NewzIntel.com

Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tanzania: African Development Bank grants $129 million loan to agricultural project generating decent jobs for young people

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 24, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) on 20 September 2024 approved a $129.71 million loan to Tanzania for the implementation of a youth-focused agribusiness program.

    The loan will fund the first phase of the “Building a Better Tomorrow: Youth Initiatives for Agribusiness” program, which aims to create business opportunities and jobs for young people in key agricultural sectors.

    The total cost of the project is estimated at $241.27 million. In addition to the Bank’s loan, which covers 53,76 percent of the cost, the funding package includes grants of $1.15 million from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Trust Fund and $210,000 from tropical vegetable seed firm East-West Seed. The Tanzanian government will provide $110.41 million, representing 45.76 percent of the total.

    Patricia Laverley, the Bank’s Country Manager for Tanzania, said: “This project is expected to incubate and empower approximately 11,000 ‘agripreneurs,’ including at least 6,000 young agribusiness owners.” She added that the program will facilitate access to finance for an additional 2,500 young people already involved in agribusiness but lacking access to commercial loans. We expect each agribusiness run by a young person will employ an average of five workers.”

    The project will implement strategies to raise awareness and manage knowledge using youth-oriented information and communication technologies. It will also provide training and support for agrifood business incubation and acceleration, with a particular focus on the recruitment of female applicants.

    Digital technologies, including satellite technology and artificial intelligence, will be utilized to improve agricultural productivity and decision-making processes for young farmer cooperatives.

    As of 30 June 2024, the African Development Bank approved 25 projects in Tanzania, with a total commitment of $3.48 billion.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt’s fears about Ethiopia’s mega-dam haven’t come to pass: moving on from historical concerns would benefit the whole region

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mike Muller, Visiting Adjunct Professor, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand

    A new round of angry exchanges has broken out between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

    On September 1, Cairo wrote to the UN security council to protest against Ethiopia’s continued filling of Africa’s second largest reservoir and bringing two more power generating turbines into operation. Egypt sees any new infrastructure development on the Nile as a potential threat, since the river is the source of over 98% of the country’s water.

    Egypt calls this a violation of international law and Ethiopia’s obligations to “prevent significant harm”. Ethiopia’s policies, it says,

    could result in an existential threat to Egypt … and would consequently jeopardise regional and international peace and security.

    Ethiopia has told Egypt to “abandon its aggressive approach” towards the dam. Ethiopia says that it must allow the Blue Nile’s water to flow through the dam’s turbines and on to Egypt to generate the hydropower for which it has been built, thus guaranteeing the overall flow to Egypt.

    I have tracked the Nile disputes since the 1970s, first as a development journalist, then as a civil engineer and senior public servant. More recently, my research on water and regional integration for regional development agencies has provided further insights. My 2021 study considered the lessons to be learnt for today’s water challenges from centuries of the use and management of Nile waters.

    Read more: Innovations on the Nile over millennia offer lessons in engineering sustainable futures

    Ongoing tension between Egypt and Ethiopia over control of the Nile River has a long history. Therefore, in one sense, the row between Egypt and Ethiopia is nothing new.

    The countries went to war as far back as 1874, even as they both were also battling European colonialism. Ethiopia won the war of 1874 and, 20 years later, beat back Italy’s attempt to colonise it, at the battle of Adwa.

    However, Egypt gained long term advantage from treaties negotiated by the British, which gave Cairo almost total control over the Nile. Egypt is still asserting the rights and privileges conferred by those colonial era treaties even though they are being challenged by other Nile countries. In my view, this is because Egyptians are still trapped by their past fears. As Norwegian professor Torje Tvedt has explained, these fears were deliberately entrenched by past colonial authorities.

    With these perspectives, my view is that the current controversy over the Ethiopian dam still reflects historical conflicts rather than a careful analysis of present challenges.

    Now 90% complete, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has begun to generate electricity. A series of good rainy seasons have allowed the reservoir to start filling rapidly without affecting Egypt’s water availability.

    The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam offers not just cheap green electricity for Ethiopia and the sub-region as well as reliable irrigation supplies and flood control for Sudan. Once filled, its storage could offer supply security and increase the amount of water available for Egypt as well.

    The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

    What, then, are the issues that have prompted Egypt’s recent protests and what are the possible solutions to the problems raised?

    The immediate technical challenge is to continue filling the dam without disrupting flows to Sudan and Egypt. The filling process might have to be interrupted if there is a regional drought. So recent developments, notably the greater focus on the rate at which the dam will be filled rather than the legality of its construction, suggest that there is a shift in positions which neither side is yet willing to acknowledge publicly.

    This shift will be supported when other future-focused issues are raised. For instance, there must be negotiations about the supply of electricity to support Sudan’s irrigation expansion, although this is on hold due to the war in Sudan. In the longer term, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia could cooperate to use the GERD’s storage to help Egypt to manage its Aswan High Dam more efficiently. Aswan currently suffers very high evaporation losses, which could be reduced if its reservoir levels were better controlled. The GERD could help to do this.

    Unfortunately, the history of colonial Britain repeatedly threatening to cut Egypt’s Nile water supplies has been deeply imprinted in Egyptian public consciousness. It is understandable that Egyptians still fear a similar threat from Ethiopia. The responsibility now falls on Ethiopia to show good faith in its operation of the dam and to work with Egypt to change the combative discourse.

    Potential for cooperation

    Egypt’s repeated complaints have alerted Ethiopia and international organisations of the need to act carefully. If there is another regional drought, Ethiopia will need to slow the rate at which it completes filling its dam. Informal liaison structures are monitoring the situation and such a response would help to build a more constructive engagement with Egypt.

    Water is a patient teacher. Every season provides an opportunity for those who live with its natural cycles to understand it better. The hope is that, if the three countries experience the benefits of some seasons of the dam’s operation, the natural cycle will reveal the potential for cooperation and mitigate the conflict.

    Read more: Sudan’s catastrophe: farmers could offer quick post-war recovery, if peace is found

    When peace returns to Sudan, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will enable a vast expansion of irrigation to develop its role as a regional breadbasket. The dam will also help to manage Nile floods which regularly cause death and destruction, even to Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.

    Efforts to promote cooperation between the East African countries that share the White Nile have been relatively successful. However, such cooperation on the Blue Nile will need much greater trust between the parties. To achieve this trust, the countries and their people will have to overcome centuries of cultural and political preconceptions. This will require much patient work and interaction, which is not easy in the current climate.

    – Egypt’s fears about Ethiopia’s mega-dam haven’t come to pass: moving on from historical concerns would benefit the whole region
    – https://theconversation.com/egypts-fears-about-ethiopias-mega-dam-havent-come-to-pass-moving-on-from-historical-concerns-would-benefit-the-whole-region-239418

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Egypt’s fears about Ethiopia’s mega-dam haven’t come to pass: moving on from historical concerns would benefit the whole region

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mike Muller, Visiting Adjunct Professor, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand

    A new round of angry exchanges has broken out between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

    On September 1, Cairo wrote to the UN security council to protest against Ethiopia’s continued filling of Africa’s second largest reservoir and bringing two more power generating turbines into operation. Egypt sees any new infrastructure development on the Nile as a potential threat, since the river is the source of over 98% of the country’s water.

    Egypt calls this a violation of international law and Ethiopia’s obligations to “prevent significant harm”. Ethiopia’s policies, it says,

    could result in an existential threat to Egypt … and would consequently jeopardise regional and international peace and security.

    Ethiopia has told Egypt to “abandon its aggressive approach” towards the dam. Ethiopia says that it must allow the Blue Nile’s water to flow through the dam’s turbines and on to Egypt to generate the hydropower for which it has been built, thus guaranteeing the overall flow to Egypt.

    I have tracked the Nile disputes since the 1970s, first as a development journalist, then as a civil engineer and senior public servant. More recently, my research on water and regional integration for regional development agencies has provided further insights. My 2021 study considered the lessons to be learnt for today’s water challenges from centuries of the use and management of Nile waters.



    Read more:
    Innovations on the Nile over millennia offer lessons in engineering sustainable futures

    Ongoing tension between Egypt and Ethiopia over control of the Nile River has a long history. Therefore, in one sense, the row between Egypt and Ethiopia is nothing new.

    The countries went to war as far back as 1874, even as they both were also battling European colonialism. Ethiopia won the war of 1874 and, 20 years later, beat back Italy’s attempt to colonise it, at the battle of Adwa.

    However, Egypt gained long term advantage from treaties negotiated by the British, which gave Cairo almost total control over the Nile. Egypt is still asserting the rights and privileges conferred by those colonial era treaties even though they are being challenged by other Nile countries. In my view, this is because Egyptians are still trapped by their past fears. As Norwegian professor Torje Tvedt has explained, these fears were deliberately entrenched by past colonial authorities.

    With these perspectives, my view is that the current controversy over the Ethiopian dam still reflects historical conflicts rather than a careful analysis of present challenges.

    Now 90% complete, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has begun to generate electricity. A series of good rainy seasons have allowed the reservoir to start filling rapidly without affecting Egypt’s water availability.

    The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam offers not just cheap green electricity for Ethiopia and the sub-region as well as reliable irrigation supplies and flood control for Sudan. Once filled, its storage could offer supply security and increase the amount of water available for Egypt as well.

    The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

    What, then, are the issues that have prompted Egypt’s recent protests and what are the possible solutions to the problems raised?

    The immediate technical challenge is to continue filling the dam without disrupting flows to Sudan and Egypt. The filling process might have to be interrupted if there is a regional drought. So recent developments, notably the greater focus on the rate at which the dam will be filled rather than the legality of its construction, suggest that there is a shift in positions which neither side is yet willing to acknowledge publicly.

    This shift will be supported when other future-focused issues are raised. For instance, there must be negotiations about the supply of electricity to support Sudan’s irrigation expansion, although this is on hold due to the war in Sudan. In the longer term, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia could cooperate to use the GERD’s storage to help Egypt to manage its Aswan High Dam more efficiently. Aswan currently suffers very high evaporation losses, which could be reduced if its reservoir levels were better controlled. The GERD could help to do this.

