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Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Klobuchar & Warner Unveil Legislation to Undo President Trump’s Senseless Taxes on Canadian Goods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) unveiled legislation to undo President Donald Trump’s wildly unpopular tariffs on Canadian goods, which amount to a 25 percent tax on goods imported from one of America’s top trading partners and closest allies.

    “Americans want prices to go down—not skyrocket, which is exactly what will happen if Congress lets President Trump slap new taxes on goods from one of our largest trading partners and closest allies,” said Kaine. “We don’t need to guess what kind of damage these senseless new taxes will do. During Trump’s first term, his trade wars spelled disaster for Virginians, particularly for farmers and foresters who were hit especially hard. Congress has a responsibility to stop that from happening again, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in blocking Trump from destroying our economy.”

    “This Administration is igniting a reckless trade war and regular Americans are paying the price,” said Klobuchar. “Costs for everyone will go up and our farmers and businesses will suffer. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner and is a key U.S. ally. We must reverse these damaging tariffs before it’s too late.”

    “Virginians can’t afford the cost of President Trump’s tariffs, which will raise prices on everything from groceries to houses and cars,” said Warner. “Congress must step in before President Trump tanks our economy.” 

    In Virginia in 2024, Canada was the largest export market and accounted for 15 percent of Virginia exports. In Virginia in 2022, top goods exports to Canada included motor vehicles and transportation equipment, such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks. 56.1 percent of Southwest Virginia’s economic output is dependent on trade.

    Polls have overwhelmingly demonstrated that the American people do not support Trump’s trade wars. According to a recent survey by Public First, just 28 percent of American adults supported specifically applying tariffs to Canada, while 43 percent opposed.

    Specifically, the senators’ legislation would work by terminating the February 1 emergency that Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada, and thus eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. Trump’s order cites the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of IEEPA in its nearly half century history. After an initial one-month delay, President Trump decided to move forward with the tariffs, with the import taxes starting to be collected on March 4, 2025. In total, President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs will cost the average American household up to $2,000 a year, with the Canada tariffs making up a significant portion of that. These IEEPA tariffs represent the largest tax increase on American families in recent history.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta pushes back on illegal U.S. tariffs

    As part of its non-tariff retaliatory measures, Alberta is altering its procurement practices to ensure Alberta’s government, as well as agencies, school boards, Crown corporations and Alberta municipalities, purchase their goods and services from Alberta companies, Canadian companies or countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement that is being honoured.  

    “I will always put the best interests of Alberta and Albertans first. These non-tariff actions are measured, proportionate and put an emphasis on defending Alberta and Canada against these economically destructive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, while breaking down restrictive provincial trade barriers so we can fast-track nation building resource projects and allow for the unrestricted movement of goods, services and labour across the country. I understand this is an uncertain time for many Albertans, and our government will continue to do all it can to prioritize Alberta’s and Canada’s world-class products and businesses as we face this challenge together. I also look forward to working with my provincial counterparts to help unite Canada and ensure free and fair trade throughout our country.” 

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    Alberta’s government has also directed Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to suspend the purchase of U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals (VLTs) from American companies until further notice. This will ensure Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in restaurants, bars and on retail shelves.

    “We are committed to putting Canadian businesses first. By suspending the purchase of U.S. produced alcohol, slot machines and VLTs, we are ensuring that Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in our restaurants, bars and retail stores. We will continue to take bold steps to support local industries and strengthen our economy.”

    Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

    To encourage the purchase of stock from vendors in Alberta, Canada and other countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement, the government will help all Alberta grocers and other retailers with labelling Canadian products in their stores. In the coming weeks, Alberta’s government will augment these efforts by launching a “Buy Alberta” marketing campaign. Spearheaded by Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson, this campaign will remind Albertans of their options for local food and the importance of supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and processers.

    “Alberta’s agriculture producers and processers are the best in the world. Although these U.S. tariffs are incredibly concerning, this “Buy Alberta” campaign will put a spotlight on Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-food businesses and support Albertans in choosing goods from right here at home.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Building on Alberta’s reputation as a leader in removing barriers to trade within Canada, Alberta’s government will continue to push other provinces to match our ambition in providing full labour mobility and eliminating trade barriers through work like mutual recognition of regulations. This will allow for goods, services and labour from other provinces to flow into and out of Alberta without having to undergo additional regulatory assessments.

    “While no one wins in a tariff war, this situation underscores the need to develop Canada’s trade infrastructure and the diversification of our trading partners and could be the catalyst to unlocking Canada’s true potential. As we look at how best to support Albertans and our businesses, we must also work to reduce internal trade and labour mobility barriers while expanding markets for Alberta energy, agricultural and manufactured products into Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond. Albertans and Canadians are counting on us.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Alberta’s government is also focused on doubling oil production. With U.S. tariffs in place on Canadian energy products, Alberta is looking elsewhere for additional pipeline infrastructure, including east and west, in order to get our products to new markets.

    Alberta’s government will continue to engage with elected officials and industry leaders in the U.S. to reverse these tariffs on Canadian goods and energy and rebuild Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner and ally.   

    Quick facts

    • On March 4, U.S. President Trump implemented a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy.
    • The U.S. is Alberta’s – and Canada’s – largest trading partner. 
    • Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario.
      • In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$162.6 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports.
      • Energy products accounted for approximately C$132.8 billion or 82.2 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2024.
    • About 10 per cent of liquor products in stock in Alberta are imported from the United States.
      • U.S. products represent a small minority of the beer and refreshment beverage categories; however, a significant number of wines originate in the U.S.
      • In 2023-24, about $292 million in U.S. liquor products were sold in Alberta.
    • Alberta has been a longstanding supporter of reducing barriers to trade within Canada. In 2019, the province removed 21 of 27 exceptions, including all procurement exceptions, and narrowed the scope of two others. Since then, the province has only added 2 exceptions, which allow for the management the legalization of cannabis.
      • Removing party-specific exemptions has helped facilitate even greater access to the Alberta market for Canadian companies in the areas of government tenders, Crown land acquisition, liquor, energy and forest products, among others.

    Related information

    • Premier Smith’s speaking notes
    • Response to U.S. tariffs: Premier Smith

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Alto Ingredients, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Implemented Cost Savings Expected to Yield Approximately $8 Million Annually –
    – Integrated Accretive Acquisition of a Beverage-grade Liquid CO2Processor –
    – Considering Asset Sales, a Merger or Other Strategic Transactions –

    PEKIN, Ill., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO), a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients, reported its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Bryon McGregor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alto Ingredients said, “During the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, we implemented cost saving initiatives, including cold idling our Magic Valley plant, and lowering total company headcount by 16%. We expect these staffing reductions to save approximately $8 million annually beginning in the second quarter of 2025. While ensuring high customer service, we rightsized the company to our smaller organizational footprint to position for long-term sustainable growth.

    “On January 1st, we acquired a beverage-grade liquid carbon dioxide processor adjacent to our Columbia site. Bolstering economics and increasing asset valuation, this immediately accretive transaction has a compelling payback of less than two years as well as opportunities for cost synergies and expanded production. At our Pekin Campus, we continue to diligently pursue opportunities to optimize carbon, which has been historically underutilized and undervalued. Lastly, with the assistance of our financial and legal advisors, we are considering a broad range of options, including asset sales, a merger or other strategic transactions to better align the long-term value potential of the company.”

    Chief Financial Officer Rob Olander added, “Our restructuring has improved Alto’s financial position going forward. In doing so, during the fourth quarter of 2024, we recognized over $30 million in asset impairments and prior acquisition-related expenses, which reset our base. Combining our reduced expense run rate with our improved performance at the Pekin wet mill, our synergistic acquisition of premium liquid CO2 processing and our entry into the European market, we are optimistic about 2025.”

    Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023

    • Net sales were $236.3 million, compared to $273.6 million.
    • Cost of goods sold was $237.7 million, compared to $276.2 million.
    • Gross loss was $1.4 million, including $3.5 million in realized losses on derivatives, compared to a gross loss of $2.5 million, including $2.3 million in realized losses on derivatives.
    • Selling, general and administrative expenses were $7.4 million, compared to $7.8 million.
    • Expenses related to the Eagle Alcohol acquisition were $5.7 million, compared to $0.7 million.
    • Asset impairments were $24.8 million comprised of $21.4 million related to Magic Valley and $3.4 million related to Eagle Alcohol, compared to $6.0 million related to Eagle Alcohol.
    • Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $42.0 million, or $0.57 per share, compared to $19.3 million, or $0.26 per share.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative $7.7 million, including $3.5 million in realized losses on derivatives, compared to positive $3.5 million, including $2.3 million in realized losses on derivatives.

    Cash and cash equivalents were $35.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $30.0 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, the company’s borrowing availability was $88.1 million including $23.1 million under the company’s operating line of credit and $65.0 million under its term loan facility, subject to certain conditions.

    Financial Results for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023

    • Net sales were $965.3 million, compared to $1,222.9 million.
    • Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $60.3 million, including $32.5 million in expenses related to asset impairments and the company’s Eagle Alcohol acquisition, or $0.82 per share. This compares to $29.3 million, including $6.5 million in net expenses related to asset impairments, the company’s Eagle Alcohol acquisition and a USDA cash grant, or $0.40 per share.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative $8.5 million, including $2.5 million in realized losses on derivatives and $5.4 million in costs related to the biennial outage in the second quarter, compared to positive $20.8 million, including $1.6 million in realized gains on derivatives.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results Conference Call
    Management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and will deliver prepared remarks via webcast followed by a question-and-answer session.

    The webcast for the conference call can be accessed from Alto Ingredients’ website at www.altoingredients.com. Alternatively, to receive a number and unique PIN by email, register here. To dial directly up to twenty minutes prior to the scheduled call time, please dial (833) 630-0017 domestically and (412) 317-1806 internationally. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Alto Ingredients website for one year. In addition, a telephonic replay will be available at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, through 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. To access the replay, please dial (877) 344-7529. International callers should dial 00-1 412-317-0088. The pass code will be 5306551.

    Use of Non-GAAP Measures
    Management believes that certain financial measures not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are useful measures of operations. The company defines Adjusted EBITDA as unaudited consolidated net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, asset impairments, unrealized derivative gains and losses, acquisition-related expense and depreciation and amortization expense. A table is provided at the end of this release that provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income (loss). Management provides this non-GAAP measure so that investors will have the same financial information that management uses, which may assist investors in properly assessing the company’s performance on a period-over-period basis. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of performance under GAAP, or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results as reported under GAAP.

    About Alto Ingredients, Inc.
    Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO) is a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients. Leveraging the unique qualities of its facilities, the company serves customers in a wide range of consumer and commercial products in the Health, Home & Beauty; Food & Beverage; Industry & Agriculture; Essential Ingredients; and Renewable Fuels markets. For more information, please visit www.altoingredients.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
    Statements and information contained in this communication that refer to or include Alto Ingredients’ estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical expressions of fact are forward-looking statements that reflect Alto Ingredients’ current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of the communication. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Alto Ingredients’ projected outlook and future performance, including the timing and effects of its cost savings initiatives and its acquisition of a liquid carbon dioxide processor adjacent to its Columbia plant; Alto Ingredients’ capital projects, including its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project and opportunities to optimize carbon; and Alto Ingredients’ other plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. It is important to note that Alto Ingredients’ plans, objectives, expectations and intentions are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially from Alto Ingredients’ current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Alto Ingredients’ business and plans. These factors include, among others adverse economic and market conditions, including for renewable fuels, specialty alcohols and essential ingredients; export conditions and international demand for the company’s products; fluctuations in the price of and demand for oil and gasoline; raw material costs, including production input costs, such as corn and natural gas; adverse impacts of inflation and supply chain constraints; and the cost, ability to fund, timing and effects of, including the financial and other results deriving from, Alto Ingredients’ repair and maintenance programs, plant improvements and other capital projects, including CCS, and other business initiatives and strategies. These factors also include, among others, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial and other projections and large-scale capital projects, including CCS; the anticipated size of the markets and continued demand for Alto Ingredients’ products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the alcohol production, marketing and distribution industries; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; successful compliance with governmental regulations applicable to Alto Ingredients’ facilities, products and/or businesses; changes in laws, regulations and governmental policies, including with respect to the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax and other benefits Alto Ingredients expects to derive from CCS; the loss of key senior management or staff; and other events, factors and risks previously and from time to time disclosed in Alto Ingredients’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, specifically, those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Alto Ingredients’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2024.

