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Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: CBED Program Awards Grant to INPEACE to Support Native Hawaiian Businesses at 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: CBED Program Awards Grant to INPEACE to Support Native Hawaiian Businesses at 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival

    Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

    KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMOHALA PĀʻOIHANA, ʻIMI WAIWAI A HOʻOMĀKAʻIKAʻI

     

    BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    DENNIS T. LING

    ADMINISTRATOR

    CBED PROGRAM AWARDS GRANT TO INPEACE TO SUPPORT NATIVE HAWAIIAN BUSINESSES AT 2025 MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 24, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) Center for Entrepreneurship. The funding will support nine Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses in participating as vendors at the Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market, taking place April 24-26, 2025 at Sangha Hall in Hilo, Hawai‘i, in conjunction with the Merrie Monarch Festival.

    “The CBED Program is committed to fostering economic opportunities that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s small business community, particularly those that align with cultural preservation and sustainability,” said DBEDT Business Support Division Branch Chief Mark Ritchie. “By supporting Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs at the Merrie Monarch Festival, we are investing in the long-term success of local businesses while celebrating and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.”

    As one of Hawai‘i’s premier cultural events, the Merrie Monarch Festival attracts thousands of attendees, including residents, visitors and cultural practitioners. The Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market, which runs alongside the festival, provides a unique opportunity for local artisans, food vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, increase brand recognition and generate revenue.

    “This funding allows us to provide critical support for Native Hawaiian small businesses – helping them grow their brands, expand their customer base and contribute to the local economy,” said Lisa Pakele, program director of the INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship. “We are grateful to the CBED Program for its commitment to community-based economic development.”

    The grant funding will cover vendor booth fees, travel expenses and marketing efforts to enhance visibility for participating businesses. The selected cohort includes:

    • Bujo Bae: Island-inspired stationery, paper goods, scrapbooking materials and journals. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • Honolulu Baby Company: Keiki apparel and accessories that are comfy, conscious and cute. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • Kākou Collective: Stationery, greeting cards, notebooks and apparel featuring hand-drawn artwork by Native Hawaiian artist Kea Peters. (‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu)
    • Kaulana Mahina: A research-based resource promoting Hawaiian culture and language through mahina workshops, moon calendars, maps, keiki books and more. (Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island)
    • Keha Hawai‘i: A blend of classic and contemporary fashion for men and women that pays homage to the ʻāina, kānaka, ʻōlelo and moʻolelo of Hawaiʻi. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • The Keiki Dept: A lifestyle brand for the ‘ohana that encourages families to have conversations about the plants and animals featured on their products. (ʻAiea, O‘ahu)
    • Mahina Made: A Hawaiʻi lifestyle brand of apparel, accessories and home goods. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • Pawniolo Pets: Offering high-quality pet food and snacks rooted in the traditions of its family cattle ranch on Hawaiʻi Island. (Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island)
    • Sweetheart Farm: Farm-fresh products ranging from microgreens and chili pepper jelly to baked goods and lilikoi butter. (Hilo, Hawai‘i Island)

    The CBED Program supports initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency and sustainable business development in Hawaiʻi. By investing in community-driven projects, DBEDT aims to strengthen local industries, enhance job creation and foster long-term economic resilience.

    For more information about the CBED Program and its initiatives, visit https://invest.hawaii.gov/business/cbed/. To learn more about INPEACE and its programs, visit https://inpeace.org/.

    About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)

    DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation-sector job growth.

    About the Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program

    The CBED Program is dedicated to supporting the economic growth and sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s communities. By providing grants, loans and technical assistance, CBED empowers local businesses and organizations to thrive and contribute to a vibrant local economy.

    About the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE)

    INPEACE is a nonprofit organization committed to the education, culture and economic development of Native Hawaiians. Through a range of programs and initiatives, INPEACE strives to create opportunities that promote self-sufficiency and enhance the quality of life for Native Hawaiian communities. The INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship supports new family-owned businesses and start-ups on the Leeward Coast of O‘ahu to increase their capacity to succeed. The center provides intensive individual support, personal and business finance training, 1-on-1 coaching, access to business micro loans, peer networking, business equipment, administrative back-office support, specialized services and expert mentors.

    # # #

     

    Media Contacts:

     

    Laci Goshi

    Communications Officer

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
    Cell: 808-518-5480

    Email: [email protected]

    Mark Ritchie

    Branch Chief, Business Support Division

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    Phone: 808-586-2355

    Email: [email protected]

    Lisa Pakele

    INPEACE Program Director

    Center for Entrepreneurship

    Phone 808-693-7222 ext. 116

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release: APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 LĀNAʻI MOUFLON SHEEP SEASON OPEN MARCH 31

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release: APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 LĀNAʻI MOUFLON SHEEP SEASON OPEN MARCH 31

    Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

     

    APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 LĀNAʻI MOUFLON SHEEP SEASON OPEN MARCH 31

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    March 24, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Applications for the 2025 Lānaʻi mouflon sheep hunting season will be available on March 31, 2025.

     

    Lānaʻi’s mouflon sheep season will consist of four hunts: an archery hunt, a youth hunt, a muzzleloader hunt, and a general rifle hunt. All four hunts may be subject to a lottery drawing.

     

    Depending on application levels, standby hunting opportunities may be offered for the general rifle season. If application numbers are higher or lower than anticipated for the general rifle season, one or more weekends may be added or eliminated.

     

    For more information and to apply, go to: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/. Click on “Apply for Hunts” and select 2025 Lānaʻi Mouflon Sheep Season.

     

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video Courtesy: DLNR)

     

    Photograph – attached

     

    Additional hunt details are available at the link below or by calling DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife offices.

     

    https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2025/03/2025-Mouflon-Sheep-Season-Public-Notice_Hunting-Webpage.pdf  

     

     

    O‘ahu: 1-808-587-0166                                  Maui: 1-808-984-8100

    Hawai‘i: 1-808-974-4221 (Hilo)                    Moloka‘i: 1-808-553-1745

    Kaua‘i: 1-808-274-3433                                 Lāna‘i: 1-808-565-7916

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396 

    Email: [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Using Renure and applying a derogation to reduce dependence on imported fertilisers – E-001077/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001077/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Wouter Beke (PPE)

    In its Competitiveness Compass for the EU, the Commission proposes that additional tariffs be introduced on chemical fertilisers from Russia and Belarus. That risks increasing prices for farmers and lowering competitiveness, even though the agricultural and horticultural sector is a strategic partner as a supplier of food, fibre, agricultural commodities and energy. Reducing dependence on imported chemical fertilisers and boosting agricultural sector competitiveness should therefore be priorities for the Commission.

    Under the new vision for agriculture and food, the use of low-carbon fertilisers and recycled nutrients, such as recovered nitrogen from manure (Renure) and digestate after appropriate treatment, is regarded as a win-win solution to environmental and circular economy challenges. Allowing some derogations from the Nitrates Directive enables farmers to replace expensive chemical fertilisers with processed livestock manure.

    • 1.Will the Commission make a specific proposal to use on-farm-processed livestock manure (Renure) as a substitute for chemical fertilisers? If so, what is the exact timetable for the proposal?
    • 2.Will the Commission also put forward a proposal to ensure structural use of more livestock manure, including on grassland (derogation)? If so, what is the intended timetable for the measure?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters and Senate Committee Ranking Members Demand Immediate Review by Agency Inspectors General of Trump Administration’s Mass Dismissals of Federal Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led 16 Senate Committee Ranking Members in a letter to the Inspectors General of 23 federal agencies, pressing for details on the impact of President Trump’s sweeping and unprecedented dismissal of tens of thousands of federal employees. The senators asked the Inspectors General to review the Trump Administration’s actions, citing potential violations of federal laws and procedures, which the senators warn could harm Americans’ access to vital government services and increase waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars.

    “The decision to terminate thousands of employees across multiple federal agencies will impose undue hardship on millions of Americans who rely on their services,” wrote the senators. “The loss of experienced agency staff may risk causing serious disruptions to nearly 73 million Americans who rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to administer retiree and disability benefits and 9.1 million veterans who depend on the Department of Veteran Affairs (V.A.), many of which rely on the V.A. for life saving medical treatments and care.”  

    Highlighting the devastating consequences of these mass firings, the senators underscored the Trump Administration’s layoffs have already disrupted critical operations at agencies that millions of Americans depend on for survival. 

    “Among the 2,400 employees fired from the V.A. since Mr. Trump’s inauguration are workers who purchase medical supplies, schedule appointments and arrange rides for patients to see their doctors,” wrote the senators, citing a NY Times report. “Additionally, taxpayers seeking in-person assistance as they navigate the 2025 filing season may find the support centers they previously relied on completely relocated or shuttered. That risk is a direct consequence of the Administration’s mass dismissals and decision to terminate over 100 IRS offices with Tax Assistance Centers (TAC) – which provide free, in-person assistance for those seeking it.”

    The senators are requesting that IGs examine whether these dismissals violated agency policies and assess the damage to agency missions, public safety, and national security, calling for an initial review to be completed within 60 days, with findings made available to the public to ensure transparency and accountability.  

    In addition to Peters, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators and Ranking Members Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Special Committee on Aging, Patty Murray (D-WA), Committee on Appropriations, Jack Reed (D-RI), Committee on Armed Services, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Committee on Environment and Public Works, Ron Wyden (D-OR), Committee on Finance, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Committee on Foreign Relations, Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Committee on the Judiciary, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Committee on the Budget and Ed Markey (D-MA), Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

    The full text of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIA HAS IMMENSE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SELF-RELIANT IN OILSEED PRODUCTION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER SHRI OM BIRLA

    Source: Government of India

    INDIA HAS IMMENSE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SELF-RELIANT IN OILSEED PRODUCTION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER SHRI OM BIRLA

    INDUSTRY LEADERS MUST COLLABORATE WITH FARMERS AND SCIENTISTS TO STRENGTHEN OILSEEDS SECTOR IN INDIA: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    START-UP CULTURE AND VOCAL FOR LOCAL INITIATIVES CAN DRIVE INNOVATION IN OILSEEDS INDUSTRY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES 45th RABI ALL INDIA OILSEEDS SEMINAR IN AGRA

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

    Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today called upon all stakeholders — farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and industry leaders — to unite with determination and play a pivotal role in making India self-reliant and a global leader in oilseed production.

    Noting that India’s demand for edible oil far exceeds its domestic supply, Shri Birla called upon industry leaders and oil millers to innovate and find solutions to reduce import dependency, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. He asserted that India is undergoing transformation, and it is imperative that our farmers become key drivers of this change, empowered with fair prices for their produce.

