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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Ports Australia conference

    Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

    **CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY**

    As always, I begin by acknowledging the Muwinina People as the custodians of this land. We acknowledge and pay our respects to all Tasmanian Aboriginal Communities.

    Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in our nation and a fitting setting for the Ports Australia Conference.

    We recognise the ongoing custodianship that Indigenous Australians have shown towards these lands and I extend this respect to all First Nations people joining us today.

    Thank you as well to Mike for that kind introduction, and to Stewart, your Chair, thank you very much for the invitation and for all the work that you do throughout the course of the year.

    It is wonderful to see so many public and private leaders from around the world come together.

    I would also like to extend a particular welcome to the Minister for Infrastructure for the Kingdom of Tonga.

    Like Australia, your nation relies on shipping. It is wonderful to have you here.

    I also want to recognise Dr Patrick Verhoeven, the Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbours, and Jens Meier, the CEO of Hamburg Port Authority, who have travelled such a long way.

    Your presence underlines the inherently global nature of this industry, and I hope you enjoy your time here in our beautiful country.

    This is in fact my second time in Tasmania in the last two weeks. 

    Last week I was in the north, this week I’m in the south.

    On both these visits, I have had the pleasure of engaging with Tasmania’s proud maritime industry.

    Last week, I was in Burnie to commission the new shiploader – a project which replaced an essential piece of infrastructure that had been in place for five decades.

    The new shiploader doubles the capacity of the old, and can serve ships up to Panamax size, creating local jobs and growing local industry.

    It is a project that pays tribute to both the maritime past and future of this great state, as well as setting the local economy up for decades of success to come.

    It also speaks to how essential maritime logistics are to our day-to-day lives.

    At the port I could see woodchips going to China, as well as cars and supermarket produce coming into the state.

    It is too easy to miss the magic that defines our modern world, but when you take even a moment to think about it, it is truly extraordinary. 

    That port in Burnie on the north coast of Tasmania is connected to a global network that stretches to every corner of our planet. 

    Everything that we rely on, relies in turn on shipping – which is why it is such a pleasure to be here today with some of the many, many hardworking people who underpin this essential industry.

    Events like these are key to fostering a strong, robust sector – and year after year, Ports Australia does a wonderful job bringing you together and advocating for your industry.

    I stand here today as a minister in a government that knows that ports are a primary driver of our economy and workforce. 

    As well as facilitating international trade and the movement of goods throughout the region, our ports are strategic assets and critical infrastructure.

    They are vital to sustaining our island nation. 

    The most recent report from Ports Australia shows exactly this. 

    Ports move an overwhelming 99 per cent of Australia’s international trade by volume, and importantly, over 694,000 local jobs are facilitated by Australia’s port activities. 

    This works out to a staggering one in every 20 jobs across the nation. 

    Container transport has seen a huge increase.

    As have vehicle imports. 

    The most recent numbers show that cruise ships have soared to 18% higher than pre-pandemic numbers.

    You take our goods to the world, and you bring the world to us.

    Of course, these numbers, while good news, bring pressures of their own. 

    This story of growth underlines the need to ensure that our infrastructure, our investments and our policies are positioned to support a sustainable, reliable and productive supply chain. 

    That’s why our government is making investments like those at the Port of Burnie, and it is also why my department led a review earlier this year into the national freight and supply chain strategy. 

    In total, 71 submissions were received from a variety of stakeholders, including from maritime and associated peak bodies.

    Of course, I acknowledge and thank Ports Australia for their submission and engagement throughout the Review process.  

    The review found that while the foundations of the strategy remain strong, productivity, resilience, decarbonisation and data should be strengthened in the strategy and new National Action Plan.

    We are already doing the work of refreshing the strategy and action plan to address the findings of the review, and I look forward to updating you further in due course.

    But, of course, the findings of the review touch on challenges that are faced across our entire economy and society – none more so than the need to act to mitigate climate change. 

    The Albanese Government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

    Achieving these ambitious economy-wide targets will require concerted action across all sectors, including this one. 

    Right now, transport contributes 21 percent of Australia’s direct emissions. 

    Adding to that challenge, transport is one of the hardest sectors to abate.

    So, our work here is vital.

    That is why we released the Transport Net Zero Roadmap for consultation earlier this year. 

    While that roadmap covered all modes of transport, it was of particular importance for the maritime sector.

    As we know, decarbonisation will rely on a combination of low carbon liquid fuels (LCLFs), hydrogen, electrification and efficiency improvements.

    Of these, LCLFs offer the clearest pathway for decarbonisation within liquid fuel-reliant sectors that cannot readily electrify in the near-term. 

    This includes maritime, aviation, heavy vehicle and rail, as well as mining, manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

    The bad news is that we need a lot of liquid fuels, but the good news is that Australia is well-placed with comparative advantages in the production of LCLFs: 

    • We have rich renewable energy resources; 
    • We use advanced farming practices that embody low carbon emissions;  
    • We are able to achieve economies of scale;
    • We have significant refining and port infrastructure; 
    • And we have the ability to both enable and encourage domestic fuel consumption, as well as support export capability.

    As part of our Future Made in Australia agenda, the Government is fast-tracking support for an LCLF industry.

    The government announced $18.5 million as part of the recent Budget, to support a domestic LCLF industry through the development of a certification scheme for those fuels.

    And $1.7 billion over the next ten years will go towards a Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund.

    This funding will be used in part to support nascent LCLF production technologies through research and development, to help de-risk developments, and to attract private sector investment.

    And we will continue to work with industry on further steps as needed.

    By successfully building a local LCLF industry we will increase fuel security, strengthen regional economies, diversify income streams for farmers, and meet our decarbonisation objectives – it’s hard to find a bigger win-win than that. 

    To speak even more specifically to the challenges of this sector, we’ve created a Maritime Emission Reduction National Action Plan, the MERNAP for short.

    The MERNAP aims to support Australia’s national emissions reduction targets, contribute to the global decarbonisation of shipping, and future-proof the Australian maritime sector to avoid costly and disruptive transitions later, ensuring an equitable transition, particularly for the maritime workforce, safeguarding jobs and skills for the future.

    The vision is that by 2050, Australia will fully leverage the global maritime decarbonisation transition, benefiting our ports, vessels, and the broader energy sector. 

    This will showcase Australia’s unique comparative advantages while supporting a fair and balanced transition for the industry.

    The MERNAP Consultative Group has played a vital role in shaping this action plan, and I’d like to acknowledge those here today, including: Maritime Industry Australia Limited, the Maritime Union of Australia, and of course, Ports Australia.

    To support the development of MERNAP, we undertook extensive public consultations that revealed to us that the future of the maritime sector will be powered by multiple energy sources, all of which will require new skills, and see us facing new challenges around technology readiness for alternative fuels. 

    Safety, operational efficiencies, and strong partnerships across the value chain will be critical to driving this transition.

    The Albanese Government remains committed to ensuring that Australia’s maritime industry is prepared for the future, ready to contribute to our national emissions targets, and able to thrive in a decarbonised global economy – including through initiatives like Green Shipping Corridors – partnering with nations, such as New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea. 

    I have focused a lot on what fuels our maritime sector, but there is, of course, an even more important element – the people who run it.

    I am proud to say that our plan to establish a Strategic Fleet is underway. 

    This fleet will provide assistance in times of crisis, supply chain disruption, or natural disaster. And it will support industries reliant on shipping, such as heavy manufacturing.

    Tenders to participate in the Strategic Fleet Pilot will close on 29 November. 

    Through this process, three vessels that will be privately owned and commercially operated will be selected for the pilot. 

    This is a major step towards fulfilling our commitment to establish a Strategic Fleet of up to twelve Australian flagged and crewed vessels. 

    This will strengthen our sovereign maritime capabilities while supporting our maritime workforce. 

    The creation of a strategic fleet is a central government policy that will shape our workforce for decades to come. 

    I strongly encourage all interested parties to take part in this process and to consider what role they can play.

    The tender process is being managed by my Department, which is seeking innovative tenders that will deliver the objectives of the Pilot Program. 

    These include providing the Commonwealth with certainty of access to the strategic fleet, to move cargo in times of need, crisis or national emergency. And to support of the needs of Defence —including in training and logistical capacities.

    The Albanese Government is seeking to have pilot vessels on the water as soon as possible.

    While it is not a silver bullet to solve all of the issues of our current and emerging seafarer shortage, the Strategic Fleet and the work being undertaken by Industry Skills Australia through the Maritime Industry Workforce Plan, will support our maritime workforce by increasing the amount of Australian qualified seafarers at a time of a growing global shortage. 

    The independent reviews of the Shipping Registration Act and the Coastal Trading Act being conducted by Ms Lynelle Briggs AO and Emeritus Professor Nicholas Gaskell will also contribute to the modernisation of Australia’s shipping regulatory framework, ensuring the Acts are fit for purpose and support the long-term sustainability of an Australian Maritime Strategic Fleet, and the maritime industry more broadly. 

    Public consultation has commenced and I encourage you all to make your voices heard.

    As you can see, there is a lot to do in your sector and we are a government that is determined to get on with doing it.

    The reforms the Albanese Government is delivering will do our part to support a productive, resilient supply chain, while positioning Australia to thrive in the new net zero economy.

    Thank you for having me, and all the best with the rest of your conference.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Delivers Nearly $450,000 to Lower Prices at the Pump in Northwest Wisconsin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WEBSTER, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that Wisconsin will receive more than $445,000 to lower prices at the pump and give Wisconsinites cleaner fuel options. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, funded by the Baldwin-backed Inflation Reduction Act.  
    “Homegrown biofuels reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lower prices at the pump, and support Wisconsin farmers,” said Senator Baldwin.  “I was proud to vote to provide this funding to keep our Made in Wisconsin economy moving forward, cut costs for families, and support our small towns and rural communities like Webster.”
    Connor’s Service Station in Webster, Wisconsin will use the funding to install two E15 fuel dispensers, two B20 dispensers, one ethanol storage tank, and one biodiesel storage tank. The project is expected to increase the amount of biofuel sold by nearly 224,000 gallons per year.
    Senator Baldwin has long championed increasing the use of biofuels to reduce prices at the pump and support Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and rural communities. Last year, Senator Baldwin successfully pushed the Biden administration to allow E15 fuel to be sold during the summer months.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 239-2024: List of unregistered treatment providers: Treatment provider unacceptable – Ema Çevre Sağlığı ilacama ve Gida San.Tic.Ltd. Sti. (AEI: TR4013SB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    30 October 2024

    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 the identification of critical non-compliance, the department has listed Ema Çevre Sağlığı ilacama ve Gida San.Tic.Ltd. Sti. (AEI: TR4013SB) as…

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Greg Jennett, Afternoon Briefing, ABC News

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    GREG JENNETT:

    In the fight against inflation and ever rising grocery prices, farmers have been caught in the middle of debate on the effect of pricing on customers. The Minister responsible for competition, Andrew Leigh, has been taking a close look at the farming sector. We spoke to him earlier. Andrew Leigh, good to have you back with us. Now, you’ve given a speech today on competition, pointing out that it’s definitely lacking in the agriculture or farming sector. They feel it in lots of ways, according to your presentation, through the harvesters, they buy and maintain seeds and spray that they put in the field and cattle they sell at the yard. So, you’ve highlighted it. What’s the solution?

    ANDREW LEIGH:

    Well, Greg, as you say, farmers are the meat in the market concentration sandwich. You often get a lot of farmers, but just a few suppliers, and just a few people they can sell to. Part of the answer is the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct being made mandatory rather than voluntary as it was under the Liberals and Nationals. That ensures that farmers get a fairer deal when they’re negotiating with supermarkets. Part of it is also about banning unfair contract terms, which we did when we came to office. Those unfair contract terms were hurting small farmers in areas like fertiliser contracts or potato grower retailing, and that ensures that the small guy gets a better deal.

    JENNETT:

    What’s the argument against strong entities with big networks of dealers, typically in small country towns. So, you might buy for instance, a John Deere tractor and sure you are completely tethered then to the local dealer, the local repairer, the software, they own, but around that sits local jobs as well. Why would you want to disrupt those big strong entities with their networks across the land?

    LEIGH:

    Well, the same argument was made with cars where dealers argued that only they should be able to fix their cars. But the decision that the parliament made, which I was pleased to kick off from July 2022, was that there ought to be a right to repair, a sharing of the information. These pieces of farm machinery are now incredibly advanced, John Deere has more software engineers than mechanical engineers on staff. And so we’re looking carefully at whether there ought to be a right to repair, whether it’s possible to in the first instance, strike an arrangement between those independent repairers and the farm suppliers and so anyone can fix their machinery if they have the right qualifications.

    JENNETT:

    Do they exist, these independent repairers, or exist in large enough number to make a difference?

    LEIGH:

    No, you go to exactly the right question, Greg. When you’re talking about independent mechanics, there’s thousands of them across the country. When you talk about independents to fix farm machinery, there’s fewer of them around. But the problem is really acute for farmers because if a harvester can’t operate for a week, that can be the difference of thousands of dollars in the price that the farmer receives. So, with that risk of spoilage, you do need to get a quicker fix and an independent repair sector may be part of the answer.

    JENNETT:

    Might it be necessary when you look at the conglomerates that make seed and sprays for agriculture – most of them are very large multinationals – might it be necessary to consider having a power to break them up?

    LEIGH:

    Look, we haven’t gone for divestment, but we are concerned about the degree of market concentration and that’s why we’ve introduced into parliament the biggest merger shake up in 50 years. Jim Chalmers introduced that in the parliament just in the last sittings. And that’s a really key part of economic reform for us, continuing the competition legacy of the Hawke and Keating governments.

    JENNETT:

    If you push this agenda all the way through in all the areas of agriculture that we’re discussing here, possible to estimate price reductions for consumers, those of us who buy food made by Australian farmers, grown by Australian farmers at Australian supermarkets?

    LEIGH:

    The best estimate we’ve got, Greg, is if we return the economy to the levels of competition that prevailed at the turn of the millennium, is that we’d boost GDP by somewhere between one and 3 per cent. That’s in line with estimates that suggested that the National Competition Policy reforms of the 1990s benefited the typical Australian by about 2.5 per cent. These are massive gains and they’re key in dealing with cost‑of‑living issues. [A lack of] competition drives down prices and drives up wages. It also reduces innovation and productivity if you have a lack of competition in the market. So, we need a more competitive and dynamic economy for our farmers and for people who work in other sectors.