    Company IR and Media Contact:
    Michael Kramer, Alto Ingredients, Inc., 916-403-2755
    Investorrelations@altoingredients.com

    IR Agency Contact:
    Kirsten Chapman, Alliance Advisors Investor Relations, 415-433-3777
    altoinvestor@allianceadvisors.com

    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
         
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023 
             
    Net sales $ 236,347     $ 273,625     $ 965,258     $ 1,222,940  
    Cost of goods sold   237,738       276,150       955,536       1,207,287  
    Gross profit (loss)   (1,391 )     (2,525 )     9,722       15,653  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   (7,358 )     (7,823 )     (29,736 )     (29,864 )
    Acquisition-related expenses   (5,676 )     (700 )     (7,701 )     (2,800 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of assets   —       (153 )     830       (293 )
    Asset impairments   (24,790 )     (5,970 )     (24,790 )     (6,544 )
    Loss from operations   (39,215 )     (17,171 )     (51,675 )     (23,848 )
    Interest expense, net   (2,474 )     (2,126 )     (7,644 )     (7,425 )
    Income from cash grant   —       —       —       2,812  
    Other income, net   150       449       508       553  
    Loss before provision for income taxes   (41,539 )     (18,848 )     (58,811 )     (27,908 )
    Provision for income taxes   173       97       173       97  
    Net loss $ (41,712 )   $ (18,945 )   $ (58,984 )   $ (28,005 )
    Preferred stock dividends $ (319 )   $ (319 )   $ (1,269 )   $ (1,265 )
    Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (42,031 )   $ (19,264 )   $ (60,253 )   $ (29,270 )
    Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.57 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.82 )   $ (0.40 )
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   73,835       72,969       73,482       73,339  
                                   
    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)
     
    ASSETS December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Current Assets:    
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,469   $ 30,014
    Restricted cash   742     15,466
    Accounts receivable, net   58,217     58,729
    Inventories   49,914     52,611
    Derivative instruments   3,313     2,412
    Other current assets   5,463     9,538
    Total current assets   153,118     168,770
    Property and equipment, net   214,742     248,748
    Other Assets:      
    Right of use operating lease assets, net   20,553     22,597
    Intangible assets, net   4,509     8,498
    Other assets   8,516     5,628
    Total other assets   33,578     36,723
    Total Assets $ 401,438   $ 454,241
    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
    (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)
     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Current Liabilities:    
    Accounts payable $ 20,369     $ 20,752  
    Accrued liabilities   24,214       20,205  
    Current portion – operating leases   4,851       4,333  
    Derivative instruments   1,177       13,849  
    Other current liabilities   7,193       6,149  
    Total current liabilities   57,804       65,288  
                   
    Long-term debt, net   92,904       82,097  
    Operating leases, net of current portion   16,913       19,029  
    Other liabilities   8,754       8,270  
    Total Liabilities   176,375       174,684  
                   
    Stockholders’ Equity:    
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized;
        Series A: no shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023
        Series B: 927 shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023    		   1       1  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized;
        76,565 and 75,703 shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively    		   77       76  
    Non-voting common stock, $0.001 par value; 3,553 shares authorized;
        1 share issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023    		   —       —  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,044,176       1,040,912  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   4,975       2,481  
    Accumulated deficit   (824,166 )     (763,913 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   225,063       279,557  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 401,438     $ 454,241  


    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Loss

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
    (in thousands) (unaudited) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net loss $ (41,712 )   $ (18,945 )   $ (58,984 )   $ (28,005 )
    Adjustments:        
    Interest expense   2,474       2,126       7,644       7,425  
    Interest income   (112 )     (265 )     (689 )     (854 )
    Unrealized derivative (gains) losses   (5,495 )     8,162       (13,574 )     9,679  
    Acquisition-related expense   5,676       700       7,701       2,800  
    Provision for income taxes   173       97       173       97  
    Asset impairments   24,790       5,970       24,790       6,544  
    Depreciation and amortization expense   6,548       5,698       24,408       23,080  
    Total adjustments   34,054       22,488       50,453       48,771  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (7,658 )   $ 3,543     $ (8,531 )   $ 20,766  


    Segment Financials (unaudited, in thousands)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net Sales                              

    Pekin Campus, recorded as gross:

    		                              
    Alcohol sales $ 100,216     $ 113,588     $ 415,710     $ 502,217  
    Essential ingredient sales   42,011       48,483       169,308       217,702  
    Intersegment sales   316       307       1,243       1,427  
    Total Pekin Campus sales   142,543       162,378       586,261       721,346  

    Marketing and distribution:

    		                              
    Alcohol sales, gross $ 37,230     $ 46,844     $ 216,295     $ 262,587  
    Alcohol sales, net   60       73       229       365  
    Intersegment sales   2,831       2,920       10,833       11,654  
    Total marketing and distribution sales   40,121       49,837       227,357       274,606  
                                   
    Western production, recorded as gross:                              
    Alcohol sales $ 41,306     $ 44,496     $ 115,389     $ 166,971  
    Essential ingredient sales   12,769       16,650       36,953       57,264  
    Intersegment sales   —       35       (122 )     134  
    Total Western production sales   54,075       61,181       152,220       224,369  
             
    Corporate and other   2,755       3,491       11,374       15,834  
    Intersegment eliminations   (3,147 )     (3,262 )     (11,954 )     (13,215 )
    Net sales as reported $ 236,347     $ 273,625     $ 965,258     $ 1,222,940  

    Cost of goods sold:    		                              
    Pekin Campus (1) (2) $ 139,899     $ 163,497     $  563,033      $ 710,089  
    Marketing and distribution   36,348       46,311       213,023       259,234  
    Western production (1)   59,449       65,042       172,209       230,444  
    Corporate and other   3,592       2,802       12,285       12,122  
    Intersegment eliminations   (1,550 )     (1,502 )     (5,014 )     (4,602 )
    Cost of goods sold as reported $ 237,738     $ 276,150     $ 955,536     $  1,207,287  

    Gross profit (loss):    		                              
    Pekin Campus $ 2,644     $ (1,119 )   $  23,228     $ 11,257  
    Marketing and distribution   3,773       3,526       14,334        15,372  
    Western production   (5,374 )     (3,861 )     (19,989  )     (6,075 )
    Corporate and other   (837 )     689       (911  )      3,712  
    Intersegment eliminations   (1,597 )     (1,760 )     (6,940  )      (8,613 )
    Gross profit (loss) as reported $ (1,391 )   $ (2,525 )   $  9,722      $ 15,653  

    (1) – includes depreciation and amortization expense
    (2) – includes unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

    Sales and Operating Metrics (unaudited)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023
    Alcohol Sales (gallons in millions)          
    Pekin Campus renewable fuel gallons sold   32.1     31.8     125.7     136.2
    Western production renewable fuel gallons sold   22.3     20.4     60.5     67.0
    Third party renewable fuel gallons sold   19.0     20.2     108.3     102.6
    Total renewable fuel gallons sold   73.4     72.4     294.5     305.8
    Specialty alcohol gallons sold   21.7     20.1     91.5     76.7
    Total gallons sold   95.1     92.5     386.0     382.5
               
    Sales Price per Gallon          
    Pekin Campus $ 1.89   $ 2.23   $ 1.95   $ 2.40
    Western production $ 1.86   $ 2.18   $ 1.91   $ 2.49
    Marketing and distribution $ 1.96   $ 2.32   $ 2.00   $ 2.56
    Total $ 1.88   $ 2.24   $ 1.95   $ 2.47
               
    Alcohol Production (gallons in millions)          
    Pekin Campus   55.4     51.6     212.4     209.7
    Western production   21.2     20.8     58.7     68.1
    Total   76.6     72.4     271.1     277.8
               
    Corn Cost per Bushel          
    Pekin Campus $ 4.17   $ 5.10   $ 4.45   $ 6.32
    Western production $ 5.79   $ 6.44   $ 5.73   $ 7.45
    Total $ 4.63   $ 5.46   $ 4.72   $ 6.58
               
    Average Market Metrics          
    PLATTS Ethanol price per gallon $ 1.60   $ 1.96   $ 1.69   $ 2.22
    CME Corn cost per bushel $ 4.26   $ 4.76   $ 4.24   $ 5.64
    Board corn crush per gallons (1) $ 0.08   $ 0.26   $ 0.18   $ 0.21
               
    Essential Ingredients Sold (thousand tons)          
    Pekin Campus:          
    Distillers grains   85.3     80.2     336.4     332.7
    CO2   52.7     43.4     188.6     182.4
    Corn wet feed   41.4     25.0     121.8     95.0
    Corn dry feed   22.0     23.3     87.2     90.6
    Corn oil and germ   21.0     18.2     75.1     73.8
    Syrup and other   10.0     12.7     38.6     41.2
    Corn meal   9.3     9.0     35.4     36.8
    Yeast   5.4     6.2     23.2     25.9
    Total Pekin Campus essential ingredients sold   247.1     218.0     906.3     878.4
               
             
    Western production:          
    Distillers grains   144.3     152.0     394.5     459.7
    CO2   14.6     13.8     57.7     55.5
    Syrup and other   17.2     47.5     54.8     119.1
    Corn oil   3.1     2.8     7.6     8.0
    Total Western production essential ingredients sold   179.2     216.1     514.6     642.3
               
    Total Essential Ingredients Sold   426.3     434.1     1,420.9     1,520.7
               
               
    Essential ingredients return % (2)          
    Pekin Campus return   49.5%     51.9%     49.7%     45.7%
    Western production return   30.3%     36.3%     32.0%     33.4%
    Consolidated total return   43.1%     46.8%     45.2%     42.4%
               

    ________________
    (1) Assumes corn conversion of 2.80 gallons of alcohol per bushel of corn.
    (2) Essential ingredients revenues as a percentage of total corn costs consumed.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, and Klobuchar Unveil Legislation to Undo President Trump’s Senseless Taxes on Canadian Goods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, (D-VA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), unveiled legislation to undo President Donald Trump’s wildly unpopular tariffs on Canadian goods, which amount to a 25 percent tax on goods imported from one of America’s top trading partners and closest allies.
    “Virginians can’t afford the cost of President Trump’s tariffs, which will raise prices on everything from groceries to houses and cars,” said Sen. Warner. “Congress must step in before President Trump tanks our economy.”
    “Americans want prices to go down—not skyrocket, which is exactly what will happen if Congress lets President Trump slap new taxes on goods from one of our largest trading partners and closest allies,” said Sen. Kaine. “We don’t need to guess what kind of damage these senseless new taxes will do. During Trump’s first term, his trade wars spelled disaster for Virginians, particularly for farmers and foresters who were hit especially hard. Congress has a responsibility to stop that from happening again, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in blocking Trump from destroying our economy.”
    “This Administration is igniting a reckless trade war and regular Americans are paying the price,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Costs for everyone will go up and our farmers and businesses will suffer. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner and is a key U.S. ally. We must reverse these damaging tariffs before it’s too late.”
    In Virginia in 2024, Canada was the largest export market and accounted for 15 percent of Virginia exports. In Virginia in 2022, top goods exports to Canada included motor vehicles and transportation equipment, such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks. 56.1 percent of Southwest Virginia’s economic output is dependent on trade.
    Polls have overwhelmingly demonstrated that the American people do not support Trump’s trade wars. According to a recent survey by Public First, just 28 percent of American adults supported specifically applying tariffs to Canada, while 43 percent opposed.
    Specifically, the senators’ legislation would work by terminating the February 1 emergency that Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada, and thus eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. Trump’s order cites the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of IEEPA in its nearly half century history. After an initial one-month delay, President Trump decided to move forward with the tariffs, with the import taxes starting to be collected on March 4, 2025. In total, President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs will cost the average American household up to $2,000 a year, with the Canada tariffs making up a significant portion of that. These IEEPA tariffs represent the largest tax increase on American families in recent history.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Treatment Options for Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in reintroducing the HBOT Access Act to make Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) an available resource for veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who have exhausted other evidence-based treatment options. Senator Tuberville previously introduced this legislation in the 117th Congress. 

    Senator Tuberville spoke about the need to expand HBOT for veterans yesterday in a U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing and received thunderous applause from veterans in the room. 

    “Our veterans face many battles from their time in war—including those that we can’t see,” said Senator Tuberville. “We must do more to support them as they face these silent struggles, especially when it comes to mental health. For veterans that have exhausted other options, access to HBOT treatment could make all the difference in them living to see another day. We have nothing to lose, but we do have lives to save. I appreciate Senators Hoeven and Cramer joining me to introduce this critical piece of legislation, and will continue fighting for America’s veterans.”

    The HBOT Access Act is endorsed by the American Legion.

    BACKGROUND

    Senator Tuberville represents Alabama’s more than 400,000 veterans on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and hasworked to make targeted, yet meaningful changes to how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) delivers care and benefits for veterans. He has introduced several pieces of legislation that have been signed into law, including the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act, and legislation to streamline Post-9/11 benefits for service members and their dependents.

    The HBOT Access Act would require the VA to provide HBOT as a treatment option to any veteran suffering from TBI or PTSD and who has tried no fewer than two evidence-based treatment options. This legislation builds on the Right to Try Actsigned into law by President Trump. Currently, HBOT is an FDA-approved treatment option for 14 different illnesses, but is not approved for use by the VA for traumatic brain injuries, although evidence of beneficial HBOT treatment is documented within the veterans’ community.

    MORE:

    WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Praise Mounts for Tuberville’s HBOT Access Act

    Tuberville Leads Effort to Provide Veterans Greater Access to Treatment, Introduces HBOT Access Act

    Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Ensure Community Care Access for Veterans

    Tuberville, Moran Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Care for Veterans

    Senate Passes Tuberville Legislation to Restore Benefits to Defrauded Veterans

    House Passes Tuberville Legislation to Restore Benefits to Defrauded Veterans

    Tuberville Continues Fight to Protect Veterans’ Access to Community Care

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev took part in a joint meeting of the Supervisory and Trustee Boards of MGIMO

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The annual joint meeting of the supervisory and trustee boards of MGIMO of the Russian Foreign Ministry took place in Moscow. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev took part in it.

    Dmitry Patrushev took part in a joint meeting of the Supervisory and Trustee Boards of MGIMO.

    March 5, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    “Since 2018, MGIMO and the Ministry of Agriculture have had an agreement to establish a basic department. Its key objective is to train highly qualified specialists with an understanding of the international specifics of trade and promotion of agricultural products. Over 130 people have graduated in six years. These are professionals who successfully work as representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture abroad, as well as in leading companies in the industry. I think that the competition for these areas will only increase. Agricultural markets are of serious interest today, and we are ready to develop this area,” Dmitry Patrushev noted.

    The meeting was chaired by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Members of the Supervisory Board and Trustees of MGIMO heard a report by MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov “On the University’s Activities in 2024 and the Main Provisions of the MGIMO Development Program “Priority. Technological Leadership” for 2025-2036.”

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plan, Prepare and Protect Your Pet Before, During and After an Emergency

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    [embedded content]
    Español
    They make us laugh. They are usually waiting for us when we get home from work and school. They give us unconditional love. They are often our best friends. And they depend on us for everything: food, water, healthcare. They are our pets and part of the family.
    Our pets also depend on us when emergency strikes. Are you ready with your pet preparedness plan?
    Your Pet Preparedness Plan — Prepare Ahead for Your Pet’s Needs
    When it comes to planning for emergencies, pet owners should consider their pets too. With some simple preparations now, you can make sure your pet will be protected, safe and healthy during and after any emergency. In the middle of a disaster, or when you know one is imminent, you may not have time to prepare for the specific needs of your pet. Now is the time for pet preparedness planning, and here are some tips.

    Stock at least a 1-week supply of food and fresh water on hand for your pet, as well as a 1-week supply of medication, if your pet takes medication.
    Include copies of your pet’s vaccination records and other medical records in your pet preparedness kit. Include information about your pet’s insurance policy, if you have one.
    Experts suggest that you also include photos of your pet to help others identify them in case you and your pet become separated.