    Unfortunately, the history of colonial Britain repeatedly threatening to cut Egypt’s Nile water supplies has been deeply imprinted in Egyptian public consciousness. It is understandable that Egyptians still fear a similar threat from Ethiopia. The responsibility now falls on Ethiopia to show good faith in its operation of the dam and to work with Egypt to change the combative discourse.

    Potential for cooperation

    Egypt’s repeated complaints have alerted Ethiopia and international organisations of the need to act carefully. If there is another regional drought, Ethiopia will need to slow the rate at which it completes filling its dam. Informal liaison structures are monitoring the situation and such a response would help to build a more constructive engagement with Egypt.

    Water is a patient teacher. Every season provides an opportunity for those who live with its natural cycles to understand it better. The hope is that, if the three countries experience the benefits of some seasons of the dam’s operation, the natural cycle will reveal the potential for cooperation and mitigate the conflict.



    Read more:
    Sudan’s catastrophe: farmers could offer quick post-war recovery, if peace is found

    When peace returns to Sudan, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will enable a vast expansion of irrigation to develop its role as a regional breadbasket. The dam will also help to manage Nile floods which regularly cause death and destruction, even to Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.

    Efforts to promote cooperation between the East African countries that share the White Nile have been relatively successful. However, such cooperation on the Blue Nile will need much greater trust between the parties. To achieve this trust, the countries and their people will have to overcome centuries of cultural and political preconceptions. This will require much patient work and interaction, which is not easy in the current climate.

    Mike Muller has received funding from the African Development Bank and South Africa’s Water Research Comission for work on regional cooperation in water resource management. He has been a member of the Global Water Partnership’s Technical Committee, chaired the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Water and been funded by the World Bank’s Cooperation in International Waters (CIWA) programme for contributions to the Nile Basin Initiative. He was also funded by UNESCO to attend a conference in Khartoum, organised with Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources Irrigation and Electricity, on integrated and sustainable water management.

    – ref. Egypt’s fears about Ethiopia’s mega-dam haven’t come to pass: moving on from historical concerns would benefit the whole region – https://theconversation.com/egypts-fears-about-ethiopias-mega-dam-havent-come-to-pass-moving-on-from-historical-concerns-would-benefit-the-whole-region-239418

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: 7-Eleven, Inc. Partners with Comdata to Enhance Fuel Savings and Services for Fleets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Comdata Inc., a Corpay brand and world leader in payment innovation, announced today 7-Eleven, Inc. and its brands 7-Eleven®, Speedway®, and Stripes®, have joined Comdata’s Fuel Consortium. This enhancement creates new capabilities for cardholders and offers products that better serve fleets of all sizes.

    With this expanded partnership, fleets have ability to access cost-plus savings on both gas and diesel at 7-Eleven’s nationwide network of over 7,500+ fuel locations. Comdata and 7-Eleven are the first to provide this functionality with a universal fuel card.

    “We are excited to have 7-Eleven on board and for what this relationship means for our customers,” said Randy Morgan, President, Comdata North America Trucking/Enterprise. “This partnership highlights our continued mission to provide our customers with products that intentionally improve their business’s bottom line—especially for fuel expenses.”

    Along with driving more savings at the pump, cardholders can receive additional benefits of a Comdata fuel card including:

    • Innovative fraud protection tools like OneClick™ which keeps the card locked until the driver is at the pump ready to fuel and is unlocked with “one click” of a button.
    • The industry’s only NO FUEL FRAUD GUARANTEE1 powered by Proximity, a collection of Enhanced Authorization Controls.
    • Comprehensive data collection, analytics, and reporting with a user-friendly dashboard via OneLook.

    For a comprehensive site locator map of 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores, visit https://www.7-eleven.com/locator.

    Comdata is committed to consistently cultivating strong relationships with industry partners to meet the needs of its customers. To learn more about Comdata, visit www.comdata.com.

    1With active Proximity subscription, subject to mandatory system and operational requirements.

    About Comdata
    Comdata Inc., a Corpay brand, is a leader and innovator in commercial payment solutions, driving actionable insights from spending data, building enhanced controls to protect clients’ interests, and positively impacting day-to-day operations for fleet owners and managers and drivers in the trucking industry. Founded in 1969 in Brentwood, Tennessee, Comdata has proudly supported the life-impacting trucking industry for over 50 years. To learn more, visit www.comdata.com.

    About 7-Eleven, Inc.
    7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name in the U.S. convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to 7-Eleven® stores, 7-Eleven, Inc. operates and franchises Speedway®, Stripes®, Laredo Taco Company® and Raise the Roost® Chicken and Biscuits locations. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7-Eleven has expanded into high-quality sandwiches, salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings and mini beef tacos. 7-Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products at outstanding value. Customers can earn and redeem points on various items in stores nationwide through its 7Rewards® and Speedy Rewards® loyalty programs with more than 80 million members, place an order in the 7NOW® delivery app in over 95% of the convenience retailer’s footprint, or rely on 7-Eleven for other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-eleven.com. 

    Media Contact:

    Kathy Hickerson

    Corpay, North America Fleet (Comdata)

    Kathryn.hickerson@corpay.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: No, immigrants aren’t eating dogs and cats – but Trump’s claim is part of an ugly history of myths about immigrant foodways

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Adrienne Bitar, Lecturer, Cornell University

    Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump debates Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, 2024. Win McNamee/Getty Images

    When Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024, that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, food historians like me were not surprised at the slur. Trump’s lie followed a long American history of peddling ugly rumors about immigrants stealing and eating pets.

    Dietary rules that unite and define American cuisine can so easily be perverted to use disgust to divide Americans. In the U.S., cow is food and dog is friend. Chicken is food. Cat is companion. The sharp lines between the animals Americans eat, love, protect and exterminate help write the dietary rules that define American norms.

    What we eat, what we don’t and with whom we break bread are just some of the food rules that unite and define Americans. Think of how turkey – or tofurkey – unites Americans behind the Thanksgiving ritual. Bottled water. Ice. Ballpark hot dogs. Airplane pretzels. Movie theater popcorn.

    Food can also establish group identity apart from the mainstream. Think of the many factions of vegan, vegetarian, paleo, grain-free and carnivore dieters who use food to express a political position. Also, of course, religious dietary proscriptions have worried scholars for centuries so that Jews, Muslims and Christians may never share a meal.

    There is no evidence that Haitians are stealing and eating pet cats and dogs. There is evidence, however, that racists have long twisted dietary rules to divide people and dehumanize immigrants. Trump told a lie to draw a line between Americans and others who allegedly eat the animals Americans love.

    A sign at a popular hot dog restaurant in Chicago reads ‘Immigrants eat our dogs,’ on Sept. 12, 2024, two days after the presidential debate.
    Scott Olson/Getty Images

    The legend of delicious pets

    The myth of eating pets traces back to old legends in Europe, Australia and the United States that “immigrants are stealing our cats and dogs for their dinner tables or to serve in ethnic restaurants,” writes the folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand.

    Two of the most common food-based legends center on “Oriental restaurants serving dog (or cat) meat, and legends about Asian immigrants in the United States capturing and cooking people’s pets,” Brunvard writes.

    By 1883, the legend was so well-established that the Chinese-American journalist Wong Chin Foo offered US$500 to anybody in New York for proof that Chinese people were eating cats or rats. No proof was found, but that didn’t stop the racist jokes or urban legends.

    None of the many examples deserve retelling. But scholars, for example, have cited “sick jokes” such as a “new Vietnamese cookbook is titled 100 Ways to Wok Your Dog.”

    Or as comedian Tessie Chua joked about her multiracial Chinese, Filipino and Irish identity in 1993 when she said, “That means I eat dog, but only if I can wash it down with Guinness Stout!”

    In 1971, mainstream news outlets, including Reuters, reported an “outrageously silly urban legend” of a pet poodle named Rosa served at a Hong Kong restaurant, complete with chili sauce and bamboo shoots.

    In 1980, Stockton, California, was seized by racist rumors of Vietnamese families stealing expensive purebred dogs for dinner.

    As recently as 2005, the TV show “Curb Your Enthusiasm” showed wedding
    guests vomiting     after being misinformed that they had eaten a German shepherd named Oscar, prepared by a Korean-American florist. “Oscar is bulgogi!,” Larry David cries.

    Scholars calls these tropes a “nativist backlash” and “vehicle for anti-immigrant and especially anti-Asian sentiments in the U.S.”

    A long history of food-based slurs

    More precise, maybe, than the adage that “we are what we eat” is that we are what we won’t eat. Shunning our neighbor for their vile food – stinky, strange, unpalatable – is also decidedly an American tradition.

    “Garlic eater” was at one time recognizable in the U.S. as an ethnic slur for Italian Americans in the early 20th century. The names “spaghetti bender” and “grape stomper” were also used, but “garlic eater” stuck because, as one scholar argued, “garlic served as an ‘olfactory signifier’” – a distinguishing odor – “for the alien who consumed it.”

    So when far-right radical Laura Loomer tweeted in September 2024 that the White House “will smell like curry” if Kamala Harris becomes president, she was also using food to stoke racist fears.

    Americans aren’t alone in doing this. Some Persians call Punjabis “dal khor,” meaning dal-eater, and some Romanians call Italians “macaronar,” meaning macaroni-eater. Both are slurs. Iranians have been known to call Arabs “malakh-khor,” or locust-eater, and Southern Italians sometimes call Northern Italians “polentoni,” or polenta-eater.

    To an outsider, being called a lentil- or polenta-eater seems more like praise for a healthy diet than a racial epithet, but such are the vagaries of racism: People hate who they hate and justify it however possible.

