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Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks at India Energy Week 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 12:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks at the India Energy Week 2025 via video message today. Addressing the gathering at Yashobhoomi, he emphasized that the attendees are not just part of the Energy Week, but are also integral to India’s energy ambitions. He extended a warm welcome to all participants, including distinguished guests from abroad, highlighting their crucial role in this event.

    Highlighting that experts worldwide are asserting that the 21st century belongs to India, Shri Modi remarked, “India is driving not only its growth but also the growth of the world, with the energy sector playing a significant role”. He emphasized that India’s energy ambitions are built on five pillars: harnessing resources, encouraging innovation among brilliant minds, economic strength and political stability, strategic geography making energy trade attractive and easier, and commitment to global sustainability. The Prime Minister noted that these factors are creating new opportunities in India’s energy sector.

    Underlining that the next two decades are crucial for a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister highlighted that several significant milestones will be achieved in the next five years. He noted that many of India’s energy goals are aligned with the 2030 deadline, including the addition of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, achieving net zero carbon emissions for Indian Railways, and producing five million metric tons of green hydrogen annually. He acknowledged that these targets may seem ambitious, but the achievements of the past decade have instilled confidence that these goals will be attained.

    “India has grown from the tenth largest to the fifth largest economy in the past decade”, remarked Shri Modi. He highlighted that India’s solar energy generation capacity has increased thirty-two times in the last ten years, making it the third-largest solar power generating nation in the world. He noted that India’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity has tripled and that India is the first G20 country to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Prime Minister emphasized India’s achievements in ethanol blending, with a current rate of nineteen percent, leading to foreign exchange savings, substantial farmer revenue, and significant reductions in CO2 emissions. He highlighted India’s goal of achieving a twenty percent ethanol mandate by October 2025. He remarked that India’s biofuels industry is ready for rapid growth, with 500 million metric tonnes of sustainable feedstock. He further noted that during India’s G20 presidency, the Global Biofuels Alliance was established and is continuously expanding, now involving 28 nations and 12 international organizations. He highlighted that this alliance is transforming waste into wealth and setting up Centers of Excellence.

    Highlighting that India is continuously reforming to fully explore the potential of its hydrocarbon resources, Shri Modi highlighted that major discoveries and extensive expansion of gas infrastructure are contributing to the growth of the gas sector, increasing the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix. He noted that India is currently the fourth largest refining hub and is working to increase its capacity by 20 percent.

    Pointing out that India’s sedimentary basins hold numerous hydrocarbon resources, some of which have already been identified, while others await exploration, the Prime Minister highlighted that to make India’s upstream sector more attractive, the Government introduced the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). He emphasized that the Government has provided comprehensive support to the sector, including opening the Exclusive Economic Zone and establishing a single-window clearance system. Shri Modi noted that changes to the Oilfields Regulation & Development Act now offer stakeholders policy stability, extended leases, and improved financial terms. He emphasized that these reforms will facilitate the exploration of oil and gas resources in the maritime sector, increase production, and maintain strategic petroleum reserves.

    Prime Minister underlined that due to several discoveries and the expanding pipeline infrastructure in India, the supply of natural gas is increasing. He emphasized that this will lead to a rise in the utilization of natural gas in the near future. He also highlighted that there are numerous investment opportunities in these sectors.

    “India’s major focus is on Make in India and local supply chains”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He highlighted the significant potential for manufacturing various types of hardware, including PV modules, in India. The Prime Minister noted that India is supporting local manufacturing, with the solar PV module manufacturing capacity expanding from 2 gigawatts to approximately 70 gigawatts in the past ten years. He emphasized that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has made the sector more attractive, promoting the manufacturing of high-efficiency solar PV modules.

    Highlighting the significant opportunities for innovation and manufacturing in the battery and storage capacity sector, the Prime Minister remarked that India is rapidly advancing towards electric mobility and emphasized the need for swift action to meet the demands of such a large country in this sector. Shri Modi noted that the current year’s budget includes numerous announcements supporting green energy. He highlighted that the Government has exempted several items related to the manufacturing of EV and mobile phone batteries from basic customs duty. This includes cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery waste, lead, zinc, and other critical minerals. He remarked that the National Critical Minerals Mission will play a crucial role in building a robust supply chain in India. He also highlighted the promotion of the non-lithium battery ecosystem. The Prime Minister emphasized that the current year’s budget has opened the nuclear energy sector, and every investment in energy is creating new jobs for the youth and generating opportunities for green jobs.

    “To strengthen India’s energy sector, the Government is empowering the public”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He highlighted that ordinary families and farmers have been made energy providers. He remarked that the PM Suryagarh Free Electricity Scheme was launched last year, and its scope is not limited to energy production. He noted that this scheme is creating new skills in the solar sector, developing a new service ecosystem, and increasing investment opportunities.

    Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to providing energy solutions that energize growth and enrich nature. He expressed confidence that this Energy Week would yield concrete outcomes in this direction. He encouraged everyone to explore every possibility emerging in India and extended his best wishes to all participants. 

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2101619) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vegetable oil fuel rolls out to more bin lorries

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Following a successful trial of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in several of its bin lorries, Perth and Kinross Council is now extending the use of the fuel to more of its large fleet vehicles.

    HVO is used, filtered vegetable oil and it provides an environmentally-friendly alternative to diesel that helps reduce carbon emissions from previously fossil-fuelled vehicles. As a result of the six-month trial in 2024, a significant reduction in carbon emissions from the six lorries has been achieved, namely a saving of` 87 tonnes of CO2. 

    Starting from 3 February 2025, the process of running down the diesel supply in a further 18 bin lorries based at Friarton in Perth and swapping to HVO is moving forward. It is estimated that a reduction of around 500 tonnes of CO2 a year could be achieved with the changeover. 

    Convener of Climate Change and Sustainability, Councillor Richard Watters said: “The trial introduction of HVO to our bin lorries has proved to be a real success by providing a simple, readily available and much greener fuel source. It reflects the commitment we have made to reducing our carbon footprint and I look forward to seeing more of our vehicles out on the road powered by HVO.” 

    Vice-Convener, Councillor Liz Barrett said: “I warmly welcome this very significant reduction in our CO2 emissions from refuse collection.  It shows great progress towards our targets to reduce emissions from Council vehicles.  I’d like to thank our Waste Management and Fleet teams for their commitment to making a difference.” 

    Last modified on 11 February 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Construction begins on £1million new fish pass at chalk stream

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Environment Agency has started construction of a £1million new fish pass at Turf Lock on the River Lark at Mildenhall in Suffolk.

    The River Lark is a chalk stream and one of just over 200 in the world.

    The aim of the work is to enable the free flow of native wild brown trout, eels and coarse fish. This will allow them to access habitat in the River Lark upstream of Mildenhall for spawning and foraging.

    The project is part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme,  supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

    The partnership is hosted by Suffolk County Council and includes local councils, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England, and many more.

    Work will be carried out to remove two weirs that are currently impeding the fish and eels’ progress at Turf Lock. Once this work is done a new fish passage known as a rip rap rock ramp will be created using natural limestone boulders. A rip rap rock ramp provides shelter to the fish as they go between them. This work will take around three months to complete.

    Chalk streams are a ‘valuable natural resource’

    Lou Mayer, Environment Programme Manager for the Environment Agency said:

    It’s fantastic to see work beginning on this important nature recovery project, as part of the catchment-based approach.

    Chalk streams are an incredibly valuable natural resource which the Environment Agency are working hard to restore and protect through working in partnership.

    Turf Lock is one of three structures in Mildenhall that will need modification for fish passage. Through consultation with Mildenhall Town Council, West Suffolk Council, landowners and local residents we are hopeful that we can continue to work in partnership to improve the biodiversity of the land around the river as well.

    Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality said:

    Suffolk County Council is proud to support excellent partnership projects such as this, that deliver meaningful, and lasting outcomes to protect and enhance Suffolk’s biodiversity through the restoration of our valuable chalk steam habitats.

    Ian Shipp, West Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said:

    We welcome this work which will benefit the river and support biodiversity in line with our own strategic priority for environmental resilience and thank all of those involved for their hard work in delivering such a complex scheme.

    Whilst this work is carried out the footpath from the path adjacent to the works will be closed, on the North side of the River Lark, from the bridge at Mill Street, to the access track adjacent to the cricket field. An alternative route will be signposted.

    Background

    • The Environment Agency is funding this project from the Water Environment Improvement Fund, which has been used to unlock £3million of Lottery Heritage Fund for the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme, delivering heritage conservation projects on the Breck’s fenland fringe, key freshwater habitats and primary river corridors.  
    • The Catchment based approach is about working together, through engaging people, groups and organisations from across society to help improve our precious water environments. The Environment Agency is a partner organisation of the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
    • The River Lark’s Catchment Partnership objective is to make improvements to habitat and ecological status of the river. The River Lark Catchment Partnership
    • The River Lark has been identified as a flagship river for The Chalk Stream Restoration Project nominated as a Flagship catchment by Anglian Water and supported by the River Lark Catchment Partnership. 
    • One of the ways to do that is by removing restrictions to migratory fish species and unlocking river habitat improvements further upstream as part of a holistic approach to nature recovery.  

    About The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme

    • The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme is a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) funded Landscape Partnership Scheme for the Brecks.
    • BFER is hosted by Suffolk County Council and has delivered a series of new and exciting community-based landscape and heritage conservation projects, focused on the Brecks’ fen edge and river corridors over a 5 year period (2020-2024). The partnership is made up of regional, national and local organisations with an interest in the area, community groups and members of the community.
    • The Scheme outputs have concentrated on the key Fen Edge and Freshwater habitat areas within the Brecks, with the aim of delivering real understanding of water-based heritage and conservation issues, and positive conservation changes on the ground. This area encompasses a unique landscape in Britain with an incredible and much overlooked heritage and biodiversity.