    How to Weather Emergencies With your Pet and How to Evacuate Safely if Necessary
    If you experience an emergency like a hurricane or flood, bring your pet indoors as soon as local authorities say a storm is coming. Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows, until you know it’s safe. Take your pet preparedness kit and other disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room.
    If you need to evacuate your home, it is important to bring your pet with you. You can find out from your local emergency management agency which emergency shelters allow pets.
    If you cannot take your pet when you evacuate and must leave them in your home, put a Rescue Alert Sticker on your door to let people know there is a pet inside.
    Pet Preparedness for Large Pets and Smaller Pets, Like Fish
    Having larger and smaller pets during an emergency can pose additional challenges. While dogs and cats are relatively easy to transport and evacuate to a shelter, what do you do with your horse, or fish that are in an aquarium or pond?
    If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, make sure they all have some form of identification. Map out primary and secondary evacuation routes in advance and identify the vehicles or trailers that would be needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. If you need to evacuate with larger animals, make sure that your emergency destination has food and water, as well as access to veterinary care and handling equipment. If you need to evacuate and cannot take your larger animals, you will need to decide how and where to move them to shelter or if it’s better to turn them outside.
    There are some basic guidelines for dealing with fish in aquariums or ponds during a power outage. Experts recommend you do not feed your fish during a power outage. Most fish can survive days or even weeks without food. During the winter, if you lose power, you can insulate your aquarium with something like a blanket or newspapers. An alternate power source, like a generator, can run the heater, pump, and filter. If you must move your fish, you can use a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag and fill the bag with one-third water and two-thirds air. Alternatively, you can use a bucket, tub, or large jar. It is important that you NOT release your pet fish into local waterways. Introducing non-native fish species is harmful to local waterways. If you cannot keep your fish because of an impending emergency, experts recommend taking them to a pet store.
    Helping Your Pet Adjust After an Emergency
    You and your pet have made it through the emergency, but your pet doesn’t seem normal and is displaying unexpected behaviors. Well-behaved pets may become aggressive or defensive after a major disruption in their lives, and it may take several weeks for them to return to normal. Keep an eye on your pet and give him or her plenty of time to rest; however, if your pet remains extremely anxious or has other behavioral or health problems afterward, contact your veterinarian.

    Find more about Pet Preparedness at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine:
    Take Care of Your Pets Before Disaster Strikes
    Taking Care of Your Pets During Hurricanes and Floods
    Additional resources:
    Prepare Your Pets for Disasters: This page has tips for dogs and cats as well as tips for large animals, such as horses, goats and pigs.
    NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    Large Animals and Livestock in Disasters

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Agricultural policy comments during Grüne Woche – E-000596/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000596/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew)

    During Grüne Woche (Green Week), Commissioner Hansen reportedly said that the time for a one-size-fits-all approach is over: based on available space and population size within each country, different countries should adhere to different rules. He is not open to pleas to reduce livestock. Recently, the Dutch court reprimanded the national government once again for refusing to adopt policies to reduce the nitrogen surplus in the Netherlands, which is damaging the surrounding natural environment beyond the point of no return. Agriculture is responsible for 76 % of Dutch-sourced nitrogen emissions, and the Netherlands has the highest livestock density in Europe. This raises several questions:

    • 1.If EU-wide nature preservation and restoration targets are to be mixed with tailor-made agricultural rules per Member State, can the Commission clarify when the population of an EU Member State is entitled to more or less nature?
    • 2.Can the Commission assess, in relation to harmful ammonia deposits and a manure surplus – both effects of concentrated livestock farming – the capacity of a Member State to sustain its current livestock density without harming EU nature goals and water quality targets?
    • 3.Could the Commission provide us with the scientific basis for rejecting livestock reduction as a policy option?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    Last updated: 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five People Convicted in $1 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Elderly Victims

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Five defendants who participated in a conspiracy and a fraud scheme involving 401(k) accounts of elderly retired Florida school district employees have been convicted after three defendants pleaded guilty and two defendants were found guilty by a federal jury.  Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the convictions of the following defendants:

    Evidence presented at trial and court records show that the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to steal retirement funds from participants in a retirement 401(k) savings program comprised largely of Florida school district employees or prior employees. Between January 2022, and March 2022, Vargas, who worked for the company handling the retirement fund, conspired with the other defendants to have fraudulent withdraw forms faxed to the company requesting that the victims’ retirement funds be transferred to accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.  In total, the conspirators withdrew and attempted to withdraw retirement funds from 25 different 401(k) accounts, resulting in a net total of $1.1 million being stolen. Evidence presented at trial also established that Bostic was engaging in money laundering with the stolen funds. 

    Sentencing hearings for all defendants are scheduled for April 28, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. All defendants face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and up to three years on supervised release for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Vargas, Levy, Grace Aguebor, and Bostic face a mandatory minimum sentence of two years imprisonment—consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed by the court.

    These convictions were the result of a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

    More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Minutes of the annual general meeting held on 5 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    Euronext Dublin
    London Stock Exchange
    Other stakeholders

    Date        5 March 2025

    Minutes of the annual general meeting held on 5 March 2025

    The bank held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, Wednesday, 5 March 2025, with the agenda as previously published.

    Minutes of decisions of the AGM as per the items on the agenda:

    The chairman of the board of directors, Martin Krogh Pedersen, opened the general meeting and welcomed the attendees.

    1. Election of chairperson        
    Allan Østergaard Sørensen, attorney-at-law, of Ringkøbing, deputy chairman of the shareholders’ committee, was elected chairman of the AGM.

    2. The board’s report on the bank’s activities in the previous year
    Martin Krogh Pedersen, chairman of the board of directors, presented the board’s report on the bank’s activities during the previous year, among these Martin Krogh Pedersen also reviewed the proposals regarding the agenda items: 5. Consultative vote on the remuneration report, 6. Approval of the remuneration of the board of directors for the current financial year, and 7. Remuneration policy.

    The board’s report was noted.

    3. Presentation of the annual report for approval, and
    4. Decision on allocation of profit or covering of loss under the approved annual report
    John Fisker, CEO, presented the annual report for 2024 for approval and explained the proposed profit allocation.

    The annual report for 2024 was approved.

    The AGM resolved to distribute the total comprehensive income for the year as follows (thousand DKK):        

    Appropriated for ordinary dividend, DKK 11 per share 293,774  
    Appropriated for charitable purposes 2,000  
    Transfer to net revaluation reserve under the equity method -3  
    Transfer to retained earnings 2,005,075  
         
    Total 2,300,846  
         

    5. Consultative vote on the remuneration report
    As part of his presentation of the board’s report on the bank’s activities during the previous year, Martin Krogh Pedersen, chairman of the board of directors, presented the remuneration report for 2024 for a consultative vote.

    The remuneration report for 2024 was approved.

    6. Approval of the remuneration of the board of directors for the current financial year
    As part of his presentation of the board’s report on the bank’s activities during the previous year, Martin Krogh Pedersen, chairman of the board of directors, presented the proposal for the remuneration of the board of directors for the current financial year for approval.

    The proposal for the remuneration of the board of directors for the current financial year (2025) was approved.

    7. Remuneration policy
    As part of his presentation of the board’s report on the bank’s activities during the previous year, Martin Krogh Pedersen, chairman of the board of directors, presented an updated remuneration policy for approval.

    The updated remuneration policy was approved.

    8. Election of members to the shareholders’ committee
    In accordance with the decision made by the bank’s annual general meeting held on 28 February 2024, the following members of the shareholders’ committee, whose terms of office end in 2025 and 2026, retired in rotation: Mette Bundgaard, Per Lykkegaard Christensen, Ole Kirkegård Erlandsen, Thomas Sindberg Hansen, Tonny Hansen, Kim Jacobsen, Morten Jensen, Kasper Lykke Kjeldsen, Lotte Littau Kjærgaard, Niels Erik Burgdorf Madsen, Martin Krogh Pedersen, Poul Kjær Poulsgaard, Kristian Skannerup, Allan Østergaard Sørensen, Jørgen Kolle Sørensen, Sten Uggerhøj, Lasse Svoldgaard Vesterby and Christina Ørskov.

    In addition, Lars Møller and Yvonne Skagen must retire from the shareholders’ committee due to the age requirement in the articles of association.

    Martin Krogh Pedersen, chairman of the board of directors, presented the recommendation, made by the shareholders’ committee and the board of directors, regarding elections of members to the shareholders’ committee.

    The following members were re-elected to the shareholders’ committee:

    • Mette Bundgaard, police superintendent, No, born 1966
    • Per Lykkegaard Christensen, farmer, Hjallerup, born 1959
    • Ole Kirkegård Erlandsen, butcher, Snejbjerg, born 1962
    • Thomas Sindberg Hansen, grocer, Kloster, born 1978
    • Tonny Hansen, former college principal, Ringkøbing, born 1958
    • Kim Jacobsen, manager, Aalborg, born 1969
    • Morten Jensen, attorney-at-law (Supreme Court), Dronninglund, born 1961
    • Kasper Lykke Kjeldsen, timber merchant, Højbjerg, born 1981
    • Lotte Littau Kjærgaard, manager, Holstebro, born 1969
    • Niels Erik Burgdorf Madsen, manager, Ølgod, born 1959
    • Martin Krogh Pedersen, CEO, Ringkøbing, born 1967
    • Poul Kjær Poulsgaard, farmer, Madum, born 1974
    • Kristian Skannerup, manufacturer, Tim, born 1959
    • Allan Østergaard Sørensen, attorney-at-law (High Court), Ringkøbing, born 1982
    • Jørgen Kolle Sørensen, sales representative and branch manager, Hvide Sande, born 1970
    • Sten Uggerhøj, car dealer, Frederikshavn, born 1959
    • Lasse Svoldgaard Vesterby, manager, Ringkøbing, born 1978
    • Christina Ørskov, manager, Gærum, born 1969

    The following new members were elected to the shareholders’ committee:

    • Rasmus Alstrup, farmer, Videbæk, born 1985
    • Rikke Ahnfeldt Kjær, CFO, Gistrup, born 1980
    • Pia Stevnhøj Sommer, sales director, Lind, born 1979

    9. Election of one or more auditors
    The chairperson, Allan Østergaard Sørensen, presented the recommendation of the shareholders’ committee, the board of directors and the audit committee to re-elect as external auditor and as sustainability auditor Revisionsfirmaet PricewaterhouseCoopers, Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab.

    The shareholders re-elected as external auditor and as sustainability auditor:

    • Revisionsfirmaet PricewaterhouseCoopers, Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab

    10. Authorisation for the board of directors to permit the bank to acquire its own shares
    The chairperson, Allan Sørensen, presented the board of directors’ proposal for the authorisation.

    The authorisation of the board of directors proposed below was adopted:
    ‘The board of directors proposes that it be granted authorisation to permit the bank to acquire its own shares, in accordance with current legislation, until the next annual general meeting, to a total nominal value of ten percent (10%) of the share capital, such that the shares can be acquired at current market price plus or minus ten percent (+/-10%) at the time of acquisition.’

    11. Any proposals from the board of directors, the shareholders’ committee or shareholders

    11.a. Proposed amendments to the articles of association (articles 2a and 2b)
    The chairperson, Allan Østergaard Sørensen, explained the amendments to the articles of association proposed by the shareholders’ committee and the board of directors.

    The amendments to the articles of association, as stated in the full proposals, were adopted.

    11.b. Proposal to reduce the bank’s share capital by nom. DKK 1,315,042 by cancellation of its own shares
    The chairperson, Allan Østergaard Sørensen, presented the board of directors’ proposal for a reduction of the bank’s share capital.

    The following proposal for the reduction of the share capital and the amendment of the articles of association was adopted:
    ‘The board of directors proposes a reduction in the bank’s share capital from nom. DKK 26,706,739 to nom. DKK 25,391,697 by cancellation of 1,315,042 nom. DKK 1 shares from the bank’s holding of its own shares of a nominal value of DKK 1,315,042.

    Please note that, in accordance with section 188(1) of the Danish Companies Act, the purpose of the reduction in the bank’s share capital is payment to shareholders. The amount of the reduction has been used as payment to shareholders for shares acquired by the bank under the authorisation previously granted to the board of directors by the general meeting.

    The share capital will consequently be reduced by nom. DKK 1,315,042 and the bank’s holding of its own shares will be reduced by 1,315,042 nom. DKK 1 shares. Please note that, in accordance with section 188(2) of the Danish Companies Act, the shares in question were acquired for a total sum of DKK 1,524,948,149. This means that, apart from the reduction in nominal capital, DKK 1,523,633,107 has been paid to shareholders.

    The purpose of the board of directors’ proposed reduction of the share capital is to maintain flexibility in the bank’s capital structure.

    If the proposal is adopted, the following changes will be made to articles 2, 2a, 2b and 2c of the articles of association:

    • Art. 2: The amount of “26,706,739” will be changed to “25,391,697”
    • Art. 2a: The amount of “5,341,347” will be changed to “5,078,339”
    • Art. 2b: The amount of “2,670,673” will be changed to “2,539,169”
    • Art. 2c: The amount of “5,341,347” will be changed to “5,078,339”.’

    11.c. Proposed authorisation for the board of directors or its appointee
    The chairperson, Allan Østergaard Sørensen, presented the board of directors’ proposal for authorisation of the board of directors or its appointee.

    The following proposed authorisation of the board of directors or its appointee was adopted:
    ‘The board of directors proposes that the board of directors, or its appointee, be authorised to report the decisions which have been adopted at the general meeting for registration and to make such changes to the documents submitted to the Danish Business Authority as the Authority may require or find appropriate in connection with registration of the decisions of the general meeting.’

    11.d. Proposal from a shareholder
    The chairperson, Allan Østergaard Sørensen, presented the board of directors’ proposal for the
    following proposal submitted by a shareholder.

    Proposal submitted by shareholder Poul Aksel Andersen, Hobro:
    ‘Reason for the proposal:
    The minutes of the 2024 annual general meeting state that: “In recruiting and proposing candidates for the shareholders’ committee (election and re-election), the committee and board of directors have focused on ensuring a diverse committee membership in terms of business experience, professional qualifications and expertise, gender, age etc.”

    Despite this, it is evident from the minutes that all of the elected members of the shareholders’ committee in 2024 were in leading positions. The shareholders’ committee is therefore hardly representative of the bank’s shareholders or customers in terms of business experience, professional qualifications or expertise.

    Proposal:
    It is proposed, that Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s work of recruiting and proposing of candidates in the future should focus on making the composition of the shareholders’ committee representative of the bank’s shareholders and customers; that the bank should make the process of admitting committee members transparent for all shareholders who might be interested in joining the shareholders’ committee; and that the bank’s work should focus specifically on ensuring that at least 25% of the members of the shareholders’ committee are employees without responsibilities for managing other staff.

    The board of directors’ recommendation regarding the proposal:
    The members of the bank’s board of directors are elected by the shareholders’ committee. Six of the eight current board members elected by the shareholders’ committee came from the membership of the shareholders’ committee. The shareholders’ committee is thus a recruitment channel for the board of directors. It is relevant, therefore, that the members of the shareholders’ committee possess the right competences for onward recruitment to the board of directors. In addition, the authorities nowadays impose a number of requirements on serving members of boards of directors of financial undertakings, including in relation to their competences, and there are also requirements regarding the collective competences of the plenary board of directors.