    Other examples of how food can distinguish communities abound. In the Amazon, the Parakanã people appreciate tapir meat but abhor monkey. The Arara people, their neighbors, feel the opposite. Both groups are disgusted by one another. Curry, garlic, tapir, polenta, lentils – it doesn’t matter what the nail is, but how the hammer hits.

    Philomene Philostin, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Haitian origin, works in her store in Springfield, Ohio, that caters mainly to Haitian residents.
    Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

    Rumors with real-life consequences

    Urban legends about food and racist rumors can have serious consequences. Earlier in 2024, a false rumor that a Laotian and Thai restaurant in Fresno, California, cooked pit bulls led to such vile harassment that the owner, David Rasavong, moved the restaurant to a new location.

    After Trump repeated the myth during the debate that immigrants eat pets, Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, quickly became the target of bomb threats, forcing city buildings and schools to close. Members of the Haitian community have said they fear for their safety.

    But there’s a more hopeful side to the issue of food being used as a way to divide or unite people, too. The Latin origins for the words company and companionship mean the people we share our bread with.

    Garlic is now as central to American cuisine as apple pie. Nowadays, Americans are so much the better for the sushi, garlic and curry – and the diversity behind the deliciousness – that flavor American cuisine.

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

    – ref. No, immigrants aren’t eating dogs and cats – but Trump’s claim is part of an ugly history of myths about immigrant foodways – https://theconversation.com/no-immigrants-arent-eating-dogs-and-cats-but-trumps-claim-is-part-of-an-ugly-history-of-myths-about-immigrant-foodways-239343

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why home insurance rates are rising so fast across the US – climate change plays a big role

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Andrew J. Hoffman, Professor of Management & Organizations, Environment & Sustainability, and Sustainable Enterprise, University of Michigan

    The U.S. has seen a large number of billion-dollar disasters in recent years. AP Photo/Mark Zaleski

    Millions of Americans have been watching with growing alarm as their homeowners insurance premiums rise and their coverage shrinks. Nationwide, premiums rose 34% between 2017 and 2023, and they continued to rise in 2024 across much of the country.

    To add insult to injury, those rates go even higher if you make a claim – as much as 25% if you claim a total loss of your home.

    Why is this happening?

    There are a few reasons, but a common thread: Climate change is fueling more severe weather, and insurers are responding to rising damage claims. The losses are exacerbated by more frequent extreme weather disasters striking densely populated areas, rising construction costs and homeowners experiencing damage that was once more rare.

    Hurricane Ian, supercharged by warm water in the Gulf of Mexico, hit Florida as a Category 4 hurricane in October 2022 and caused an estimated $112.9 billion in damage.
    Ricardo Arduengo/AFP via Getty Images

    Parts of the U.S. have been seeing larger and more damaging hail, higher storm surges, massive and widespread wildfires, and heat waves that kink metal and buckle asphalt. In Houston, what used to be a 100-year disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017, is now a 1-in-23-years event, estimates by risk assessors at First Street Foundation suggest. In addition, more people are moving into coastal and wildland areas at risk from storms and wildfires.

    Just a decade ago, few insurance companies had a comprehensive strategy for addressing climate risk as a core business issue. Today, insurance companies have no choice but to factor climate change into their policy models.

    Rising damage costs, higher premiums

    There’s a saying that to get someone to pay attention to climate change, put a price on it. Rising insurance costs are doing just that.

    Increasing global temperatures lead to more extreme weather, and that means insurance companies have had to make higher payouts. In turn, they have been raising their prices and changing their coverage in order to remain solvent. That raises the costs for homeowners and for everyone else.

    The importance of insurance to the economy cannot be understated. You generally cannot get a mortgage or even drive a car, build an office building or enter into contracts without insurance to protect against the inherent risks. Because insurance is so tightly woven into economies, state agencies review insurance companies’ proposals to increase premiums or reduce coverage.

    The insurance companies are not making political statements with the increases. They are looking at the numbers, calculating risk and pricing it accordingly. And the numbers are concerning.

    The arithmetic of climate risk

    Insurance companies use data from past disasters and complex models to calculate expected future payouts. Then they price their policies to cover those expected costs. In doing so, they have to balance three concerns: keeping rates low enough to remain competitive, setting rates high enough to cover payouts and not running afoul of insurance regulators.

    But climate change is disrupting those risk models. As global temperatures rise, driven by greenhouse gases from fossil fuel use and other human activities, past is no longer prologue: What happened over the past 10 to 20 years is less predictive of what will happen in the next 10 to 20 years.

    The number of billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. each year offers a clear example. The average rose from 3.3 per year in the 1980s to 18.3 per year in the 10-year period ending in 2024, with all years adjusted for inflation.

    With that more than fivefold increase in billion-dollar disasters came rising insurance costs in the Southeast because of hurricanes and extreme rainfall, in the West because of wildfires, and in the Midwest because of wind, hail and flood damage.

    Hurricanes tend to be the most damaging single events. They caused more than US$692 billion in property damage in the U.S. between 2014 and 2023. But severe hail and windstorms, including tornadoes, are also costly; together, those on the billion-dollar disaster list did more than $246 billion in property damage over the same period.

    As insurance companies adjust to the uncertainty, they may run a loss in one segment, such as homeowners insurance, but recoup their losses in other segments, such as auto or commercial insurance. But that cannot be sustained over the long term, and companies can be caught by unexpected events. California’s unprecedented wildfires in 2017 and 2018 wiped out nearly 25 years’ worth of profits for insurance companies in that state.

    To balance their risk, insurance companies often turn to reinsurance companies; in effect, insurance companies that insure insurance companies. But reinsurers have also been raising their prices to cover their costs. Property reinsurance alone increased by 35% in 2023. Insurers are passing those costs to their policyholders.

    What this means for your homeowners policy

    Not only are homeowners insurance premiums going up, coverage is shrinking. In some cases, insurers are reducing or dropping coverage for items such as metal trim, doors and roof repair, increasing deductibles for risks such as hail and fire damage, or refusing to pay full replacement costs for things such as older roofs.

    Some insurances companies are simply withdrawing from markets altogether, canceling existing policies or refusing to write new ones when risks become too uncertain or regulators do not approve their rate increases to cover costs. In recent years, State Farm and Allstate pulled back from California’s homeowner market, and Farmers, Progressive and AAA pulled back from the Florida market, which is seeing some of the highest insurance rates in the country.

    In some cases, insurers are restricting coverage. Roof repairs, like these in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., after Hurricane Ian, can be expensive and widespread after windstorms.
    Joe Raedle/Getty Images

    State-run “insurers of last resort,” which can provide coverage for people who can’t get coverage from private companies, are struggling too. Taxpayers in states such as California and Florida have been forced to bail out their state insurers. And the National Flood Insurance Program has raised its premiums, leading 10 states to sue to stop them.

    About 7.4% of U.S. homeowners have given up on insurance altogether, leaving an estimated $1.6 trillion in property value at risk, including in high-risk states such as Florida.

    No, insurance costs aren’t done rising

    According to NOAA data, 2023 was the hottest year on record “by far.” And 2024 could be even hotter. This general warming trend and the rise in extreme weather is expected to continue until greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are abated.

    In the face of such worrying analyses, U.S. homeowners insurance will continue to get more expensive and cover less. And yet, Jacques de Vaucleroy, chairman of the board of reinsurance giant Swiss Re, believes U.S. insurance is still priced too low to fully cover the risk from climate change.

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

    – ref. Why home insurance rates are rising so fast across the US – climate change plays a big role – https://theconversation.com/why-home-insurance-rates-are-rising-so-fast-across-the-us-climate-change-plays-a-big-role-238939

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edinburgh to host International Fair Trade Towns Conference in 2025

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    A prestigious international convention on Fair Trade and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be hosted in the capital in August next year.

    Delegates from around the world will come to Edinburgh for the 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference. 

    They will take part in a three-day (29 to 31 August) series of discussions themed around the SDGs and the importance of Fair Trade in driving progress towards them. The conference will also highlight the important contributions that Edinburgh has made to Fair Trade. 

    Fair Trade is an international movement that aims to secure better prices, fair terms of trade, and improved working conditions for farmers, producers and workers in the global south. The movement now works with farmers and workers in more than 1,900 producer organisations across 70 countries. 

    The event is expected to welcome over 150 representatives from around the world, and to have 100 or more Edinburgh schoolchildren participate.

    City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:

    It is a great honour that Edinburgh will be hosting this fantastic event. It gives Edinburgh and our friends across the globe the opportunity to share know-how, expertise, and best practice, while showcasing the best our city has to offer. This is a very powerful example of joint working between international partners. 

    As a Fairtrade City, Edinburgh is dedicated to motivating residents to work towards a common goal and stay on course by advocating for environmental sustainability and supporting local sustainable businesses.

    This year Edinburgh marks 20 years as a Fairtrade City, and Scotland has recently celebrated 10 years as a Fairtrade Nation. I look forward to the gathering next year and celebrating yet another milestone in our aim to make this a world in which trade is based on fairness, and where the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are successfully implemented.”  

    Published: September 24th 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Thune Pressure “Broadband Czar” Harris on Mismanagement of Federal Initiatives

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C—U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) joined U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), in sending a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her egregious mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives. In 2021, President Biden assigned the Vice President to lead broadband service expansion to rural and unserved communities. Under Harris’ reign as “Broadband Czar,” the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has gone untouched, failing to connect a single person to the internet. The lack of broadband access is especially hurting our most rural states like Wyoming.

    “The digital divide is most apparent in the Cowboy State’s most rural communities, and it is past time for the broadband czar to do her job and use the BEAD program to eliminate the difficulties people in Wyoming face when trying to access reliable broadband services. It is critical for Kamala Harris to prioritize deploying broadband throughout the west,” said Lummis.

    For a copy of the letter, click here. The text is below.

    Dear Vice President Harris:

    We are writing to express serious concerns regarding your role as the Biden-Harris administration’s “broadband czar” and the mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives under your leadership. It appears that your performance as “broadband czar” has mirrored your performance as “border czar,” marked by poor management and a lack of effectiveness despite significant federal broadband investments and your promises to deliver broadband to rural areas.  

