandans and the Batwa spoke the same language and had the same culture.  The Batwa people could be found throughout the country and did not live in a designated area.  Rwanda aimed to ensure no one was left behind, regardless of their status.  Land registration helped to resolve dispute around land, and to ensure that land was adequately registered. 

    Over the years, Rwanda had implemented measures to achieve gender equality, particularly in Parliament, where it was around 63 per cent in the Chamber of Deputies and around 53 per cent in the Senate.  Quotas were in place which mandated that a minimum of 30 per cent of leaders should be women.  When the issue of equality was dealt with properly, this had a cascading effect on other policies.  A few years ago, the State recognised that gender-based violent crimes were specific in nature and needed to be treated in a certain way. 

    No discrimination against any group was tolerated in Rwanda.  Measures had been put in place to ensure that anyone who faced discrimination was able to access fast reparations.  There were many issues which were largely context-specific to Rwanda. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    PREETI SARAN, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, was impressed with some of the figures shared, including seven per cent gross domestic product growth and 1.3 million jobs created.  These were commendable and Rwanda should be congratulated.   What kind of resource constraints had the State faced in budgetary allocations for social spending?  What challenges had there been when dealing with external partners? 

    KARLA LEMUS DE VÁSQUE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said marital violence affected 46 per cent of women who were married and 18 per cent of men, with many never seeking help for the violence they had suffered.  What measures had been put in place to combat the cultural norms which perpetuated marital violence?  How were victims of violence being supported so they could report the crime?

    A Committee Expert asked what steps were being taken by the Government to ensure safe access by humanitarian organizations to the population affected by the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?  How had the State ensured its policies and actions did not obstruct humanitarian aid? What was the coordination framework that the State had with armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly the M23?  How might the State respond to the concerns regarding any potential support for these armed groups? 

    What measures had been put in place to prevent and punish any involvement by Rwandan stakeholders in conflict zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?  What measures had the State adopted to ensure that no armed group benefitted from support from the State?  What measures had been put in place to remedy any violations, including forced labour in mining areas under the control of armed groups, among others? 

    Another Expert asked about the role of civil society when drafting reports to treaty bodies?  Were all civil society organizations invited to participate in the drafting procedures?  What was the position of Rwanda on the Rome Statute?  Was there a possibility that the Government might consider acceding to it? Rwanda had extraterritorial obligations. The President had reiterated a lack of knowledge regarding the Rwandan military participating in the conflict of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  How was oversight of the military activities ensured?  How did Rwanda ensure that armed groups operating in other countries received no support?

    A Committee Expert asked what the State was doing to combat the illicit trade of minerals?  What specific measures were taken to enhance specific imports and exports? 

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Vice-Chair and Taskforce Leader for Rwanda, said there had been allegations of Government members committing unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, and intimidation and reprisals, against those defending human rights.  What had the State party done to prevent this? Despite measures taken by the State party to improve rights for indigenous peoples, challenges remained. How did the State party intend to address challenges in this regard, including the lack of disaggregated data? How would Rwanda address challenges such as poverty, infant mortality, lower school attendance, and higher drop-out rates, among others? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Rwanda had challenges in terms of budget.  The State aimed to address this through development partners.  However, resources were not always permanent.  Although Rwanda worked with development partners, the State aimed to be financially stable in terms of its own financing. 

    Rwanda had developed mechanisms to capture data regarding gender-based violence.  Initially, people were scared to report cases due to stigmatisation.  Investigators had been trained to interview victims of gender-based violence.  When cases proceeded, it was ensured that they were not held in public, so as not to endanger the lives of the victims. 

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo had its own problems as did Rwanda, and the State could not bear the burden of others’ problems.  Anything happening beyond the territory of Rwanda should be dealt with by those States. 

    Civil society played an important role in the drafting of the report and in helping Rwanda achieve its human rights obligations. Rwanda had not yet joined the Rome Statute, but if the appropriate time came and if it was necessary, the State would willingly join the Statute.  At present, the State was not considering joining the Statue in the near future. 
    Rwanda was the first country in the Great Lakes region to commit to a due diligence mechanism.  This ensured Rwanda could not be used as a route for illicit mines. There were mechanisms in place to protect against enforced disappearances.  There was zero tolerance for anyone who threatened human rights defenders. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    PREETI SARAN, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked what recent measures the State party had taken to address unemployment rates and to guarantee access to work?  What specific steps had been taken to address the problem of labour under-utilisation?  What major obstacles had Rwanda faced in addressing the employment challenge?  How was the integration of women into the labour force being promoted? 

    What specific steps had the State party taken for those facing discrimination to access the labour market.  What had Rwanda done to enforce laws dealing with discrimination at the workplace and to encourage employers to adopt anti-discrimination measures specifically related to sexual orientation at the workplace? How were systemic barriers for persons with disabilities being removed?  What measures had been taken to enable the transition of workers from the informal to the formal sector, particularly for women, the disadvantaged, and persons with disabilities?  What was the anticipated timeframe for establishing a minimum wage? 

    Many workers were reportedly exposed to frequent occupational accidents due to unsafe working conditions, leading to occupational injuries and fatalities.  Had the State party formulated an updated national policy on occupational health and safety?  How did the State party reinforce and implement the Labour Code on occupational health and safety?  Had the State party developed rights awareness programmes targeting domestic workers and employers? 