    The board of directors, the board of directors’ nomination committee and the shareholders’ committee are already working to promote diversity in the shareholders’ committee.

    The board of directors does not consider it appropriate to tie the board of directors’ nomination committee, the board of directors and the shareholders’ committee to a specific framework in future recruitment processes for nominations of candidates to the shareholders’ committee.

    For the above reasons, the board of directors does not support the proposal.‘

    The proposal submitted by shareholder Poul Aksel Andersen, Hobro, was not adopted.

    Yours faithfully
    Ringkjøbing Landbobank

    John Fisker
    CEO

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued a statement regarding President Donald Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress.
    “Last November, the American people delivered a mandate for President Trump to secure the border, scrutinize federal spending, restore American leadership, end the politicization of the Justice Department and bring common sense to Washington.
    “Since returning to office, President Trump has swept through Washington like a hurricane. He’s making necessary changes to hold bureaucrats accountable, save taxpayer dollars and end the radical Biden-Harris policies that weakened our country. 
    “I look forward to listening to President Trump tonight as he discusses the many ways he’s delivering for the American people, including through his efforts to secure our southern border and crack down on deadly fentanyl. I also hope he’ll take time to outline his support for family farmers, who make up just 2% of the population, yet produce enough to feed the other 98%.
    “In Congress, Republicans will keep working with the president to strengthen our military, economy and border security.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Food Waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act to prevent and reduce food waste across the country. Each year, the U.S. produces and imports 237 million tons of food, but 31 percent of this food is never sold or eaten, while millions of Americans experience food insecurity.
    “Too many families suffer from food insecurity. The Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa has demonstrated the economic and environmental benefits of reducing food waste, and Congress should act to build on this impactful work. Our legislation would recognize businesses for using excess food responsibly and incentivize others to improve their practices,” Grassley said.
    “While millions of Americans face food insecurity, millions of tons of food waste end up in landfills every year and contribute to methane emissions that drive the climate crisis. We must address these crises for the sake of hungry families, our economy and our environment. Today, I’m reintroducing the bipartisan Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act with Senator Grassley to move our country toward more conscious consumption and curbing food waste,” Durbin said.
    “Food waste continues to be a national concern for our communities, especially here in Iowa, where 22 percent of all waste going to our landfills is food. We look forward to working with Senators Durbin and Grassley to support the Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act through our continued initiatives at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center,” said Mark Nook, President of the University of Northern Iowa.
    Specifically, the Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act would establish a “Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification,” and direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create:
    Criteria, which businesses and organizations would have to meet to receive a Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification;
    A verification process, to confirm that businesses and organizations have achieved the criteria; and
    A label, which certified businesses and organizations would be authorized to use on their products, buildings and websites.
    The “Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification” would be similar to existing certifications, such as ENERGY STAR and the BioPreferred Program. The Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act would direct USDA to promote the certification to ensure that consumers are informed about which businesses and organizations have received it.
    The Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act has support from the University of Northern Iowa, National Restaurant Association and Consumer Brands Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, World Wildlife Fund, Too Good To Go, Kellanova and FMI – The Food Industry Association.
    Background:
    Food waste has significant economic, environmental and social impacts. More than $440 billion is spent annually to produce and dispose of food that is never consumed or sold. Sending uneaten food to landfills or incinerators uses up more than 20 trillion liters of water, which is equivalent to the annual water use of 50 million homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    Additionally, just one-third of food waste, if saved from disposal, could feed the 47 million Americans, including 14 million children, who are suffering from food insecurity, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Dismantling of USAID is Anarchy Masquerading as Efficiency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Nothing about Donald Trump’s hasty and illegal attempted dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—and with it, the decapitation of American power—is remotely efficient. Just this week, USAID’s now-former Inspector General found that there is currently half a billion dollars’ worth of American-grown food stranded at ports and warehouses across the country, on the verge of spoiling. That’s corn and rice and lentils and soybeans, grown in Iowa and Kansas and Texas and Oklahoma, that would have otherwise fed children in a school in Bangladesh or famished refugees at a camp in war-torn Sudan. (The Inspector General was subsequently fired for disclosing this information.)
    Similarly, there’s no efficiency being achieved by obstructing one of the most successful global health programs in history—the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief—which has saved 26 million lives over the past two decades. PEPFAR currently provides HIV treatment to over 20 million people around the world, meaning every day aid isn’t flowing inches us closer to the very outbreaks we’ve worked so hard to prevent.
    Whether it’s delivering clean water to communities across Africa; or promoting economic development through education in Mali and small business support in El Salvador; or providing life-saving care in Thailand and Syria; or fighting human trafficking in Nepal and Liberia, thousands of USAID workers and contractors make miracles big and small happen every day.
    But USAID succeeds as more than just a moral matter. Each year, it pours billions of dollars back into the U.S. economy, supporting farmers and businesses that provide food and other supplies. It also helps fight terrorist groups and drug cartels that endanger Americans, while deepening American values and interests in every corner of the globe. But perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of USAID’s work is its singular ability to forge relationships with unlikely partners which help combat the harmful influence of adversaries like China and Russia.
    It’s no surprise, then, that Beijing and Moscow are now cheering on our sudden retreat. They’re not wasting any time filling the void, either. Within days of USAID’s closure, China sent aid and dispatched workers to take on projects we’ve abandoned in the Indo Pacific and Africa. Intended or not, that will be the enduring consequence of this episode of chaos: an emboldened China, all-too-eager to exploit American isolation to grow its own power and influence.
    Like any organization, USAID is not perfect. There are inefficiencies and redundancies, and evolving challenges and emerging technologies present opportunities for improvement. It’s also entirely legitimate to question whether U.S. funding is aligned with our current priorities and interests and seek to adjust it as needed within the four corners of the law. Doing that is one of Congress’ most fundamental responsibilities—and something I was eager to work on when I became the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing foreign aid last month.
    But the abrupt and total shutdown of USAID—in defiance of multiple federal laws through which it was codified and funded—reveals a simple truth: The Department of Government Efficiency is not actually about achieving efficiency. Rather, it’s about Trump trying to wish away whichever parts of the government he doesn’t like. Were a purge of this nature to happen in a country halfway around the world, we would rightly call it an authoritarian takeover. The fact that it’s happening at our own doorstep doesn’t change that.
    Much of what DOGE claims to have newly unearthed are either outright lies or were already publicly available for all to see. Worse, there’s no telling what funding they deem unnecessary—except for vague, baseless descriptions like “woke” and “radical” and “criminal.”
    The way to make reforms is through the lawmaking process—not the lawbreaking process. If you believe that a program needs to be narrowed in scope, reformed a great deal, or even eliminated altogether, the way to do that is by proposing a law—not by rampaging the federal government and stripping it for parts. Our government with three separate but co-equal branches exists precisely to prevent this kind of anarchy operating under a thin veneer of fiscal responsibility and shrewd cost-cutting.
    Moving fast and breaking things may be an acceptable way to conduct business at a tech company. But a break now, fix later strategy doesn’t work when you’re the leader of the free world. What’s on the line is not advertising revenue and the user experience, but lives and livelihoods. Hundreds of millions of them, in fact. People will die, diseases will spread, and famine will grow. Trump is trying to hoodwink Americans into thinking the only way to achieve efficiency is by exacting maximum chaos and cruelty. It’s a false choice and we must reject it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The shortcut to less warming? It runs through a farm field

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Barillo_Images/Shutterstock

    “The biggest challenge to limiting climate change to 2°C, the upper target of the 2015 Paris agreement, is this: methane emissions are rising very fast,” says Euan Nisbet, a professor of earth sciences at Royal Holloway University.

    If each CO₂ molecule is like a candle that patiently warms the atmosphere, methane is like an exploding bomb: responsible for much more heat, but over a much shorter timescale. Satellites are identifying the methane that’s leaking from oil wells and gas pipelines, and most countries have at least promised to reduce these emissions by a third by 2030.

    But if humanity is to throw the brakes on runaway climate change, something has to be done about the biggest human source of methane there is: agriculture.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. 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.

    Taming methane

    Earth’s atmosphere is warmer and wetter than it would otherwise be, thanks to fossil fuel burning. This is inducing wetlands, once a reliable carbon store, to emit more methane to the atmosphere, and so speed up climate change, Nisbet says.



    Read more:
    Methane emissions are turbocharging climate change – these quick fixes could slow it down

    This makes it even more urgent to tamp down the methane sources under our immediate control. Nisbet has calculated that roughly 210 million to 250 million tonnes of methane come from agriculture and its products. Most of this is in the breath of livestock animals and their manure, and food rotting in landfills.

    Here’s the good news.

    “Cutting agricultural methane emissions involves a wide range of relatively cheap measures that need good design and management, but could cut food-related emissions substantially over the next decade,” Nisbet says.

    Adding a layer of soil to a landfill provides habitat for methane-munching bacteria. Covering manure storage tanks, banning the burning of crop waste and only flooding rice paddies when necessary could pinch other methane sources.

    Reducing food waste would also cut methane emissions.
    AleksB59/Shutterstock

    These aren’t expensive or difficult changes, Nisbet says. It might cost more to vaccinate cattle or breed them to produce more female calves, however. The point with both measures is to have smaller herds for the same quantity of beef and milk.

    Lower consumer demand would also shrink these methane mobs (here’s where you come in, dear reader). If more of our essential nutrients like protein came from beans instead of meat, our health would benefit along with the climate. While nutritionists and environmental scientists urge us to eat more fruit and vegetables, the global food system is stacked against this outcome.



    Read more:
    Meat and dairy gobble up farming subsidies worldwide, which is bad for your health and the planet

    Globally, every fifth dollar of public farming subsidy goes towards rearing meat. In the intensively farmed UK where I live, 85% of farmland is devoted to livestock and the crops that feed them. Yet these captive animals are the source of less than one third of our calories.

    “The longer the livestock-intensive system prevails, the greater the environmental, economic and social costs,” says Benjamin Selwyn, a professor of international development at the University of Sussex.

    The fruits of our labour

    Selwyn favours a “green new deal” that would make farming “complement rather than undermine the environment”.



    Read more:
    The UK’s food system is broken. A green new deal for agriculture could be revolutionary

    What does that look like? Fewer cows, more woodland and more crops grown for human consumption, Selwyn says. This is essentially what government advisers recently proposed to keep the UK on track for net zero emissions.



    Read more:
    The UK must make big changes to its diets, farming and land use to hit net zero – official climate advisers

    To nudge the food system in this direction, researchers like Yi Li, a senior lecturer in marketing at Macquarie University, are testing the effect of labels on meal choices.

    In Australia, where Li is based, meat accounts for half of all greenhouse gas emissions from products consumed at home. Producing 1kg of beef may emit 60kg of greenhouse gas, while the same quantity of peas yields just 1kg of emissions. But Li found consumers weren’t always savvy to the gulf in emissions between the two.

    “Our label creates a mental link between a food source and its carbon impact,” she says.

    “When a consumer sees high carbon scores and red traffic lights appearing more frequently on meat and other animal products, they begin to make the connection between those products and higher emissions.”



    Read more:
    Want a side of CO₂ with that? Better food labels help us choose more climate-friendly foods

    While better informed consumers are important, the food system needs deeper reform.

    “Many conceptions of the protein transition from animal sources to more plant products ignore the necessity of improving farmers’ and agricultural workers’ incomes. But this will be crucial,” Selwyn says.

    Just as oil and gas workers will need financial support and training opportunities to ply their skills in a low-carbon energy sector, farm workers will need security and guidance to adapt to new forms of food production says Alex Heffron.



    Read more:
    The UK farmer protests you probably haven’t heard about

    Heffron, a PhD candidate at Lancaster University, researchers agricultural transitions and is a farm worker himself. He says that people picking crops, milking cows and driving farm machinery are among the most exploited and precariously employed of the UK’s workforce.

    Seasonal farm workers often live where they work, raising the risk of abuse.
    Pavel Tarin Alcala/Shutterstock

    In fact, if the country were to begin phasing out livestock and ramping up fruit and vegetable production tomorrow, the burden would fall heavily on migrant labourers who the UK attracts with a seasonal worker scheme. This scheme has been criticised for overlooking allegations of forced labour.

    “There will be no green transition unless these workers have a stake in it,” Heffron says.

    What kind of stake might move farmers away from steak? Selwyn has some suggestions, which include spreading land ownership more evenly with community land trusts and allowing public bodies to acquire vacant, derelict or damaged land for allotments and nature habitat.

    “Farms can be paid directly by government for sustainable production to combat farmer poverty,” he adds. “And the real living wage of £12.60 an hour should be compulsory for agricultural workers.”

    – ref. The shortcut to less warming? It runs through a farm field – https://theconversation.com/the-shortcut-to-less-warming-it-runs-through-a-farm-field-251419

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement After President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last night.
    “The theme of last night’s speech was ‘Renewal of the American Dream,’ and it could have also been called ‘Promises Made, Promises Kept,’” said Senator Marshall. “Since he took office, President Trump has been working hard to deliver on the promises he made during the 2024 election. His Administration is securing our border, deporting criminal aliens, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse through the DOGE initiative, strengthening our economic position across the world through reciprocal tariffs and trade agreements, and pushing for an end to the destructive war in Ukraine.”
    “Kansans will benefit directly from these amazing America First achievements,” continued Senator Marshall. “With the confirmation of fighters for rural America like Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, we will secure new markets for our hard-working farmers and ranchers to export their goods and ensure that American taxpayer dollars serve American interests and workers first.”
    The President’s topline achievements to date in his second term include:
    Eliminating over $100 billion in government waste, fraud, and abuse through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
    Shutting down border crossings, with record low attempts in February
    Terminating all taxpayer-funded public benefits for illegal aliens
    ICE increasing arrest rates of illegals by over 600%
    Signing the Laken Riley Act into law, which requires illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft or violence to be detained
    Securing nearly $2 trillion in new investments and bringing manufacturing back to America
    Investing $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to combat Avian Flu and reduce egg prices
    Fulfilling his promise to make America energy independent with more energy companies announcing increases in production
    Restoring American strength on the world stage by freeing hostages, eliminating terrorists, and pushing for peace in Europe
    Ending the radical, un-American indoctrination of America’s children by eliminating support for radical gender ideology and equity ideology, and protecting parents’ rights
    Eliminating discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, employees, and practices and returning to merit-based hiring
    Restoring common sense to America by successfully pushing for athletic leagues to remove biological men from women’s sports
    Ensuring the official policy of the U.S. government declares there are only two genders
    Calling on hospitals around the nation to cease distribution of puberty blockers
    All the while, Democrats refused to stand up and applaud common sense actions that the majority of Americans support, including:
    The capturing of an ISIS terrorist that masterminded the Abbey Gate attack
    A call to lower taxes for middle-class Americans
    Protecting women’s sports
    Unleashing American energy
    Ending waste, fraud, and abuse in government
    Ending taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men charged with murder of man in 1984

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been charged with murder in connection with an investigation into the death of Anthony Littler in 1984.