    About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

    • Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers (BFER) Landscape Partnership scheme has been awarded £1.97 million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
    • Using money raised by the National Lottery players, the NHLF inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank’s Climate Action Window channels $31m to boost climate resilience in four countries

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 11, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved over $31 million in funding under its African Climate Action Window (CAW) to strengthen climate resilience in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.

    The Climate Action Window of the Bank Group’s African Development Fund seeks to mobilize $4 billion by 2025 to provide rapid and coherent access to climate finance, support co-financing, and prioritize the most vulnerable countries, fragile states, and those affected by conflict. The African Development Fund is the concessional arm of the Bank Group.

    The funding, approved in November and December 2024,  will support innovative projects that respond to the CAW’s first call for project proposals. Forty-one pioneering climate adaptation projects valued at $321.75 million have been selected in the initial funding wave, with a focus on tackling climate change, bolstering livelihoods of vulnerable communities, including women and youth, and enhancing climate information systems.

    The projects will also benefit from $28.13 million in climate co-financing from sources including the Green Climate Fund.

    In Sierra Leone, the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project will receive $5 million to enhance access to sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and introduce modernized hydrometeorological observation networks and early warning systems, benefiting approximately 700,000 people. Another key component of the project is the creation of an interactive flood map for the Freetown Peninsula, a crucial tool for disaster risk reduction.

    In South Sudan, the Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems Transformation Programme has been allocated $9.4 million to expand climate-adaptive technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and food and nutritional security. The program also has a rehabilitation element focusing on 1200 hectares of land as well as rural infrastructure and will provide training to about 8,000 individuals.

    Among expected benefits are a projected reduction of about 720,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. and the creation of 180,000 direct jobs with a strong focus on women and youth; additionally, 90,000 farmers will learn about climate-smart farming practices.

    In Djibouti, the Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project will receive $7.5 million to strengthen the resilience of productivity of agricultural systems, particularly for horticulture and pastoralism, including increasing the self-sufficiency rate of selected market garden crops from 10% to 30%. It is also expected to generate about 3,500 permanent jobs, a significant share of these for youth and women, and create 200 new medium small and micro enterprises.

    The Climate Resilience through Park Biodiversity Preservation Project, in Madagascar, has been allocated $9.4 million for investment in conserving biodiversity by protecting Lokobe, Nozy Hara, and Andringitra national parks.

    The project will restore 100% of these protected areas, sequestering 10 million tonnes of CO2, and creating 1,500 green jobs, with 500 specifically reserved for women. In addition to environmental conservation, it will boost agricultural production in surrounding communities to add 24,000 tonnes of rice and 14,000 tonnes of cereals, legumes and other crops. Further, 24,000 farmers will receive irrigation training, and 12 women-led farmers’ groups will be provided with agricultural kits.

    Dr. Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, said: “The Climate Action Window is catalyzing transformative solutions in Africa’s most climate-vulnerable regions. From strengthening water security in Sierra Leone to advancing youth-led agribusiness in Djibouti and restoring biodiversity in Madagascar, these initiatives go beyond adaptation—they drive prosperity. Through investments, we are equipping communities to withstand climate shocks, create jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic growth.”

    Prof Anthony Nyong, the Bank’s Director for Climate Change and Green Growth said, “These initiatives are not just about responding to climate change—they empower communities to take control of their own futures. They show that adaptation finance can and must be directed to those vulnerable communities that need it most. The Climate Action Window is more than just a funding mechanism—it’s a lifeline for communities facing the harsh realities of climate change every day.”

    The CAW has since launched two further calls focusing on mitigation and on technical assistance, respectively.

    For more information about the Climate Action Window, click here (http://apo-opa.co/3WUGQPo).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Master classes, performances, games: the Moskino cinema park’s weekend program

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Film conferences with directors, actors and scriptwriters, master classes and games for children, family film screenings and film expeditions, screenings of the multimedia performance “Cathedral Square” – all this and much more awaits guests of the Moskino cinema park on February 15 and 16. We tell you how to spend the coming weekend interestingly and usefully.

    Film meetings, performances and games

    On Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00 on the second floor of the educational center there will be a forum “Film Fairy Tale”. The creators of famous fantasy films will talk about the specifics of the genre, the filming process and the use of modern technologies in film production. There will also be master classes in makeup, acting and creating a film costume. In addition, you can attend creative evenings with the participation of an actor and a screenwriter.

    At the chromakey, everyone will meet the cameraman, who will share the secrets of applying filters during filming. And in the decorations of “Moscow in the 1940s”, guests will learn how to create a video blog.

    On February 15 and 16 from 13:00 to 16:40, guests of the cinema park will be offered to watch the play “Mermaids and Legends”. The plot will take viewers to a magical land inhabited by ancient Greek heroes, brave sailors, dragons and other characters. Viewers will enjoy a show with shadow theater, puppets, tricks and sand animation to songs performed by Anna Morozova.

    The chromakey will also host animation games: young participants will roll balls through a wooden labyrinth, build houses from blocks, shoot at targets from a children’s bow, assemble coats of arms from puzzles, and also perform other tasks that require speed and attention.

    Historical adventures

    At 18:30 and 20:00, fans of historical adventures will be able to attend the play “Cathedral Square”. Kuzma Minin, Dmitry Pozharsky, Patriarch Hermogenes, False Dmitry II, Marina Mnishek and other heroes of the Time of Troubles will appear before the audience. On different days, famous theater and film actors Dmitry Pevtsov, Elena Zakharova, Anna Bolshova, Yulia Takshina, Valery Nikolaev, Evklid Kurdzidis, Olga Kabo and other artists will take part in the performances. Incredible color projections, action-packed dramaturgy and musical compositions written especially for the play will leave unforgettable impressions of the weekend.

    The performance is one hour long and is intended for audiences over six years old. Shows will run until February 23 on weekends. Tickets can be purchased here.

    Quests and master classes

    Guests will be able to gain new knowledge and see real film sets during the excursion “Cinema Expedition”, in which participants will be accompanied by a guide. And for lovers of leisurely walks, the quest “The Road Leads” in the fairy tale park will suit.

    Another game with tasks called “Film! Film! Film!” will take place in the “Center of Moscow” decoration. Participants will create a film project and participate in all stages of the film production.

    In the central square, guests will be treated to familiar songs performed by cover bands. In Chalet No. 1, master classes for children will be held: children will learn how to make cards from colored soap and tubes, create paintings using texture paste, and sculpt figures of fairy-tale characters from airy plasticine. In Chalet No. 2, young guests will be able to paint a movie clapperboard.

    New releases at the Moskino Kinopark cinema

    The Moskino Kinopark cinema is set to feature premieres of the week. The drama The Prophet: The Story of Alexander Pushkin tells the story of the great poet’s life, his ups and downs, his search for love, and his creative path. The leading role is played by Yuri Borisov, the first Russian actor nominated for an Oscar. In addition, visitors to the cinema park will be able to watch the family comedy Manyunya: Ba’s Birthday. This is a touching story about how the characters try to organize their grandmother’s anniversary, but everything goes wrong. Will they be able to save the holiday and maintain their friendship? Find out the showtimes andbuy tickets You can find it on the website of the Moskino cinema park.

    You can get to the cinema park by car or by free buses from the Salaryevo metro station (route MK2, exit No. 3) and the Teply Stan metro station (route MK1, exit No. 6). They run every 25 minutes.

    The Moskino Cinema Park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s Moscow — City of Cinema project and an object of the Moscow film cluster. The first stage of development has already been completed here: 18 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built. Among them are the sets of Moscow Center, Moscow of the 1940s, Vitebsk Station, Yurovo Airport, Moscow Cathedral Square, Deaf Village, Partisan Village, County Town, Cowboy Town, St. Petersburg Bar and other sites.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino Film Park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino Film Factory, the Moskino Cinema Network, the Film Commission and the Moskino Film Platform.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149944073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Merkley, Heinrich Lead Western Senators in Letter to Interior Secretary, Acting Agriculture Secretary: Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Threaten Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and other Western U.S. Senators in sounding the alarm over reports the Bureau of Land Management issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America related to the removal of hazardous fuels in our public lands and rumors of forthcoming stop work orders at the United States Forest Service. Delaying these treatments even for a short period can mean missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels. 

    The senators’ letter—addressed to recently confirmed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington—follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds to mitigate and fight wildfires and comes as communities nationwide prepare for wildfire season.

    “Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the senators.

    “As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” the senators continued. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.  

    “By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire,” the senators concluded.

    The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter is HERE and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington,

    We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.

    These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week.

    In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes.

    Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels. 

    In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis.

    Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance.

    As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.  

    By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire.

