NewzIntel.com

Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Schmitt Introduce Legislation To Dismantle DEI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Last week, Senator Tuberville joined Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) to introduce the Dismantle DEI Act, which codifies President Trump’s executive actions terminating DEI programs and initiatives, preventing future administrations from reinstating similar Biden-era DEI policies.

    “We must wash our hands of DEI,” said Senator Tuberville. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris nearly destroyed the fabric of our country with this woke, racist ideology. We need to focus on hiring the best and brightest, not dividing people based on skin color. Thank God President Trump is restoring merit-based hiring practices to our government. Now Congress must do our job to ensure that this poisonous ideology has no place in our government.”

    “DEI has plagued our federal government, academic institutions, and other aspects of our society for far too long, all while disregarding merit in the process. America is the greatest meritocracy the world has ever seen, and no taxpayer dollars should be wasted on funding this divisive ideology which undercuts the values our country was founded on. President Trump understands that these programs have absolutely no business in the federal government, and I am proud to introduce this critical legislation with Congressman Cloud that will save taxpayer dollars and put a stop to this DEI madness,” said Senator Schmitt.

    BACKGROUND: 

    • On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” This executive action terminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives throughout all federal departments and agencies, while also compiling a list of those federal contractors and grantees associated with those same programs. 
    • President Trump helped reverse many of the Biden administration’s prior executive actions on DEI programs.
    • The Dismantle DEI Act helps build on the President’s agenda by:
      • Ensuring all DEI offices are terminated and prohibiting agencies from renaming or repurposing them to continue the same functions under new titles.
      • Barring federal funds from being used for DEI training, grants, or programs—including identity-based quotas and critical race theory.
      • Granting individuals the legal right to challenge any of these violations in court.
         

    MORE:

    Tuberville Supporting Elimination Of DEI, Restoration Of Lethality In Armed Forces 
    Tuberville: “We need a military that is 100% focused on protecting our country and enhancing national security.”
    ICYMI: Tuberville op-ed: “Biden is Infecting Our Military With Woke Politics While the World Implodes”
    Tuberville Questioned Army Officials on Lasting Effects of Vaccine Policy on the Military
    Tuberville, Colleagues Help Secure Provision To Protect Servicemembers From COVID Vaccine Mandate In 2023 NDAA
    Tuberville Questions Pentagon about COVID Vaccine Military Discharge
    Tuberville Demands Answers on Military’s Vaccine Mandate

    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 New Zealand: Supporting farmers to ‘meat’ global food demand

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay today hosted a Lamb barbecue to mark National Lamb Day (15 February 2025) for farmers, industry representatives, MPs, and media at Parliament.  

    “As we celebrate National Lamb Day, parliament honours the legacy of early sector pioneers and acknowledges the hard work and resilience of our farmers, processors, and exporters — your dedication ensures that New Zealand’s red meat sector remains world leading and ready to grow,” Mr McClay says.

    “Agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, with sheep and beef farmers alone contributing over $10 billion in exports to the economy last year. This is equal to $3,300 in income for every Kiwi household. 

    “The sector isn’t just crucial to our goal of doubling exports by value in ten years — it also supports 76,000 jobs across New Zealand and is leading the way in sustainable farming.

    The Government’s agricultural team, of Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson and Associate Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg, are laser focused on getting costs down and returning more value to the farm gate.

    Farmers have done it tough over the last few years with significant weather events and challenging commodity prices, but as farmer confidence rises there are real signs of green shoots ahead including: 

    • A lift in sheepmeat prices over recent months, with December lamb prices exceeding the five-year average,
    • Record high cattle prices, and
    • Rising demand from key red meat markets.

    “Looking ahead, we are focused on new growth opportunities for lamb and red meat, particularly in the Middle East. The recent trade agreements with the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will eliminate 99 per cent of all tariffs over time.

    “Kiwi farmers are the best in the world, and we are committed to supporting a future where New Zealand lamb continues to be celebrated and enjoyed on tables world-wide.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Welcomes Peter Schork as Regional President for Toledo, Ohio & Southeast Michigan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) announced that Peter Schork has joined F&M as Regional President of the Toledo, Ohio, and Southeastern Michigan regions.

    Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M stated, “As a proven community banker, Peter brings a wealth of experience to F&M. His leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to building strong relationships will be an invaluable resource to F&M as we continue to grow and serve our communities. We look forward to the impact he will make in driving success for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

    In his new role, Peter will oversee F&M’s presence in the Toledo, Ohio, and Birmingham, Michigan markets, including offices in Waterville, Swanton, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Downtown Toledo, as well as F&M’s Loan Production Office in Troy and its Birmingham, Michigan location.

    Peter brings over 25 years of banking and financial experience to F&M. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the Ann Arbor President for Oxford Bank and co-founded the Ann Arbor State Bank serving as its President and CEO. In addition to his community bank experience, Peter was the CFO at Catalyst Commercial Real Estate, and the President of a Michigan-based title, mortgage, and real estate company. In addition to his business experience, Peter is a proud supporter of various community organizations. Currently, he serves on the Michigan Theater Board of Trustees, is a member of the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Homeless/Unhoused Mission. Peter holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a specialization in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.

    About F&M Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement
    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    __________________________________________

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e11179be-cf20-449e-9416-ca1e8ff1fd2f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and 10 other Western Democratic Senators to sound the alarm over threats to the removal of hazardous fuels on U.S. public lands. The Bureau of Land Management recently issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America carrying out critical hazardous fuel removal projects on high-risk federal lands. Delaying these treatments risks missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels.

    The letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds needed to mitigate and fight wildfires, despite the devastating fires that ravaged Southern California communities last month. The Senators demanded that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington rescind the order to stop work on essential hazardous fuels reduction efforts and any other wildland fire management and risk-reduction programs.

    “Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis — and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the Senators.

    “As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” continued the Senators. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.

    The hazardous fuel reduction projects are a core component of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, to which Congress appropriated over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments in fuels reduction treatments for high-risk firesheds were recommended in the nonpartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.

    In addition to Senators Padilla, Schiff, Merkley, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Senator Padilla has long been a leader in strengthening the federal and state response to wildfires. Last week, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act, the last of which is co-led by Senator Schiff. Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022.

    Padilla previously questioned Secretary Burgum on his support for wildfire aid, securing his commitment to responding to wildfires regardless of which state they impact with all necessary resources and support possible.

    Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington, 

    We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.

    These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week. 

    In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes. 

    Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels.  

    In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis. 

    Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance. 

    As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.   

    By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire. 

    We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting Orkney’s farmers and food producers

    Source: Scottish Government

    Plans for new abattoir get funding boost.

    Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.

    First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.

    The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund, which this year has provided a total of £256,500 to support private kill abattoirs including in Shetland, Wishaw, Barra, Dingwall and Mull.

    By creating more localised supply chains, the Fund aims to increase the proportion of food grown and processed by small farms and small holders, and consumed within the community.

    The First Minister said:

    “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting small producers and strengthening Scotland’s food supply chain. We know that local marts and abattoirs play an important role in supporting island businesses and ensuring the best animal welfare.

     “A new facility in Orkney would bring many benefits for the people who live and work here, supporting economic growth in the area and the future sustainability of the island’s food production industry.  We will continue to work with HIE and the Orkney Islands Council as the project develops.”

    Chair of Orkney Auction Mart Alan Corrigall said:

    “We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to Orkney to explain, first hand, how vital a new abattoir is for our community. Our case has been well received and we very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support.  We’re looking forward to working in partnership with local butchers and other stakeholders, to build a strong business case for this important project.”

    Background

    Supporting Scotland’s small producers – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 36-2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – GG IKLIM GRUP LIMAN HIZMETLERI A.S. (AEI: TR4034SB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    11 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have suspended GG IKLIM GRUP LIMAN HIZMETLERI A.S. (AEI: TR4034SB) from AusTreat.

    The treatment provider has…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began May 7, 2024.

    The disaster declaration includes the counties of Finney, Grant, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Morton, Stanton, Stevens and Wichita in Kansas, as well as Baca and Prowers in Colorado.

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business 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 of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas of the deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions that occurred in March and May of 2024.

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration Number

    Primary

    Counties

    Neighboring

    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline
    20461 Lampasas Bell, Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, Mills and San Saba Flooding, Excessive Rain and Flash Flood May 4-5, 2024 3/10/25
    20462 Hunt Collin, Delta, Fannin, Hopkins, Kaufman, Rains, Rockwall and Van Zandt Flooding and Excessive Rain Beginning March 11, 2024 3/10/25

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business 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 of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared these declarations on July 9, 2024. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began on May 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration includes the counties of Benewah, Clearwater, Latah, Nez Perce and Shoshone in Idaho, as well as the county of Whitman in Washington.

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business 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 of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/10/2025 Blackburn, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Tennessee Small Dairy Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act to strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities:

    “The dairy industry is an essential part of the American economy. It is crucial that we provide the resources that dairies in Tennessee need to expand and create new products,” said Senator Blackburn. “With many small Tennessee dairies struggling to remain open, this bill will allow these businesses to diversify and expand their market competitiveness.”

    “My Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers grow their operations, tap into new markets, and innovate new products,” said Senator Baldwin. “From expanding facilities and growing their operations to improving packaging and lowering their shipping costs, this program has helped Wisconsin businesses grow their bottom lines and create jobs in our rural communities. I’m fighting to expand this vital program so more farmers, cheesemakers, and dairy processors have the tools to innovate and drive our rural economy forward.”

    DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION ACT:

    • The DBII program was created in the 2018 Farm Bill, establishing multiple dairy business and innovation centers to serve producers across the country. These centers, in partnership with dairy farmers and processors, are spurring innovation in dairy businesses, fostering the development of new dairy products and modernizing existing dairy plants. As a result, the program has gone on to add value to the milk produced by American farmers and expand their market access.
    • Each regional initiative is tasked with providing technical assistance and grants to farmers and processors, including:
      • Supporting new and expanding dairy businesses—Centers provide assistance with business plan development, accounting, market evaluation, and strategic planning.
      • Promoting innovation in dairy products—Dairy businesses receive assistance with product innovation, marketing and branding, packaging, distribution, supply chain innovation, food safety training and consultation, and dairy product production training.
      • Assisting with dairy plant modernization and process improvement—Dairy businesses receive assistance with processing facility improvement, including assistance with plant upgrades, food safety modernization, energy and water efficiency, byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and waste treatment.
    • The Dairy Business Innovation Act builds on the support for regional dairy research and innovation centers across the country by raising the program’s annual authorization from $20 million to $36 million.

    ENDORSEMENTS:

    The legislation is endorsed by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, National Milk Producers Federation, Organic Valley, and International Dairy Foods Association. 