    JENNETT:

    Inevitably, you touch on trade in your speech and there’s some big clouds sitting over global trade at the moment, principally from the United States. There’s an event happening there in a week’s time. If the US erects higher tariff walls, particularly on Chinese goods, with the suggestion from candidate Trump of a 60 per cent tariff. What do you estimate the effect on China’s demand for raw ingredients produced by Australia? How much could that drop off by virtue of a US tariff change?

    LEIGH:

    Australia has been a strong advocate of open markets and the Cairns Group of agricultural free trading nations was spearheaded by Australia in order to get a better deal at the World Trade Organisation. Obviously, the Americans will make their own decision. But I’m a passionate free trader because I believe that’s strongly in the interests of Australian consumers and producers. Our farmers in particular have benefited from freer trade and that old era of ‘protection all round’ meant that farmers paid too much for their machines and got too little for their exports as a result of retaliatory tariffs.

    JENNETT:

    Would there be a balancing out here? Sure. China’s demand under the scenario I’ve described, China’s demand for iron ore and coal might drop off because they’re selling fewer goods manufactured into the United States. But by the same token, goods already made need to go somewhere else. Could Australian consumers benefit by China offloading product that might otherwise have been intended for the United States?

    LEIGH:

    Greg, a medium‑sized economy that is engaged with the world like Australia, benefits when trade barriers are low. As Joan Robinson, the great Cambridge economist put it, it’s always worth taking the rocks out of your own harbours, better yet if your trading partners take the rocks out of theirs. So, our interest is strongly in a rules‑based trading system and in low tariffs around the world. Governments in Australia have consistently argued for that. It’s in the national interest and it boosts wages and means Australians get better prices for the goods they buy.

    JENNETT:

    So, are you nervous about what you’re hearing from political debate emanating from the US?

    LEIGH:

    Well, of course we’re all watching the US election and it’s a fascinating show every 4 years, but that’s a decision for the American people.

    JENNETT:

    All right, we might come back to that when we actually get a result in a week or so time. Andrew, one final one. Can’t let you go without asking because we’re asking almost everyone on travel. Would it be better if a blanket rule were put in place for politicians against airline upgrades pertaining to private or unofficial travel? I don’t mean work related travel, but private travel. Would it be cleaner if such a rule existed?

    LEIGH:

    Look, I’d certainly be relaxed about that, Greg. I’m somebody who flies most of my domestic flights economy rather than business. That’s meant that in the past from time ‑to‑time I’ve received upgrades. Doesn’t happen if you book business. But of course that then means the taxpayer’s paying twice as much.

    JENNETT:

    Ever been upgraded on personal travel unexpectedly?

    LEIGH:

    It’s happened to me before. You don’t ask for it, and it’s not something that’s ever changed my decision. I don’t think there’s anyone who’s been as vociferous a critic of Qantas in the parliament as me. I’ve been very strongly critical of their cancellations of Sydney‑Canberra flights and a strong advocate of more competition in the aviation sector. Indeed, I gave a speech on it recently.

    JENNETT:

    Ok, so just to be clear, any personal upgrade you believe was unconnected to your line of work as a politician? Because that’s the grey line here around the Anthony Albanese episodes, isn’t it?

    LEIGH:

    Yeah. I have no idea on what basis they make those decisions. Certainly, I report as the Prime Minister has done, and it’s never affected my decisions. I’ll continue to be a strong advocate for more competition in the aviation sector.

    JENNETT:

    Understood. You certainly have been that. Andrew Leigh, we thank you, as always.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville in the Daily Caller: The Dangerous Biden-Harris Plan to Leave Our Veterans Behind

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    “As one VA provider pointed out, this delay in critical healthcare could put us on the path to a ‘mass casualty event.’”
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed in the Daily Caller about how the Biden-Harris administration is limiting community care access for veterans. Community care is essential to veterans across the country, specifically those in rural areas. In the piece, Senator Tuberville calls for slashing the bureaucratic red tape keeping veterans from receiving the pivotal care they deserve and emphasizes the need to change course before it is too late.
    Read excerpts from the piece below or here. 
    “Over the last four years, the Biden-Harris administration has made it clear its priorities lie anywhere but with America’s military service members.
    It was apparent in the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal that left 13 service members dead. It was obvious when the Department of Defense forced extreme DEI requirements on our troops and discharged service members who had legitimate concerns about taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
    We hear it time and again with the White House’s rhetoric that now has us teetering on the brink of another World War — an event which would drag our sons and daughters into more foreign wars on behalf of interests that are not our own. 
    Which is why it comes as no surprise that the Biden-Harris administration is severely limiting veterans’ access to timely care. Access to community care is an essential health care option that can meet the various needs and circumstances for our veterans — especially those living in rural areas.
    The Community Care Network allows veterans to seek care from a provider who may be closer to the veteran in proximity than the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility, or who may have a shorter wait time than a comparable provider in the VA. It’s something that the brave men and women who have served our country need more access to, not less.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station celebrates successful ewe breeding season

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    30 Oct 2024

    The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station has experienced one of its most successful breeding seasons to date.

    Building on six years of strong lamb marking and weaning results, this year’s success can be largely attributed to flock and pasture management despite the slow early winter pasture growth and the cold, wet and windy winter conditions experienced in late June and early July. It was also enhanced by tactical use of forage crops and optimal use of pregnancy scanning data.

    This year’s lamb marking results for the Merino flock at the research station have been nothing short of exceptional, with lamb marking rates between 130% and 140% per ewe joined.

    This impressive performance is well above the national lamb marking average of 90% for Merinos, which can vary significantly due to local conditions such as; cold temperatures, wet conditions, windy weather or drought.

    NSW DPIRD Livestock Systems Senior Research Scientist Dr Gordon Refshauge said the excellent results showcase the effectiveness of the ongoing research and management practices implemented by the Department’s research team.

    “The Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station staff’s dedictation and expertise are driving performance well above the industry average, ” Dr Refshauge said.

    “Staff categorised pregnant ewes into groups based on litter size of singles, twins, and multiples and provided feed quality and quantity tailored to each group’s specific needs.

    “The combination of these strategic practices, alongside a healthy and well-managed flock, led to a successful lambing season, showcasing the Station’s commitment to maximising lambing potential.”

    This season, the Station’s flock exhibited lower pregnancy rates than normal but also an unusually high number of triplets and quadruplets.

    Dr Refshauge said this unusual occurence can be attributed to the ewes being in excellent condition prior to mating and continuing to gain weight during the mating period.

    “Due to limited pasture growth, and high feed demands, the ewes were placed in their lambing paddocks earlier than usual, after finishing grazing mixed species forage crops or dual-purpose canola,” Dr Refshauge said.

    “These pre-lambing management decisions were critical for lambing, as pastures had been rested from grazing for 4 – 6 weeks prior to the commencement of lambing and the ewes were in the right body condition for lambing.

    “By integrating these precision management strategies with optimal feeding practices, we’ve exceeded our lambing goals for 2024, showcasing the capability of our flock and team and hoping to continue this for years to come.”

    For more information on the NSW DPIRD Cowra Agricultural Institute, please visit our website

    Media contact:
    For more information, please contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Certification success brings new momentum for Filipino vegetable growers

    Source: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

    In the past 2 years, an ACIAR-supported value chain project in the Philippines has seen the country’s first smallholder vegetable farmers certified through the Philippines Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) program.

    Although PhilGAP was first launched in 2006 by the Department of Agriculture, there have been few market or other incentives to drive uptake of certification. The program aims to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products, environmental protection, and the health, safety and welfare of farm workers. 

    But with 43 vegetable growers now certified in the Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao regions, and more in progress, it has breathed new life into the PhilGAP program.

    The ACIAR-supported project driving this new momentum is a collaboration involving Applied Horticultural Research, Visayas State University (VSU), Landcare Foundation of the Philippines and the East West Seed Company Inc.

    The efforts of the VSU team in particular have been recognised, when they were awarded the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan (Public Service) Award in September by the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    Research assistants test soil samples at the Philippine Root Crop and Research Training Center at the Visayas State University in Leyte, Philippines. Photo Veejay Villafranca/ACIAR

    Students from Visayas State University work on their experimental crops at a farm in Cabintan Livelihood Community Association (CALCOA) in Brgy Cabintan, Ormoc City. Photo Veejay Villafranca/ACIAR

    Students from Visayas State University work on their experimental crops at a farm in Cabintan Livelihood Community Association (CALCOA) in Brgy Cabintan, Ormoc City. Photo Veejay Villafranca/ACIAR

    Leader of the project Professor Gordon Rogers said the project’s primary focus was on demonstrating how smallholder farmers could complete the certification process and how they would benefit from a more consumer-focused approach to production.

    Professor Rogers said the research team developed a stepped process which has been the key to help farmers progress towards certification as they were able. There were 36 farms certified by the end of the project in June 2024, and more than 50 other farms had begun the process. By the end of August 2024, the number of certified farms had grown to 43. 

    ‘We divided the process into 4 steps. The first and second steps involve the sort of things that farmers can do easily and cheaply, and which actually have the greatest benefit in terms of improving the food quality and safety, and farm productivity,’ said Professor Rogers.

    Benefits for farmers undertaking certification have included reduced farm inputs, improved health with safer farming practices, improvements in the quality and safety of their produce and increased prices for certified produce.

    Mr Alvin Morales, one of the farmers who has received PhilGAP training, said, ‘The ACIAR project was really a big help to us and taught us many things. Before, we did not care so much about the proper way or methods of applying farm inputs, fertilisers, and pesticides, and how these impact people’s health and the environment. 

    ‘The PhilGAP program taught us to better understand our crops, the environment, the soil, and their inter-relationship. We were taught the more detailed and scientific-based approach to farming.

    Mr Alvin Morales
    PhilGAP program participant

    ‘It is high time that more farmers adopt good agricultural practices that will not harm the environment and produce healthier and safer food for people.

    Mr Alvin Morales inspecting tomatoes growing in a greenhouse at Cabintan, Leyte as part of the PhilGAP program. Photo: ACIAR

    Rodelina’s Fresh Vegetable stand selling PhilGAP certified vegetables at the Baybay markets, Leyte. Photo: ACIAR

    Rodel Morales inspecting a carrot crop growing in a greenhouse at Cabintan, Leyte as part of the PhilGAP program. Photo: ACIAR

    ACIAR project staff and farmers in BayBay, Leyte showing PhilGAP-certified yard-long beans and chillies. Photo: ACIAR

    Professor Rogers said the cost of certification ranged from about 30,000 to 300,000 pesos (A$800 to $8000). This depended largely on the materials used for construction of a storage shed and toilet required for certification. However, most farmers found the costs were recovered in less than 2 years, and in less than 6 months in some instances.

    The project helped farmers adopt a customer-focused approach and identify higher-value niche markets, including food service providers for the healthcare sector and modern food retailers. 

    ‘We also did consumer studies as part of our research and found that when consumers know GAP-certified produce is guaranteed safe to eat, they’re willing to pay a premium,’ added Professor Rogers.

    Professor Zenaida Gonzaga at VSU, was the Philippine project leader, coordinating much of the field research and training for farmers related to the project, as well as PhilGAP training more broadly.

    She said 221 farmers received PhilGAP training, and more than 350 farm extension workers have been trained to promote GAP practices. These extension officers would be key to continuing the moment the ACIAR-supported project has generated into the future.

    Professor Gonzaga highlighted Baybay City Government in Leyte province as being particularly proactive in supporting the project, providing funding for the purchase of materials needed for chemical sheds. It was also the first local government body to pass an ordinance requiring its agricultural extension officers to promote the program with growers.

    ‘Implementation of PhilGAP requires intervention like this at a policy level. Little by little we have increased the number of farms being certified and the support from local government. 

    ‘We now have support to promote certified produce through Baybayania Agriventures, which is a federation of farmers supported by Baybay’s government.’

    Professor Zenaida Gonzaga and Maricel Adelantar inspect new onion varieties at Visayas State University, which the project team identified as a new crop for the region under the PhilGAP program. Photo: ACIAR

    At a higher level, the Regional Development Council for Eastern Visayas – Region VIII – has now also passed a resolution requiring all 6 provinces within the region to implement the PhilGAP program as part of their research extension services.

    GAP practices are also gaining momentum at ground level, with farmers who have received training keen to share what they have learned with others. This includes pest identification and safe work practices on farm, through to the transport and marketing of produce. 

    ‘We’ve found that the project, and the PhilGAP training, have elevated technical farming practices,’ said Professor Gonzaga. ‘It has also significantly reshaped the values and attitudes of farmers who are stepping up to share their knowledge around working safely and producing better quality, safer produce.’ 

    ACIAR Project: ‘Developing vegetable value chains to meet evolving market expectations in the Philippines’  (HORT/2016/188)

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 240-2024: Unplanned Service Disruption: Wednesday 30 October 2024 – Biosecurity directions

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    30 October 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients anticipating the receipt of biosecurity directions from the department.

    Information

    Detail:

    The department’s Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS) system is currently experiencing an unplanned service disruption. As a result, some clients anticipating the receipt of biosecurity directions from the department may experience delays.

    Action

    This issue is being…

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 241-2024: Services Restored: Wednesday 30 October 2024 – Biosecurity directions

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    30 October 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients anticipating the receipt of email notifications for biosecurity directions from the department.

    Information

    Restored time:

    As of: 14:10 Wednesday 30 October 2024 (AEDT).