    What steps had been taken to establish a safe reporting system for domestic workers to report workplace violence?  What initiatives were in place to provide confidential and accessible health care for domestic workers?  What steps had the State party taken to remove any such legal barriers to the enjoyment of the right to form trade unions and the right to strike.

    The adoption of the updated national social protection policy (2020), which aimed to ensure that Rwandan citizens had a dignified standard of living, was commendable.  Were there any proposals to improve and expand the coverage process to ensure that it included the widest possible population, particularly the most marginalised and disadvantaged in the informal sector?  What steps had the State party taken to expand the community-based health insurance scheme to cover specialised health services, medicines, assistive devices, and commodities required by persons with disabilities? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said employment was a concern in Rwanda.  Rwanda had a young population and the State needed to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive.  It was hoped the law on startups would ensure easy financing of start-ups for the youth. A proportion of the laws provided for special consideration for women and people living with disabilities, to ensure these traditionally marginalised groups could access these resources. 

    Despite the efforts that the Government had put in place, there were still instances of gender-based discrimination.  There had been instances in the private sector where questions had been asked about women’s marital status to ascertain if they would be looking to seek maternity leave.  The State was looking at how to incentivise the private sector to ensure they did not discriminate based on gender.  No one in Rwanda was discriminated against based on their sexual orientation.  If discrimination was there, the State worked with civil society to address this.  It was important to have a synergy with civil society organizations to address persistent discriminatory issues.  There were quotas of 30 per cent for women, and the State monitored these closely to ensure gender equity was being achieved.   

    There were a lot of workers employed in the informal sector, and the State tried to formalise these areas.  Cooperatives were important in ensuring people came together, and worked like trade unions to highlight challenges faced by people in the informal sector.  There had been a growth in the number of cooperatives registered over recent years. The State had seen unfortunate incidents where people had been trapped in mines due to unsuitable mining.  The Rwanda mining board ensured that it monitored mining sites; however, people sometimes ventured into illegal mining at nighttime and ended up being trapped.  Work was being done with the local governments to ensure these unfortunate situations were avoided. 

    The minimum wage was a difficult debate.  The Government was on the right path regarding what an acceptable minimum wage was in Rwanda.  The process was long, but the Government aimed to develop a suitable minimum wage for the greater good of the country.  Laws guaranteed safety for domestic workers, including salaries and leave. Labour inspectors took steps to ensure the legal mechanisms were being utilised. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the issues of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were relevant.  What tools and mechanisms had the State created to ensure there was respect for economic, cultural and social rights?  How was it ensured that impunity was combatted abroad, particularly in the context of the armed conflict? 

    KARLA LEMUS DE VÁSQUE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, acknowledged that the State had extended fully-paid maternity leave for mothers in all sectors, but there were challenges to ensuring the legislation was enforced, particularly in the informal sector. What mechanisms were in place to ensure all working mothers could enjoy maternity leave?  Had the State considered implementing a specific measure to ensure women who gave birth to children with disabilities were given maternity leave commiserate with the situation of their child?  Were there incentives to encourage men to use paternity leave?

    What efforts were being carried out to punish employers who were in breach of child labour laws?  What results had the new national strategy on child labour yielded?  There were still high levels of poverty, especially for families.  What was the State doing in terms of the social schemes designed to eradicate extreme poverty?  What challenges did small-scale farmers meet when it came to increasing their yield and diversifying their crop?  What support programmes were in place for them?  Had the State considered expanding the food assistance programmes for vulnerable groups?

    A study of Rwanda’s development bank showed many people on low income still did not have access to affordable housing. What policies had been adopted to ensure the cost of housing was accessible?  What percentage of the national budget was set aside for the building and maintenance of social housing?  What initiatives had been launched to ensure that people who were vulnerable had access to affordable housing?  Had any laws been passed on rent control?  What measures could be implemented to ensure water rates were affordable? 

    Current adaptation measures were not enough to mitigate the impacts of climate change?  Had studies or surveys been carried out to assess the impact of climate change, and how had the State responded to findings?  What food resilience programmes could the State develop, including food storage programmes?  What measures had been implemented to ensure enough resources were set aside for the health sector, including for the most disadvantaged groups? What measures had been developed to extend the scope and coverage of mental health services?  What strategies had been developed to increase the number of qualified birth attendants in remote areas?  What measures had been implemented to strengthen investment in infrastructure?  How was equitable access to contraception guaranteed?   

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said in January 2025, the Cabinet approved the resolution on the additional package of services for the community-based health insurance, including kidney transplants, cancer care, blood transfusions, knee and hips replacements, dialysis and prosthetics, among other procedures.  These were now all covered by the community-based health insurance. 

    The one cow per family programme provided a cow to families in the most vulnerable communities.  More than 14,500 families had been provided with furnished housing and 124 model villages had been established between 2017 and 2024, with all the essential amenities. 

    Rwanda did not have effective jurisdiction over any country and could not be held accountable for human rights violations beyond its borders.  The problems of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were internal.  Rwanda would welcome refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo if the problems persisted. 

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, certain programmes had been implemented, including a voluntary saving scheme which was open to any citizen.  The International Labour Organization, in collaboration with Rwanda, had recruited a team to conduct a study on the barriers to social protection in the informal sector, and it would develop recommendations to address these. 