    We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heritage – Frozen in time – National Lamb Day celebrations at Totara Estate

    Source: Heritage New Zealand

    Totara Estate near Ōamaru will play a prime role in this year’s National Lamb Day celebrations on February 15.
    The historic farmstead, a Tohu Whenua cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, sent the first-ever shipment of frozen export meat from New Zealand to Britain in 1882, an event that created the multi-billion dollar industry that changed New Zealand’s economy forever.
    February 15 commemorates the exact day 143 years ago when the ship Dunedin left Port Chalmers for the three-month voyage to London carrying just under 5000 sheep and lamb carcasses that had been freshly processed at Totara Estate.
    “This was a significant moment in New Zealand’s history and Totara Estate was at the epicentre of it. It’s very appropriate that this place is a central part of National Lamb Day celebrations,” says Totara Estate Property Lead Jacqui Allison.
    Celebrations will be particularly fitting for the occasion, with New Zealand’s rich agricultural heritage featuring prominently.
    “We’re looking forward to inspiring people with live demonstrations by local experts who will showcase a range of farm-related talents including knife skills, butchery, blade shearing, spinning and other wool crafts,” she says.
    “Visitors will also be able to engage their minds with some captivating live readings and entertaining talks that bring history and culture to life – or just ‘chill’ to the sounds of local musicians who will create the perfect festive mood.”
    And if that wasn’t enough, a range of outdoor games for kids, and older people with a finely developed inner child, promise laughter and smiles all around.
    People can bring their own picnic, or support some of the local businesses who will be there on the day, including Mark from That Food Guy and Barb from Brews and Bites.
    “We’re looking forward to hosting the community in what is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of a very important date in New Zealand’s history,” says Jacqui.

    Totara Estate would like to acknowledge the support of Gallaway Cook Allan , the National Lamb Day team and The Better Drinks Company in putting together this event.
    From minus zero to hero
    It was a big gamble sending a load of frozen meat from New Zealand to London in 1882.
    Besides the huge investment of actually prepping the first export shipment, the sheer size of the cargo versus the logistics of carrying coal for the long trip made a steam-powered ship impractical, and so the cargo had to travel for three months under sail. Success of the mission depended on the onboard refrigeration system running well.
    Fortunately the man at the helm of the Dunedin was Captain John Whitson, who had taken the time to read up on refrigeration prior to leaving New Zealand. A good thing too. On the way, the ship was becalmed in the tropics and the crew noticed that the cold air in the hold was not circulating, endangering the meat.
    Whitson crawled into the hold, sawed some extra air holes to improve the flow of cold air in order to keep the temperature low, though almost froze to death in the process. Thankfully the crew managed to haul him out of the freezer and resuscitate him.
    As a result of Whitson’s determination, the ship arrived with its cargo in excellent condition. Only one carcass had to be condemned. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Advocates for Property Tax Relief Through TEEOSA Adjustments

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Advocates for Property Tax Relief Through TEEOSA Adjustments

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee in favor of LB303 which aims to provide Nebraskans with additional property tax relief by altering the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). Senator Jana Hughes introduced LB303 at the Governor’s request.

     

    TEEOSA has been Nebraska’s school funding formula since 1990. Its primary function is to provide state equalization aid to those schools where the needs exceed budget resources. During his testimony, Gov. Pillen pointed out that since 2000, school district taxes have increased from $1 billion to over $3 billion, and in that same time frame, the number of equalized school districts has dropped significantly, from 226 to just 60.

     

    “Nebraska’s students and taxpayers need stability in funding. School districts often live under uncertain budget circumstances. It is difficult to project the amount of dollars that will come from the TEEOSA formula as property tax valuations continue to rise across the state,” said Gov. Pillen. “Providing stability to the TEEOSA formula is necessary and will require constant review and consideration. We must start managing the formula and not allowing the formula to manage us.”

     

    Among the proposed changes to TEEOSA in LB303:

     

    • Dropping the maximum levy from $1.05 to $1.02
    • Increasing the minimum amount of state aid for each public-school student (Foundation Aid) by 6%, from $1500 to $1590 per student
    • Prohibiting school districts with a base levy adjustment of lower than $.30 from receiving state aid
    • Creating a commission to review the TEEOSA formula every year and provide feedback to elected officials on potential improvements

     

    Both Sen. Hughes and Gov. Pillen emphasized that ensuring local control among school districts was paramount to this legislation.

     

    “During the current fiscal year, 111 schools have seen a decrease in state aid. Modeling from the Nebraska Department of Education shows that LB303 will provide just over $62 million more in state aid to schools,” said Sen. Hughes. “While this doesn’t fully compensate for the loss due to rising valuations, it will lessen the impact on property taxpayers next year. Without the increase in funds provided to schools through LB303, the entire loss in state aid to these districts will fall to taxpayers.”

     

    Organizations testifying in favor of LB 303 included the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA), Greater Nebraska Schools Association (GNSA), Educational Service Units (ESUs), Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), Open Sky Policy Institute, Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children’s Education (STANCE), Nebraska Farmers Union and the Nebraska Farm Bureau, representing a working group of ag organizations.

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Fossils found in south China identified as duck-billed dinosaur

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This undated file photo provided by Xing Lida, a paleontologist at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), shows a set of skeletal dinosaur fossils discovered in Sihui City, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)

    Scientists have confirmed that a set of skeletal fossils discovered in southern China belonged to duck-billed dinosaurs from over 70 million years ago, expanding the region’s fossil record of these large, toothy creatures that likely migrated from North America.

    The bones were found in May 2009 by a Chinese amateur fossil hunter at a construction site in Taipinggang, Sihui City, Guangdong Province, and he donated them to a local museum.

    After cleaning and restoration, researchers in 2020 identified the fossilized skeleton comprising dorsal and caudal vertebrae, a humerus, ilium, femur and tibia. They believe the fossils belong to the tribe Lambeosaurini, a subfamily of plant-eating Hadrosauroidea dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period.

    The study, led by paleontologists from China and Canada, was published in the journal Historical Biology in late January.

    According to the research team, Hadrosauroidea is renowned for its distinctive duck-billed mouth structure. These dinosaurs had thousands of teeth well arranged within their jaws, enabling them to exhibit strong chewing efficiency and viability.

    Lambeosaurini also possesses a unique cranial structure featuring narrow hollow nasal bones, which is likely responsible for their ability to make trumpet-like sounds that they use for communication.

    First author Wang Donghao, a PhD student from China University of Geosciences (Beijing), noted that the research team had identified long and narrow neural spines on the fossil specimen, which is an extremely rare feature. However, the fossils are mainly fragmentary bones and were not well-preserved, lacking substantial biological information about the dinosaur’s cranial structure.

    The researchers estimated that the creatures were not yet fully grown, measuring about 8 meters in length. They identified them as a more derived clade of Lambeosaurini dinosaurs that migrated from North America back to Asia via the Bering Strait, as their tall and narrow neural spines are a common trait among North American dinosaurs.

    The fossilized bones are the first record of Lambeosaurini in south China, and “they represent the only evidence suggesting a potential migration of North American dinosaurs to the region in Late Cretaceous,” co-author Xing Lida, a paleontologist from the university told Xinhua on Monday, noting that the study will help understand the ecological conditions across various regions before the mass extinction during the Late Cretaceous period.

    This image provided by Xing Lida, a paleontologist at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), shows a restoration drawing of the dinosaurs based on the skeletal fossils discovered in Sihui City, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Governor, Joint Region Marianas, Joint Task Force-Micronesia Convene Civil-Military Coordination Council

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    ASAN, Guam  –  

    Guam Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia (JTF-M) Rear Adm. Greg Huffman convened the Civil-Military Coordination Council (CMCC) at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup, Feb. 5.

    Military officials from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Guam Army National Guard attended. Additionally, participating on behalf of various government of Guam agencies were representatives from the Guam Department of Agriculture, the Guam Department of Civil Defense and Homeland Security, the Guam Power Authority and the Guam International Airport Authority.

    “The CMCC is an opportunity to get together to synchronize and synthesize our efforts on all of the major priorities for our island,” Huffman said. “Our meeting not only signifies the culmination of hard work and planning by our collective teams, but it is a demonstration of the strong partnership and close collaboration that are the hallmarks of our discussions.”

    Military and civilian members offered informational briefs and updates on significant topics that require a One-Guam holistic approach including critical civilian infrastructure for the defense of Guam, utilities resiliency specifically for the island’s electrical grid, and the proposed Guam Defense System by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

    “The Civil-Military Coordination Council continues to be an essential platform for ensuring that Guam’s needs and interests remain at the forefront of the ongoing military buildup. At our latest meeting, we placed a strong emphasis on resiliency—particularly in strengthening our island’s power infrastructure through the Guam Power Authority and the One Guam Power Infrastructure Resiliency & Reliability Projects,” said Leon Guerrero. “The military buildup is an ongoing conversation that requires careful planning, preparation, and the right subject matter experts at the table. It is critical that we have the latest and most relevant information to support our justifications and ensure that progress aligns with the best interests of all who call Guam home. As we continue these discussions, I remain committed to advocating for our people and working with our federal partners to reinforce the importance of Guam in national security and regional stability.”

    The CMCC was established in 2010 to foster collaboration among the DoD, local government, and federal agencies to share information, discuss, and provide recommendations for construction activities for the U.S. Marine Corps relocation to Guam. These meetings have expanded to include all DoD items of interest and military construction on Guam. The next CMCC meeting is scheduled in June.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Trump’s Latest Steel & Aluminum Tariffs: “He Wants to Double Down on Raising Costs for Americans Even More”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.10.25

    Cantwell Statement on Trump’s Latest Steel & Aluminum Tariffs: “He Wants to Double Down on Raising Costs for Americans Even More”

    In 2024, state imported $1.2B worth of steel & aluminum for aerospace, shipbuilding, electronics & more; Last week, Cantwell delivered a speech on Senate floor calling for increasing exports & voted against advancing Trump’s trade nominee

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.

    “Many of Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum have been in place since 2018. Nothing was resolved and they added costs to cars, building materials, and energy projects. Now in 2025, he wants to double down raising costs for Americans even more,” Sen. Cantwell said.