    Anthony Littler, 45 was found with serious injuries close to East End Road, Each Finchley on 1 May 1984. He sadly died at the scene.

    Enquiries into Anthony’s death have remained ongoing within Met Police’s Specialist Crime Unit and his family continue to be supported.

    Two men were originally arrested on Thursday, 21 March 2024.

    Michael Stewart, 55 (11.04.1969) of Station Road, EN5 and Anthony Stewart, 59 (19.11.1965) of Old Farm Road, N29 have since been charged with murder.

    They have been remanded into custody and will appear at Willesden Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 March.

    Three men who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder remain under investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Methane emissions are turbocharging climate change – these quick fixes could slow it down

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Euan Nisbet, Professor of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London

    Rotting food is a major source of world-warming methane. Roman Mikhailiuk/Shutterstock

    The biggest challenge to limiting climate change to 2°C, the upper target of the 2015 Paris agreement, is this: methane emissions are rising very fast.

    Methane is a greenhouse gas that, molecule for molecule, traps heat in the atmosphere more effectively than carbon dioxide, though over a much shorter timescale (decades versus centuries). Reducing emissions of methane to the atmosphere could drastically slow the rate at which Earth’s climate is warming.

    Unfortunately, a warmer and wetter atmosphere is already causing wetlands to make more methane and so exacerbate climate change. This feedback loop makes the task of cutting methane from sources under our immediate control, like agriculture, more urgent. The good news is, my colleagues and I showed that there are lots of ways we can do this in a recent study.

    Each year, about 600 million tonnes of methane are emitted to the air, very roughly 40% from natural sources and 60% from human activities. Of this latter portion, fossil fuels contribute 120-130 million tonnes. This is methane that leaks from gas pipelines, coal mines and oil wells. There has at least been some progress towards controlling these leaks: new satellite technology has excelled at finding them, while 159 countries have pledged to cut emissions by 30% by 2030.

    In contrast, roughly 210-250 million tonnes of methane come from agriculture and its products, but these emissions are much tougher to tackle. It’s easier to spot a leaky gas well from space than farm leaks that are collectively large but individually small.

    These sources include the breath of livestock animals and their manure (roughly 120 million tonnes), rice fields (about 30 million tonnes), crop waste fires (about 20 million tonnes) and organic matter rotting in landfills (about 70 million tonnes).

    Shrinking the number of animals reared for food would benefit the climate.
    Andreas Bayer/Shutterstock

    Since 2000, the UK has slashed total methane emissions, especially by covering landfills and piping out gas, but farming emissions, from manure stores for instance, have hardly changed. The methane is made by methanogens, which are microbes that live in oxygen-poor environments, like the stomachs of cows, and biodigesters (which grow bacteria to convert organic waste into fertiliser, oils and gas) and landfills.

    If the UK cuts its own agricultural emissions by importing more food from tropical nations like Brazil it may still increase climate damage on a global scale. The problem is a global one, and very few countries are successfully reducing methane emissions from farming.

    Where there’s muck, there’s methane

    Cows, pigs and chickens make vast amounts of manure. In the US, Europe and East Asia, manure is often kept in big tanks or lagoons. These are usually under covers, but still release a lot of methane.

    Gas-tight coverings can prevent this, and the captured methane can be harvested and then burned to generate electricity. This still produces CO₂, but the warming impact is smaller, while the electricity can replace new natural gas in the national grid.

    The remaining slurry can be turned into fertiliser. Though it’s not commercially feasible now, it may one day be possible to turn it into aviation fuel.

    Biodigesters are becoming common in towns and on farms, but are often very leaky. Methane doesn’t smell, but if a biodigester is releasing other gases that stink, it’s probably also releasing methane. Leaks are easily controlled but much tighter regulation is needed to ensure this happens.

    Most of the world’s cattle are in India, Africa and South America. In large parts of the tropics, rain-fed crops aren’t enough to sustain people. The difference is made up by meat and milk from cows and goats that browse trees and bushes and graze seasonal grasses.

    Smaller herds can produce the same amount of food if cattle diseases are reduced. Bovine mastitis, East Coast fever and African trypanosomiasis can be vaccinated against, for example and agricultural experts in India have even used artificial insemination to make more calves female, and so slash dairy cattle numbers. It’s possible to give drugs to cattle to reduce methane emissions, but poor countries would struggle to cover the expense.

    Rice paddies emit methane, but rice is essential for nutrition, especially in East and South Asia, and increasingly in Africa. Flooding paddies only when and for how long it is needed during the year may cut emissions by as much as a quarter.

    In China, India, Africa and many parts of the US and Europe, landfills are major methane emitters. This is where wasted food ends up. But as the UK has shown, emissions can be sharply reduced by good landfill design and gas extraction.

    Simply adding a metre of soil to the surface of a landfill creates habitat for methane-eating bacteria, and also prevents landfill fires, which are very common in Africa and India. Still inexpensive is putting a plastic liner between the waste and soil and inserting pipes to extract gas that can generate electricity.

    The widespread burning of crop waste that pollutes skies in India and tropical Africa has terrible consequences for human health, but it also includes methane emissions that contribute to climate change.

    After a harvest, farmers may burn crop residues to cheaply prepare the land for future cultivation.
    RGtimeline/Shutterstock

    Crop waste fires were once a major source of air pollution in the UK and Europe. Today they are minimal thanks to better farming practice and straw processing. To cut burning, farmers need good advice, good management, good regulation and targeted financial help.

    Cutting agricultural methane emissions involves a wide range of relatively cheap measures that need good design and management, but could cut food-related emissions substantially over the next decade. High on the list should be tackling landfills and crop waste fires in India and Africa. In the US, Europe and China, it is manure storage facilities and biodigesters. With determination and inexpensive financial carrots and sticks, much could be accomplished.

    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.

    Euan Nisbet is an honorary fellow of Darwin College at the University of Cambridge. He is a member of the science panel of the UN International Methane Emissions Observatory.

    – ref. Methane emissions are turbocharging climate change – these quick fixes could slow it down – https://theconversation.com/methane-emissions-are-turbocharging-climate-change-these-quick-fixes-could-slow-it-down-246192

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Additional Recovery Centers in Georgia to Assist Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Debby and Helene

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of two Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Toombs and Richmond counties to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations who sustained economic losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene.

    Beginning Monday, March 3, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRCs to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The BRCs hours of operation is listed below.

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)  

    Richmond County  

    Centro Cristiano Oasis VIP

    3265 Deans Bridge Road

    Augusta, GA 30906

    Hours:        Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

                           Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Closed:      Sunday  

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)  

    Toombs County  

    Center for Rural Entrepreneurship

    208 E 1st Street

    Vidalia, GA 30474

    Hours:        Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

    Closed:       Saturday and Sunday  

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

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

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

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

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

    The deadlines to return economic injury applications are June 24, 2025, for Tropical Storm Debby and June 30, 2025, for Hurricane Helene.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Farm certification could make Canada’s farms fairer for migrant workers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Erika Borrelli, PhD Candidate in Sociology and Social Justice, University of Windsor

    Amnesty International recently released a report criticizing Canada for labour migration policies and farm inspections that enable migrant farm worker exploitation. The report urges the Canadian government to abolish closed-work permits that tie migrant workers to a single employer.

    These concerns echo long-standing demands from Canadian researchers and migrant rights advocates. In 2024, a United Nations special rapporteur called Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.” Yet, calls for the government to address these flaws have gone unanswered.

    While we await much-needed policy reforms, farm certification could fill this gap. Farm certification offers a potential strategy to improve labour standards, uphold rights and amplify migrants’ voices.



    Read more:
    How we treat migrant workers who put food on our tables

    Essential but unprotected

    Though essential for the agriculture industry, migrant farm workers live in Canada on temporary, employer-tied work permits. These permits create fear of employer retaliation, discouraging workers from speaking up. This leaves them vulnerable to unsafe working conditions, abuse, exploitation and harassment, with few opportunities for recourse.

    Agricultural workers, whether migrants or citizens, are excluded from employment laws that protect workers in other industries. For example, overtime provisions, collective bargaining rights and sick pay vary by province. This leaves migrant workers — who are restricted to agricultural jobs — with fewer rights to claim. Compounding these challenges are ineffective farm inspections, which are mostly reactive and triggered by worker complaints.

    Studies show that fear of job loss and subsequent deportation or being blacklisted from immigration programs discourages migrants from filing complaints. Additionally, deterrents like fines for employers are rarely enforced, leaving violations unchecked.

    Farm certification as a creative strategy

    Farm certification recognizes farms with fair working conditions and enforces higher standards. This approach encourages retailers to prioritize certified producers, with compliance driven by market and consumer demand.

    However, some argue that relying solely on consumer choice — where people “vote with their dollar” by purchasing ethically certified products — is not enough. They’re right.

    In a recent project, colleagues and I examined the potential for introducing a farm certification scheme in Ontario.

    We focused on two U.S.-based strategies, the Equitable Food Initiative and the Fair Food Program, which emphasize collaboration among diverse stakeholders. These models offer insights into how they may be replicated in Canada while avoiding the commodification of migrants.

    U.S. farm certification models

    The Fair Food Program, initiated by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), ensures fair wages and improved working conditions in Florida’s tomato fields.

    Compliance is enforced through contractual agreements between fast-food chains, retailers, growers and the CIW, all of whom commit to higher standards and responsible purchasing practices. Migrant workers played a central role in developing the program’s standards and remain involved in compliance and worker education.

    The Fair Food Program grew from grassroots campaigns that included hunger strikes and protests against low wages and extremely poor work conditions on farms. Campaigns later targeted major food corporations, arguing that if these companies could drive down farm wages, they could also demand better conditions from growers.

    The CIW organized a successful five-year boycott of Taco Bell, which ultimately joined the Fair Food Program, committing to source tomatoes only from growers who met the program’s standards. The boycott was successful due to sustained farm worker-student alliances. Other companies have since followed suit.

    The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is a certification model that integrates social and food safety standards. A selected group of workers at a certified farm, known as the Leadership Team, receive training on EFI’s standards and skills, such as communication and conflict resolution.

    The team functions as an internal grievance mechanism, allowing all workers to report concerns to designated members. Retailers participating in this initiative require growers to obtain EFI certification, replacing individual retailer audits.

    EFI emerged in California following the 2008 E. coli crisis. While industry leaders and retailers prioritized improving food safety standards on farms, migrant rights groups saw an opportunity to address poor working conditions for farm workers. Costco, Oxfam America and the United Farm Workers devised a strategy that ensures all stakeholders — retailers, growers and workers — to have an “equal seat at the table.”

    Some Canadian growers have become EFI-certified, primarily to meet demands of American retailers importing their produce. However, tariffs and the trade war between the U.S. and Canada could complicate the expansion of EFI in Canada.

    Replicating farm certification in Canada

    For farm certification to succeed in Canada, cross-movement collaboration is essential. The success of the Fair Food Program was driven by strong alliances between migrant rights and consumer movements. A similar coalition of food justice, migrant rights and consumer groups could pressure Canadian retailers to commit to ethical sourcing practices.

    EFI’s cross-sector collaboration model offers valuable lessons for Canada. Though it demands concessions, this approach fosters broad support from all stakeholders.

    For growers, it may help retain labour, particularly if sector-wide work permits are introduced that allow workers to change employers. As calls for self-reliance and food sovereignty grow in response to Trump’s tariffs, building a national food system that upholds workers’ rights will require collective efforts.

    Farm certification cannot replace essential policy reforms. Migrant workers need more secure legal status and greater labour rights, and non-compliant employers must face sanctions. However, certification can support education, empowerment and participation for workers, serving as an important complement to policy. If shaped and enforced by the workers it aims to protect, farm certification can be a meaningful tool for change.

    Erika Borrelli receives funding from the Mariam Assefa Fund and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Toronto Metropolitan University.

    – ref. Farm certification could make Canada’s farms fairer for migrant workers – https://theconversation.com/farm-certification-could-make-canadas-farms-fairer-for-migrant-workers-249560

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met detectives appeal for victim-survivors to come forward after serial rapist convicted

    A serial rapist – who drugged and raped a number of women both in the UK and China – has been convicted, following one of the most complex investigations carried out by detectives in the Met.

    Zhenhao Zou, 28 (20.02.97), of Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, was today (Wednesday, 5 March) found guilty of a total of 28 offences, including 11 counts of rape against 10 different women.

    A jury found Zou guilty after a five-and-a-half-week trial at Inner London Crown Court. He will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, 19 June.

    Following the conclusion of today’s court proceedings, detectives can now share they believe the scale of Zou’s offending may be much wider and are making a direct appeal for any victim-survivors who have not yet been identified to come forward and seek specialist support.

    While detectives have identified two victim-survivors, eight of the women who Zou was convicted of raping remain unidentified. Beyond this, detectives believe there may be more than 50 other women who may have been a victim and have not yet been identified by police.

    The investigation

    Zou is originally from Dongguan in the Guangdong Province of China and is believed to have lived in the UK since 2017.

    Before his arrest in January 2024, Zou was a student at University College London (UCL) since 2019 and prior to that studied at Queen’s University Belfast.

    Zou met women using online platforms and dating apps, inviting them to his home under the guise of studying or to have drinks. Officers have established that he invited women back to his address – one in central London and another in Elephant and Castle.

    Once inside he would offer them a drink which contained a substance – believed to be butanediol, which converts to GHB once in the human body.

    This would leave the victim-survivors drifting in and out of consciousness. While unconscious, he filmed himself as he raped and sexually assaulted them.

    Zou also kept items from victim-survivors, such as jewellery and clothing.

    After a woman came forward to report Zou, police searched his home and found the drugs butanediol and ketamine, as well as a number of hidden cameras. They also seized a number of laptops and mobile phones, which later uncovered the true scale of Zou’s offending.

    Officers downloaded the digital devices amounting to six and a half trillion bytes of data, which included around nine million WeChat messages.

    Met investigators spent months trawling through messages to understand Zou’s pattern of offending, painstakingly translating them into English from Simplified Chinese.