    यूपी ऑयल मिलर्स एसोसिएशन द्वारा आगरा में आयोजित “45वें रबी ऑल इंडिया तिलहन सेमिनार” में सम्मिलित होकर देशभर से आए तिलहन व्यवसायियों को संबोधित किया।

    भारत खाद्य तेल के क्षेत्र में आत्मनिर्भर बने, इसके लिए आवश्यक है कि हमारे किसान और ऑयल प्रोसेसिंग सेक्टर से जुड़े लोग सम्मिलित… pic.twitter.com/maIK7aXXZY

    — Om Birla (@ombirlakota) March 23, 2025

    Shri Birla was addressing the 45th Rabi All India Oilseeds Seminar, organized by the UP Oil Millers Association in Agra today.

    He stressed that our farmers and the oil processing industry must work hand-in-hand and emphasized that high-quality oilseed production backed by advanced research and innovation is essential. Shri Birla urged agricultural scientists and the Oil Millers Association to collaborate proactively for excellence and self-reliance. The Speaker also urged scientists to focus on developing climate-resilient, high-yield seed varieties, contributing to sustained growth in oilseed production. He emphasized the importance of research collaborations with renowned universities and institutions, and the need to educate the public on the health benefits of Indian oils, supported by scientific studies. Underlining that Central India’s soil and climate are highly conducive to oilseed cultivation, often requiring minimal irrigation, he noted that government initiatives have improved irrigation infrastructure and enhanced agriculture production potential.

    Highlighting the nutritional value of Indian oilseed crops, Shri Birla emphasized the need to promote these indigenous oils to boost both economic and nutritional security. He reaffirmed the importance of the philosophy to embrace indigenous oils reminding that what grows naturally in our soil and climate is most beneficial to health. He also linked the oilseeds sector’s growth with the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, encouraging farmers to adopt modern technologies, receive proper training, and utilize government schemes for better yields and higher incomes. Shri Birla called for entrepreneurial participation in organic farming, processing, packaging, and distribution of oilseed products, highlighting the immense opportunities Start-Up culture has brought to even smaller regions.

    He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the 45th Rabi All India Oilseeds Seminar would chart a new direction for India’s oilseeds industry and help achieve the goal of self-reliance. Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and dairying and  Panchayti Raj and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

    ***

    AM

    (Release ID: 2114480) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley to Host Sixth Federal Judiciary Youth Summit for Iowa High School Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will host his sixth Federal Judiciary Youth Summit on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the U.S. Courthouse in Cedar Rapids. The summit allows students and educators to learn more about the federal judiciary system and their constitutional freedoms.

    Grassley has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee throughout his time in the U.S. Senate and continually advocates for civic engagement and appreciation of the nation’s system of checks and balances. 

    “As the first farmer to ever chair the Judiciary Committee, I know how important it is for people of all backgrounds to gain an understanding of the judicial process,” Grassley said. “Participants will be able to learn and ask questions about a branch of government that can often seem complex and unapproachable. The courts interpret the law and defend the constitutional freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis. Learning how these decisions are made and upheld will provide a valuable experience for these students. I’m pleased to host this opportunity once again.”

    The summit will feature Chief Judge C.J. Williams, a Senate-confirmed judge for the Northern District of Iowa, as the speaker. The event will start with a welcome reception followed by a question-and-answer session. 62 area high schools have been invited to participate. Each school is allowed to bring four juniors or seniors, accompanied by one teacher.

    Attendees from last year’s summit praised the experience:

    “I really enjoyed the session,” said Madelyn Gobble of Fort Madison High School. “[It was] interesting to hear a real-life perspective from both [Judge Locher] and Senator Chuck Grassley, as well as getting that perspective of being from such a small town and being able to go on and be something larger.”

    “I thought this was a very beneficial experience. We got to learn about our judicial system and speak with some very influential people in our society,” said Jack Hoffman of Clinton High School.

    Learn more about Grassley’s role and responsibilities as Judiciary Chairman HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foot and Mouth disease controls amended in Germany

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Foot and Mouth disease controls amended in Germany

    Import ban amended following outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Germany.

    As of 24 March 2025, the import ban currently in place due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease on cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, buffaloes and their products such as meat, and dairy from Germany will be amended.

    This decision follows rigorous technical assessment of the measures applied in Germany and the current situation. If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity.

    Great Britain has officially recognized regionalisation for FMD in Germany at the containment zone level, which covers a 6km radius around the outbreak. Consequently, the export of affected commodities can resume from areas outside this zone, provided all other import requirements are satisfied.

    Personal imports of packaged and unpackaged meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants will remain in place at a country level.

    FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.

    Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:  

    • 03000 200 301 in England   

    • 0300 303 8268 in Wales   

    • your local  Field Services Office in Scotland

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    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Seven Appointments to Various Boards

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 24, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced seven appointments to various boards.

    Mason Bell, of Williamsville, was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Dr. Bell currently serves as the chief financial officer and veterinarian at Bell Veterinary Services, LLC DBA Hillcrest Animal Hospital. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Beef Cattle Practitioners, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Society for Theriogenology. Dr. Bell earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Mark Ellebracht, of Excelsior Springs, was appointed to the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.

    Mr. Ellebracht is a principal partner at The Injury Council, a personal injury law firm in Clayton, Missouri. Ellebracht formerly served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023 for District 17 and later worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Clay County. He also served as a squad leader for the United States Army. Mr. Ellebracht earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from William Jewell College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia.

    Marcy Hammerle, of Troy, was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Dr. Hammerle is an associate veterinarian at Elm Point Animal Hospital. She previously served as board chair and president of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and is an active member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation, Therapeutic Horsemanship Board, and the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Hammerle earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Jeremy Manley, of Springfield, was appointed to the State Board of Mediation.

    Mr. Manley is the president and business representative of Teamsters Local 245. From 2017 to 2019, Manley served as a Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education (DRIVE) representative for International Brotherhood of Teamsters in Washington, D.C. Prior to working with Teamsters, Manley worked as a delivery driver for the United Parcel Service.

    Michael Pfander, of Clever, was reappointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Dr. Pfander is a small animal veterinarian at Cottage Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He has served on the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board since 2012. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Pfander also worked as an adjunct professor at Drury University from 1996 to 2012. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Southwest Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association. Dr. Pfander earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

    Christopher Rohlfing, of Fayette, was reappointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Mr. Rohlfing is the owner and operator of Production Agriculture. He has been a public member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board since 2014. Prior to starting his own business, Rohlfing worked as the member services manager at Boone Electric Cooperative before retiring after 33 years. He’s also worked as an independent crop insurance agent since 1983. Mr. Rohlfing is as a member of the Deans Strategic Advisory Committee for the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Veterinary Medicine and is the president of the Howard County Farm Bureau. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his Master of Business Administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri.

    Rodney Schad, of Versailles, was appointed to the State Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority.

    Mr. Schad is the owner and operator of Schad Farm where he raises cattle, corn, soybeans, and wheat. He formerly represented the 115th District in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005 to 2012 and later as the Morgan County Commissioner from 2012 to 2020. Schad is an active member of the First Christian Church of Versailles and the Missouri Farm Bureau. He also serves as a board member for several organizations, including Quality Industries, Show Me Christian Youth Home, Highland Mutual Insurance Company, and the Missouri Public Defender Commission.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

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

    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 Missouri of the April 23, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 19–27, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Stone, Texas, Wayne and Wright in Missouri, as well as Benton, Clay, Carroll, Fulton and Randolph counties in Arkansas, Alexander County in Illinois, Fulton County in Kentucky, and Lake County in Tennessee.

    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.

    “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.”

    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.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for 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 SBA no later than April 23.

    ###

    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 –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week 10 Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

    Ten weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session, we reached several major milestones, delivering real results for our farmers, job creators and hardworking Georgians.

    One of the most significant victories was the final passage of Senate Bill 68 through both chambers of the General Assembly, a major step forward in tort reform, which has been a top priority for Governor Brian Kemp. After extensive debate and deliberation in both chambers, this bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval. SB 68 cracks down on lawsuit abuse, prevents bad actors from double-dipping on litigation expenses and shields small businesses from predatory legal tactics. With excessive verdicts and frivolous lawsuits running rampant in our state, this legislation will provide real relief for families and business owners alike.

    We also took action to cut taxes and put more money back into your pockets. The Senate passed House Bill 111, which lowers the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19% beginning in 2025. The bill ensures additional tax cuts annually until the rate reaches 4.99%, delivering long-term relief for Georgia taxpayers. Additionally, House Bill 112 provides a one-time tax credit of $250 for individuals, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. Both bills are now on their way to Governor Kemp’s desk, fulfilling yet another promise to ease the financial burden on Georgia families.

    Meanwhile, work continues on the state budget as Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearings move us closer to finalizing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. As the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Chairman, I led discussions on aid allocations to rural communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our hearing helped ensure that our budget remains fiscally responsible while prioritizing the needs of our state.

    On the legislative front, I’m proud that my bill, Senate Bill 35, passed unanimously through the House this week. SB 35 is my nonrenewal policy legislation, increasing the days’ notice required to be given to a policyholder before their homeowners’ insurance policy is not renewed. By providing more time for consumers to find alternative coverage or successfully manage concerns with their provider, this bill ensures that more Georgians maintain uninterrupted insurance coverage. Having passed both the Senate and House, SB 35 now awaits the Governor’s approval before it becomes law.

    Additionally, my bill to enhance our skilled workforce, SB 125, passed through the House Committee on Regulated Industries. Historically, our future engineers have completed their academic pathway but had to wait until they had worked in the field to take the professional engineering exam and earn their accreditation. This bill decouples the sequential order of experience and examination requirements for professional engineers, allowing them to take their professional engineering exam directly after their studies. SB 125 will encourage more skilled workers to come to Georgia and improve pass rates for the professional engineering exam, ultimately improving the field on the whole in our state. I am confident that the House will show SB 125 the same bipartisan support it received in the Senate. 

    Finally, I am carrying House Bill 579, which will revise provisions for professional licensing in Georgia. This bill empowers the professional licensing boards division to review and grant applications for the issuance, renewal or reinstatement of licenses on behalf of the profession’s licensing board. Notably, HB 579 also allows the division director to license an individual before taking an examination, encouraging the growth of their profession, business, or trade. With this legislation, we are streamlining professional licensing standards to protect all Georgians’ safety and welfare. I will always support legislation that allows qualified, trained workers to properly function without excessive red tape.

    With just two weeks remaining in this legislative session, I encourage everyone to stay engaged and visit the Gold Dome to see the legislative process in action. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Serving the 20th Senate District under the Gold Dome is an honor.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways cannabis can contribute to a green future

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julyan Levy, PhD Candidate, Social Sciences, Coventry University

    24K-Production/Shutterstock

    Cannabis legalisation could raise £1.5 billion for the UK economy, according to a recent report from the charity Transform. But aside from this plant’s economic benefits, cannabis also has many ecological advantages.