    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. Combined, the state imported $1.21 billion worth of steel and aluminum last year – and the major industries and employers in Washington that rely on steel and aluminum include aerospace, shipbuilding, utilities, and electronics. When President Trump imposed steel tariffs in 2018, our trading partners immediately responded by imposing tariffs of their own on Washington products, especially agriculture, including cherries, apples, pears, and potatoes. Nationally, across all industries, the steel and aluminum tariffs resulted in a decrease in production worth about $3.4 billion per year, according to an ITC report.  The United States imports $58.81 billion in steel and aluminum every year.

    Last week, Sen. Cantwell also delivered a major speech on the Senate floor last week, arguing that the president’s arbitrary tariffs would threaten domestic job creation and economic growth in an Information Age. She outlined a strategy focused on building coalitions, growing exports, and establishing principles to support innovation in the Information Age.

    Sen. Cantwell also voted against advancing the nomination of Howard Lutnick, President Trump’s choice to be Secretary of the Department of Commerce, citing concerns with Lutnick’s support for Trump’s proposed tariffs. More information on how President Trump’s proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China would affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE.

    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of free trade to grow the economy in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20 percent retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after then-President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. The impact on Washington apple growers was severe:  apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.

    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to help U.S. potato growers finally get approval to sell fresh potatoes in Japan. In June 2023, Sen. Cantwell hosted U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), then-chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in Washington state for a forum with 30 local agricultural leaders in Wenatchee to discuss the Farm Bill.

    In 2022, Sen. Cantwell spearheaded passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a law to crack down on skyrocketing international ocean shipping costs and ease supply chain backlogs that raise prices for consumers and make it harder for U.S. farmers and exporters to get their goods to the global market.

    In August 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to then-Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting aid funds be distributed to wheat growers. In December 2018, Sen. Cantwell celebrated the passage of the Farm Bill, which included $500 million of assistance for farmers, including those who grow wheat.

    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell helped secure a provision in the $16 billion USDA relief package, ensuring sweet cherry growers could access emergency funding to offset the impacts of tariffs and other market disruptions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Possessing Heroin with Intent to Distribute

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Jose Angel Beltran-Chaidez, 69, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to two years in prison for possessing with intent to distribute heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in January 2022, at the direction of his brother Antonio Beltran-Chaidez, 55, also a Mexican national, Beltran delivered more than 2 pounds of heroin to Jorge Calderon-Campos, 44, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, for distribution. However, when Calderon-Campos was unable to sell the drug, Beltran retrieved it from Calderon-Campos and was in possession of the heroin when stopped by a CHP officer for a traffic violation.

    Calderon-Campos and Antonio Beltran-Chaidez previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to eight years and one month in prison and three years and 10 months in prison, respectively.

    This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Kern County Probation Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Spring Festival spending spree fuels global business growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    On a balmy afternoon on the first day of the Chinese Spring Festival, a queue of nearly 40 people, over half of them being Chinese tourists, snaked around the plain ice cream stall of “Uncle Chieng” on Orchard Road, Singapore.

    “Recently, more than half of the customers are Chinese tourists. Around the Spring Festival, I sell about 20 percent more ice cream each day compared to usual,” said Chieng Puay Chui, owner of the stall, which has become one of the must-visit spots for Chinese tourists.

    This scene is just a microcosm of the vibrant Spring Festival celebrations that have swept China and beyond, the first Lunar New Year festivities after the Spring Festival was added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.

    The festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year, with week-long nationwide celebrations around the date, has not only ignited a surge in domestic consumption but also created vast opportunities for international businesses, as Chinese consumers embrace global goods and cultures.

    A girl participates in activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Global goods, local celebrations

    The Spring Festival, a time for family reunion and feasting, has seen a growing appetite for “foreign New Year goods” among Chinese consumers. From French wine to Chilean cherries, global delicacies have become essential elements of the Chinese New Year shopping list.

    France’s Occitanie region, renowned for its wine, has been actively promoting its produce in China through platforms like the China International Import Expo and the “From French Farms to Chinese Tables” initiative. For French wine producers, the Spring Festival is one of the best opportunities to promote their products.

    “Ahead of the Chinese New Year, we organized various events to support wine producers from the Occitanie region and importers in distributing their products so that they would be available during the Spring Festival,” said Catherine Machabert, food and wine international director of the economic development agency of the Occitanie Region.

    “For the Year of the Snake, distributors have prepared a variety of gift boxes featuring snake-themed designs to promote the wines,” said Machabert, adding that Occitanie has always maintained strong ties with China and recognizes the importance of the Chinese market.

    Meanwhile, French confectionery giant Andros has capitalized on the festive season by launching special gift packs and organizing in-store tastings. “Our sales during this Spring Festival are expected to double compared to previous years, setting a new record,” said Maxence Zeng, general manager of Andros China.

    Chilean cherries, with their vibrant red hue and symbolic association with prosperity in the Chinese culture, have also become a favorite among Chinese consumers.

    China is a very important market for fresh Chilean cherries, not only because it receives more than 90 percent of total exports, “but also because of the friendly relationship that has been built between our cherries and the people of China,” said Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Cherry Committee.

    A poster of the animated feature “Ne Zha 2” is pictured at a cinema in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Two-way cultural exchanges

    The Spring Festival is not just about shopping and feasting; it’s also a time for travel and cultural exploration. With extended holidays and visa-free policies, Chinese tourists have been flocking to international destinations, while foreign visitors have been arriving in China to experience the festivities firsthand.

    On the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Chinese tourists Li Chenguang and his wife, Zhao Xue, marveled at the natural beauty surrounding them. “We can witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and even the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro,” Zhao exclaimed with excitement.

    Meanwhile, in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport has been bustling as Chinese tourists head to Malaysia for tropical experiences and Malaysian travelers embark on winter adventures in China. “We’re planning to visit Harbin, hike up Changbai Mountain and savor traditional northeastern dishes like Guo Bao Rou (crispy sweet and sour pork),” said Zhou Jinglang, a tour guide of a Malaysian travel agency.

    According to the National Immigration Administration, China recorded 14.37 million cross-border trips during the Spring Festival holiday season, a 6.3 percent increase from a year earlier. About 1 million of these trips were made by foreign nationals, marking a 22.9 percent year-on-year rise.

    Meanwhile, the 2025 Spring Festival holiday has marked a new milestone for China’s thriving film industry, with box office revenue soaring to an unprecedented 9.51 billion yuan (approximately 1.33 billion U.S. dollars) between Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, according to the China Film Administration.

    A staggering 187 million moviegoers flocked to cinemas throughout the holiday week, setting new all-time highs in both box office earnings and audience turnout.

    Released on Jan. 29, the first day of Chinese New Year, Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” has shattered multiple box office records, becoming the first film to cross 1 billion dollars in a single market and the first non-Hollywood title to join the coveted billion-dollar club.

    Customers select newly arrived Chilean cherries at a supermarket in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Vast business opportunities

    The Spring Festival consumption boom has not only showcased the resilience and vitality of China’s economy but also highlighted the potential for international collaboration. From French dairy products to Chilean cherries, foreign businesses are eager to tap into the vast Chinese market and capitalize on emerging consumer trends.

    “Occitanie has always maintained strong ties with China and recognizes the importance of the Chinese market. With its Shanghai office, the regional agency will continue to support wine, agri-food, and cosmetics companies in entering or expanding in the Chinese market,” said Machabert, the trade official of the Occitanie Region.

    Meanwhile, Herve Lanoe, chief executive officer of French dairy company Fit Group, noted that Chinese consumers are increasingly prioritizing quality and health. “Butter with a protected designation of origin is highly appreciated by our Chinese client,” he said, adding that the company will try to take advantage of this opportunity.

    Over the years, Garces Fruit, Chile’s largest cherry exporter, has been actively expanding its presence in China. “The Chinese market is fundamental for the trade of Chilean cherries,” said Hernan Garces Gazmuri, the export manager of Garces Fruit.

    “It is a clear example of win-win,” said Garces Gazmuri, who settled in China in 2017 and opened an office in 2018. “It produces a lot of employment, from the harvests, the packaging, all this positive dynamic is generated thanks to the Chinese market. This industry does not exist without China.”

    “We want to continue to explore the market, developing e-commerce and boosting our Garces Fruit brand. I think there is a lot to do,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Schmitt Introduce Legislation To Dismantle DEI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Last week, Senator Tuberville joined Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) to introduce the Dismantle DEI Act, which codifies President Trump’s executive actions terminating DEI programs and initiatives, preventing future administrations from reinstating similar Biden-era DEI policies.

    “We must wash our hands of DEI,” said Senator Tuberville. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris nearly destroyed the fabric of our country with this woke, racist ideology. We need to focus on hiring the best and brightest, not dividing people based on skin color. Thank God President Trump is restoring merit-based hiring practices to our government. Now Congress must do our job to ensure that this poisonous ideology has no place in our government.”

    “DEI has plagued our federal government, academic institutions, and other aspects of our society for far too long, all while disregarding merit in the process. America is the greatest meritocracy the world has ever seen, and no taxpayer dollars should be wasted on funding this divisive ideology which undercuts the values our country was founded on. President Trump understands that these programs have absolutely no business in the federal government, and I am proud to introduce this critical legislation with Congressman Cloud that will save taxpayer dollars and put a stop to this DEI madness,” said Senator Schmitt.