    Since 2023, paid maternity leave had increased from 12 to 14 weeks.  New changes in the law mandated that a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother should not be made to do any work that was too physically demanding or damaging to their overall health.  Those on maternity leave received their full salary.   Regular labour inspections were conducted, with more than 5,000 inspections carried out every year.  More than 1,500 of the enterprises where inspections took place were in the informal sector.   In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, 112 businesses were administratively sanctioned due to employment-related issues.  In the same period, 26 investigations had been conducted into cases of child labour, and 18 had been referred to the courts with five convicted. 

    The Government of Rwanda had implemented various social protection initiatives to eliminate extreme poverty.  In 2024, over 102,000 vulnerable individuals received monthly cash transfers and more than 80,000 households benefitted from flexible employment programmes.  As of May 2024, there had been an old age grant for impoverished individuals over the age of 65.  As of 2024, 315,327 households had been enrolled in the programme for sustainable graduation, where they received mentorship, financial support, and access to productive assets. 

    It was becoming more difficult for farmers to predict the weather, given the adverse impacts of climate change.  Pilot projects were launched to allow farmers to access buyers in value chains, by ensuring their quality standards were high. The Rwanda culture board helped to increase agriculture and animal resources, advising farmers on the best seeds for each area of the country to ensure the best harvest.  The Government heavily subsidised fertilizer for farmers to increase their output.  The Government subsidised up to 40 per cent of the cost of water, and access to clean water had increased substantially in the country. 

    Rwanda aimed to quadruple its workforce of healthcare service providers.  Below the age of 18, parental consent was required for any health intervention, including contraception and reproductive health services.  To enhance access to sexual reproductive health services, the age of consent should be reduced to 15 years.  To address this, a draft health service law was currently under consideration by the Parliament.  The level of teen pregnancy had decreased due to education and sensitisation, but it was also expected the draft health service law would result in a further decrease in teen pregnancy. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    KARLA LEMUS DE VÁSQUE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked if there was any recent study on the deficit in housing which would help address current challenges?  Were there any laws on rent control? 

    How was the State addressing social and economic gaps which could address the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Despite progress made in public health, communicable diseases, including malaria and HIV/AIDS, were a cause for concern. What measures had been adopted to strengthen health infrastructure in areas where access was limited?  What was being done to improve the prevention programmes? 

    A Committee Expert asked about the national health insurance; how did it function?  Did the State consider sharing revenues with areas where they obtained the resources from? 

    Another Expert said the country’s drug policy was focused on criminalisation and punitive measures.  Would the State consider decriminalising drug use and changing the approach to one that was health-based?   What measures had been taken to provide specialised training to law enforcement agents?  What was being done to mainstream mental health in primary health services? 

    A Committee Expert asked whether Rwanda had considered using human rights methodologies to design and better assess public policies? 

    An Expert asked about access to water in rural areas? What measures had the State taken to address climate change and its impact on the agricultural sector? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there had been a survey on housing deficits which had been presented in the Cabinet.  There were no laws on rent to reduce increases, but it was illegal to charge rent in foreign currencies, which helped to ensure rent was controlled.  Community health care workers were taught to deal with non-communicable diseases. There were also free community-based activities which took place to ascertain the levels of non-communicable diseases.  Community health workers had also helped sensitise people around diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.   

    Around 90 per cent of land had been registered, and everyone, including women and vulnerable groups, had access to land.  After Rwanda developed its own gold refinery, businesses from other places came with gold to the refinery.  The Government agreed that drug consumption should not be criminalised, but the distribution of drugs should be criminalised.  More than 82 per cent of households had access to improved drinking water, and in Kigali this went up to 97 percent.  Numbers were lower in the western part of the country at around 75 per cent. 

    The Government was intensely investing in areas of water availability. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    ASLAN ABASHIDZE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said dropout rates in Rwanda had decreased to 5.5 per cent in primary schools and 7.5 per cent in secondary schools.  Could statistics be provided for the last five years, from 2019 to 2023, specifically on how many children were expected to enrol in primary school, and how many transitioned to lower secondary school, and then to upper secondary school?  According to the statistics provided, what percentage in the mentioned 40,000 students with disabilities who began their studies in schools and universities during the 2022/23 academic year represented the total number of children with disabilities who were expected to start schooling in that academic year? 

    What was the overall state of school infrastructure? Did schools meet the minimum requirements for lighting, drinking water, sanitation, and nutrition?  What steps was the Government taking in this regard? How were these initiatives funded? Why was disaggregated data on the Batwa group unavailable?   Could information on higher education enrolment and completion rates disaggregated by sex, rural and urban areas, and economic status be provided? 

    Was there a shortage of teachers in certain subjects? If there were challenges in this area, were there programmes to address them?  Could more details about the “We are all Rwandans” programmes be provided? How was the National Digital Inclusion Council funded?  Were private companies involved, and if so, on what terms?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the number of teachers had increased by around 73 per cent, from around 68,000 in 2013 to around 100,000 in 2023/2024.  A teacher management system helped to determine if there were any gaps across the country.  The school dropout rate continued to decline at all levels.  There was a programme called school feeding which provided adequate and nutritious meals in schools.  The Government had started the journey of constructing schools, with a focus on accessibility by adding ramps, widening doorways, improving ventilation and lowering blackboards, to ensure they were accessible for students using wheelchairs.  Of the 4,986 schools in Rwanda, 3,392 now met accessibility standards, a significant improvement from just 765 schools in 2017.  Rwanda was committed to promoting inclusive education for children with disabilities.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked for clarification around the official languages?  What was the language taught in primary schools?  How many universities were there in Rwanda?  Were there international students who studied in Rwanda? Did the Government provide scholarships for foreign students, particularly Africans?  Was the Swahili language widely spoken? 

