Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI: XenDex Prepares to Unveil Platform as $XDX Presale Enters Final Countdown

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following the successful completion of its soft cap and an influx of thousands of early adopters, XenDex is excited to confirm that Version 1 of its all-in-one decentralized exchange (DEX) is actively in development. A first-look mockup of the platform’s user interface will be revealed in the coming days, offering the community an exclusive preview of what’s to come.

    XenDex V1 is being built as a sleek, intuitive, and beginner-friendly platform that integrates the most in-demand decentralized finance features, all designed specifically for the XRP Ledger. Key functionalities include AI-powered copy trading, non-custodial lending and borrowing, staking and yield farming, cross-chain trading, and DAO governance all seamlessly accessible from a single dashboard.

    Join XenDex Presale Now

    And here’s the game-changer: Early access to XenDex V1 will be exclusively available to $XDX presale participants.

    Why $XDX Is Gaining Massive Traction

    XRP is currently experiencing renewed institutional interest following major milestones such as; SEC’s withdrawal of the Ripple lawsuit, Approval of ProShares’ XRP Futures ETF, Launch of Brazil’s first XRP Spot ETF etc.

    With bullish sentiment returning to the market, analysts and speculators alike are projecting long-term targets as high as $1,000 per XRP. In this surging landscape, XenDex is emerging as the foundational DeFi layer for the XRP ecosystem, with $XDX fueling every key operation on the platform.

    Final Stage of Presale — Limited Supply Remaining

    • Soft Cap: Filled
    • Current Price: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
    • Minimum Purchase: 150 XRP
    • Availability: Final allocation currently selling quickly

    Secure Your Tokens Now: https://xendex.net/presale

    $XDX Exchange Listings Confirmed

    Upon conclusion of the presale, $XDX will launch on major exchanges, including:

    • Binance
    • Gate.io
    • MEXC
    • BitMart
    • FirstLedger
    • MagneticX

    Buy XDX on XenDex

    These listings are expected to boost liquidity, increase exposure, and drive global adoption.

    XenDex Feature Highlights

    • AI-Powered Copy Trading
    • Non-Custodial Lending & Borrowing
    • Cross-Chain Trading
    • Staking & Yield Farming
    • DAO Governance

    Don’t Miss the Launch Phase

    Buy $XDX On Presale

    With the mockup reveal imminent, the full DEX release on the horizon, and final $XDX presale tokens disappearing fast, now is the time to join us.

    Be among the first to use the platform. Join the DeFi revolution on XRP.

    Official XenDex Links

    Website: https://xendex.net
    Presale: https://xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: https://t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/528bccfe-9d9d-442d-8aa5-48ac5566bc0a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Investing in Central New York’s Downtowns

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 20 transformational projects in Central New York as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. Nine projects were announced for Aurora, Cayuga and Union Springs, the joint Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; seven projects were announced for Canastota, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and four projects were announced for Brewerton, also a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

    “Central New York is at the forefront of the economic resurgence sweeping across our state, and I’m investing in 20 projects that will transform our towns and villages, and strengthen the communities around them,” Governor Hochul said. “When we invest in our communities, we make it easier for families and businesses to do what they do best with the freedom to do it better — that’s why I’m fighting to make our neighborhoods better for generations to come.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “When we invest in our downtowns, we’re investing in the heart of our communities. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we’re not just funding projects – we’re fostering vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that spur economic growth, enhance quality of life for residents and preserve the unique character of each municipality and region. These signature programs exemplify our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker, in every corner of our State, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”

    The 9 Aurora, Cayuga and Union Springs DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

    • Redevelopment of Beacon Bay Marina ($2,500,000): Redevelop the existing building into new lodging units, a property manager’s apartment and a small open-air gathering space primarily for lodging guests. The project also includes the installation of new docks to accommodate additional boating activity.
    • Improvements to Frontenac Park ($1,338,000): Develop new pathways for pedestrian circulation, new pay station and accommodations for parking. The project also includes repurposing of the house at the end of Factory Street into a recreation office and community gathering space, creation of a new patio for outdoor recreation programming and classes, addition of a new picnic shelter and restoration of lawn areas.
    • Transformation of McIntosh Park ($2,083,000): Transform McIntosh Park through renovations that include drainage improvements, paved entrance road and parking, basketball and pickleball courts, relocation of the existing tee-ball field, new benches, construction of an inclusive playground and a new pavilion.
    • Development of Mixed-Use Building at 143 Cayuga Street ($1,428,000): Construct a new multi-story, mixed-use building that will include apartments on the upper floors and retail space on the ground floor.
    • Construction of a Southern Gateway: Aurora Waterfront Park ($773,000): Construct a Southern Gateway Park by repurposing the old railway bed into a durable, shared use, ADA compliant trail. Additional park features include new signage, a new parking area, picnic tables with grills and shade trees. The project will also include an accessible canoe/kayak launch, kayak storage rack and Blueway launch site signage, Blueway Trail kiosk, benches along the trail and a concrete sidewall.
    • Development of Marina Gateway and Storefront Entrance, Waterfront Café and Additional Boat Service Facilities ($589,000): Develop a marina gateway via removal of structures at 107 Cayuga Street, new storefront entrance for the Marina show room and construction of triple bay service and parts facility. The project also includes the construction of a waterfront café to be open for year-round use.
    • Development of Apartments at 6200 Center Street ($446,000): Adaptive reuse of an existing building at 6200 Center Street into two-bedroom loft style apartments and associated storage spaces for residents.
    • Restoration of the Historic Patrick Tavern Building and Development of Tavern Green at 302 Main Street ($363,000): Restore Patrick Tavern including the addition of an historically accurate covered porch along the Village’s Main Street façade. The project also includes the replacement of the roof, windows and doors as well as new interpretive signage, sidewalk connection, bike racks, storage room, new exterior lighting, a stone patio and stone wall and ADA accessible ramps. Behind the building, a new green space will be developed to allow for markets and events.
    • Upgrades to Community Center and New Accessible Entrance at 337 Main Street ($180,000): Install a new ADA accessible entryway with improved lighting, signage and a sidewalk connection to existing public walk. The project provides updates to the existing meeting space including the replacement of flooring, new lighting, reconstruction of the kitchen and HVAC installation.

    Village of Canastota

    The Village of Canastota has demonstrated that it is ready for transformative growth with its historic village, past investments and abundant recreational opportunities. The NY Forward projects identified will capitalize on these assets and redevelop vacant sites, while also restoring and enhancing the Village’s rural charm and Erie Canal heritage.

    The 7 Canastota NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Develop a Mixed-Use Pocket Neighborhood with Cafe Retail Space & Community Amenities on the Erie Canal ($500,000): Construct a retail space within a new “Canalside Pocket Neighborhood,” a multi-building mixed-use housing project. The total pocket neighborhood project will redevelop a vacant site one block from downtown and feature approximately 51 new housing units for diverse income groups that consist of 7–12 new buildings, including single-family homes, townhomes, senior housing, an apartment complex, retail and community amenities.
    • Expand ZEMS/Penny’s to Create New Community Gathering Space South of the Canal ($239,000): Create a two-acre public space in front of ZEMS/Penny’s, renovate the local businesses’ interior and add 600 feet of new sidewalk, a gazebo, music stage and pavilion. The interior expansion will create more retail space and a multipurpose community space. The sidewalk improvements will facilitate greater connectivity between local trails and downtown.
    • Convert Vacant Canal Street Building into NYS Farm Craft Brewing Facility ($575,000): Convert a vacant historic Erie Canal building into a NYS farm brewery and tourist destination. The renovation will involve converting the interior into a brew facility, tasting room, educational venue and packaging facility for off-premises sales. The exterior renovations will include Erie Canal themed exteriors and ample visitor parking.
    • Transform Vacant Historic Farr Building into Erie Canal Brewing Company Taproom & Village Welcome Center ($450,000): Restore an unoccupied historic building to a productive facility, promoting local economic growth, creating jobs, providing affordable apartments, attracting tourism and providing event space. The taproom will feature NY craft beer, wine and locally sourced food.
    • Renovate Historic Building at 138 Canal Street for Commercial Use ($172,000): Revive one of the oldest original structures along the Erie Canal through a complete building renovation that will include a new facade, front porch, walkways and interior finishes. The first floor of the completed project will be marketed for lease to local retail or food and beverage establishments at below-market rents, attracting entrepreneurs to the location.
    • Enhance North Canal Street to Improve Public Space, Walkability and Recreational Opportunities ($1,706,000): Revitalize space adjacent to the historic Erie Canal into a new Village park, incorporating streetscape improvements, Rotary Park enhancements, a canal overlook, a canal-front pavilion, water circulation features and boat launch.
    • Renovate Canastota Fire House for Improved Community Use & Greater Accessibility ($858,000): The project will modernize the Canastota Fire House’s public meeting space for ADA accessibility and enhanced energy efficiency. It includes an elevator installation and restroom renovation for ADA compliance, window replacement, interior improvements and exterior rehabilitation.

    Hamlet of Brewerton

    With its proximity to the Micron semi-conductor site, the Hamlet of Brewerton’s NY Forward projects are being viewed as the first step towards intentional, strategic and collaborative planning. The development of these projects will welcome new residents, visitors, and businesses in the years to come. The combination of public and private improvements will lay the foundation for future private sector investments that will attract more businesses and events to the downtown.

    The 4 Brewerton NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Construct 9693 Brewerton Road Mixed Use Development ($1,600,000): Create new retail and residential space in the heart of the NYF area. The development will include a mixed-use building and energy-efficient townhomes.
    • Enhance Lighthouse Park ($1,500,000): Enhance waterfront recreation by adding a two-slip public boat launch, ADA-compliant fishing platform and kayak launch, nature play facility and a new restroom at Lighthouse Park.
    • Construct Apartment Buildings at 9602 Brewerton Road ($1,000,000): Construct two eight-unit buildings in phase 1 and twenty tiny homes in phase 2 within walking access to Oneida Lake and local businesses.
    • Renovate Brewerton Library ($400,000): Expand the library’s role as a community hub by adding a small café space, public meeting room, additional restrooms, a visitor information center and an outdoor seating area.

    Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are transforming communities across New York State by turning local visions into bold investments to generate place-based economic development. These projects will create new opportunities for businesses, support vibrant public spaces, and attract residents and visitors alike – laying the foundation for sustainable growth and stronger regional economies.”

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “All across this State, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are strategically prioritizing communities, growing economies with targeted awards, creating more housing opportunities that improve affordability for New Yorkers where it is most needed, and building on the diverse character of our neighborhoods. By working with local and municipal partners, these awards continue Governor Hochul’s commitment to developing the full potential of our downtowns as economic drivers and attractive places to live.”

    Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken and Linda M. LeMura said, “The CNYREDC is incredibly proud to continue our support for the communities of Aurora, Cayuga, Union Springs, Canastota and Brewerton and their exciting futures thanks to the Governor’s Downtown Revitalization and New York Forward Initiatives. These 20 selected, community-driven projects will benefit both residents and visitors alike, promoting economic growth and creating a more vibrant downtown-a place where people will want to live, work, and play for generations to come.”

    State Senator Christopher Ryan said, “These investments in Canastota and Brewerton represent more than bricks and mortar. They’re about building community, honoring heritage, and preparing for the future. In Canastota, we’re breathing new life into our Erie Canal legacy, creating new housing and business opportunities while strengthening our identity as a historic and welcoming village. In Brewerton, we’re laying the groundwork for smart, strategic growth that aligns with the region’s evolving potential, especially as Micron transforms our economic landscape. I’m proud to support these forward-looking projects that will bring lasting benefits to residents and businesses alike and thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to our region.”

    State Senator Rachel May said, “Central New York is full of vibrant downtowns where friends can gather to enjoy great dining, theater, art, and outdoor activities. With nearly $10 million allocated through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, buildings, parks, and waterfronts in Cayuga County will be enhanced, making these spaces more enjoyable and accessible. Thank you to our local leaders for ensuring that these public areas continue to enrich the lives of residents, and to Governor Hochul and my colleagues for continuing to support the DRI program that serves so many Upstate communities.”

    Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “The implementation of these projects sets the stage for Central New York to shine, bringing out the best aspects of our communities for years to come. I am proud to support NY Forward’s initiatives in Brewerton, as they revitalize this area’s unique waterfront community with enhanced residential spaces and recreational opportunities for all. As our region’s economic capacity continues to expand, Central New York is committed to be a vibrant and affordable place to work, raise a family, and live a good life.”

    Village of Cayuga Mayor Don Wilson Jr. said, “It is with great honor and gratitude that the Village of Cayuga receive this investment from the taxpayers of New York. I congratulate our neighbors, Union Springs and Aurora, and look forward to continuing this momentum into the future.”

    Village of Aurora Mayor Jim Orman said, “One year ago Wells College closed. The Village of Aurora lost over half of its population. This DRI award will provide the first tangible step to begin the renaissance of Aurora. We have already attracted the interest of an investor to build homes and small businesses across from this new park. This transformational award will provide the initial boost in our long term economic development growth.”

    Village of Union Springs Mayor Robert C. Thurston Jr. said, “The Village of Union Springs ecstatic following the announcement of the projects selected for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). These transformative projects are destined to generate a significant and lasting impact not only on the village itself but also on the wider region. The selection of these DRI projects marks a pivotal moment for Union Springs. These initiatives are exceptionally important to our community, and we are confident that upon their completion, their positive effects will be felt for generations to come. This investment will be truly transformative. The Village of Union Springs eagerly anticipates the commencement of these projects and the vibrant future they will help create for residents and visitors alike.”

    Village of Canastota Mayor Rosanne Warner said, “The Village of Canastota is very excited about the economic and social benefits these NY Forward projects will bring to our community, and we are confident that this investment into our village will spur additional revitalization efforts. On behalf of the residents of Canastota I would like to sincerely thank Governor Hochul, the Department of State, and Empire State Development, for their faith in our projects which hold great promise to be truly transformative. We thank all of the businesses who submitted projects for this highly competitive grant and look forward to starting the next phase of this process which will bring positive changes to our 215-year-old historic downtown.”