    They also watched hundreds of videos stored on his devices, which appear to show Zou filming himself raping and sexually assaulting women. It was after analysis of this graphic and disturbing material that it became apparent that he had not only committed offences in London, but also in his home country of China too.

    During the trial, officers were assisted by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, who helped to facilitate one of the brave victim-survivors giving evidence against Zou.

    As part of the investigation, the Met has also been supported by the Crown Prosecution Service, National Crime Agency and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

    The appeal

    To protect the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings after Zou was first charged with offences, detectives have not been able to publicly appeal for further potential victim-survivors until this time.

    The Metropolitan Police is now asking anyone who thinks they may have been a victim to come forward and speak with police.

    Specialist officers work closely with victim-survivors to seek justice and are available to offer support and signpost to external partners, so they can get help.

    Officers are keeping an open mind about the identities of unidentified victim-survivors, but are particularly keen to hear from women from the Chinese student community who may have met Zou and were living in and around London between 2019-2024. They also would like to speak to potential victims-survivors who may have met Zou while he was living in China.

    Women may have met Zou via online platforms, including student forums on the Chinese social media apps WeChat or Little Red Book, or may have spoken to him on dating apps, such as Bumble.

    Victim-survivors may have visited Zou at his accommodation in Woburn Place in central London or his address in Churchyard Row in Elephant and Castle in London. Others may have met Zou when he was living in China.

    Due to the nature of Zou’s offending, detectives believe that some women may not know they have been a victim-survivor and do not underestimate how distressing and difficult it may be to read or hear about his crimes following this verdict. They are reassuring potential victim-survivors that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with the utmost sensitivity, care and compassion.

    Officers also understand that not every victim-survivor may wish to speak with the police to get support. Therefore, the charity Rape Crisis is also offering support for women to seek help and guidance from advisors who are independent to the police.

    As part of their appeal, detectives are also keen to speak to any witnesses who might have helpful information, in particular anyone who might have met Zou at parties or spoke to him on social media apps and has any concerns.

    Commander Kevin Southworth, lead for public protection at the Metropolitan Police, said: “Zhenhao Zou is a dangerous and prolific sexual predator, who manipulated and drugged women in order to prey on them in the most cowardly way.

    “I’d like to acknowledge the two women who bravely gave evidence against Zou in court – their courage and resilience has been unwavering.

    “We are determined to support all victim-survivors and are now asking women who believe they may have concerns about Zou to please come forward. I want to reassure anyone impacted that you are not alone and can seek specialist support and guidance, not only from the police, but also from independent charities and services.

    “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the investigation team, who have shown professionalism, compassion and determination in their pursuit for justice.”

    The Met recognises the impact that this horrific case will have on Londoners, in particular Chinese students who may have lived in and around Southwark and Lambeth. Officers continue to liaise with partners to ensure anyone with concerns can access advice and specialist support from local police teams.

    How to contact the police and independent support agencies:

    Reports relating to Zhenhao Zou can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO1. The MIPP is also available in Simplified Chinese (https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO2 ), so it is as accessible as possible for potential victims and survivors.

    If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Zou, you can also contact police via email on survivors@met.police.uk

    You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 2904/04FEB25.

    If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, please contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.

    Background

    • Please consult ‘Document 1’ for a full breakdown of offences, including information relating to locations of offences
    • Please consult ‘Document 2’ for a timeline of offences

    Tackling Violence against Women and Girls

    • In 2023, the Met launched its new Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan, working with women and girls across London to shape a new approach to keep them safe.
    • The Met has transformed the way it investigates rape and serious sexual offences. Under Operation Soteria, the Met is doing more to put victim-survivors at the heart of its response to these crimes.
    • As part of its commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, caused largely at the hands of predatory men, officers are placing more focus on suspects and offering support to those impacted alongside specialist partners.
    • Since 2021, the Met has more than doubled its charge rate for rape.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NOAA’s National Ocean Service: Working for you!

    Source: US National Ocean Service News

    Kayakers paddle through Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Credit: Chuck Graham.

    NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) has a unique mission that includes some of the most interesting parts of government! NOS is America’s leader in coastal and ocean science, technology, and management. We balance economic and environmental needs and deliver tools and services that directly support national security and the public. Dive in to learn more about how NOS works for you each and every day.
    We make using GPS more accurate. Our science improves GPS data by providing positioning information that is accurate to a fraction of an inch. This ensures ships navigate safely under bridges; farmers efficiently apply fertilizer to crops; and construction occurs in exactly the right place and with precise engineering.
    We help to get ships — and their cargo — safely and efficiently across oceans and into ports. Our science plays a key role in ensuring that shipments move swiftly along our marine highways. Who doesn’t like a new pair of sneakers? How about fresh bananas? Almost everything we use, wear, and eat relies upon our ports operating safely and efficiently.

    We make nautical charts, the roadmaps of the ocean, so those on the water can avoid dangers and arrive safely at their destination. We’ve been doing this since President Thomas Jefferson first commissioned a survey of U.S. coasts in 1807!

    We provide real-time water level, current, and wind conditions along shipping routes, helping mariners navigate busy, narrow channels, and ensuring successful delivery of cargo. Our “air gap” sensors also tell vessel operators if their ships can safely fit under bridges.

    Two different renderings of NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart (NOAA ENC®) data of the Columbia River, Oregon. The top image is from an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and the bottom image is output from the NOAA Custom Chart application.

    We respond when disasters strike. From extreme weather events to oil spills, our emergency response teams spring into action to assess impacts and aid in recovery.

    Following hurricanes and natural disasters, our scientists take flight aboard NOAA planes that collect aerial images of damage. The imagery is critical to understanding impacts sustained to both property and the environment and supports safe navigation during maritime recovery efforts. We also work to survey for dangers to navigation and remove marine debris to reopen ports and waterways.

    Every year we respond to over 150 oil and chemical spills in U.S. waters — which can threaten life, property, and substantially disrupt marine transportation with widespread economic impacts. Following a spill, our teams provide scientific support to estimate where the spill may go; analyze potential hazards; and to assess the risks and evaluate damages to people, habitats, and other species.

    Left image: National Geographic videographer Bob Perrin films an oil slick at the Deepwater Horizon site. Right image: Aerial view of a destroyed building in Asheville, North Carolina, collected by NOAA aircraft on October 5, 2024. Credit: NOAA.

    We forecast future ocean conditions and hazardous events. Our online tools help the public protect their health, safety, and wellbeing while at home and on the water, and our rip current forecasts keep swimmers safe while enjoying the ocean.

    We help to protect critical coastal infrastructure from hazardous events, like high tide flooding and tsunamis. We also maintain a national network of tide gauges, and gather and connect thousands of coastal and ocean data sources from around the country that inform NOAA forecasting tools for public safety and grow the ocean economy by improving public access to foundational data and information.

    Did you know that harmful algal blooms can occur in every U.S. coastal and Great Lakes state and can affect the health of people, animals, and even contaminate drinking water? We produce forecasts in the Gulf of America, the Gulf of Maine, and Lake Erie so beach-goers can adjust their plans; health officials and water treatment facility operators can focus their testing procedures; and seafood and tourism industries can minimize impacts to their businesses; and the public can remain healthy and well.

    NOAA deploys buoys like the one shown here in the Columbia River, Washington to collect real-time currents and wind data in support of scientific research, disaster recovery, and safe navigation. Credit: NOAA.

    We take care of special coastal and ocean places. By conserving unique areas around the country, we’re also boosting the economic benefits nationwide.

    We work with partners to manage 18 National Marine Sanctuaries and 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in U.S. waters and along the coastline. These protected places provide opportunities for recreation and tourism — like fishing, diving, and whale watching — attracting visitors from all over the world and fueling local economies. As world-class destinations, these places also help raise public awareness about research and conservation.

    Did you know that coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and are also a source of food and new medicines? We work to protect, conserve, and restore the nation’s coral reefs for current and future generations.

    Coral reef in Tres Palmas, Puerto Rico. Credit: NOAA

    These are just a few of the many ways NOS helps protect Americans and our oceans and coasts. Visit our website to learn more about how we contribute to NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: USAID’s history shows decades of good work on behalf of America’s global interests, although not all its projects succeeded

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christian Ruth, America in the World Consortium Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Florida

    Volunteers at a camp for internally displaced people in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, carry wheat flour donated by USAID in December 2021. J. Countess/Getty Images

    The Trump administration’s sudden dismantling of nearly all foreign aid, including the work carried out by the U.S. Agency for International Development, has upended the government agency’s longtime strategic role in implementing American foreign policy.

    The Trump administration said at the end of February 2025 that it is freezing 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, leaving few projects intact. It has also recalled nearly 10,000 USAID staff from countries around the world.

    USAID is a government agency that, for more than 63 years, has led the United States’ foreign aid work on disaster recovery, poverty reduction and democratic reforms in many developing and middle-income countries.

    Reuters reported that a senior USAID official wrote in a March 2 internal memo that a yearlong pause in USAID’s work on health, food and agriculture in the world’s poorest countries would raise malaria deaths by 40%, to between 71,000 and 166,000 annually. It would also result in an increase of between 28% and 32% in tuberculosis cases, among other negative effects.

    As a historian of USAID, I know well that the agency has long faced a surprisingly high degree of scrutiny for its relatively tiny portion of the national budget.

    USAID’s budget has always been small – recently, in 2023, making up a roughly US$50 billion drop in the $6 trillion ocean of the federal budget. But USAID’s projects have had an outsized effect on the world.

    From a foreign policy standpoint, USAID’s greatest contribution to American influence abroad has always been its intangible soft-power effects. It helps to create an image of the U.S. as a positive, helpful world power worth partnering with.

    A poster for USAID in Beirut marks the U.S. donation for rebuilding lighting infrastructure near a destroyed city port in August 2023.
    Scott Peterson/Getty Images

    Responding to a Soviet threat in the 1960s

    USAID dates back to 1961, born from Cold War confrontations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

    In 1961, President John F. Kennedy merged several separate foreign aid agencies and offices – including the Mutual Security Agency, the Point Four Program and the Foreign Operations Administration – into one new agency.

    Kennedy, like other American presidents in the early years of the Cold War, fretted over the spread of communism.

    A well-known development economist, Walt Rostow, who served in Kennedy’s administration, was among the experts who argued that the Soviet Union could easily influence poor countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. It was possible, Rostow argued, to help these countries grow their economies and become more modern.

    This possibility pushed Kennedy in 1961 to sign the Foreign Assistance Act, creating USAID that November.

    USAID immediately began to oversee U.S. foreign aid programs to develop farming, irrigation and dam construction projects throughout Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, taking over the existing projects of the various other aid departments that were now defunct.

    USAID was also responsible for public works projects in Cold War conflict zones, particularly Vietnam. There, USAID struggled in its efforts to build dams, improve rural agriculture techniques and construct South Vietnamese infrastructure. There were various environmental challenges working in the dense jungles, the physical threats caused by the ongoing Vietnam War and the realities of rural poverty.

    For example, USAID introduced new farming technologies to Vietnam, including modern fertilizers and tractors. This helped some farmers produce more crops, faster. But it also created disparities between wealthy and poor farmers, as modern fertilizer and other improvements were expensive. A growing number of poor farmers simply gave up and moved to nearby cities.

    Throughout the 1960s, USAID also funded the construction of hydropower water dams in Asia and Africa. This led to higher energy production in those regions, but also resulted in environmental degradation, as recklessly dammed rivers flooded forests and arable fields.

    Rostow and other development experts had unrealistically high goals for helping poor countries grow their economies. By the end of the decade, across the board, USAID beneficiary countries in Asia and Africa fell short of the economic growth expectations the U.S. set at the beginning of the 1960s.

    Still, USAID made substantial progress in developing food production and some economic growth, and improving the health of people in rural parts of countries such as India and Ghana.

    But that progress had limits and did not magically turn these economies into modern, Western-style capitalist democracies.

    With the help of a USAID grant, people lay pipework to bring water from a mountain spring to a town called Korem in Ethiopia in 1968.
    Paul Conklin/Getty Images

    Mixed results and focus

    As a result of USAID’s uneven progress in modernizing poor countries, the agency’s approach shifted in the 1970s and ‘80s.

    In the early 1970s, Congress and development experts pushed USAID away from grand, gross domestic product-focused modernization projects like dams, which they ostracized for their high costs and lack of tangible results.

    Instead, with the support of the Carter administration, USAID began to work more on meeting poor people’s basic human needs, including food, shelter and education, so they could lift themselves out of poverty.

    The agency shifted priorities once again in 1981, after President Ronald Reagan took office. His administration created programs meant to advertise American businesses and draw developing countries into the global marketplace.

    Rather than USAID giving money to a local government to build a well in a rural village, for example, the agency increasingly started contracting local or American businesses to do so. The U.S., in other words, began outsourcing its foreign aid.

    U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Stapleton Roy, right, presents Indonesia’s food and agriculture minister, A.M. Saefuddin, with food donated by USAID in Bandar Lampung, South Sumatra, in July 1998.
    Bernard Estrade/AFP via Getty Images

    USAID’s next phase

    At the end of the Cold War in 1991, the United States’ interest in spending money on helping poorer countries develop and modernize declined around the world.

    USAID shifted priorities once again.

    Without the threat of the Soviet Union, USAID’s mission throughout the 1990s became increasingly focused on new issues. These included democracy promotion in former Soviet countries in Eastern Europe. Sustainable development – a broad term that means promoting economic growth while respecting environmental concerns and long-term natural resource usage – was another focus in different regions.

    After the U.S. invaded Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000s, USAID struggled to fulfill its existing international projects while also rebuilding critical infrastructure to resurrect the Iraqi and Afghani economies during wartime.

    USAID’s funding remained stagnant in the 2010s after the recession. At the time, its annual budget was roughly $25 billion.

    At the same time, China expanded its own international development program to entice governments toward its side and to tether them to the Chinese economy.

    China’s aid work in South America has expanded rapidly over the past several years, and it is now the region’s top trading partner and also a major contributor to investment, energy and infrastructure projects. China’s aid and investment work in Africa has also grown considerably over the past few decades.

    Now, with USAID’s dissolution, Chinese influence throughout poor and middle-income countries is expected to grow.

    A lasting mark

    Despite its limitations and frustrations, in my view, USAID has had an undeniable, and often massive, positive impact on the world.

    USAID’s efforts to promote American businesses and exports abroad have resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs, both domestically and abroad, in a wide variety of industries, ranging from farming to medical sciences.