    PREETI SARAN, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said each ethnic group in Rwanda had a rich cultural heritage.  For the sake of national unity and reconciliation, if everyone was being referred to as Rwandan, how did the State propagate the cultural richness of the population?  Rwanda had been extremely welcoming to refugees from all over the world, who brought their own specific languages and culture.  What measures had the State party taken to ensure equal cultural rights for ethnic groups who had come as aliens, refugees or asylum seekers? 

    An Expert asked if the State was collecting data with regards to young people aged between 15 to 24, who neither studied nor worked?  If this issue was not resolved, it could generate major issues. 

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, asked what Rwandan troops were doing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Kinyarwanda was recognised as the official language.  Rwanda had just one language.  There was no significant cultural diversity within the country, as everyone shared the same language and culture.  Traditionally, the ethnic groups had been defined based on occupation and turning them into an ethnicity was introduced by the colonialists.  It had been entrenched in identity cards for Tutsis, Hutus and Twas.  This negated the fact that people could have moved from one group to another.   There were no significant differences in culture between these groups.  French was an official language in Rwanda, due to colonisation by Belgium.  However, the majority of instruction was in English.   

    As of 2025, there were 19 universities in Rwanda, comprised of three public universities and 16 private institutions.  Schools such as the Carnegie Melon University from the United States taught courses, and specific scholarships were offered to Africans.  Scholarships were also offered to people fleeing their countries due to dangers, such as women from Afghanistan and people from Sudan.  Education could solve a lot of issues, including criminality and unemployed youth. 

    Rwanda was doing its best to attain the highest standard of economic, social and cultural rights, and would take any opportunities to learn from other countries in this regard. 

    Swahili was now an official language, recognised in the Constitution as a Lingua Franca.  It was widely spoken and taught in schools. 

    Rwanda had received a number of people who faced difficulties in their own countries.  Diversity days were organised at schools, encouraging refugees and asylum seekers to share their culture. 

    Closing Remarks

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, thanked the Rwandan delegation for attending the dialogue, noting the high calibre of the delegation.  The Committee wished the delegation a safe journey home. 

    EMMANUEL UGIRASHEBUJA, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda and head of the delegation, expressed appreciation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee.  The State had learnt many valuable lessons and looked forward to receiving the Committee’s recommendations.  Rwanda’s achievements in access to health, education, and employment demonstrated the Government’s commitment to sustainable development. The country had a lot of challenges, including addressing inequalities, mitigating the effects of the global crisis, and ensuring policies translated into tangible improvements for the lives of the most vulnerable.  Rwanda was committed to resolving these challenges and to implementing the Committee’s recommendations.  Mr. Ugirashebuja extended an open invitation to the Committee to visit Rwanda in the future. 

    __________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CESCR25.005E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Economic and technical support to repair damage caused to Chios’ mastic trees – E-002423/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) through the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs)[1] provides for a number of interventions that help farmers to perform preventive actions, especially to prevent crises and build on medium and long-term resilience.

    For mitigating short-term impacts, the available tools include direct payments, which support farmers’ incomes, risk management tools helping farmers managing production risks due to adverse events, as well as sectoral interventions supporting replanting or restocking, and investments in the restoration of production potential.

    Moreover, in response to the severe weather events that hit the EU in 2024, exceptional measures have been introduced under the Rural Development Programmes to help farmers recovering from the damages suffered[2].

    The programme for the smaller Aegean islands supports the production of mastic from Chios[3], and it may be amended in the event of exceptional circumstances.

    The CAP also supports — trough the EIP-AGRI[4] Operational Groups — the bottom-up development of innovative technologies and approaches as well as the dissemination and sharing of good practices.

    Information on funded projects, workshops, seminars, brokerage events and publications are available via the European CAP Network website[5].

    Under the CSPs, Member States are expected to improve the functioning of the Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) increasing knowledge flows and ensuring that AKIS actors cooperate to provide advice and innovation services to farmers.

    Additionally, the Commission is regularly organising exchanges with national administrations on good practices and lessons learnt[6].

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A435%3ATOC&uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.435.01.0001.01.ENG
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3242/oj/eng
    • [3] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/market-measures/outermost-regions-and-small-aegean-islands/smaller-aegean-islands_en
    • [4] The European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI).
    • [5] https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/index_en
    • [6] On 17 December 2024 an expert group meeting was organised to exchange on risk management strategies and preparedness . Presentations are available here: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/meetings/consult?lang=en&meetingId=58606&fromExpertGroups=3806

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Going for growth to boost farmer confidence

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is turbo charging growth to return confidence to the primary sector through common sense policies that are driving productivity and farm-gate returns, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. 

    “The latest Federated Farmers Farm Confidence Survey highlights strong momentum across the sector and the Government’s firm commitment to back rural New Zealand, with farmer confidence surging by 68 points since July 2024 – the largest one-off improvement in sentiment since the question was introduced,” Mr McClay says.