    Town of Hastings Supervisor Tony Bush said, “I and the Town of Hastings are so thankful for this Grant in regards to the Lighthouse Park. I want to thank the Governor and all that were involved in making this happen. This money will help enhance our park and usage, with boats, kayaks and family get together. Our Town can not thank you enough.”

    DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

    About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State strengthen its economy, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 91 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program
    First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program has awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland beaches named amongst the best in the country

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Sunderland’s ever popular Roker and Seaburn beaches have been named among the best in the country in the 2025 Seaside Awards.

    The awards from leading environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of its coastline.

    Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted that both Roker and Seaburn beaches will be proudly flying the national Seaside Awards flag again this year after being recognised as being among the best in England for their quality, cleanliness, and management. We’re also delighted that Roker Beach has once again been awarded a prestigious blue flag – a symbol of the highest standards in water quality, cleanliness, and visitor facilities.

    “And the award of a Seaside Award for Seaburn Beach – alongside a ‘Good’ rating for water quality – reflects the high standards maintained across the seafront. It continues to be a fantastic place for residents and visitors to enjoy the seaside and one of the city’s most popular destinations for residents and visitors. Our teams work tirelessly to keep our coastline clean, welcoming, and safe all year round, and this continued recognition through national awards is a testament to that hard work.”

    Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, added: “We’re fortunate in having a stunning coastline, with much loved award-winning beaches and panoramic views and its own growing food and drink scene, as well as fantastic facilities for families and we’re looking forward to welcoming the many people who enjoy them all year round.

    “We’ve also just recently confirmed the expansion of Sunderland BID to our seafront – an exciting development that will unlock even more potential across Roker and Seaburn – helping us strengthen our coast-to-city visitor journey and support businesses in one of our most-loved locations so we’re really excited about the future of Roker and Seaburn and making the most of the many attractions they have to offer.”

    Millions of pounds worth of investment in the regeneration of the city’s seafront have seen it going from strength to strength in recent years, with new developments including the Seaburn Inn hotel, Stack and a host of new restaurants and cafes, including Blacks Corner Tram Shelter, North and the Tin of Sardines making it a magnet for residents and visitors alike.

    While a new play area at Seaburn with digital play, sand and sensory zones which was designed with the help of local school children has significantly increased the family offer.

    The recent launch of a new Seafront Business Improvement District (BID) is set to bring further significant benefits to the seafront by creating a vibrant, welcoming and safe environment and improving links with the city centre and Sheepfolds to attract more visitors and boost the local economy.

    Sunderland City Council has also recently launched a city wide app to help residents, businesses and visitors to get the best out of the city by getting all the latest updates on local events and attractions.

    Downloading The Sunderland App allows users to discover hidden gems from cosy cafes to gourmet restaurants, navigate their way around the city using interactive maps and unlock exclusive deals and discounts: The Sunderland App – MySunderland 

    People can also take advantage of free Superfast WiFI covering the city centre, right along to the seafront too to download the app and use it without using up their data: Free Sunderland Wi-Fi – MySunderland

    While www.mysunderland.co.uk is the place to go to keep up with everything you need to know about the city’s offer.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XenDex V1 Launching Soon, Early Access Exclusive for $XDX Presale Buyers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After surpassing its soft cap and attracting thousands of early adopters, XenDex is proud to announce that Version 1 of its all-in-one decentralized exchange platform is actively in development and a first-look mockup design is set to be unveiled in the coming days.

    The XenDex platform will feature a seamless, beginner-friendly interface integrating all key DeFi functions missing from the XRP Ledger: AI-powered copy trading, non-custodial lending & borrowing, staking & yield farming, cross-chain trading, and DAO governance, all in one sleek dashboard.

    Buy XDX Before Listing On Exchange

    And here’s the best part: Only $XDX presale holders will receive early access to XenDex V1.

    Why Is Everyone Buying $XDX?

    The timing couldn’t be better. XRP is surging on the back of ProShares’ XRP Futures ETF approval, Brazil’s first XRP Spot ETF, and the SEC’s full withdrawal of its lawsuit against Ripple. These landmark events have reignited bullish sentiment, and speculators are predicting $1000 XRP long-term as institutional adoption intensifies.

    In this growing wave, XenDex is rising as the DeFi core of the XRPL, and $XDX is the fuel.

    Buy $XDX Now & Earn Rewards

    Presale Final Stage – Time Is Running Out

    • Soft Cap: Filled
    • Current Rate: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
    • Minimum Buy: 150 XRP

    Buy Now Before It’s Gone: https://xendex.net/presale

    Exchange Listings Confirmed

    Following the presale, $XDX will be listed on major exchanges:

    • Binance
    • Gate.io
    • MEXC
    • BitMart
    • FirstLedger
    • MagneticX

    Don’t Wait, Be Among the First to Use XenDex By Joining Our Presale.

    Purchase $XDX At A low Price

    XenDex Platform Key Features

    • AI-Powered Copy Trading – Mirror professional traders to maximize gains
    • Lending & Borrowing – Borrow and lend XRP and $XDX with smart contract security
    • Cross-Chain Trading – Swap XRP with tokens across BNB Chain, Solana, and more
    • Staking & Yield Farming – Earn while supporting platform liquidity
    • DAO Governance – $XDX holders vote on upgrades, proposals, and token listings

    With the mockup reveal coming soon, a full DEX launch on the horizon, and $XDX token utility growing fast, this is your last chance to join early before the price goes higher and access closes.

    Join the XenDex Community To Learn More:

    Website: https://xendex.net
    Presale: https://xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: https://t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. GlobeNewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9e201d1-1a66-421e-a22b-90bf981f0672

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by wildfires beginning July 12, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Montana counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Garfield, Musselshell, Petroleum, Powder River, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone as well as the Wyoming counties of Big Horn, Campbell, Crook and Sheridan.

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

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

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News

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

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions occurring in July and August 2024.

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration
    Number

    Primary
    Counties

    Neighboring
    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline

    AR 20782 Jefferson Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Lincoln, Lonoke and Pulaski Excessive Rain and High Winds July 8–9, 2024 6/16/25
    AR 20783 Pope Conway, Johnson, Logan, Newton, Searcy, Van Buren and Yell High Winds and Lightning Aug. 16–18, 2024 6/16/25

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

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

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Louisiana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Hurricane Francine

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Louisiana of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Francine occurring Sept. 9-12, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Louisiana parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne.

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

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

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

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Orange You Glad that Researchers Made a “Sweet” Discovery for the Citrus Industry?

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    Orange You Glad that Researchers Made a “Sweet” Discovery for the Citrus Industry?

    By: Jessica Ryan
    Email: arspress@usda.gov

    May 15, 2025

    ARS scientists made a “sweet” discovery that may be important to solve a major problem within the citrus industry. 

    Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, poses a serious threat to the Florida citrus industry. HLB is associated with tree infection by its presumed causal agent Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and is spreading to many citrus-growing areas worldwide. In Florida, HLB has caused about 90% of citrus production losses since it was first detected in 2005. 

    An orange from a Donaldson tree. (Photo by Giancarlo Buzzi, ARS)

    ARS scientists at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL, assessed citrus trees with oranges that could be potentially used for commercial production of orange juice. During their assessment, the scientists found a sweet orange tree named “Donaldson” at the A.H. Whitmore Citrus Research Foundation Farm in Groveland, FL. This tree is a selection from the USDA-ARS variety collection that represents over 100 years of USDA-ARS research on citrus in Florida. 

    “The Donaldson sweet orange tree stood out as being exceptionally healthy compared to the industry-standard trees that were planted close by and were in decline or had died,” said Matt Mattia, a research geneticist. “The Donaldson tree also tested positive for the presence of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, one of the presumed causal agents of HLB. This indicates that the tree may have tolerance to the disease.” 

    The Donaldson orange tree. (Photo by Giancarlo Buzzi, ARS)

    Historical records show that the Donaldson tree was first planted on the farm over 30 years ago. Another tree type named “Hamlin,” which has been ravaged by HLB, was also planted around the same time. Hamlin and Donaldson are early season trees that mature from December to January. While Hamlin has been used in commercial orange juice production for years, Donaldson has remained only on the farm. 

    Researchers assessed if Donaldson oranges could substitute Hamlin oranges for juice production. In the study, researchers conducted taste tests to study the differences between orange juice blends using Hamlin and Donaldson oranges. 

    “The taste testers noted that there was a difference between the two juices,” said Mattia. “However, those differences may be explained by the lower acidity in fruits from young Hamlin trees.” 

    According to Mattia, Donaldson oranges could replace Hamlin oranges for commercial production, maturing in the early season and presenting good orange flavor. However, future research should explore whether Donaldson fruit could replace Hamlin fruit in juice by comparing fruits from trees of the same age. 

    More research is underway to determine if the Donaldson trees have long-term tolerance to HLB and if citrus growers can successfully plant these trees to meet the demands of commercial production. ARS researchers plan to work with research collaborators and industry partners to assess Donaldson’s tolerance to HLB in field trials and study the possible underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for tolerance. 

    The study was published in HortScience. The research done by ARS was in collaboration with researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Horticultural Sciences Department. 

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

    # # #

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Signs HB 74

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Signs HB 74

    Governor Josh Stein Signs HB 74
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein signed House Budget Technical Corrections (HB 74) into law. 

    “This bill makes helpful technical changes to give farmers in western North Carolina more time to apply for crop loss grants,” said Governor Josh Stein. “However, I continue to have concerns about the legislature’s unconstitutional attempt to control the State Highway Patrol. Public safety is a clear function of the executive branch and the Governor, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep North Carolinians safe.”

    Click here to view the bill. 

    May 15, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Farmers First: EU Unveils Major Reforms to Simplify CAP & Support Rural Resilience

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    This is not a technical adjustment — it is a political choice rooted in trust, flexibility, and long-term sustainability.
    With this reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European Commission is making a clear commitment to reduce administrative burdens, strengthen resilience, and empower farmers across the European Union. This package reflects a strategic shift: aligning EU policy with the real needs on the ground. By placing simplification, subsidiarity, and mutual trust at the core of agricultural support, we are shaping a CAP that delivers both stability and forward-looking solutions for Europe’s farmers.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNzOUrp0tKw

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Agricole Sa: Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring completes acquisition of German group Merca Leasing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Montrouge – May 15, 2025

    Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring
    completes acquisition of German group Merca Leasing

    Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring (CAL&F) announces that it has obtained all the necessary authorizations and today finalized the acquisition of 100% of Merca Leasing, a group that has been a partner to the German manufacturing industry for over three decades. This operation is fully in line with CAL&F’s development strategy and will enable it to accelerate its growth in the particularly dynamic German leasing market.

    After obtaining the necessary approvals from German BaFin1 and the German Competition Authority, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring finalized today in Frankfurt the acquisition of Merca Leasing Group, in line with the announcement made to the markets in October 2024.

    Founded in 1989, Merca Leasing is based in Kronberg, near Frankfurt, with branches in Hamburg and Berlin. The group, which is one of the top ten independent Leasing companies in Germany2, offers tailor-made leasing solutions to SMEs, with a strong expertise in financing industrial equipment through Direct Sales channels.

    With the acquisition of Merca Leasing, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring strengthens its expertise and service offering, especially in Mobility, and expands its footprint in the highly fragmented German market, which is a priority in the development strategy of its businesses.

    The impact of the transaction on Crédit Agricole S.A.’s CET1 ratio is not significant.

    We are delighted to welcome all the employees of Merca Leasing, whom I warmly greet on behalf of all the teams at Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring. The acquisition of Merca Leasing is an important step in Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring’s European development, and is fully in line with our strategy and the achievement of the ambitions of our 2025 Medium-Term Plan “Transitions to the Future”. This transaction offers the CAL&F and Merca Leasing teams the opportunity to pool their expertise and strengths to serve our customers and the German market.”
    Hervé VARILLON, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring

    **********
      
      
    ABOUT CRÉDIT AGRICOLE LEASING & FACTORING

    A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring “CAL&F” has been a key player in Leasing and Factoring for more than 60 years, as well as in the financing of renewable energies and infrastructure in the territories.
    Present in 10 countries in Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland) and thus benefiting from a wide range of activities, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring offers specialised financing, more responsible mobility and second-life equipment solutions to its customers: corporates, professionals, farmers and local authorities. In this way, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring supports, facilitates and accelerates their growth and their transitions towards a more inclusive world, which consumes fewer resources for the planet.

    KEY FIGURES AT THE END OF 2024 (FRANCE AND INTERNATIONAL)
    260,400 customers, including 33% abroad
    2,769 employees
    €34 billion in outstandings, including 30% abroad
    For further information: www.ca-leasingfactoring.com   

    ABOUT MERCA LEASING GMBH
    Merca Leasing was founded in 1989 by Kredietbank N.V., Brussels, Belgium, & U. Helmdach and integrated into the KBC Bank & Insurance Group in 1998. In 2012, the KBC Lease (Deutschland) Group was taken over by the management, renamed Merca Leasing again, based in Kronberg / Taunus (near Frankfurt).
    The group offers financing solutions for business-critical movable equipment focusing on production machinery through leasing, hire purchase, sale-and-lease-back, retrofitting funding services and forfaiting solutions (through Merca Vendor).
    Key figures at the end of 2024 : 37 employees – New sales €309m – Portfolio (actual outstandings) €472m
    For further information: www.merca-leasing.de

    CAL&F PRESS CONTACT
    Sophie Leplus +33 (0)1 43 23 30 87 / +33 (0)6 24 87 16 03 – sophie.leplus@ca-lf.com


    1 Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (German Federal Financial Supervision Authority)

    2 Source: BDL / Bundesverband Deutscher Leasing-Unternehmen (Federal Association of German Leasing Companies)

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huizenga Announces Federal Affordable Housing Funding for Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage Through HUD

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga announced that communities across Southwest Michigan will receive federal funding from the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations legislation.  Specifically, the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage will receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).  CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by improving housing and providing a better living environment. Additionally, CDBG expands economic opportunity, principally for low- and moderate-income residents.

    Furthermore, the communities of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo will receive federal funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use – often in partnership with local nonprofit groups – to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households.

    “I am glad to see the Trump Administration prioritize the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This funding will improve housing affordability as well as increase economic opportunity for lower and moderate-income families across Southwest Michigan.”