    BACKGROUND: 

    • On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” This executive action terminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives throughout all federal departments and agencies, while also compiling a list of those federal contractors and grantees associated with those same programs. 
    • President Trump helped reverse many of the Biden administration’s prior executive actions on DEI programs.
    • The Dismantle DEI Act helps build on the President’s agenda by:
      • Ensuring all DEI offices are terminated and prohibiting agencies from renaming or repurposing them to continue the same functions under new titles.
      • Barring federal funds from being used for DEI training, grants, or programs—including identity-based quotas and critical race theory.
      • Granting individuals the legal right to challenge any of these violations in court.
         

    MORE:

    Tuberville Supporting Elimination Of DEI, Restoration Of Lethality In Armed Forces 
    Tuberville: “We need a military that is 100% focused on protecting our country and enhancing national security.”
    ICYMI: Tuberville op-ed: “Biden is Infecting Our Military With Woke Politics While the World Implodes”
    Tuberville Questioned Army Officials on Lasting Effects of Vaccine Policy on the Military
    Tuberville, Colleagues Help Secure Provision To Protect Servicemembers From COVID Vaccine Mandate In 2023 NDAA
    Tuberville Questions Pentagon about COVID Vaccine Military Discharge
    Tuberville Demands Answers on Military’s Vaccine Mandate

    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 –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supporting farmers to ‘meat’ global food demand

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay today hosted a Lamb barbecue to mark National Lamb Day (15 February 2025) for farmers, industry representatives, MPs, and media at Parliament.  

    “As we celebrate National Lamb Day, parliament honours the legacy of early sector pioneers and acknowledges the hard work and resilience of our farmers, processors, and exporters — your dedication ensures that New Zealand’s red meat sector remains world leading and ready to grow,” Mr McClay says.

    “Agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, with sheep and beef farmers alone contributing over $10 billion in exports to the economy last year. This is equal to $3,300 in income for every Kiwi household. 

    “The sector isn’t just crucial to our goal of doubling exports by value in ten years — it also supports 76,000 jobs across New Zealand and is leading the way in sustainable farming.

    The Government’s agricultural team, of Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson and Associate Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg, are laser focused on getting costs down and returning more value to the farm gate.

    Farmers have done it tough over the last few years with significant weather events and challenging commodity prices, but as farmer confidence rises there are real signs of green shoots ahead including: 

    • A lift in sheepmeat prices over recent months, with December lamb prices exceeding the five-year average,
    • Record high cattle prices, and
    • Rising demand from key red meat markets.

    “Looking ahead, we are focused on new growth opportunities for lamb and red meat, particularly in the Middle East. The recent trade agreements with the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will eliminate 99 per cent of all tariffs over time.

    “Kiwi farmers are the best in the world, and we are committed to supporting a future where New Zealand lamb continues to be celebrated and enjoyed on tables world-wide.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Welcomes Peter Schork as Regional President for Toledo, Ohio & Southeast Michigan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) announced that Peter Schork has joined F&M as Regional President of the Toledo, Ohio, and Southeastern Michigan regions.

    Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M stated, “As a proven community banker, Peter brings a wealth of experience to F&M. His leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to building strong relationships will be an invaluable resource to F&M as we continue to grow and serve our communities. We look forward to the impact he will make in driving success for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

    In his new role, Peter will oversee F&M’s presence in the Toledo, Ohio, and Birmingham, Michigan markets, including offices in Waterville, Swanton, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Downtown Toledo, as well as F&M’s Loan Production Office in Troy and its Birmingham, Michigan location.

    Peter brings over 25 years of banking and financial experience to F&M. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the Ann Arbor President for Oxford Bank and co-founded the Ann Arbor State Bank serving as its President and CEO. In addition to his community bank experience, Peter was the CFO at Catalyst Commercial Real Estate, and the President of a Michigan-based title, mortgage, and real estate company. In addition to his business experience, Peter is a proud supporter of various community organizations. Currently, he serves on the Michigan Theater Board of Trustees, is a member of the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Homeless/Unhoused Mission. Peter holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a specialization in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.

    About F&M Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement
    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    __________________________________________

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e11179be-cf20-449e-9416-ca1e8ff1fd2f

    The MIL Network –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and 10 other Western Democratic Senators to sound the alarm over threats to the removal of hazardous fuels on U.S. public lands. The Bureau of Land Management recently issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America carrying out critical hazardous fuel removal projects on high-risk federal lands. Delaying these treatments risks missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels.

    The letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds needed to mitigate and fight wildfires, despite the devastating fires that ravaged Southern California communities last month. The Senators demanded that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington rescind the order to stop work on essential hazardous fuels reduction efforts and any other wildland fire management and risk-reduction programs.

    “Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis — and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the Senators.

    “As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” continued the Senators. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.

    The hazardous fuel reduction projects are a core component of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, to which Congress appropriated over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments in fuels reduction treatments for high-risk firesheds were recommended in the nonpartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.

    In addition to Senators Padilla, Schiff, Merkley, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Senator Padilla has long been a leader in strengthening the federal and state response to wildfires. Last week, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act, the last of which is co-led by Senator Schiff. Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022.

    Padilla previously questioned Secretary Burgum on his support for wildfire aid, securing his commitment to responding to wildfires regardless of which state they impact with all necessary resources and support possible.

    Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington, 

    We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.

    These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week. 

    In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes. 

    Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels.  

    In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis. 

    Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance. 

    As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.   

    By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire. 

    We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting Orkney’s farmers and food producers

    Source: Scottish Government

    Plans for new abattoir get funding boost.

    Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.

    First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.

    The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund, which this year has provided a total of £256,500 to support private kill abattoirs including in Shetland, Wishaw, Barra, Dingwall and Mull.

    By creating more localised supply chains, the Fund aims to increase the proportion of food grown and processed by small farms and small holders, and consumed within the community.

    The First Minister said:

    “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting small producers and strengthening Scotland’s food supply chain. We know that local marts and abattoirs play an important role in supporting island businesses and ensuring the best animal welfare.

     “A new facility in Orkney would bring many benefits for the people who live and work here, supporting economic growth in the area and the future sustainability of the island’s food production industry.  We will continue to work with HIE and the Orkney Islands Council as the project develops.”

    Chair of Orkney Auction Mart Alan Corrigall said:

    “We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to Orkney to explain, first hand, how vital a new abattoir is for our community. Our case has been well received and we very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support.  We’re looking forward to working in partnership with local butchers and other stakeholders, to build a strong business case for this important project.”

    Background

    Supporting Scotland’s small producers – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 36-2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – GG IKLIM GRUP LIMAN HIZMETLERI A.S. (AEI: TR4034SB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    11 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have suspended GG IKLIM GRUP LIMAN HIZMETLERI A.S. (AEI: TR4034SB) from AusTreat.

    The treatment provider has…

    MIL OSI News –

    February 11, 2025

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

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began May 7, 2024.

    The disaster declaration includes the counties of Finney, Grant, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Morton, Stanton, Stevens and Wichita in Kansas, as well as Baca and Prowers in Colorado.

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

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

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Spring Storms and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

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

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration Number

    Primary

    Counties

    Neighboring

    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline
    20461 Lampasas Bell, Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, Mills and San Saba Flooding, Excessive Rain and Flash Flood May 4-5, 2024 3/10/25
    20462 Hunt Collin, Delta, Fannin, Hopkins, Kaufman, Rains, Rockwall and Van Zandt Flooding and Excessive Rain Beginning March 11, 2024 3/10/25

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

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

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

    By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared these declarations on July 9, 2024. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

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

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began on May 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration includes the counties of Benewah, Clearwater, Latah, Nez Perce and Shoshone in Idaho, as well as the county of Whitman in Washington.

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

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

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/10/2025 Blackburn, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Tennessee Small Dairy Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act to strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities:

    “The dairy industry is an essential part of the American economy. It is crucial that we provide the resources that dairies in Tennessee need to expand and create new products,” said Senator Blackburn. “With many small Tennessee dairies struggling to remain open, this bill will allow these businesses to diversify and expand their market competitiveness.”

    “My Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers grow their operations, tap into new markets, and innovate new products,” said Senator Baldwin. “From expanding facilities and growing their operations to improving packaging and lowering their shipping costs, this program has helped Wisconsin businesses grow their bottom lines and create jobs in our rural communities. I’m fighting to expand this vital program so more farmers, cheesemakers, and dairy processors have the tools to innovate and drive our rural economy forward.”

    DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION ACT:

    • The DBII program was created in the 2018 Farm Bill, establishing multiple dairy business and innovation centers to serve producers across the country. These centers, in partnership with dairy farmers and processors, are spurring innovation in dairy businesses, fostering the development of new dairy products and modernizing existing dairy plants. As a result, the program has gone on to add value to the milk produced by American farmers and expand their market access.
    • Each regional initiative is tasked with providing technical assistance and grants to farmers and processors, including:
      • Supporting new and expanding dairy businesses—Centers provide assistance with business plan development, accounting, market evaluation, and strategic planning.
      • Promoting innovation in dairy products—Dairy businesses receive assistance with product innovation, marketing and branding, packaging, distribution, supply chain innovation, food safety training and consultation, and dairy product production training.
      • Assisting with dairy plant modernization and process improvement—Dairy businesses receive assistance with processing facility improvement, including assistance with plant upgrades, food safety modernization, energy and water efficiency, byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and waste treatment.
    • The Dairy Business Innovation Act builds on the support for regional dairy research and innovation centers across the country by raising the program’s annual authorization from $20 million to $36 million.

    ENDORSEMENTS:

    The legislation is endorsed by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, National Milk Producers Federation, Organic Valley, and International Dairy Foods Association. 