    My research into the potential role of cannabis in shaping a fairer and healthier world never fails to excite me. Cannabis flowers became legally allowed as a medicine in the UK in 2018, but its origins as a medicinal herb in Britain dates back to at least Anglo-Saxon times. Its popularity is evident in the many place names scattered across the country, from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire to Littlehempston in Devon.

    Hemp is a colloquial term for the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa. Hemp often refers to strains of cannabis that have had its main psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), bred out of the female flowers.

    Due to the negative associations cannabis has picked up over the past 50 years of prohibition, hemp farmers have distanced themselves from using the term cannabis. In the UK, this association has resulted in strict conditions for growing hemp creating a barrier for farmers.

    In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD), the main non psychoactive chemical found in female cannabis flowers, has become popular as a wellness product. CBD is abundant in low-THC hemp flowers, so it’s easy for the lines between hemp and cannabis to become blurred.

    It’s all cannabis. This plant has some incredible environmental benefits, from improving soil health to storing carbon. Here are five ways that cannabis plants can contribute to a greener planet:

    1. Productive harvests

    Hemp stems have a woody core, known as shivs, that can be mixed with lime to make hempcrete, a carbon-neutral alternative to concrete. Concrete production is one of the major sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. Hempcrete could be used to build eco-friendly social housing across the UK.

    Hemp seeds are a nutritious food source, high in protein and omega-3. With the UK’s food system in crisis, hemp seeds and the oil they produce could be a more widespread sustainable homegrown food source if hemp could be grown on an industrial scale.

    But industrial monocultures of crops are harmful to biodiversity. One alternative is agroecology – working with nature to prioritise biodiversity through small-scale farming.

    Hemp is ideally suited to agroecology, but it’s not an easy crop to grow in the UK
    because licensing laws make it very difficult for hemp farmers to tap into a global market worth billions.

    Farmers at one community farm, Hempen in Oxfordshire, sowed their first hemp crop over an area of 30 acres. In 2019, Hempen were forced to destroy their CBD harvest as their licence wasn’t renewed.

    In California, THC strains are allowed. One farming community started producing its own CBD-based medicines on just one acre of land. Others use the plant in other interesting ways, from rehabilitating formally incarcerated people to off-grid market gardens.

    Hemp offers potential as a fast-growing crop that enriches soil health.
    MAR007/Shutterstock

    2. Healthy soils

    Soil is essential for growing 98.8% of our food. Yet, it is often contaminated with toxic chemicals from industrial processes or the legacies of war.

    A process known as phytoremediation cleans the soil of these toxic contaminants. Hemp’s deep roots have a high tolerance for absorbing dangerous heavy metals. It is also a great break crop – this is a way for farmers to rotate the types of crops they grow to keep the soil healthy.



    Read more:
    Hemp is more sustainable than timber – here’s how it could transform low-carbon construction

    3. Plastic alternatives

    Plastic is poisoning our bodies and our planet. Recent reports suggest that the human brain may contain enough microplastics to make a spoon.

    Bioplastics made from hemp are biodegradable, composting down into organic matter leaving no microplastics. Hemp bioplastics are already being used by a number of commercial companies from building cars to packaging.

    Bioplastics do not offer a complete solution, but with the right infrastructure they could help reduce the need to derive more plastics from fossil fuels.

    4. Carbon storage

    Trees and other plants remove carbon dioxide from the air through the process of photosynthesis. Hemp is great at this, storing twice as much carbon dioxide than trees.

    Hemp is easy to grow without synthetic chemical inputs. It requires virtually no pesticides and reaches maturity much more quickly than trees. Once it absorbs the carbon, it’s easily stored in hempcrete blocks that can be used in construction.

    5. Energy storage

    It’s very difficult to store excess energy from renewable sources for use at a later date when the sun might not be shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Big batteries are one solution but these require mining precious metals.

    Another solution are supercapacitors – mega-efficient energy storage solutions that can be as small as a coin. Graphene, a flat material stronger than steel, is an essential element in the production of supercapacitors but it’s expensive and energy-intensive to make.

    The whole stem biomass (unused plant waste) from cannabis could provide a low-cost way to make graphene. Research shows that supercapacitors using hemp-based graphene perform much more efficiently than current commercial models.

    Hemp has many other known uses, from textiles to paper. The UK could lead the way in hemp innovation. The previous UK government did announce some minor changes to hemp licensing. Now, further changes to legislation could help farmers to harness the potential of this wondercrop in the fight against climate change.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Julyan Levy is affiliated with The Green Party of England and Wales.

    – ref. Five ways cannabis can contribute to a green future – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-cannabis-can-contribute-to-a-green-future-251523

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Marshall, Moran Introduce Legislation to Provide Consistent, Affordable Energy to Missouri, Kansas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Monday, March 24, 2025

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation – alongside Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) – that would provide stable energy rates and a reliable electric grid to states in the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) region, including Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

    “After the devastating tornadoes that left victims without power for days, Missourians deserve consistent and affordable energy,” said Senator Hawley. “This legislation will ensure that every Missourian has access to power they can rely on.”

    The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act would give SWPA the authority to operate on a self-funding, revolving Treasury fund to help provide the affected states with a long-term, reliable financing source. This would give the region more stable funding to lower customer rates, which can be highly volatile due to market demand and weather. Furthermore, the legislation would provide SWPA clarity to plan long-term infrastructure improvements and power replacement and allow SWPA to avoid drastic and unnecessary spikes in power rates charged to its wholesale customers in an extreme or multi-year regional drought situation.

    “It is critical that Kansans have access to reliable electricity at stable rates, especially during extreme and dangerous weather,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation will provide funding stability that will allow energy providers to make needed infrastructure improvements and prevent Kansans from suffering mass power outages.”

    “Kansans – especially our farmers and ranchers – need reliable and affordable power,” said Senator Marshall. “Consumers have suffered from high energy costs for too long, and this bill will help deliver stable and affordable power while improving our power grid infrastructure. I am proud to stand with Senators Jerry Moran and Josh Hawley in supporting this important legislation.”

    Senator Hawley has long advocated for Missourians to access reliable American-made energy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Charged in Danbury Kidnapping Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that JAMES SCHWAB, 22, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has been federally charged for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping in Danbury in August 2024.

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men who were involved in a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of two occupants of the vehicle on that date.  The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual who is suspected of participating in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.  Schwab, who had an altercation with the victims’ son in a Miami nightclub in July 2024, was in regular communication with certain of the kidnappers in the days before the crime, provided funding for it, and helped arrange the participants’ transportation and lodging.

    Schwab was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 29, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport after he returned to the U.S. from a trip to Bali.  On February 25, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Schwab with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Schwab appeared in Bridgeport federal court on March 12, 2025, and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

    Schwab has been detained since his arrest.

    Five of the six individuals charged with offenses related to the carjacking and kidnapping have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force and the Danbury Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ecological perspective in spatial planning focus of OSCE-supported workshop in Podgorica

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Ecological perspective in spatial planning focus of OSCE-supported workshop in Podgorica

    On 20 and 21 March, the parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, together with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, organized a workshop on the ecological perspective in spatial planning and eco-urbanism.
    The workshop gathered staff from parliamentary committees on tourism, agriculture, ecology and spatial planning; economy, finance and budget; gender equality; anti-corruption, as well as from the parliamentary Research Centre and Commission for Monitoring and Control of the Privatisation Procedure. They discussed legislation regulating eco-urbanism, as well as environmental impacts of planned infrastructure and energy facilities. They considered challenges posed by climate change and examined sustainable urban solutions. Environmental protection, especially in light of the requirements under Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change and obligations of Parliament to fulfil these requirements were central to the discussion.
    Opening the workshop, Dejan Đurović, Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, emphasized that “the main objective of the workshop is to establish a dialogue to enable us as parliamentarians, to address all deficiencies, obstacles and challenges related to environment protection, while improving and adopting new knowledge in eco-urbanism.”
    The Mission’s Democratization Programme Manager, Bernd Burwitz, noted that while Montenegro is defined as an ecological state, many challenges remain. “In today’s world, climate change and environmental concerns are significant political and security challenges, which should be addressed through the development of the Spatial Plan, that covers the entire territory of Montenegro,” said Burwitz.
    The Mission remains committed to strong collaboration with parliamentary committees and support them in understanding documentation related to spatial planning and its ecological perspectives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Japan support Angola to strengthen food and water security in drought stricken areas

    Source: World Food Programme

    LUANDA, Angola — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$ 2 million from the Government of Japan to support over 27,000 people affected by drought in southern Angola. This funding will enhance the food and water security while strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers through Japanese agricultural technology innovations.

    In collaboration with the Government of Angola, WFP will scale up efforts to promote sustainable access to water, boost agricultural production, and improve the livelihoods of communities impacted by a prolonged drought and the El Niño event in Huíla and Cunene provinces. Through this initiative, WFP will provide solar-powered water supply and small-scale irrigation systems, skills training, and technical assistance to strengthen local value chains and create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.

    WFP will also partner with a Japanese technology company, leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions to help unlock the country’s agricultural potential and advance national development priorities. 

    “WFP’s collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Japanese private sector has the potential to become a game-changer for Angola’s agriculture sector,” said José Ferrão, WFP Head of Office in Angola. “By combining WFP’s deep field presence and knowledge of the local context and Japan’s cutting-edge technology, this project will empower communities facing climate shocks to build long-term food and water security.”

    This generous contribution comes from a new initiative dedicated to sustainable socioeconomic development in Africa, in the lead-up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) to be held in Yokohama, Japan in August 2025.

    “The project supported by this new initiative and implemented in collaboration with WFP and NEC Corporation will be presented at TICAD9 as a model of co-created innovative solutions with Africa,” said Toru Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Angola. 

    “It also contributes to Japan’s Country Development Cooperation Policy for Angola, which is aligned with the National Development Plan (2023-2027), that identifies the agriculture sector as a driver to promote food security and economic diversification and accelerating sustainable development.”

    WFP has been complementing the Government’s drought response efforts by delivering specialised nutrition support and food vouchers to families with malnourished children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. WFP also trains and mentors health facility staff and community health workers to conduct nutrition screenings and deliver programmes to address moderate acute malnutrition and improve maternal and child health outcomes. 

    #                    #                       #

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

    Follow WFP on X via @wfp_media, @wfp_SAfrica

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Egg prices soar as outdated supply chains crack under pressure

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jack Buffington, Associate Professor of Practice in Supply Chain Management, University of Denver

    Experts predict that egg prices will keep climbing in 2025. Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    There may be no kitchen table issue in America more critical than the price of food.

    So when the price of eggs rose over 40% from 2024 to 2025, it became a headline news story in Colorado and across the nation.

    Public officials and the media blamed high egg prices on bird flu outbreaks and said containing the outbreak in supply chains would lower prices. In early March 2025, egg prices fell in the U.S., but these trends are likely to reverse due to higher seasonal demand during Easter and Passover.