    As you are aware, Congress, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provided the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with $42.45 billion for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These funds are intended to provide broadband access to unserved communities, particularly those in rural areas.

    In 2021, you were specifically tasked by President Biden to lead the administration’s efforts to expand broadband services to unserved Americans. And at the time, you stated, “we can bring broadband to rural America today.” Despite your assurances over three years ago, rural and unserved communities continue to wait for the connectivity they were promised. Under your leadership, not a single person has been connected to the internet using the $42.45 billion allocated for the BEAD program. Indeed, Politico recently reported on “the messy, delayed rollout of” this program.

    Instead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment. By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.

    The administration’s lack of focus on truly connecting the unconnected has failed the American people and represents a gross misuse of limited taxpayer dollars. The American public deserves better.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Sherbooke

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, September 23, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Guysborough–Tracadie, and Heather Kreffer, Executive Director of SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit.

    Date:
    Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    Time:
     7 p.m. ADT

    Location:
    St. Mary’s District Lion’s Club
    8004 Highway 7,
    Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia B0J 3C0

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Blaise Theriault
    Communications Advisor,
    Nova Scotia Department of Public Works
    902-476-5092
    blaise.theriault@novascotia.ca

    Heather Kreffer
    Executive Director,
    SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit 
    902-522-2000
    info@smart-go.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Sherbrooke

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, September 23, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Guysborough–Tracadie, and Heather Kreffer, Executive Director of SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit.

    Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    Time: 7:00 PM ADT

    Location:St. Mary’s District Lion’s Club8004 Highway 7,Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia B0J 3C0

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia OuslisCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Blaise TheriaultCommunications AdvisorNova Scotia Department of Public Works902-476-5092blaise.theriault@novascotia.ca

    Heather KrefferExecutive DirectorSMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit 902-522-2000info@smart-go.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier calls for application of Green Rural Revival Program experience

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese vice premier calls for application of Green Rural Revival Program experience

    HEFEI, Sept. 23 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Monday said that learning from and applying the experience gained through the Green Rural Revival Program will give full play to the main role of farmers and improve work efficiency in the nation’s efforts to promote comprehensive rural revitalization.

    Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting held in Hefei, the capital of east China’s Anhui Province, on the experience gained from the Green Rural Revival Program.

    Liu said that the program has involved many innovations in theory, mechanisms and practice, and that applying the experience gained through the program will bring tangible benefits to farmers.

    He also called for more efforts to upgrade entire rural industry chains, carry out rural planning and construction according to local conditions, promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas in counties, and improve the level of governance in rural regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Calls on U.S. Department of Agriculture to Allow Emergency Haying and Grazing for Ohio Farmers Experiencing Drought Conditions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With hay supplies being used three to four months earlier than expected, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide additional flexibility for Ohio farmers experiencing drought conditions to conduct emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program enrolled land. Brown’s letter amplifies the concerns raised by Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, who wrote to Vilsack asking for these flexibilities for Ohio farmers.
    “I share Director Baldridge’s concern that most farmers experiencing intensifying drought conditions in Southern Ohio are not eligible for the existing USDA emergency haying and grazing allowance due to the fact that most CRP acres in Southeast Ohio are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Program, ” wrote Brown.
    “As Ohio farmers work to withstand this historic drought, I ask that you grant ODA’s request and provide additional flexibilities to allow for emergency haying of CREP and SAFE acreage in Southeast Ohio,” Brown continued.
    Earlier this week, Brown hosted a news conference call with farmers and other leaders in Ohio agriculture to discuss the severe drought stretching across Southeast Ohio and share resources available to affected farmers. Ohio is currently experiencing the worst drought in the state in over a century. Last week, Brown also hosted a webinar in partnership with USDA’s Farm Service Agency to help connect farmers with federal resources related to the drought.
    “The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) appreciates Senator Brown’s support of the state’s request for USDA to allow emergency haying of acreage enrolled in various conversation programs,” said OCA President Mark Goecke of Allen County. “Cattle families in Southern and Southeastern Ohio are struggling to manage through a drought of historical proportions. The expanding drought has negatively impacted pasture and forage conditions statewide, but these areas have been battling the lack of rainfall all summer. Hay cuttings were severely limited, and the ongoing drought has forced producers to already feed their winter hay supplies, resulting in a dire situation to provide the feed needed for their cattle.”
    The full letter is HERE or below. Director Baldridge’s letter is HERE.
    Dear Secretary Vilsack:
    I write to draw your attention to the attached letter from Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge, requesting U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide additional flexibility to conduct emergency haying of eligible Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres.
    I share Director Baldridge’s concern that most farmers experiencing intensifying drought conditions in Southern Ohio are not eligible for the existing USDA emergency haying and grazing allowance due to the fact that most CRP acres in Southeast Ohio are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Program.
    As Ohio farmers work to withstand this historic drought, I ask that you grant ODA’s request and provide additional flexibilities to allow for emergency haying of CREP and SAFE acreage in Southeast Ohio.
    Thank you for your consideration; I ask that you please keep my office informed of any further action.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Announces September Grant Workshop Locations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announced that his team will be setting up satellite offices across the state from September 24-27, 2024, to assist with grants, casework, and listen to constituents’ concerns. 

    The purpose of these temporary locations is to provide accessibility for constituents who might not live near one of Senator Tuberville’s permanent office locations. Members of Senator Tuberville’s team will be on site and no appointment is required for these meetings.

    A complete list of times, dates, and locations for each satellite office can be found here or below.

    Tuesday, September 24
    ALICEVILLE (Pickens County)
    10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT
    Aliceville City Hall Auditorium
    419 Memorial Parkway
    Aliceville, AL 35442

    Tuesday, September 24
    MONTGOMERY (Montgomery County)
    2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT
    Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
    600 S Court Street, Suite 215
    Montgomery, AL 36104

    Thursday, September 26
    GREENVILLE (Butler County)
    10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT
    Greenville City Hall
    119 E Commerce Street
    Greenville, AL 36037

    Friday, September 27
    GUNTERSVILLE (Marshall County)
    8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CT
    Marshall County Economic Development office
    524 Gunter Ave
    Guntersville, AL 35976

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: State Government to extend subsidies for commercial air flights in Western NSW

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western New South Wales

    The Minns Government is continuing work to support Western NSW communities with the announcement today the $2 million subsidy scheme for commercial flights in Western NSW will continue at least until November 2025.

    The agreement will allow for the continuation of subsidies on flights from Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link and from Sydney to Cobar operated by FlyPelican.

    The NSW Government and the Far North-West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) subsidy agreement will provide residents, workers and industry in Western NSW with continued access to air services helping to reduce travel times in rural and remote NSW.

    Subsidised air travel is vital for the delivery of essential services such as health, childcare, justice, family and community services, with doctors, specialists, nurses and social workers among the frequent fliers travelling to and from Western NSW.

    As part of the Government’s continued commitment to Western NSW, work is also underway to deliver the Regional Development Trust $15 million Airstrips Improvement Package.

    The package will upgrade rural and remote airstrips to improve access for emergency services, health professionals and other essential services in some of the most remote parts of the state.

    An audit of remote and rural airstrips across 19 local government areas and the unincorporated area in Western NSW is underway to prioritise those most in need of upgrades.

    Work on the airstrips and related infrastructure is expected to start before the end of the year.

    Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “For Sydneysiders, air travel is an easily accessible convenience but for people living in Western NSW it is not so easy.

    “This funding will help commercial operators offer a two-way service connecting regional NSW with essential workers, trades, and services that they often depend on.

    Independent member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

    “Western Air Services flights provide people in remote areas with much-needed access to health services, social engagements, and major economic benefits to our primary industries.

    “For many people in my electorate these flights are not a luxury but an absolute necessity, especially given the vast distances people need to cover in the west of the state.

    “I want to thank the Minister for her understanding of the importance of this issue when I raised it with her, and for her following through to ensure the continuation of these vital air services.”

    Retiring Far North-West Joint Organisation Chairman, Councillor Barry Hollman said:

    “This is a very exciting announcement, and I thank the NSW Government and particularly the Minister for Western NSW, the Hon Tara Moriarty, MLC for her responsiveness.

    “Just as commuters on the recently opened Metro in Sydney described the new train service as ‘transformational’ and ‘life changing’, the same can be said about the provision of these air services to the remote far North West area of the State.

    “The Government has certainly gone the extra mile to assist our remote communities.

    Chief Executive Officer, Fly Pelican, Marty Hawley said:

    “Today we welcome this announcement from the NSW Government and we look forward to continuing to service these critical flights for the far North West region and its communities.

    “Flight services to our remote regions are critical, and we are very pleased with today’s announcement to ensure the far North West region remains connected.”

    General Manager, Air Link Airlines, Ron O’Brien said:

    “This funding plays a crucial role in maintaining reliable air services that are lifelines for the communities of Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.

    “Regional air services help to bridge distances and improve quality of life for residents in regional NSW by facilitating economic development and enhanced connectivity for businesses and residents alike.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Ali Moore, Melbourne Drive, ABC Radio

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    ALI MOORE:

    Dr Andrew Leigh is Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury. Minister, welcome.

    ANDREW LEIGH:

    G’day, Ali.

    MOORE:

    First, before we get to the draft mandatory code, your response to the ACCC legal action launched today?

    LEIGH:

    These are incredibly serious allegations, Ali. I mean, we’re talking about 266 Woolies products, 245 Coles products, consumers would have paid millions of dollars for these products and if the specials are false specials, as the ACCC is claiming, then that’s incredibly serious for what it means for consumers.

    You know, just to give you one sort of concrete example, which is in the ACCC’s media release, they talk about Oreos being sold at $3.50 a pack for about a year, then temporarily spiked up to $5 a pack, dropped down to $4.50, which was then advertised as ‘price dropped’. That doesn’t look like a real special to me. So, obviously this will be tested before the courts, but if it’s found that Coles and Woolies have breached the law, then they deserve every penalty that’s thrown at them. Australians are under cost‑of‑living pressures they deserve to get specials that are real specials.