    Detail:

    The unplanned service disruption to the department’s Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS) has been resolved. Clients will now receive email notifications for biosecurity…

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ8: Members of public engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ8: Members of public engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather
    LCQ8: Members of public engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather
    ******************************************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Steven Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (October 30): Question:      It has been reported that whenever a typhoon hits Hong Kong, some members of the public will recklessly disregard warnings and purposely go to the seaside to “chase wind”, and some people will even engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing under extreme weather. There are views pointing out that such behaviour not only endangers their own lives and safety, but also wastes the Government’s rescue resources and leads to casualties among rescuers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the following information on cases received by the Government in each of the past five years where members of the public encountered danger and sought assistance while engaging in outdoor activities when weather warnings were in force: the number of such cases, the types of outdoor activities involved, the number of search and rescue (S&R) personnel, the casualties among the S&R personnel, and the public expenditure involved; (2) given that the existing legislation empowers the authorities to close beaches or country parks when necessary, and it is an offence to enter such closed beaches or country parks without permission, of the number of prosecutions instituted by the authorities in the past three years in respect of the aforesaid offence; (3) of the work undertaken by the Government in the past three years to prohibit members of the public from entering dangerous areas such as waterfronts, riversides and hills when weather warnings were in force (including putting up notices and disseminating warning messages through the media), as well as the expenditure involved (with a breakdown by work initiative); and (4) whether it has considered imposing charges on those members of the public who encounter danger and seek assistance as a result of riskily engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather (e.g. requiring them to bear a certain proportion of the S&R expenditure), so as to achieve a deterrent effect; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President,      The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to engage in outdoor activities under inclement weather. It will continue to remind members of the public through various channels of the risks of engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather, and step up enforcement actions. Under extreme weather conditions, such as when the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning are in force, mountain-climbing or other water sports activities will become even more dangerous. In case of an accident, it will also put rescuers in a dangerous situation.      In consultation with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Steven Ho is as follows: (1) Between January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2024, the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and the Government Flying Service have been deployed for mountain rescue arising from camping or hiking and immersion incidents arising from swimming or surfing when an Amber, Red or Black Rainstorm Warning, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above was in force. Details are as follows:

    Year
    Number of mountain rescue incidents
    Staff deployed
    Number of immersion incidents
    Staff deployed

    2020
    1
    22
    2
    32

    2021
    5
    58
    2
    38

    2022
    10
    71
    1
    33

    2023
    23
    352
    16
    334

    2024(as at September 30)
    21
    146
    3
    72

          The above deployments did not result in any casualties among the rescuers. The rescue teams have not maintained a statistical breakdown of the operating cost. (2) As far as temporary closure of beaches is concerned, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, issued a total of four verbal warnings in the past three years to persons entering/intending to enter temporarily closed beaches for water sports activities. During the period, no prosecution was instituted against non-compliance with the temporary closure of beaches.      As regards the hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, the LCSD has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, successfully instituted one prosecution against water sports activities illegally conducted within the area of gazetted beaches in the past three years. Furthermore, during the law enforcement operation at Big Wave Bay Beach on October 25, 2024, two members of the public were found to have committed the acts of illegal surfing during hoisting of red flags at the unclosed beach, suspected of contravening the Bathing Beaches Regulation. An investigation by the LCSD is underway into such a case and prosecution is under consideration.      On the other hand, in the past three years, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) had not closed country parks due to inclement weather. The AFCD will consider the closure of country parks having regard to the actual situation and when necessary. (3) During temporary closure of beaches and hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, beach staff will advise or verbally warn members of the public who are oblivious to the dangers at sea for their action jeopardising their own safety and that of rescuers. The LCSD will also consider instituting prosecutions against wrongdoers to serve as deterrence. Generally, members of the public heed the advice from the staff in virtually all cases. The above work does not involve additional expenditure.      When adverse weather warnings (such as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or Rain Storming Warnings) are about to be issued or while these are in force, the AFCD will appeal to members of the public to refrain from going to the country parks through news broadcasts and social media platforms. Moreover, the AFCD will regularly utilise the social media and other communication channels to promote hiking safety, and remind members of the public to avoid visiting country parks during adverse weather. The above work forms part of the AFCD management of country parks, and therefore does not involve additional expenditure.      Whenever a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal is in force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will remind the public to stay away from the shoreline and refrain from conducting any water sports activities. When a Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, the HKO will remind the public to stay away from watercourses, and to stay alert to the possible dangers of flooding of the watercourses even after the Rainstorm Warning is cancelled. Other weather warnings or alerts are also accompanied by corresponding points to note. The HKO currently disseminates the above information to the public through various channels, including the HKO’s website, the mobile application MyObservatory, and social media platforms. The relevant operation and maintenance expenses have been subsumed into the recurrent cost of the HKO which cannot be further broken down. (4) The Government has always accorded top priority to public safety and the protection of people’s life and property. When calls for various emergencies are received, the HKPF and the FSD will immediately assess the nature of each incident and deploy appropriate resources to the scene.      The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to perform outdoor activities under inclement weather, as these activities will bring significant risks not only to the members of the public themselves, but also to the rescue personnel deployed in case of emergency. Notwithstanding the above, people’s lives are a top priority, and the Government will provide effective, reliable and efficient emergency services to people in distress or in need under all circumstances. The last thing we want to see is those in need being deterred from seeking emergency call services due to any reasons, including the charging of a levy.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 12:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFCD reports to Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals on progress of work and way forward

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals held its second meeting today (October 29). The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reported to the Expert Group on the progress and way forward of the Government’s work on enhancing conservation of marine mammals, including exchanges with agencies with relevant experience, raising public awareness and knowledge of conservation of wildlife (including marine mammals), and review of legislation in relation to the protection of marine mammals.
          
         The specific progress and way forward points were as follows:
     
    (1) Exchange with agencies with relevant experience: The AFCD earlier sent staff to the Beibu Gulf Cetacean Research and Protection Center at Beihai, Guangxi, and Southern Marine Parks, Queensland, Australia, to exchange and learn from their experience in handling marine mammal stranding cases; legislation, management and research on the protection of cetaceans; as well as communication with the public, publicity and education, etc. The department has suitably applied the relevant experiences in their follow-up work such as the formulation of a response plan and legislative review, etc. To prepare for future operations involving field rescues, rehabilitation, and release of stranded whales and dolphins, the department plans to organise a visit to Sanya, Hainan, as there was  a recent successful release of an injured short-finned pilot whale following its rescue and rehabilitation during the period from January to May 2024;
     
    (2) Enhancing publicity and education: The AFCD has conducted a series of public education activities, targeting not only the general public, but also government departments, marine users, students and teachers, with a view to deepening their understanding of Hong Kong’s marine environment and wildlife, raising their awareness of respecting, caring for and appreciating marine resources, and promoting the best practices that minimise the disturbance to cetaceans and fostering a sense of shared stewardship on the protection of wild cetaceans and their habitats. Among others, the AFCD organised the Marine Wildlife Appreciation Festival from January to March 2024 to promote the message of marine conservation to the public.  The AFCD will also prepare to organise a Marine Wildlife Appreciation Roving Exhibition to display the preserved skeleton of Bryde’s whale found in Hong Kong waters in July last year to further raise public awareness on protection of marine mammals; and
     
    (3) Legislative review: The Government has commenced the review of the legislation in relation to the protection of marine mammals. The preliminary suggestions are for the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation to be given new power to designate certain areas of Hong Kong waters as a “Temporary Marine Restricted Area” for the purpose of protecting cetaceans when necessary, such as the situation of a non-resident whale appearing in Hong Kong waters, conferring a legal status on the existing Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching, and exploring the feasibility of a prohibition on watching non-resident cetaceans.
          
         During the meeting, the Expert Group supported the relevant recommendations and direction of work proposed by the AFCD. The AFCD expressed gratitude for the constructive advice offered by the Expert Group and will take into account the views and continue to work with the Expert Group, with a view to enhancing the work of marine mammal conservation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “I would be interested in talking to Chinese farmers”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Veronika Smirnova studies the Chinese approach to global food security and spent a year at the Renmin University of China in Beijing. In an interview with the HSE Young Scientists project, she spoke about Xi Jinping’s flagship initiatives, her interest in FAO’s John Boyd Orr, and her love of malatan and xiao long bao.

    How I got started in science

    It wasn’t a strategic plan. Science chose me, like many future scientists who enjoyed studying many subjects at school. Surprisingly, math and physics were the easiest for me, but I ended up choosing the humanities.

    Around the 9th grade, I thought about what direction I would like to choose in the future, and the topic of international relations seemed interesting to me. At that time, I was not yet interested in Chinese culture, I only heard in the news that Russian-Chinese relations were developing at a rapid pace. When it was time to choose a second language (internationalists always learn two), I spent a long time choosing between German and French. But then something sank in my heart, and I began to study Chinese, not yet knowing what awaited me in the future. This is how my love for China began, I gradually began to take an interest in culture and politics.

    In my undergraduate studies at Nizhny Novgorod State University, we had amazing courses on analytics for government bodies. I really liked this subject, and I became interested in working in this field. When I went to the master’s program at HSE, I saw that CCEMI, where I now work, was recruiting interns, and I applied. That’s how my path in science began. Then I went to graduate school and continued scientific research.

    What am I studying?

    China’s participation in the global food security system. Interest in this topic did not develop immediately. In my bachelor’s degree, I studied more about culture and soft power. But in my master’s degree, I thought: I would like to study something more practice-oriented, which could contribute to the improvement of Russian-Chinese relations. The food topic found me itself.

    The HSE education system involves earning several credits for projects during the course of study. In my Master’s program, I chose a project that was conducted by the School of Oriental Studies together with Azbuka Vkusa. Against the backdrop of Covid, we studied how retail is developing in Asian countries. I was doing research on China. And then one of the teachers said that there was an opportunity to do an internship at the UN.

    At first I wasn’t interested, but my friend, who had this experience, explained that it was a very interesting track where you act as a manager of an educational course.

    I applied for the next intake and was accepted to this project. The internship was online. I helped organize a course for UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and FAO (FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). The course was designed for officials from the post-Soviet space on the topic of agriculture in international trade agreements.

    I thought it was an interesting topic because China and Russia were developing relations in the agricultural sector, so I decided to take it up more seriously and continued to study it in graduate school.

    What was my master’s thesis about?

    I studied Chinese concepts in global governance. This topic is close to my PhD thesis, where I examine how China promotes its approaches to food security co-operation internationally.

    In my master’s degree, I was interested to see how China’s policy ambitions are growing in practical terms, what approaches it offers – whether it is trying to take the place of the United States or is offering something unique.

    I decided to look at the theoretical approaches of Chinese scholars and compare them with the statements of Chinese leaders Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping. And I saw that, in principle, the same thing happened to the concept of global governance developed in the West as to many other Western concepts in China – from complete rejection to active participation.

    At first, China came out with sharp criticism, claiming that the concept was aimed at Western countries controlling global development. Then with interest – how to apply it with Chinese specifics. Then, gradual testing began in specific areas. For example, Chinese scientists separately studied issues of sovereignty, participation of non-profit organizations. And already at the next stage, they proposed their own approaches.

    At the same time, Chinese leader Xi Jinping put forward the concept of a Community of Shared Future for Humanity and the flagship Belt and Road Initiative, and Chinese scholars were studying how to develop global governance together with other countries through these projects.

    What is the Community of Shared Destiny for Humanity?

    Xi Jinping put forward this concept in 2013 — by the way, he first spoke about it in Moscow, at MGIMO. At the first stage, it was quite simple, it could be characterized by his words: “In me there is you, in you there is me.” The world is interconnected, and we need to manage things together, because if one participant starts having problems (as we saw during the pandemic), they arise for others as well.

    A more correct translation of the name is “the concept of a common destiny.” “A common destiny” implies unification. And China insists that everyone has the right to follow their own path of development, and this community is expressed in the fact that we develop together, but in different ways.

    Why China Believes the World Needs Food Security

    China is primarily interested in ensuring internal security. It relies on the concept of self-sufficiency. This issue is particularly sensitive for it. In the past, periods of famine were associated with political instability.

    During the Cold War, when China suffered famine, the country also faced a food embargo from the United States. And now China believes that “it must hold the rice bowl firmly in its own hands,” as Xi Jinping says.

    But having joined the WTO and participated in world trade, one cannot be completely autonomous. If there are problems in the food security sphere somewhere, it affects everyone. China is interested in maintaining general world stability. It is also developing cooperation in the “south-south” direction. This is cooperation between a developing country and a similar country, where it acts not as a donor, but as a partner, sharing its experience in solving problems.

    In the area of food security, China’s experience is a strong case: the country was able to defeat hunger with very few resources, land and water. Therefore, this is one of the key areas for cooperation with developing countries. China focuses on them, and mainly seeks to develop partnerships with them.

    Russian-Chinese relations

    Our relations are now at the peak of prosperity. During the Cold War, Sinologists had a hard time. Relations were tense, we had different views on what communism should be. The Chinese reacted quite sharply to the debunking of Stalin’s personality cult. We had border conflicts. China then, especially against the backdrop of rapprochement with the United States, diverged even more from the USSR.

    I remember my first academic supervisor in my bachelor’s degree told me that he was criticized in his close circle for studying the language of a country where he would never go, with which we are at odds. But he said that he was right. The prerequisites for normalizing relations began to emerge in the Brezhnev era, later the issues of demarcation and delimitation of the border were resolved, economic relations also developed, and now our relations have become the best.

    What results and achievements I am proud of

    I spent the last year in China, and returned in July. I was accepted to the New Sinology program for postgraduate students. It is designed to develop new approaches to China studies, building connections so that scholars can see their subject up close. I chose Renmin University of China, one of the largest in Beijing. I was able to work on my topic with a Chinese supervisor, Professor Song Wei, who is developing the theoretical framework I used in my work.

    My other achievements are not really in the scientific sphere. Within my center, I am actively involved in the implementation of joint humanitarian projects between Russia and China.

    We organized a Russian-Chinese summer school for students, and we had a project called “China Perspective,” where students from our department met with China experts and learned how to build a career in cooperation with the PRC.

    Basically, my journey of getting to know HSE and CCEIS began with me being a participant in the Russian-Chinese summer school — the 9th intake. And the next time, I was already on the organizing committee. The school was held online because of COVID, but there were many participants, some even joined from Brazil.

    What I dream about

    I am very interested in getting more field experience. For example, going to Chinese villages and talking to farmers. In China, most agricultural products are still produced on small farmsteads.

    Where I was in China

    I traveled a lot around China, visited ten cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xi’an, Luoyang, Tianjin, Chengdu and Chongqing. In Shanghai, colleagues from my center organized a conference of the Valdai Club together with the East China Normal University. I was included in the delegation.

    There was also a trip to a conference in Shenzhen, to MSU-PPI – a joint university of Moscow State University and Beijing Polytechnic University. I already went to other cities with friends, to immerse myself in Chinese culture. A guy from India studied with me on the program, we became friends, he was more advanced in studying Chinese culture, and I went on my first trip with him.

    Science for me is a way of life, a space of connections. You are constantly looking for something to talk about, something to study.

    If I hadn’t become a scientist, I could have become a manager or producer of educational courses in the humanities. I still combine this with my scientific career, but I would have concentrated on it.