    “Tennessee’s dairy farmers are an integral part of our rural economy and provide wholesome, nutritious milk products to consumers. We thank Senators Blackburn and Baldwin for filing the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative which will be a successful opportunity for dairy farmers to add value to their milk and increase on-farm profitability. Further investments into DBII can create increased opportunities for consumers to access local dairy products and support their regional agricultural economy.” – Eric Mayberry, President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation 

    “We are grateful to Senators Blackburn and Baldwin for their support of the Dairy Business Innovation Act. It has had a historic impact on our Tennessee dairy industry and the development of the new Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee. These resources will continue to help UTIA provide Real.Life.Solutions. to producers and processors across the region. Additionally, it has provided us with new partnership opportunities around the country.” – Dr. Keith Carver, Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture 

    “The Dairy Business Innovation Act continues to be a critical tool for dairy farms and processors across the Southeast region to overcome a history of low income, limited reinvestment into existing businesses, and high barriers to entry for new dairy businesses. As the program manager for the Southeast region, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) strongly supports the continuation and expansion of this valuable assistance to producers, processors, and the allied industries impacted by them. Since 2021, over $17 million has been directly invested into 189 dairy businesses across the 12 states and 1 territory in our region. Within Tennessee, 40 awards totaling almost $3.4 million have supported existing dairy farmers, processors, and emerging value-added dairy ventures. The funding for administration and research around the dairy industry has resulted in 5 new dairy Extension positions across Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina and has increased our understanding of consumer motivations around dairy. The new Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee is a direct outcome of these grants, providing a unique hub of food, animal, economic, and consumer interaction to support the dairy industry.” – Dr. Elizabeth Eckelkamp, Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative Program Director and Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

    “We thank Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for their continued bipartisan leadership in strengthening the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program. Dairy has a storied history of pioneering effective new products and practices as dairy farmers and their cooperatives work to supply the U.S. and the world with nutritious, sustainably produced food. This program helps support researchers and their industry partners working to drive this innovation forward.” – Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation 

    “Senator Tammy Baldwin and Senator Marsha Blackburn should be commended for a bill that enhances the assets and investments in the U.S. the dairy industry. Dairy is an economic engine in rural communities – we at Organic Valley know dairy processors who are doing more with support from this initiative and American farmers who are better positioned to bring milk to market because of it.” – Adam Warthesen, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs at Organic Valley

    “IDFA applauds Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for introducing the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025.  The bill promotes innovation in the dairy processing sector and will help industry members work together to address common challenges and create new market opportunities for healthy and nutritious dairy products.” – Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President & CEO of International Dairy Foods Association

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Relief Still Available to Michigan Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Last January’s Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Michigan of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought and excessive heat that began on Jan. 1, 2024. 

    The declaration covers the counties of Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft.  

    Under this declaration, 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 the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.   

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than March 10, 2025. 

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

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

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the March 10, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began on May 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration includes the counties of Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Powell and Ravalli.

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

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

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of minimum investment amount increase for the EdgePoint Canadian Portfolio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EdgePoint Wealth Management Inc. (“EdgePoint”) announced today that it is changing the minimum amount of an initial investment in the EdgePoint Canadian Portfolio (the “Fund”) from $20,000 (the “Previous Minimum”) to $100,000 (the “New Minimum”).

    The New Minimum investment amount must be met per account and per Fund series. The minimum initial investment is subject to change at EdgePoint’s discretion.

    Why is EdgePoint raising the Fund’s minimum initial investment amount?

    The Canadian marketplace offers compelling investment opportunities; however, its size can pose investment restrictions. EdgePoint monitors the Fund’s size and inflows to ensure the Investment Team retains the flexibility needed to capitalize on them.

    The minimum increase is not being made due to capacity constraints today, but to potentially avoid them in the future. The flexibility to look anywhere in Canada for businesses undergoing positive change unrecognized by the market will never be compromised.

    One of EdgePoint’s measures of success is working with advisors who are aligned with its long-term investment approach. It is important to avoid attracting short-term performance chasers rather than like-minded investors.

    Raising the minimum investment threshold is a way of measuring an advisor’s alignment with EdgePoint by asking them to put their money (and conviction) where their mouth is. While this change does not guarantee alignment, it reinforces EdgePoint’s goal of delivering strong long-term returns while prioritizing the best interests of its investors. A stronger, more aligned investor base will create a better experience for all.

    EdgePoint is not an asset gathering firm. Selling and promoting a fund based on performance always serves the needs of the investment firm over the investor. These are necessary steps to protect the integrity of the Fund and to allow EdgePoint to continue building wealth for their long term and very aligned Canadian investors.

    Additional information about the Fund, including the simplified prospectus and Fund Facts, can be found on the Fund’s SEDAR+ profile at www.SEDARPLUS.ca or on EdgePoint’s website at www.edgepointwealth.com.

    ABOUT EDGEPOINT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

    EdgePoint Wealth Management Inc. is an independent investment management firm based in Toronto and owned and operated by investors.

    Contact: Patrick Farmer at 416.963.9353 or farmer@edgepointwealth.com.

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    This is not an offer to purchase. Mutual funds can only be purchased through a registered Dealer. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the simplified prospectus before investing. Copies are available from your financial advisor or at www.edgepointwealth.com. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. EdgePoint is a registered trademark of EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. EdgePoint® and Owned and Operated by Investors™ are trademarks of EdgePoint Investment Group Inc.

    The MIL Network –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. Reports Earnings of $4,277,703 or $1.37 Per Share for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMPSTEAD, Md., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), the parent company of Farmers and Merchants Bank (the “Bank” and, together with the Company, “we”, “us” and “our”), announced that net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $4,277,703, or $1.37 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to $6,418,337, or $2.08 per common share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2023. Higher interest expense as a result of the Federal Reserve rate increases over the last several years was the primary reason for the decline in net income. The Company’s return on average equity during the year ended December 31, 2024 was 7.83% compared to 13.08% for the same period in 2023. The Company’s return on average assets during the year ended December 31, 2024 was 0.53% compared to 0.86% for the same period in 2023. Loan growth for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $60 million, a growth rate of 11.4%.

    Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $856,080, or $0.27 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to $1,415,230, or $0.46 per common share (basic and diluted), for the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company’s return on average equity during the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 5.96% compared to 11.92% for the same period in 2023. The Company’s return on average assets during the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 0.41% compared to 0.72% for the same period in 2023.          

    Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $579,928 lower when compared to the same period in 2023 due to a decrease in the net interest margin to 2.68% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 2.97% for the same period in 2023. The decline in the net interest margin was partially offset by a $56.6 million increase in average interest earning assets to $784.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $728.0 million for the same period in 2023. Higher interest expense was the driving factor in the lower net interest income. The Federal Reserve interest rate decreased by 1.00% over the last four months of 2024 after aggregate increases of 5.25% from March 2022 through August 2023. The net aggregate increase of 4.25% caused the cost of deposits and borrowings to increase by 102 basis points to 2.76% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 1.74% for the same period in 2023. In addition, average interest bearing liabilities increased by $64.3 million to $634.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $570.4 million for the same period in 2023. The taxable equivalent yield on total average interest-earning assets increased 59 basis points to 4.92% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 4.33% for the same period in 2023, partially offsetting the higher cost of funds.

    The Bank entered into several interest rate swaps structured as fair value hedges during 2023 and 2024, some in combination with the purchase of mortgage backed securities, which are intended to offset the impact of higher interest expense by improving interest income on debt securities. During the fourth quarter of 2024, a swap with a notional amount of $22 million was unwound and the related $28 million of mortgage backed securities was sold, resulting in a net gain of $18,708. The notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2024 was approximately $75 million.

    Our loan portfolio is comprised primarily of commercial real estate loans with fixed rates for five-year terms. As those loans reprice, our net interest margin should improve. In addition, our current strategy is to increase the diversification of our portfolio with commercial and industrial loans, which are typically adjustable rate loans and would provide an immediate higher yield in today’s interest rate environment.

    A provision for credit losses of $150,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a $570,000 recovery. The Company’s loan portfolio continues to perform at a high level with just one non-accrual loan totaling $403,853 and one loan more than 30 days delinquent totalling $269,852 at December 31, 2024.

    Noninterest income increased by $160,947 for the year ended December 31, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily as a result of a $138,388 increase in the gain on insurance proceeds for our Upperco location and a $48,252 increase in bank owned life insurance income, offset by a decrease of 19,392 in the gain on sale of SBA loans. Noninterest expense was $1,787,830 higher in the year ended December 31, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, due primarily to a $475,241 increase in other expenses, a $505,322 increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment costs, a $495,733 increase in salaries and benefits, and a $311,534 increase in other real estate owned expenses. The increase in other expenses was due primarily to costs associated with our core system conversion that was completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, ATM related expenses, and legal fees incurred for stockholder matters. Also, the Bank’s FDIC assessment expense increased due to higher FDIC assessment rates. The increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment was due primarily to the renovations and new equipment for the Upperco location which was placed in service at the end of the first quarter and the new Towson location that was placed in service during the second quarter. The increase in salaries and benefits was due to normal annual salary increases as well as the hiring of several new employees primarily in the commercial loan production department. The increase in other real estate owned expenses is due primarily to a $249,217 gain that was realized in 2023.

    Income taxes decreased by $786,177 during the year ended December 31, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023 due to lower earnings before taxes. The effective tax rate decreased to 22.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 23.9% for the same period last year due to an increase in the amount of nontaxable income included in pretax income year over year.