    MOORE:

    Well, we’ve had lots of people text with examples today. I don’t know who does the shopping in your family, Andrew Leigh, but have you had your own suspicions about this sort of thing?

    LEIGH:

    Look, my wife and I do the shopping. She does the online, and I tend to do the in‑person. And, yeah, there was now specials – they’re certainly been something that’s been under appropriate scrutiny. As government, it’s not up to us to do the enforcement. That’s the ACCC’s job and Gina Cass‑Gottlieb does a great job of it.

    It’s our job to make sure they have the right resources and the sufficient penalties. So, one of the first things we did when we came to office was to increase the penalties for anti‑competitive conduct, raising those penalties and so they weren’t just a cost of doing business. And people can see in the ACCC’s media release today that they say very explicitly that for half the period in which they’re looking at, the penalties are higher. A direct result of the Albanese government increasing the penalties for anti‑competitive conduct.

    MOORE:

    Andrew Leigh, today, at the same time, as I just said, you have released a draft of legislation that essentially follows a review of a voluntary code of conduct by Craig Emerson. You followed most or all of his recommendations and this code will be made mandatory?

    LEIGH:

    That’s right. So, under the Liberals and Nationals, it was a voluntary code – effectively toothless, effectively without penalties. What we’re doing now is making it a mandatory code. And so, we’re getting a fairer deal, not only for families, but also for farmers. Previously, farmers had feared retribution because, who complains under a voluntary code when the risk is that you can lose your contract with the supplier? So, now we’re bringing in place a code with teeth, a code that will actually get a fairer deal for farmers. We’re putting in place code mediators. We’re ensuring that there is an ability to complain directly to the competition watchdog, to make anonymous complaints there, and greater protections for fresh produce suppliers. If you’re supplying berries to the supermarket, Ali, you’ve got that problem that your berries might well go off in a couple of weeks. So, we’re ensuring obligations for supermarkets to specify the basis for determining prices, to conduct their forecasts with due care, and to have reasonable quality standards.

    MOORE:

    So the arbiter will be the ACCC if there’s an anonymous process for whistleblowers, if they’ve got a complaint, that’s where they’ll go?

    LEIGH:

    Well, there’ll be code mediators, currently known as code arbiters. And then there’s also this additional ability for people to make an anonymous complaint to the ACCC. So, it’s a much more robust code than was in place under the Liberals and Nationals. We take much more seriously than they did the allegations that are being raised by farmers and the concerns among shoppers, that they want to make sure that farmers are getting a fair deal as they supply to these major supermarkets. It’s one of the most concentrated supermarket sectors in the world. We’ve got to do more for consumers and for farmers.

    MOORE:

    What will be the standard of proof, though? I mean, sometimes these things are not always in black‑and‑white.

    LEIGH:

    The standard proof will be the usual balance of probabilities as it is in the civil law. And one of the things that Craig Emerson has done is to deal with a constitutional challenge in this space by getting agreement from the 4 supermarkets and supermarket chains that are signed up that they will agree to the mediation process with penalties up to $5 million. It’s a real credit to Craig that he’s able to do that, and that allows us to better deal with disputes under the code.

    MOORE:

    So, if a supermarket does the wrong thing by a supplier, what sort of penalty could they face?

    LEIGH:

    $5 million. So, the agreement that they have made is that the code mediator can impose penalties going up to $5 million, and then also we have penalties that can be imposed more broadly, they will go up to $50 million.

    MOORE:

    And when will the code of conduct come into force?

    LEIGH:

    We’ll expect that to come in the coming months. We’re a consultative government. Obviously, whenever we take actions that affect stakeholders, we give them a chance to comment. People have the chance to comment on this mandatory code and to give their feedback in the way in which we’ve said about implementing Craig Emerson’s review. Craig Emerson’s the former Competition Minister. He’s done a power of work on this. We want to make sure that we get the best deal we can for families and for farmers.

    MOORE:

    Andrew Leigh, thanks for joining us.

    LEIGH:

    Pleasure, Ali. Thanks again.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government invests $750,000 to improve coastal fish habitat

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: NSW Government invests $750,000 to improve coastal fish habitat

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW

    The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in on-ground activities to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW, with more than $750,000 in grants awarded to five innovative coastal projects.

    The Flagship Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Grant program provides funding for large-scale projects that significantly enhance fish habitat, water quality and fish passage opportunities within the coastal catchments of NSW.

    This includes projects to significantly rehabilitate river banks and coastal wetlands, remove or modify barriers to fish passage and construct fishways, re-snag waterways and undertake remediation works including riverbank stabilisation.

    After assessing applications for the 2023-24 grants round, a total of $756,947 is being awarded to five projects:

    • $109,222 to Nambucca Valley Landcare to improve fish habitat and reduce risks to water quality in the Nambucca River by restoring an eroding riverbank;
    • $169,150 to OzFish Unlimited to rehabilitate an area of critical fish habitat in the Bellinger River catchment together with recreational fishers;
    • $158,000 to Rous County Council to restore 1,600m2 of complex fish habitat and a popular bass fishing destination on Bungawalbyn Creek;
    • $261,275 to Port Macquarie Hastings Council to stabilize an eroded area, improve shoreline vegetation and enable access for recreational fishers on the Hastings River estuary;
    • $59,300 to Shoalhaven City Council to complete design and plans for a living shoreline including accessible and resilient foreshore, and oyster reef restoration on the Crookhaven River.

    The grants are part of the Government’s ongoing work to grow recreational fishing opportunities by enhancing the habitats that fish need to thrive.

    Since the inception of the Flagship Grant Program in 2016, almost $3 million from the Recreational Fishing Trust has been invested in coastal aquatic habitat rehabilitation, water quality improvement and fish passage opportunities.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “These Flagship grants allow fishing clubs, non-Government organisations and other agencies to tackle large, complex projects that will safeguard and enhance local fish habitats and recreational fisheries.

    “Improved habitat means better opportunities for fish and therefore better opportunities for recreational fishers.

    “This program is yet another excellent example of how recreational fishing fees are helping to support and improve sustainable fisheries in NSW.”

    More information on Flagship Habitat Rehabilitation Grants is available here.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: FishTech visit boosts regional research collaborations

    Source: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

    Among the tour delegates was Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, His Excellency Khun Savoeun. 

    His Excellency said the visit provided an excellent opportunity for Mekong leaders to rethink water and fish management, and to expand efforts to maintain fish migration routes. 

    ‘It promoted collaboration between irrigation engineers and fishery biologists to work together on river connectivity, aiming to save both water and fish, which are essential for rural food security. 

    We learned that the integration of fishery technology into river engineering is crucial for conserving fish and saving water for multiple purposes.

    His Excellency Khun Savoeun
    Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
     

    His Excellency said the visit also underscored the importance of leadership in environmental planning and sustainable development in his own country.  

    ‘Fish are a vital Cambodian food source, with many poor households dependent on fishing for their livelihoods. 

    ‘This program was both useful and necessary, especially for incorporating fish passage outcomes into water and development policies.’ 

    Dr Baumgartner said the visit also provided a valuable knowledge exchange for the Australian project partners.  

    ‘What was particularly interesting were design discussions and hearing how the different countries are developing policies and legislation to protect fish.’ 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for more mates to support Port Macquarie’s Sailability

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Call for more mates to support Port Macquarie’s Sailability

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    The Port Macquarie community group, Sailability, is calling for volunteers ahead of this year’s sailing season, as the club prepares to take to the Hastings River again on Wednesday 25 September.

    Sailability is a volunteer organisation whose mission is to offer people with varying abilities freedom on the water.

    The club uses a fleet of specially designed sailing dinghies with simplified controls and enhanced stability to hold weekly sailing days for people living with physical and mental disability.

    The club received $55,920 from the NSW Government to extend its carpark and complete landscaping around its new boat shed and accessible amenities block, as well as to install six accessible picnic tables in McInherney Park.

    The not-for-profit club is the only organisation of its kind in the area and its 80 volunteers cater to approximately 60 sailors each week.

    The group provides its services at no charge, with sailors coming from disability support units at local schools in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and Kempsey, as well as disability service providers, aged care facilities and private enquiries.

    Census statistics for show there are approximately 6,000 people with serious or profound disability in the Port Macquarie area, and the club struggles to meet the demand for its services.

    People keen to get involved in volunteering with the club can attend McInherney Park on Wednesdays between September and May to learn more, or go to www.sailabilitypm.com.au and click the Contact Us tab.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “This fantastic community group is really making waves in terms of improving quality of life for people in the Port Macquarie area with disability.

    “It’s wonderful to see people experience a sense of achievement and improved self-confidence and self-esteem through their participation in Sailability’s program.”

    Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch* said:

    “Sailability is a beacon of hope and inclusion in Port Macquarie. By fostering a sense of belonging on the water, they’re not only enhancing the lives of people with disability but also enriching the entire community.”

    “The amazing volunteers at Sailability do such important work helping build confidence and resilience for so many people in the region each week.”

    *Liesl Tesch is a seven-time Paralympian including winning two gold medals in sailing

    Sailability Port Macquarie volunteer Rick Eller said:

    “The club has come a long way from humble beginnings when it launched in December 2012, we were using two borrowed boats at the time, we had a handful of volunteers, and we were borrowing life jackets from the SES or emergency services here in Port Macquarie.

    “The best part about working for Sailability is the expressions and the smiles when the people who’ve been sailing come back to the pontoon, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

    Sailability Port Macquarie Vice President Julie Constable said:

    “It’s extremely important that people are aware that people with a disability are very able and keen to get out into society so something like this is off great benefit to the community.”