    CDBG Funding Allocations

    Battle Creek              $1,205,390   

    Benton Harbor          $382,893

    Holland                      $333,432

    Kalamazoo                $1,583,632   

    Portage                      $209,148

    HOME Funding Allocations

    Battle Creek              $254,254

    Kalamazoo                $456,817

    The State of Michigan also received a direct allocation totaling $34,090,474 for CBDG and $16,080,261 for HOME. This funding is on top of the funding distributed to municipalities across Michigan.

    Here is the full list of Michigan communities who recently received funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

    Battle Creek, Bay, Benton Harbor, Canton Twp, Clinton Twp, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, East Lansing, Farmington Hills, Flint, Genesee County, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent County, Lansing, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Macomb County, Midland, Monroe, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Niles, Norton Shores, Oakland County, Pontiac, Port Huron, Portage, Redford, Roseville, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Southfield, St Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Traverse City, Warren, Washtenaw County, Waterford Township, Wayne County, Westland, and Wyoming.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Statement on House Agriculture Committee Advancing Reconciliation Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Statement on House Agriculture Committee Advancing Reconciliation Legislation

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after voting to advance the House Agriculture Committee’s portion of the One, Big, Beautiful bill with a 29-25 vote. 

    “My colleagues and I on the House Agriculture Committee have delivered common-sense reforms to SNAP and critical pieces of the Farm Bill in this legislation,” said Rep. Newhouse. “When enacted, our portion of the reconciliation package will rein in out-of-control spending and make unprecedented strides in reducing the deficit. Expanding our foreign market access programs has been a top priority of mine, and I am proud that our bill delivers farmers and ranchers the important resources needed to compete in global markets. I thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership as we continue to work hard for the American agriculture industry.” 

    This Friday, May 16, the House Budget Committee is scheduled hold a markup of the full reconciliation package with the Agriculture Committee’s legislation included. 

    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon Votes Yes on House Agriculture Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Bacon Votes Yes on House Agriculture Reconciliation Bill

    Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) voted yes on the House Agriculture Committee’s (HAC) Reconciliation markup, which includes measures to restore integrity to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). These reforms will ensure SNAP works the way Congress intended it to, by reinforcing work, rooting out waste, and setting accountability incentives to control costs and end executive and state overreach.

    “We need to find the waste and eliminate it so we can strengthen the program for the vulnerable,” said Rep. Bacon.

    Since 2019 SNAP rolls have increased by 17% and the cost of the program has ballooned by 83%. States administer the program and collectively make almost $13 billion in erroneous payments to participants in the SNAP program. The national error rate of 11.68 percent has nearly doubled since 2019. In addition, enforcement efforts have been limited by some states who do not enforce work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. Currently, 40% of these work-ready individuals live under a waiver that exempts them from work requirements. 

    “Clearly this isn’t sustainable for American Taxpayers,” said Rep. Bacon. “We are delivering on our promise to reign in waste and fraud.”

    Each state will be required to shoulder a share of the costs, based on their erroneous rates, beginning in 2028.

    “Our team successfully negotiated with committee leadership to lower the burden of the state’s share,” added Rep. Bacon. “Nebraska was looking into shelling out an additional $83 million and we got that lowered to about $30 million. Plus, if Nebraska and other states lower their error rates, they will lower their percentage of share cost.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Devastating Screwworm Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Legislation Would Create Facility to Curb New World Screwworm Population Growth

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Bipartisan Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act, which wouldauthorize funds for and direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin construction on a new sterile fly production facility to combat the growing New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak that threatens to wreak havoc on the American cattle industry. Additional cosponsors of this legislation include Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) was the lead sponsor of the House version.  

    “Given the current screwworm outbreak, Congress must take immediate action to help protect New Mexico’s cattle and livestock from this growing threat,” said Senator Luján, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “This bipartisan legislation will fund a new sterile fly facility to help stop the spread of the destructive New World screwworm and protect New Mexico’s 1.4 million cattle and calves. This is a critical investment that supports over 10,000 cattle farms and ranches in New Mexico, saves the U.S. livestock industry nearly $1 billion each year, and helps prevent an outbreak in the U.S.”

    “Combatting the destructive New World screwworm is vital to protecting our cattle, Texas producers, and the American livestock industry as a whole,” said Senator Cornyn. “I am proud to lead this legislation to create a new facility dedicated to pushing these pests away from our border and will continue to work with Secretary Rollins and agriculture leaders across the state to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and producers have the resources they need.” 

    “The New World Screwworm poses a growing threat to New Mexico livestock, jeopardizing ranchers’ livelihoods, and putting our food supply at risk.  I’m proud to join Senators Cornyn and Luján to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help us tackle this problem now and prevent outbreaks in the future,” said Senator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.”  

    “Texas agriculture and livestock are a core part of the Texas economy, and they feed America and the world,” said Senator Cruz. “I’m working daily with Secretary Rollins, Texas authorities, and my colleagues in Congress to safeguard Texas from threats including the New World Screwworm, and pushing Mexico to implement their commitments to eradication. This bill will advance those efforts, and Congress should pass it.”

    “Ag producers across America are sounding the alarm—the New World Screwworm is making a comeback, and our livestock industry is in real danger. We need to fully eradicate this pest before it’s too late,” said Rep. Gonzales. “The STOP Screwworms Act provides dedicated resources to do just that. By authorizing the construction of a new sterile fly facility in the United States, we reduce our dependence on Latin American partners for eradication efforts and take matters into our own hands.”

    “The recent screwworm outbreak is deeply concerning, and without immediate action and adequate preparation, the consequences for New Mexico’s cattle and livestock industries could be devastating,” said Larry Reagan, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau President. “This legislation is a critical step in ensuring the nation is prepared to respond effectively and New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers are protected.”

    Background:

    The New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on livestock, wildlife, and in rare cases, humans, and populations are moving toward the United States at an alarming rate. They can cause serious damage to their host, including death. This week, the USDA announced the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through the southern border in response to the growing spread of the NWS and recent outbreaks in Mexico.

    This new facility would produce sterile male screwworm flies that would be released into infested areas to help combat the growth of the screwworm population. The sterile fly technique was instrumental in eradicating NWS from the United States in the 1960s and from Mexico in the ‘90s, as sterile male flies can outcompete local populations and effectively wipe out an entire generation of screwworms in a given area.

    This legislation is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, the Texas Farm Bureau, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the South Texans’ Property Rights Association. 

    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Military Families visit museums for free this summer

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Providence, RI � Actively serving military members and their families can visit participating museums nationwide for free as part of the Blue Star Museums program, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Blue Star Families (BSF) in collaboration with the Department of Defense.

    In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today that the museums participating in the program, which kicks off Saturday (May 17) and concludes Sept. 1, include the following:

    � Bristol Art Museum and Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol. � Newport Restoration Foundation and Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame, Newport. � Providence Children’s Museum and RISD Museum, Providence. � Living Sharks Museum, Westerly. � Museum of Work and Culture, Woonsocket.

    “Blue Star Museums is another way to salute our active-duty military members and their families and provide them with valuable educational and cultural opportunities. It’s another tangible way to remind our troops and their families how much we all value and appreciate their service to our nation,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

    “The National Endowment for the Arts is honored to help connect military service members and their families with their communities through the Blue Star Museums program,” said Mary Anne Carter, Senior Advisor for the National Endowment for the Arts. “Museums and cultural institutions offer countless opportunities for our military to create special memories, celebrate America’s history, and connect with our country’s heritage and culture.”

    “For 15 years, Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home in their communities,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Thanks to our continued partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and participating museums nationwide, we’re proud to continue this tradition of belonging and enrichment. Museums are more than cultural spaces�they’re places where military families feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.”

    This free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States military�Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps�and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

    “We are grateful to all the museums in Rhode Island and throughout the nation who are showing their appreciation for members of the military and their families. The arts play an integral role in the health and well-being of individuals and communities,” Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA, said. “RISCA is thrilled to help spread the word about this program.”

    The NEA and Blue Star Families rely on national service organizations to help spread the word about the Blue Star Museums program, such as the National Assembly of State Art Agencies, American Alliance of Museums, American Association of State and Local History, Association of African American Museums, Association of Art Museum Directors, Association of Children’s Museums, Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

    In addition, regional museum associations also help with recruitment efforts, including the Association of Midwest Museums, Mid-America Arts Alliance, Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums, Mountain-Plains Museums Association, New England Museum Association, Southeastern Museums Conferences, and Western Museums Association.

    Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

    Blue Star Museums is one of the NEA’s programs that supports military personnel and their families. Others include the Creative Forces�: NEA Military Healing Arts Network and grants awarded to nonprofit organizations to support projects that reach military and veteran populations.

    Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.

    Established in 1967, RISCA is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and federal grants from the NEA. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. To learn more, visit www.arts.ri.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Round of Summer 2025 Sun Bucks Benefits More Than One Million Children

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: First Round of Summer 2025 Sun Bucks Benefits More Than One Million Children

    First Round of Summer 2025 Sun Bucks Benefits More Than One Million Children
    hejones1

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first round of SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2025 has successfully reached more than one million children, with $121 million distributed to eligible families across the state. 

    The funds, which come in the form of debit-like cards that provide a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child, can be used to purchase nutritious food at retailers and farmers markets that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), including most major grocery stores in North Carolina. The SUN Bucks program is one of three NC Summer Nutrition (SUN) Programs for Kids, ensuring children have access to healthy meals during the summer months when school is out. This is a critical benefit for families as 1 in 6 North Carolina children live in households without consistent access to food.

    “We are excited to have supported more than one million children and their families through the first round of SUN Bucks in 2025,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Healthy food is essential to overall health and well-being. This program helps bridge the gap during the summer months, so children can continue to thrive.”

    The first round of funds was distributed from May 9 to May 11. Eligible families who have received their SUN Bucks eligibility notice can expect their cards to be mailed separately. Card delivery may take up to eight weeks and cards may arrive before funds are loaded, which will begin on May 22.

    SUN Bucks supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids, which offer free meals to children and teens up to age 18. Through SUN Meals, young people can enjoy meals and snacks while participating in fun fitness and educational activities during the summer at schools, parks and other local venues. In rural areas where access to SUN Meals may be limited, SUN Meals To-Go might be available for pickup or delivery. Families can find nearby summer meal locations and more details at SummerMeals4NCKids.org.

    Eligible families who have not yet registered or applied for SUN Bucks benefits can still do so by visiting the SUN Bucks application page. Families with questions should visit the SUN Bucks website or call the NC SUN Bucks Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, select a language, then select option 2 to speak with a SUN Bucks representative. 

     

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy la primera ronda de beneficios de SUN Bucks para el verano de 2025 que ha llegado con éxito a más de un millón de niños, con $121 millones distribuidos a familias elegibles en todo el estado.

    Los fondos vienen en forma de tarjetas de débito que proporcionan un pago único de $120 por niño elegible, se pueden usar para comprar alimentos nutritivos en minoristas y mercados de agricultores que aceptan Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT), incluida la mayoría de las principales tiendas de comestibles en Carolina del Norte. El programa SUN Bucks es uno de los tres Programas de nutrición de verano de NC (SUN) para niños, que garantiza que los niños tengan acceso a comidas saludables durante los meses de verano cuando no hay clases. Este es un beneficio fundamental para las familias, ya que 1 de cada 6 niños de Carolina del Norte vive en hogares sin un acceso consistente a alimentos.

    “Nos complace haber apoyado a más de un millón de niños y sus familias a través de la primera ronda de SUN Bucks en 2025”, dijo Dev Sangvai, Secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte. “La alimentación saludable es esencial para la salud y el bienestar general. Este programa ayuda a cerrar la brecha durante los meses de verano, para que los niños puedan seguir prosperando”.

    La primera ronda de fondos se distribuyó del 9 al 11 de mayo. Las familias elegibles que han recibido su aviso de elegibilidad de SUN Bucks pueden esperar que sus tarjetas se envíen por separado. La entrega de la tarjeta puede tardar hasta ocho semanas y las tarjetas pueden llegar antes de que se añadan los fondos, lo que comenzará el 22 de mayo.

    SUN Bucks apoya los Programas de nutrición de verano para niños del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU., que ofrecen comidas gratuitas a niños y adolescentes hasta los 18 años. A través de SUN Meals, los jóvenes pueden disfrutar de comidas y refrigerios mientras participan en divertidas actividades educativas y de acondicionamiento físico durante el verano en escuelas, parques y otros lugares locales. En las zonas rurales, donde el acceso a SUN Meals puede ser limitado, SUN Meals To-Go puede estar disponible para recogida o envio. Las familias pueden encontrar restaurantes de comida de verano cercanos y más detalles en SummerMeals4NCKids.org.  

    Las familias elegibles que aún no se hayan registrado o solicitado los beneficios de SUN Bucks aún pueden hacerlo visitando la página de solicitud de SUN Bucks. Las familias con preguntas deben visitar el sitio web de SUN Bucks o llamar al Centro de atención telefónica de NC SUN Bucks al 1-866-719-0141, seleccionar su idioma y luego oprimir opción 2 para hablar con un representante de SUN Bucks.

    May 15, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Republican Plan to Gut Food Assistance Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the House Agriculture Committee markup of the Republican-led budget bill. The bill would decimate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and take food assistance away from millions of seniors, children, veterans, and families.

    “At a time when families are struggling to put food on the table, Republicans are once again working to strip away vital food assistance—all to give billionaires another extravagant tax giveaway,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Their bill does nothing to support hungry Americans; in fact, it will make life harder for countless families. I’m going to continue fighting back to protect these essential programs that so many people on the Central Coast depend on to make ends meet.”

    Watch footage of Rep. Carbajal’s opening statement at the House Agriculture Committee markup here

    In California’s 24th Congressional District, 119,000 residents benefit from food assistance through SNAP. 900 residents who participated in SNAP in the past year are veterans.

    The Republican budget demands around $300 billion in cuts to programs under the House Agriculture Committee, threatening the largest-ever cut to SNAP, which helps over 42 million Americans afford groceries.

    As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Carbajal has prioritized protecting federal programs that keep families fed. 