    Total assets increased to $845 million at December 31, 2024 from $800 million at December 31, 2023. Loans increased by 11.4% to $583 million at December 31, 2024 from the $523 million recorded at December 31, 2023. Investments in debt securities decreased to $146 million at December 31, 2024 from $184 million at December 31, 2023. Deposits increased to $758 million at December 31, 2024 from $681 million at December 31, 2023.   The Company’s tangible equity was $49 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $45 million at December 31, 2023.

    The book value of the Company’s common stock increased to $17.77 per share at December 31, 2024 from to $16.74 per share at December 31, 2023. Book value per share at December 31, 2024 was reflective of the $17 million unrealized loss, net of income taxes, on the Bank’s available for sale (“AFS”) investment portfolio as a result of the significant rise in interest rates over the last 30 months. Changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio, net of income taxes, are reflected in the Company’s equity, but are not included in the income statement. The AFS investment portfolio is comprised of 72% government agency mortgage backed securities which are fully guaranteed, 23% investment grade non agency mortgage backed securities, 1% investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, and 4% subordinated debt of other community banks. There is no indication of credit deterioration in any of the bonds and we intend to hold these investments to maturity, so no actual losses are anticipated. There is no impact on regulatory capital because the Bank elected many years ago to not include in the calculation of regulatory capital changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

    The Bank utilized the Federal Reserve Bank’s Bank Term Funding Program during 2024 and had borrowings of $54,000,000 outstanding for most of 2024, but the borrowings were repaid during December 2024 ahead of the maturity date of January 15, 2025. Our Federal Home Loan Bank facility, other borrowing lines available, unpledged securities, brokered deposit access, and cash provided us with access to approximately $332 million of liquidity at December 31, 2024.

    Gary A. Harris, President and CEO, commented “We are pleased that our loan portfolio grew $60 million, or 11.4%, during 2024, demonstrating that our investment in additional loan production staff and facilities is paying off. Our asset quality remains high and our liquidity position remains strong. Due to the sunsetting of our existing core operating system, after an almost year long effort, our core system conversion was completed in October 2024.  While it increased our expenses in 2024, the new system will be a substantial digital upgrade that will position the bank for future growth, provide for significant efficiency gains and an enhanced customer experience moving forward. The Federal Reserve interest rate decreased an additional 50 basis points in the fourth quarter after the 50 basis point reduction in September. Additional cuts are now not expected to occur until the second half of 2025. The 2024 cuts should provide for improvement in our net interest margin in 2025.”

    About the Company

    The Company is a financial holding company and the parent company of the Bank. The Bank was chartered in Maryland in 1919 and has over 100 years of service to the community. The Bank serves the deposit and financing needs of both consumers and businesses in Carroll and Baltimore Counties along the Route 30, Route 795, Route 140, Route 26, and Route 45 corridors. The main office is located in Upperco, Maryland, with seven additional branches in Owings Mills, Hampstead, Greenmount, Reisterstown, Westminster, Eldersburg, and Towson. Certain broker-dealers make a market in the common stock of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc., and trades are reported through the OTC Markets Group’s Pink Market under the symbol “FMFG”.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be the same as those anticipated by management. These statements are evidenced by terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Although these statements reflect management’s good faith beliefs and projections, they are not guarantees of future performance and they may not prove true. These projections involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the section of the periodic reports filed by Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled “Risk Factors”.

         
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
         
      December 31, December 31, *
      2024 2023
         
    Assets  
         
    Cash and due from banks $ 63,962,047   $ 44,404,473  
    Federal funds sold and other interest-bearing deposits   697,066     285,864  
    Cash and cash equivalents   64,659,113     44,690,337  
    Certificates of deposit in other banks   100,000     100,000  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   125,712,926     164,084,673  
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost less allowance for credit    
    losses of $60,009 and $35,627   20,498,502     20,163,622  
    Equity security, at fair value   517,550     507,130  
    Restricted stock, at cost   921,000     863,500  
    Mortgage loans held for sale   157,200     –  
    Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $4,260,189 and $4,285,247   582,993,314     523,308,044  
    Premises and equipment, net   7,348,800     6,583,452  
    Accrued interest receivable   2,439,108     2,180,734  
    Deferred income taxes, net   7,606,241     8,312,482  
    Other real estate owned, net   1,176,245     1,242,365  
    Bank owned life insurance   15,324,417     14,930,754  
    Goodwill and other intangibles, net   7,026,096     7,034,424  
    Other assets   8,162,575     5,939,309  
      $ 844,643,087   $ 799,940,826  
         
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
         
    Deposits    
    Noninterest-bearing $ 107,197,478   $ 115,284,706  
    Interest-bearing   651,609,250     565,678,145  
    Total deposits   758,806,728     680,962,851  
    Securities sold under repurchase agreements   5,564,103     6,760,493  
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances   5,000,000     5,000,000  
    Federal Reserve Bank advances   –     33,000,000  
    Long-term debt, net of issuance costs   11,329,115     13,212,378  
    Accrued interest payable   1,002,525     1,482,773  
    Other liabilities   6,668,826     7,344,040  
        788,371,297     747,762,535  
    Stockholders’ equity    
    Common stock, par value $.01 per share,    
    authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding    
    3,166,653 in 2024 and 3,116,966 shares in 2023   31,667     31,170  
    Additional paid-in capital   31,135,552     30,398,080  
    Retained earnings   41,612,654     39,433,185  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (16,508,083 )   (17,684,144 )
        56,271,790     52,178,291  
      $ 844,643,087   $ 799,940,826  
    * – Derived from audited consolidated financial statements    
         
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
         
      Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
      2024 2023 2024 2023
             
    Interest income        
    Loans, including fees $ 8,316,953   $ 6,707,414   $ 30,338,189   $ 25,730,722  
    Investment securities – taxable   1,468,905     1,770,413     6,263,400     4,299,206  
    Investment securities – tax exempt   143,501     137,770     559,130     554,396  
    Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets   341,822     269,093     1,202,744     738,814  
    Total interest income   10,271,181     8,884,690     38,363,463     31,323,138  
             
    Interest expense        
    Deposits   4,274,980     2,960,470     14,518,632     7,971,094  
    Securities sold under repurchase agreements   16,222     17,924     65,335     41,873  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings   13,433     33,614     122,663     485,886  
    Federal Reserve Bank advances   402,775     431,556     2,313,186     823,319  
    Long-term debt   120,154     140,000     507,562     584,953  
    Total interest expense   4,827,564     3,583,564     17,527,378     9,907,125  
    Net interest income   5,443,617     5,301,126     20,836,085     21,416,013  
             
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses   150,000     –     150,000     (570,000 )
             
    Net interest income after provision for (recovery of) credit losses   5,293,617     5,301,126     20,686,085     21,986,013  
             
    Noninterest income        
    Service charges on deposit accounts   189,094     205,942     810,273     792,941  
    Mortgage banking income   41,484     4,483     107,846     96,997  
    Bank owned life insurance income   106,050     83,817     393,664     345,412  
    Gain (loss) on sale of debt securities   18,708     5,445     (13,214 )   –  
    Fair value adjustment of equity security   (18,183 )   15,343     (4,346 )   5,445  
    Loss on disposition of furniture and equipment   –     –     (5,157 )   –  
    Gain on sale of SBA loans   –     19,392     –     19,392  
    Gain on insurance proceeds   –     4,406     142,794     4,406  
    Other fees and commissions   85,899     83,782     320,587     326,907  
    Total noninterest income   423,052     422,610     1,752,447     1,591,500  
             
    Noninterest expense        
    Salaries   2,006,144     1,901,031     7,854,322     7,544,773  
    Employee benefits   590,365     517,654     2,187,116     2,000,932  
    Occupancy   271,859     229,377     1,070,456     874,775  
    Furniture and equipment   395,264     243,579     1,292,767     983,126  
    Other real estate owned, net   75,996     (235,538 )   75,996     (235,538 )
    Other   1,283,177     1,296,793     4,449,099     3,973,858  
    Total noninterest expense   4,622,805     3,952,896     16,929,756     15,141,926  
             
    Income before income taxes   1,093,864     1,770,840     5,508,776     8,435,587  
    Income taxes   237,784     355,610     1,231,073     2,017,250  
    Net income $ 856,080   $ 1,415,230   $ 4,277,703   $ 6,418,337  
             
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.27   $ 0.46   $ 1.37   $ 2.08  
    Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.27   $ 0.46   $ 1.37   $ 2.08  
             
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data
           
      2024 2023 2022
           
    OPERATING DATA      
           
    Interest income $ 38,363,463   $ 31,323,138   $ 26,269,653  
    Interest expense   17,527,378     9,907,125     2,146,158  
    Net interest income   20,836,085     21,416,013     24,123,495  
    Provision for (recovery of) loan losses   150,000     (570,000 )   475,000  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   20,686,085     21,986,013     23,648,495  
    Noninterest income   1,752,447     1,591,500     2,293,938  
    Noninterest expense   16,929,756     15,141,926     15,367,280  
    Income before income taxes   5,508,776     8,435,587     10,575,153  
    Income taxes   1,231,073     2,017,250     2,485,026  
    Net income $ 4,277,703   $ 6,418,337   $ 8,090,127  
           
    PER SHARE DATA      
           
    Net income (Basic) $1.37   $2.08   $2.66  
    Dividends $0.67   $0.66   $0.63  
    Book value $17.77   $16.74   $15.56  
           