    Case study: Vision impaired sailor – Kathryn Stephens

    Sailability Port Macquarie

    • Kathryn has been sailing with the Port Macquarie group since it began.
    • In October, Kathryn will set course for Southport to compete in the Hansa Class Asia Pacific Championships.
    • Kathryn has previously competed in the state para championships, coming second behind the world champion in the doubles.
    • She has also placed third in the Middle Harbour Yacht Club inclusive classes regatta alongside a sailing partner from another branch of Sailability.

    Quotes attributable to Kathryn Stephens:

    “Participating in sailing has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me.

    “I love the whole idea of being out on the water, the sensation and the sound and just the feel of sailing because I can’t see what I’m doing so it’s all by sound and feel, and just the freedom of being out on the water, it’s a great sensation.

    “The people come from all sorts of different backgrounds and interests and it’s just wonderful to catch up with them as well as meeting other sailing participants every week and we just have a great time and it’s a really lovely community and it’s got a really great feel about it.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST visits Sichuan

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST visits Sichuan
    SCST visits Sichuan
    *******************

         ​The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, is on his way to Chengdu, Sichuan, this morning (September 24), where he has been invited by the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to attend the ceremony seeing off the two giant pandas “An An” and “Ke Ke”. The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, and representatives from Ocean Park Hong Kong are also joining the visit.           During his stay in Sichuan, Mr Yeung will visit the heritage sites and arts and cultural facilities in Chengdu to learn about the integrated development of culture and tourism, as well as the promotion of tourism development.           Mr Yeung will depart from Sichuan for Hong Kong on the evening of September 25. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:22

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New slow vehicle bay on SH2 in Hawke’s Bay close to completion

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work to complete the new slow vehicle bay on State Highway 2 (SH2) at Kotemaori in northern Hawke’s Bay will start next week.

    The new 260 metre slow vehicle bay on SH2, near the intersection with Kakariki Farm Road, will provide another place for road users to safely pass slow vehicles as they head north to Wairoa.

    Crews have been waiting for warmer weather to complete the work, which includes laying the final seal on the road.

    The work is expected to take 2 weeks and crews will begin on site from next Monday (30 September). During this time, temporary traffic management will be in place through this site with stop/go and a temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h.

    Delays of no more than 10 minutes are expected.

    Once crews have finished this work, the slow vehicle bay will be operational. The work is weather dependent and there could be delays if conditions are too cold or wet.

    Background

    This work is part of Connecting Tairāwhiti, which is a programme of projects providing more slow vehicle bays and more places to pull off the road safely to check messages or take a break on State Highways 2 and 35 across the Tairāwhiti and northern Hawke’s Bay regions. The programme also includes some resilience projects to strengthen and stabilise sites on State Highway 35 to help it remain open and functional during disruptions such as weather events.

    A slow vehicle bay is a widened stretch of road on an uphill incline that allows slow, heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to pull over as they slow down – allowing other vehicles to pass.

    As part of this project, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has also made safety improvements to Kotemaori School’s access on SH2, including a safe right-turn bay to access the school.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kevin Yeung headed to Chengdu

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung is on his way to Chengdu, Sichuan, where he has been invited by the China Conservation & Research Centre for the Giant Panda to attend a ceremony bidding farewell to An An and Ke Ke, two giant pandas bound for Hong Kong.

    Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Mickey Lai and representatives from Ocean Park Hong Kong are joining Mr Yeung on the visit.

    Mr Yeung will also visit heritage sites and arts and cultural facilities in Chengdu to learn about the city’s integrated development of culture and tourism, and its promotion of tourism development.

    The tourism chief will depart for Hong Kong tomorrow evening. During his absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Agtech Schools Immersion Program concludes with successful session in Wagga Wagga

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    24 Sep 2024

    Nearly 100 students from across regional NSW gathered at Wagga Wagga Agriculture Institute to take part in the final session of a NSW Government Agtech program immersing kids with cutting-edge agricultural technologies.

    The final event of the 2024 Agtech Schools Immersion Program took place today, with dozens of eager students participating in six workshop rotations covering everything from feed testing and livestock EID to field equipment including Swarmbot, handheld infrared sensors and drones.

    The Agtech Schools Immersion Program has provided students an opportunity to visit NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) research institutes and participate in hands-on learning at TAFE NSW where they design model smart farms, use drone mapping, and learn to use data and artificial intelligence to analyse weather patterns.

    The delivery of this program would not have been possible without the considerable support provided by the Charles Sturt University’s Global Digital Farm team over the course of the program at Wagga.

    This final event followed a series of excursions held in Tamworth and Orange throughout August, showcasing the program’s commitment to equipping students with essential skills and hands-on experience in using agricultural technology.

    NSW DPIRD Schools Program Coordinator Michelle Fifield said these sessions help spark interest, drive innovation and attract investment, contributing to the growth and development of the agricultural technology sector.

    “Giving students hands-on experience with Agtech helps provide them with the right tools and enables them to gain essential skills, opening the door for more opportunities for those looking to enter agricultural industries,” Ms. Fifield said.

    “This experience not only allowed these students to explore innovative tools but also deepened their understanding of how Agtech is shaping the future of farming and how this technology can be used practically.

    “The excitement and enthusiasm we’ve witnessed over the course of the program is a testament to the bright future of our agricultural industry and the willingness of the participants in furthering their skills with agricultural technologies.

    “By investing in our youth and their education in Agtech, we are ensuring a sustainable and innovative future for agriculture in NSW.”

    The Agtech Workforce Development Strategy is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to invest in skills and employment to future-proof the agriculture sector.

    This event is being delivered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Training Services NSW under the Targeted Workforce Development Scheme.

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 210-2024: Scheduled Service Disruption: Thursday 26 September 2024 – DAFF messaging, SeaPest

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    24 September 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    All users of the Seasonal Pests (SeaPest) system.

    All clients submitting the below declarations:

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

    Information

    Due to scheduled infrastructure maintenance, there will a…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global agriculture conference to be held in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The 2024 World Agrifood Innovation Conference will be held in Beijing and will feature an array of events and activities, organizers announced at a press conference on Sept. 20. 

    Organizers brief reporters on preparations and events for the 2024 World Agrifood Innovation Conference during a press conference held in Pinggu district, Beijing, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]

    This year’s conference, themed “Climate Change and Agrifood Systems Transformation,” is organized by China Agricultural University, the Pinggu District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The conference will include an opening ceremony, forums, side events and an expo. It will take place at the Beijing Jinhai Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center in Pinggu district, Beijing, from Oct. 10 to 12.

    The conference is intended to unite international experts, policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to address unprecedented challenges due to climate change, exploring strategies and solutions to make agrifood systems more resilient, sustainable and adaptive.

    Since the inaugural World Agrifood Innovation Conference in 2023, the event has received high recognition from domestic and international colleagues, being considered as one of the top three agricultural events in the world. With the goal of becoming the “Davos of agriculture,” this year’s conference has been upgraded to be a premier global gathering for agricultural science and technology innovation. 

    According to organizers, attendees will explore topics that focus on agricultural science and technology innovation, foster cooperation between industries, universities and research institutes, as well as cultivate new drivers for agricultural development. 

    Over 60 leaders and representatives from nearly 30 international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), will participate in the conference. The FAO will also organize a Scientific Advisory Committee meeting and a youth dialogue for the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, marking the first time the hub’s important meetings will be held in China.

    During the conference, there will be a special event on China-Africa agricultural science and technology cooperation, as well as a parallel session on China-Brazil agricultural economic and trade cooperation and green development.

    Sun Qixin, president of China Agricultural University (CAU), revealed that this year, during the conference’s World Agricultural University Presidents’ Forum, CAU will further enhance both agricultural education and agricultural science and technology collaborations between China and Africa.

    “Especially, we will promote the effective model developed by China Agricultural University in Africa over the years for the application of scientific and technological research outcomes, so as to benefit more African countries,” he said.

    Besides Chinese academic institutions’ involvement in the conference, leading scientists and heads of major institutions of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) will also be participating. They will discuss with top Chinese agricultural scientists and entrepreneurs the potential for hosting multiple CGIAR-funded research projects in China.

    The conference will feature over 40 parallel sessions, thematic meetings and side events, fostering dialogues among scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and investors to seamlessly integrate technological innovation with industrial application. Closed-door meetings will also connect global top animal husbandry scientists with Chinese agricultural entrepreneurs to discuss technology applications within Chinese enterprises. Major announcements, including the Pinggu Declaration and key FAO and CGIAR reports on agricultural innovation, are anticipated to be released during the event.

    In addition to formal dialogues and lectures, the conference will also organize the 2024 World AgriFood Technology Expo, showcasing the latest achievements, cutting-edge technologies and innovative products in the global agrifood sector. 

    The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs foreshadowed significant commercialization achievements during the conference. Since 2023, the bureau has facilitated connections with 15 key laboratories under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and enabled 76 companies to launch projects in Beijing’s Pinggu district in fields like modern seed industry, smart agriculture and intelligent equipment. It was announced at the press conference that the China Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Port in Pinggu has entered the planning and construction phase, with plans to gradually introduce more national key laboratories, creating a cluster of labs focused on agricultural science and technology innovation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Consortium led by GUU to create agricultural analogue of State Services

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management is developing a digital village – a high-tech system for managing agricultural enterprises. The project is being implemented jointly with the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center (Omsk ASC) and the Udmurt State University (UdSU).

    The solution being created will allow even non-professionals to manage agricultural processes. The result will resemble the most modern enterprises, where one person can manage the entire workshop, and all mechanical work is done by robots. A similar model will be implemented in the field.

    “In the conditions of record low unemployment, we are not making a system that excludes people from the process. It helps non-professionals get started. The platform with a management decision support system offers the user a choice: if you go to the right, you will reap the harvest, if you go to the left, you will lose your horse. In the most literal sense of the word,” said Denis Serdechny, associate professor of the Department of Innovation Management at the State University of Management, head of the Laboratory of Convergent Expertise and Assessment of Technology Maturity, and candidate of technical sciences.