    “Tennessee’s dairy farmers are an integral part of our rural economy and provide wholesome, nutritious milk products to consumers. We thank Senators Blackburn and Baldwin for filing the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative which will be a successful opportunity for dairy farmers to add value to their milk and increase on-farm profitability. Further investments into DBII can create increased opportunities for consumers to access local dairy products and support their regional agricultural economy.” – Eric Mayberry, President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation 

    “We are grateful to Senators Blackburn and Baldwin for their support of the Dairy Business Innovation Act. It has had a historic impact on our Tennessee dairy industry and the development of the new Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee. These resources will continue to help UTIA provide Real.Life.Solutions. to producers and processors across the region. Additionally, it has provided us with new partnership opportunities around the country.” – Dr. Keith Carver, Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture 

    “The Dairy Business Innovation Act continues to be a critical tool for dairy farms and processors across the Southeast region to overcome a history of low income, limited reinvestment into existing businesses, and high barriers to entry for new dairy businesses. As the program manager for the Southeast region, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) strongly supports the continuation and expansion of this valuable assistance to producers, processors, and the allied industries impacted by them. Since 2021, over $17 million has been directly invested into 189 dairy businesses across the 12 states and 1 territory in our region. Within Tennessee, 40 awards totaling almost $3.4 million have supported existing dairy farmers, processors, and emerging value-added dairy ventures. The funding for administration and research around the dairy industry has resulted in 5 new dairy Extension positions across Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina and has increased our understanding of consumer motivations around dairy. The new Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee is a direct outcome of these grants, providing a unique hub of food, animal, economic, and consumer interaction to support the dairy industry.” – Dr. Elizabeth Eckelkamp, Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative Program Director and Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

    “We thank Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for their continued bipartisan leadership in strengthening the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program. Dairy has a storied history of pioneering effective new products and practices as dairy farmers and their cooperatives work to supply the U.S. and the world with nutritious, sustainably produced food. This program helps support researchers and their industry partners working to drive this innovation forward.” – Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation 

    “Senator Tammy Baldwin and Senator Marsha Blackburn should be commended for a bill that enhances the assets and investments in the U.S. the dairy industry. Dairy is an economic engine in rural communities – we at Organic Valley know dairy processors who are doing more with support from this initiative and American farmers who are better positioned to bring milk to market because of it.” – Adam Warthesen, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs at Organic Valley

    “IDFA applauds Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for introducing the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025.  The bill promotes innovation in the dairy processing sector and will help industry members work together to address common challenges and create new market opportunities for healthy and nutritious dairy products.” – Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President & CEO of International Dairy Foods Association

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Relief Still Available to Michigan Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Last January’s Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Michigan of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought and excessive heat that began on Jan. 1, 2024. 

    The declaration covers the counties of Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft.  

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills 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 small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.  

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

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than March 10, 2025. 

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Montana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began on May 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration includes the counties of Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Powell and Ravalli.

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business 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 of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    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: Notice of minimum investment amount increase for the EdgePoint Canadian Portfolio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EdgePoint Wealth Management Inc. (“EdgePoint”) announced today that it is changing the minimum amount of an initial investment in the EdgePoint Canadian Portfolio (the “Fund”) from $20,000 (the “Previous Minimum”) to $100,000 (the “New Minimum”).

    The New Minimum investment amount must be met per account and per Fund series. The minimum initial investment is subject to change at EdgePoint’s discretion.

    Why is EdgePoint raising the Fund’s minimum initial investment amount?

    The Canadian marketplace offers compelling investment opportunities; however, its size can pose investment restrictions. EdgePoint monitors the Fund’s size and inflows to ensure the Investment Team retains the flexibility needed to capitalize on them.

    The minimum increase is not being made due to capacity constraints today, but to potentially avoid them in the future. The flexibility to look anywhere in Canada for businesses undergoing positive change unrecognized by the market will never be compromised.

    One of EdgePoint’s measures of success is working with advisors who are aligned with its long-term investment approach. It is important to avoid attracting short-term performance chasers rather than like-minded investors.

    Raising the minimum investment threshold is a way of measuring an advisor’s alignment with EdgePoint by asking them to put their money (and conviction) where their mouth is. While this change does not guarantee alignment, it reinforces EdgePoint’s goal of delivering strong long-term returns while prioritizing the best interests of its investors. A stronger, more aligned investor base will create a better experience for all.

    EdgePoint is not an asset gathering firm. Selling and promoting a fund based on performance always serves the needs of the investment firm over the investor. These are necessary steps to protect the integrity of the Fund and to allow EdgePoint to continue building wealth for their long term and very aligned Canadian investors.

    Additional information about the Fund, including the simplified prospectus and Fund Facts, can be found on the Fund’s SEDAR+ profile at www.SEDARPLUS.ca or on EdgePoint’s website at www.edgepointwealth.com.

    ABOUT EDGEPOINT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

    EdgePoint Wealth Management Inc. is an independent investment management firm based in Toronto and owned and operated by investors.

    Contact: Patrick Farmer at 416.963.9353 or farmer@edgepointwealth.com.

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    This is not an offer to purchase. Mutual funds can only be purchased through a registered Dealer. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the simplified prospectus before investing. Copies are available from your financial advisor or at www.edgepointwealth.com. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. EdgePoint is a registered trademark of EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. EdgePoint® and Owned and Operated by Investors™ are trademarks of EdgePoint Investment Group Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. Reports Earnings of $4,277,703 or $1.37 Per Share for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMPSTEAD, Md., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), the parent company of Farmers and Merchants Bank (the “Bank” and, together with the Company, “we”, “us” and “our”), announced that net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $4,277,703, or $1.37 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to $6,418,337, or $2.08 per common share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2023. Higher interest expense as a result of the Federal Reserve rate increases over the last several years was the primary reason for the decline in net income. The Company’s return on average equity during the year ended December 31, 2024 was 7.83% compared to 13.08% for the same period in 2023. The Company’s return on average assets during the year ended December 31, 2024 was 0.53% compared to 0.86% for the same period in 2023. Loan growth for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $60 million, a growth rate of 11.4%.

    Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $856,080, or $0.27 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to $1,415,230, or $0.46 per common share (basic and diluted), for the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company’s return on average equity during the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 5.96% compared to 11.92% for the same period in 2023. The Company’s return on average assets during the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 0.41% compared to 0.72% for the same period in 2023.          

    Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $579,928 lower when compared to the same period in 2023 due to a decrease in the net interest margin to 2.68% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 2.97% for the same period in 2023. The decline in the net interest margin was partially offset by a $56.6 million increase in average interest earning assets to $784.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $728.0 million for the same period in 2023. Higher interest expense was the driving factor in the lower net interest income. The Federal Reserve interest rate decreased by 1.00% over the last four months of 2024 after aggregate increases of 5.25% from March 2022 through August 2023. The net aggregate increase of 4.25% caused the cost of deposits and borrowings to increase by 102 basis points to 2.76% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 1.74% for the same period in 2023. In addition, average interest bearing liabilities increased by $64.3 million to $634.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $570.4 million for the same period in 2023. The taxable equivalent yield on total average interest-earning assets increased 59 basis points to 4.92% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 4.33% for the same period in 2023, partially offsetting the higher cost of funds.

    The Bank entered into several interest rate swaps structured as fair value hedges during 2023 and 2024, some in combination with the purchase of mortgage backed securities, which are intended to offset the impact of higher interest expense by improving interest income on debt securities. During the fourth quarter of 2024, a swap with a notional amount of $22 million was unwound and the related $28 million of mortgage backed securities was sold, resulting in a net gain of $18,708. The notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2024 was approximately $75 million.

    Our loan portfolio is comprised primarily of commercial real estate loans with fixed rates for five-year terms. As those loans reprice, our net interest margin should improve. In addition, our current strategy is to increase the diversification of our portfolio with commercial and industrial loans, which are typically adjustable rate loans and would provide an immediate higher yield in today’s interest rate environment.

    A provision for credit losses of $150,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a $570,000 recovery. The Company’s loan portfolio continues to perform at a high level with just one non-accrual loan totaling $403,853 and one loan more than 30 days delinquent totalling $269,852 at December 31, 2024.

    Noninterest income increased by $160,947 for the year ended December 31, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily as a result of a $138,388 increase in the gain on insurance proceeds for our Upperco location and a $48,252 increase in bank owned life insurance income, offset by a decrease of 19,392 in the gain on sale of SBA loans. Noninterest expense was $1,787,830 higher in the year ended December 31, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, due primarily to a $475,241 increase in other expenses, a $505,322 increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment costs, a $495,733 increase in salaries and benefits, and a $311,534 increase in other real estate owned expenses. The increase in other expenses was due primarily to costs associated with our core system conversion that was completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, ATM related expenses, and legal fees incurred for stockholder matters. Also, the Bank’s FDIC assessment expense increased due to higher FDIC assessment rates. The increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment was due primarily to the renovations and new equipment for the Upperco location which was placed in service at the end of the first quarter and the new Towson location that was placed in service during the second quarter. The increase in salaries and benefits was due to normal annual salary increases as well as the hiring of several new employees primarily in the commercial loan production department. The increase in other real estate owned expenses is due primarily to a $249,217 gain that was realized in 2023.

    Income taxes decreased by $786,177 during the year ended December 31, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023 due to lower earnings before taxes. The effective tax rate decreased to 22.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 23.9% for the same period last year due to an increase in the amount of nontaxable income included in pretax income year over year.

    Total assets increased to $845 million at December 31, 2024 from $800 million at December 31, 2023. Loans increased by 11.4% to $583 million at December 31, 2024 from the $523 million recorded at December 31, 2023. Investments in debt securities decreased to $146 million at December 31, 2024 from $184 million at December 31, 2023. Deposits increased to $758 million at December 31, 2024 from $681 million at December 31, 2023.   The Company’s tangible equity was $49 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $45 million at December 31, 2023.

    The book value of the Company’s common stock increased to $17.77 per share at December 31, 2024 from to $16.74 per share at December 31, 2023. Book value per share at December 31, 2024 was reflective of the $17 million unrealized loss, net of income taxes, on the Bank’s available for sale (“AFS”) investment portfolio as a result of the significant rise in interest rates over the last 30 months. Changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio, net of income taxes, are reflected in the Company’s equity, but are not included in the income statement. The AFS investment portfolio is comprised of 72% government agency mortgage backed securities which are fully guaranteed, 23% investment grade non agency mortgage backed securities, 1% investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, and 4% subordinated debt of other community banks. There is no indication of credit deterioration in any of the bonds and we intend to hold these investments to maturity, so no actual losses are anticipated. There is no impact on regulatory capital because the Bank elected many years ago to not include in the calculation of regulatory capital changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

    The Bank utilized the Federal Reserve Bank’s Bank Term Funding Program during 2024 and had borrowings of $54,000,000 outstanding for most of 2024, but the borrowings were repaid during December 2024 ahead of the maturity date of January 15, 2025. Our Federal Home Loan Bank facility, other borrowing lines available, unpledged securities, brokered deposit access, and cash provided us with access to approximately $332 million of liquidity at December 31, 2024.

    Gary A. Harris, President and CEO, commented “We are pleased that our loan portfolio grew $60 million, or 11.4%, during 2024, demonstrating that our investment in additional loan production staff and facilities is paying off. Our asset quality remains high and our liquidity position remains strong. Due to the sunsetting of our existing core operating system, after an almost year long effort, our core system conversion was completed in October 2024.  While it increased our expenses in 2024, the new system will be a substantial digital upgrade that will position the bank for future growth, provide for significant efficiency gains and an enhanced customer experience moving forward. The Federal Reserve interest rate decreased an additional 50 basis points in the fourth quarter after the 50 basis point reduction in September. Additional cuts are now not expected to occur until the second half of 2025. The 2024 cuts should provide for improvement in our net interest margin in 2025.”

    About the Company

    The Company is a financial holding company and the parent company of the Bank. The Bank was chartered in Maryland in 1919 and has over 100 years of service to the community. The Bank serves the deposit and financing needs of both consumers and businesses in Carroll and Baltimore Counties along the Route 30, Route 795, Route 140, Route 26, and Route 45 corridors. The main office is located in Upperco, Maryland, with seven additional branches in Owings Mills, Hampstead, Greenmount, Reisterstown, Westminster, Eldersburg, and Towson. Certain broker-dealers make a market in the common stock of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc., and trades are reported through the OTC Markets Group’s Pink Market under the symbol “FMFG”.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be the same as those anticipated by management. These statements are evidenced by terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Although these statements reflect management’s good faith beliefs and projections, they are not guarantees of future performance and they may not prove true. These projections involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the section of the periodic reports filed by Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled “Risk Factors”.