    Earlier this month, Rep. Carbajal joined House Democrats in introducing legislation to block the extreme and unprecedented cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in the Republican budget.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Advancing Science and Technology Research

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul celebrated the groundbreaking of Farmingdale State College’s new state-of-the-art Computer Sciences Center, a part of the Governor’s efforts to advance science and technology research and economic opportunities for New Yorkers. The project is made possible by a $30 million investment through Empire State Development’s Long Island Investment Fund and $45 million in Capital funding from SUNY.

    “In New York, we are shaping our students to be the next generation of leaders,” Governor Hochul said. “Our SUNYs and CUNYs provide an exceptional and well-rounded education for New Yorkers to explore science and technology research — the groundbreaking of the Computer Sciences Center at Farmingdale will uncover technological advancements and advance economic opportunities in our state; that’s how we build a better New York.”

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King said, “Our SUNY campuses play an integral role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals for New York’s advancing STEM sector. We applaud Governor Hochul’s vision and commitment, and we are thankful for our partnership with Empire State Development, which has made the Computer Sciences Center at Farmingdale a reality.”

    The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Congratulations to Farmingdale State College on the groundbreaking of their Computer Sciences Center. Today’s event marks a monumental milestone in SUNY’s work, alongside Governor Hochul and state leaders, to ensure students passionate about research and technological advancements have the resources they need to achieve their goals.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s groundbreaking at Farmingdale State College represents a transformative step forward for Long Island’s technology sector. This project will catalyze economic growth across the region by connecting talented students directly with industry partners who need their skills. As businesses and academia collaborate in innovative ways, we’ll see accelerated technological advancement, a more robust talent pipeline, and a stronger, more competitive New York economy ready to lead in tomorrow’s technology landscape.”

    Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, “Today we’re breaking ground on more than just a building—we’re establishing a cornerstone for Long Island’s technological advancement. This center represents a critical investment in our regional economy, creating both immediate construction jobs and long-term opportunities in high-growth sectors. The ripple effects will benefit communities across Long Island as graduates fill skilled positions, businesses find innovative solutions to their challenges, and our region strengthens its competitive position in the global marketplace.”

    The Computer Sciences Center will include new classrooms, computer labs, seminar spaces and a collaborative space for industry-related vendors. It will support Farmingdale’s rapidly growing computer and information science programs, which have experienced a 40 percent increase in enrollment over the last five years. The Computer Sciences Center will be the campus’ first Zero Net Carbon Ready building with an approximate total square footage of 52,000.

    President of Farmingdale State College Robert S. Prezant said, “We are beyond grateful to Governor Hochul, the Empire State Development Corporation, the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, and the State University of New York for their support in the development of the Computer Sciences Center building on the Farmingdale State College campus. So much more than a building, the center will provide a hub of advanced technology education and programming, enabling interdisciplinary and collaborative innovation, research, and learning. It will also allow us to support increasing enrollment in our technology programs with a focus on workforce development.”

    State Senator Monica R. Martinez said, “Technological advancements continue to move the world and our region forward, and Farmingdale State College’s Center for Computer Science and Information Technology will prepare students for success in these dynamic fields. It is here where a hub for the development of Long Island’s next generation of digital pioneers will soon flourish, and it will be here where the highly skilled workforce essential to fueling this region’s high-tech economy will begin their academic journeys. We are excited for this groundbreaking and for the future, when those who come through this center help shape the breakthroughs that move our world forward.”

    Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow said, “This week, we broke ground on a new facility that is envisioned as a dynamic center for collaboration and innovation, bringing together diverse stakeholders like students, educators, and local businesses to foster the development of future technologies, creative ideas, and positive community impact. It emphasizes that this building is not just a physical structure but a symbol of a forward-thinking approach to education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.”

    Suffolk County Minority Leader Jason Richberg said, “The groundbreaking at Farmingdale State College is more than the start of a new building — it’s the foundation for Long Island’s future. The Center for Computer Science and Information Technology represents a critical investment in education, workforce development, and regional innovation. By bringing together students, local businesses, and community organizations under one roof, we’re not just preparing the next generation of tech leaders — we’re creating pathways to opportunity for all. This is a smart win for taxpayers, leveraging $45 million in SUNY Construction Fund dollars and money from the State’s Long Island Investment Fund to build a cutting-edge facility that will return real value to our region. It exemplifies how public-private partnerships and forward-thinking use of government resources can shape a stronger, more equitable future for Long Island.”

    Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer said, “This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance educational opportunities but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, ensuring that Long Island remains at the forefront of technological innovation. We are proud to support initiatives that invest in our community’s future and provide our residents with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

    About The State University of New York
    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Karnataka Central Co-operative Bank Ltd, Dharwad, Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 09, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.00 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on The Karnataka Central Co-operative Bank Ltd, Dharwad, Karnataka (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 20 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had sanctioned director related loans.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/336

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Shimoga District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 09, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Shimoga District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 20 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had sanctioned director related loans.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/334

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: CAHNR Commencement 2025: A Day of Pride, Celebration, and New Beginnings

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On May 10, 2025, more than 600 students from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) reached a major academic milestone as they officially became UConn graduates. Students were celebrated in true CAHNR fashion, with a horse processional, performance by student acapella singers, and a visit from both Jonathan XIV and XV. With cheers from family, friends, faculty, and staff, the graduates commemorated years of commitment and growth at the 146th Commencement.

    A Moment of Connection and Tradition

    The festivities began with a celebratory reception at the Student Union, offering graduates and their guests a chance to reconnect and reflect on their time at UConn. Soon after, the group gathered at the Field House to prepare for the traditional procession to the main event.

    In a much-loved revival of a pre-pandemic tradition, horses from CAHNR’s equine program led graduates along Hillside Road to Gampel Pavilion, setting the tone for the special ceremony ahead.

    CAHNR students proceeding to 2025 Commencement (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

    A Ceremony to Remember

    Inside Gampel Pavilion, CAHNR faculty and staff joined the graduates for a ceremony filled with encouragement, reflection, and celebration. The event featured remarks from student speaker Eliza Demiri ’25 (Allied Health Sciences) and keynote speaker Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS), Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

    Butler expressed the value students can find in being open to where life takes them, whether it is anticipated or not:

    “It’s important to understand in live how much your paths can and will change, regardless of what you plan for. Life rarely follows a straight path, and often the directions we didn’t plan for lead to the most meaningful destinations.”

    The program was hosted by Kristen Govoni, associate dean for academic programs, and included additional remarks from Dean Chaubey, Prvosot D’Alleva, and other CAHNR leadership.

    CAHNR students at Commencement 2025 (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Cheers to the Future

    As the ceremony concluded, the celebration continued outside Gampel Pavilion, where graduates gathered with family and friends to capture the moment with photos and plenty of smiles.

    The Class of 2025 leaves UConn with a wealth of knowledge, a foundation of real-world experiences, and lasting memories from their time in CAHNR. Wherever their journeys take them next, their future is bright and their UConn roots remain strong.


    Other CAHNR Commencement Coverage

    Learn more about some of our featured graduates and this year’s Commencement speaker, Rodney Butler ’99.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neag School Receives $42K During UConn Gives 2025

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Thanks to about 550 individuals, the Neag School of Education garnered over $27,000 in contributions during UConn Gives 2025, along with $15,000 in challenges and matching gifts. The annual University-wide fundraising event raised about $5.4 million overall for UConn, with incoming donations to support everything from scholarships and academic programs to student groups and athletics. The Neag School promoted its different education-affiliated funds during this year’s event, held on April 21 and 22. Out of the 42 Neag School funds, the top three finishers were:

    • UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport – $16,425 from 394 donors, including a $1,000 matching gift from Heather McDonald ’23 Ed.D., plus $10,000 from the President’s and Provost’s Project Leaderboard Challenge
    • Dr. Sue Saunders Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) Professional Development Fund – $2,550 from 84 donors, including a $500 matching gift from Saunders
    • Neag School Dean’s Fund – $1,242 from 12 donors, plus $5,000 from the President’s and Provost’s Unit Leaderboard Challenge

    Housed in the Neag School of Education, UConn HNS is a U.S. Department of Agriculture, AmeriCorps, small local foundation, and private donation-funded effort to engage youth, adult caregivers of children, and adults eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) in nutrition and physical education. The group collaborates with partners and educational programs across Connecticut, including a longtime partnership with the City of Hartford. Students and faculty across UConn engage with UConn HNS through academic courses; paid positions; professional and holistic development sessions; and research.

    “UConn HNS is appreciative of the efforts of its staff to spread the word and engage current students and our alumni network in UConn Gives,” says Jennifer McGarry, UConn HNS executive director and Neag School professor.  “In the current climate where many funding sources are in jeopardy, the impact of the donations and the leaderboard challenge funds is significant in our continued ability to engage with communities across the state of Connecticut.”

    The impact of the donations and the leaderboard challenge funds is significant in our continued ability to engage with communities across the state of Connecticut. &#8212 Jennifer McGarry, UConn HNS Executive Director

    This year, the Dr. Sue Saunders HESA Professional Development Fund also won a $500 matching gift challenge funded by Saunders.

    The fund was established to honor the commitment and dedication of Saunders, longtime director of the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) program, and to support the development of graduate students in the program. The fund supports students who participate in professional development activities, including conferences, courses, webinars, association memberships, access to publications, research activities, and more.

    “The Dr. Sue Saunders HESA Professional Development Fund is vital in supporting the learning, growth, and development of HESA master’s students,” says Adam McCready, assistant professor-in-residence in the program. “Dr. Saunders’ matching gift and the gifts from alumni and other community members ensure that HESA students can continue to have access to these transformative professional development opportunities.”

    The third project, the Neag School Dean’s Fund, benefits faculty and students by advancing teaching, research, and policy development. This fund provides the dean with flexibility in supporting cutting-edge research and the School’s best and brightest students.

    “As a crowdfunding campaign, UConn Gives is only as powerful as the people behind it and, as this year’s results show, we have incredibly passionate advocates behind the Neag School,” Dean Jason G. Irizarry says. “Thank you to every alum, faculty member, staff member, or friend of the School who supported us during UConn Gives. Your kind generosity directly impacts our students, faculty, and community partners.”

    UConn Gives 2025 may be over, but you can still offer your support. Visit education.uconn.edu/giving-to-neag to learn more. 

    UConn Gives fundraising totals are approximate and may be adjusted as gifts continue to be tallied.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Cerence to Participate in Two Upcoming Investor Conferences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BURLINGTON, Mass., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, today announced that the company will participate in two upcoming investor conferences.

    On Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 10:50 a.m. ET, Tony Rodriquez, the Company’s CFO, will participate in a fireside chat at the TD Cowen 53rd Annual Technology, Media and Telecom Conference.

    On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. ET, Mr. Rodriquez will participate in a fireside chat at the Evercore ISI Global Automotive OEM, Dealer & Supplier Conference.

    Live webcasts of the events will be available on the Company’s website at www.cerence.ai under the “Investors” section. Replays of the webcasts will be available for 90 days after the events.

    To learn more about Cerence AI, visit www.cerence.ai, and follow the company on LinkedIn.

    About Cerence Inc.
    Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Marex Group plc announces strong results for first quarter of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; Nasdaq: MRX) a diversified global financial services platform, providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients in the energy, commodities and financial markets, today reported financial results for the first quarter (‘Q1 2025’).

    Ian Lowitt, Group Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Robust levels of client activity across our businesses and positive market conditions led to a strong performance in the first quarter of the year. Adjusted profit before tax grew 42% year-on-year, driven by strong revenue growth in all our business segments. This reflects the continued successful execution of our strategy to expand our geographic footprint and product capabilities, growing our client base, increasing diversification and driving greater earnings resilience. In early April, we experienced some very high-volume days which we processed successfully, reflecting the operational resilience of our platform. We maintained record levels of liquidity and remained disciplined in managing our risk while supporting our clients. We were also delighted with the strong demand from investors for our second follow-on equity offering in challenging markets, further increasing our public float, as well as another successful debt issuance, further diversifying our sources of funding and increasing our liquidity position.”

    Financial and Operational Highlights:

    • Strong Q1 performance: Robust client activity and positive market conditions drove 42% growth in Adjusted Profit before Tax1 to $96.3 million
    • Revenue increased by 28% to $467.3m with strong revenue growth across all our business segments
      • Agency and Execution in particular increased revenue by 42% to $239.5m, driven by growth in Securities revenues across asset classes and continued build-out of Prime Services, as well as strong growth in the Energy business
    • April market conditions: At the start of April, we experienced highly elevated volumes which have since returned to more normalised levels. Our ability to process these volumes demonstrates the operational resilience of the firm and scalability of our platform. We also maintained record levels of liquidity and remained disciplined in managing our risk while supporting our clients
    • Executed growth strategy: Aarna Capital acquisition completed at the end of March, growing our Clearing presence in the Middle East, as we continued to diversify our platform and drive greater earnings resilience
    • Successful secondary equity placement: Significantly oversubscribed transaction resulted in existing shareholders placing an upsized 11.8 million shares with institutional investors in April, further increasing public float to approximately 70%
    • Prudent approach to capital and funding: Successfully issued $500 million 3-year senior unsecured notes in May, further diversifying our funding sources while maintaining a strong capital and liquidity position
    • Dividend: Q1 2025 dividend increased to $0.15 per share, to be paid in the second quarter of 2025
    Financial Highlights: ($m)   3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024   Change
                 
    Revenue   467.3   365.8   28%
    Profit Before Tax   98.0   58.9   66%
    Profit Before Tax Margin (%)   21%   16%   500 bps
    Profit After Tax   72.5   43.6   66%
    Profit After Tax Margin (%)   16%   12%   400 bps
    Return on Equity (%)   29%   23%   600 bps
    Basic Earnings per Share ($)2   0.98   0.60   63%
    Diluted Earnings per Share ($)2   0.92   0.56   64%
                 
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1   96.3   67.7   42%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin (%)1   21%   19%   200 bps
    Adjusted Profit after Tax            
    Attributable to Common Equity1   68.2   48.9   39%
    Adjusted Return on Equity (%)1   30%   29%   100 bps
    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share ($)1,2   0.97   0.74   31%
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share ($)1,2   0.91   0.69   32%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure. The Group changed the labelling of its non-IFRS measures during 2024 to better align to the equivalent IFRS reported metric and enhance transparency and comparability.
    2. Weighted average number of shares have been restated as applicable for the Group’s reverse share split (refer to Appendix 1 for further detail).
         