    “With the primary sector generating more than 80 per cent of New Zealand’s goods exports directly employing more than 359,000 Kiwis, ensuring its continued success is crucial to every Kiwi’s economic future.

    “That’s why last year we took over 20 actions to slash red tape and free up farming, unwinding the damage done by the previous government. 

    “And we’re not stopping there. This year we are going for growth and will deliver on further actions that will support the long-term success of the rural sector. We are focused on four key themes:

    • Slashing regulatory burden – replacing the NPS for freshwater, reforming   the resource management system, removing barriers to vegetable growing, improving the freshwater farm plan system, continuing to reduce duplication and simplify the regulations in place for farmers and growers.
    • Accelerating Innovation and Productivity – improving access and adoption of new technologies and world-class innovations, driving more permissive regulatory conditions that allow for productivity growth and profit for landowners.
    • Enabling infrastructure and trade – Facilitating water storage solutions to build resilience against drought and the opportunity of diversification, remove trade barriers and support supply chains, grow greater access to investment capital and risk management. 
    • Strengthening support for rural communities, improving access to essential services and infrastructure, strengthening local support networks, catchment groups and rural leadership capabilities.

    “These next steps are part of a broader vision for a thriving primary sector that continues to drive economic growth while delivering high-quality, safe produce. We are committed to growing the primary sector, and we won’t be shutting down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.

    “The positive momentum we are seeing now is just the beginning. The Government will continue delivering for rural communities — ensuring they remain at the heart of New Zealand’s economic success,” Mr McClay says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CT High School Students Publish Their Artificial Intelligence Research Performed at UConn School of Medicine

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Two Connecticut high school seniors Meera Kannan and Gabrielle Bridgewater have published their study findings on “Leveraging public AI tools to explore systems biology resources in mathematical modeling” this month in the journal NPJ Systems Biology and Applications.

    They conducted their research at UConn School of Medicine in the Laboratory of Dr. Michael Blinov as part of their Health Career Opportunity Programs experience.

    “NPJ Systems Biology and Applications is one of the top journals in systems biology,” shares their proud mentor and senior study author Michael Blinov, Ph.D., associate professor of Genetics and Genome Sciences at the Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling at UConn School of Medicine. “The application of AI tools in biology is a rapidly evolving and exciting field. This is a great achievement for these high school students, and they deserve it through their hard work.”

    On Feb. 22  the two high school students will be presenting their scientific findings virtually at the 62ndConnecticut Junior Science and Humanities Symposium hosted by the UConn Health-based CT AHEC program in Farmington. Each year the long-running, prestigious symposium gathers the state’s talented high school students exceling across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

    “Thank you very much Dr. Blinov for your many years of dedication hosting our Health Career Opportunity Programs High School students in your research laboratory. The fact that these two high school students are co-first authors on a manuscript from research conducted in your Lab and presenting their research at the CT Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at UConn Health is phenomenal,” shared Dr. Marja Hurley, UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and professor of medicine and orthopaedic surgery at UConn School of Medicine. Hurley is founder and associate dean of the Health Career Opportunity Programs at UConn Health.

    “I’m very excited to share our findings with a larger group of people. I hope this will spur more exploration of the intersection of AI with other fields of medicine,” says Kannan.

    “I am extremely excited to present our findings and share our hard work with the larger science community. I know our research is already published and out there for anyone who wants to read it, but getting to speak about it still feels so special,” says Bridgewater.

    Blinov truly enjoys working with the eager to learn, dedicated, and hardworking HCOP students at UConn School of Medicine.

    “Over the years, my HCOP students have played an essential role in many of my projects. My experiences with high school students have been very positive, and in this particular case, these two students were fortunate that their chosen study topic led to a quick success story,” Blinov says.

    He finds it incredibly rewarding to see the gratitude and success of his past high school HCOP program students many of whom have gone on to have successful health care careers at places such as Yale, Cornell, and UConn.

    “One of my most notable success stories is my 2017 HCOP student, Nathan Schaumburger. He later joined UConn and returned to work with me in 2020, which led to a 2023 publication, with another paper forthcoming. Nathan is now a graduate student at Harvard,” Blinov proudly shares.

    Meet the Study Co-Authors

    Lead co-author Meera Kannan, 18, is a senior at South Windsor High School. She hopes to become a future physician.

    “It’s very exciting to be published. I was motivated to explore how AI could have a positive impact and make systems biology more accessible for students like me. I hope to continue working with Dr. Blinov and other professors at UConn in the future,” says Kannan.

    Kannan credits HCOP for opening her mind further to both innovative medicine and research.

    “I first heard about HCOP during a tour of UConn in my sophomore year. I was very interested in their mission as well as in conducting research, so I decided to apply. I think this program helped reveal the creativity behind medicine and taught me a lot about the impact of scientific innovation,” she says.

    Kannan hopes to conduct more research in a variety of fields to broaden her horizons.

    “I plan to pursue medicine, and this experience at UConn has been central in solidifying that commitment. The skills and perspectives I’ve learned here will definitely be invaluable as I explore the more rigorous side of medicine,” says Kannan.

    Lead co-author Gabrielle Bridgewater, 17, is a senior at Tolland High School and also wants to be a future doctor.

    “Being a published author and getting to conduct my own study is definitely the most exciting thing I’ve ever done and my proudest accomplishment to date,” Bridgewater exclaims. “It’s honestly also really motivating because it makes me so excited for what’s next and it really feels like the sky is the limit.”