         
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
         
      December 31, December 31, *
      2024 2023
         
    Assets  
         
    Cash and due from banks $ 63,962,047   $ 44,404,473  
    Federal funds sold and other interest-bearing deposits   697,066     285,864  
    Cash and cash equivalents   64,659,113     44,690,337  
    Certificates of deposit in other banks   100,000     100,000  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   125,712,926     164,084,673  
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost less allowance for credit    
    losses of $60,009 and $35,627   20,498,502     20,163,622  
    Equity security, at fair value   517,550     507,130  
    Restricted stock, at cost   921,000     863,500  
    Mortgage loans held for sale   157,200     –  
    Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $4,260,189 and $4,285,247   582,993,314     523,308,044  
    Premises and equipment, net   7,348,800     6,583,452  
    Accrued interest receivable   2,439,108     2,180,734  
    Deferred income taxes, net   7,606,241     8,312,482  
    Other real estate owned, net   1,176,245     1,242,365  
    Bank owned life insurance   15,324,417     14,930,754  
    Goodwill and other intangibles, net   7,026,096     7,034,424  
    Other assets   8,162,575     5,939,309  
      $ 844,643,087   $ 799,940,826  
         
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
         
    Deposits    
    Noninterest-bearing $ 107,197,478   $ 115,284,706  
    Interest-bearing   651,609,250     565,678,145  
    Total deposits   758,806,728     680,962,851  
    Securities sold under repurchase agreements   5,564,103     6,760,493  
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances   5,000,000     5,000,000  
    Federal Reserve Bank advances   –     33,000,000  
    Long-term debt, net of issuance costs   11,329,115     13,212,378  
    Accrued interest payable   1,002,525     1,482,773  
    Other liabilities   6,668,826     7,344,040  
        788,371,297     747,762,535  
    Stockholders’ equity    
    Common stock, par value $.01 per share,    
    authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding    
    3,166,653 in 2024 and 3,116,966 shares in 2023   31,667     31,170  
    Additional paid-in capital   31,135,552     30,398,080  
    Retained earnings   41,612,654     39,433,185  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (16,508,083 )   (17,684,144 )
        56,271,790     52,178,291  
      $ 844,643,087   $ 799,940,826  
    * – Derived from audited consolidated financial statements    
         
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
         
      Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
      2024 2023 2024 2023
             
    Interest income        
    Loans, including fees $ 8,316,953   $ 6,707,414   $ 30,338,189   $ 25,730,722  
    Investment securities – taxable   1,468,905     1,770,413     6,263,400     4,299,206  
    Investment securities – tax exempt   143,501     137,770     559,130     554,396  
    Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets   341,822     269,093     1,202,744     738,814  
    Total interest income   10,271,181     8,884,690     38,363,463     31,323,138  
             
    Interest expense        
    Deposits   4,274,980     2,960,470     14,518,632     7,971,094  
    Securities sold under repurchase agreements   16,222     17,924     65,335     41,873  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings   13,433     33,614     122,663     485,886  
    Federal Reserve Bank advances   402,775     431,556     2,313,186     823,319  
    Long-term debt   120,154     140,000     507,562     584,953  
    Total interest expense   4,827,564     3,583,564     17,527,378     9,907,125  
    Net interest income   5,443,617     5,301,126     20,836,085     21,416,013  
             
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses   150,000     –     150,000     (570,000 )
             
    Net interest income after provision for (recovery of) credit losses   5,293,617     5,301,126     20,686,085     21,986,013  
             
    Noninterest income        
    Service charges on deposit accounts   189,094     205,942     810,273     792,941  
    Mortgage banking income   41,484     4,483     107,846     96,997  
    Bank owned life insurance income   106,050     83,817     393,664     345,412  
    Gain (loss) on sale of debt securities   18,708     5,445     (13,214 )   –  
    Fair value adjustment of equity security   (18,183 )   15,343     (4,346 )   5,445  
    Loss on disposition of furniture and equipment   –     –     (5,157 )   –  
    Gain on sale of SBA loans   –     19,392     –     19,392  
    Gain on insurance proceeds   –     4,406     142,794     4,406  
    Other fees and commissions   85,899     83,782     320,587     326,907  
    Total noninterest income   423,052     422,610     1,752,447     1,591,500  
             
    Noninterest expense        
    Salaries   2,006,144     1,901,031     7,854,322     7,544,773  
    Employee benefits   590,365     517,654     2,187,116     2,000,932  
    Occupancy   271,859     229,377     1,070,456     874,775  
    Furniture and equipment   395,264     243,579     1,292,767     983,126  
    Other real estate owned, net   75,996     (235,538 )   75,996     (235,538 )
    Other   1,283,177     1,296,793     4,449,099     3,973,858  
    Total noninterest expense   4,622,805     3,952,896     16,929,756     15,141,926  
             
    Income before income taxes   1,093,864     1,770,840     5,508,776     8,435,587  
    Income taxes   237,784     355,610     1,231,073     2,017,250  
    Net income $ 856,080   $ 1,415,230   $ 4,277,703   $ 6,418,337  
             
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.27   $ 0.46   $ 1.37   $ 2.08  
    Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.27   $ 0.46   $ 1.37   $ 2.08  
             
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data
           
      2024 2023 2022
           
    OPERATING DATA      
           
    Interest income $ 38,363,463   $ 31,323,138   $ 26,269,653  
    Interest expense   17,527,378     9,907,125     2,146,158  
    Net interest income   20,836,085     21,416,013     24,123,495  
    Provision for (recovery of) loan losses   150,000     (570,000 )   475,000  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   20,686,085     21,986,013     23,648,495  
    Noninterest income   1,752,447     1,591,500     2,293,938  
    Noninterest expense   16,929,756     15,141,926     15,367,280  
    Income before income taxes   5,508,776     8,435,587     10,575,153  
    Income taxes   1,231,073     2,017,250     2,485,026  
    Net income $ 4,277,703   $ 6,418,337   $ 8,090,127  
           
    PER SHARE DATA      
           
    Net income (Basic) $1.37   $2.08   $2.66  
    Dividends $0.67   $0.66   $0.63  
    Book value $17.77   $16.74   $15.56  
           
    KEY RATIOS      
           
    Return on average assets   0.53 %   0.86 %   1.13 %
    Return on average equity   7.83 %   13.08 %   16.03 %
    Efficiency ratio   74.95 %   65.81 %   58.17 %
    Dividend payout ratio   48.91 %   31.73 %   23.68 %
    Net yield on interest-earning assets   2.68 %   2.97 %   3.54 %
    Tier 1 capital leverage ratio   9.12 %   9.42 %   9.83 %
           
    AT PERIOD END      
           
    Total assets $ 844,643,087   $ 799,940,826   $ 718,210,672  
    Gross loans   587,978,965     528,166,501     521,679,143  
    Cash and cash equivalents   64,659,113     44,690,337     7,263,537  
    Securities   146,211,428     184,248,295     146,823,446  
    Deposits   758,806,728     680,962,851     623,611,124  
    Borrowings   10,564,103     57,972,871     40,270,945  
    Stockholders’ equity   56,271,790     52,178,291     47,774,963  
           
    SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES      
           
    Total assets $ 810,042,767   $ 745,478,612   $ 714,115,497  
    Gross loans   557,861,624     528,910,091     498,427,308  
    Cash and cash equivalents   27,564,076     18,497,261     20,015,477  
    Securities   177,742,677     182,159,701     174,776,879  
    Deposits   672,492,752     642,039,185     631,809,943  
    Borrowings   72,287,329     48,040,853     26,042,874  
    Stockholders’ equity   54,609,886     49,063,426     50,457,994  
           
    ASSET QUALITY      
           
    Nonperforming assets $ 1,580,098   $ 1,897,775   $ 1,897,775  
           
    Nonperforming assets/total assets   0.19 %   0.24 %   0.26 %
           
    Allowance for credit losses on loans/total loans   0.72 %   0.81 %   0.80 %
           
    Contact: Mr. Gary A. Harris
      President and Chief Executive Officer
      (410) 374-1510, ext. 1104
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Workers and communities are paying the price of the administration dismantling federal agencies

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after AFSCME members at the U.S. Department of Agriculture were placed on administrative leave to be furloughed:

    “Federal workers and America’s communities are starting to pay the price of Elon Musk and his cronies’ unlawful efforts to dismantle essential public services. AFSCME members within the Department of Agriculture were notified that they will be furloughed since the administration has illegally eliminated the USAID, which funds the work they do. Because of these extremist actions, not only will people abroad go hungry, but American farmers will be left high and dry with no one to buy their crops. This is only the beginning of billionaires’ campaign to gut public services so they can hand over trillions in tax cuts to their wealthiest friends. It is shameful, and we will consider all our options to stop these actions.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Sen. Joni Ernst in WSJ: USAID Is a Rogue Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) detailed in the Wall Street Journal how the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) acts against our nation’s best interests and stonewalled her oversight of where tax dollars are going and why. 
    As Senate DOGE Caucus chair and founder, Senator Ernst will continue to work with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to examine how taxpayers’ money is spent and put an end to any waste, fraud, and abuse.
    WSJ: Sen. Joni Ernst: USAID Is a Rogue Agency
    It dodges congressional questions about money that went to sex traffickers and the Wuhan virus lab.
    By: Senator Joni Ernst
    In moments of crisis, America can be counted on for leadership. Our nation’s compassionate giving has saved millions of lives around the world that were at risk from starvation or disease. All Americans should be able to take great pride in our generosity. And the government agencies coordinating aid efforts should be eager to share details about how they’re using taxpayers’ money to make the world a better place.
    Yet the U.S. Agency for International Development, entrusted with disbursing tens of billions of aid dollars to other nations annually, is a rogue bureaucracy. I’ve uncovered that the agency often acts at odds with our nation’s best interests and uses intimidation and shell games to hide where money is going, how it’s being spent and why.
    USAID repeatedly rebuffed my requests for a list of recipients of U.S. tax dollars sent to Ukraine, claiming that the information was classified. Despite the pushback, I persisted. Eventually, USAID permitted my staff to review documents under surveillance in a highly secure room at USAID headquarters, with note-taking prohibited.
    What warranted such secrecy? We learned that the aid that was supposed to alleviate economic distress in the war-torn nation was spent on such frivolous activities as sending Ukrainian models and designers on junkets to New York City, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.
    I faced the same stonewalling from USAID when I asked about tax dollars being diverted from project missions for largely unrelated costs, known as the negotiated indirect cost rate. The agency claimed that it wasn’t possible to track. My team debunked that by providing USAID staff with a link to a public database. The agency fired back, warning that divulging this information would violate federal laws, including the Economic Espionage Act.
    When I launched a formal investigation in cooperation with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, USAID relented. Turns out, the agency is allowing grantees to skim significant amounts of money, up to and even beyond half of the total, for themselves.
    We need guarantees that U.S. assistance is helping people in need, but a recent review by the agency’s own inspector general found USAID still “does not have proper documentation to support indirect costs charged” by grant recipients.
    I shouldn’t have to ask these questions. All federal spending is required to be publicly available on the website USAspending.gov, a searchable database created nearly two decades ago by a bipartisan law.
    USAID’s sketchy spending schemes were the impetus for this law aimed at making federal funding more transparent. Congressional investigators in 2005 caught the agency supporting an organization involved with the trafficking of teenage girls in Asia. USAID staff called the claims “destructive” and vehemently denied them. The evidence proved otherwise. A pass-through group, set up with the help of former agency employees, was found funneling U.S. tax dollars into abetting the sex trade operation.
    The agency has learned to exploit loopholes in the law, as my investigation into the origins of the pandemic exposed. The watchdog organization White Coat Waste Project was the first to release evidence that both USAID and Anthony Fauci’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases were financing bat studies involving coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Yet no grants to the Chinese lab appeared in USAspending.gov. Audits later uncovered that more than a million dollars from the U.S. government were paying for the dangerous research. The bulk of the money was provided by USAID, not Dr. Fauci.
    USAID evaded the obligation to report this transaction to USAspending.gov by using multiple pass-through organizations, including the nefarious EcoHealth Alliance, which is now barred from receiving U.S. government grants.
    What was our international development agency developing at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology? If the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation are correct that the Covid virus likely originated from a lab leak, USAID may have had a hand in a once-in-a-century pandemic that claimed the lives of millions.
    There’s no shortage of other questionable USAID projects. More than $9 million intended for civilian food and medical supplies in Syria ended up in the hands of violent terrorists. Another $2 million was spent promoting tourism to Lebanon, a nation the State Department warns against traveling to due to the risks of terrorism, kidnapping and unexploded land mines.
    USAID spent millions of dollars paying people to dig irrigation ditches in Afghanistan and encouraging farmers to grow food crops instead of poppies for opium. The result: Poppy cultivation nearly doubled.
    Many other groups supported by USAID are doing great work, such as caring for orphans and people living with HIV. Imagine how much more good work could be supported with the dollars that instead ended up enriching terrorists, sex traffickers, mad scientists and drug cartels.
    After keeping its spending records hidden from Congress and taxpayers, USAID employees are now protesting the review of the agency’s records by President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. It’s no surprise that Washington insiders are more upset at DOGE for trying to stop wasteful spending than at USAID for misusing tax dollars.
    The question we should be asking isn’t why USAID’s grants are being scrutinized, but why it took so long.
    Ms. Ernst, an Iowa Republican, is founder and chairwoman of the Senate DOGE Caucus.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ConnectM Publishes 2024 Impact Scorecard