    Rising prices and market volatility have led to food costs climbing to 11.4% of American’s disposable income, the largest percentage since 1991.

    Arresting these rising costs, as I argue in my 2023 book, means reinventing supply chains to address the growing supply, demand and price volatility that has created uncertainty for consumers since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

    I have described global supply chains, and supply chains in the U.S. in particular, as “efficiently broken.” By this I mean that they aspire to offer low prices from economies of scale but lack sufficient resiliency to create stability.

    Without addressing the systemic weaknesses in supply chains, I believe major health and economic disruptions will continue to happen in Colorado, nationally and around the world.

    Cage-free eggs

    Colorado faces a double whammy where egg prices are concerned.

    It’s one of nine states with a cage-free egg mandate, which requires all eggs sold in the state to come from cage-free facilities. The regulation has been shown to increase the price of eggs by as much as 50%.

    Over the past two decades, cage-free egg laws have been passed in states as consumers have grown more concerned with the welfare of farm animals. What that means varies from state to state because the term cage-free isn’t regulated by a federal agency. In Colorado, egg-laying hens must be housed in a cage-free system and must have a minimum of 1 square foot of usable floor space per hen.

    Colorado is the 28th largest egg producer in the U.S., far behind Midwestern states such as Iowa, Indiana and Ohio, but it has a few large producers such as Morning Fresh Farms, as well as smaller ones such as the Colorado Egg Producers Association, a collection of seven family-owned farms.

    Colorado’s cage-free egg law went into effect in January 2025 – around the same time that consumers noticed bare egg shelves at their supermarkets. Many consumers and some elected Republicans in Colorado blamed the cage-free law.

    Nevada is pulling back on its cage-free egg mandate to deal with the challenge of unaffordable egg prices.

    But cage-free laws are not the main driver of increasing egg prices, as I’ve noted in my research. Like many others, the egg supply chain needs to be reinvented to balance price, scale, resiliency and stability.

    Supply chain issues

    What is driving up the prices of eggs and other consumer goods is the concentration of producers. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how vulnerable prices and supply chains are.

    Five years ago this month, when the pandemic started, many products became unavailable and more expensive.

    In 2022, a major product recall of Similac led to a baby formula shortage in the U.S. The baby formula market is highly concentrated, with four companies responsible for approximately 90% of the domestic market. A large-scale facility that produced the baby formula was found to have unsanitary conditions and contaminated products. Pulling this one facility offline at the same time the nation was coping with pandemic-related supply chain issues led to the shortage.

    Supply chain issues led to a U.S. shortage of baby formula in 2022.
    Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Then at the beginning of 2024, supplies of insulin ran short due to production issues at Eli Lilly, one of the three companies responsible for over 90% of the U.S. insulin market.

    And in the second half of 2024, hospitals couldn’t get enough IV fluid due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene to a Baxter factory in North Carolina that manufactures approximately 60% of IV fluids in the U.S. This factory had been relocated to North Carolina from Puerto Rico due to the supply impact from Hurricane Maria that damaged the island in 2017.

    In all of these cases, the supply chain was easily interrupted due to a reliance on a few large producers. In 2025, bird flu and eggs are just another example of America’s “efficiently broken” supply chain.

    Bird flu and cost of eggs

    In the U.S., the top five egg producers are responsible for 40% of hens, with Mississippi-based Cal-Maine Foods alone responsible for 13% of total U.S. production.

    An average-sized production facility in the U.S. can house 75,000 to 500,000 hens. Large facilities can house over 4 million. The mass production of eggs from these facilities means eggs are, in stable times, cost effective for the American consumer. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, eggs in the U.S. never surpassed $3 a dozen, and it was an affordable food solution compared with processed foods.

    But this scale and efficiency comes at the price of resiliency during something like a bird flu outbreak. Larger farms create a higher risk of viral outbreak, which leads to the need for culling millions of birds and a heightened risk of viral replication and mutation.

    The solution may increase prices

    Policymakers want to reduce the spread of disease at American egg factories to mitigate the spread of bird flu. But these measures are expensive.

    Factory farms increase the potential for viruses to spread rapidly and even mutate. Therefore, bird flu is a more serious precursor of supply chain disruption than a hurricane or product recall because it has the potential to create a public health crisis.

    One solution to limit the spread of bird flu is to regulate the number of hens allowed in a single facility. This would lead to smaller and more farms across the U.S., but also higher consumer prices.

    This solution would mirror other countries such as Canada, where the average facility size is much smaller than in the U.S. and eggs and poultry cost significantly more. That’s why – under the terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement – Canada has quota and tariff protection from American companies flooding its market with eggs and poultry that would cost consumers two to three times less.

    Yet in March 2025, the price of eggs in Canada is 50% cheaper than eggs in the U.S. because the country has not suffered the same damages from bird flu.

    Following Canada’s lead wouldn’t result in egg prices as low as giant factory farms, but it would protect American consumers from the periodic price shocks caused by disease or localized weather events that disrupt supplies.

    Despite the threat of a public health crisis, American consumers don’t want to pay more for eggs – and their leaders have promised they won’t have to.

    Read more of our stories about Colorado.

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

    – ref. Egg prices soar as outdated supply chains crack under pressure – https://theconversation.com/egg-prices-soar-as-outdated-supply-chains-crack-under-pressure-251425

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Executive Secretary in Rome to strengthen cooperation with Italian Government and UN agencies

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean was in Rome on 18-19 March to meet with high-level officials of the Government of Italy and discuss efforts to strengthen development cooperation across multiple areas, as well as to exchange with principals of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).  

    In discussions with Federico Eichberg, Chef de Cabinet at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Ms. Molcean focused on cooperation on corporate sustainability reporting, due diligence and digital product passports. She stressed the importance of UNECE’s tools for traceability along value chains, which were piloted with blockchain and other innovative technologies with brands, retailers and manufacturers of the Italian garment and footwear industry. Discussions also addressed gender equality and the promotion of women entrepreneurship and leadership, in particular knowledge sharing and best practices. 

    The Executive Secretary also met with Edoardo Rixi, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, to discuss Italy’s longstanding contribution to UNECE’s work on transport, in particular on road safety, through the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1), chaired by Luciana Iorio, on vehicle regulations, through the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), as well as on the transport of dangerous goods and the carriage of goods by rail. She also encouraged Italy to join the Advisory Board of the UN Road Safety Fund hosted by UNECE.   

    Meeting with Davide La Cecilia, Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and Coordinator of the Ukraine Recovery and Resilience Task Force, as well as with Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and Carlo Batori, Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation, the Executive Secretary discussed preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome (10-11 July).  

    She appreciated Italy’s continued leadership and expected support to UNECE-led UN4UkrainianCities project, which plays a key role in rebuilding Ukraine’s urban centers, in particular Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.   

    The Executive Secretary also visited the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to meet with Director General Qu Dongyu. UNECE and FAO have had a longstanding cooperation since 1947 on forests. Discussions also touched upon UNECE’s contribution to food systems sustainability through its agricultural quality standards, trade facilitation, ESG traceability and circularity. Cooperation with FAO also includes the promotion of the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus approach to water resource management. 

    In discussions with Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Molcean underlined the strategic alignment of UNECE’s expertise in sustainable development, trade facilitation and logistics, and particularly agricultural standards, with WFP’s mission in food security and humanitarian aid.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: The Gender Pay Gap Stalls in 2025 – Payscale’s Research Shows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Despite pay transparency laws, wage equity progress continues to stall nationwide, with systemic barriers still limiting women’s earning potential.
    • The “childbearing penalty” remains highly evident, as women with children continue to earn just 75 cents for every dollar fathers make, while fathers make 2% more than childless men.
    • While the gender pay gap showed gradual improvement from 2018 to 2022, progress has remained stagnant since the Great Resignation, with declines especially evident among older women.

    SEATTLE, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Payscale Inc., the leading provider of compensation data, software and services, released its 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report (GPGR), revealing that despite pay transparency laws, the closing of the gender pay gap has stalled nationwide, with systemic barriers still limiting women’s earning potential.

    Payscale’s analysis found that in 2025 women still earn just 83 cents for every dollar men make. While this is unchanged from last year, according to AAUW, Equal Pay Day shifted back more than two weeks this year, meaning that women must work that much longer to achieve the same earnings as men in 2025, compared to 2024. The controlled gender pay gap also remains the same as last year, at 99 cents. The controlled gender pay gap is the amount that women earn for every dollar that a man earns when accounting for job title and compensable factors, while the uncontrolled gender pay gap is the difference in median pay for men and women overall.

    “Even though our 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report showed a minor decrease in support for pay equity (57%), and there has been a recent weakening of public support around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) of late, some states have shown promising progress towards closing the gender pay gap,” said Ruth Thomas, pay equity strategist at Payscale. “While not every state has enacted pay transparency laws, which are shown to support pay equity efforts, many organizations are still staunchly committed to the cause. In fact, compared to 2020, there has been a 19% increase in corporate commitment to these efforts.”

    Key takeaways from GPGR:

    Working Parents — Motherhood continues to hurt pay equity, while fathers get a raise as a result of the childbearing penalty.

    • Women with children face a significantly wider gender pay gap, earning just 75 cents for every dollar fathers make—unchanged from last year.
    • This gap is even wider for women of color, with American Indian and Alaska Native mothers experiencing the largest disparity, earning just 64 cents for every dollar fathers earn.
    • When controlling for job roles and experience, mothers earn 98 cents for every dollar earned by fathers with similar characteristics, a figure that has remained steady.
    • Meanwhile, fatherhood financially benefits men, who earn 2% more than childless men, while mothers face stagnant or reduced pay compared to childless women.

    Job Seeking — Women seeking new jobs are closing the pay gap, but parenting responsibilities and workplace flexibility keep many stuck with lower wages.

    • The gender pay gap is narrower for women actively seeking a new job in the next six months compared to those not looking, suggesting that a willingness to leave positions may lead to higher pay.
    • Yet, this uncontrolled gender pay gap slightly widened this year to $0.83 from $0.84 last year, indicating slower progress overall.
    • Women who stay in their current job may do so due to benefits they can’t afford to lose, such as flexible work schedules, which can result in tolerating lower pay.
    • Workplace culture, flexibility, and work-life balance may be more important to women than men when deciding whether to stay with an employer, potentially influencing their pay trajectory.

    Higher Education — Despite earning advanced degrees like MBAs, law degrees, and health professional doctorates, women still face a significant pay gap, highlighting that education alone doesn’t guarantee pay equity.

    • Women with MBAs face the largest uncontrolled pay gap, earning just 77 cents for every dollar earned by men with the same degree.
    • Health professional doctorates have the smallest uncontrolled pay gap at 89 cents, while women with law degrees earn 87 cents for every dollar men with the same degree make, marking a slight decrease from last year.