    “We chose to study AI because it’s a field that’s rapidly expanding and relevant to kids our age. When our peers have questions most of them look to AI to answer them, so we wanted to see how useful it could be for students who are interested in learning more about systems biology (like ourselves). It’s a relatively niche field which means in a lot of cases AI might be the most accessible tool to use if they want to educate themselves on the subject. We wanted to understand just how reliable of a tool it is, and its potential for studying systems biology,” she says.

    Bridgewater was inspired to enter the health sciences and join the HCOP program by her father who is biochemist.

    “During my junior year he was helping me look for summer opportunities where I could get hands on healthcare experience and he found the HCOP program. I truly enjoyed every moment of the program. I think it was especially unique because not only did I get research experience, but I also got to learn about the college and medical school application processes, talk to current pre-med undergraduates, and improve my public speaking skills. Without the program I would never have had access to this information and these opportunities,” she says.

    “My experience with HCOP definitely solidified my passion for pursuing a career as a physician. It also sparked my interest in possibly going down the MD/PhD route which is a path I wasn’t previously aware of. I know I want to continue conducting research, gaining exposure to the health sciences, and exploring the intersection of AI and systems biology,” concludes Bridgewater.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Japan steps up funding to WFP to strengthen food security and expand agricultural exports in Malawi –

    Source: World Food Programme

    LILONGWE – Today the United Nations World Food Programme welcomed the generous contribution of US$ 1.75 million from the Government of Japan to address food insecurity, help vulnerable communities recover from natural disasters and enhance the local agricultural export capacity.

    Japan’s Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya announced the funding at an event in Lilongwe today, alongside representatives from the Government of Malawi.

    “Japan remains committed to supporting Malawi’s efforts to overcome food insecurity and foster sustainable development,” said Ambassador Oya. “By addressing immediate needs and investing in agricultural export capacity, we aim to contribute to a brighter future for Malawians.”

    The funding will support national efforts to provide food assistance during the lean season, which is expected to be particularly challenging due to recent back-to-back emergencies. With this support, WFP will procure, transport, and distribute 786 metric tonnes of maize, reaching 71,000 vulnerable people. These efforts support vulnerable communities who face severe food insecurity due to consecutive climate shocks, including Tropical Cyclone Freddy (2023), and the El Niño-induced drought (2024).

    “This support reflects the strong partnership between Japan and Malawi. It will provide life-saving food assistance while also helping the country build long-term food security and economic opportunities,” said Simon Denhere, WFP Malawi Country Director ad interim.

    Beyond emergency relief, Japan is investing US$ 1 million to scale-up Malawi’s sesame export capacity. In partnership with WFP, the Malawi Bureau of Standards will improve certification, testing, and quarantine capabilities to meet international standards. The initiative includes training, facility upgrades, and technical collaboration to boost export opportunities for smallholder farmers.

    “The Government of Malawi deeply appreciates Japan’s support in strengthening our national response to food insecurity. This timely gesture complements government’s efforts in providing much-needed relief to vulnerable communities affected by climate shocks while boosting our national food stocks,” said Reverend Charles Kalemba, Malawi’s Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs.

    #                    #                       #

    About WFP

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

    Follow us on X @wfp_media | @wfp_malawi

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Farmer confidence jumps to 10-year high