    A technological stack will be assembled at the request of state or private farms, which in addition to unmanned combines, seeders, drones, automatic irrigation systems and other devices will include products of modern agricultural technologies. The management system takes into account the possibility of integrating several farms to create a corporate effect. Reporting will be generated and sent to the Ministry of Agriculture automatically, thus creating a database of objective data and not burdening farmers with unnecessary work. The digital village will operate based on the principles of precision farming, when, for example, drones scan apples on trees, assess their condition and collect only ripe fruits, leaving the rest to ripen. This will significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of each individual farm, and in the future, at the national level, it will potentially give a significant multiplier effect.

    However, the task set by the SUM scientists is much larger. The digital village is the first level. The global idea is to create a huge digital platform for the entire agriculture of the country.

    “We are developing a concept for such a platform, where all participants in agricultural processes will find their place. In essence, such agricultural State Services,” says Denis Serdechny. “The user goes there, chooses his role: farmer, investor, producer, monitor on the part of the state, who will be able to evaluate the efficiency of spending budget funds. The farmer controls the work processes through the platform. And the investor can see in which region what crop is needed, what level of investment is required for this, what equipment is needed, in what quantity, what seeds. That is, it is also an intelligent decision support system, akin to a computer game in the genre of economic strategy – the user chooses the necessary parameters and his agricultural business is assembled on a turnkey basis. To do this, you do not have to be an expert in the field of agriculture.”

    The system is not being built from scratch; the necessary competencies are acquired from specialists who will train the system’s artificial intelligence. The platform will be loaded with existing databases on meteorological observations, aerial reconnaissance, soil science, and other necessary information. The system will also offer, for example, leasing companies, so that the investor does not necessarily have to purchase equipment. Service providers will also be able to use the system to track the operation of their fleet.

    A grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for the implementation of a major scientific project “Ensuring food security of the country based on the creation of software and hardware complexes and intelligent platform digital solutions in the field of development of agro-industrial technologies of the full life cycle” was won by the State University of Management in the spring of 2024. This project is designed until 2026 and is currently in the active stage of development.

    A group of almost three dozen specialists from the State University of Management is developing an economic model of a new generation agricultural enterprise and a complex of its technological support. The SUM develops management, economic and digital models.

    To create digital twins of agricultural enterprises and subsequent processing of data from the fields, artificial intelligence tools and supercomputer power will be used. The equipment has already been purchased and is located on the territory of the State University of Management.

    Udmurt State University will provide technologies for recycling and closing the production cycle of agricultural enterprises. Waste from factories and plants, as well as expired products from stores, will be returned to the fields as fertilizers, rather than being disposed of, which will have a positive effect on the environment and will allow saving some budget funds.

    The Omsk AMC will become a test site for testing this technology. It is engaged in the entire cycle of work: field preparation, sowing, monitoring, harvesting. Including tracking weather changes, for which it recently purchased a weather station. Several special areas have already been allocated there for the digital village project.

    The system will be launched in test mode this year. The project is designed to last until 2026, but Denis Serdechny believes that this is only the first step towards implementing a federal-scale project. Interaction with global market players has already begun. Some of the largest Russian banks are interested in the results of the project, ready to provide their data centers for data processing, buy and distribute the finished digital product.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09.24.2024

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Consortium led by GUU to create agricultural analogue of State Services

    [embedded content]

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SEE attends Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (September 24) led a delegation to Shenzhen to attend the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection meeting. Also attending the meeting were the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; and representatives from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
          
         Various collaboration issues were discussed in the meeting, including landfill management, marine pollution prevention and control, and cross-border transportation using new energy. Both sides reported on the progress of various work items and exchanged views at the meeting. For example, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has completed a freezing survey of the number and locations of oyster rafts in Deep Bay, and will continue to maintain close communication with Shenzhen regarding the management of the oyster rafts. As for the North East New Territories Landfill, Hong Kong has implemented a series of improvement measures and will continue to collaborate with Shenzhen to further enhance the odour control at the Landfill.
          
         Mr Tse said, “I look forward to continuing to strengthen communication and co-operation with Shenzhen on ecological and environmental protection through the Joint Working Group, which is a highly meaningful platform, so as to enhance the work on environmental protection and ecology, and to make proactive contributions to our country’s ecological civilisation and building a beautiful China.”

         Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong this evening.   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Diet change for farmed yellowtail kingfish aims to save wild stocks – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    As the cost of fish oil continues to rise, Australian aquaculture operators are looking for safe and more sustainable sources for healthy formulated feed in order to expand commercial production of popular yellowtail kingfish.
    A South Australian study led by Flinders University, connected to project funding awarded to the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), assessed the use of substitutes canola oil and poultry oil in farmed kingfish production.  
    “Reducing the use of wild-caught sardines and other small fish to sustain farmed fish – to produce more farmed fish for human consumption – will help maintain our oceans and fishery food chains,” says Associate Professor James Harris, from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.
    As well as demand for seafood in a healthy diet, fish oil is also used in terrestrial animal feeds, with an estimated 460% of current production levels required by 2030 also driving up the commodity costs for aquaculture industries.  
    “We can’t keep catching loads of small fish to feed to larger fish we are growing, so are increasingly looking to reduce fish oil in their diets.”
    Fish oils have large concentrations of long-chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which are essential for cultured carnivorous finfish to sustain optimal growth and health.  
    The Flinders experts, with colleagues from Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) research division SARDI and the University of Adelaide School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, undertook the study on locally grown kingfish.
    “We found that both oil from canola plants and oil from poultry could be effectively used, although there were some potentially adverse changes seen in the kingfish livers,” says Associate Professor Harris.  
    “These changes give us a chance to investigate further the major role in kingfish fat metabolism to continue looking to manipulate formulated feed to produce these popular fish, which also are farmed in Japan, Europe and the Americas.”
    Previous aquafeed studies have also used soybean oil and swine, bovine or ovine fats as fatty acid substitutes or supplements, with the goal of achieving optimum growth and lipid metabolism as well as palatability of alternative feeds.
    Liver structure and function in yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi, in response to alternative oils in feed (2024) by Benjamin H Crowe, James O Harris, Todd J McWhorter, Matthew S Bansemer and David AJ Stone has been published in Aquaculture 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741379. 
    Acknowledgements: 
    This project is supported by funding from the $6 million Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources as part of its Rural R&D for Profit Programme and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) awarded to SARDI, the research arm of PIRSA, in partnership with other project participants, including Flinders University and University of Adelaide School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Roseworthy. This study was led by researchers from Finders University.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – These atrocities must end

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME/WASHINGTON – As world leaders gather in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, and as the threat of a wider regional escalation looms, we renew our demand for an end to the appalling human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

    We mourn the loss of innocent life everywhere, including those killed on October 7 and during the 11 months of conflict since then.

    We urgently call for a sustained, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This is the only way to end the suffering of civilians and save lives.

    All hostages and all those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. 

    Humanitarians must have safe and unimpeded access to those in need.

    We cannot do our jobs in the face of overwhelming need and ongoing violence. More than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza – the majority of them civilians, including women, children, older persons and at times entire families – have reportedly been killed, and more than 95,500 have been injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. It is estimated that a quarter of the injured in Gaza, or around 22,500 people, will require lifelong specialized rehabilitation and assistive care including individuals with severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and major burns.

    More than 2 million Palestinians are without protection, food, water, sanitation, shelter, health care, education, electricity and fuel – the basic necessities to survive. Families have been forcibly displaced, time and time again, from one unsafe place to the next, with no way out. 

    Women and girls’ dignity, safety, health and rights have been severely compromised. 

    The risk of famine persists with all 2.1 million residents still in urgent need of food and livelihood assistance as humanitarian access remains restricted.

    Healthcare has been decimated. More than 500 attacks on health care have been recorded in Gaza.

    Aid hubs have been forced to relocate and re-build many times over; convoys carrying life-saving aid have been shot at, delayed and denied access; and relief workers have been killed in unprecedented numbers. The number of aid workers killed in Gaza in the past year is the highest ever in a single crisis.

    Unnecessary and disproportionate force unleashed in the West Bank, combined with escalating settler violence, house demolitions, forced displacement and discriminatory movement restrictions, have caused increased fatalities and casualties.

    The war is also jeopardizing the future for all Palestinians and rendering eventual recovery far from reach.

    Meanwhile, close to 100 hostages remain in Gaza, while freed hostages have reported ill treatment, including sexual violence.

    The parties’ conduct over the last year makes a mockery of their claim to adhere to international humanitarian law and the minimum standards of humanity that it demands. 

    Civilians must be protected and their essential needs must be met. There must be accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

    Humanitarian and aid organizations have been doing their utmost to provide relief in Gaza and the West Bank, often at great personal risk, and with many aid workers paying the ultimate price. 

    Our capacity to deliver is indisputable if we are granted the access we need. The first round of the polio vaccination campaign, reaching more than 560,000 children under the age of 10, is but one example. The second round of vaccinations must be carried out safely and reach all children in Gaza.

    We urge world leaders, once again, to wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice – through diplomatic pressure and cooperation in ending impunity. 

    Let us be clear: The protection of civilians is a bedrock principle for the global community and in all countries’ interest. Allowing the abhorrent, downward spiral caused by this war in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to continue will have unimaginable, global consequences. 

    These atrocities must end.

    Signatories:

    • Ms. Joyce Msuya, Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
    • Ms. Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro, Secretary General, CARE International 
    • Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 
    • Ms. Amy E. Pope, Director General, International Organization for Migration (IOM) 
    • Mr. Tom Hart, President and Chief Executive Officer, InterAction
    • Ms. Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps
    • Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 
    • Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (SR on HR of IDPs)  
    • Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
    • Ms. Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children US 
    • Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) 
    • Mr. Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  
    • Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 
    • Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)  
    • Ms. Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women 
    • Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP)  
    • Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Devolved Ministers attend New York Climate Week

    Source: Scottish Government

    Ministers met ahead of opening of Climate Week New York City. 