    Leadership and Career Progress — Not only do women earn less as their career progresses, they’re also less likely to reach leadership roles.

    • White men are the most likely to hold leadership positions, with 45% serving as managers or in higher roles. Women are underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 5% of white women becoming executives compared to 7% of white men. The numbers are even lower for women of color: 3% for Hispanic women, 4% for Black or African American women, and 3% for Asian women.
    • Women who do ascend the corporate ladder earn less than their male counterparts, with the gap widening at higher levels. Women at the executive level earn 93 cents for every dollar men make, even when controlling for job characteristics, and just 72 cents when not controlling for these factors.
    • The gender pay gap is widest for Hispanic women and American Indian and Native Alaskan women at the executive level when data are controlled, currently standing at 91 cents, which is two points narrower than 2024.

    Gender Norms — While STEM industries show progress toward pay equity, traditional gender norms continue to widen the gap in other sectors.

    • The biggest pay gaps appear in occupations with deep-rooted gender norms, including Legal (63 cents), Farming & Fishing (77 cents), and Management (79 cents), where men dominate top-paying positions.
    • The gender pay gap is also widest in Finance & Insurance (78 cents) and Agencies & Consultancies (84 cents) industries, despite women making up 53% and 59% of the workforce in these industries, respectively.
    • Even in female-dominated industries like Healthcare (89 cents), Education (91 cents), and Nonprofits (88 cents), pay disparities persist.
    • Some STEM-heavy industries show pay equity when controlled, but women remain underrepresented in higher-paying roles within these industries.

    Location – States with and without salary transparency laws have seen improvements in the controlled gender pay gap, likely due in part to increased awareness from transparency efforts in other regions or companies adopting national pay transparency practices.

    • In 2025, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont and Massachusetts will enact pay transparency legislation.
    • The controlled pay gap remained closed in 2025 for California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. – all showed closed pay gaps last year, and, except for New Jersey and Oregon, have active pay transparency laws.
    • While other states continue to show improvement, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington state have seen their gaps widen.
    • New gains are emerging in Alabama, Delaware, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and West Virginia, where the controlled pay gap has recently closed.

    “It’s disappointing to still see a lack of progress towards closing the gender pay gap. Beyond being the right thing to do, ensuring fair pay without discrimination is required by law. This fact alone should support closing the gender pay gap. Even more, it’s a critical retention tool for businesses, which is why, unsurprisingly, women employees frequently leave organizations because they don’t think they are being paid fairly,” said Lulu Seikaly, senior corporate employment attorney at Payscale. “Pay transparency has an important role to play here, because when an employee has an understanding of their compensation trajectory it increases trust and loyalty. Our 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report revealed that over half (56%) of companies are sharing pay ranges in their job postings regardless of whether or not it’s required by law — a promising nod to the future of fair pay.”

    According to Payscale’s 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report, 72% of HR and compensation professionals believe that gender pay gap research is meaningful. Paired with Payscale’s compensation management software and services enable organizations to easily evaluate their current compensation strategies and standardize their internal pay practices to increase transparency and ensure fair pay.

    The 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report analyzes crowdsourced data from over 369,000 people in the U.S. who took Payscale’s free online salary survey between January 2024 and January 2025. The full report and its methodology, including analysis by race, job level, age, education, industry, occupation, and location, can be accessed in its entirety at Payscale.com/research-and-insights/gender-pay-gap.

    About Payscale
    As the industry leader in compensation management, Payscale is on a mission to help job seekers, employees, and businesses make sustainable fair pay a reality. Empowering 65% of the Fortune 500, Payscale provides a combination of diverse and dynamic data sources, experienced compensation services, and scalable software to enable organizations such as Panasonic, ZoomInfo, Chipotle, AccentCare, University of Washington, American Airlines, and PetSmart to make fair and appropriate pay decisions.

    Pay is powerful.

    To learn more, visit www.payscale.com.
      
    Contact: Press@Payscale.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news that influenza of avian origin (H5N1) has been confirmed in a single sheep in Yorkshire

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    March 24, 2025

    Scientists comment on the first case of Avian Flu (H5N1) confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire. 

    Prof Ed Hutchinson, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Virology, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (MRC CVR), said:

    “Influenza viruses are common in wild birds. Over the last five years, a particularly aggressive strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has spread through bird populations across the world. On the way, it has caused repeated ‘spillover’ infections of mammals: mammals that wouldn’t normally get avian influenza have caught the disease from birds. Usually these are one-off infections that don’t go any further, although last year the virus began to spread widely among dairy cattle in the USA, demonstrating the potential influenza viruses have for adapting to new species.

    “The emergence of avian influenza in cattle last year was surprising, as normally cattle don’t catch this type of influenza (influenza A virus). Another animal we hadn’t previously thought of as a host for influenza A viruses is sheep, which makes this announcement of H5N1 influenza in a single sheep in Yorkshire startling. Sheep haven’t previously been thought of as hosts for influenza A viruses, although last year in the USA young goats did get infected with H5N1 at a farm in Minnesota – in this case, this was a one-off infection that didn’t go any further.

    “The sheep was on a farm where avian influenza was present in captive birds, suggesting an obvious route of transmission from wild birds to captive birds to the sheep.

    “The fact that the virus was detected in the sheep’s milk is also surprising. It suggests parallels to the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle in the USA, where the virus is spreading through cow’s milk. At the moment there is no evidence of any ongoing transmission from the sheep, and the case appears to have been contained.

    “More work will be needed to understand what’s going on here – in particular to understand if this is a very rare or one-off event which happened because there was a lot of H5N1 around and this was just the wrong sheep in the wrong place, or whether sheep infections with H5N1 might become more common in the future. Ongoing surveillance will be needed to understand the risk this virus poses to the welfare of sheep as well as to food security.

    “In terms of direct risk to humans, we know from the dairy outbreak in the USA that H5N1 in milk is a possible source of human infection. H5N1 can cause severe illness in humans and it is important to minimise the risk of farmed animals infecting them, although so far in the USA human cases of H5N1 contracted from cows in dairies have typically been quite mild. There is also a risk of H5N1 ‘breeding’ with human strains of influenza to produce a new human influenza virus. There is no evidence that this has happened anywhere with an H5N1 virus, but it is important that we work hard to keep that risk as low as possible.

    “A single infected sheep does not pose a significant risk to humans, particularly because it looks as if the farmer, DEFRA and the APHA have worked together effectively to contain and monitor the situation. However, H5N1 is globally distributed in birds, and if it did become clear that this was not a one-off and that sheep are at risk of infection then this would have implications for surveillance and farm biosecurity in any country with sheep farming. For the time being, this is one to keep an eye on, but not to get too alarmed about.”

     

    Professor Ian Brown, Group Leader at the Pirbright Institute, said:

    “The detection of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the mammary gland of sheep which has had close contact with infected birds is not an unexpected finding. Proactivity in looking for spillover to domestic mammals has been strengthened in the UK subsequent to the spread of infection amongst USA dairy cattle. The threat to animals and humans remains unchanged since such spillover we have learnt is possible when close contact occurs between multiple infected species. It is too early to consider whether such virus is capable of onward spread within sheep but this was an isolated small holding with a small number of birds and sheep. The pathways of spread of these viruses in the USA has been shown to be by movement of dairy cattle in commercial milking herds which appears not applicable in this single case of one animal becoming infected. It does emphasise the importance of separating species and maintaining good farm hygiene.”

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/influenza-of-avian-origin-confirmed-in-a-sheep-in-yorkshire  

    Declared interests

    Prof Ed Hutchinson: I have received honoraria for work in a steering group of the Centre for Open Science (Open Practices in Influenza Research; 2021-2022) and on an advisory board for Seqirus (2022). I have unpaid positions on the board of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza and other respiratory viruses (ESWI) and as a scientific adviser to PinPoint Medical. I am part of FluTrailMAP(OneHealth), a UKRI-funded research consortium aiming to respond to H5N1.

    Prof Ian Brown: IB receives research funding to study avian influenza in multiple hosts. IB is a member of the UK scientific committee ‘New and Emerging Respiratory Threats Assessment Group’. IB participates in UKHSA led fora that assess the risk to human health from avian influenza viruses.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA Facilitates Export of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands

    Source: Government of India (2)

    APEDA Facilitates Export of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands

    15,000 kg of Dalle Chilly Exported, Boosting Farmer Incomes in Sikkim

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 3:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has successfully exported the first consignment of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands. This significant achievement underscores India’s growing prominence in the global organic agricultural market and highlights the increasing international demand for premium products from the North Eastern region.

    Dalle Chilly, also known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is renowned for its intense pungency, bright red color, and high nutritional value. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with potassium, its Scoville Heat Units (SHU) range from 100,000 to 350,000, making it a sought-after spice for both culinary and medicinal applications.

    Through its extensive procurement network, Mevedir sourced approximately 15,000 kg of fresh Dalle Chilly from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in South Sikkim, including Tinkitam and Tarku regions. This consignment ensured farmers received a premium price of Rs 250-300 per kg, compared to the usual Rs 180-200 per kg, reaffirming the economic benefits of GI tagging and international trade.

    The processing of the consignment was undertaken at an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House, developed by the Department of Horticulture, Sikkim. Of the total quantity, 9,000 kg was dehydrated, while 6,000 kg was preserved for further processing and export. The drying process yielded a 12.5% recovery rate, with 1,600 kg of fresh chillies processed into 200 kg of dried chillies for export.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had earlier emphasized that the North East holds the key to India’s vision for a healthier and more sustainable future. He noted that the Geographical Indication (GI) tag is not just a recognition but a transformative opportunity for farmers and artisans, unlocking new markets and ensuring economic prosperity for the region.

    In 2020, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, granted the GI tag to Dalle Chilly, a unique and highly pungent variety grown in Sikkim. The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) facilitated the GI registration, strengthening the identity and marketability of this specialty product.

    The Government of India has been actively promoting organic farming in the North East under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) scheme, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. This initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing the production and quality of organic Dalle Chilly, further boosting its appeal in international markets.

    APEDA, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department of Sikkim and its Regional Office in Guwahati, played a pivotal role in facilitating this export, ensuring local farmers and FPOs benefit from global market access.

    For this landmark export transaction, Mevedir, a leading agri-export enterprise committed to promoting organic produce from Sikkim, directly supplied the first shipment to the Solomon Islands. This marks a departure from previous indirect export routes and highlights the growing trust in India’s organic supply chain. The buyer from the Solomon Islands was introduced to the product through its international debut in Singapore in 2023 and subsequently sought direct sourcing from Mevedir.