      Conference Call Information:
    Marex’s management will host a conference call to discuss the Group’s financial results today, 15 May 2025, at 9am Eastern Time. A live webcast of the call can be accessed from Marex’s Investor Relations website. An archived version will be available on the website after the call. To participate in the Conference Call, please register at the link here: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zudci4bx/

    Enquiries please contact:
    Marex
    Investors – Adam Strachan
    +1 914 200 2508 / astrachan@marex.com

    Media – Nicola Ratchford, Marex / FTI Consulting US / UK
    +44 7786 548 889 / nratchford@marex.com / +1.716.525.7239/ +44 7976870961
    | marex@fticonsulting.com

     
         


    Financial Review

    The following table presents summary financial results and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

    Summary Financial Results

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    – Net commission income   250.7   218.9   15%
    – Net trading Income   159.1   106.2   50%
    – Net interest income   53.4   35.6   50%
    – Net physical commodities income   4.1   5.1   (20)%
    Revenue   467.3   365.8   28%
                 
    Compensation and benefits   (291.7)   (229.9)   27%
    Depreciation and amortisation   (7.9)   (7.8)   1%
    Other expenses   (73.8)   (69.6)   6%
    Provision for credit losses     0.3   n.m.2
    Bargain purchase gain on acquisitions   3.4     n.m.2
    Other income   0.7   0.1   600%
    Profit Before Tax   98.0   58.9   66%
    Tax   (25.5)   (15.3)   67%
    Profit After Tax   72.5   43.6   66%
    Reconciliation to Adjusted Profit Before Tax1            
    Profit Before Tax   98.0   58.9   66%
    Bargain purchase gain   (3.4)     n.m.2
    Acquisition related costs     0.2   n.m.2
    Amortisation of acquired brands and customer lists   1.3   0.8   63%
    Activities relating to shareholders     2.4   n.m.2
    Owner fees   0.4   1.7   (76)%
    IPO preparation and public offering of ordinary shares     3.7   n.m.2
    Adjusting items   (1.7)   8.8   (119)%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1   96.3   67.7   42%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage.

    Costs and Group Headcount

    The Board and Senior Management also monitor costs split between Front Office Costs and Control and Support Costs to better understand the Group’s performance. The table below provides the Group’s management view of costs:

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    Front office costs1   (258.4)   (210.1)   23%
    Control and support costs1   (106.8)   (80.6)   33%
    Total   (365.2)   (290.7)   26%

    1) Management review Front Office Costs and Control and Support Costs when assessing Adjusted Profit Before Tax performance. These costs are included within compensation and benefits, other expenses and depreciation and amortisation in the Statutory Income Statement provided above.

    The following table provides a breakdown of Front Office and Control and Support Headcount

    Full Time Equivalent (‘FTE’) headcount1 31 March 2025   31 March 2024       31 March 2025   31 March 2024    
      Average   Average   Change   End of Period   End of Period   Change
    Front office 1,284   1,236   4%   1,288   1,250   3%
    Control and support 1,183   1,015   17%   1,215   1,030   18%
    Total 2,467   2,251   10%   2,503   2,280   10%

    1) For analysis purposes, average headcount is used in the performance commentary outlined below.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 March 2025

    Revenue grew by 28% to $467.3m (Q1 2024: $365.8m) with strong growth across all business segments, as we continue to diversify our platform and drive greater earnings resilience. This growth was driven by robust client activity and positive market conditions.

    Net commission income increased by 15% to $250.7m (Q1 2024: $218.9m). The growth was driven by Agency and Execution, which grew 22% to $182.9m (Q1 2024: $150.5m) reflecting a strong performance in Securities and Energy, supported by record transaction volumes.

    Net trading income increased by 50% to $159.1m (Q1 2024: $106.2m). The growth was driven by a $40.8m increase in Agency and Execution to $49.9m (Q1 2024: $9.1m), mainly due to Rates, FX and Equities. The most significant contribution came from the continued build-out of our Prime Services capabilities, which grew by $33.4m, including growth in our securities based swaps offering. In addition, Net trading income in our Market Making segment increased by $10.7m to $54.9m (Q1 2024: $44.2m) driven by growth in all asset classes.

    Net interest income increased by 50% to $53.4m (Q1 2024: $35.6m) reflecting $5.8bn growth in average balances to $17.1bn, which more than offset lower average Fed Funds rates compared to Q1 2024.

    Front office costs increased by 23% to $258.4m (Q1 2024: $210.1m), predominantly reflecting higher compensation costs on strong revenue performance across the Group. Front office headcount growth reflected restructuring activity in Agency and Execution and reallocation of FTE from front office to control and support in Q2 2024. Excluding these, average front office FTE headcount grew by 11% year on year.

    Control and support costs increased by 33% to $106.8m (Q1 2024: $80.6m). This was primarily driven by investment in technology to support automation and business growth, as well as investments in our finance, risk, and compliance functions to support our controlled growth and development as a public company. This also included specific investments relating to acquisitions and our compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley.

    Reported Profit Before Tax increased by 66% to $98.0m (Q1 2024: $58.9m), driven by strong revenue growth and improved operating margins.

    Adjusting items reduced by $10.5m to $(1.7)m (Q1 2024: $ 8.8m). These costs are primarily related to corporate activities and are recognised within our Corporate segment. Adjusting items reduced mainly due to IPO-related costs and owner fees in Q1 2024, as well as a bargain purchase gain on an acquisition in Q1 2025.

    As a result of the revenue and cost trends noted above, Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 42% to $96.3m (Q1 2024: $67.7m) and Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 improved to 21% (Q1 2024: 19%), while Profit After Tax Margin increased to 16% (Q1 2024: 12%).

    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024   Change
    Average Fed Funds rate   4.3%   5.3%   (100)bps
    Average balances ($bn)1   17.1   11.3   5.8
    Interest income ($m)   178.9   147.3   31.6
    Interest paid out ($m)   (59.6)   (60.9)   1.3
    Interest on balances ($m)   119.3   86.4   32.9
    Net yield on balances   2.8%   3.1%   (30)bps
    Average notional debt securities ($bn)   (4.1)   (2.5)   (1.6)
    Yield on debt securities %   6.6%   8.1%   (150)bps
    Interest expense ($m)   (65.9)   (50.8)   (15.1)
    Net Interest Income ($m)   53.4   35.6   17.8
    1. Average balances are calculated using an average of the daily holdings in exchanges, banks and other investments over the period. Previously, average balances were calculated as the average month end amount of segregated and non-segregated client balances that generated interest income over a given period.

    Segmental performance

    Clearing

    Marex provides clearing services across the range of energy, commodity and financial markets. We face the exchange on behalf of our clients providing access to 60 exchanges globally.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 March 2025

    Clearing performed well with revenue increasing 18% to $119.2m (Q1 2024: $100.7m). This was driven by net interest income which rose by $18.2m to $48.4m (Q1 2024: $30.2m) reflecting higher average balances as we continued to add new clients, more than offsetting lower average Fed Funds rates compared to Q1 2024. Net commission income reduced by 2%, $1.7m, as positive performance in energy and metals was offset by lower levels of activity in agriculture, which benefited from higher volatility in Q1 2024 relative to Q1 2025.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 14% to $56.6m (Q1 2024: $49.8m). Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 decreased by 200 bps to 47% (Q1 2024: 49%).

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    Net commission income   67.8   69.5   (2%)
    Net interest income   48.4   30.2   60%
    Net trading income   3.0   1.0   200%
    Revenue   119.2   100.7   18%
    Front office costs   (42.2)   (33.5)   26%
    Control and support costs   (20.3)   (17.3)   17%
    Depreciation and amortisation   (0.1)   (0.1)   —%
                 
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1   56.6   49.8   14%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1   47%   49%   (200)bps
                 
    Front office headcount (No.)2   273   266   3%
                 
        12 months ended 31 March 2025   12 months ended 31 March 2024   Change
    Contracts cleared (m)   1,161   913   27%
    Market volumes (m)3   11,891   10,194   17%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period. Management have re-assessed headcount for Clearing and Market Making and re-allocated for Q1 25 and Q1 24.
    3. On a twelve month rolling basis.

    Agency and Execution

    Agency and Execution provides essential liquidity and execution services to our clients primarily in the energy and financial securities markets.

    Our energy division provides essential liquidity to clients by connecting buyers and sellers in the OTC energy markets to facilitate price discovery. We have leading positions in many of the markets we operate in, including key gas and power markets in Europe; environmental, petrochemical and crude markets in North America; and fuel oil, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and middle distillates globally. We achieve this through the breadth and depth of the service we offer to customers, including market intelligence for each product we transact in, based on the extensive knowledge and experience of our teams.

    Our presence in the financial markets is growing as we integrate and optimise recent acquisitions, enabling Marex to diversify its asset class coverage away from traditional commodity markets. We are starting to see a maturation of our offering across all asset classes, contributing to enhanced revenue growth and margin expansion for the overall business.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 March 2025

    Revenue increased by 42% to $239.5m (Q1 2024: $168.1m). Securities revenues, increased by $56.1m to $151.0m (Q1 2024: $94.9m) driven by growth in all asset classes from a significant increase in transaction volumes. The most significant contribution came from the continued build out of our Prime Services offering, including growth in securities based swaps. This was supplemented further by strong growth in our Energy business where revenues increased by $15.0m to $88.2m (Q1 2024: $73.2m), reflecting a combination of record volumes, good demand for our environmentals offering and the benefit of our bolt-on acquisitions.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 152% to $56.7m (Q1 2024: $22.5m) while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased to 24% (Q1 2024: 13%) The margin improvement was driven by the benefit from restructuring in the business, as well as growth in higher margin activity, particularly Prime Services.

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    Securities   151.0   94.9   59%
    Energy   88.2   73.2   20%
    Other revenue   0.3     n.m.3
    Revenue   239.5   168.1   42%
    Front office costs   (161.7)   (131.0)   23%
    Control and support costs   (21.0)   (14.1)   49%
    Provision for credit losses     (0.3)   n.m.3
    Depreciation and amortisation   (0.1)   (0.2)   (50)%
                 
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1   56.7   22.5   152%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1   24%   13%   1,100 bps
                 
    Front office headcount (No.)2   670   679   (1)%
                 
        12 months ended 31 March 2025   12 months ended 31 March 2024   Change
    Marex volumes: Energy (m)4   60   51   18%
    Marex volumes: Securities (m)4   302   249   21%
    Market volumes: Energy (m)4   1,816   1,477   23%
    Market volumes: Securities (m)4   11,330   9,872   15%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period.
    3. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage.
    4. On a rolling twelve month basis

    Market Making

    Our Market Making business provides direct liquidity to our clients across a variety of products, primarily in the energy, metals and agriculture markets. This ability to make prices and trade as principal in a wide variety of energy, environmentals and commodity markets differentiates us from many of our competitors.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 March 2025

    Revenue increased by 27% to $52.9m (Q1 2024: $41.8m). This was driven by growth in all asset classes, in particular Securities revenues which increased by $7.2m primarily from growth in stock lending, which complements our Prime Services offering within Agency and Execution. Metals revenues growth was more muted, at 6%, due to the uncertainty arising from the potential implementation of global tariffs on base metals.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 58% to $16.8m (Q1 2024: $10.6m), while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased to 32% (Q1 2024: 25%).

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    Metals   22.7   21.4   6%
    Agriculture   7.2   5.6   29%
    Energy   8.6   7.6   13%
    Securities   14.4   7.2   100%
    Revenue   52.9   41.8   27%
    Front office costs   (28.9)   (22.9)   26%
    Control and support costs   (7.1)   (8.2)   (13)%
    Depreciation and amortisation   (0.1)   (0.1)   0%
                 
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1   16.8   10.6   58%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1   32%   25%   700 bps
                 
    Front office headcount (No.)2   144   125   15%
                 
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period. Management have re-assessed headcount for Clearing and Market Making and re-allocated for Q1 25 and Q1 24.

    Hedging and Investment Solutions

    Our Hedging and Investment Solutions business provides high quality bespoke hedging and investment solutions to our clients.

    Tailored commodity hedging solutions enable corporates to hedge their exposure to movements in energy and commodity prices, as well as currencies and interest rates, across a variety of different time horizons.

    Our financial products offering allows investors to gain exposure to a particular market or asset class, for example equity indices, in a cost-effective manner through a structured product.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 March 2025

    Revenue grew by 9% to $45.0m (Q1 2024: $41.3m) driven by continued strong client demand and as we expanded the sales team which led to the onboarding of new clients. Financial products increased 41% to $30.7m (Q1 2024: $21.8m) as structured notes balances grew 49%. Hedging solutions decreased by 27% to $14.3m (Q1 2024: $19.5m) reflecting higher volatility in agriculture in Q1 2024 relative to Q1 2025.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 decreased by 7% to $11.1m (Q1 2024: $11.9m), while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 decreased to 25% (Q1 2024: 29%), reflecting investment in our sales team and as a result of ongoing investment in our technology and platform to support future growth.

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    Hedging solutions   14.3   19.5   (27)%
    Financial products   30.7   21.8   41%
    Revenue   45.0   41.3   9%
    Front office costs   (25.6)   (22.7)   13%
    Control and support costs   (8.1)   (6.6)   23%
    Depreciation and amortisation   (0.2)   (0.1)   100%
                 
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1   11.1   11.9   (7)%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1   25%   29%   (400 bps)
                 
    Front office headcount (No.)2   197   166   19%
    Structured notes balance ($m)3   3,123.3   2,095.6   49%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period.
    3. The Structured Notes portfolio consisted of 5,099 notes with an average maturity of 16 months and a total value of $3,123.3m (2024: 2,999 notes with an average maturity of 15 months and a total value of $2,095.6m).

    Corporate

    The Corporate segment includes the Group’s control and support functions. Corporate manages the resources of the Group, makes investment decisions and provides operational support to the business segments. Corporate Net Interest Income is derived through earning interest on house cash balances placed at banks and exchanges.

    Revenue decreased by $3.2m to $10.7m (Q1 2024: $13.9m) driven by lower investment returns on House cash balances from a reduction in the average Fed Funds rate.