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ~Ends 2024 With Triple Digit Growth Across All Electrification Metrics~

    MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNTM) (“ConnectM” or the “Company”), a technology company focused on the electrification economy, today published its impact scorecard for the fourth quarter of 2024. Following the end of each quarter, ConnectM publishes its quarterly scorecard to provide the Company’s key electrification indicators which we use as internal operating performance measures. ConnectM determines its quarterly impact score metrics by aggregating data and behavioral analytics sourced from our Energy Intelligence Network and integrated artificial intelligence technology.

    Electrification Impact Scorecard for year-end 2024 (compared to year-end 2023)

    • 95.5 GWh of Electrification, an increase of 331% over last year and equivalent to 35,000 homes powered per day¹
    • 73,506 Metric Tons of Co2 Displaced, an increase of 391% over last year and equivalent to the amount of CO2 3.4 million trees can absorb in a year²
    • 6.7 Million Gallons of Fossil Fuel Displaced, an increase of 343% over last year and equivalent to driving around the world roughly 7,000 times³

    Bhaskar Panigrahi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConnectM, commented, “ConnectM’s 2024 impact scorecard reaffirms our unwavering commitment to accelerating the electrification economy. Our triple-digit growth across key metrics reflects the power of AI-driven insights and data intelligence in scaling cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. As we expand our technology’s reach, we remain focused on delivering measurable, sustainable impact for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

    About ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc.
    ConnectM is a pioneer in the electrification economy, integrating energy assets with its AI-driven technology platform. Focused on delivering solutions that drive efficiency, affordability, and sustainability, ConnectM serves home, facility, and fleet across three major segments: Building Electrification, Distributed Energy, and Transportation and Logistics. The company’s vertically integrated approach combines technology, service/distribution networks, and strategic partnerships to accelerate the transition to an all-electric energy economy.

    For more information, please visit: www.connectm.com. Stockholders looking to receive Company updates directly to their inbox should sign up here.

    Contact:
    Investor Relations
    Dave Gentry, CEO
    RedChip Companies, Inc.
    1-407-644-4256
    CNTM@redchip.com

    ____________________
    ¹U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Assuming the average home uses about 30 kilowatt-hours per day.
    ²US Department of Agriculture
    ³Assumes 26 miles per gallon

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Relief Remains Available to Mississippi Businesses Impacted by April Storms:

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Mississippi of the March 10 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred April 8-11, 2024. 

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Attala, Claiborne, Copiah, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Jasper, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Leflore, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Pearl River, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Sunflower, Warren, Washington, and Winston in Mississippi, as well as St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana. 

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that would 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 small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

    For more information and 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 economic injury applications is March 10, 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 or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA-Led Study Pinpoints Areas Sinking, Rising Along California Coast

    Source: NASA

    The elevation changes may seem small — amounting to fractions of inches per year — but they can increase or decrease local flood risk, wave exposure, and saltwater intrusion.
    Tracking and predicting sea level rise involves more than measuring the height of our oceans: Land along coastlines also inches up and down in elevation. Using California as a case study, a NASA-led team has shown how seemingly modest vertical land motion could significantly impact local sea levels in coming decades.
    By 2050, sea levels in California are expected to increase between 6 and 14.5 feet (15 and 37 centimeters) higher than year 2000 levels. Melting glaciers and ice sheets, as well as warming ocean water, are primarily driving the rise. As coastal communities develop adaptation strategies, they can also benefit from a better understanding of the land’s role, the team said. The findings are being used in updated guidance for the state.
    “In many parts of the world, like the reclaimed ground beneath San Francisco, the land is moving down faster than the sea itself is going up,” said lead author Marin Govorcin, a remote sensing scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. 
    The new study illustrates how vertical land motion can be unpredictable in scale and speed; it results from both human-caused factors such as groundwater pumping and wastewater injection, as well as from natural ones like tectonic activity. The researchers showed how direct satellite observations can improve estimates of vertical land motion and relative sea level rise. Current models, which are based on tide gauge measurements, cannot cover every location and all the dynamic land motion at work within a given region.
    Local Changes
    Researchers from JPL and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) used satellite radar to track more than a thousand miles of California coast rising and sinking in new detail. They pinpointed hot spots — including cities, beaches, and aquifers — at greater exposure to rising seas now and in coming decades.
    To capture localized motion inch by inch from space, the team analyzed radar measurements made by ESA’s (the European Space Agency’s) Sentinel-1 satellites, as well as motion velocity data from ground-based receiving stations in the Global Navigation Satellite System. Researchers compared multiple observations of the same locations made between 2015 to 2023 using a processing technique called interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR).

    Homing in on the San Francisco Bay Area — specifically, San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City, and Bay Farm Island — the team found the land subsiding at a steady rate of more than 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) per year due largely to sediment compaction. Accounting for this subsidence in the lowest-lying parts of these areas, local sea levels could rise more than 17 inches (45 centimeters) by 2050. That’s more than double the regional estimate of 7.4 inches (19 centimeters) based solely on tide gauge projections.
    Not all coastal locations in California are sinking. The researchers mapped uplift hot spots of several millimeters per year in the Santa Barbara groundwater basin, which has been steadily replenishing since 2018. They also observed uplift in Long Beach, where fluid extraction and injection occur with oil and gas production.
    The scientists further calculated how human-induced drivers of local land motion increase uncertainties in the sea level projections by up to 15 inches (40 centimeters) in parts of Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Reliable projections in these areas are challenging because the unpredictable nature of human activities, such as hydrocarbon production and groundwater extraction, necessitating ongoing monitoring of land motion.  
    Fluctuating Aquifers, Slow-Moving Landslides
    In the middle of California, in the fast-sinking parts of the Central Valley (subsiding as much as 8 inches, or 20 centimeters, per year), land motion is influenced by groundwater withdrawal. Periods of drought and precipitation can alternately draw down or inflate underground aquifers. Such fluctuations were also observed over aquifers in Santa Clara in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Ana in Orange County, and Chula Vista in San Diego County.
    Along rugged coastal terrain like the Big Sur mountains below San Francisco and Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, the team pinpointed local zones of downward motion associated with slow-moving landslides. In Northern California they also found sinking trends at marshlands and lagoons around San Francisco and Monterey bays, and in Sonoma County’s Russian River estuary. Erosion in these areas likely played a key factor.
    Scientists, decision-makers, and the public can monitor these and other changes occurring via the JPL-led OPERA (Observational Products for End-Users from Remote Sensing Analysis) project. The OPERA project details land surface elevational changes across North America, shedding light on dynamic processes including subsidence, tectonics, and landslides.
    The OPERA project will leverage additional state-of-the-art InSAR data from the upcoming NISAR (NASA-Indian Space Research Organization Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission, expected to launch within the coming months.
    News Media Contacts
    Jane J. Lee / Andrew WangJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov / andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov
    Written by Sally Younger
    2025-015

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Welcomes Peter Schork as Market President for Toledo, OH & Birmingham, MI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) announced that Peter Schork has joined F&M as Market President of the Toledo, Ohio and Birmingham, Michigan markets.

    Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M stated, “As a proven community banker, Peter brings a wealth of experience to F&M. His leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to building strong relationships will be an invaluable resource to F&M as we continue to grow and serve our communities. We look forward to the impact he will make in driving success for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

    In his new role, Peter will oversee F&M’s presence in the Toledo, Ohio, and Birmingham, Michigan markets, including offices in Waterville, Swanton, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Downtown Toledo, as well as F&M’s Loan Production Office in Troy and its Birmingham, Michigan location.

    Peter brings over 25 years of banking and financial experience to F&M. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the Ann Arbor President for Oxford Bank and co-founded the Ann Arbor State Bank serving as its President and CEO. In addition to his community bank experience, Peter was the CFO at Catalyst Commercial Real Estate, and the President of a Michigan based title, mortgage, and real estate company. In addition to his business experience, Peter is a proud supporter of various community organizations. Currently he serves on the Michigan Theater Board of Trustees, is a member of the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Homeless/Unhoused Mission. Peter holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a specialization in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.

    About F&M Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement
    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: 
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Investor and Media Contact:
    Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com
       

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e11179be-cf20-449e-9416-ca1e8ff1fd2f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BioAstra Unveils “Twin Astra”: Pioneering Deep-Space Medical Research Program Set to Transform Space Exploration and Earth-Based Medicine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BioAstra, a pioneering force in space medicine and biotechnology, is set to revolutionize human health with the launch of Twin Astra—a first-of-its-kind deep-space research initiative poised to transform space exploration and medical advancements on Earth.

    The program will be officially unveiled on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at The Explorers Club in New York City, bringing together top minds in space, science, and biotechnology.

    About Twin Astra

    Twin Astra is designed to unlock critical insights into human health through space-based research, driving breakthroughs that will impact both astronauts and Earth-based medicine. The program focuses on:

    • Twin Studies in Space: By studying genetically identical twins—one on Earth, the other in space—scientists will map the molecular, genetic, and physiological shifts caused by space travel.
    • Medical Breakthroughs: This research will accelerate advancements in precision medicine, aging, cancer treatment, and regenerative therapies.
    • Space Exploration & Human Resilience: The findings will pave the way for safer, long-duration space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

    “By harnessing space as a biomedical testing ground, Twin Astra will redefine our understanding of human resilience in extreme environments,” said Professor Chris Mason, BioAstra Board Chair. “This research is crucial for protecting astronauts and unlocking medical discoveries that will benefit life on Earth and beyond.”