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years.
    Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have all played a major role in that improvement.
    “I’ve definitely noticed a significant shift in the mood of rural New Zealand. Farmers are feeling a lot more positive,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
    “The last few years have been bloody tough for a lot of our farming families, with falling incomes, rising interest rates and unpaid bills starting to pile up on the kitchen bench.
    “At the same time, we’ve also been struggling with an incredibly challenging regulatory environment and farming rules that haven’t always been practical, affordable or fair.
    “These survey results paint a clear picture of a sector finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as some of that weight is lifted.”
    The January survey shows farmers’ confidence in current general economic conditions has surged from a deeply negative -66% in July 2024 to a net positive score of 2%.
    This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016.
    Meanwhile, a net 23% of farmers now expect better economic conditions over the next year – the highest confidence level since January 2014.
    There has also been a sharp lift in profitability, with 54% of farmers now reporting making a profit – double the number in the last survey six months ago.
    Langford says it’s important to note that, despite confidence being at its highest point in more than a decade, it’s still only just in the positive.
    “It’s been a remarkable recovery in farmer confidence over a short period of time, but I’m very conscious that we were coming off an extremely low base.
    “We’ve come a long way, but there’s a long way to go yet. Federated Farmers will keep pushing hard to cut costs out of farmers’ businesses and reduce some of that regulatory burden.”
    The survey results show regulation and compliance costs remains the greatest concern for farmers, followed by interest rates and banks, and input costs.
    “When it comes to farmer confidence, a lot of it comes down to what’s coming into our bank account, and what’s going out the other side. It’s a simple equation,” Langford says.
    “A lot of that is market driven, and farmers are used to riding those highs and lows, but Government rules and regulations have a significant impact on farmers’ costs.
    “Those compliance costs really can make or break your season and have a significant impact on a farmer’s confidence to keep investing in their business.
    “The Government have made a great start cutting through red tape for farmers and repealing a lot of the most unworkable rules, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
    Interest rates and banking issues have consistently been a top concern for farmers, which is why Federated Farmers fought so hard for a banking inquiry, Langford says.
    “Interest payments are a huge cost for most farming businesses and farmers have been under massive pressure from their banks in recent years.
    “We want to see the Government take a much closer look at our banking system and whether farmers are getting a fair deal from their lenders.”
    The survey shows farmers’ highest priorities for the Government are the economy and business environment, fiscal policy, and reducing regulatory burdens.
    “If the Government are serious about their ambitious growth agenda and doubling exports over the next decade, this is where they need to be focusing their energy,” Langford says.
    “For farmers to have the confidence to invest in our businesses, employ more staff, and grow our economy, we need to have confidence in our direction of travel as a nation too.
    “As a country, we’re never going be able to regulate our way to prosperity, but with the right policy settings, we might just be able to farm our way there.”
    The report’s key findings include:
    – General economic conditions (current): Farmer confidence has surged by 68 points since July 2024, rebounding from a deeply negative -66% to a net positive score of 2%. This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016.
    – General economic conditions (expectations): Optimism is rising, with net expectations increasing by 29 points since January 2024. A net 23% of farmers now anticipate better conditions over the next year-the highest confidence level seen since January 2014.
    – Farm profitability (current): The number of farmers making a profit has doubled since the last survey, with 54% of farmers now reporting a profit-up from just 27%. The net profitability score has surged by 60 points, the strongest turnaround since July 2022.
    – Farm profitability (expectations): Confidence in future profitability continues to climb, with a net 31% of farmers expecting improvement over the next 12 months-a 41-point increase since July 2024. This is the highest forward-looking profitability score since July 2017.
    – Farm production (expectations): A net 16% of farmers expect production to increase in the next year, extending a positive trend. This marks the first time since 2016/17 that there have been three consecutive periods of predicted growth.
    – Farm spending (expectations): Spending intentions have strengthened, with a net 23% of farmers planning to increase spending over the next 12 months-up 26 points from July 2024. This is the strongest expected rise since January 2023.
    – Farm debt (expectations): 41% of farmers plan to reduce their debt in the next year, up from 23% in July 2024. Lower interest rates, improved confidence, and stronger production forecasts are driving this shift.
    – Ability to recruit (experienced): Hiring challenges persist, with a net 16% of respondents reporting difficulty recruiting skilled staff in the past six months, largely unchanged from July 2024. However, this is the least difficult period for recruitment since July 2012.
    – Greatest concerns (current): The top concerns for farmers remain Regulation & Compliance Costs, Debt, Interest & Banks, and Input Costs.
    – Highest government priorities: Farmers want the Government to prioritise the Economy & Business Environment, Fiscal Policy, and reducing Regulatory Burdens.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Coffee, tea and cocoa costs see global food import bill soaring past $2 trillion

    Source: United Nations 4

    Economic Development

    The global food import bill is projected to exceed $2 trillion in 2024 – fuelled by the rising cost of everyone’s favourite hot drinks – according to the latest Food Outlook released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Thursday. 

    The biannual report, which focuses on developments affecting global food and animal feed markets, highlights that higher costs for cocoa, coffee, and tea are driving the increase, while disparities in import bills persist across income levels.

    Cocoa prices have soared nearly four times their ten-year average earlier this year, coffee prices have almost doubled, and tea prices are 15 per cent above long-term levels.

    Together, these commodities are responsible for over half of the projected increase in global food import expenditures, which FAO economists anticipate will rise by nearly 23 per cent in 2024.

    National disparities

    While high-income countries, which make up two-thirds of the global food import bill, will see a 4.4 per cent increase, import expenditures for middle and low-income countries are expected to decline.

    Lower-income countries may find some relief in reduced cereal and oilseed costs, although their per capita food intake for wheat and coarse grains is projected to decline, contrasting with an anticipated 1.5 per cent increase in rice consumption.

    FAO emphasises the crucial role food exports play in supporting many economies.

    For instance, coffee export earnings cover nearly 40 per cent of food import costs in Burundi and Ethiopia, while Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa exports entirely offset its food import bill. Similarly, tea exports account for more than half of Sri Lanka’s import costs.

    Mixed forecast

    FAO’s forecasts reveal a mixed picture for global food production and trade.

    Wheat and coarse grain output is expected to decrease but remain above consumption levels, while rice production is set for a record-breaking harvest in 2024/25 which could enable an increase in global rice consumption, reserves and international trade. 

    Production of meat and dairy is forecast to grow modestly while global fisheries output is expected to expand by 2.2 per cent, fuelled by aquaculture.

    Meanwhile, vegetable oils’ consumption may outpace production for the second consecutive season, leading to stock drawdowns.

    The report cautions that extreme weather, geopolitical tensions, and policy changes could destabilise production systems, further straining global food security.

    Olive oil prices spike alongside climate stress

    A special focus on olive oil details price spikes due to climate-related production declines.

    IFAD

    Compost made from a mixture of pine trees empty cones and cow dung helps olive trees grow in a sustainable way.

    In Spain, wholesale prices for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil reached nearly $10,000 per tonne in January 2024, almost triple their 2022 levels.

    High temperatures, which force olive trees to conserve water for core functions instead of producing fruit, led to a nearly 50 per cent production cut for two years in a row.

    Although Spain’s next harvest is expected to surpass the 10-year average, high prices may constrain global consumption.