    The export of Dalle Chilly to the Solomon Islands is expected to enhance Sikkim’s prominence on the global spice map, opening new avenues for international trade. With its ideal climate and fertile soil, Sikkim has the potential to emerge as a key player in the global spice industry. This successful transaction serves as a testament to the increasing global recognition of India’s organic agricultural products and its commitment to expanding agri-exports worldwide.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2114373) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan says that Central Government completely abolished the 20 percent export duty on onion

    Source: Government of India

    Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan says that Central Government completely abolished the 20 percent export duty on onion

    Giving remunerative prices to farmers, ensuring fair prices is priority and commitment of Modi government: Shri Chouhan
    Farmers Deserve Remunerative Prices for Onions in Global Markets: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 2:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Modi Government is a farmer-friendly government and giving remunerative prices to farmers, ensuring fair prices is its priority and commitment. Shri Chauhan told today that earlier 40% export duty was levied on onions but when the price of onions started falling and farmers started getting less price, then the government decided to reduce the export duty on onion from 40% to 20%. Today the government has decided that the 20% export duty should also be completely removed. The removal of export duty on onions will enable our farmers’ hard-earned produce to reach global markets duty-free, securing better and more remunerative prices.

    ******

    MG/RN/KSR

    (Release ID: 2114339) Visitor Counter : 89

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES SILVER JUBILEE OF CHHATTISGARH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 1:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the silver jubilee function of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly at Raipur today (March 24, 2025).

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has set the highest standards of democratic traditions. It has made an extraordinary rule of automatic suspension of members who enter the well during the proceedings of the House and has followed it. She was happy to note that during the last 25 years, the Marshall never had to be used. She said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has presented a unique example of excellent parliamentary conduct not only to the rest of India but also to all the democratic systems of the world.

    The President urged women MLAs to support all other women. She said that when they promote women working in various fields, everyone’s attention will be drawn to those women and the path of their development will be paved. She stated that whether they are teachers or officers, social workers or entrepreneurs, scientists or artists, laborers or farmers, often our sisters make their place in the outside world while fulfilling day-to-day household responsibilities and struggling hard. When all the women empower each other, our society will become stronger and more sensitive.

    The President said that Chhattisgarh has immense possibilities for development. There are ample opportunities for development in sectors like cement, mineral industry, steel, aluminum, and power generation. This beautiful state is rich in lush green forests, waterfalls, and other natural boons. She urged policymakers of the state to ensure environmental conservation while moving ahead on the path of development. She said that they also have the responsibility of connecting all sections of society with the journey of modern development.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2114317) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) (autonomous institution under the Ministry of Jal Shakti) has organised a five-day training programme on “Operation & Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes” from 24th February 2025 to 28th February 2025 at Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). The course focused on equipping engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address critical issues such as system inefficiencies, non-revenue water (NRW), energy consumption, and inadequate community engagement.

    At present, there is no such proposal under consideration to this Department. However, the capacity building of stakeholders including Engineers in State/ UTs, plays an important role in implementing the vision of Jal Jeevan Mission. It helps in leadership development and equipping the stakeholders with required technical and interpersonal skills including knowledge about latest technologies and innovations. This Department provides financial assistance to States/ UTs out of which States/ UTs may use up to 5% of resources, for support activities including capacity building and IEC activities. The States/ UTs can customize and organize the training courses as per their requirements. To take forward the developments made under the Jal Jeevan Mission, it is essential to further improve the basic training of field level engineers.

    Presently, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is regulating groundwater by industrial, infrastructure and mining projects in 19 States/ UTs including the State of Chhattisgarh in accordance with the guidelines issued by Ministry of Jal Shakti vide notification dated 24.09.2020 (SO 3289) and amendments dated 29.03.2023 thereto (SO 1509).

    Presently, there is no such proposal under consideration to this Department to introduce a mandatory training and certification programme for all engineers involved in water supply management in view of the growing challenges in rural water supply.

    Ministry of Jal Shakti has issued guidelines for groundwater regulation. These guidelines have following provisions for demand-side management of groundwater/ water and optimizing its usage.

    • Industrial projects extracting more than 100 KLD (more than 1 Lakh Litre per day) groundwater have to mandatorily carry out biennial water audit and try to reduce water usage by means of advance technologies, recycle/ reuse.
    • Project Proponents have to pay Groundwater Abstraction/ Restoration Charges for obtaining NOC from Central Ground Water Authority. Levying of charges for extracting groundwater encourages Project Proponents to optimize water usage through recycle/ reuse/ reduce wastage.
    • Infrastructure projects drawing groundwater 20KLD or more are required to install STP and use the treated water for greenbelt development/ washing of cars etc.
    • Conditions in the NOC issued by CGWA include the condition that ‘Wherever feasible, requirement of water for greenbelt (horticulture) shall be met from recycled/ treated waste water’.

    · Though groundwater extraction for agricultural activities is exempted from groundwater regulation, the guidelines advise States/ UTs to review their free/ subsidized electricity policy to farmers, bring suitable water pricing policy and work further towards crop rotation/ diversification/ other initiatives to reduce overdependence on groundwater.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3229)

    (Release ID: 2114282) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Gov. Luke – RELEASE – Lt. Governor Luke Travels to D.C. with Hawaiʻi Agriculture Leaders

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Lt. Gov. Luke – RELEASE – Lt. Governor Luke Travels to D.C. with Hawaiʻi Agriculture Leaders

    Posted on Mar 21, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI
     KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    SYLVIA LUKE
     LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
    KE KEʻENA O KA HOPE KIAʻĀINA

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 21, 2025

     

    LT. GOVERNOR LUKE TRAVELS TO D.C. WITH HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURE LEADERS

    Delegation to Host the 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi-USDA Policy Summit

    HONOLULU — To strengthen Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry and expand opportunities for local farmers and ranchers, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will lead a delegation of agriculture leaders to Washington, D.C., from March 24-26. This marks the 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi-USDA Policy Summit, bringing together Hawaiʻi’s farming, ranching, and commerce leaders to meet with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and address the state’s most pressing agricultural issues.

    Key priorities for the summit include labeling and export regulations, biosecurity protections, increasing agricultural production, strengthening rural infrastructure, and the Farm Bill.

    In 2024, Lt. Gov. Luke led the first-ever Hawaiʻi delegation to the USDA, identifying federal opportunities and resources for farmers. This year’s summit builds on that foundation, ensuring Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry remains a strong and sustainable part of the state’s economy.

    # # #­­

    Media Contact:

    Shari Nishijima

    Communications Director

    Office of the Lieutenant Governor

    (808) 978-0867

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – CRITICALLY RARE NATIVE PLANT ON KAHOʻOLAWE FINDS SUCCESS IN CULTIVATION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – CRITICALLY RARE NATIVE PLANT ON KAHOʻOLAWE FINDS SUCCESS IN CULTIVATION

    Posted on Mar 21, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

     

     

    CRITICALLY RARE NATIVE PLANT ON KAHOʻOLAWE FINDS SUCCESS IN CULTIVATION

    New Website Launches to Increase Awareness, Conservation Efforts

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 20, 2025

      

    HONOLULU – A new website dedicated to a critically endangered native Hawaiian plant from Kahoʻolawe has been launched to tell its incredible story of resilience. Native Hawaiians have tended a relationship with Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa (Kanaloa kahoolawensis) for over a thousand years and now the rest of the world can experience and learn about it online.

    The site dedicated to the plant has been created by the Kapalupalu o Kanaloa Hui, which includes the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC), the Plant Extinction Prevention Program, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), Hoʻolawa Farms, Lyon Arboretum, and Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The hui’s vision is to restore Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa across Hawaiʻi to resume its ecological and cultural roles.

    Once widespread until disappearing from pollen records around the 16th century, the species was rediscovered on a rock outcropping on Kahoʻolawe in 1992 by botanists Ken Wood and Steve Perlman of the NTBG. The two wild plants represented a plant genus that was completely unknown to botanists at the time. The living plant’s pollen matched a previously unidentified fossil pollen, unlocking the history of this species.

    The rediscovery of this plant was particularly notable in that it was found on Kahoʻolawe, an island that has faced many ecological challenges after being used for bombing practice by the U.S. Armed Forces. The endurance and resilience of this plant has special significance for Native Hawaiians, as Kahoʻolawe is a kino (sacred form) of Kanaloa, Hawaiian god of the ocean and marine life. These stories and meanings are imbued in the plant’s name, Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa, which translates to “the flexibility and the gentleness of Kanaloa.”

    Following its rediscovery, horticulturalists worked to propagate Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa, but found limited success. The two wild plants died by 2015, and by 2020 only two plants remained in cultivation. Then both plants, the only ones remaining in the world, bloomed simultaneously. One produced seeds, providing a lifeline for the species to continue. Today, through the efforts of the Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa Hui and many hands, the total population of this plant is around 20.

    “This partnership is vital for the survival of Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa because even the best horticulturist in the world will not have success 100% of the time,” said Dr. Mike Opgenorth, Director of NTBG’s Kahanu Garden and Preserve on Maui. “There is great benefit to having multiple perspectives working with such a rare plant. It’s not any one organization, agency or individual—it’s a team effort that shares the responsibility for perpetuating the plant.”

    “What we are doing in plant conservation is working. Over the last 20 years, more plants have been saved in cultivation than ever before,” added DOFAW botanist Dr. Matt Keir. “Together we can grow a brighter tomorrow for Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa,”

    The new Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa website tells the story of this species through botanical and cultural information as well as photos and a downloadable coloring sheet. The site also suggests ways that residents can support the resurgence of Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa and help ensure a future for this resilient member of our ʻohana.

    “The launch of this website marks a significant step forward in our collective effort to restore Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa,” said Michael K. Nāhoʻopiʻi, executive director of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. “This plant’s resilience reflects the strength and spirit of Kahoʻolawe itself, and by sharing its story, we hope to inspire greater awareness and action to protect Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa for generations to come.”

    # # #

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    Website: www.kapalupaluokanaloa.org

    HD video – Ka Paluaplu o Kanaloa website clips: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5x8kuw25f3bwe1qvutgor/Ka-Palapalu-o-Kanaloa-Website-clips.mov?rlkey=wybvh50sccbni8ths5iflnp1z&st=d3ui3m8g&dl=0

     

    Photograph – Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa (courtesy NTBG): see attached.

     

     

     

    Media Contacts: 

    Patti Jette

    Communications Specialist

    808-587-0396

    Email: Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    808-587-0396

    Email: Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: XploraDEX Aims to Transform How Liquidity Works on The XRP Ledger – $XPL Token Presale Now Open!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a major leap for DeFi on the XRP Ledger, XploraDEX is introducing AI-powered liquidity automation, a game-changing solution designed to help traders, market makers, and liquidity providers unlock seamless trade execution with minimal slippage.

    The decentralized exchange, built natively on XRPL, is the first to deploy smart liquidity routing algorithms that automatically rebalance pools and adapt to volatile market conditions in real-time. Whether you’re trading large volumes or executing rapid-fire swaps, XploraDEX keeps liquidity deep, trading costs low, and profits maximized.