    Launch Event: February 20, 2025

    This exclusive gathering will unite astronauts, biotech leaders, philanthropists, investors, and innovators to explore the program’s groundbreaking potential.

    “Twin Astra represents the next frontier of biomedical discovery,” said Savi Glowe, BioAstra CEO. “By pushing the limits of human biology in space, we are opening doors to new treatments, technologies, and insights that will redefine healthcare for generations to come.”

    Event Highlights:

    • Speakers:
      • Dr. Sian Proctor, Inspiration4 Astronaut
      • John Shoffner, Axiom-2 Astronaut
      • Savi Glowe, BioAstra CEO
      • Professor Chris Mason, BioAstra Board Chair & Renowned Genomics Expert

    Event Details:

    Be part of this landmark event, where astronauts, investors, biotech leaders, and medical innovators will unveil Twin Astra’s bold vision.

    Limited seats available – RSVP today.

    Date: Thursday, February 20
    Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Location: The Explorers Club, 46 East 70th Street, New York

    RSVP Required: michal@bioastra.org
    Investor Inquiries: michal@bioastra.org
    Website: www.bioastra.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Billionaires’ companies benefiting from Common Agricultural Policy subsidies – E-002644/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    A decades-long farm consolidation is part of a deeper trend observed in major market-based economies, including the EU, driven by a combination of factors, such as economies of scale, technological advancements, access to capital, as well as demographic trends.

    The Guardian article grossly overestimates the amounts received by the largest Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) recipients. The Eurostat Farm Structure Survey shows that the average physical farm size of Portuguese farms increased from 12.6 ha in 2007 to 13.7 ha in 2020 (+8.2%), while the EU-27 average farm size increased from 11.6 ha to 17.1 ha over the same period (+ 47.5%).

    Regarding distribution of direct payments in Portugal, in 2022, the 20% largest beneficiaries (by the amount of payment) received 80% of direct payments.

    However, these 20% largest beneficiaries were farming 87% of the land. Yet in 2015, the 20% largest beneficiaries received 84% of direct payments and farmed 86% of land.

    Thus, the concentration of direct payments slightly decreased between 2015 and 2022, despite the fact that the concentration of land has increased.

    This shows the first results of the current redistribution mechanisms, including a redistributive payment (CRISS) and an increase of the payment under the Small Farmers Scheme (SFS). Under the current CAP, Portugal allocated a total of EUR 348.6 million to CRISS. A total of EUR 319.5 million was allocated to SFS.

    Lastly, the Commission recently proposed to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain, both via the common market Organisation and the new Unfair Trading Practices cross border enforcement regulations.

    The CAP post-2027 will further consider how to better target the distribution of the CAP funds.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government revises Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) guidelines

    Source: Government of India

    Government revises Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) guidelines

    Procurement limit of crops under MIS increased from 20 percent to 25 percent

    FPOs, FPCs, State-nominated agencies, Central Nodal Agencies to undertake procurement of top crops under MIS

    Approval given to NCCF for reimbursement of cost for transportation of Kharif tomato up to 1,000 MT from Madhya Pradesh to Delhi.

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 8:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is a component of PM-AASHA scheme. Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is implemented on the request of State/UT Government for procurement of various perishable agricultural/horticultural commodities such as tomato, onion and potato etc. for which Minimum Support Price (MSP) is not applicable and there is a reduction of at least 10% in the market prices in the States/UTs as compared to the rates of the previous normal season, so that farmers are not forced to sell their produce under distress.

    To encourage more States for implementation of MIS, Government has revised the MIS Guidelines in the following provisions:

     1. Made MIS a component of the integrated scheme of PM-AASHA.

     2. MIS will be implemented only when there is a minimum reduction of 10% in the prevailing market price as compared to the previous normal year.

    3. The procurement/coverage limit of production quantity of crops has been increased from the existing 20 percent ​​to 25 percent.

    4. The State has also been given the option to pay the difference between the Market Intervention Price (MIP) and the selling price directly into the bank account of the farmers in place of physical procurement.

    Further, where there is a difference in the price of TOP crops (tomato, onion and potato) between the producing and consuming States, the operational cost incurred in storage and transportation of crops from the producing State to other consuming States will be reimbursed by Central Nodal Agencies (CNA) like NAFED and NCCF, in the interest of farmers. Approval has been given to NCCF for reimbursement of cost for transportation of Kharif tomato upto 1,000 MT from Madhya Pradesh to Delhi. It is being proposed to include, apart from NAFED and NCCF, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), State nominated agencies and other Central Nodal Agencies, to undertake procurement of top crops under MIS and to make arrangements for storage and transportation from the producing state to the consuming State in case of price difference between the producing State and the consuming State, in coordination with the implementing state.

    *****

    MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2101530) Visitor Counter : 53

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan approves extension of Groundnut procurement in Gujarat by 6 days & in Karnataka by 25 days

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan approves extension of Groundnut procurement in Gujarat by 6 days & in Karnataka by 25 days

    Soyabean procurement extended in Maharashtra by 24 days & in Telangana by 15 days as per instructions of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Government of India approves continuation of PM-AASHA

    PM-AASHA to be continued during 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26

    Government has allowed the procurement of Tur, Urad and Masur under PSS equivalent to 100% of the production of the State for the procurement year 2024-25.

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 6:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India approved the continuation of the integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26. Integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme comprises Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and Price Stabilisation Funds (PSF). Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) administers PSS, PDPS and MIS whereas Department of Consumer Affairs administers PSF. The integrated PM-AASHA Scheme is administered to bring-in more effectiveness in the implementation of procurement operations that would not only help in providing remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce but also control the price volatility of essential commodities by ensuring their availability at affordable prices to consumers.

    Under the Price Support Scheme, the procurement of the notified Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra conforming to the prescribed Fair Average Quality (FAQ) is undertaken by the Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) at the MSP directly from the pre-registered farmers through the State level agencies.

    The Government approved the procurement of Soyabean under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in the States of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra Rajasthan and Telangana for Kharif 2024-25. A quantity of 19.99 LMT of Soyabean has been procured till 9th February, 2025 benefitting 8,46,251 farmers. Further Minister of Agriculture and farmers’ welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved the proposal to extend the period of procurement in Maharashtra by 24 days and in Telangana by 15 days beyond the normal procurement period of 90 days keeping the interest of farmers of the state.

    Similarly, the Government approved the procurement of Groundnut under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for Kharif 2024-25. A quantity of 15.73 LMT of Groundnut has been procured till 9th February, 2025 benefitting 4,75,183 farmers. Further, Minister of Agriculture and farmers’ welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved the proposal to extend the period of procurement of Groundnut in Gujarat by 6 days and in Karnataka by 25 days beyond the normal procurement period of 90 days in the interest of farmers of the state.

    Further, to incentivize the farmers contributing to enhancement of domestic production of pulses and to reduce the dependence on imports, the Government has allowed the procurement of Tur, Urad and Masur under PSS equivalent to 100% of the production of the State for the procurement year 2024-25.  The Government has also made an announcement in Budget 2025 that procurement of Tur, Urad and Masur up to 100% of the production of the State will be continued for another four years through Central Nodal Agencies to achieve self- sufficiency in pulses in the country.

    ******

    MG/ KSR

    (Release ID: 2101441) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Domestic Tourism Growth

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and the following strategic pillars have been identified for development of sustainable tourism:

    i.    Promoting Environmental Sustainability

    ii.   Protecting Biodiversity

    iii.  Promoting Economic Sustainability

    iv.  Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability

    v.   Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism

    vi.  IEC and Capacity Building Governance 

    The Ministry also launched the Travel for LiFE Initiative to promote sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage the tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices. Travel for LiFE aims to promote sustainable tourism in the country, through mindful and deliberate actions mobilized toward tourists and tourism businesses in the consumption of tourism resources.  The Ministry of Tourism has also revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective of developing sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach. Through these initiatives, the Government seeks to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the economy while safeguarding the environment and benefiting local communities. The list of projects sanctioned under the schemes of the Ministry in various States/Union Territories including in South India are placed at Annexure.

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

    ANNEXURE

    State wise list of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme.

    (Rs. in Crore)

    S. No

    Name of State/UT

    No. of Projects

    Sanctioned Amount

    Amount released

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    4

    150.22

    84.55

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1

    37.88

    21.95

    3

    Assam

    1

    29.8

    29.8

    4

    Bihar

    2

    33.25

    33.25

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    48.44

    32.13

    6

    Gujarat

    4

    152.94

    113.48

    7

    Goa

    1

    16.46

    0

    8

    Haryana

    1

    48.53

    34.68

    9

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1

    40.46

    34.3

    10

    Jharkhand

    1

    36.79

    34.95

    11

    Karnataka

    1

    45.71

    0

    12

    Kerala

    1

    45.19

    45.19

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    2

    93.92

    78.67

    14

    Maharashtra

    1

    42.18

    29.93

    15

    Meghalaya

    1

    29.29

    24.92

    16

    Mizoram

    1

    44.89

    13.18

    17

    Nagaland

    2

    43.38

    32.24

    18

    Odisha

    1

    50

    10

    19

    Punjab

    2

    37.97

    23.89

    20

    Rajasthan

    1

    32.64

    26.11

    21

    Sikkim

    1

    33.32

    28.31

    22

    Tamil Nadu

    2

    18.85

    18.85

    23

    Telangana

    3

    142.28

    54.32

    24

    Tripura

    1

    34.43

    25.62

    25

    Uttar Pradesh

    6

    130.27

    110.82

    26

    Uttarakhand

    3

    145.28

    83.37

    27

    West Bengal

    1

    30.03

    23.39
     

    Grand Total

    47

    1594.4

    1047.92

     

    State wise list of projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme till 31.12.2024

     (₹ in crore)

    S. No

    State / UTs

    Swadesh Darshan

    No. of Projects

    Amount Sanctioned

    in ₹ Crore

    Amount Released

    /

    Authorised*

    in ₹ Crore

    Amount Utilised

    in ₹ Crore

    (as per UC submitted by the Implementing agency)

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    152.62

    147.40

    148.81

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh 

    2

    146.49

    139.16

    139.16

    3

    Assam

    2

    185.66

    185.65

    176.36

    4

    Bihar

    5

    262.72

    250.37

    247.03

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    96.10

    94.23

    94.23

    6

    Goa

    2

    197.00

    197.00

    195.24

    7

    Gujarat

    3

    176.97

    165.74

    161.11

    8

    Haryana

    1

    77.39

    76.74

    76.74

    9

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    68.34

    64.54

    62.56

    10

    Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

    6

    519.58

    453.46

    423.43

    11

    Jharkhand

    1

    30.44

    28.04

    28.04

    12

    Kerala

    5

    312.47

    259.13

    222.05

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    4

    349.70

    342.14

    342.14

    14

    Maharashtra

    2

    64.53

    61.29

    55.85

    15

    Manipur

    2

    117.57

    106.65

    104.29

    16

    Meghalaya

    2

    184.10

    184.07

    176.08

    17

    Mizoram

    2

    158.63

    145.35

    145.35

    18

    Nagaland

    2

    195.50

    195.50

    190.63

    19

    Odisha

    1

    70.82

    67.28

    59.47

    20

    Punjab

    1

    85.32

    81.05

    81.05

    21

    Rajasthan

    4

    283.47

    265.88

    275.45

    22

    Sikkim

    2

    193.37

    192.73

    187.96

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    1

    73.13

    71.03

    71.03

    24

    Telangana

    3

    268.39

    241.73

    262.10

    25

    Tripura

    2

    127.68

    113.01

    100.13

    26

    Uttar Pradesh

    8

    490.95

    452.08

    437.39

    27

    Uttarakhand

    2

    145.49

    138.08

    138.11

    28

    West Bengal

    1

    67.99

    65.07

    65.07

    29

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    1

    27.57

    22.13

    22.08

    30

    Puducherry

    3

    142.84

    135.54

    135.34

    31

    Wayside Amenities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

    1

    15.07

    14.32

    15.83

    Total

    76

    5287.90

    4956.39

    4840.11

    * Includes amount of authorization to CNA through TSA Model I for Central Sector Scheme.

    List of sanctioned projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 as on 31.12.2024

    S. No

    State

    Destination

    Name of the Experience

    Sanctioned Cost

    (₹ Crore)

    Date of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Araku-Lambasingi

    Borra Cave Experience at Araku

    29.87

    05-03-2024

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Nacho

    Unlock Nacho Expedition

    14.02

    05-03-2024

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Cultural Haat

    18.48

    05-03-2024

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Adventure Park

    12.75

    05-03-2024

    5

    Assam

    Kokrajhar

    Kokrajhar Wetland Experience

    26.67

    05-03-2024

    6

    Assam

    Jorhat

    Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate

    23.91

    05-03-2024

    7

    Goa

    Porvorim

    Porvorim Creek Experience

    23.56

    20-08-2024

    8

    Goa

    Colva

    Colva Beach Experience

    15.65

    20-08-2024

    9

    Karnataka

    Hampi

    Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

    25.64

    29-02-2024

    10

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Tonga ride Heritage experience zone

    2.72

    29-02-2024

    11

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Ecological Experience Zone

    18.47

    05-03-2024

    12

    Kerala

    Kumarakom

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience

    13.92

    05-03-2024

    13

    Ladakh

    Leh

    Julley Leh Biodiversity Park

    24.89

    05-03-2024

    14

    Ladakh

    Kargil

    Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience

    12.01

    05-03-2024

    15

    Madhya Pradesh

    Gwalior

    Phoolbagh Experience Zone

    16.73

    29-02-2024

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    Chitrakoot

    Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot

    27.21

    05-03-2024

    17

    Maharashtra

    Pune

    Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3

    76.22

    21-09-2024

    18

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Waterfall Trails Experience

    27.84

    05-03-2024

    19

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Meghalayan Age Cave Experience

    32.45

    04-03-2024

    20

    Nagaland

    Chumoukedima

    Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint

    7.87

    20-08-2024

    21

    Nagaland

    Chumuoukedima

    Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat

    21.56

    05-03-2024

    22

    Puducherry

    Karaikal

    Karaikal beach and waterfront experience

    20.29

    05-03-2024

    23

    Punjab

    Kapurthala

    Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland

    20.06

    05-03-2024

    24

    Punjab

    Amritsar

    Border Tourism Experience at Attari

    25.90

    20-08-2024

    25

    Rajasthan

    Bundi

    Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan

    17.37

    29-02-2024

    26

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster

    15.40

    05-03-2024

    27

    Sikkim

    Gangtok

    Gangtok Cultural Village

    22.59

    29-02-2024

    28

    Tamil Nadu

    Mamallapuram

    Immersive experience at Shore Temple

    30.02

    29-02-2024

    29

    Telangana

    Bhongir

    Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone

    56.81

    29-02-2024

    30

    Telangana

    Ananathagiri

    Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest

    38.00

    05-03-2024

    31

    Uttar Pradesh

    Prayagraj

    Azad Park and Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp

    13.02

    05-03-2024

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    Naimisaranya

    Vedic- wellness Experience

    15.94

    05-03-2024

    33

    Uttarakhand

    Pithoragarh

    Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji

    32.20

    05-03-2024

    34

    Uttarakhand

    Champawat

    Tea Garden Experience

    11.21

    05-03-2024

    TOTAL AMOUNT 

    791.25

     

    List of Destination Identified under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan scheme

    S. No.

    State

    Destination

    Category

    Funding Amount (₹ Crore)

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Nagarjuna Sagar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    Ahobilam Temple

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Kibitho

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Bichom Dam Site

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    5

    Assam

    Sivasagar

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    6

    Bihar

    Bhagalpur

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    7

    Bihar

    Saran Dist. (Sonepur Fair)

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    8

    Chhattisgarh

    Mayali Bagicha

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    9

    Goa

    Mayem Village

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    10

    Gujarat

    Porbandar

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    11

    Gujarat

    Thol Village

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    12

    Gujarat

    Vadnagar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    Kaza

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    14

    Himachal Pradesh

    Rakchham, Chhitkul

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    15

    Jharkhand

    Ramrekha Dham

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    16

    Kerala

    Varkala

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    17

    Kerala

    Thalassery

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    18

    Karnataka

    Bidar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    19

    Karnataka

    Udupi

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    20

    Ladakh

    Mushkoh Village

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    21

    Lakshadweep

    Lakshadweep

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    22

    Madhya Pradesh

    Mandu

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    23

    Madhya Pradesh

    Orchha

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    24

    Maharashtra

    Ahmednagar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    25

    Manipur

    Langthabal Konug

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    26

    Meghalaya

    Nartiang Village

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    27

    Meghalaya

    Mawphlang Village

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    28

    Nagaland

    Doyang Reservoir

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    29

    Nagaland

    Impur Village

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    30

    Puducherry

    White Town

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    31

    Punjab

    Ferozpur (Hussainiwala Border)

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    32

    Punjab

    Rupnagar (Anandpur Sahib)

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    33

    Sikkim

    Gnathang Village

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    34

    Sikkim

    Kabi

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    35

    Tamil Nadu

    Rameswaram Island

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    36

    Tamil Nadu

    Thanjavur

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    37

    Telangana

    Nalgonda

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    38

    Telangana

    Kamareddy

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    39

    Uttar Pradesh

    Mahoba

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    40

    Uttarakhand

    Mana Village

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    41

    Uttarakhand

    Jadung

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    42

    Uttarakhand

    Kainchidham

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    TOTAL

    800.00

     

    List of Project shortlisted by Ministry of Tourism in consultation with the State Governments on the given parameters and funded by Department of Expenditure for development

     

    S. No.

    State/UT

    Name of the Project

    Sanctioned Cost

    (₹ Crore)

    Date of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Enriching the fort and Gorge Experience in Gandikota

    77.91

    26-11-2024

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    Akhanda Godavari- (Havelok Bridge & Pushkar Ghat) in Raja Mahendravaram,

    94.44

    26-11-2024

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat in Pasighat

    46.48

    26-11-2024

    4

    Assam

    Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati

    97.12

    26-11-2024

    5

    Assam

    Beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar

    94.76

    26-11-2024

    6

    Bihar

    Development of Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa

    97.61

    26-11-2024

    7

    Bihar

    Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub in Karamchat

    49.51

    26-11-2024

    8

    Chhattisgarh

    Development of Chitrotpala Film City in Raipur

    95.79

    26-11-2024

    9

    Chhattisgarh

    Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre in Raipur

    51.87

    26-11-2024

    10

    Goa

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Ponda

    97.46

    26-11-2024

    11

    Goa

    Townsquare in Porvorim

    90.74

    26-11-2024

    12

    Gujarat

    Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in Porbandar

    99.50

    26-11-2024

    13

    Gujarat

    Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo

    51.56

    26-11-2024

    14

    Jharkhand

    Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya” in Koderma

    34.87

    26-11-2024

    15

    Karnataka

    Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni in Bengaluru

    99.17

    26-11-2024

    16

    Karnataka

    Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda in Belgavi

    100.00

    26-11-2024

    17

    Kerala

    Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco-recreational Hub in Kollam

    59.71

    26-11-2024

    18

    Kerala

    Global Gateway to Malabar’s Cultural Crucible in Sargaalayaa

    95.34

    26-11-2024

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    Orchha A Medieval Splendour in Orchha

    99.92

    26-11-2024

    20

    Madhya Pradesh

    International Convention Centre for MICE in Bhopal

    99.38

    26-11-2024

    21

    Maharashtra

    INS-Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and submarine Tourism in Sindhudurg

    46.91

    26-11-2024

    22

    Maharashtra

    Development of RAM-KAL PATH in Nashik

    99.14

    26-11-2024

    23

    Manipur

    Loktak Lake Experience in Loktak

    89.48

    26-11-2024

    24

    Meghalaya

    MICE Infrastructure in Mawkhanu

    99.27

    26-11-2024

    25

    Meghalaya

    Redevelopment of Umiam Lake in Shillong

    99.27

    26-11-2024

    26

    Odisha

    Development of Hirakund

    99.90

    26-11-2024

    27

    Odisha

    Development of Satkosia

    99.99

    26-11-2024

    28

    Punjab

    Development of Heritage Street as a tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam, Sardar Bhaghat Singh at Khatkar Kalan in SBS Nagar

    53.45

    26-11-2024

    29

    Rajasthan

    Development at Amber-Nahargarh and Surrounding Area in Jaipur

    49.31

    26-11-2024

    30

    Rajasthan

    Development at Jalmahal in Jaipur

    96.61

    26-11-2024

    31

    Sikkim

    Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang in Namchi

    97.37

    27-11-2024

    32

    Sikkim

    Border Experience in Nathula

    68.19

    27-11-2024

    33

    Tamil Nadu

    Development of Nandavanam Heritage Park in Mammallapuram

    99.67

    26-11-2024

    34

    Tamil Nadu

    Garden of Flowers in Devala

    70.23

    26-11-2024

    35

    Telangana

    Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit in Ramappa

    73.74

    13-12-2024

    36

    Telangana

    Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat in Nallamala

    68.10

    13-12-2024

    37

    Tripura

    Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar in Gomati

    97.70

    26-11-2024

    38

    Uttar Pradesh

    Development of Bateshwar in District-Agra

    74.05

    26-11-2024

    39

    Uttar Pradesh

    Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shrawasti

    80.24

    26-11-2024

    40

    Uttarakhand

    Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station in Rishikesh

    100.00

    26-11-2024

    TOTAL

    3295.76

     

     

    List of Projects Sanctioned under the Scheme Assistance to Central Agencies

    S. No

    Name of Project

    State

    Agency

    Sanction Date

    Amount sanctioned

    Amount Released

    1

    Sound and Light Show at Dal Lake (Nigeen Lake)

    J&K

    ITDC

    25-06-2012

    500

    400

    2

    Cruise Passenger Facilities Centre in the existing Passenger Terminal at Chennai Port.

    Tamil Nadu

    Chennai Port Trust

    24-09-2012

    1724.66

    1724.66

    3

    Implementation of Multimedia /Laser show at Tilyar Lake 

    Haryana

    ITDC

    30-04-2013

    500

    224.05

    4

    Construction of Interpretation Centre at the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi.

    Delhi

    Aga Khan Foundation

    04-03-2014

    4944.84

    4944.84

    5

    Cruise Terminal Building at Mormugao Port Trust

    Goa

    Mormugao Port Trust

    24-06-2014

    879.04

    767.18

    6

    Sound & Light Show at Diu Fort, Diu

    Daman & Diu

    ITDC

    28-02-2015

    775.54

    620.43

    7

    Illumination of monuments in Varanasi/Sarnath (Dhamekh Stupa in SarnathChaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath, Tomb of Lalkan in Sarnath and Man Mahal in Banaras).