    The tens of thousands of water wells and other forms of critical rural infrastructure the agency has funded, or created itself, have provided clean, safe drinking water for millions in Africa. The agency’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance has provided decades of critical disaster assistance during famines, earthquakes and hurricanes around the world.

    These humanitarian efforts cost money, however. Some Republicans, including politicians and voters, say they have found the idea of American tax dollars being sent abroad, whether during the Cold War or today, wasteful, and others have worried over how aid funds may have been [abused].

    USAID has always straddled a difficult line, as development is a messy field. But ending U.S. foreign aid will be much messier, and it could also cost millions of people who are reliant on USAID their health or lives.

    Christian Ruth receives funding from America in the World Consortium.

    – ref. USAID’s history shows decades of good work on behalf of America’s global interests, although not all its projects succeeded – https://theconversation.com/usaids-history-shows-decades-of-good-work-on-behalf-of-americas-global-interests-although-not-all-its-projects-succeeded-249337

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor welcomes handover of new St Columb’s Park Gate Lodge

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor welcomes handover of new St Columb’s Park Gate Lodge

    5 March 2025

    The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, has overseen the official handover of the new gate lodge building at St Columb’s Park.

    The project, which was led by Council’s Green Infrastructure Team with support from the UK Government, is the first element in the development of the Acorn Farm, an ambitious environmental initiative which will provide an innovative urban growing space in the Waterside area.

    The £6.2 million Acorn Farm capital build project will completely transform the former MOD site and provide a dedicated area for the development of exciting new food growing technologies.

    The Gate Lodge building sits at the entrance to St Columb’s Park House and will act as a new Park Ranger base and house welfare facilities for the adjoining Acorn Farm. The lodge is Council’s first building to be built to Passive House standard, meaning that it’s extremely economical to run in terms of energy consumption.

    The Mayor met with a representative from the funder, the UK Government, the Architect Paul McAllister, the contractor, Willie Doherty, and other project partners to get a tour of the completed building.

    Acknowledging this important first milestone in the project, Mayor Barr said: “This is a fantastic start to what is a transformational project for St Columb’s Park, and one which will bring with it so many benefits in terms of conservation and education.

    “I want to thank all those involved in delivering this new building, which will be an important facility for the local community, serving as a new HQ for our Waterside Park Ranger Service and a key entry point to St Columb’s Park. It’s a little teaser of what’s to come and I am really looking forward to seeing the work progress on the rest of this ambitious and significant environmental project.”

    UK Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris said: “The completed Gate Lodge building is the first step towards an amazing environmental and community hub at St Columb’s Park.

    “The Acorn Farm project promises to be a shining example of how hard work and creative thinking can bring new life to disused urban sites, and I will watch its progress with great interest.”

    Karen Philips, Director of Environment and Regeneration at Council, said: “The ambition for the Acorn Farm site including the buildings, external works and landscape, is to achieve climate resilience and whole life net zero emissions. This is in line with Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan and our transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience across the City and District by 2045.

    “This is just one element of that wider vision, and I want to thank both our funders and the project team for all their hard work in delivering this fantastic building.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: For UConn Students, the Future is Green

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Environmental consciousness, sustainability, and related subjects are crucial topics that touch on countless aspects of life – and, as UConn students recently learned, they can be fruitful and rewarding career paths as well.

    “Green Careers: Engage and Explore,” held on campus on Feb. 25, allowed students to meet potential employers, network with peers with similar interests, and hear from an alumni panel about careers based on sustainability.

    “Sustainability is here to stay, globally,” said Betsy Mortensen, communication, outreach, and education coordinator for the Office of Sustainability. “Looking at a future in a green career is a smart thing to do.”

    The event had a mix of off-campus employers and on-campus organizations. Student-run groups such as Ecohusky, Spring Valley Student Farm, Climate and Mind Network, the Beekeeping Club, and more set up tables and shared information about their clubs.

    Employers including Eversource, Bartlett Tree Experts, CT Green Bank, Sustainable CT, and Greenskies had representatives in attendance.

    “This panel is different in a sense that it’s a little bit untraditional,” said student intern Andy Zhang ’26 (CAHNR & CLAS). “We have different niches here. There is a thrift stand and social responsibility and businesspeople. We have a lot of different perspectives.”

    “Sustainability and energy are becoming such a big topic of discussion,” said Gabrielle Comella, assistant director of corporate partner relations for the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. “You can have a green career in so many different industries that students don’t realize.”

    “Part of UConn’s strategic plan is preparing students for careers outside of UConn, and this clearly aligns by showing the diversity of sustainability career pathways,” said Mortensen. “Another tenet of the strategic plan is to power Connecticut in terms of a strong workforce, and pretty much all of the employers here have Connecticut roots.”

    ‘Every job is a climate job’ 

    The first speaking panel featured industry leaders. Representatives from Uber, Eversource, Bartlett Tree Experts, and Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs answered students’ questions about how their companies take sustainability initiatives and how the industry is changing.

    “From our perspective, every job is a climate job,” said Alison Pilcher, the policy director at the CT Roundtable. “Every industry should be thinking about how climate change is going to impact their industry.”

    April Regan, an attorney for Eversource, explained that the company is launching a clean energy innovation program with UConn. Students will have a chance to submit business ideas for “clean innovation.” Stakeholders from UConn and Eversource will review the proposed projects, and “The top five teams will get a little bit of money to explore their idea, and one winning team will get funding for a year,” said Regan. “We’re always trying to innovate, we’re always trying to push the envelope, to push energy policy and environmental policy over these projects.”

    Five alumni took the stage for the second speaking panel, offering advice on how to navigate a career in sustainability after graduation.

    Andy Zhang ’26, an intern in the Office of Sustainability, asks panelists a question (George Velky / UConn Photo)

    “There are so many different avenues you can take,” said Margaret Sanders ’22 (CAHNR), sustainability platform manager for Position Green. “Whether that be through further education or in the professional field, I think it’s really important to be open to trying new things.”

    Panelists discussed how to stay motivated in the field when federal administration is not overtly supportive of sustainability efforts. “Government is an interesting place. It’s a big battleship, it’s hard to turn,” said Brendan Schain, legal director for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Quality Branch and a graduate of the UConn School of Law. “The pace of change is the change. New people with new perspectives are doing interesting things and bringing an interesting new perspective, and it takes time to institutionalize that.”

    The alumni discussed how their time at UConn helped guide them into their careers as well. Megan Coleman ’17 (ENG), an engineer for JKMuir talked about how any involvement on campus was a good experience. “I was part of a lot of the different clubs here. Being engaged in those and exposing myself to different people, different perspectives, was something that what really important to me.”

    “I got the opportunity to do a study abroad program for the UConn Earth Sciences Department,” said Emily Bigl ’23 (CLAS), an environmental planner for the Southeastern CT Council of Governments. Bigl studied geoscience and geohazards in Taiwan thanks to the UConn program. “It’s a great experience. If you can find a program relating to sustainability in the environment, that’s awesome. But if you find one outside of your realm of study, that’s awesome too. Broaden your horizons.”

    Sanders worked at the National Resources Conservation Academy while at UConn. She mentored Connecticut students and helped them execute environmental programs in their own communities. “It was fun to both see how we could take action in Connecticut and also mentor younger students on the point of intergenerational relationships,” Sanders said.

    Office of Sustainability helps UConn chart a green course

    The Office of Sustainability partnered with the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills for the event. Student interns at the Office of Sustainability contributed heavily to the preparation of the event.

    Zhang attributed a strong student network to building the mix of clubs, employers, and alumni coming to the event. Will Gabelman, senior manager for global strategies and operations at Uber, spoke on the first panel. Zhang was able to recruit him for the event because Gabelman was his mentor in a fellowship program.

    “We are the tenth most sustainable university in the world, and the second most sustainable university in the United States,” said Zhang, citing rankings from GreenMetric UI.

    UConn earned that title thanks to efforts from the Office of Sustainability and its interns, Zhang said, and added that there are 40 to 50 student interns this semester.

    The office puts together an Earth Day event annually, and is trying to pilot an environmental justice program, according to Kanika Chaturvedi ’26 (CLAS), an intern in the office.

    The give-and-go program is another initiative where the Office of Sustainability collects donations from students who are moving out. Things like clothing, furniture, and appliances are reused rather than discarded. Last year, the program diverted 8,000 pounds of waste from landfills, and “this year they are looking to double that,” said Chaturvedi. The group also collaborates with the town of Mansfield to organize litter cleanup events.

    A project Zhang has been working on is an E-collaboration sustainability network. “It’s kind of like a virtual platform that I think it helps break down a lot of the academic barriers that you see,” said Zhang. It has grown to 240 members and contains things like weekly internship postings and relevant studies posted by professors.

    “We’re able to see sustainability manifest in a lot of different facets,” said Zhang. “Even at the business school or the engineering school, regardless of what your major is, it’s becoming commonplace to have environmental opportunities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Martial Arts, Cancer, and the Degree Program that Helps Patients Heal Through Exercise

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Ashkan Novin was looking for a program to bring together his love of martial arts and his research on cancer treatments. He is both a competitor and a coach in karate. As a researcher, he is the founder of Genesist, a biotechnology company focused on gene therapy to combat cancer. He found UConn’s online Exercise Prescription graduate program to be the perfect complement to his interests because, for him, “exercise is not one-size-fits-all.”

    “In the traditional approach in the way we look at planning and prescribing activities, we had one group of exercises for everyone,” says Ashkan. “After this program, it changed my mindset towards a more precision and personalized approach. Everyone has their own needs.”

    Exercise Prescription is offered as both an online master’s degree and a graduate certificate program in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. The program is designed for working professionals and those interested in exercise science, sports medicine, kinesiology, personal training, exercise physiology, health and fitness, and others, with coursework 100% online.

    Novin enrolled in the certificate program to augment his studies as a biomedical engineering student in a doctoral partnership program between UConn’s College of Engineering and UConn Health.

    One of the class assignments propelled him deeper into bringing together his martial arts passion and an exercise strategy to reduce negative impacts from cancer treatments.

    “This program is great for whoever wants to upgrade their exercise knowledge to help their athletes, clients, or patients reach better outcomes,” says Novin.

    For Meghan O’Neil ‘23 (Neag), who is graduating from the Exercise Prescription master’s degree program this spring, she says the program aligned with her career goals after earning a UConn degree in sports management

    In December 2024, she joined Duke University as a Sports Performance Fellow. In this role she will assist with women’s soccer, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s cross country, and volleyball teams. During her time at UConn, she was a student-athlete, playing five seasons as a pitcher on the UConn softball team.

    “It is very important for me to be educated on how to help others live healthier lives,” says O’Neil. “The knowledge I have gained will help me in the field of programming exercise routines in the correct way to my clients.”

    Novin and O’Neil said that even though the Exercise Prescription programs are online and asynchronous, they found each to be highly interactive.

    “My experience working with the other students within the program has been great,” says O’Neil. “The instructors do an outstanding job of allowing us to bounce ideas off each other, ask each other questions, and make connections.”

    “It was definitely one of the most effective virtual programs that I have ever experienced,” says Novin. “I’m still in touch with some of my classmates, which means, at the end of the day, the interaction worked, and it was sustainable.”

    O’Neil suggests if the program is of interest to reach out to the faculty who head the program, Distinguished Board of Trustees Professor Linda Pescatello and Tori DeScenza, assistant professor-in-residence, both in the Department of Kinesiology.

    “Speak with them about what your goals are and what you want to get out of this program. They are very big on communication and want to make your experience the most applicable for your future career.”

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

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FARMing with Data: OpenET Launches new Tool for Farmers and Ranchers

    Source: NASA

    A NASA and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-supported research and development team is making it easier for farmers and ranchers to manage their water resources.
    The team, called OpenET, created the Farm and Ranch Management Support (FARMS) tool, which puts timely, high-resolution water data directly in the hands of individuals and small farm operators. By making the information more accessible, the platform can better support decision-making around agricultural planning, water conservation, and water efficiency.  The OpenET team hopes this will help farmers who are working to build greater resiliency in local and regional agriculture communities. build greater resiliency in local and regional agriculture communities.
    “It’s all about finding new ways to make satellite data easier to access and use for as many people as possible,” said Forrest Melton, the OpenET project scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. “The goal is to empower users with actionable, science-based data to support decisions about water management across the West.”

    Forrest melton
    OpenET Project Scientist

    The OpenET data explorer tool centers on providing evapotranspiration data. Evapotranspiration (ET) refers to the amount of water leaving Earth’s surface and returning to the atmosphere through evaporation (from soil and surface water) and transpiration (water vapor released by crops and other plants). Evapotranspiration is an important factor in agriculture, water resource management, irrigation planning, drought monitoring, and fire risk evaluation.
    The FARMS resource is the third phase of OpenET’s Data Explorer tool, launched in 2021, which uses satellite data to quantify evapotranspiration across the western U.S.
    It starts with using Landsat data to measure patterns in land surface temperature and key indicators of vegetation conditions. The satellite data is combined with agricultural data, such as field boundaries, and weather data, such as air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and precipitation. All of these factors feed into a model, which calculates the final evapotranspiration data.
    The new FARMS interface was designed to make that data easier to access, with features that meet specific needs identified by users.
    “This amount of data can be complicated to use, so user input helped us shape FARMS,” said Jordan Harding, app developer and interface design leader from HabitatSeven. “It provides a mobile-friendly, map-based web interface designed to make it easy as possible to get automated, regular reports.”

    “The FARMS tool is designed to help farmers optimize irrigation timing and amounts, simplify planning for the upcoming irrigation season, and automate ET and water use reporting,” said Sara Larsen, CEO of OpenET. “All of this reduces waste, lowers costs, and informs crop planning.”
    Although FARMS is geared towards agriculture, the tool has value for other audiences in the western U.S. Land managers who evaluate the impacts of wildfire can use it to evaluate burn scars and changes to local hydrology. Similarly, resource managers can track evapotranspiration changes over time to evaluate the effectiveness of different forest management plans.

    To develop FARMS, the OpenET team held listening sessions with farmers, ranchers, and resource managers. One requested function was support for field-to-field comparisons; a feature for planning irrigation needs and identifying problem areas, like where pests or weeds may be impacting crop yields.
    The tool includes numerous options for drawing or selecting field boundaries, generating custom reports based on selected models and variables, and  automatically re-running reports at daily or monthly intervals.
    The fine spatial resolution and long OpenET data record behind FARMS make these features more effective. Many existing global ET data products have a pixel size of over half a mile, which is too big to be practical for most farmers and ranchers. The FARMS interface provides insights at the scale of a quarter-acre per pixel, which offers multiple data points within an individual field.
    “If I had told my father about this 15 years ago, he would have called me crazy,” said Dwane Roth, a fourth-generation farmer in Kansas. “Thanks to OpenET, I can now monitor water loss from my crops in real-time. By combining it with data from our soil moisture probes, this tool is enabling us to produce more food with less water. It’s revolutionizing agriculture.”