    Producers ought to consider more sustainable water and soil management practices, the report notes.

    Given the great potential for expansion in olive oil exports, governments might offer support to olive growers, such as insurance schemes and measures to control the spread of diseases, said FAO Economist Di Yang.

    Cheaper fertiliser…mostly

    The report also highlights a 50 per cent drop in fertiliser prices since their 2022 peak, thanks to falling natural gas prices and reduced trade barriers.

    FAO Economist Maria Antip noted however that phosphate fertilisers have resisted this trend, with ongoing trade barriers and geopolitical tensions posing risks to future supplies, particularly in Latin America and Asia.

    Additionally, the report underscores the potential of low-carbon ammonia, a key component of nitrogen-based fertilisers, as a sustainable alternative.

    However, while using renewable energy instead of natural gas is viable and investments to do so are underway, scaling up production will require targeted incentives to offset higher manufacturing costs and encourage adoption among farmers.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Woodland and Forest Change

    Source: US Geological Survey

    References

    Balch, J. K., Abatzoglou, J. T., Joseph, M. B., Koontz, M. J., Mahood, A. L., McGlinchy, J., … Williams, A. P. (2022). Warming weakens the night-time barrier to global fire. Nature, 602(7897), 442-448. doi:10.1038/s41586-021-04325-1

    Brown, J. F., Tollerud, H. J., Barber, C. P., Zhou, Q., Dwyer, J. L., Vogelmann, J. E., and others (2020). Lessons learned implementing an operational continuous United States national land change monitoring capability: The Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) approach. Remote Sens. Environ. 238:111356. doi: 10.1016/j.rse.2019.111356

    Cartwright, J. (2019). Ecological islands: conserving biodiversity hotspots in a changing climate. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 17(6), 331-339. doi:10.1002/fee.2058

    Dwomoh, F. K., Auch, R. F., Brown, J. F., & Tollerud, H. J. (2023). Trends in tree cover change over three decades related to interannual climate variability and wildfire in California. Environmental Research Letters, 18(2), 024007. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/acad15

    Dwomoh, F. K., Brown, J. F., Tollerud, H. J., & Auch, R. F. (2021). Hotter drought escalates tree cover declines in Blue oak woodlands of California. Frontiers in Climate, 3(67). doi:10.3389/fclim.2021.689945

    Eidenshink, J., Schwind, B., Brewer, K., Zhu, Z.-L., Quayle, B., & Howard, S. (2007). A project for monitoring trends in burn severity. Fire Ecology, 3(1), 3-21. doi:10.4996/fireecology.0301003

    Higuera P.E. and Abatzoglou J.T. (2021). Record-setting climate enabled the extraordinary 2020 fire season in the western United States Glob. Change Biol. 27 1–2

    Juang, C. S., Williams, A. P., Abatzoglou, J. T., Balch, J. K., Hurteau, M. D., & Moritz, M. A. (2022). Rapid growth of large forest fires drives the exponential response of annual forest-fire area to aridity in the western United States. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(5), e2021GL097131. doi: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL097131 

    Lund, J., Medellin-Azuara, J., Durand, J., & Stone, K. (2018). Lessons from California’s 2012–2016 drought. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 144(10), 04018067. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)WR.1943-5452.0000984

    Madakumbura, G. D., Goulden, M. L., Hall, A., Fu, R., Moritz, M. A., Koven, C. D., . . . Randerson, J. T. (2020). Recent California tree mortality portends future increase in drought-driven forest die-off. Environmental Research Letters, 15(12), 124040. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/abc719

    McDonald, P. M. (1990). “Quercus douglasii Hook & Arn. Blue oak,” in Silvics of North America, eds R. M. Burns, and B. H. Honkala (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service), 631–639.

    Morueta-Holme, N., Fløjgaard, C., & Svenning, J.-C. (2010). Climate change risks and conservation implications for a threatened small-range mammal species. PLoS ONE, 5(4), e10360. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010360

    Reiner, R., and Craig, A. (2011). Conservation easements in California blue oak woodlands: testing the assumption of livestock grazing as a compatible use. Nat. Areas J. 31, 408–413. doi: 10.3375/043.031.0411

    Restaino, C., Young, D. J. N., Estes, B., Gross, S., Wuenschel, A., Meyer, M., & Safford, H. (2019). Forest structure and climate mediate drought-induced tree mortality in forests of the Sierra Nevada, USA. Ecological Applications, 29(4), e01902. doi:10.1002/eap.1902

    Stahle, D. W., Therrell, M. D., Cleaveland, M. K., Cayan, D. R., Dettinger, M. D., and Knowles, N. (2001). Ancient blue oak reveal human impact on San Francisco Bay salinity. Eos. Trans. Am. Geophys. Union 82, 141–145. doi: 10.1029/EO082i012p00141

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2013). Level III ecoregions of the continental United States: Corvallis, Oregon, US EPA–National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1: 7,500,000. 

    Waddell, K. L., and Barrett, T. M. (2005). Oak Woodlands and Other Hardwood Forests of California, 1990s. Portland, OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 245. doi: 10.2737/PNW-RB-245

    Westerling, A. L. (2016). Increasing western US forest wildfire activity: sensitivity to changes in the timing of spring. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond., B, Biol. Sci. 371:20150178. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0178

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    MIL OSI USA News –