    Uttar Pradesh

    ITDC

    28-02-2015

    512.43

    381.47

    8

    Development of Kanoji Angre Lighthouse as a tourist Destination

    Maharashtra

    Mumbai Port Trust

    09-08-2016

    1500

    1500

    9

    Development of a Walkway/Promenade on Willingdon Island, Cochin, Kerala

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    28-10-2016

    901

    826.29

    10

    Central Financial Assistance for upgrading of Births & Backup area of Ernakulam Wharf

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    31-03-2017

    2141

    1912.8

    11

    Project for Up-gradation of Golf Course at SAI Trivandrum Golf Club by the Sports Authority of India

    Kerala

    SAI

    31-03-2017

    2464.99

    1232.49

    12

    Sound and Light Show at Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore, Haryana.

    Haryana

    ITDC

    16-10-2017

    600

    300

    13

    Sound and Light Show at Puttaparthy, Andhra Pradesh

    Andhra Pradesh

    ITDC

    27-11-2017

    708.67

    354.34

    14

    Up-gradation/ modernization to International Cruise terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai. 

    Maharashtra

    Mumbai Port Trust 

    29-12-2017

    1250

    1250

    15

    Illumination of three monuments in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-
    1. Dashashwamedh Ghat to Darbhanga Ghat (stretch of 300 m)
    2.  Tulsi Manas Mandir
    3. Sarnath Museum

    Uttar Pradesh

    CPWD

    21-12-2017

    293.55

    293.55

    16

    Infrastructural Development at JCP Attari, Wagha Border

    Punjab

    BSF

    12-06-2018

    1312

    1029.59

    17

    Improvement of immigration facility and deepening of existing cruise berth at Mormugao Port Trust

    Goa

    Mormugao Port Trust

    24-08-2018

    1316.4

    658.2

    18

    Developing infrastructure at Cochin Port Cruise Terminal.

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    12-12-2018

    120.79

    114.17

    19

    Creation of additional tourism facilities at the Cochin Port Trust Walkway

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    12-12-2018

    466.47

    466.47

    20

    Construction of Cruise-Cum-Costal Cargo Terminal at Channel berth area in Outer Harbour of Visakhapatnam Port

    Andhra Pradesh

    Visakhapatnam Port Trust

    14-12-2018

    3850

    2991

    21

    Restoration/ Renovation of ‘Jallianwala Bagh Memorial’ & Additional work to be taken at Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial at Amritsar, Punjab.   

    Punjab (GFR)

    ASI

    08-03-2019

    2302

    2250

    22

    Sound and Light Show at (Purana Quila) Delhi

    Delhi

    ITDC

    05-08-2019

    1404

    685

    23

    Development of Additional infrastructure in the new Cochin Port Trust Terminal

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    13-12-2019

    1029.7

    888.62

    24

    Illumination of Building of National Gallery of Modern Art

    Delhi

    NCSM

    19-12-2019

    380

    304

    25

    Development & renovation of selected facilities of National Museum

    Delhi

    NCSM

    26-12-2019

    4373

    2186

    26

    Development of Jetties at 9 main points of embarkation/disembarkation of River Cruize on National Water ways No. 1 & 2

    Assam

    IWAI

    28-04-2020

    2803.05

    700.76

    27

    Tourism Infrastructure at Beltaal Lake, Damoh, Madhya Pradesh by ITDC.

    Madhya Pradesh

    ITDC

    29-09-2020

    2315.30

    1008.27

    28

    Sound & Light Show at Leh, Ladakh & Water Screen Projection Multimedia Show at Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kargil, Ladakh

    Leh & Ladakh

    ITDC

    26-11-2020

    2321.99

    765.99

    29

    3D visual projection mapping of NGMA Building

    Delhi

    NCSM

    31-03-2021

    616.27

    464.58

    30

    Development of Convention Centre and associated Infrastructure at Aizawl.

    Mizoram

    WAPCOS

    31-03-2021

    3994.75

    3057.03

    31

    Development of International and Domestic Cruse Terminal and allied facilities at Murmugao Port Trust, Goa

    Goa

    Mormugao Port Trust

    10-09-2021

    5000

    4000

    32

    Upgradation/Modernization to International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai Port Trust

    Maharashtra

    Mumbai Port Trust

    20-12-2021

    3750

    3000

    33

    Development of 22 viewpoints in North Eastern State
    (i) Nagaland (2 view points)- Rs.5.77 Crore
    (ii) Meghalaya (3 view points) – Rs.6.26 Crore
    (iii) Mizoram (9 view points)- Rs.12.78 Crore
    (iv) Arunachal Pradesh (4 view points) – Rs.6.25 Crore
    (v) Manipur (3 view points)- Rs.5.93 Crore
    (vi) Sikkim/West Bengal (1 view point)- Rs.3.70 Crore

    NER

    NHIDCL

    11-10-2022

    4444

    3555.4

    34

    Development of Border Tourism at Shri Tanot Complex, Jaisalmer Sector

    Rajasthan

    BSF

    05-07-2022

    1767.66

    883.83

    35

    Multimedia Laser Show with Water Screen and Musical Fountain at Sanjeevaiah Park, Hyderabad, Telangana

    Telangana

    BECIL

    31-10-2022

    5000.04

    4090

    36

    Design, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Digital Multimedia Technology and Lightings at Osmania Arts University, Hyderabad Telangana

    Telangana

    BECIL

    22-12-2022

    1179.93

    943.47

    37

    Project ‘Major Upgradation of National Science Centre

    Delhi

    NCSM

    27-03-2023

    3180

    18

    38

    Installation of Musical Fountain & Water Screen Multimedia based projection show at Nawal Sagar Lake, Bundi

    Rajasthan

    ITDC

    04-10-2023

    925.67

    92.57

    39

    Development of Light & Sound and Multimedia Show at Rashtrapati Bhawan

    Delhi

    ITDC

    28-03-2024

    4712.4

    471

    40

    3D Mapping with Aqua Screen Projection and Sound Show at Buxar, Bihar and Dynamic Lighting & Motif at Ram Rekha Ghat, Bihar

    Bihar

    BECIL

    10-06-2024

    599.96

    59.99

     

    Total (Lakhs)

    78,861.10

    51,416.04

     

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2101365) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Acting Chief Executive meets Director-General of Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, met with the visiting Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr Qu Dongyu, today (February 10). The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, also attended the meeting.

         Mr Chan welcomed Dr Qu’s visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. Mr Chan said that the FAO has 194 Member Nations launching work worldwide, leading international efforts to eradicate hunger. It plays a pivotal role in global food security, promoting the development of distinctive agricultural products in various countries and regions, advancing the development of fisheries and aquaculture, and preventing and controlling major animal diseases. Its achievements are widely recognised.

         Mr Chan said that Hong Kong is promoting the upgrading and transformation of the overall agriculture and fisheries industry towards modernisation and sustainable development. The Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries formulated in Hong Kong earlier has also set out specific work targets in this regard. In addition, Hong Kong has consistently engaged in various collaborations with the FAO. For example, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department earlier participated in the drafting of a series of FAO guidelines on African Swine Fever (ASF) to assist smallholder pig farmers in the Asian region to respond to ASF, and the relevant guidelines have now been widely adopted by Asian countries/regions. 

         Mr Chan further said that he looks forward to greater co-operation between Hong Kong and the FAO to strengthen knowledge exchange, promote regional co-operation, and make further contributions to global food security and sustainable development. Dr Qu thanked the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s support of the FAO and said he looks forward to engaging in closer collaboration in the future.   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European Commission measures to support farmers with low yields due to extreme weather events – E-002828/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan Regulation[1] already includes a number of interventions that may 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 represent the biggest share of the CAP budget and support farmers’ incomes, risk management tools helping farmers manage production risks due to adverse weather events, as well as sectoral interventions supporting replanting or restocking, and investments in the restoration of production potential. Under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP)[2], in addition to direct payments, Greece envisages also support for investments to restore agricultural and forestry potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic or catastrophic events.

    2. Moreover, on 19 December 2024[3] the Commission’s proposal amending Regulation (EU) 2020/2220[4] was adopted by the co-legislators to allow Member States to provide liquidity support to beneficiaries affected in 2024 by natural disasters and a destruction of at least 30% of the relevant production potential. It will be up to the Member States to decide if they will use this new support possibility under their Rural Development Programmes 2014-2022.

    The design of the future Multiannual Financial Framework and its instruments lies ahead. The Common Agricultural Policy must become simpler and more targeted and find the right balance between incentives, investments and regulation. The priority will be to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

    • [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://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/3242 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2020/2220 as regards specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R3242&qid=1735899275178
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2020/2220 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 December 2020 laying down certain transitional provisions for support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) in the years 2021 and 2022 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013, (EU) No 1306/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013 as regards resources and application in the years 2021 and 2022 and Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 as regards resources and the distribution of such support in respect of the years 2021 and 2022 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/2220/oj/eng
    Last updated: 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Online algorithms could help save the planet with just a few small tweaks

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Martin Gibert, Chercheur en éthique de l’intelligence artificielle, Université de Montréal

    YouTube’s algorithm is extremely powerful. If the company were to direct some of its users’s attention to pro-climate content, this would likely have positive consequences on a large scale. (Shutterstock)

    Have we tried everything to tackle the climate crisis? At least one simple idea has hardly been explored: prioritizing climate content on social media.

    The climate crisis is seriously aggravated by a lack of attention, including in the recent United States presidential election campaign. But algorithmic recommenders could help, as they are responsible for a significant proportion of how human attention online is allocated. Algorithmic recommenders are artificial intelligence systems that suggest content, such as news feeds, music or videos, to people based on their behaviour and preferences.

    Take YouTube, where hundreds of millions of users watch billions of hours of content each day. That’s a huge amount of brain time. But how do these users select the handful of videos they watch, out of the billions of uploaded content online? Well, in 70 per cent of cases, they merely follow YouTube’s automated recommendations. This system determines a massive proportion of human attention.

    Effectively leveraging this attention could help achieve vital advances in climate action across the political spectrum.

    Two per cent for the climate

    In a recent article published in Ethics and Information Technology, we argue that YouTube — the world’s biggest online video library — should tune its recommendation algorithm in a way that favours the mitigation of the climate crisis. We even propose a precise figure: two per cent of recommendations should be selected for their climate content.

    This goal raises a number of critical questions.

    What kind of videos could be recommended? Educational videos on climate change are clear candidates, but so are conferences by climate activists, as well as content that encourages viewers to mobilize or change their behaviour, for example by promoting public transport, plant-based cooking or climate demonstrations. The two per cent figure is a proposal, not a dogma. It’s far from invasive, but it’s still significant.

    Another fundamental question is: who decides which videos are good for the climate? From the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to relevant non-governmental organizations to video hosting platforms themselves, there are potential avenues for determining climate-positive content. In any of these cases, transparency will be key to effectiveness.

    Algorithmic recommenders are responsible for a significant proportion of how human attention online is allocated.
    (Shutterstock)

    Ethical analysis of YouTube recommendations

    Firstly, as American researcher Tarleton Gillespie explains in his book Custodians of the Internet, YouTube is already doing moderation, which is a central part of its business. For example, it removes pornographic, violent or illegal content in the name of user safety and well-being, and in accordance to copyright or local laws. Our proposal is merely an extension of these efforts.

    Currently, YouTube’s algorithmic system appears not to be programmed to push relevant content for the climate, which is endangering the viability of climate content creators. Its own researchers report that it instead maximizes user engagement.

    YouTube’s algorithm is extremely powerful. If the platform were to direct some of its users’ attention to pro-climate action content, it would likely go a long way toward boosting awareness and encouraging action on climate change. There is a strong argument to be made for programming the algorithm along these lines. Simply put, a significant potential benefit for us all is possible at relatively little cost.