    Who would I like to meet?

    For my dissertation, I would like to meet the first FAO Secretary-General, John Boyd Orr, and talk more about his failed initiatives. My research is more in the area of international cooperation, while his research is specifically looking at how certain policies reduce malnutrition in the world.

    I was very inspired by the history of the creation of FAO. Boyd Orr was the first Secretary-General, he stood at its origins. He advocated a comprehensive approach to food security. At that time, food security was considered to be only access to products and their availability. He suggested looking at the problem more broadly and advocated that the newly formed organization should control not only development issues and information collection, but also trade, production, and food delivery.

    For example, during World War II, scientists discovered that if you increase the rations for pregnant women, then infant mortality drops sharply. They made several such discoveries, were inspired, and thought that this new knowledge would allow them to significantly reduce hunger within the organization.

    But due to the onset of the Cold War, due to the importance and criticality of this topic for the world’s major powers, there was not enough space for trust to be created so that a common supranational structure in the form of a UN institution could control all these processes.

    What my typical day looks like

    Now my typical day is loaded with work: the last year of graduate school, finishing my dissertation, going to the pre-defense. So I wake up, have breakfast, go to work and sit here for a long time. I solve work issues, and when I have a free minute, I finish the text of the dissertation.

    What will I do after my defense?

    I will continue working at CCEMI. I think that there will be more time for scientific work. I would like to study the topic of Russian-Chinese agricultural cooperation in more detail. It is also interesting to look at the development of the foodtech sphere in China, startups in this area. I would also try to publish in Chinese journals. They are not taken into account in our systems, which is critical for a postgraduate student, and after the defense this issue will no longer be so acute.

    Do I get burnout?

    I think it was at the beginning, when I didn’t understand how to combine work and study, but here my colleagues helped. We have a friendly atmosphere in the team, everyone supports each other. I adhere to the approach that there are always many interesting projects, but it is important to refuse most of them and concentrate on the most important, otherwise burnout can occur.

    What are my interests besides science?

    I love yoga. It helps me maintain a sports regimen during periods of intense work. I also like digital drawing, sometimes I even do something design-related. At the launch stage of our project “Chinese Perspective”, I made posters for the VKontakte group.

    Where do I recommend starting your acquaintance with China?

    I would recommend looking at VK groups dedicated to China. In our Russian-speaking community, for example, there is a group called “Grey Mocha” that publishes cultural notes about China. The Vyshka Chinese Club also provides a lot of useful information.

    China has its own social networks. If you want to watch Chinese videos, you should go not to YouTube, but to Bilibili and Kuaishou. WeChat is a must to communicate with Chinese colleagues. They have an interesting service called “Little Red Book” — something like a combination of Instagram and Telegram, it helped me a lot while traveling around China. You can type in “Tasty places there,” and it will show you. You could even find out which of the many cafeterias at my university serves the best food. Or figure out how to take a photo in the Temple of Heaven without people being visible. But to immerse yourself in the Chinese blogosphere, you need to know the language and understand how it works. If you come to China with only English, it will be more difficult.

    The leading contemporary Chinese writer

    Probably Mo Yan. In the book “Frogs” he describes the social reality of the “One Family – One Child” era. I also liked the plot of the book “Children of the Herd Age” written by Liu Zhenyun. One of the stories describes how a man gave a large ransom for a woman, and she ran away with this ransom without marrying him, and his sister tries to find her.

    Popular Chinese Attractions Among Russians

    Beijing, Shanghai and Harbin — because of the proximity of the border. In Beijing, the heritage of ancient culture is interesting: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China. In Shanghai, people walk along the embankment, look at the Pearl Tower, there are more monuments of Western culture there. Hainan Island is also popular, especially among residents of Siberia and the Far East. The sea there is very clean. There are many interesting delicacies, for example, candies made from shark meat. Other destinations are for more advanced tourists who are also interested in nature. For example, the province of Sichuan, where pandas live and there are national parks.

    Differences between Western and Chinese culture

    There are, and very strong ones. In China, they tend to be collectivist, not individualistic. We have the concept of conscience, and they have shame. This is a capacious topic, it is difficult to talk about briefly, but it can be outlined with a series of illustrations by Chinese artist Yan Liu.

    What was the last thing I read and watched?

    Our colleague Ivan Yuryevich Zuenko recently published a book, “China in the Era of Xi Jinping.” I read it and even attended the presentation.

    Because of my dissertation, everything is about China now, and I watch something to support Chinese. For example, the talk show “This is China” with Professor Zhang Weiwei and the program “Round Table” with the popular host Dou Wentao.

    Advice to young scientists

    Get involved in the scientific community early on, as talking to colleagues helps you understand early on what to watch out for and what new and interesting perspectives there are on the issues you’re studying.

    Try to publish and speak at conferences. The sooner you gain such experience, the easier it will be to move along this path. And for a sinologist, it is especially important to have your own knowledge base and know exactly where to find certain materials. Order disciplines and helps in scientific work.

    Favorite place in Moscow

    VDNKh. I lived there during my first year of graduate school, and often walked there. This place is associated with my first pleasant memories after moving to Moscow.

    Favorite places in Beijing

    First of all, Beihai Park. Chinese parks are different from ours. When I came there for the first time in the evening, I felt like I was in a fairy tale. I also love Houhai, it’s also in the center, a walking place around the lake. And Qianmen Street, it’s quite lively, there are a lot of Chinese eateries, street food.

    At first, I didn’t quite have the right idea of Beijing. I thought it was high-rise and modern. But if you travel around southern cities, you’ll notice that Beijing has many low buildings in the center and it’s not so densely built up. There are hutongs on Qianmen Street – ancient buildings. And a nice coffee shop called Metal Hands.

    Chinese cuisine

    I like it. I often ate xiao long bao (steamed meat buns like dumplings), malatan (a spicy soup where you put the ingredients yourself), and different types of beef noodles. Because of my Indian friends, I also fell in love with Indian food. But in general, there are a couple of places in Beijing where you can eat Russian food. When I started missing mashed potatoes with a cutlet, it was easy to get them.

    Where would I go in China

    See the natural attractions near the cities of Chengdu and Chongqing. You need to go there in a group and think everything through in advance. There are two large national parks near Chengdu. And next to Chongqing is the Wulong Karst geological park. And there is also a beautiful place Zhangjiajie, you also need to go there for five days, preferably with a group and a guide.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Demands Answers on USDA Oversight Following Pure Prairie Poultry’s Abrupt Closure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in demanding answers from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding distribution and oversight of grants and loans following the recent bankruptcy filing of Pure Prairie Poultry.The Minnesota-based poultry processor received more than $45 million in USDA grants and loans intended to help meat and poultry processors start or expand processing capacity. However, Pure Prairie Poultry filed for bankruptcy after only a few short years of operation, which impacted up to 50 farmers and left more than 2 million chickens in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin without feed or the necessary processing capacity following the shutdown of their Charles City, Iowa plant. 
    “Pure Prairie Poultry’s abrupt closure shows the importance of proper vetting and oversight at USDA to ensure the agency’s multi-million dollar grants and loans are actually helping producers, rather than being flushed down the drain and harming entire rural communities in the process,” said Senator Ernst. “Encouraging the growth of meat processing and strengthening our supply chain is a cause I can support, but this lack of accountable spending hurts our farmers, livestock, and taxpayers.”“Over the past two years, USDA has provided $223 million in loan guarantees and grants to 30 meat and poultry processing companies,” the lawmakers wrote. “A press release from the USDA celebrated this funding as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ‘commitment to strengthen critical food supply chain infrastructure to create more thriving communities for the American people.’ Unfortunately, this investment has instead resulted in the loss of income, jobs, and poultry across three states.”“While we share USDA’s desired goals of expanding meat processing capacity and markets and building a robust national food supply chain, it is critical that livestock producers have resilient systems to ensure the production of healthy and affordable protein for both domestic and global consumption. Moreover, American taxpayers deserve the peace of mind that their dollars are being spent wisely,” the lawmakers concluded.
    Click here to read the full letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Independent Chair for Dartmoor Land Use Management Group

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The government has appointed Phil Stocker as Independent Chair of the newly formed Dartmoor Land Use Management Group

    Phil Stocker has been appointed as Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, as the government moves forward with recommendations to create a long-term plan for land use which preserves the cultural heritage of the area, recovers nature and boosts food production.

    Mr Stocker has strong technical knowledge of farming and the environment and is recognised as progressive ensuring we are balancing food production with nature’s recovery. He has previously held posts at both the Soil Association and RSPB prior to his current role as Chief Executive for the National Sheep Association.

    Phil Stocker is also the Chairman of the Black Mountains Land Use Partnership which has given him unique extensive experience of managing different interests in delivering cooperative and sustainable land management in an upland setting. 

    Appointed through an open recruitment process, Phil Stocker has over 40 years’ experience in agriculture and land management. This included 15 years leading the Soil Association’s support work for its organic farmer and grower members. His varied background and leadership experience puts him in good stead for the role.

    The Dartmoor Land Use Management Group will provide a space for stakeholders to discuss important issues and work to strike the right balance between food security and preserving the diversity and abundance of nature in the area. Mr Stocker will be responsible for steering the Land Use Management Group to meet its aims and objectives. This includes oversight and delivery of the other 25 recommendations attributed to the group, put forward in the response to the review, and ensuring effective ways of working throughout.  

    As Chair, his first task will be to identify and appoint members who bring the necessary knowledge, expertise and engagement to the group. Defra will also review and confirm the appointments to ensure the group has a balanced membership with representation from different stakeholder groups.  

    Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

    Dartmoor is a breathtaking landscape with unique challenges. The area has one of the largest semi-natural moorland habitats in the country and over recent years the relationship between farming, nature and other impacts, such as climate change have lacked balance.

    With more than 40 years’ experience working in farming and the environment, I am delighted that Phil Stocker has been appointed. He is uniquely placed to consider the needs of our land: restoring nature, boosting food production and preserve its beauty for generations to come.

    Phil Stocker, Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, said:

    It is an honour to have been appointed as Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group. This is a role that comes with great responsibility, and one which I have not taken on lightly.

    As someone who has worked on agriculture and land management across my career, I know only too well the delicate balance between nature and food production.

    It is now my intention to bring people together to ensure that the group delivers a land use plan that reflects the evidence and will create a sustainable future for Dartmoor.

    Andrea Ayres, Natural England Deputy Director for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:

    We are working hard to find solutions with farmers and land managers on Dartmoor, and I am confident that Phil Stocker’s leadership will strike the right balance between protecting environmental objectives and preserving grazing on the commons.

    There are a wide range of stakeholders and challenges in Dartmoor and it’s important that all parties come together to build a sustainable vision for the future of this precious landscape.

    Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive, Dartmoor National Park Authority said:

    We want to see thriving farm businesses in Dartmoor that are delivering a high-quality environment that is alive with nature and with opportunities for all to enjoy and cherish this special place.

    We welcome the establishment of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and look forward to supporting the group deliver land management solutions that help achieve the vision in the Dartmoor Partnership Plan.

    The creation of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group was a key proposal made by the Dartmoor Independent Review and the Government supports the recommendations of the Review.

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    Published 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: From Policy to Action: Anna-Michelle McSorley Focuses on Health Equity for Latinos

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Anna-Michelle McSorley, assistant professor of allied health sciences, joined the faculty of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) this fall. Her work focuses on addressing health inequities related to policies and data collection for Latinos, particularly Puerto Ricans.

    “I’m well-situated at UConn to engage with the very population that is migrating from that territorial context into the state of Connecticut,” McSorley says.

    According to the most recent U.S. Census data, 18.6% of Connecticut’s population is Hispanic or Latino, equating to more than 670,000 people. Puerto Ricans constitute the largest Latino group within this population, representing roughly 45%. Nearly six million Puerto Ricans live outside of Puerto Rico in the States in total.

    McSorley is based at UConn Waterbury. Waterbury has a large Latino population, including more than 110,000 Puerto Ricans. This positions McSorley well to engage directly with the communities her research stands to impact.

    “It’s the rigor of research translated into policy action to benefit the people we are trying to serve,” McSorley says.

    Much of McSorley’s work focuses on Puerto Rico, which is neither an independent nation nor a state, but a territory of the United States.

    McSorley, who identifies as a “Nuyorican” raised between New York and Puerto Rico, understood this unique status from a young age. She realized there was something about how she was able to travel between the U.S. and Puerto Rico that was distinct from other Latino communities and countries.

    “I started thinking about that very early in my life,” McSorley says. “Then, through my education, I was able to pinpoint this difference, identify policies and structures that affect it, and have the vocabulary to highlight it as part of my research.”

    In her research, McSorley takes an expansive view of the federal and local policies, systems, and agencies that affect our health.

    “I think of traditional health policies,” McSorley says. “But I also think of others in our social sphere, like economic policies, that also ultimately shape health outcomes.”

    McSorley recently contributed three papers to a historical special edition of the American Journal of Public Health – the first to exclusively focus on Latino health issues – in which Puerto Rico is prominently featured.

    McSorley was the first author on one of these papers focusing on three key policy areas contributing to health and health care inequities in Puerto Rico: FEMA, Medicaid, and political representation in the island area.

    McSorley and her collaborators assess the ways in which the distribution of FEMA aid and Medicaid funds to the territory perpetuate health disparities.

    McSorley’s paper also highlights the role of political representation, or the lack thereof, in the differential application of federal policies in the territory of Puerto Rico.

    “Yes, these are matters of health policy,” says McSorley. “However, it’s also a question of political processes, potential political biases, and power dynamics.”

    As a territory, Puerto Rico is not a self-governing state. Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections. They are governed by policies enacted by the U.S. Congress, thousands of miles away.

    In a major election year, Puerto Rico’s unresolved status as a territory could become a mobilizing issue across the Latino community, McSorley says.

    Anna-Michelle McSorley from the Department of Allied Health Sciences at UConn Waterbury. (Jason Sheldon/UConn photo)

    “After all, what is being observed in Puerto Rico also serves as a sort of ‘canary in the coal mine’ for communities across the States,” says McSorley. “For instance, the Medicaid block grant structure employed in Puerto Rico has been proposed as an alternative Medicaid funding structure in the States. If applied, this could lead to the same types of cuts to benefits we see in Puerto Rico.”

    The other papers to which McSorley contributed in this edition focus on improving data collected on Latino groups. Data often treats Latino populations as a monolith. However, this group includes dozens of unique populations.