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    Revenue   10.7   13.9   (23%)
    Control and support costs3   (50.3)   (34.4)   46%
    (Provision)/recovery for credit losses     0.6   (100%)
    Depreciation and amortisation   (6.0)   (7.3)   (18%)
    Other income   0.7   0.1   600%
                 
    Adjusted Loss Before Tax ($m)1   (44.9)   (27.1)   66%
                 
    Control and support headcount (No.)2   1,183   1,015   17%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period.
    3. Control and support costs are presented on an unallocated basis.

    Summary Financial Position

    The Group’s equity base increased during Q1 25 with total equity increasing by $69.3m, 7% to $1,046.2m as a result of strong profitability during the quarter.

    Total assets and total liabilities have been steady during the first quarter. Our balance sheet continues to consist of high-quality liquid assets which underpin client activity on our platform. Total assets increased slightly from $24.3bn as at 31 December 2024 to $24.4bn as at 31 March 2025 with growth in Securities balances broadly offset by a reduction in Trade Receivables.

    Total liabilities remained steady at $23.3bn; an increase of $0.5bn due to issuance of Debt Securities was offset by a $0.5bn reduction in Trade Payables.

        31 March 2025   31 December 2024    
        $m   $m   Change
    Cash & Liquid Assets1   6,200.4   6,213.0   —%
    Trade Receivables   7,225.2   7,553.2   (4%)
    Reverse Repo Agreements   2,499.4   2,490.4   —%
    Securities2   6,749.0   6,459.7   4%
    Derivative Instruments   1,132.4   1,163.5   (3%)
    Other Assets3   268.6   199.7   35%
    Goodwill and Intangibles   279.5   233.0   20%
    Total Assets   24,354.5   24,312.5   —%
    Trade Payables   9,204.0   9,740.4   (6%)
    Repurchase Agreements   2,386.0   2,305.8   3%
    Securities4   6,450.3   6,656.7   (3%)
    Debt Securities   4,072.6   3,604.5   13%
    Derivative Instruments   798.4   751.7   6%
    Other Liabilities5   397.0   276.5   44%
    Total Liabilities   23,308.3   23,335.6   —%
    Total Equity   1,046.2   976.9   7%
    1. Cash & Liquid Assets are cash and cash equivalents, treasury instruments pledged as collateral, treasury instruments unpledged and fixed income securities.
    2. Securities assets are equity instruments and stock borrowing.
    3. Other Assets are inventory, corporate income tax receivable, deferred tax, investments, right-of-use assets, and property plant and equipment.
    4. Securities liabilities are stock lending and short securities.
    5. Other Liabilities are short term borrowings, deferred tax liability, lease liability, provisions and corporation tax.

     Liquidity

        31 March   31 December
        2025   2024
        $m   $m
    Total available liquid resources   2,682.4   2,439.8
    Liquidity headroom   1,217.4   1,060.0

    A prudent approach to capital and liquidity and commitment to maintaining an investment grade credit rating are core principles which underpin the successful delivery of our growth strategy. As at 31 March 2025, the Group held $2,682.4m of total available liquid resources, including the undrawn portion of the RCF (2024: $2,439.8m).

    Group liquidity resources consist of cash and high-quality liquid assets that can be quickly converted to meet immediate and short-term obligations. The resources include non-segregated cash, short-term money market funds and unencumbered securities guaranteed by the U.S. Government. The Group also includes any undrawn portion of its committed revolving credit facility (‘RCF’) in its total available liquid resources. The unsecured revolving credit facility of $150m remains undrawn as at 31 March 2025 (31 December 2024: $150m, undrawn). Facilities held by operating subsidiaries, and which are only available to that relevant subsidiary, have been excluded from these figures as they are not available to the entire Group.

    Liquidity headroom is based on the Group’s Liquid Asset Threshold Requirement, which is prepared according to the principles of the UK Investment Firms Prudential Regime (IFPR). The requirement includes a liquidity stress impact calculated from a combination of systemic and idiosyncratic risk factors.

    Regulatory capital

    The Group is subject to consolidated supervision by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and has regulated subsidiaries in jurisdictions both inside and outside of the UK.

    The Group is regulated as a MIFIDPRU investment firm under IFPR. The minimum capital requirement as at 31 March 2025 was determined by the Own Funds Threshold Requirement (‘OFTR’) set via an assessment of the Group’s capital adequacy and risk assessment conducted annually.

    The Group and its subsidiaries are in compliance with their regulatory requirements and are appropriately capitalised relative to the minimum requirements as set by the relevant competent authority. The Group maintained a capital surplus over its regulatory requirements at all times.

    The Group manages its capital structure in order to comply with regulatory requirements, ensuring its capital base is more than adequate to cover the risks inherent in the business and to maximise shareholder value through the strategic deployment of capital to support the Group’s growth and strategic development. The Group performs business model assessment, business and capital forecasting, stress testing and recovery planning at least annually. The following table summarises the Group’s capital position as at 31 March 2025 and 31 December 2024:

        31 March
    2025
      31 December
    2024
        $m   $m
    Core equity Tier 1 Capital1   652.5   623.9
    Additional Tier 1 Capital (net of issuance costs)   97.6   97.6
    Tier 2 Capital   1.4   1.6
    Total Capital resources   751.5   723.1
             
             
    Own Funds Threshold Requirement2   308.8   308.8
    Total Capital ratio3   243%   234%
    1. Total Capital Resources include unaudited results for the financial period.
    2. Own Funds Requirement presented as Own Funds Threshold Requirement based on the latest ICARA process.
    3. The Group’s Total Capital Resources as a percentage of Own Funds Requirement.

    At 31 March 2025, the Group had a Total Capital Ratio of 243% (31 December 2024: 234%), representing significant capital headroom to minimum requirements. The increase in the Total Capital Ratio resulted from an increase in total capital resources due to profit (unaudited) in 2025.

    Dividend

    The Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of $0.15 per share, expected to be paid on 10 June 2025 to shareholders on record as at close of business on 27 May 2025.

    Forward Looking Statements:

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including expected financial results and dividend payments. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation: subdued commodity market activity or pricing levels; the effects of geopolitical events, terrorism and wars, such as the effect of Russia’s military action in Ukraine or the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, on market volatility, global macroeconomic conditions and commodity prices; changes in interest rate levels; the risk of our clients and their related financial institutions defaulting on their obligations to us; regulatory, reputational and financial risks as a result of our international operations; software or systems failure, loss or disruption of data or data security failures; an inability to adequately hedge our positions and limitations on our ability to modify contracts and the contractual protections that may be available to us in OTC derivatives transactions; market volatility, reputational risk and regulatory uncertainty related to commodity markets, equities, fixed income, foreign exchange; the impact of climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy on supply chains and the size of the market for certain of our energy products; the impact of changes in judgments, estimates and assumptions made by management in the application of our accounting policies on our reported financial condition and results of operations; lack of sufficient financial liquidity; if we fail to comply with applicable law and regulation, we may be subject to enforcement or other action, forced to cease providing certain services or obliged to change the scope or nature of our operations; significant costs, including adverse impacts on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and expenses associated with compliance with relevant regulations; and if we fail to remediate the material weaknesses we identified in our internal control over financial reporting or prevent material weaknesses in the future, the accuracy and timing of our financial statements may be impacted, which could result in material misstatements in our financial statements or failure to meet our reporting obligations and subject us to potential delisting, regulatory investments or civil or criminal sanctions, and other risks discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as updated by our other reports filed with the SEC.

    The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

    Appendix 1

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators

    This press release contains non-IFRS financial measures, including Adjusted Profit Before Tax, Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin, Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity and Adjusted Return on Equity. These non-IFRS financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for profit after tax, profit margin, return on equity or any other financial information presented in accordance with IFRS and may be different from similarly titled non-IFRS financial measures used by other companies. The Group changed the labelling of its non-IFRS measures during 2024 to better align to the equivalent IFRS reported metric and enhance transparency and comparability.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax (formerly labelled Adjusted Operating Profit)

    We define Adjusted Profit Before Tax as profit after tax adjusted for (i) tax, (ii) goodwill impairment charges, (iii) acquisition costs, (iv) bargain purchase gain, (v) owner fees, (vi) amortisation of acquired brands and customer lists, (vii) activities in relation to shareholders, (viii) employer tax on the vesting of Growth Shares, (ix) IPO preparation costs, (x) fair value of the cash settlement option on the Growth Shares and (xi) public offering of ordinary shares. Items (i) to (xi) are referred to as “Adjusting Items.” Adjusted Profit Before Tax is the primary measure used by our management to evaluate and understand our underlying operations and business trends, forecast future results and determine future capital investment allocations. Adjusted Profit Before Tax is the measure used by our executive board to assess the financial performance of our business in relation to our trading performance. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure is profit after tax. We believe Adjusted Profit Before Tax is a useful measure as it allows management to monitor our ongoing core operations and provides useful information to investors and analysts regarding the net results of the business. The core operations represent the primary trading operations of the business.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin (formerly labelled Adjusted Operating Profit Margin)

    We define Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin as Adjusted Profit Before Tax (as defined above) divided by revenue. We believe that Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of our business in relation to revenue. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure is profit margin, which is Profit after Tax divided by revenue.

    Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity (formerly labelled Adjusted Operating Profit after Tax Attributable to Common Equity)

    We define Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity as profit after tax adjusted for the items outlined in the Adjusted Profit Before Tax paragraph above. Additionally, Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity is also adjusted for (i) tax and the tax effect of the Adjusting Items to calculate Adjusted Profit Before Tax and (ii) profit attributable to Additional Tier 1 (“AT1”) note holders, net of tax, which is the coupons on the AT1 issuance and accounted for as dividends, adjusted for the tax benefit of the coupons. We define Common Equity as being the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. We believe Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure is profit after tax.

    Adjusted Return on Equity (formerly labelled Return on Adjusted Operating Profit after Tax Attributable to Common Equity)

    We define the Adjusted Return on Equity as the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity (as defined above) divided by the average Common Equity for the period. Common Equity is defined as being the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. Common Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital. For the period ended 31 March 2025 and 2024, Common Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital as at 31 December of the prior year and 31 March of the current year. For the three months ended 31 March 2025 and 2024, Adjusted Return on Equity is calculated for comparison purposes on an annualised basis as Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity for the period multiplied by four and then divided by average Common Equity for the period. It is presented on an annualised basis for comparison purposes.

    We believe Adjusted Return on Equity is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the return on the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure for Adjusted Return on Equity is Return on Equity, which is calculated as profit after tax for the period divided by average equity. Average Equity for the period ended 31 March 2025 and 2024 is calculated as the average of total equity at 31 December of the prior year and 31 March of the current year. For the three months ended 31 March 2025 and 2024, Return on Equity is calculated for comparison purposes on an annualised basis as Profit After Tax for the period multiplied by four and then divided by Average Equity for the period. It is presented on an annualised basis for comparison purposes.

    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share is defined as the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity (as defined above) for the period divided by weighted average number of ordinary shares for the period. We believe Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of our business per share. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards metric is basic earnings per share. This metric has been designed to highlight the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity over the available share capital of the Group. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share is defined as the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity for the period divided by the diluted weighted average shares for the period. We believe Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of our business per share on a diluted basis. Dilution is calculated in the same way as it has been for diluted earnings per share. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards metric is diluted earnings per share.

    We believe that these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain items that management believes are not indicative of our ongoing operations. Our management uses these non-IFRS financial measures to evaluate our business strategies and to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. We believe that these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of our financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate our performance. In addition these non-IFRS financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to us, many of which present related performance measures when reporting their results.

    These non-IFRS financial measures are used by different companies for differing purposes and are often calculated in different ways that reflect the circumstances of those companies. In addition, certain judgments and estimates are inherent in our process to calculate such non-IFRS financial measures. You should exercise caution in comparing these non-IFRS financial measures as reported by other companies.

    These non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under IFRS Accounting Standards. Some of these limitations are:

    • they do not reflect costs incurred in relation to the acquisitions that we have undertaken;
    • they do not reflect impairment of goodwill;
    • other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures; and
    • the adjustments made in calculating these non-IFRS financial measures are those that management considers to be not representative of our core operations and, therefore, are subjective in nature.

    Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these non-IFRS financial measures.

    We also use key performance indicators (“KPIs”) such as Average Balances, Trades Executed, and Contracts Cleared to assess the performance of our business and believe that these KPIs provide useful information to both management and investors by showing the growth of our business across the periods presented.

    Our management uses these KPIs to evaluate our business strategies and to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. We define certain terms used in this release as follows:

    “FTE” means the number of our full-time equivalents as of the end of a given period, which includes permanent employees and contractors.

    “Average FTE” means the average number of our full-time equivalents over the period, including permanent employees and contractors.

    “Average Balances” means the average of the daily holdings in exchanges, banks and other investments over the period. Previously, average balances were calculated as the average month end amount of segregated and non-segregated client balances that generated interest income over a given period.

    “Trades Executed” means the total number of trades executed on our platform in a given year.

    “Total Capital Ratio” means our total capital resources in a given period divided by the capital requirement for such period under the IFPR.

    “Contracts Cleared” means the total number of contracts cleared in a given period.