    Research has also found that YouTube has, in the past, contributed to spreading false information about the climate crisis. A 2024 report found that YouTube earned millions of dollars a year from content that promoted climate denial.

    YouTube says that it won’t show ads on “content that crosses the line to climate change denial.” However, video-sharing platforms have a moral responsibility to also promote information that is factual. This could be done by amplifying climate videos as we propose.

    YouTube’s algorithm may be likened to a librarian who is tasked with deciding how the library’s books are displayed. In the context of the climate crisis, a wise and informed librarian should put forward at least some books on this issue. Online algorithms should be designed less like an attention-grabbing machine and more like a responsible librarian.

    Recommendation algorithms as part of the solution

    Our proposal would likely not be without detractors. For example, would it amount to manipulating users? Our proposal is overtly about influencing people’s attitudes in favour of tackling the climate crisis. But it’s not about imposing specific content on the user, who remains free to choose whether to watch the content. The nudge is very gentle — and hardly all that different from the algorithmic nudges taking place all across the internet.

    Our proposed intervention merely acts on a small fraction of recommendations. No one will force viewers to watch videos with Greta Thunberg, David Suzuki or Michael Mann. On the other hand, if successful, our proposal could help avoid the serious problems that would result from climate inaction.

    In the face of the growing environmental crisis, recommendation algorithms like YouTube’s could help us build climate bridges across political divides, promote action and raise awareness — all essential tools to building a more just future.

    Lê Nguyên Hoang is the President of the nonprofit Tournesol Association, which is mentioned in the paper.
    He is also the YouTube content creator of the Science4All channel, which sometimes produce climate-related videos.
    He was previously a researcher at EPFL, with a salary derived from an AI Safety research grant.

    Martin Gibert and Maxime Lambrecht do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Online algorithms could help save the planet with just a few small tweaks – https://theconversation.com/online-algorithms-could-help-save-the-planet-with-just-a-few-small-tweaks-240183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Celebrate Opportunity with Local and Federal Partners to Explore Recreation Management on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain

    Source: US State of Colorado

    COLORADO SPRINGS – Today, Governor Polis joined Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and local and federal partners to explore management of recreation management opportunities on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The partnership follows years of work by CPW and the local and federal agencies and has its roots in an Executive Order the governor signed in 2020 creating the Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI). Governor Polis believes the partnership could result in a Pikes Peak Recreation Area managed by CPW that would improve the existing outdoor amenities on the mountain and create new ones. 

    “This is exactly the type of collaboration we hoped to inspire when I signed the Regional Partnerships Initiative in 2020,” Governor Polis said. “We deserve an amazing statewide vision of world-class outdoor recreation while preserving Colorado’s wildlife, habitat and quality of life. The possibility of a Pikes Peak Recreation Area fits that vision perfectly.” 

    The Governor was in town to visit with the local and federal officials who initiated the partnership by sending CPW Director Jeff Davis a Letter of Intent (LOI) asking to begin discussions about the possibility of CPW managing and expanding recreational opportunities on the mountain. 

    “CPW is excited to begin serious talks with local and federal partners about managing outdoor recreation on Pikes Peak,” said CPW Director Davis. “One of the pillars of CPW’s mission is to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. We believe we have a lot to offer to the many people who already seek out Pikes Peak for outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities. I’m hopeful and confident we can reach an agreement that benefits all the partners.” 

    The LOI was signed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the City of Manitou Springs, the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services office, Pikes Peak America’s Mountain municipal enterprise, Colorado Springs Utilities, El Paso County, Teller County and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, who released the following shared statement: 

    “As partners and land managers in the Pikes Peak Region, we look forward to working closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to leverage their support and expertise as we explore strategies to define, develop, and manage the Ring the Peak corridor and enhance recreation opportunities on Pikes Peak. Together, we are committed to sustainable land management practices while offering recreation opportunities and ensuring the conservation of wildlife and protection of their habitats.” 

    Governor Polis has made expansion and enhancement of recreation opportunities across Colorado a priority and he is excited at the prospect of a partnership that would bring CPW’s management expertise to Pikes Peak. 

    “Now the partners need to get to work drafting a long-term agreement with CPW,” Governor Polis said, adding that he would like to see a multi-year plan to enhance camping, fishing, hiking and other recreational amenities on the mountain. 

    CPW views its potential role on Pikes Peak similar to its management of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area where the state agency partners with federal agencies to run campgrounds and manage hiking, boating and other activities. 

    The governor was joined by LOI partners and representatives of the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA), which has been the driving force that began working in 2021 to bring together the federal, state and municipal partners that ultimately signed the LOI. 

    The group, led by Becky Leinweber, PPORA executive director, collaborated with outdoor businesses, nonprofits, government entities and individuals who recognize the value of our region’s natural and recreation assets to our community both as an economic driver and for our health and well-being. They identified America’s Mountain as their primary focus and hammered out the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative. 

    “Our collaboration has been instrumental in advancing outdoor priorities,” Leinweber said. “We are grateful to the many partners who have continued to engage, build relationships, and work together through the last three years of planning work and for exploring innovative solutions for complex challenges, including this one for improved management.” 

    While Governor Polis and CPW are committed to expanding camping, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities on Pikes Peak, the partnership in the LOI is focused in particular in getting CPW’s leadership to complete the “Ring the Peak Trail.” 

    “We look forward to working closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to leverage their support and expertise as we explore strategies to complete the remaining segments of the Ring the Peak Trail and enhance recreation opportunities on Pikes Peak,” the partners said in a joint statement. “Together, we are committed to sustainable land management practices while offering recreation opportunities and ensuring the conservation of wildlife and protection of their habitats.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 10th, 2025 Heinrich Pushes USDA Nominee to Address Rising Cost of Eggs Driven by Avian Flu Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today pushed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary-designee Brooke Rollins to share her plan to address the rising cost of eggs driven by the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak. Heinrich points to tools, such as HPAI vaccines, that the USDA could develop and deploy to help tackle the outbreak and lower food prices. Under the Trump administration, the avian flu outbreak is stressing poultry and egg producers’ ability to make a living and forcing working families to pay more at the grocery store for eggs and poultry products.

    “As a U.S. Senator and member of the Appropriations Committee, my constituents have asked me to hold President Trump accountable for his promise to lower food prices for all Americans. The USDA has many tools at its disposal to combat rising prices, including HPAI vaccines. Vaccinating all laying hens in the United States against HPAI will help lower egg prices for consumers, decrease production losses for farmers, and ultimately decrease the cost to taxpayers through reduced indemnity payments,” Heinrich wrote.

    “I request that you respond in writing within two weeks with your plan to lower egg and poultry prices for consumers through vaccination efforts, while preserving export markets for American farmers,” Heinrich continued.

    Heinrich requested that Rollins answer the following questions:

    1. Plan to Lower Prices: “Please share in detail your plan to lower egg and poultry prices through vaccination efforts and other means, including a complete vaccination strategy, use case, and plan to procure, stockpile, distribute, deploy, administer, and track the use of poultry H5N1 vaccines.”
    2. Deployment Considerations: “What considerations need to be weighed while deploying H5N1 vaccinations to all laying hens in domestic egg production? Please provide specifics about how you propose to prioritize certain flocks or regions based on risk and export profile to maximize reductions in cost paid by American consumers for poultry and egg products?”
    3. Better Trade Agreements for American Farmers: “Once you have reviewed our poultry trade agreements in consultation with the US Trade Representative (USTR), please provide a plan that describes the actions the Administration will take to renegotiate trade agreements to permit the export of poultry and poultry products derived from birds that have been vaccinated.  American farmers who want to keep their livelihoods intact and prices affordable for American families will look to you and the USTR to quickly renegotiate important trade agreements to maintain and expand foreign markets.”
    4. USDA Research Plan: “What is your plan for the USDA research that is needed to best match vaccines to the current strain of the virus and to expand production and deployment of effective vaccinations for poultry against all currently circulating variants of H5N1?”
    5. Vaccination Logistics: “How will you handle the logistics and costs associated with vaccination as well as enhanced surveillance and monitoring of flocks in a way that lowers prices for the American consumer?”
    6. Budget: “What budget will you assign to the USDA’s efforts to manage the HPAI outbreak and lower egg and poultry prices for families, including through vaccination and other means?”

    The text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Secretary-designee Rollins:

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, affordable food system for American families and in supporting robust domestic and foreign markets for American farmers.  As you acknowledged at your confirmation hearing, one of your top priorities is to quickly and thoroughly assess and manage the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak.  The current HPAI outbreak is stressing poultry and egg producers’ ability to make a living, stretching the USDA’s budget through increasing indemnity payments to depopulate farms, and forcing working families to pay more at the grocery store.  It is clear that the American tax payer and the American consumer are now paying twice for the same problem.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average price for a dozen large grade A eggs jumped by 65 percent in 2024, from $2.52 to $4.15. As of February 2025, prices are around $7 per carton and the USDA Economic Research Service predicts that egg prices will continue to rise in 2025.

    As a U.S. Senator and member of the Appropriations Committee, my constituents have asked me to hold President Trump accountable for his promise to lower food prices for all Americans.  The USDA has many tools at its disposal to combat rising prices, including HPAI vaccines.  Vaccinating all laying hens in the United States against HPAI will help lower egg prices for consumers, decrease production losses for farmers, and ultimately decrease the cost to taxpayers through reduced indemnity payments.  While there are some technical, logistic, and trade related obstacles to the widespread vaccination of U.S. poultry flocks, there is an emerging consensus within the producer community that such action is necessary and you are seeking to join an Administration that prides itself on extracting concessions from trading partners.  I request that you respond in writing within two weeks with your plan to lower egg and poultry prices for consumers through vaccination efforts, while preserving export markets for American farmers. Specifically, I would like your answers to the following questions:

    • Your Plan to Lower Prices: Please share in detail your plan to lower egg and poultry prices through vaccination efforts and other means, including a complete vaccination strategy, use case, and plan to procure, stockpile, distribute, deploy, administer, and track the use of poultry H5N1 vaccines.
    • Deployment Considerations: What considerations need to be weighed while deploying H5N1 vaccinations to all laying hens in domestic egg production? Please provide specifics about how you propose to prioritize certain flocks or regions based on risk and export profile to maximize reductions in cost paid by American consumers for poultry and egg products?
    • Better Trade Agreements for American Farmers: Once you have reviewed our poultry trade agreements in consultation with the US Trade Representative (USTR), please provide a plan that describes the actions the Administration will take to renegotiate trade agreements to permit the export of poultry and poultry products derived from birds that have been vaccinated.  American farmers who want to keep their livelihoods intact and prices affordable for American families will look to you and the USTR to quickly renegotiate important trade agreements to maintain and expand foreign markets.
    • USDA Research Plan: What is your plan for the USDA research that is needed to best match vaccines to the current strain of the virus and to expand production and deployment of effective vaccinations for poultry against all currently circulating variants of H5N1?
    • Vaccination Logistics: How will you handle the logistics and costs associated with vaccination as well as enhanced surveillance and monitoring of flocks in a way that lowers prices for the American consumer?
    • Budget: What budget will you assign to the USDA’s efforts to manage the HPAI outbreak and lower egg and poultry prices for families, including through vaccination and other means?

    I welcome your urgent attention to these questions. I look forward to learning more about your plan to bring down food prices for American families, support domestic producers, maintain export markets, and tackle this highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.

    MIL OSI USA News –