    And now, the gateway to this innovation, the $XPL Token is available to early adopters through its live presale Round.

    [GET XPL TOKENS NOW]

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    Traders on most DEX platforms face a frustrating set of problems:

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    XploraDEX solves these challenges with its self-adjusting liquidity system powered by AI.

    The XploraDEX Solution: Autonomous Liquidity Optimization

    By combining real-time blockchain data with AI-powered decision-making, XploraDEX introduces the following features:

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    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. 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.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc72e8b5-d3ad-46d8-8ca2-d68e63d68a5e

    The MIL Network –

    March 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Priorities of International Education. Strategic Session of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A strategic session of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education dedicated to strengthening Russia’s position in the international educational space was held in Moscow. The event was attended by rectors of major universities, vice-rectors responsible for international cooperation, representatives of a number of ministries that founded universities, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rossotrudnichestvo, Rosobrnadzor, other government bodies, and companies with interests abroad. The Polytechnic University was represented by Rector and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev.

    Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov focused on Russia’s strategic priorities in international education. He stressed the need to increase the number of foreign students to 500,000 by 2030 while simultaneously improving the quality of their training. Today, about 395,000 foreigners are studying in Russia. However, it is important not only to increase the number, but also to form a motivated contingent. It is better not to meet the indicators, but to take those who are truly striving for knowledge, the minister said. Valery Nikolaevich noted that some students from the CIS countries use educational visas to solve personal problems, which requires increased control.

    The Minister also touched upon the issue of creating a barrier-free system for foreign students, including simplifying migration procedures and developing employment programs. According to him, up to 10% of foreign graduates remain in Russia, and given the shortage of personnel, this potential must be used. Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation with new markets – the BRICS countries, Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Valery Falkov noted the importance of synchronizing educational programs with industry demands, citing as an example projects with Rosatom and Rusal corporations, which train foreign specialists for their enterprises.

    Speaking about foreign branches, the minister highlighted three conditions for their success: political support from the state, a clear definition of a niche for graduates, and partnership with large companies. Valery Falkov separately mentioned the project of Advanced Engineering Schools, which are already being replicated abroad. For example, two such schools have been opened in Uzbekistan at the request of local authorities.

    The minister announced the creation of a single digital profile for foreign students, a platform that will support students from enrollment to employment. In addition, by 2028, it is planned to increase the number of grants for talented foreign students from 2,000 to 5,000.

    Andrey Rudskoy, participating in the work of the group on new formats for promoting Russian universities, shared the experience of SPbPU. He noted that network structures such as the Slavic Universities in Armenia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, as well as the Russian-African Network University (RAFU), have become drivers of education export. Over three years, RAFU has trained 535 students from 33 African countries. Andrey Ivanovich also spoke about projects with China, including joint institutes with Jiangsu Normal University and Xi’an University of Technology, where specialists are trained in the areas of automation of technological machines and equipment, materials science and materials technology, electric power engineering and electrical engineering.

    The rector of SPbPU spoke in favor of legislative changes, including the allocation of target quotas for network programs and the simplification of financial mechanisms for international cooperation.

    The 2023 methodological recommendations do not take into account work with foreign universities. This requires adjustments, he emphasized.

    Andrey Rudskoy also suggested focusing on representative offices and joint institutes instead of branches, citing the SPbPU Representative Office in Shanghai as an example. Its work has expanded partnerships and enabled communication with industry and government agencies using the “long arm” principle. Thanks to the work of the representative offices, the number of students from China at the Polytechnic has increased many times over, and the number of internships and short-term programs has increased.

    Speaking about the adaptation of foreign students, Andrei Ivanovich supported the idea of a single digital profile and the need to develop pre-university training centers abroad.

    The participants of the strategy session discussed issues related to strengthening effective international cooperation. The result of the two-day work of the expert university community was the presentation of proposals to strengthen Russia’s position in the international educational space.

    Photo: website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR, an Official TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Provider, Expands Enrollment and Renewal Options by Opening New Locations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), an official TSA PreCheck® enrollment provider, continues to expand locations to enroll and renew consumers in the Trusted Traveler program by opening five new locations.

    CLEAR now has 58 TSA PreCheck enrollment locations open across the U.S. The launch of the enrollment location at these five airports represent the ongoing expansion of CLEAR’s national TSA PreCheck enrollment footprint. Throughout 2025, CLEAR will continue delivering convenience to consumers by launching additional locations and extended hours of operation for enrollment and renewals.

    The five new airport locations include:

    • Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
    • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
    • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
    • Portland International Airport (PDX)

    “TSA PreCheck through CLEAR provides a fast and efficient airport experience,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker. “This is a win-win for U.S. travelers who will have access to more enrollment locations, expanded hours and other benefits.”

    TSA PreCheck members benefit from the convenience of keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on through the airport security checkpoint, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. Members typically get through security screening much faster, with about 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints nationwide.

    New TSA PreCheck applicants can pre-enroll or find an enrollment location by visiting the authorized CLEAR’s authorized TSA PreCheck website, https://tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov/. Most existing TSA PreCheck members can renew directly on the website, regardless of the provider they enrolled with originally.

    A list of CLEAR enrollment locations for TSA PreCheck is included below, and on the CLEAR, TSA PreCheck website: https://tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov/locations.

    CLEAR offers in-person TSA PreCheck enrollments and renewals at:

    • LaGuardia Airport (LGA) from Sunday through Friday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m ET and Saturday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET
    • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) from 6 a.m. MT to 8 p.m. MT daily
    • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from 6 a.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT daily
    • Orlando International Airport (MCO) from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET daily
    • Sacramento International Airport (SMF) from Sunday through Friday from 6 a.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT and Saturday from 6 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT
    • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET daily
    • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT
    • San Diego International Airport (SAN) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT
    • Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) from Sunday through Friday from 7 a.m CT to 6 p.m. CT and Saturday from 6 a.m. CT to 4 p.m. CT
    • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) from Sunday through Friday from 6 a.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET and Saturday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET
    • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m ET daily
    • Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT daily
    • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 6 p.m. CT
    • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET daily
    • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT daily
    • Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 8 p.m CT
    • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 6 p.m. CT
    • William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU) from Sunday through Friday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. CT and Saturday from 6 a.m. CT to 5:30 p.m. CT
    • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 6 p.m. CT daily
    • Long Beach Airport (LGB) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT daily
    • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET daily
    • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 5:30 p.m. CT daily
    • Denver International Airport (DEN) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. MT through 8 p.m. MT daily
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET daily
    • Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET daily
    • San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT daily
    • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. AST to 8 p.m. AST daily
    • Boise Airport (BOI) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. MT to 5 p.m. MT daily
    • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) from Monday through Friday and Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 8 p.m. CT and Saturday from 6 a.m. MT to 7 p.m. MT
    • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 8 p.m. CT daily
    • Ontario International Airport (ONT) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. PT to 7 p.m. PT daily
    • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 8 p.m. CT daily
    • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT daily
    • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET daily
    • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 7:30 p.m. ET daily
    • Kansas City International Airport (MCI)from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 6 p.m. CT daily
    • Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET daily
    • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET daily
    • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET daily
    • Tulsa International Airport (TUL) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 5 p.m. CT daily
    • Nashville International Airport (BNA) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 6 p.m. CT daily
    • Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 7:30 p.m. ET daily
    • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 7:30 p.m. ET daily
    • Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET daily
    • Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) from Sunday through Friday from 6 a.m. CT to 5 p.m. CT and Saturday from 6 a.m. CT to 4 p.m. CT
    • Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 6 p.m. CT daily
    • San Antonio International Airport (SAT) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT daily
    • Bradley International Airport (BDL) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET
    • Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET daily
    • Kahului International Airport (OGG) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. HST to 2 p.m. HST daily
    • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. HST to 2 p.m. HST daily
    • Westchester County Airport (HPN) from Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. ET to 1 p.m. ET
    • St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT
    • Portland International Airport (PDX) from Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT
    • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) from Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. ET to 3 p.m. ET
    • Portland International Airport (PDX) from Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT
    • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET
    • Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) from Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET

    About TSA PreCheck®        
    TSA PreCheck is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler program that allows enrolled travelers expedited screening through airport security. TSA PreCheck lanes are located at over 200 airports with nearly 90 airlines participating. Since TSA first launched the TSA PreCheck application program as a DHS Trusted Traveler Program for low-risk travelers in December 2013, active membership in the program has grown to more than 20 million members.

    About CLEAR
    CLEAR’s mission is to create frictionless experiences. With over 30 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell Member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CLEAR
    media@clearme.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    March 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: A USD$25 billion public-private Ghana climate futures and socio-economic initiative is agreed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Ghana Green Guard USD$25 billion climate futures initiative agreement commits to deliver a series of diversified regenerative solutions to drive a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians. The agreement is a public-private collaborative partnership between the developer CarbonPura Africa, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) representing the government of Ghana and PSPH (Private Sector Participation in Health). Leveraging carbon financing, and carbon and biodiversity monetisation, the agreement will drive environmental restoration, clean water access, and community-based social programmes in Ghana.

    ACCRA, Republic of Ghana, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarbonPura pioneers Ghana Green Guard, a transformative series of privately funded environmental protection, restoration, and climate-smart projects and initiatives bespoke to the landscape of Ghana. The Ghana Green Guard Agreement harnesses the power of leveraging a climate futures ecosystem combined with flows unlocked from carbon finance to address critical climate and sustainability challenges while advancing Ghana’s environmental restoration and socio-economic development goals.

    Chief Executive Officer of the EPA of Ghana, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse says “the Ghana Green Guard Agreement is a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental journey and marks the beginning of a new era in public-private stakeholder engagement to implement development practices and leverage international carbon markets to achieve sustainability, protect our water bodies and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.”

    • One of the most significant nature-based project methodology solutions globally it will generate over 305 million high-quality, investment-grade carbon credits across 12 million hectares of diverse landscapes with a projected cumulative revenue of $10.4 billion over 25 years.
    • Each project supports Ghana’s socio-economic and community enhancement programmes and initiatives to empower women, children, and the most vulnerable farmers and communities.
    • Aligns international and local partners, government support, NGO and University Collaboration, all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments.
    • Immediate intervention to enhance Ghana’s water security using the most effective and sustainable solutions and technologies that ensure long-term protection and safeguarding for the provision of clean water and the restoration of polluted water sources caused by illegal mining.

    Ghana Green Guard combines the relationship driven socio-economic benefits of a public–private partnership to deliver projects that align seamlessly with President Mahama’s Policies for the Future of Ghana, Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement will utilise restorative and ecosystem vision – not only in project execution but from new relationship driven economic models fuelled by investment grade biodiversity and carbon credit projects.