    “Market Volumes” are calculated as follows:

    • All volumes traded on Marex key exchanges (CBOT, CME, Eurex, Euronext, ICE, LME, NYMEX COMEX, SGX)
    • Energy volumes on CBOT, Eurex, ICE, NYMEX, SGX
    • Financial securities (corporate bonds, equities, FX, repo, volatility) on CBOE, CBOT, CME, Eurex, Euronext, ICE, SGX
    • Metals, agriculture and energy volumes on CBOT, CME, Eurex, Euronext, ICE, LME, NYMEX COMEX, SGX

    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators:

        3 months ended 31 March 2025   3 months ended 31 March 2024
             
        $m   $m
    Profit After Tax   72.5   43.6
    Taxation charge   25.5   15.3
    Profit Before Tax   98.0   58.9
    Goodwill impairment charge1    
    Bargain purchase gain (provisional accounting)2   (3.4)  
    Acquisition costs3     0.2
    Amortisation of acquired brands and customer lists4   1.3   0.8
    Activities relating to shareholders5     2.4
    Employer tax on vesting of the growth shares6    
    Owner fees7   0.4   1.7
    IPO preparation costs8     3.7
    Fair value of the cash settlement option on the growth shares9    
    Public offering of ordinary shares10    
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax   96.3   67.7
    Tax and the tax effect on the Adjusting Items11   (24.8)   (15.5)
    Profit attributable to AT1 note holders12   (3.3)   (3.3)
    Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity   68.2   48.9
             
    Profit after Tax Margin   16%   12%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin13   21%   19%
             
    Basic Earnings per Share ($)   0.98   0.60
    Diluted Earnings per Share ($)   0.92   0.56
             
    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share ($)14   0.97   0.74
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share ($)14   0.91   0.69
             
    Weighted average number of shares14   70,541,771   65,683,374
    Period end number of shares14   71,231,706   68,375,690
             
    Common Equity15   913.7   676.0
    Return on Equity   29%   23%
    Adjusted Return on Equity (%)   30%   29%
    1. No goodwill impairment has been booked for either period.
    2. A bargain purchase gain was recognised as a result of the Group’s acquisition of Darton Group Limited (“Darton”) . Provisional accounting under IFRS 3 has been applied as at Q1 ’25.
    3. Acquisition costs are costs, such as legal fees incurred in relation to the business acquisitions of Cowen’s prime services and Outsourced Trading business.
    4. This represents the amortisation charge for the period of acquired brands and customers lists.
    5. Activities in relation to shareholders primarily consist of dividend-like contributions made to participants within certain of our share-based payments schemes.
    6. Employer tax on vesting of the growth shares represents the Group’s tax charge arising from the vesting of the growth shares.
    7. Owner fees relate to management services fees paid to parties associated with the ultimate controlling party based on a percentage of our EBITDA in each year, presented in the income statement within other expenses. This agreement ended once the Group became listed, however as the calculation in based on audited full year EBITDA, the payment in Q1 25 represents the final adjustments to the fees owed.
    8. IPO preparation costs related to consulting, legal and audit fees, presented in the income statement within other expenses.
    9. Fair value of the cash settlement option on the growth shares represents the fair value liability of the growth shares at $2.3m. Subsequent to the initial public offering when the holders of the growth shares elected to settle the awards in ordinary shares, the liability was derecognised.
    10. Costs relating to the public offerings of ordinary shares by certain selling shareholders.
    11. Tax and the tax effect on the Adjusting Items represents the tax for the period and the tax effect of the other Adjusting Items removed from Profit After Tax to calculate Adjusted Profit Before Tax. The tax effect of the other Adjusting Items was calculated at the Group’s effective tax rate for the respective period.
    12. Profit attributable to AT1 note holders are the coupons on the AT1 issuance, which are accounted for as dividends.
    13. Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted Profit Before Tax (as defined above) by revenue for the period.
    14. The weighted average numbers of diluted shares used in the calculation for the three months ended 31 March 2025 and 2024 were 74,934,788 and 70,383,309 respectively. Weighted average number of shares have been restated as applicable for the Group’s reverse share split. As at 31 March 2025, the dilution impact was 4,393,017 shares (31 March 2024: 4,699,934 shares).
    15. Common Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital. For the three months ended 31 March 2025 and 2024, Adjusted Return on Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital, as at 31 December of the prior year and 31 March of the current year.

    Appendix 2 – Supplementary Financial Information

    Revenue

    The following tables present the Group’s segmental revenue for the periods indicated:

    3 months ended 31 March 2025 Clearing   Agency and Execution   Market Making   Hedging and Investment Solutions   Corporate   Total
      $m   $m   $m   $m   $m   $m
                           
    Net commission income 67.8   182.9         250.7
    Net trading income 3.0   49.9   54.9   51.3     159.1
    Net interest income/(expense) 48.4   5.6   (5.0)   (6.3)   10.7   53.4
    Net physical commodities income   1.1   3.0       4.1
    Revenue 119.2   239.5   52.9   45.0   10.7   467.3
    3 months ended 31 March 2024 Clearing   Agency and Execution   Market Making   Hedging and Investment Solutions   Corporate   Total
      $m   $m   $m   $m   $m   $m
                           
    Net commission income/(expense) 69.5   150.5   (1.1)       218.9
    Net trading income 1.0   9.1   44.2   51.9     106.2
    Net interest income/(expense) 30.2   8.0   (5.9)   (10.6)   13.9   35.6
    Net physical commodities income   0.5   4.6       5.1
    Revenue 100.7   168.1   41.8   41.3   13.9   365.8


    Consolidated Income Statement

    For the Three Months Ended 31 March 2025

        31 March
    2025
      31 March
    2024
        $m   $m
    Commission and fee income   503.7   400.6
    Commission and fee expense   (253.0)   (181.7)
    Net commission income   250.7   218.9
    Net trading income   159.1   106.2
    Interest income   198.8   163.2
    Interest expense   (145.4)   (127.6)
    Net interest income   53.4   35.6
    Net physical commodities income   4.1   5.1
    Revenue   467.3   365.8
             
    Expenses:        
    Compensation and benefits   (291.7)   (229.9)
    Depreciation and amortisation   (7.9)   (7.8)
    Other expenses   (73.8)   (69.6)
    Provision for credit losses     0.3
    Bargain purchase gain on acquisition   3.4  
    Other income   0.7   0.1
    Profit before tax   98.0   58.9
    Tax   (25.5)   (15.3)
    Profit after tax   72.5   43.6
             

    Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    As at 31 March 2025

        31 March   31 December
        2025   2024
        $m   $m
    Assets        
    Non-current assets        
    Goodwill   225.0   176.5
    Intangible assets   54.5   56.5
    Property, plant and equipment   22.8   20.8
    Right-of-use asset   64.0   59.9
    Investments   25.7   24.0
    Deferred tax   29.5   46.7
    Treasury instruments (unpledged)   3.8   53.5
    Treasury instruments (pledged as collateral)   153.9   46.1
    Total non-current assets   579.2   484.0
             
    Current assets        
    Corporate income tax receivable   22.5   12.5
    Trade and other receivables   7,225.2   7,553.2
    Inventory   104.1   35.8
    Equity instruments (unpledged)   210.2   231.4
    Equity instruments (pledged as collateral)   4,627.2   4,446.6
    Derivative instruments   1,132.4   1,163.5
    Stock borrowing   1,911.6   1,781.7
    Treasury instruments (unpledged)   478.8   556.2
    Treasury instruments (pledged as collateral)   2,827.5   2,912.9
    Fixed income securities (unpledged)   129.7   87.7
    Reverse repurchase agreements   2,499.4   2,490.4
    Cash and cash equivalents   2,606.7   2,556.6
    Total current assets   23,775.3   23,828.5
    Total assets   24,354.5   24,312.5
        31 March   31 December
        2025   2024
        $m   $m
    Liabilities        
    Current liabilities        
    Repurchase agreements   2,386.0   2,305.8
    Trade and other payables   9,204.0   9,740.4
    Stock lending   4,481.3   4,952.1
    Short securities   1,969.0   1,704.6
    Short-term borrowings   271.1   152.0
    Lease liability   9.7   10.5
    Derivative instruments   798.4   751.7
    Corporation tax   39.0   41.9
    Debt securities   2,609.9   2,119.6
    Provisions   0.7   0.6
    Total current liabilities   21,769.1   21,779.2
    Non-current liabilities        
    Lease liability   73.4   67.0
    Debt securities   1,462.7   1,484.9
    Deferred tax liability   3.1   4.5
    Total non-current liabilities   1,539.2   1,556.4
    Total liabilities   23,308.3   23,335.6
    Total net assets   1,046.2   976.9
             
    Equity        
    Share capital   0.1   0.1
    Share premium   220.0   202.6
    Additional Tier 1 capital (AT1)   97.6   97.6
    Retained earnings   775.3   722.4
    Own shares   (48.9)   (23.2)
    Other reserves   2.1   (22.6)
    Total equity   1,046.2   976.9
             

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 15 May 2025 Departmental update 2025 edition of global survey to track antimicrobial resistance launches

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On 15 April 2025, the ninth round of the Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Country Self-assessment Survey (TrACSS) began, for completion by June 2025. TrACSS is a key component of the global AMR monitoring and evaluation framework. Since its first iteration in 2017, TrACSS has enabled countries to assess their progress in implementing multisectoral AMR national action plans (NAPs) annually.

    The Quadripartite organizations the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – jointly develop, launch, manage and analyze the results and WHO systems are used to administer the survey. The survey is available in all six official UN languages, and it continues to evolve in scope and depth each year.

    Being multisectoral, TrACSS covers human health, animal health, food, agriculture and environment sectors in countries. Relevant national authorities and technical focal points from the different sectors complete it online. Throughout the survey process, the Quadripartite organizations provide support at the national, regional and global levels — ensuring that countries and focal points can accurately complete the survey and act on its findings.

    Eight rounds of the survey have been completed since 2017, and the results are available at  TrACSS Global Database, an interactive platform that visualizes progress and trends over time, compares performance across countries, regions and income levels, and generates country profiles and maps.

    In 2024, a record 186 countries (96%) responded to the survey. Member States reiterated their support to TrACSS in the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR and set a target of at least 95% submission rate to the survey by 2030.  

    National AMR multisectoral coordination mechanisms can use data from TrACSS to identify gaps and priorities for follow-up actions, supporting decision-making to strengthen the implementation of AMR NAPs. The data is also used to assess progress of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, adopted in 2015 and that will be revised by 2026.  

    Countries have been invited to participate through a dedicated platform. Data from the 2025 cycle of TRACSS will be published later this year. For any questions, please contact tracss@who.int. The continued commitment of countries to participate in and use the findings from TrACSS remains critical for monitoring and advancing both national and global responses to AMR.

    About the Quadripartite organizations:

    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

    FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. www.fao.org

    UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

    UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.  For more information, please contact: UN Environment Programme www.unep.org

    World Health Organization (WHO)

    Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int

    World Organisation for Animal Health:

    WOAH is a global organisation, working to ensure the health of animals across the world. Since 1924, we have focused on the complexities of animal health. We disseminate information on animal diseases and use science-based strategies to limit their potentially negative impact on society. www.woah.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Emergency fund injects over £3m into the city’s third sector

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Charities losing funding from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) are to receive urgent support from the City of Edinburgh Council.

    One-off funding of £2.037m will be provided to 46 organisations and projects across Edinburgh which are working to prevent poverty and support vulnerable residents.

    An additional £1m will help six third sector advice providers to support residents to maximise their income through accessing welfare benefits, reducing everyday living costs including debt management and improving access to work. A grant has also been provided to support the continued development of the Edinburgh Advice Network.

    The decision by the Policy and Sustainability Committee this week (Monday 12 May) will allow funds to be released to prevent the closure of a number of organisations and avert the redundancies of many employees.

    Decisions on how to allocate an outstanding £423,400 will be made when Councillors meet again later this month (Tuesday 27 May).

    The emergency package of support is provided ahead of a long-term review of the relationship between the Edinburgh Partnership, public sector and third sector in Edinburgh, with the aim of improving funding certainty in future years.

    As part of this review, the Edinburgh Partnership is asking voluntary organisations, social enterprises and charities to participate in an online consultation. Workshops will also take place in the coming weeks.

    Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said:

    “The third sector provides vital support to our local communities, and we need to provide stability to projects which have been put at risk of closure. Our funding will quickly and directly prevent many charities from redundancies and from reducing the very important services they provide.

    “While I’m pleased that we’ve reached a decision to prioritise this work – and to make sure we protect more people from entering poverty – we cannot become complacent. We need longer-term change so that organisations like these, and the many residents who rely on them, are at less risk and have greater stability.

    “We want to hear about how we can make helping vulnerable people simpler. Please take part in the consultation we’ve recently launched, as the Edinburgh Partnership seeks views on strengthening our city’s third sector.”

    In a deputation to Policy and Sustainability Committee, Bruce Crawford, CEO of EVOC and speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group said:

    “The decisions made by Councillors to support these third sector organisations shows a real understanding of the role that the third sector play in communities across Edinburgh.

    “The impact that these Resilience Fund payments will make cannot be underestimated in the way that they will support some of the most vulnerable people in our city. These grants will provide stability to the organisations in receipt of them and allow them to continue to serve their local communities. Longer term solutions need to be developed, and we are prepared to work with the council in planning for the future, beyond the current financial year.”

    Visit the Council’s website for more information about the Third Sector Support Review, the one-off Third Sector Resilience Fund and to access cost-of-living support.

    Full list of organisations and projects confirmed to receive urgent funding from the Third Sector Transitional Fund:

    1. ACE IT Scotland
    2. Art in Healthcare
    3. B Healthy Together
    4. Bridgend Farmhouse
    5. Calton Welfare Services
    6. Care for Carers
    7. Caring in Craigmillar
    8. Community Renewal Trust
    9. Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
    10. Drake Music Scotland
    11. Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
    12. Edinburgh Community Food
    13. Edinburgh Community Health Forum
    14. Edinburgh Headway Group
    15. Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
    16. Eric Liddell Community
    17. Feniks
    18. Fresh Start
    19. Health All Round
    20. Home-Start Edinburgh West and South West (HSEW)
    21. LGBT Health and Wellbeing
    22. Libertus Services
    23. MECOPP
    24. Murrayfield Dementia Project
    25. Pilmeny Development Project
    26. Pilton Equalities Project – Mental Health
    27. Pilton Equalities Project – Day Care
    28. Portobello Monday Centre
    29. Portobello Older People’s Project
    30. Positive Help
    31. Queensferry Churches Care in the Community
    32. Rowan Alba Limited
    33. Scottish Huntington’s Association
    34. Sikh Sanjog
    35. South Edinburgh Amenities Group (SEAG)
    36. The Broomhouse Centre (The Beacon Club)
    37. Vintage Vibes Consortium
    38. The Dove Centre
    39. The Health Agency
    40. The Living Memory Association
    41. The Open Door
    42. The Ripple Project
    43. The Welcoming Association
    44. Venture Scotland
    45. VOCAL
    46. Waverley Care.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ireland’s Competitiveness Confirmed – Minister Peter Burke

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, has welcomed the publication of Re-estimating Ireland’s International Competitiveness Performance, the latest bulletin by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC).