    One paper calls for better empirical methods for data collection and health statistics that more accurately represent the population. The second paper focuses on Latino reproductive health inequities.

    “I want to address data gaps,” McSorley says. “How we collect data on Latinos, and Puerto Ricans specifically in the U.S. or the territory matters in terms of honoring different needs of populations.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice and Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Eagle Bancorp Montana Earns $2.7 Million, or $0.34 per Diluted Share, in the Third Quarter of 2024; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.1425 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HELENA, Mont., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBMT), (the “Company,” “Eagle”), the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and $2.6 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, net income was $6.3 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, compared to $7.9 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2023.

    Eagle’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1425 per share on October 17, 2024. The dividend will be payable December 6, 2024, to shareholders of record November 15, 2024. The current dividend represents an annualized yield of 3.49% based on recent market prices.

    “We produced improved top and bottom line operating results during the third quarter of 2024, with net interest income and noninterest income both increasing compared to the second quarter of 2024,” said Laura F. Clark, President and CEO. “As in previous quarters, we continued to remain selective on the loans we added during the quarter, while adhering to disciplined loan pricing. The result was tempered loan growth during the third quarter of 1.1%, and 4.0% year-over-year. Total deposits increased 2.0% during the quarter over the linked quarter, as we continue to maintain our attractive deposit mix. With our strong deposit franchise, pristine credit quality, and ample capital levels, we are well positioned for growth throughout the remainder of the year and into 2025.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights (at or for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, except where noted):

    • Net income was $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and $2.6 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter a year ago.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024, a seven basis point contraction compared to 3.41% in the preceding quarter and the third quarter a year ago.
    • Revenues (net interest income before the provision for credit losses, plus noninterest income) were $20.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $19.9 million in the preceding quarter and $21.6 million in the third quarter a year ago.
    • The accretion of the loan purchase discount into loan interest income from acquisitions was $167,000 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to accretion on purchased loans from acquisitions of $304,000 in the preceding quarter.
    • Total loans increased 4.0% to $1.53 billion, at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.48 billion a year earlier, and increased 1.1% compared to $1.52 billion at June 30, 2024.
    • Total deposits increased $35.0 million or 2.2% to $1.65 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to a year earlier, and increased $31.6 million or 2.0%, compared to June 30, 2024.
    • The allowance for credit losses represented 1.12% of portfolio loans and 356.7% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.10% of portfolio loans and 209.3% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2023.
    • The Company’s available borrowing capacity was approximately $348.1 million at September 30, 2024.
            September 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)     Borrowings Outstanding Remaining Borrowing Capacity
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances $ 219,167 $ 219,365
    Federal Reserve Bank discount window   –   28,734
    Correspondent bank lines of credit   –   100,000
    Total       $ 219,167 $ 348,099
               
    • The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend in the second quarter of $0.1425 per share on September 6, 2024, to shareholders of record August 16, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Results

    Eagle’s total assets increased 4.0% to $2.15 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $2.06 billion a year ago, and increased 2.2% compared to $2.10 billion three months earlier. The investment securities portfolio totaled $307.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $308.8 million a year ago, and $306.9 million at June 30, 2024.

    Eagle originated $58.0 million in new residential mortgages during the quarter and sold $51.0 million in residential mortgages, with an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.31%. This production compares to residential mortgage originations of $60.6 million in the preceding quarter with sales of $53.2 million and an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.01%. Mortgage volumes remain low as rates have continued to be elevated relative to rates on existing mortgages.

    Total loans increased $58.9 million, or 4.0%, compared to a year ago, and $17.2 million, or 1.1%, from three months earlier. Commercial real estate loans increased 5.2% to $644.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $612.0 million a year earlier. Commercial real estate loans were comprised of 69.3% non-owner occupied and 30.7% owner occupied at September 30, 2024. Agricultural and farmland loans increased 5.8% to $290.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $274.1 million a year earlier. Residential mortgage loans increased 6.7% to $156.8 million, compared to $146.9 million a year earlier. Commercial loans increased 10.2% to $143.2 million, compared to $130.0 million a year ago. Commercial construction and development loans decreased 17.3% to $125.3 million, compared to $151.6 million a year ago. Home equity loans increased 12.5% to $93.6 million, residential construction loans increased 8.5% to $52.2 million, and consumer loans decreased 1.3% to $29.4 million, compared to a year ago.

    “Our deposit mix continued to shift towards higher yielding deposits due to the higher interest rate environment. However, we anticipate deposit rates will continue to stabilize or improve following the recent Fed rate cuts,” said Miranda Spaulding, CFO.

    Total deposits increased to $1.65 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.62 billion at September 30, 2023, and at June 30, 2024. Noninterest-bearing checking accounts represented 25.4%, interest-bearing checking accounts represented 12.7%, savings accounts represented 12.9%, money market accounts comprised 21.3% and time certificates of deposit made up 27.7% of the total deposit portfolio at September 30, 2024. Time certificates of deposit include $22.1 million in brokered certificates at September 30, 2024, compared to $40.0 million at September 30, 2023, and $26.2 million at June 30, 2024. The average cost of total deposits was 1.76% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 1.70% in the preceding quarter and 1.28% in the third quarter of 2023. The estimated amount of uninsured deposits was approximately $307.0 million, or 18% of total deposits, at September 30, 2024, compared to $284.0 million, or 17% of total deposits, at June 30, 2024.

    Shareholders’ equity was $177.7 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $157.3 million a year earlier and $170.2 million three months earlier. Book value per share increased to $22.17 at September 30, 2024, compared to $19.69 a year earlier and $21.23 three months earlier. Tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding, was $17.23 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.55 a year earlier and $16.25 three months earlier.  

    Operating Results

    “Our core NIM declined slightly during the third quarter, compared to the preceding quarter, due to relatively flat yields on interest earning assets and cost of funds expansion,” said Clark. “We anticipate continued stabilization and eventual improvement in our cost of funds as we continue through this rate cycle.”

    Eagle’s NIM was 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024, a seven basis point contraction compared to 3.41% in both the preceding quarter and the third quarter a year ago. The interest accretion on acquired loans totaled $167,000 and resulted in a three basis-point increase in the NIM during the third quarter of 2024, compared to $304,000 and a seven basis-point increase in the NIM during the preceding quarter. Funding costs for the third quarter of 2024 were 2.89%, compared to 2.78% in the second quarter of 2024 and 2.37% in the third quarter of 2023. Average yields on interest earning assets for the third quarter of 2024 increased to 5.66%, compared to 5.64% in the second quarter of 2024 and 5.27% in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of 2024, the NIM was 3.36% compared to 3.57% for the first nine months of 2023.

    Net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, increased to $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $15.6 million in both the second quarter of 2024, and in the third quarter of 2023. Year-to-date, net interest income decreased 1.3% to $46.6 million, compared to $47.3 million in the same period one year earlier.

    Revenues for the third quarter of 2024 increased 4.4% to $20.8 million, compared to $19.9 million in the preceding quarter and decreased 3.9% compared to $21.6 million in the third quarter a year ago. In the first nine months of 2024, revenues were $59.9 million, compared to $64.2 million in the first nine months of 2023. The decrease compared to the first nine months a year ago was largely due to lower volumes in mortgage banking activity.

    Total noninterest income increased 16.7% to $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $4.3 million in the preceding quarter, and decreased 17.4% compared to $6.0 million in the third quarter a year ago. The increase from the preceding quarter was largely due to income from bank owned life insurance of $724,000. Net mortgage banking income, the largest component of noninterest income, totaled $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $2.4 million in the preceding quarter and $4.3 million in the third quarter a year ago. This decrease compared to the third quarter a year ago was largely driven by a decline in net gain on sale of mortgage loans. This was impacted by lower mortgage loan volumes. In the first nine months of 2024, noninterest income decreased 21.9% to $13.2 million, compared to $16.9 million in the first nine months of 2023. Net mortgage banking income decreased 36.0% to $7.2 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared to $11.3 million in the first nine months of 2023. These decreases were driven by a decline in net gain on sale of mortgage loans.

    Third quarter noninterest expense was $17.3 million, which was unchanged compared to the preceding quarter and a 3.4% decrease compared to $17.9 million in the third quarter a year ago. Lower salaries and employee benefits contributed to the decrease compared to the year ago quarter. In the first nine months of 2024, noninterest expense decreased 3.0% to $51.6 million, compared to $53.2 million in the first nine months of 2023.

    For the third quarter of 2024, the Company recorded income tax expense of $529,000. This compared to income tax expense of $444,000 in the preceding quarter and $524,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 16.3%, compared to 16.6% for the third quarter of 2023. The year-to-date effective tax rate was 17.5% for 2024 compared to 19.5% for the same period in 2023.

    Credit Quality

    During the third quarter of 2024, Eagle recorded a provision for credit losses of $277,000. This compared to a $412,000 provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter and $588,000 in the third quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses represented 356.7% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 330.8% three months earlier and 209.3% a year earlier. Nonperforming loans were $4.8 million at September 30, 2024, $5.1 million at June 30, 2024, and $7.8 million a year earlier.

    Net loan charge-offs totaled $17,000 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to net loan charge-offs of $2,000 in the preceding quarter and net loan charge-offs of $108,000 in the third quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses was $17.1 million, or 1.12% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $16.8 million, or 1.11% of total loans, at June 30, 2024, and $16.2 million, or 1.10% of total loans, a year ago.

    Capital Management

    The ratio of tangible common shareholders’ equity (shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) to tangible assets (total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) was 6.56% at September 30, 2024, from 5.75% a year ago and 6.33% three months earlier. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements and is deemed well capitalized. The Bank’s Tier 1 capital to adjusted total average assets was 9.87% as of September 30, 2024.

    About the Company

    Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Helena, Montana, and is the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana, a community bank established in 1922 that serves consumers and small businesses in Montana through 29 banking offices. Additional information is available on the Bank’s website at www.opportunitybank.com. The shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “EBMT.”

    Forward Looking Statements

    This release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “will” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding our business plans, prospects, mergers, growth and operating strategies; statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; general economic conditions and political events, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected including the ability of the U.S. Congress to increase the U.S. statutory debt limit, as needed, as well as the impact of the 2024 U.S. presidential election; the emergence or continuation of widespread health emergencies or pandemics including the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to vaccine efficacy and immunization rates, new variants, steps taken by governmental and other authorities to contain, mitigate and combat the pandemic, adverse effects on our employees, customers and third-party service providers, the increase in cyberattacks in the current work-from-home environment, the ultimate extent of the impacts on our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity and prospects, continued deterioration in general business and economic conditions could adversely affect our revenues and the values of our assets and liabilities, lead to a tightening of credit and increase stock price volatility, and potential impairment charges; the impact of volatility in the U.S. banking industry, including the associated impact of any regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by governmental agencies in response thereto; the possibility that future credit losses may be higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions, customer behavior, adverse developments with respect to U.S. economic conditions and other uncertainties, including the impact of supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and labor shortages on economic conditions and our business; an inability to access capital markets or maintain deposits or borrowing costs; competition among banks, financial holding companies and other traditional and non-traditional financial service providers; loan demand or residential and commercial real estate values in Montana; the concentration of our business in Montana; our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial real estate, commercial business and agricultural loans; the costs and effects of legal, compliance and regulatory actions, changes and developments, including the initiation and resolution of legal proceedings (including any securities, bank operations, consumer or employee litigation); inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments; adverse changes in the securities markets that lead to impairment in the value of our investment securities and goodwill; other economic, governmental, competitive, regulatory and technological factors that may affect our operations; our ability to implement new technologies and maintain secure and reliable technology systems including those that involve the Bank’s third-party vendors and service providers; cyber incidents, or theft or loss of Company or customer data or money; our ability to appropriately address social, environmental, and sustainability concerns that may arise from our business activities; the effect of our recent or future acquisitions, including the failure to achieve expected revenue growth and/or expense savings, the failure to effectively integrate their operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings and the diversion of management time on issues related to the integration.

    Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and the company undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States, or GAAP, the Financial Ratios and Other Data contains non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures include: 1) core efficiency ratio, 2) tangible book value per share and 3) tangible common equity to tangible assets. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance and performance trends, and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance. In particular, the use of tangible book value per share and tangible common equity to tangible assets is prevalent among banking regulators, investors and analysts.

    The numerator for the core efficiency ratio is calculated by subtracting acquisition costs and intangible asset amortization from noninterest expense. Tangible assets and tangible common shareholders’ equity are calculated by excluding intangible assets from assets and shareholders’ equity, respectively. For these financial measures, our intangible assets consist of goodwill and core deposit intangible. Tangible book value per share is calculated by dividing tangible common shareholders’ equity by the number of common shares outstanding. We believe that this measure is consistent with the capital treatment by our bank regulatory agencies, which exclude intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios and present this measure to facilitate the comparison of the quality and composition of our capital over time and in comparison, to our competitors.

    Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. Further, the non-GAAP financial measure of tangible book value per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for book value per share or total shareholders’ equity determined in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure reported by other companies. Reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are presented below.