    Dr. Fred Bedzrah, the Vice President of Operations for CarbonPura Africa, stated that “the Green Guard Ghana Agreement sets a new benchmark for environmental and socio-economic impact and is a bold step forward toward positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable carbon finance by integrating transparent governance, investment grade carbon credit generation, and inclusive community engagement. CarbonPura is proud to deliver a framework that enhances global climate action and ensures tangible benefits for healthier local communities and ecosystems. Ghana demonstrates how high-integrity restorative biodiversity and climate smart projects can drive sustainability and long-term investment confidence.”

    The Ghana Green Guard Project leverages 12 million hectares of risk assessed eligible land across various regions of Ghana, strategically and with scientific rigour, chosen for their ecological, biodiversity and socio-economic potential. The expansive project ensures scalable investment-grade carbon credit generation goals and sustained environmental improvement by carefully integrating targeted activities such as reforestation, regenerative agriculture, illegal mining restoration and coastal environment restoration.

    The Executive Director of PSPH Dr. Francis Adjei adds that “True sustainability is not just about restoring the environment—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity for the most vulnerable. Through the Ghana Green Guard initiatives, we are ensuring that climate action translates into better healthcare, stronger communities, and a future where no one is left behind.”

    Cath Thrupp, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Planet, says that “Ghana is leading the way in terms of showcasing a sustainable future for their country and the world. They are actively originating large-scale decarbonisation and landscape restoration programmes that will support their country to transition to net zero. In working with the global carbon markets to support this transition, Ghana is actively creating new jobs and opportunities for local communities. As a company, Carbon Planet is honoured to work with the Government and people of Ghana to create a sustainable future, with no one left behind”.

    Each project methodology activity is designed to deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits, creating a positive feedback loop where ecological improvements—such as increased biodiversity, improved soil fertility, and enhanced coastal resilience—foster sustainable community development, employment creation, strengthen food security, provide clean water, eliminate species extinction, and drive long-term economic resilience across regions dependent on agricultural and coastal livelihoods.

    Mark Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Capital Corporation, says that “through strategic collaboration with Carbon Planet we lead the Ghana Green Guard project origination and ensure that all credits are investment ready, meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and financial integrity and achieve long term environmental and social impact. This initiative exemplifies how carbon finance can drive real change, protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and supporting Ghana’s climate commitments. Through Ghana Green Guard, we demonstrate that carbon markets can be a force for equitable and sustainable development.”

    The Parties to the Ghana Green Guard Agreement

    About the EPA

    The EPA is the leading statutory body for protecting and improving the environment in Ghana and is led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. Recognising the need for stronger oversight, the Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124) was enacted. Effective from January 6, 2025, this Act elevated the EPA to an Authority, expanding its mandate to regulate, protect, coordinate, and oversee all matters pertaining to the environment. This new legislation marks a pivotal moment in the EPA’s evolution towards greater environmental stewardship and governance.

    For further information on Ghana EPA, please visit: www.epa.gov.gh/new/
    For media enquiries, please contact: info@epa.gov.gh 

    About CarbonPura
    CarbonPura Africa is the Ghana Green Guard lead developer and is committed to advancing global sustainability through large-scale innovative carbon management and stewardship initiatives that transform environmental goals into impactful realities.

    CarbonPura is dedicated to pioneering projects that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and propelling the world towards a greener and more prosperous future.

    CarbonPura provides end-to-end expertise in net-zero advisory and bespoke solutions that ensure each project contributes to carbon reduction and enhances ecological and social value. CarbonPura integrates top-tier methodologies with community-based conservation efforts for land, forestry wetland and marine ecosystems protection and restoration with scalable carbon solutions.

    The social capital and ecological model demand the highest degree of team expertise, including ecologists and environmental auditors, trusted partners and strategic alliances, to enhance the capabilities for CarbonPura in carbon-backed funding, project development, and community reinvestment. CarbonPura navigate market complexities with data-driven precision, ensuring each project maximises value and supports global sustainability.

    For more information, visit: www.carbonpura.com/greenguard
    For media enquiries, please contact:
    Melanie Budden
    melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com

    About Private Sector Participation in Health
    Private Sector Participation in Health (PSPH) is a leading not-for-profit organisation driving transformative healthcare and social development in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities. As a key partner in the Ghana Green Guard Agreement, PSPH integrates healthcare, education, and social empowerment into climate resilience efforts. Through innovative public-private partnerships, PSPH expands access to essential healthcare, empowers women and youth, and fosters alternative livelihoods, creating lasting socio-economic impact. By bridging corporate Ghana with grassroots needs, PSPH ensures that sustainability, health, and development go hand in hand; building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for generations to come.

    For further information on PSPH, please visit: www.psphghana.com
    For media enquiries, please contact: DrFred@carbonpura.com

    About Carbon Capital Corporation [CCC]
    CCC is an Australian registered company that operates under an Australian Authorised Financial Services License [278530]. CCC is part of the GBC Group and stands out in global carbon markets offering unique and specialised feasibility, origination, procurement, trading and advisory services for both the buy and sell side. With operations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Pacific CCC facilitates large scale carbon projects with stackable value methodologies that allow projects to generate multiple environmental and social co-benefits.

    CCC utilises an integrated approach that combines financial structuring, technical expertise, and advanced technology, delivering unmatched value in carbon markets. By optimising carbon and biodiversity credits to meet the high standards demanded by institutional buyers, CCC achieve both financial returns and measured sustainability impact.

    For more information, visit: www.carboncapitalcorporation.com
    For media enquiries, please contact: markphillips@greenbondcorporation.com

    About Carbon Planet
    Carbon Planet is an Australian registered ecological company globally leading project feasibility, origination and technical development, bringing extensive expertise in carbon project execution and innovation. Carbon Planet picture a world where natural capital has value, investments are transparent, landholders can feed their families, and local communities can create new jobs and regenerative industries. This requires creating a world where trees and natural capital are valued.

    For further information on CarbonPlanet, please visit: www.carbonplanet.io/
    For media enquiries, please contact: cath@carbonplanet.io

    Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency with Dr Fred Bezrah, Vice President of CarbonPura Africa

    Aerial photo in Ghana showing the decimated landscape and River Pra waterway caused by illegal mining (“galamsey”) that is a focus of Ghana Green Guard restorative initiatives.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bde12b4-932a-4a25-a144-dc2edc0cb373

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0bb5dd6-e886-4d71-89d4-ddb793c08a70

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ad39039-d081-4987-862b-aae74c12cebf

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb7393fb-aab6-4276-aa2b-757084c3764f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1c55422-8468-4acc-ab59-282b4e076a3b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21dffd0d-14f2-45af-afca-f3659132ba7a

    The MIL Network –

    March 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Mitsubishi Corporation & Alt Carbon sign agreement to scale carbon removal in South Asia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Partnership agreement to scale carbon removal through a breakthrough Enhanced Rock Weathering tech process.
    • Alt Carbon to generate high-quality, durable Carbon Removal (CDR) credits.

    LONDON, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), and Alt Carbon, a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) company, announced a partnership agreement to scale the removal of carbon dioxide in South Asia. The agreement between the two parties will generate high quality, durable, carbon removal tons that have been created through a breakthrough Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) tech process.

    “Removal of carbon dioxide is critical to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. With Alt Carbon, we have a formidable partner with highly innovative technology in a breakthrough Enhanced Rock Weathering process that locks carbon in the ocean sink. From removing carbon, helping local farmers, and stringent testing measures to generate CDR credits, Alt Carbon is uniquely positioned to capture the ERW market. MC’s commitment to decarbonization is unwavering and reflects our dedication to a sustainable future, as we scale the CDR industry through our collaboration with Alt Carbon in ERW,” said Tadashi Sawamura, GM, Carbon Management Dept., Mitsubishi Corporation.

    Alt Carbon deploys a process called ERW that takes crushed basalt rock and spreads it on large swathes of agricultural land. The rock’s natural reaction with rainwater pulls the CO2 from the air & stores it in the soil, thereby improving crop yields. This dissolved inorganic carbon ultimately reaches the ocean via river networks and remains locked in the ocean for 10,000+ years. 

    ERW is one of the novel techniques for Carbon Removal (CDR) that has been advocated by the The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a critical tool for reaching Net Zero by 2050. Alt Carbon is tapping into the increased demand for high quality, durable, traceable, carbon removal projects – and it’s operating in a growing market. Alt Carbon’s in-house MRV, team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and the Darjeeling-Climate Action Lab (D-CAL) make it one of the leading carbon removal companies in the Global South, ideally placed to remove CO2 at a gigaton scale.

    “Having an institution like Mitsubishi Corporation recognise and support our efforts entrenches our belief in the science and technology behind ERW for carbon removal. In 15 months, we have rigorously tested and modelled our operations and technology in the single pursuit of removing carbon dioxide. This is just the first step, but it feels like a giant leap as MC partners with us to make India a hub for carbon removal,” said Co-founder & CEO Shrey Agarwal, Alt Carbon. 

    Alt Carbon is the first Indian headquartered company to receive a prepurchase agreement from Frontier, an Advance Market Commitment to purchase $1+ billion of permanent carbon removal by 2030. As part of this agreement, Alt Carbon received $500,000 for the purchase of high quality, durable carbon removal tons that have been generated through the Enhanced Rock Weathering process. The participating buyers included Stripe, Shopify, Alphabet, Meta and Watershed (on behalf of Match). Alt Carbon also became the first ERW company globally to receive an offtake agreement from the South Pole & Mitsubishi-led NextGen buyer’s coalition.   

    In order to meaningfully undertake climate action, we require gigaton level projects — i.e. projects that have a shot at removing 1 billion tons of CO2 every year. Alt Carbon is targeting reaching up to 500,000 hectares of land in North East India’s tea belt by 2030, as part of the Darjeeling Revival Project, removing upwards of 5 million tonnes of CO2 every year. Beyond that, the company aims to scale up its operations in South Asia to further work towards its goal of removing 1 billion tons of CO2, each and every year. 

    Notes to the editor
    Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the Alt Carbon press office: Adithya Venkatesan on adithya@alt-carbon.com or +91 94811 74420

    About Alt Carbon
    Alt Carbon is a co2 Removal (cdr) company based out of India transforming Darjeeling’s struggling tea industry from being at-risk from the effects of climate change, to becoming pioneers for climate action. Alt Carbon is on a mission to capture vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. Its ambitious goal is to remove 5M MT of CO2 by 2030, with the ultimate aim of reaching a billion tons – for good. For more information please visit https://www.alt-carbon.com/ or follow via LinkedIn. 

    Media Contact:

    Name: Adithya Venkatesan

    Company Name: Alt Carbon

    Designation: Head of Brand

    Email Address: adithya@alt-carbon.com

    Website Link: https://www.alt-carbon.com/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Alt Carbon. 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. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. 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.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8f7c1b5-2498-42d7-9535-fd8d0fce67fd

    The MIL Network –

    March 24, 2025
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