    Minister Burke said:

     “This analysis marks a very welcome contribution by the Council and confirms that the Irish economy is internationally competitive. However, we cannot become complacent, and there remains work to do in many areas. The Council’s findings will make a valuable contribution in the preparation of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.”

    “Despite our strong international performance, we are also aware that there are challenges, and it is important that we do not take our current strengths for granted. This is reflected in the decision taken by Cabinet to expedite delivery of the Action Plan, which will play a key role in addressing these challenges and safeguarding our competitiveness performance into the future.”

    This Bulletin explores how Ireland’s performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2024 is affected when selected indicators are rescaled using Modified Gross National Income (GNI*) in place of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

    The findings show that Ireland’s competitiveness performance remains strong with this adjustment. In fact, it rises by one position in the ranking, with improvements in three of the four pillars. The analysis explores how Ireland’s competitiveness profile changes when key metrics are recalibrated to better reflect the scale of the domestic economy.

    The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking is a widely used international benchmark, assessing over 60 economies across four key pillars and 20 sub-pillars, and based on 250 individual measures. In the 2024 IMD results, Ireland was ranked 4th overall. The analysis included in this Bulletin involves replicating the IMD methodology from the ground up, in order to facilitate the substitution of GNI* for GDP for Ireland. 

    Key findings from the Bulletin include:

    • Ireland’s competitiveness ranking improves by one place when GDP-based indicators are adjusted using GNI*, with notable gains in Economic Performance (up seven places) and Infrastructure (up two places). Business Efficiency is unchanged, while Government Efficiency declines slightly, reflecting a more constrained fiscal profile when public finance metrics are expressed over a smaller income base.
    • The analysis underscores the importance of context-sensitive benchmarking, especially when using international indices to inform national policy. This Bulletin highlights the need to interpret international indices critically, understanding their underlying assumptions, and where necessary, supplementing them with alternative analyses that better capture national circumstances.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) was established in 1997 (then the National Competitiveness Council) to report to the Taoiseach, through the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on key competitiveness issues facing the Irish economy.   In 2019, the NCPC was designated as Ireland’s National Productivity Board. 

     As part of its work, the NCPC makes recommendations on policy actions required to enhance Ireland’s competitive position. The NCPC publishes three main research outputs:

    • The Competitiveness Scorecard benchmarks Ireland against international competitors on areas of competitiveness and productivity. This is published every three years (and was last published in 2024).
    • The Competitiveness Challenge is an annual publication in which the NCPC makes recommendations for Government on key challenges to Ireland’s international competitiveness.
    • NCPC Bulletins are short and focused research notes, examining specific topics within the sphere of competitiveness and productivity. The NCPC releases multiple Bulletins each year. These short pieces often feed into the NCPC’s main Challenges report.

     The members of the Council are:

    Dr. Frances Ruane      Chair, National Competitiveness and Productivity Council

    Dr. Laura Bambrick    Head of Social Policy & Employment Affairs, ICTU

    Edel Clancy                Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Musgrave Group

    Kevin Sherry               Interim Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland 

    Ciaran Conlon             Director of Public Policy, Microsoft Ireland

    Luiz de Mello             Director of Country Studies, Economics Department, OECD

    Maeve Dineen             Chair of Ireland’s Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

    Brian McHugh            Chairperson, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

    Gary Tobin                 Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

    Michael Lohan            Chief Executive, IDA Ireland

    Liam Madden             Independent Consultant, Semiconductor Industry

    Neil McDonnell          Chief Executive, ISME 

    Bernadette McGahon  Director of Innovation Services, Industry Research & Development Group 

    Danny McCoy             Chief Executive, IBEC

    Michael Taft               Research Officer, SIPTU

    Representatives from the Departments of An Taoiseach; Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Environment, Climate and Communications; Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Social Protection; Finance; Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Justice; Public Expenditure and Reform; Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and Transport attend Council meetings in an advisory capacity.

    Research, Analysis and Secretariat from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment:

    Dr. Dermot Coates      

    Rory Mulholland                    

    Dr. Keith Fitzgerald

    Pádraig O’Sullivan                 

    Erika Valiukaite

    Jordan O’Donoghue

    Patrick Connolly

    ENDS

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘I will not eat the bugs’: examining a right-wing narrative about scarcity and insect consumption

    Source: The Conversation – France – By D. D. Moore, Visiting Fellow, Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies, European University Institute

    Noor Bin Ladin, a right-wing influencer, stridently declares “I don’t want to eat the bugs” on a talk show hosted by a former adviser to US President Donald Trump. Laurent Duplomb, a senator from the conservative Les Républicains party in France, informs his colleagues that the French would be eating “insects without their knowledge”. Bartosz Kownacki, an MP from the nationalist Law and Justice party in Poland, suggests that opposition politicians write “instead of chicken, eat a worm” on their election materials, arguing that “this is their real election programme”. Thierry Baudet, a leader of the far-right Forum for Democracy party in the Netherlands, shouts “No way! No way!” while holding up a bag of mealworms in front of protesting farmers. Politicians in Lega, a far-right party in Italy, warn that the European Union is planning to “impose” the eating of insects on citizens in the bloc – and a Lega electoral campaign includes a billboard-sized image of a person popping an enormous cricket into their mouth, next to the caption, “Let’s change Europe before it changes us.”


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    During the 2020s, commentators and politicians across the right-wing political spectrum have amplified an Internet-based conspiracy theory that elite forces are conspiring to make us all eat insects. Often rallying under the slogan “I will not eat the bugs,” right-wing and far-right figures have come out in force against human consumption of insects. Many of these people assert that the EU is planning to force bug-eating on the general public while devastating traditional agriculture and meat consumption under the guise of the European Green Deal, the bloc’s plan to eliminate greenhouse gases by 2050 and decouple economic growth from resource use. Opposing insect-eating has become a symbolic way to protest EU environmental policies, express scepticism of and hostility toward Brussels, and villainize political opponents. Closer inspection reveals that the conspiracy theory underlying such opposition has much older and more sinister resonances.

    “Spreading disinformation”

    Insect eating (entomophagy) remains a minor practice in Europe and North America, although alternative protein sources do play a role in the EU’s move toward a sustainable future. So far, the European Commission has approved frozen, dried and powdered forms of Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm larva), Locusta migratoria (migratory locust), Acheta domesticus (house cricket) and Alphitobius diaperinus (the lesser mealworm larva) for human consumption. But the market for insect powder in foods like bread, pasta and sports bars remains small. Although insects are common food in many parts of the world, consumers in the West, where insects are more commonly used to provide protein in animal feed, are reluctant to eat bugs for historical reasons based in ideas of uncleanliness and primitiveness. So, based on the facts, there seems to be little to no reason for statements such as those made by Rumen Petkov of Bulgaria’s ABV party, who said that EU approval of insect consumption is a “crime against Europe” and that the European Commission is “prepared to kill our European children”.

    What led to the rapid spread of this conspiracy theory? Noor Bin Ladin’s remarks give us a clue. During her talk show appearance, Bin Ladin described her words as a message for Klaus Schwab to take to his “masters”. Schwab is the founder and executive chair of the World Economic Forum. Early in the Covid pandemic, Schwab and the WEF produced a set of proposals titled “the Great Reset”, which called for an overhaul of various world systems to produce a stakeholder-driven capitalism that would lead to a more socially and environmentally responsible future. Conspiracists seized on and branded “the Great Reset” as a new iteration of a conspiracy theory known as the New World Order – an imagined global governance system meant to control the lives of everyone. Both the Great Reset and the New World Order lead back to much older and broader antisemitic conspiracy theories that hold that elite Jewish financiers run the world with their hands on invisible levers of power. All these narratives tap into feelings of futility and hopelessness about the future.

    US right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson called a 2023 episode of his show, which included a heavy focus on Schwab and the WEF, “Let Them Eat Bugs”, a title that gestures at the remark allegedly made by Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, when she heard about people suffering from a lack of bread before the French Revolution: “Let them eat cake”. With this title, Carlson is aiming to emphasize that the elite are hopelessly out of touch and have contempt for farmers and the average man, whom they want to force to eat bugs. Like the French bedbug scare in late 2023, right-wing alarm around insect-eating has connections to the spread of anti-EU Russian propaganda. Russian news outlets have suggested that Europeans are so poor and food deprived as a result of sanctions connected to the war in Ukraine that they have been reduced to eating insects. As the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) writes, insects are “delicious treats for actors with interest in spreading disinformation against the EU”.

    Symbols for dehumanization

    The desire to stir up fear about the minor level of European and US insect consumption is not based on the risk of rapid growth in the insect market, but on the power to arouse disgust and fear itself. Insects have long been used as symbols to stir revulsion and paint opponents as objects of physical and moral disgust. During times of political extremism, insects have featured repeatedly in efforts to distance, devalue and dehumanize minorities. Armenians were called locusts during the Armenian genocide, and Jews were compared to lice in Nazi Germany. In the period prior to the ethnic genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda, some Hutus repeatedly called Tutsis “cockroaches” on public radio. The right wing’s current fetishization of insect-eating serves as a narrative to cast political opponents as morally repulsive, even if not labelling them as bugs themselves.

    For some figures on the right, insect consumption symbolizes the worst of Eurocentric liberalism – seen as a movement so void of a positive political vision that the only possible future it offers is one of impoverishment and bug-eating. They point to an elite who they claim will go on feasting on meat while forcing mealworms and fly larvae on the rest of us. It’s a potent image. At a moment in which people on the right and the left seem unable to imagine a better political future together, it becomes easier to demonize climate policy-minded leaders as a group of disgusting hypocrites plotting to create a society of contrived scarcity where the general population is reduced to eating bugs.

    Meanwhile, since 2015, scientists have been releasing papers warning that the global food system shows risks of genuine structural problems. In a future of environmental disruption, trade wars and real risks of food shortages and famine, we may need all the calories we can get – insect-based or otherwise.




    À lire aussi :
    ‘A healthy earth may be ugly’: How literary art can help us value insect conservation


    Out of curiosity, I bought a bag of cricket flour last fall. The crickets resulted in a delicious, nutty-flavoured cecina, well… crickcina. So far, none of my friends will try it. They’re missing out.

    D. D. Moore ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    ref. ‘I will not eat the bugs’: examining a right-wing narrative about scarcity and insect consumption – https://theconversation.com/i-will-not-eat-the-bugs-examining-a-right-wing-narrative-about-scarcity-and-insect-consumption-254112

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Growing Future Farmers and Skills Group, Ignite, Partner to Provide Diversified Career Pathways for Young Farmers

    Source: Skills Group

    Skills Group – Ignite and Growing Future Farmers (GFF) have developed a new training programme to meet the learning and development needs of young sheep and beef farmers.

    Pending NZQA approval, the first cohort is set to begin as early as July 2025, with the Level 4 programme offering a next-step pathway that builds on the success of GFF’s hands-on model and NZQA Level 2 and 3 qualifications.

    It has been co-designed and developed with extensive industry consultation to give young farmers the opportunity to deepen their skills while continuing to work on-farm, helping to strengthen the pipeline of talent and capability within the sector.

    GFF CEO Wendy Paul says the new programme is a natural extension of GFF’s founding purpose.

    “From day one, GFF has been about creating real career opportunities for young people in farming. This new programme allows us to extend that journey by offering progression while keeping the real-world, on-farm learning that’s central to our model.”

    Skills Group – Ignite Director of Vocational Training and Higher Education Mark Worsop says the innovative blended learning programme, combining provider-based and work-based learning is designed to equip young farmers with the necessary skills to take on leadership roles in the agricultural industry.

    “With this new programme, graduates will be able to take on increased responsibility says Mark.

    The GFF programme is a two-year initiative where students gain practical, hands-on experience working directly on farms. Students, typically aged between 16 and 21 years old, are matched with experienced farm trainers.

    “The new Level 4 programme will ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of an ever-evolving agricultural sector by developing management and leadership skills. The programme offers an exciting opportunity for GFF Level 2 and Level 3 graduates to further develop their skills and transition into beef and sheep farm leadership roles,” Mark says.

    Graduates of this qualification will be equipped to do a range of things, from coordinating agribusiness activities using appropriate technology to benchmarking a farm’s physical performance and implementing and monitoring a farm environmental plan.

    The Level 4 programme is delivered through a blended learning approach. Trainees will benefit from online tuition and academic support provided by expert tutors from Skills Group – Ignite. In addition, they will receive the same level of high-quality pastoral care and in-person support that GFF currently provides.

    “This holistic approach ensures that trainees are well-supported academically and personally, as they progress through their studies,” Mark says.

    “The fully workplace integrated learning approach benefits both trainees and employers, ensuring that the learning experience is meaningful and tailored to the realities of farm operations,” Mark says.

    “The GFF team are passionate about the quality of training and support available to future farm trainees and students. They’ve developed a unique delivery model that not only meets the training and support needs of learners but is also built upon employer partnerships with a real commitment to the learner journey and their professional development,” Mark says.

    GFF CEO Wendy Paul says the partnership with Skills Group- Ignite reflects a shared vision and a commitment to long-term impact.

    “We’re really pleased to be partnering in a way that aligns so strongly with our strategic direction and purpose. This collaboration brings new perspectives, diverse capabilities, and helps strengthen the GFF model — ensuring it remains viable, high quality, and centred on student success. At its core, it’s about delivering life-changing experiences for the next generation of farmers and securing a strong future for the sector,” says Wendy.

    About Skills Group – Ignite

    Skills Group is New Zealand’s largest private training establishment, delivering hands-on, real-world education to over 18,000 learners across New Zealand and the world. From school leavers to CEOs, Skills Group supports lifelong learning through practical, industry-aligned training programmes that help people grow their careers, businesses, and communities. For more information about Skills Group – Ignite go to https://skills-ignite.org/

    About Growing Future Farmers

    GFF is a charity that provides the opportunity for motivated young people to enter the sheep, beef and deer industry with the confidence of supported training and development, and that provides an industry respected, employer led career pathway that will enable motivated young people to progress in their career.

    https://www.growingfuturefarmers.co.nz/about

    GFF provides NZQA approved on farm programmes underpinned by proven methods and are future focused.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News