                   
    Balance Sheet              
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)       (Unaudited)  
                September 30, June 30, September 30,
                  2024     2024     2023  
                     
    Assets:              
      Cash and due from banks       $ 22,954   $ 22,361   $ 19,743  
      Interest bearing deposits in banks       19,035     1,401     1,040  
      Federal funds sold           200     –     –  
      Total cash and cash equivalents       42,189     23,762     20,783  
      Securities available-for-sale, at fair value       306,982     306,869     308,786  
      Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock       11,218     10,136     10,438  
      Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock       4,131     4,131     4,131  
      Mortgage loans held-for-sale, at fair value       13,429     10,518     17,880  
      Loans:              
      Real estate loans:            
      Residential 1-4 family         156,811     157,053     146,938  
      Residential 1-4 family construction       52,217     50,228     48,135  
      Commercial real estate         644,019     627,326     611,963  
      Commercial construction and development     125,323     137,427     151,614  
      Farmland           145,356     142,353     143,789  
      Other loans:              
      Home equity           93,646     93,213     83,221  
      Consumer           29,445     29,118     29,832  
      Commercial           143,190     143,641     129,952  
      Agricultural           144,645     137,134     130,329  
      Total loans           1,534,652     1,517,493     1,475,773  
      Allowance for credit losses         (17,130 )   (16,830 )   (16,230 )
      Net loans           1,517,522     1,500,663     1,459,543  
      Accrued interest and dividends receivable       14,844     13,195     13,657  
      Mortgage servicing rights, net         15,443     15,614     15,738  
      Assets held-for-sale, at cost         257     257     –  
      Premises and equipment, net         100,297     98,397     92,979  
      Cash surrender value of life insurance, net       52,852     48,529     47,647  
      Goodwill           34,740     34,740     34,740  
      Core deposit intangible, net         4,834     5,168     6,264  
      Other assets           26,375     26,976     30,478  
      Total assets         $ 2,145,113   $ 2,098,955   $ 2,063,064  
                     
    Liabilities:              
      Deposit accounts:              
      Noninterest bearing       $ 419,760   $ 400,113   $ 435,655  
      Interest bearing           1,230,752     1,218,752     1,179,823  
      Total deposits         1,650,512     1,618,865     1,615,478  
      Accrued expenses and other liabilities       38,593     35,804     31,597  
      FHLB advances and other borrowings       219,167     215,050     199,757  
      Other long-term debt, net         59,111     59,074     58,962  
      Total liabilities         1,967,383     1,928,793     1,905,794  
                     
    Shareholders’ Equity:              
      Preferred stock (par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares      
      authorized; no shares issued or outstanding)     –     –     –  
      Common stock (par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized;      
      8,507,429 shares issued; 8,016,784, 8,016,784 and 7,988,132      
      shares outstanding at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and      
      September 30, 2023, respectively       85     85     85  
      Additional paid-in capital         109,040     108,962     109,422  
      Unallocated common stock held by Employee Stock Ownership Plan   (4,154 )   (4,297 )   (4,727 )
      Treasury stock, at cost (490,645, 490,645 and 519,297 shares at      
      September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively)           (11,124 )   (11,124 )   (11,574 )
      Retained earnings           98,979     97,413     94,979  
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (15,096 )   (20,877 )   (30,915 )
      Total shareholders’ equity       177,730     170,162     157,270  
      Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,145,113   $ 2,098,955   $ 2,063,064  
                     
    Income Statement      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                  September 30, June 30, September 30,   September 30,
                    2024   2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Interest and dividend income:                
      Interest and fees on loans     $ 23,802 $ 22,782 $ 21,068   $ 68,526 $ 57,942  
      Securities available-for-sale       2,598   2,631   2,794     7,953   8,586  
      FRB and FHLB dividends       266   264   212     777   480  
      Other interest income       94   145   20     268   66  
        Total interest and dividend income       26,760   25,822   24,094     77,524   67,074  
    Interest expense:                  
      Interest expense on deposits       7,190   6,884   5,152     20,622   11,767  
      FHLB advances and other borrowings       3,084   2,625   2,672     8,206   5,993  
      Other long-term debt       684   681   683     2,048   2,035  
        Total interest expense       10,958   10,190   8,507     30,876   19,795  
    Net interest income         15,802   15,632   15,587     46,648   47,279  
    Provision for credit losses       277   412   588     554   1,186  
        Net interest income after provision for credit losses     15,525   15,220   14,999     46,094   46,093  
                             
    Noninterest income:                
      Service charges on deposit accounts       430   428   447     1,258   1,313  
      Mortgage banking, net       2,602   2,417   4,338     7,196   11,252  
      Interchange and ATM fees       662   640   643     1,865   1,861  
      Appreciation in cash surrender value of life insurance     1,038   320   382     1,646   1,165  
      Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities       –   –   –     –   (222 )
      Other noninterest income       251   464   225     1,239   1,541  
        Total noninterest income       4,983   4,269   6,035     13,204   16,910  
                             
    Noninterest expense:                
      Salaries and employee benefits       9,894   10,273   10,837     29,885   31,614  
      Occupancy and equipment expense       2,134   2,104   1,956     6,337   6,100  
      Data processing       1,587   1,382   1,486     4,494   4,270  
      Advertising         277   316   340     846   930  
      Amortization         337   348   386     1,054   1,201  
      Loan costs         385   412   517     1,195   1,426  
      FDIC insurance premiums       295   284   301     878   862  
      Professional and examination fees       438   423   408     1,345   1,484  
      Other noninterest expense       1,923   1,765   1,644     5,576   5,311  
        Total noninterest expense       17,270   17,307   17,875     51,610   53,198  
                             
    Income before provision for income taxes       3,238   2,182   3,159     7,688   9,805  
    Provision for income taxes       529   444   524     1,343   1,913  
    Net income         $ 2,709 $ 1,738 $ 2,635   $ 6,345 $ 7,892  
                             
    Basic earnings per common share     $ 0.35 $ 0.22 $ 0.34   $ 0.81 $ 1.01  
    Diluted earnings per common share     $ 0.34 $ 0.22 $ 0.34   $ 0.81 $ 1.01  
                             
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding       7,836,921   7,830,925   7,784,279     7,830,947   7,787,987  
                             
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding       7,860,138   7,845,272   7,791,966     7,848,196   7,792,593  
                             
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION   (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Three or Nine Months Ended
          September 30, June 30, September 30,
            2024     2024     2023  
               
    Mortgage Banking Activity (For the quarter):      
      Net gain on sale of mortgage loans $ 1,691   $ 1,600   $ 3,591  
      Net change in fair value of loans held-for-sale and derivatives   159     12     (71 )
      Mortgage servicing income, net   752     805     818  
      Mortgage banking, net   $ 2,602   $ 2,417   $ 4,338  
               
    Mortgage Banking Activity (Year-to-date):      
      Net gain on sale of mortgage loans $ 4,705     $ 8,551  
      Net change in fair value of loans held-for-sale and derivatives   (2 )     234  
      Mortgage servicing income, net   2,493       2,467  
      Mortgage banking, net   $ 7,196     $ 11,252  
               
    Performance Ratios (For the quarter):      
      Return on average assets   0.51 %   0.33 %   0.51 %
      Return on average equity   6.56 %   4.30 %   6.63 %
      Yield on average interest earning assets   5.66 %   5.64 %   5.27 %
      Cost of funds     2.89 %   2.78 %   2.37 %
      Net interest margin   3.34 %   3.41 %   3.41 %
      Core efficiency ratio*   81.47 %   85.22 %   80.89 %
               
    Performance Ratios (Year-to-date):      
      Return on average assets   0.41 %     0.53 %
      Return on average equity   5.19 %     6.54 %
      Yield on average interest earning assets   5.59 %     5.07 %
      Cost of funds     2.78 %     1.94 %
      Net interest margin   3.36 %     3.57 %
      Core efficiency ratio*   84.47 %     81.01 %
               
    * The core efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing non-interest expense, exclusive of acquisition
    costs and intangible asset amortization, by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.    
               
               
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION      
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)      
            (Unaudited)  
    Asset Quality Ratios and Data: As of or for the Three Months Ended
          September 30, June 30, September 30,
            2024     2024     2023  
               
      Nonaccrual loans   $ 3,859   $ 4,012   $ 7,753  
      Loans 90 days past due and still accruing   944     1,076     –  
      Total nonperforming loans     4,803     5,088     7,753  
      Other real estate owned and other repossessed assets   4     4     –  
      Total nonperforming assets   $ 4,807   $ 5,092   $ 7,753  
               
      Nonperforming loans / portfolio loans   0.31 %   0.34 %   0.53 %
      Nonperforming assets / assets   0.22 %   0.24 %   0.38 %
      Allowance for credit losses / portfolio loans   1.12 %   1.11 %   1.10 %
      Allowance for credit losses/ nonperforming loans   356.65 %   330.78 %   209.34 %
      Gross loan charge-offs for the quarter $ 22   $ 12   $ 122  
      Gross loan recoveries for the quarter $ 5   $ 10   $ 14  
      Net loan charge-offs for the quarter $ 17   $ 2   $ 108  
               
               
          September 30, June 30, September 30,
            2024     2024     2023  
    Capital Data (At quarter end):      
      Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share $ 22.17   $ 21.23   $ 19.69  
      Tangible book value per share** $ 17.23   $ 16.25   $ 14.55  
      Shares outstanding   8,016,784     8,016,784     7,988,132  
      Tangible common equity to tangible assets***   6.56 %   6.33 %   5.75 %
               
    Other Information:        
      Average investment securities for the quarter $ 305,730   $ 306,207   $ 319,308  
      Average investment securities year-to-date $ 308,688   $ 310,168   $ 335,898  
      Average loans for the quarter **** $ 1,547,246   $ 1,513,313   $ 1,476,584  
      Average loans year-to-date **** $ 1,519,951   $ 1,506,303   $ 1,417,291  
      Average earning assets for the quarter $ 1,874,669   $ 1,837,418   $ 1,812,610  
      Average earning assets year-to-date $ 1,847,468   $ 1,833,867   $ 1,768,361  
      Average total assets for the quarter $ 2,116,839   $ 2,077,448   $ 2,052,443  
      Average total assets year-to-date $ 2,086,951   $ 2,072,013   $ 1,999,864  
      Average deposits for the quarter $ 1,622,254   $ 1,625,882   $ 1,602,770  
      Average deposits year-to-date $ 1,624,936   $ 1,625,826   $ 1,596,201  
      Average equity for the quarter $ 165,162   $ 161,533   $ 158,933  
      Average equity year-to-date $ 163,106   $ 162,084   $ 160,917  
               
    ** The tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity,  
    less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding.      
    *** The tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’  
    equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible.  
    **** Includes loans held for sale      
           
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures              
                           
    Core Efficiency Ratio     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands)   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
              September 30, June 30, September 30,   September 30,  
                2024     2024     2023       2024     2023    
    Calculation of Core Efficiency Ratio:              
      Noninterest expense $ 17,270   $ 17,307   $ 17,875     $ 51,610   $ 53,198    
      Intangible asset amortization   (337 )   (348 )   (386 )     (1,054 )   (1,201 )  
        Core efficiency ratio numerator   16,933     16,959     17,489       50,556     51,997    
                           
      Net interest income   15,802     15,632     15,587       46,648     47,279    
      Noninterest income   4,983     4,269     6,035       13,204     16,910    
        Core efficiency ratio denominator   20,785     19,901     21,622       59,852     64,189    
                           
      Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)   81.47 %   85.22 %   80.89 %     84.47 %   81.01 %  
                           
    Tangible Book Value and Tangible Assets   (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30, June 30, September 30,
                  2024     2024     2023  
    Tangible Book Value:            
      Shareholders’ equity     $ 177,730   $ 170,162   $ 157,270  
      Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net     (39,574 )   (39,908 )   (41,004 )
        Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 138,156   $ 130,254   $ 116,266  
                     
      Common shares outstanding at end of period   8,016,784     8,016,784     7,988,132  
                     
      Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share (GAAP) $ 22.17   $ 21.23   $ 19.69  
                     
      Tangible common shareholders’ equity (tangible book value)      
        per share (non-GAAP)     $ 17.23   $ 16.25   $ 14.55  
                     
    Tangible Assets:            
      Total assets       $ 2,145,113   $ 2,098,955   $ 2,063,064  
      Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net     (39,574 )   (39,908 )   (41,004 )
        Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 2,105,539   $ 2,059,047   $ 2,022,060  
                     
      Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets      
        (non-GAAP)         6.56 %   6.33 %   5.75 %
                     
    Contacts: Laura F. Clark, President and CEO
      (406) 457-4007
      Miranda J. Spaulding, SVP and CFO
      (406) 441-5010  

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Museum of Oxford to mark 90th anniversary of historical Oxford events with a trilogy of plays

    Source: City of Oxford

    The Museum of Oxford is commemorating the 90th anniversary of three pivotal events in the city’s history with a trilogy of plays.

    Written by local playwright Peter Cann and directed by Tim Eyres, these performances bring to life Oxford’s working-class struggles during a turbulent year in 1934.

    Cutteslowe Walls

    The first play in the trilogy, The Cutteslowe Walls, recounts how a working-class community in North Oxford was separated from a nearby private estate by 9ft-high walls – which became known as “snob walls”. Built in December 1934, the walls stood for 25 years despite a long campaign to have them removed. The initial campaign to remove the walls was led by Abe Lazarus, a prominent trade unionist and communist organiser. Reginald Gibbs, a local councillor, also played a key role in these early efforts. After Reginald’s passing, his son Edmund and daughter-in-law Olive Gibbs continued the fight and the walls were finally demolished in 1959.

    The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Mike Rowley, will attend the premiere of The Cutteslowe Walls on 2 November.

    “I am honoured to be part of this commemoration. The Cutteslowe Walls symbolised a time of division in our city’s history, but the efforts of campaigners like Abe Lazarus and the Gibbs family remind us of the power of community and perseverance in fighting for fairness. This trilogy of plays allows us to reflect on these important struggles, while celebrating the spirit of unity that ultimately brought the walls down.”

    The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley

    Oxford’s Inferno

    The second play, Oxford’s Inferno, recounts the 1934 strike at the Pressed Steel factory in Cowley, which produced car bodies for the Morris car works. Workers walked out in protest against poor pay and harsh working conditions. The strike, initially involving 100 workers, soon grew to 1,000, led to the formation of a strong union that left a lasting impact on Oxford and beyond.

    Little Edens

    The final part of the trilogy, Little Edens, will be performed on December 7. Returning after a successful staging at the museum last year, the play focuses on the Florence Park Rent Strike. In September 1934, tenants of the newly built Florence Park estate began withholding rent in protest at poor living conditions. The homes, built by unskilled labourers, quickly deteriorated, prompting residents— many of whom had relocated from areas hit hard by the Great Depression, such as South Wales and Tyneside — to take action. After months of complaints, the residents embarked on a bitter rent strike, facing the threat of eviction. The strike highlighted the difficult conditions faced by many working-class families in Oxford.

    The trilogy performances are as follows:

    • Oxford’s Inferno and The Cutteslowe Walls: Saturday, 2 November at 2.30pm and 5.30pm (all sold out)
    • Little Edens: Saturday 7 December at 2.30pm and 5.30pm

    Tickets for the December performances are available from the Museum of Oxford shop or through Eventbrite.

    Comment

    “These stories show how working-class communities in Oxford shaped the city’s identity and contributed to wider social change. From fighting unfair working conditions to standing up against poor housing, the events portrayed in these plays demonstrate the resilience and solidarity of Oxford’s people. It’s great that these powerful stories can be shared with audiences at the Museum of Oxford.”

    Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON HOSTS USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE FOR YOLO COUNTY COMMUNITY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Esparto – Last week, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) partnered with leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) to host a roundtable with leaders from across Yolo County. During the session, Rep. Thompson and USDA RD State Director, Maria Gallegos-Herrera, presented leaders from across Yolo County with information on Rural Development programs and services that are available to qualified rural Yolo County communities.

    “Rural communities are the backbone of California and our country,” said Thompson. “Thank you to the USDA Rural Development team for partnering with me to bring local leaders from across Yolo County together to discuss our community’s needs and connect leaders with USDA RD programs that can help address those needs. Already, Yolo County has received over $14.2 million in support from USDA RD programs and I look forward to continuing to support our community’s development.”

    USDA Rural Development provides more than 70 programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities that meet program requirements. USDA RD programs help rural communities build infrastructure like hospitals and community centers and help rural communities increase access to utilities, affordable housing, and homeownership opportunities. These programs come in various forms including loans, grants, loan guarantees, and partnerships with local leaders.

    Thompson’s session in Esparto was the first of five Rural Development roundtables the Congressman hosted in each of the five counties that make up the 4th Congressional district: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON HOSTS USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE FOR SOLANO COUNTY COMMUNITY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Dixon – Last week, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) partnered with leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) to host a roundtable with leaders from across Solano County. During the session, Rep. Thompson and USDA RD State Director, Maria Gallegos-Herrera, presented leaders from across Solano County with information on Rural Development programs and services that are available to qualified rural Solano County communities.

    “Rural communities are the backbone of California and our country,” said Thompson. “Thank you to the USDA Rural Development team for partnering with me to bring local leaders from across Solano County together to discuss our community’s needs and connect leaders with USDA RD programs that can help address those needs. Already, Solano County has received over $13.1 million in support from USDA RD programs and I look forward to continuing to support our community’s development.”

    USDA Rural Development provides more than 70 programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities that meet program requirements. USDA RD programs help rural communities build infrastructure like hospitals and community centers and help rural communities increase access to utilities, affordable housing, and homeownership opportunities. These programs come in various forms including loans, grants, loan guarantees, and partnerships with local leaders.

    Thompson’s session in Dixon was the second of five Rural Development roundtables the Congressman hosted in each of the five counties that make up the 4th Congressional district: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON HOSTS USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE FOR NAPA COUNTY COMMUNITY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    St. Helena – Last week, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) partnered with leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) to host a roundtable with leaders from across Napa County. During the session, Rep. Thompson and USDA RD State Director, Maria Gallegos-Herrera, presented leaders from across Napa County with information on Rural Development programs and services that are available to qualified rural Napa County communities.

    “Rural communities are the backbone of California and our country,” said Thompson. “Thank you to the USDA Rural Development team for partnering with me to bring local leaders from across Napa County together to discuss our community’s needs and connect leaders with USDA RD programs that can help address those needs. Already, Napa County has received over $37.5 million in support from USDA RD programs and I look forward to continuing to support our community’s development.”

    USDA Rural Development provides more than 70 programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities that meet program requirements. USDA RD programs help rural communities build infrastructure like hospitals and community centers and help rural communities increase access to utilities, affordable housing, and homeownership opportunities. These programs come in various forms including loans, grants, loan guarantees, and partnerships with local leaders.

    Thompson’s session in St. Helena was the third of five Rural Development roundtables the Congressman hosted in each of the five counties that make up the 4th Congressional district: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON HOSTS USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE FOR LAKE COUNTY COMMUNITY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Clearlake – Last week, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04)partnered with leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) to host a roundtable with leaders from across Lake County. During the session, Rep. Thompson and USDA RD State Director, Maria Gallegos-Herrera, presented leaders from across Lake County with information on Rural Development programs and services that are available to qualified rural Lake County communities.

    “Rural communities are the backbone of California and our country,” said Thompson. “Thank you to the USDA Rural Development team for partnering with me to bring local leaders from across Lake County together to discuss our community’s needs and connect leaders with USDA RD programs that can help address those needs. Already, Lake County has received over $46.7 million in support from USDA RD programs and I look forward to continuing to support our community’s development.”

    USDA Rural Development provides more than 70 programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities that meet program requirements. USDA RD programs help rural communities build infrastructure like hospitals and community centers and help rural communities increase access to utilities, affordable housing, and homeownership opportunities. These programs come in various forms including loans, grants, loan guarantees, and partnerships with local leaders.

    Thompson’s session in Clearlake was the fourth of five Rural Development roundtables the Congressman hosted in each of the five counties that make up the 4th Congressional district: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON HOSTS USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE FOR SONOMA COUNTY COMMUNITY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Sonoma – Last week, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04)partnered with leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) to host a roundtable with leaders from across Sonoma County. During the session, Rep. Thompson, USDA RD State Director Maria Gallegos-Herrera, and USDA RD Northern California Area Director Jennifer Gooler presented leaders from across Sonoma County with information on Rural Development programs and services that are available to qualified rural Sonoma County communities.

    “Rural communities are the backbone of California and our country,” said Thompson. “Thank you to the USDA Rural Development team for partnering with me to bring local leaders from across Sonoma County together to discuss our community’s needs and connect leaders with USDA RD programs that can help address those needs. Already, Sonoma County has received over $16.1 million in support from USDA RD programs and I look forward to continuing to support our community’s development.”

    USDA Rural Development provides more than 70 programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities that meet program requirements. USDA RD programs help rural communities build infrastructure like hospitals and community centers and help rural communities increase access to utilities, affordable housing, and homeownership opportunities. These programs come in various forms including loans, grants, loan guarantees, and partnerships with local leaders.

    Thompson’s session in Sonoma was the fifth of five Rural Development roundtables the Congressman hosted in each of the five counties that make up the 4th Congressional district: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Holbrooks primary on their way to becoming gold superheroes

    Source: City of Coventry

    Pupils at Holbrooks Primary have taken up the vaccine superhero challenge from Coventry City Council and have achieved silver status and on their way to achieving gold.

    A group of students were presented with an award and prizes by Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Cllr George Duggins, Leader of the Council, for recognising the steps they have taken to learn about immunisation and designing a bug character as part of the programme.

    The Vaccine Superhero programme, run by Coventry City Council’s Public Health and School-Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS), is currently working with twenty-six primary and SEND schools with two schools attaining Silver awards and Holbrooks working towards Gold. 

    Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Sport and Communities at the Council said:  

    “I’d like to congratulate Holbrooks Primary for their hard work and commitment in achieving silver status in this important Vaccine Superhero programme.

     “I am delighted to see that here in Coventry, our schools, communities, public health and NHS teams have been working hard together to address the concerning rise in of vaccine preventable illnesses, such as measles.

    “It’s not too late for other schools to sign up for the scheme.  For more information, search vaccine superhero on the Council website.” 

    Nicki Kelsall, Deputy Headteacher at Holbrooks Primary School, added:

    “At Holbrook Primary School, we recognise the importance of childhood immunisations to ensure that children have the best possible protection against dangerous diseases.  By educating the children in a fun and exciting way we hope to increase the uptake of immunisations in our community and ensure that the children are fully protected to have a healthy start in life.”

    Attendees were provided with an overview of the programme’s progress to date, celebrated the achievements of participating schools, and welcomed new schools to the programme.   

    Since the launch of the programme, pupils have delved into the world of microbes, learning about their roles, appearance, functions, and how to prevent illness.

    Schools have been highly engaged, participating in various creative activities with Hill Farm Primary School recently earning a Silver award through an experiment by investigating mold growth on bread and its relation to the role of microbes in vaccines.  Holbrooks Primary School is on track for the first Gold award, having started their journey before the summer break.

    For more information or to register for the programme visit Coventry.gov.uk/VaccineSuperhero

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arrington Meets with Constituents Across West Texas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

    Lubbock, TX – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) recently concluded a West Texas Tour, during which he visited various areas of his Congressional District to tour hospitals, meet with small business owners and local leaders, and speak with constituents about their concerns.

    Andrews County

    “I had a great time in Andrews County visiting with local leaders discussing the economic hardships facing our communities,” said Chairman Arrington. “Biden and Harris have launched an all-out assault on Rural America – our agriculture and energy economy, our working families, and our values – and communities like Andrews are paying the price. We need to rein-in Washington, return to pro-energy policies, and put an end to the welfare state by unleashing the full potential of the American economy and, most importantly, the American people.”

    Gaines County

    “I had a great time meeting with friends and fellow West Texans at a townhall in Gaines County, answering questions and speaking about the direction of our country,” said Chairman Arrington. “We all agree, there needs to be a sense of urgency because our nation is at a historic inflection point: we will either renew our faith in God and freedom or submit to the rise of socialism and the tyranny of a woke and weaponized federal government.”

    Martin County

    “Our great nation does not reap the benefits of energy independence and food security without excellent rural health care keeping our hard-working, freedom-loving workers in Rural America healthy and taken care of, and nobody understands this better than the Martin County Medical Hospital District,” said Chairman Arrington. “Recognized as one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in 2023 and 2024, we take great pride in having one of the best hospitals in the country right in our backyard. Keep up the great work!”

    Howard County

    “I had the privilege of joining the Big Spring Economic Development Corp and Big Spring Chamber of Commerce for a Howard County Community Roundtable,” said Chairman Arrington. “Communities like Big Spring have suffered under the skyrocketing inflation, excessive regulation, and woke policies that have become the hallmark of the Biden-Harris administration. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to chart a new path and restore prosperity for hardworking families.”

    Mitchell County

    “I had the privilege of speaking to the Mitchell County Farm Bureau about the importance of supporting our cowboys and plowboys in West Texas and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed,” said Chairman Arrington. “Unfortunately, in Washington, many politicians take Rural America and the men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe our nation for granted. That’s why I’ll never stop fighting for them and making sure our hardworking farmers and ranchers have a voice in our nation’s capital.”

    Taylor County

    “Great to join my friends at Hendrick Medical Center who recently celebrated their 100th year anniversary of faithful service to Abilene and the Big Country,” said Chairman Arrington. “Hendrick’s story is one of resilience and community support, and, since the beginning, Hendrick Health has always been driven by its Christian mission to provide compassionate care to all in need. I’m thankful for their commitment to providing healthcare to a growing region and delivering exceptional care to thousands of West Texans every year.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nick Freeman, Reader in Late Victorian Literature, Loughborough University

    Readers need to be imaginative rather than being startled by jump scares. zef art/Shutterstock

    Ever since its inception with Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto (1764), a delirious mixture of violent death and familial conspiracy, gothic literature has been a restless cultural form, constantly mutating and assuming new guises but always exploring the darker side of life. Sometimes, its fashions are those of the historical moment. Sometimes they are initiated by a book enjoying unprecedented commercial success.

    One of these was Thomas Harris’s The Silence of the Lambs (1988). After the film adaptation scooped five Oscars in 1991, the deviant genius became the villain of choice for gothic films and novels. For a time, the violent merging of the crime thriller with the “body horror” of 1980s cinema ensured that the genre was dominated by such characters. Usually (though not always) men with high IQs, elevated artistic taste and ingenious ways of torturing and killing their fellow human beings, Hannibal Lecter and his ilk became modern icons.

    In the wake of such influences, crime novels (and films) got bloodier and horror novels grew longer. John Connolly’s first novel, EveryDeadThing (1999), for example, spent 470 pages documenting the murderous activities of a serial killer who mutilated his victims in the style of Renaissance anatomical drawings.

    In recent years however, there has been a reaction against these excesses. So-called “quiet horror” has become increasingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Perhaps taking its name from a 1965 collection of short stories by Stanley Ellin, which was literally called “quiet horror”, this is a genre that prizes suspense and subtlety over graphic bodily violence.

    The novelist Selena Chambers characterises quiet horror as exploring “the unexplained, the suppressed, the supernal [otherworldly], the material, the cosmic, and the secular … everything we cannot see, or verbalise and fail to feel concretely”. As she implies, suggestion is crucial.

    Readers need to be patient and imaginative, sensitive to the nuances and implications of language and willing to respond to spooky ambiguities rather than being startled by jump scares or “gross out” imagery.

    Slasher movies usually treat their characters as no more than fodder for the next brutal killing. Quiet horror, by contrast, takes character development far more seriously and imbues its stories with greater psychological depth. This in turn can enhance readers’ involvement. Put simply, those who dislike “splatter fiction” are more likely to care what happens to a well-rounded, sympathetic character than a stereotypical US teenager about to be put under a steam hammer.

    Women and quiet horror

    Female novelists have been at the forefront of this style of writing since the Victorian period. Elizabeth Gaskell’s tales, including The Old Nurse’s Story (1852), a chilling tale of a family curse, are foundational works.

    A long line of women writers have explored how the familiar, the domestic, the marital and the homely can be imbued with subtle terrors, from loneliness and isolation to paranoia, alienation, captivity and psychological trauma.

    The haunted house does not need to contain a typical ghost. From Elizabeth Bowen’s The Demon Lover (1945) to Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House (1959), to Sarah Waters’ The Little Stranger (2009) and beyond, the complex and fraught relationships between a dwelling and its occupants have frequently engaged women writers’ imaginations.

    The continuing success of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black (1983) in its literary, theatrical and cinematic incarnations has helped ensure that quiet horror, particularly tales which recall the golden age of the ghost story a century or so ago, are once again much in vogue. This can be seen in the bestselling novels of Michelle Paver, such as Dark Matter (2010) and in anthologies such as The Haunting Season (2021).

    At the same time, readers are increasingly rediscovering forgotten practitioners of the genre. One such figure is Elizabeth Walter (1927-2006). As a writer (and the editor of Collins Crime Club for 30 years from the mid-1960s) Walter recoiled from sadistic violence, cardboard characterisation and haphazard plotting.

    Shirley Jackson was a master of ‘quiet horror’.
    Wiki Commons, CC BY

    After five collections of stories, beginning with Snowfall and Other Chilling Events (1965), she retired from writing supernatural fiction in the mid-1970s as the traits she didn’t like were becoming dominant within Anglo-American gothic. Many of her stories are set in the border country between England and Wales and draw upon folklore and a sensitivity to landscape to create creepily unnerving works such as The Sin Eater (1967) and Telling the Bees (1975).