    Climate Week NYC’s overall message this year is “It’s Time”: celebrating those driving climate action, challenging everyone to do more and exploring ways to increase ambition.

    Climate Week NYC inspires, amplifies and scrutinises the commitments, policies and actions of those with the power to make change happen, while pushing the transition into the mainstream of business and government, showing what can be achieved. 

    Ministers discussed the need to deliver urgent action on climate change in the three nations, the importance of ensuring a just transition to net zero, and the criticality importance of working together towards our shared UK wide goals. 

    While each nation faces different challenges and will have its their own priorities, the twin imperatives to act now and to act fairly means embracing the benefits of collective action.  

    Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to share knowledge and experience to help each other make progress on reducing emissions reductions, creating climate resilience and working together to create the conditions for real, lasting and fair change across the three nations. 

    Ministers are looking forward to working with the new UK Government Ministerial team to further drive climate action across the UK. 

    Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin said:

    “It is time to move from ambition to action and I am honoured to be here to further build influence of devolved states and regional governments within the international climate debate all whilst having a strong focus on capacity building. I believe Devolved Administrations can learn from each other as we accelerate a just transition to net zero. There was a real impetus amongst us all today to continue these conversations ahead of COP29. Scotland has a unique opportunity as Under 2 European co-chair and Regions4 president to continue championing other subnational governments.” 

    Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Government, Huw Irranca-Davies said: 

    “This needs to be the decade of action. We are showing leadership and commitment by setting our ambitious targets, but it’s time to focus on action and the wider benefits of taking action such as clean air, better homes and places to live and work. I am pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Wales’s success stories, and to connect with colleagues in Governments across the world to share solutions and work together towards this most important goal.” 

    Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Northern Ireland Executive, said: 

    “I am delighted to be able to join my Scottish and Welsh Ministerial colleagues this year to attend New York Climate Week as a member of the Under 2 Coalition. Climate change is one of my top priorities. Attending this key event enables us to put Northern Ireland on the global stage and engage with others about ways to both tackle and grasp the opportunities arising from climate change.”

    During their visit to New York, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers will be attending a range of events and engagements which will include meeting with Ministers, Heads of States, Governors and business leaders.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Creating Jobs In A Clean, Equitable, Resilient Economy

    Source: US State of New York

    September 23, 2024

    Albany, NY

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s participation in the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to grow career pathways in climate and clean energy fields, strengthen workforce diversity, and jointly train 1 million new registered apprentices across the Alliance’s states and territories by 2035. Governor Hochul made the announcement today at a Climate Week NYC event, which also featured her Alliance Co-Chair New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, founding Alliance member Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

    “In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” Governor Hochul said. “As a co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, I’m proud to be collaborating with states, industry leaders, labor unions, higher education and community organizations to create the jobs of the future required to build a clean, equitable, and resilient economy. A skilled and well-prepared workforce will drive innovation, create new businesses, and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for our country.”

    “We need a climate-ready workforce — from EV technicians and heat pump installers to solar panel manufacturers — to meet our carbon reduction goals,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “The Executive Order I’m issuing today in conjunction with the Alliance’s new Workforce Initiative will help ensure that workers from all backgrounds have access to the skills and training needed for high-quality, climate-ready jobs across New Mexico.”

    “We’re aligning our ambitious climate policies with workforce development to have 1 million more workers poised to take these good-paying, union jobs that serve our communities and strengthen our economies,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. “These are economy-wide jobs, not just in clean energy but building trades, land management, clean technology and more. Climate Alliance states have a track record of meeting our ambitious goals and that momentum continues today.”

    [embedded content]

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    Through the initiative, Governor Hochul and the bipartisan coalition of 23 other governors, representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, will partner to strengthen and expand pathways into a wide variety of climate-ready professions that are critical to building a clean, equitable, and resilient net-zero future.

    The initiative goals are to:

    • Advance strategies to ensure climate-ready employment pathways lead to good-paying, high-quality jobs.
    • Prioritize equity in climate-ready workforce policies and programs to expand opportunities for all workers, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
    • Foster meaningful and inclusive collaboration across government, tribal nations and communities, workforce systems, labor unions, industry, community-based organizations and educational institutions.
    • Support innovative and evidence-based approaches to help workers enter and advance in climate-ready careers through a range of supportive services.
    • Promote the development and use of stackable, portable, and industry-recognized credentials in climate-ready fields to build transferable skills, support reskilling and upskilling, and strengthen workers’ economic mobility.
    • Encourage climate-focused workforce planning that is rooted in evidence and aligns with states’ existing workforce development and education systems.

    The initiative’s launch comes as historic federal investments, combined with ambitious state climate action, have unleashed a significant expansion of good-paying and union jobs in clean energy and clean technology fields—such as wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and batteries—with millions more anticipated in the coming years under the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    Governor Hochul Announces $2.3 million to Support Job Training for Offshore Wind Projects

    Building on the workforce initiative, Governor Hochul announced a $2.3 million award to support training for careers in offshore wind through the State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3 has been selected to develop and deliver training for offshore wind-related skills to 100 pre-apprentices and 430 journeypersons in New York City.

    This funding award, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will support offshore wind career awareness training as part of IBEW Local 3’s pre-apprenticeship and journeypersons training departments. Eighty of the 100 pre-apprentices will be placed in offshore wind related apprenticeship programs, and all 430 journeypersons will receive offshore wind-specific technical training, with six to be trained as instructors in offshore wind technical training.

    The training program will identify and include the knowledge and skills that are needed for electricians in all stages of offshore wind development, from preassembly through operation and maintenance.

    The funding builds on the nearly $11 million previously awarded through OWTI to other organizations supporting offshore wind related trainings. Programs supported included those at the New York City Union Iron Workers Locals 40 and 361, Capital Region BOCES, and eight different SUNY schools. The OWTI, along with NYSERDA, has built a network of academic, community, industry and labor alliances that will prepare up to 2,500 New Yorkers for careers in renewable-energy fields. OWTI is collaborating with the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center at Farmingdale State College and the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium at Stony Brook University that is supported by NYSERDA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Additionally, as part of the New York Power Authority’s commitment in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget to support the efforts of the Office of Just Energy Transition in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and invest annually in workforce training efforts, the Power Authority has thus far committed more than $12 million to support clean energy industry workforce development initiatives around the state.

    In July, NYPA issued a Clean Energy Workforce Training (CEWT) RFP for qualified based training providers (such as technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, manufacturers, and others) who can collaborate to develop technical training opportunities, hands-on experience, paid internships and full-time jobs for people entering the clean energy workforce. At its upcoming Oct. 8 meeting, NYPA’s Board of Trustees will vote on awarding roughly $2 million to a number of projects that would create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive pipeline of skilled talent for the clean energy labor market with a focus on pathways for employment in the clean energy field for residents of disadvantaged communities in the vicinity of NYPA’s facilities across New York State.

    Read more information on the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative.

    White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said, “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, we are bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity, lowering costs for American families, and catalyzing a renaissance of American-made manufacturing that is creating jobs across America. In fact, just last year, we added over 250,000 new American energy jobs — with clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as the rest of the sector. Governors across America are at the forefront of our efforts to spur growth in union jobs, expand American energy production, and invest in the economic success of our communities. Today’s announcement will help capitalize on our momentum to create a climate-ready workforce that is rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, communities, and industrial strength.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Building a clean energy economy is no small feat, and that is why this newly announced Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative is so critical. To succeed, our national and state workforces, need to be filled with expert technicians trained in the latest technologies. NYSERDA looks forward to continuing our support for workforce development and training programs through national partnerships like those being fostered by the U.S. Climate Alliance, and regional partnerships like the Offshore Wind Training Institute, as we grow New York’s industry in collaboration with other states.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “In alignment with the leadership of Governor Hochul’s and the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, the New York Power Authority’s workforce development programs are connecting New Yorkers with the skills and job training needed to power the state’s, and in turn the nation’s, clean energy future. NYPA’s investments in our own workforce, public-private workforce partnerships, and partnership with the Department of Labor are part our holistic approach to support the essential clean energy workforce and engage more New Yorkers in the clean energy economy.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s participation in the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative will further strengthen our efforts to train New Yorkers for high-quality jobs in green energy industries. Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change, with support from our federal and state agency partners, will grow the economy while creating a sustainable future.”

    New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Pairing registered apprenticeship opportunities with our environmental sustainability efforts is a win-win for workers and employers. By developing registered apprenticeships in line with clean energy goals, New York State continues to strengthen local economies in the on-going transition to a low-carbon economy. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, allowing our combined efforts to reach beyond state borders to ensure a sustainable, enduring future for our country’s workforce.”

    BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh said, “We’re excited to see governors stepping up to make sure we have the workforce needed to fill the good jobs that are being created by the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act. There is a tremendous opportunity from those federal investments to rebuild our blue-collar middle class by creating pathways into skilled, long-term careers in sectors like construction and manufacturing. This commitment from governors across the country is good for workers, good for employers, and good for the high-road clean energy economy we’re building together.”

    National Skills Coalition Managing Director of State Strategies Melissa Johnson said, “State governments have a crucial role to play in leveraging historic federal investments to create unprecedented jobs and training opportunities for the workforce while fighting climate change. It is incredible that this coalition of governors is stepping up to prioritize the diversity and economic security of the climate workforce because our climate readiness hinges on a new generation of workers having access to the education, skills training, and economic supports they need to access good jobs and careers in this booming sector.”

    International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson said, “Today’s announcement on the “Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative” is a great step forward in continuing to prepare future members of the IBEW and unionized Building Trades for the green energy jobs of today and beyond. We welcome tomorrow’s apprentices from all walks of life into our ranks with open arms, ready to deliver world-class training and to prepare them for union careers with family-supporting wages and benefits. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Biden-Harris administration, US Climate Alliance, and NYSERDA for addressing the climate crisis head-on and supporting the unionized green workforce.”

    MIL OSI USA News –