    KEY RATIOS      
           
    Return on average assets   0.53 %   0.86 %   1.13 %
    Return on average equity   7.83 %   13.08 %   16.03 %
    Efficiency ratio   74.95 %   65.81 %   58.17 %
    Dividend payout ratio   48.91 %   31.73 %   23.68 %
    Net yield on interest-earning assets   2.68 %   2.97 %   3.54 %
    Tier 1 capital leverage ratio   9.12 %   9.42 %   9.83 %
           
    AT PERIOD END      
           
    Total assets $ 844,643,087   $ 799,940,826   $ 718,210,672  
    Gross loans   587,978,965     528,166,501     521,679,143  
    Cash and cash equivalents   64,659,113     44,690,337     7,263,537  
    Securities   146,211,428     184,248,295     146,823,446  
    Deposits   758,806,728     680,962,851     623,611,124  
    Borrowings   10,564,103     57,972,871     40,270,945  
    Stockholders’ equity   56,271,790     52,178,291     47,774,963  
           
    SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES      
           
    Total assets $ 810,042,767   $ 745,478,612   $ 714,115,497  
    Gross loans   557,861,624     528,910,091     498,427,308  
    Cash and cash equivalents   27,564,076     18,497,261     20,015,477  
    Securities   177,742,677     182,159,701     174,776,879  
    Deposits   672,492,752     642,039,185     631,809,943  
    Borrowings   72,287,329     48,040,853     26,042,874  
    Stockholders’ equity   54,609,886     49,063,426     50,457,994  
           
    ASSET QUALITY      
           
    Nonperforming assets $ 1,580,098   $ 1,897,775   $ 1,897,775  
           
    Nonperforming assets/total assets   0.19 %   0.24 %   0.26 %
           
    Allowance for credit losses on loans/total loans   0.72 %   0.81 %   0.80 %
           
    Contact: Mr. Gary A. Harris
      President and Chief Executive Officer
      (410) 374-1510, ext. 1104
       

    The MIL Network –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Workers and communities are paying the price of the administration dismantling federal agencies

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after AFSCME members at the U.S. Department of Agriculture were placed on administrative leave to be furloughed:

    “Federal workers and America’s communities are starting to pay the price of Elon Musk and his cronies’ unlawful efforts to dismantle essential public services. AFSCME members within the Department of Agriculture were notified that they will be furloughed since the administration has illegally eliminated the USAID, which funds the work they do. Because of these extremist actions, not only will people abroad go hungry, but American farmers will be left high and dry with no one to buy their crops. This is only the beginning of billionaires’ campaign to gut public services so they can hand over trillions in tax cuts to their wealthiest friends. It is shameful, and we will consider all our options to stop these actions.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Sen. Joni Ernst in WSJ: USAID Is a Rogue Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) detailed in the Wall Street Journal how the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) acts against our nation’s best interests and stonewalled her oversight of where tax dollars are going and why. 
    As Senate DOGE Caucus chair and founder, Senator Ernst will continue to work with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to examine how taxpayers’ money is spent and put an end to any waste, fraud, and abuse.
    WSJ: Sen. Joni Ernst: USAID Is a Rogue Agency
    It dodges congressional questions about money that went to sex traffickers and the Wuhan virus lab.
    By: Senator Joni Ernst
    In moments of crisis, America can be counted on for leadership. Our nation’s compassionate giving has saved millions of lives around the world that were at risk from starvation or disease. All Americans should be able to take great pride in our generosity. And the government agencies coordinating aid efforts should be eager to share details about how they’re using taxpayers’ money to make the world a better place.
    Yet the U.S. Agency for International Development, entrusted with disbursing tens of billions of aid dollars to other nations annually, is a rogue bureaucracy. I’ve uncovered that the agency often acts at odds with our nation’s best interests and uses intimidation and shell games to hide where money is going, how it’s being spent and why.
    USAID repeatedly rebuffed my requests for a list of recipients of U.S. tax dollars sent to Ukraine, claiming that the information was classified. Despite the pushback, I persisted. Eventually, USAID permitted my staff to review documents under surveillance in a highly secure room at USAID headquarters, with note-taking prohibited.
    What warranted such secrecy? We learned that the aid that was supposed to alleviate economic distress in the war-torn nation was spent on such frivolous activities as sending Ukrainian models and designers on junkets to New York City, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.
    I faced the same stonewalling from USAID when I asked about tax dollars being diverted from project missions for largely unrelated costs, known as the negotiated indirect cost rate. The agency claimed that it wasn’t possible to track. My team debunked that by providing USAID staff with a link to a public database. The agency fired back, warning that divulging this information would violate federal laws, including the Economic Espionage Act.
    When I launched a formal investigation in cooperation with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, USAID relented. Turns out, the agency is allowing grantees to skim significant amounts of money, up to and even beyond half of the total, for themselves.
    We need guarantees that U.S. assistance is helping people in need, but a recent review by the agency’s own inspector general found USAID still “does not have proper documentation to support indirect costs charged” by grant recipients.
    I shouldn’t have to ask these questions. All federal spending is required to be publicly available on the website USAspending.gov, a searchable database created nearly two decades ago by a bipartisan law.
    USAID’s sketchy spending schemes were the impetus for this law aimed at making federal funding more transparent. Congressional investigators in 2005 caught the agency supporting an organization involved with the trafficking of teenage girls in Asia. USAID staff called the claims “destructive” and vehemently denied them. The evidence proved otherwise. A pass-through group, set up with the help of former agency employees, was found funneling U.S. tax dollars into abetting the sex trade operation.
    The agency has learned to exploit loopholes in the law, as my investigation into the origins of the pandemic exposed. The watchdog organization White Coat Waste Project was the first to release evidence that both USAID and Anthony Fauci’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases were financing bat studies involving coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Yet no grants to the Chinese lab appeared in USAspending.gov. Audits later uncovered that more than a million dollars from the U.S. government were paying for the dangerous research. The bulk of the money was provided by USAID, not Dr. Fauci.
    USAID evaded the obligation to report this transaction to USAspending.gov by using multiple pass-through organizations, including the nefarious EcoHealth Alliance, which is now barred from receiving U.S. government grants.
    What was our international development agency developing at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology? If the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation are correct that the Covid virus likely originated from a lab leak, USAID may have had a hand in a once-in-a-century pandemic that claimed the lives of millions.
    There’s no shortage of other questionable USAID projects. More than $9 million intended for civilian food and medical supplies in Syria ended up in the hands of violent terrorists. Another $2 million was spent promoting tourism to Lebanon, a nation the State Department warns against traveling to due to the risks of terrorism, kidnapping and unexploded land mines.
    USAID spent millions of dollars paying people to dig irrigation ditches in Afghanistan and encouraging farmers to grow food crops instead of poppies for opium. The result: Poppy cultivation nearly doubled.
    Many other groups supported by USAID are doing great work, such as caring for orphans and people living with HIV. Imagine how much more good work could be supported with the dollars that instead ended up enriching terrorists, sex traffickers, mad scientists and drug cartels.
    After keeping its spending records hidden from Congress and taxpayers, USAID employees are now protesting the review of the agency’s records by President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. It’s no surprise that Washington insiders are more upset at DOGE for trying to stop wasteful spending than at USAID for misusing tax dollars.
    The question we should be asking isn’t why USAID’s grants are being scrutinized, but why it took so long.
    Ms. Ernst, an Iowa Republican, is founder and chairwoman of the Senate DOGE Caucus.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ConnectM Publishes 2024 Impact Scorecard

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ~Ends 2024 With Triple Digit Growth Across All Electrification Metrics~

    MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNTM) (“ConnectM” or the “Company”), a technology company focused on the electrification economy, today published its impact scorecard for the fourth quarter of 2024. Following the end of each quarter, ConnectM publishes its quarterly scorecard to provide the Company’s key electrification indicators which we use as internal operating performance measures. ConnectM determines its quarterly impact score metrics by aggregating data and behavioral analytics sourced from our Energy Intelligence Network and integrated artificial intelligence technology.

    Electrification Impact Scorecard for year-end 2024 (compared to year-end 2023)

    • 95.5 GWh of Electrification, an increase of 331% over last year and equivalent to 35,000 homes powered per day¹
    • 73,506 Metric Tons of Co2 Displaced, an increase of 391% over last year and equivalent to the amount of CO2 3.4 million trees can absorb in a year²
    • 6.7 Million Gallons of Fossil Fuel Displaced, an increase of 343% over last year and equivalent to driving around the world roughly 7,000 times³

    Bhaskar Panigrahi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConnectM, commented, “ConnectM’s 2024 impact scorecard reaffirms our unwavering commitment to accelerating the electrification economy. Our triple-digit growth across key metrics reflects the power of AI-driven insights and data intelligence in scaling cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. As we expand our technology’s reach, we remain focused on delivering measurable, sustainable impact for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

    About ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc.
    ConnectM is a pioneer in the electrification economy, integrating energy assets with its AI-driven technology platform. Focused on delivering solutions that drive efficiency, affordability, and sustainability, ConnectM serves home, facility, and fleet across three major segments: Building Electrification, Distributed Energy, and Transportation and Logistics. The company’s vertically integrated approach combines technology, service/distribution networks, and strategic partnerships to accelerate the transition to an all-electric energy economy.

    For more information, please visit: www.connectm.com. Stockholders looking to receive Company updates directly to their inbox should sign up here.

    Contact:
    Investor Relations
    Dave Gentry, CEO
    RedChip Companies, Inc.
    1-407-644-4256
    CNTM@redchip.com

    ____________________
    ¹U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Assuming the average home uses about 30 kilowatt-hours per day.
    ²US Department of Agriculture
    ³Assumes 26 miles per gallon

    The MIL Network –

    February 11, 2025
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