    I edited a collection of Walter’s writing titled Let a Sleeping Witch Lie (2024). Spanning the ten years from Snowfall to her final collection, Dead Woman and Other Haunting Experiences (1975), the stories within anticipate some elements of Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins novels which also involve Welsh border settings, supernatural elements, and police procedural, though they lack Rickman’s religious dimension.

    There is no sense of providence at work in Walter’s borderlands, only ancient and mysterious menace. Marriages tend to be unhappy, families harbour terrible secrets, and the old ways continue to overshadow the present. Fifty years since her final collection, Walter’s work might be more relevant than ever before.

    Quiet horror has never really been away, but it seems to finding a new audience, one which both looks to its past and relishes its present.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback – https://theconversation.com/from-a-scream-to-a-whisper-quiet-horror-novels-are-making-a-comeback-241945

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Remarks at the High-Level Segment of COP16 on Biodiversity [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Presidente Petro,

    Gracias por acoger esta importante sesión, aquí en Cali – un microcosmos de la rica biodiversidad de nuestro planeta.

    Excelencias, queridos amigos,

    La naturaleza es vida.

    Y, sin embargo, estamos librando una guerra contra ella.

    Una guerra donde no puede haber vencedores.

    Cada año, vemos las temperaturas subir más y más.

    Cada día, perdemos más especies.

    Cada minuto, vertemos un camión de basura de desechos plásticos en nuestros océanos, ríos y lagos.

    No se equivoquen.

    Así es como se ve una crisis existencial.

    Ningún país, rico o pobre, es inmune a la devastación provocada por el cambio climático, la pérdida de biodiversidad, la degradación de la tierra y la contaminación.

    Estas crisis ambientales están entrelazadas. No conocen fronteras.

    Y están devastando ecosistemas y medios de vida, amenazando la salud humana y socavando el desarrollo sostenible.

    Los motores de esta destrucción están arraigados en modelos económicos obsoletos, que alimentan patrones insostenibles de producción y consumo.

    Y se ven multiplicados por las desigualdades – en riqueza y poder.

    Cada día que pasa, nos acercamos más a puntos de inflexión que podrían alimentar más hambre, desplazamientos y incluso conflictos armados.

    Ya hemos alterado el 75% de la superficie terrestre y el 66% de los océanos.

    Queridas amigas y queridos amigos,

    La biodiversidad es aliada de la humanidad.

    Debemos pasar de saquearla a preservarla.

    Como he dicho una y otra vez, hacer las paces con la naturaleza es la tarea definitoria del siglo XXI.

    Ese es el espíritu de la Declaración de hoy de la Coalición Mundial por la Paz con la Naturaleza:

    Un llamado a la acción para mejorar los esfuerzos nacionales e internacionales hacia una relación equilibrada y armoniosa con la naturaleza – protegiendo la naturaleza y conservando, restaurando, utilizando y compartiendo de manera sostenible nuestra biodiversidad global.

    Un llamado a reconocer el conocimiento vital, las innovaciones y las prácticas de los Pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes, los agricultores y las comunidades locales.

    Un llamado por la vida.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace with those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Notre mission à Cali est claire : accélérer le progrès pour la biodiversité ; mobiliser les ressources nécessaires ; et renforcer le rôle des peuples autochtones, des personnes d’ascendance africaine et des communautés locales.

    Nous pouvons – et nous devons – sauvegarder les écosystèmes qui nous font vivre et maintenir les objectifs climatiques à notre portée.

    Tout autre chemin est impensable.

    Il en va de la survie de la planète – et de la [nôtre].

    Choisissons avec sagesse.

    Choisissons la vie.

    Faisons la paix avec la nature.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****

    [All-English]

    President Petro,

    Thank you for hosting this important session, here in Cali – a microcosm of our planet’s rich biodiversity.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Nature is life.

    And yet we are waging a war against it.

    A war where there can be no winner.

    Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher.

    Every day, we lose more species.

    Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes.

    Make no mistake.

    This is what an existential crisis looks like.

    No country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.

    These environmental crises are intertwined. They know no borders.

    And they are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods, threatening human health and undermining sustainable development.

    The drivers of this destruction are embedded in outdated economic models, fueling unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

    They are multiplied by inequalities – in wealth and power.

    And with each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement, and even armed conflicts.

    We have already altered 75% of the Earth’s land surface and 66% of its ocean environments.

    Dear friends,

    Biodiversity is humanity’s ally.

    We must move from plundering it to preserving it.

    As I have said time and again, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

    That is the spirit of today’s Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature:

    A call for action to enhance national and international efforts towards a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature – protecting nature and conserving, restoring and sustainably using and sharing our global biodiversity.

    A call to recognize the vital knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous people, people of African descent, farmers and local communities.

    A call for life.

    Excellencies,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    We are in Cali to accelerate progress, commit resources, and elevate the role of Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    We can – and we must – save the ecosystems that sustain us and keep our climate goals within reach.

    The alternative is unthinkable. 

    The survival of our planet — and our own — is on the line.

    Let us choose wisely.

    Let us choose life.

    Let us make peace with nature.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Remarks at the High-Level Segment of COP16 on Biodiversity [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations – English

    residente Petro,

    Gracias por acoger esta importante sesión, aquí en Cali – un microcosmos de la rica biodiversidad de nuestro planeta.

    Excelencias, queridos amigos,

    La naturaleza es vida.

    Y, sin embargo, estamos librando una guerra contra ella.

    Una guerra donde no puede haber vencedores.

    Cada año, vemos las temperaturas subir más y más.

    Cada día, perdemos más especies.

    Cada minuto, vertemos un camión de basura de desechos plásticos en nuestros océanos, ríos y lagos.

    No se equivoquen.

    Así es como se ve una crisis existencial.

    Ningún país, rico o pobre, es inmune a la devastación provocada por el cambio climático, la pérdida de biodiversidad, la degradación de la tierra y la contaminación.

    Estas crisis ambientales están entrelazadas. No conocen fronteras.

    Y están devastando ecosistemas y medios de vida, amenazando la salud humana y socavando el desarrollo sostenible.

    Los motores de esta destrucción están arraigados en modelos económicos obsoletos, que alimentan patrones insostenibles de producción y consumo.

    Y se ven multiplicados por las desigualdades – en riqueza y poder.

    Cada día que pasa, nos acercamos más a puntos de inflexión que podrían alimentar más hambre, desplazamientos y incluso conflictos armados.

    Ya hemos alterado el 75% de la superficie terrestre y el 66% de los océanos.

    Queridas amigas y queridos amigos,

    La biodiversidad es aliada de la humanidad.

    Debemos pasar de saquearla a preservarla.

    Como he dicho una y otra vez, hacer las paces con la naturaleza es la tarea definitoria del siglo XXI.

    Ese es el espíritu de la Declaración de hoy de la Coalición Mundial por la Paz con la Naturaleza:

    Un llamado a la acción para mejorar los esfuerzos nacionales e internacionales hacia una relación equilibrada y armoniosa con la naturaleza – protegiendo la naturaleza y conservando, restaurando, utilizando y compartiendo de manera sostenible nuestra biodiversidad global.

    Un llamado a reconocer el conocimiento vital, las innovaciones y las prácticas de los Pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes, los agricultores y las comunidades locales.

    Un llamado por la vida.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace with those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Notre mission à Cali est claire : accélérer le progrès pour la biodiversité ; mobiliser les ressources nécessaires ; et renforcer le rôle des peuples autochtones, des personnes d’ascendance africaine et des communautés locales.

    Nous pouvons – et nous devons – sauvegarder les écosystèmes qui nous font vivre et maintenir les objectifs climatiques à notre portée.

    Tout autre chemin est impensable.

    Il en va de la survie de la planète – et de la [nôtre].

    Choisissons avec sagesse.

    Choisissons la vie.

    Faisons la paix avec la nature.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****

    [All-English]

    President Petro,

    Thank you for hosting this important session, here in Cali – a microcosm of our planet’s rich biodiversity.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Nature is life.

    And yet we are waging a war against it.

    A war where there can be no winner.

    Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher.

    Every day, we lose more species.

    Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes.

    Make no mistake.

    This is what an existential crisis looks like.

    No country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.

    These environmental crises are intertwined. They know no borders.

    And they are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods, threatening human health and undermining sustainable development.

    The drivers of this destruction are embedded in outdated economic models, fueling unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

    They are multiplied by inequalities – in wealth and power.

    And with each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement, and even armed conflicts.

    We have already altered 75% of the Earth’s land surface and 66% of its ocean environments.

    Dear friends,

    Biodiversity is humanity’s ally.

    We must move from plundering it to preserving it.

    As I have said time and again, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

    That is the spirit of today’s Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature:

    A call for action to enhance national and international efforts towards a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature – protecting nature and conserving, restoring and sustainably using and sharing our global biodiversity.

    A call to recognize the vital knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous people, people of African descent, farmers and local communities.

    A call for life.

    Excellencies,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    We are in Cali to accelerate progress, commit resources, and elevate the role of Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    We can – and we must – save the ecosystems that sustain us and keep our climate goals within reach.

    The alternative is unthinkable. 

    The survival of our planet — and our own — is on the line.

    Let us choose wisely.

    Let us choose life.

    Let us make peace with nature.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA’s Agricultural Research Technology Center Breaks Ground in Davis, CA

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    USDA’s Agricultural Research Technology Center Breaks Ground in Davis, CA

    Contact: Amaani Lyle
    Email: Amaani.Lylew@usda.gov

    DAVIS, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 — Advances in crop production and preservation are poised for new digs as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) broke ground today for a modernized facility to consolidate labs that are currently located at the University of California, Davis.

    The Agricultural Research and Technology Center (ARTC) is a cutting-edge facility that will include customized laboratories, greenhouses and capacity for scientists as part of the ARS’s ongoing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, water scarcity, emerging pests, and increasing global need in support of a resilient agricultural production system.

    The two-story 59,000 square foot building will house four ARS research units: Crops Pathology and Genetics, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health, National Clonal Germplasm Repository – Tree Fruit and Nut Crops and Grapes, and Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems.

    Collectively, these units improve the health, sustainability, and profitability of agricultural production and natural resources in California and the Western United States.

    “The building will be a nexus for scientists to investigate plant diseases, plant genetic resources, conventional and advanced plant breeding methods, soil health, invasive species management and myriad other areas driven by long-term agricultural research and climate-informed decision-making strategies,” said Dr. Simon Liu, ARS Administrator.

    A rendering of the new Agricultural Research and Technology Center in Davis, California. (Image courtesy of Burns & McDonnell)

    Collaborations between ARS, USDA’s chief in-house research agency, and UC Davis began in 1956 with the location of the Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit (CPGRU) led by ARS Plant Pathologist, Dr. Austin Goheen, on campus to research grape viruses.

    ARS scientists have since fanned across several UC Davis departments, including Plant Pathology, Viticulture and Enology; Entomology and Nematology; Plant Sciences; and Land, Air and Water Resources, which has facilitated many collaborations that have benefited various stakeholders in industries that include almond, walnut, rice, and grapes.

    ARS’s presence on campus has since grown to over 30 scientists with supporting staff across the four research units and the Western Human Nutrition Research Center.

    Strong collaborative research efforts between university extension specialists, farm advisors, and faculty will continue with the move to the ARTC.

    “This research will benefit growers, commodity groups, agricultural businesses, and U.S. consumers who rely on ARS to find solutions to agricultural and environmental problems,” said Dr. Amisha Poret-Peterson, CPGRU Acting Research Leader. “It’s incredible to celebrate current and future cooperative research among ARS, groundwater sustainability agencies, UC Davis researchers, and stakeholders in diverse specialty realms such as tree nut, rice, and beekeeping industries.”

    ARS remains committed to nationwide infrastructure modernization, empowering researchers to address agricultural challenges from animal science and crop production to climate change and sustainable farming practices.

    Notable speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included:

    • Dr. Simon Liu, ARS Administrator
    • U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, California 4th Congressional District
    • Dr. Tara McHugh, ARS Pacific West Area Director
    • Dr. Amisha Poret-Peterson, Acting Research Leader, CPGRU
    • Dr. Glenda Humiston, Vice President, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 
    • Dr. Helene Dillard, Dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Announces $21.2 Million in USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Memphis-based MidSouth Development District will receive $21,250,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program for a project providing sustainable improvements to agricultural land with its partners in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County in Arkansas; and DeSoto County in Mississippi.

    The project aims to enhance ecosystem health by establishing diverse habitats on the edges of production sites across the six counties, supporting ecosystem services that reduce synthetic inputs and improve water and soil quality. This approach will increase biodiversity, providing natural pest control and pollination, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “Mid-South agriculture and the livelihoods it supports are a critical foundation of our regional economy and promoting biodiversity is an important goal. Applying best practices for sustainable and environmentally protective farmland use with the help of this substantial funding will be an economic boon to our region, its workers, and its plants and animals.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Georgia Farmers, Ranch Hands May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    Georgia Farmers, Ranch Hands May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    ATLANTA – Georgia farmers and ranch hands whose tools or equipment were damaged by Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4–20, 2024, may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA assistance is available to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment and items required for employment or for self-employment.Coverage for Tools and EquipmentFamily-owned farms typically have a variety of equipment needed to conduct business. These include, but are not limited to, tractors, plows, seeders or planters, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers and utility vehicles. These items are all potentially eligible for FEMA disaster assistance if the applicant can show that they were damaged by the disaster, the applicant does not have another working item that can meet this need, and the loss of the item was not covered by insurance. Crops and livestock are not “tools and equipment” because they are the products of a farming operation, whereas tools and equipment are the means of production.Ranch hands may be eligible for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment not covered by insurance when they can show these items are required by their employer.Assistance is based on a need to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment, items required by an employer as a condition of employment or required for education. This includes disaster-damaged tools and equipment, or other items required for a specific trade or profession that are not provided or supplied by the employer, including a computer.Many of these items have substantial costs, but it is important to remember that assistance for uninsured or underinsured occupational tools is limited to the maximum amount of Other Needs Assistance an applicant may receive. Additional assistance to help meet these needs may also be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency offers Livestock Assistance, Farm Loans and help for farmland damage and crop losses. Visit Disaster Assistance Programs (usda.gov) to learn more.How To Apply for FEMA Individual AssistanceVisit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema.gov/drc.Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.Download and use the FEMA app.FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
    larissa.hale
    Tue, 10/29/2024 – 17:38

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
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