    For those like sixth-generation California pear farmer Brett Baker, the 25-year span of ET data is part of what makes the tool so valuable. “My family has been farming the same crop on the same piece of ground for over 150 years,” Baker said. “Using FARMS gives us the ability to review historical trends and changes to understand what worked and what didn’t year to year: maybe I need to apply more fertilizer to that field, or better weed control to another. Farmers know their land, and FARMS provides a new tool that will allow us to make better use of land and resources.”
    According to Roth, the best feature of the tool is intangible.  “Being a farmer is stressful,” Roth said. “OpenET is beneficial for the farm and the agronomic decisions, but I think the best thing it gives me is peace of mind.”

    Dwane Roth
    Fourth-Generation Kansas Grain Farmer

    Over the coming months, the OpenET team plans to present the new tool at agricultural conferences and conventions in order to gather feedback from as many users as possible. “We know that there is already a demand for a seven-day forecast of ET, and I’m sure there will be requests about the interface itself,” said OpenET senior software engineer Will Carrara. “We’re definitely looking to the community to help us further refine that platform.”
    “I think there are many applications we haven’t even thought of yet,” Baker added. “The FARMS interface isn’t just a tool; it’s an entirely new toolbox itself. I’m excited to see what people do with it.”

    FARMS was developed through a public-private collaboration led by NASA, USGS, USDA, the non-profit OpenET, Inc., Desert Research Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, Google Earth Engine, HabitatSeven, California State University Monterey Bay, Chapman University, Cornell University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, UC Berkeley and other universities, with input from more than 100 stakeholders.

    For resources/tutorials on how to use FARMS, please visit: https://openet.gitbook.io/docs/additional-resources/farms

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

    Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 4) seized 42 suspected scheduled endangered live lizards with an estimated market value of about $210,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.     Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected an air consignment declared to contain “dehumidifier, air purifier, milk powder” imported from Australia. Upon inspection, the suspected scheduled endangered live lizards were found concealed inside the dehumidifiers, air purifiers and milk powder cans.     The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.       ???     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    Ends/Wednesday, March 5, 2025Issued at HKT 16:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves development of ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) in the State of Uttarakhand under National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 05 MAR 2025 3:09PM by PIB Delhi

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore.

    Currently, the journey to the Hemkund Sahib Ji is a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat and is covered on foot or by ponies or palanquins. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims and visiting the Hemkund Sahib Ji and the tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers and will ensure all-weather last mile connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji.

    The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km), seamlessly integrated with the most advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km) with a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 11,000 passengers per day.

    The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.

    The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last mile connectivity for pilgrims and fostering rapid economic growth of the region.

    Hemkund Sahib Ji is a highly revered pilgrimage site situated at an elevation of 15,000 ft in Chamoli district of the State of Uttarakhand. The Gurudwara established at the holy site is open for about 5 months in a year between May and September and is visited by about 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims annually. The trek to Hemkund Sahib Ji also serves as the gateway to the famous Valley of Flowers, a national park recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas.

    *****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2108417) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australians generate mountains of waste, and we need more help to recycle and resuse it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melita Jazbec, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

    Boy Anthony/Shutterstock

    Australians largely support transforming the economy to increase recycling, repurpose products and reduce waste, according to a new report from the Productivity Commission, but they are being impeded by inconsistent regulations.

    The interim report of the commission’s inquiry into Australia’s circular economy, released Wednesday night, also finds consumers need more information about the durability and repairability of products.

    The report says that despite increased awareness of the benefits of a circular economy, the transformation has been complex and progress has been slow.

    What is a circular economy?

    A circular economy is based on three principles.

    The first is designing and making goods without waste and pollution. This includes using renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.

    The second is keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. This can be achieved by maintaining or repairing products to extend their life.

    The third principle is regeneration. This means promoting activities with positive outcomes. This could include activities to deal with biodiversity loss, or social benefits through food relief and donations.

    Some businesses are already using circular economy practices but compared to other developed countries, Australia is well behind. The recent CSIRO study found only 3.7% of the Australian economy is circular, half of the world’s average of 7.2%.

    In December last year the Federal government released the National Circular Economy Framework providing guidance how to increase circularity.

    Coinciding with this, the Productivity Commission evaluated circular economy opportunities in six priority sectors – built environment, food and agriculture, textiles and clothing, vehicles, mining and electronics.

    Priority areas

    The priority areas were selected based on the impact their materials has on the environment and the economy.

    For example, the construction sector uses large quantities of materials which are expensive to recycle. While the increased use of electric vehicles is a bonus for the environment, the lithium-ion batteries they use pose a fire risk if incorrectly managed.

    How much impact a particular area has on Australia, was also taken into account.

    For example, Australians are the largest consumers of textiles in the world per capita. But most of these are imported, limiting our influence on how they are made.

    Also, the impact and effectiveness of policies and regulations was also considered. Stakeholders across government and community sectors provided detailed submissions that informed the commission’s assessment.

    Getting consumers, government and business onboard

    The Productivity Commission noted material consumption and waste generation has not changed since 2010. This is because consumers are not repairing and reusing appliances or recycling which is important to a circular economy.

    Australia generates some of the highest amounts of waste per capita in the world, including food waste, plastic waste, e-waste and textile waste.

    While the report recommends how food waste should be managed, consumers need to change their behaviour to reduce the waste they generate.

    To do this, however, consumers need information about making informed purchasing decisions. For e-waste, they need easy access to repair services to extend the life of their products rather than buying new.

    The report repeats earlier recommendations about repairs and reuse from the Productivity Commission’s 2021 Right to Repair inquiry.

    That inquiry recommended the government develop a product labelling scheme giving consumers information about how durable household appliances are and whether they can be repaired.

    We believe implementing these recommendations would bring Australia in line with global best practice reflected in the European Eco-design Sustainable Product regulations.

    Impeded by regulations

    This report highlights the importance of consistent policies and regulations. These currently vary across sectors and jurisdictions.

    Standards enabling the use of recycled materials in construction, consistent rules on the disposal of lithium-ion batteries and consistent kerbside recycling guidelines were all needed.

    The Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group recommended in their final report in December new legislation, a governance model and investment in innovation to help Australia move to a circular economy.

    Help for business

    When designed well, circular business models have the potential to reduce waste materials and carbon emissions.

    Comparing the circular and linear economies.
    Productivity Commission, CC BY-SA

    However, changing industry and consumer practices represents a big change. As well as inconsistent regulations slowing the transformation, making processes more innovative and experimenting with new technologies can be costly.

    The Productivity Commission report says government can help reduce barriers to implementation of circular business models given business has a pivotal role in
    driving this transition.

    It also supports product stewardship, an approach where producers, importers and brands are responsible and liable for the impact their products have on the environment and on human health across the product life cycle.

    Regulations for product stewardship was identified in the report as important, particularly in textiles and clothing, vehicles, EV batteries, solar panels and consumer electronics.

    Towards net zero

    Several international studies have reported that a circular economy will be needed to achieve net zero targets.

    In Australia, the industry sector including mining, manufacturing and construction is responsible for around 34% of total emissions. Using materials more efficiently will help reduce them.

    Agriculture, despite its small contribution to the GDP (2.4%), alone contributes 18% to greenhouse gas emissions.

    As the report notes, most of these emissions (80%) come from livestock and use of synthetic fertilisers (15%). But only food waste is identified as one of the priority areas.

    It should be noted though that food waste only accounts for 3% of emissions. So reducing emissions from agriculture, switching to renewable fertilisers and changing livestock diets should also be a priority.

    The Productivity Commission will send its final report to government by August this year.

    Melita Jazbec receives research funding from various government and non-government sources. Melita Jazbec is currently conducting research projects on circular economy funded by Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and by AgriFutures.

    Melita Jazbec made a submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry which also interviewed her.

    Monique Retamal receives research funding from federal DCCEEW, Circular Australia and state government environment departments. Monique was interviewed by the Productivity Commission inquiry.

    Nick Florin receives funding from government and non-government organisations, including the Federal department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation. Nick is also a Director of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence.

    Stuart White receives research funding from various government and non-government sources.

    – ref. Australians generate mountains of waste, and we need more help to recycle and resuse it – https://theconversation.com/australians-generate-mountains-of-waste-and-we-need-more-help-to-recycle-and-resuse-it-251354

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How sand mining is eroding rivers, livelihoods and cultures

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julian Leyland, Professor of Physical Geography, University of Southampton

    Andy Ball/University of Southampton, CC BY-NC-ND

    Sand underpins everything from skyscrapers to smartphones. Sharp sand (as opposed to rounded desert sand) is the key ingredient in concrete, while high-purity silica sand is essential for making the silicon chips that power our digital devices.

    Yet the relentless extraction of this seemingly abundant resource is pushing river systems to the brink of collapse, displacing communities and fuelling a billion-dollar black market.

    Despite its critical role in modern society and urban development, the environmental and social effects of sand mining remain largely hidden from public scrutiny. The UN’s environment programme (Unep) warns that global sand consumption now exceeds 50 billion tonnes annually.

    That’s way beyond estimated natural replenishment rates of 15 billion to 20 billion tonnes annually. Despite this, sand mining remains largely unregulated, with devastating ecological and social consequences.

    Rivers are the lifeblood of ecosystems and communities. They transport sediment, shape landscapes and sustain wildlife.

    But our team’s research on the Lower Mekong river reveals that sand mining is depleting sediment stocks at an alarming pace, causing riverbeds to lower and banks to erode. However, new hi-tech surveillance could improve the enforcement of sand mining regulations and improve resilience for these riverbed communities.

    A site of bank erosion on the Mekong River at Rokar Koang, Kandal Province due to intensive mining for sand. Despite some remediation efforts, some homes close to the failure site have been completely destroyed since this photo was taken in February 2022.
    Andy Ball/University of Southampton, CC BY-NC-ND

    As sea levels rise and riverbeds are lowered due to sand mining in the Mekong delta, saltwater spreads further upstream into freshwater areas. This threatens agricultural productivity in the “rice bowl” of south-east Asia. Sand mining also undermines the delicate balance of ecosystems like the Tonle Sap lake – a critical fish nursery and food source for millions.

    The Mekong river in Asia flows through six countries, supporting more than 60 million people. In Cambodia, sand mining has become a multi-million-dollar industry, driven by a construction boom fuelled by Chinese investment.

    Along the Mekong river, my team has documented sites of severe bank erosion using hi-tech equipment. Voi Thy, a 43-year-old resident of Roka Koang commune, has had to move her house multiple times since 2016 due to collapsing riverbanks – a direct consequence of sand mining.

    Although existing research focuses exclusively on the physical damage, sand mining also erodes cultural and communal ties. Rivers are not just sources of water and food. They can be spiritual and cultural anchors.

    Julian Leyland explains how sand mining threatens river ecosystems.

    In Cambodia, traditional fishing practices and sacred sites are disappearing as rivers are stripped of their sediment. For communities that have lived alongside these waterways for generations, the loss is profound, severing connections to their heritage and identity.

    The loss of livelihoods is equally devastating. Fishers and farmers, once reliant on the river’s bounty, are seeing their incomes vanish.

    Many, like Vanna, a local fisherman who features in our Lost Lands documentary, are forced to leave their rural homes for cities, where they often find precarious work in poorly regulated industries. This migration fractures communities and places additional strain on urban infrastructure, creating a ripple effect of social and economic challenges.

    Tayang Sam, a bricklayer from Cambodia’s remote Ratanakiri orovince, casts his net on sand pumped from the Mekong into the wetlands. Four years ago, he could catch 50-60kg of fish each day, but now he says there’s
    Andy Ball/University of Southampton, CC BY-NC-ND

    The Cambodian government denies that dredging is responsible for the erosion, claiming it stabilises riverbanks – a claim disputed by our team. Strengthening cross-border governance and enforcing extraction limits are critical to addressing this crisis. But time is running out.

    The global sand trade is valued at over US$2.3 billion (£1.8 billion) annually, with demand predicted to double by 2060. Much of this economic gain is concentrated in wealthy cities, while the costs are disproportionately borne by local communities in extraction regions. In many sand-rich areas, people face displacement as their riverbanks erode and homes collapse into the water.

    The high value and ease of sand extraction have led to the rise of illicit mining networks. In some areas, so-called “sand mafias” control extraction sites, using intimidation and violence to secure their dominance. The lack of legal oversight fosters corruption, with mining permits often being issued through opaque processes. That can further marginalise local communities.

    Given the clandestine nature of illegal sand mining, monitoring extraction rates has historically been difficult. However, recent advances in remote sensing and deep learning technology offer new opportunities for surveillance.

    As part of our new Hidden Sands project, we are using high-resolution satellite imagery and ground-based cameras to map riverbed sand mining across the Mekong delta. With more accurate real-time insights into the volumes of sand being extracted, policies can be more effectively enforced.

    Houses rumoured to belong to Cambodia’s elite are built on a filled-in section of the Boeung Tumpun, Phnom Penh’s largest wetlands. This diverse ecosystem stores 70% of the rain and wastewater from Phnom Penh, helping to prevent flooding.
    CC BY-NC-ND

    Sustainable sand use

    A growing body of organisations, such as the conservation charity World Wide Fund for Nature and Unep, are calling for urgent regulatory intervention and alternative sourcing strategies. Building on the conclusions of previous work, sustainable sand management in the Mekong needs to drastically change.

    Stricter regulations, and enforcement of those laws, would ensure more sustainable sourcing of sand and help curb illegal mining activities. The development of alternative recycled construction materials, such as manufactured sand from industrial byproducts, could reduce the pressure on river sources of sand.

    Once extracted or manufactured, fairer distribution of those resources can be better achieved through community-led conservation and employment initiatives, for example, that can build resilience and protect cultural heritage of traditional practices.

    Without intervention, the unchecked exploitation of river sand will continue to degrade ecosystems, threaten wildlife and exacerbate social and economic inequalities. Governments, industry leaders and researchers must collaborate to ensure sand extraction is sustainable and equitably managed. Until then, global demand for sand shows no signs of abating.

    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.

    Julian Leyland receives funding from UKRI.

    – ref. How sand mining is eroding rivers, livelihoods and cultures – https://theconversation.com/how-sand-mining-is-eroding-rivers-livelihoods-and-cultures-251290

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –