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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: What MAGA means to Americans

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jesse Rhodes, Associate Professor of Political Science, UMass Amherst

    A Trump supporter holds up a MAGA sign during a rally in Green Bay, Wis., on April 2, 2024. AP Photo/Mike Roemer

    A decade ago, Donald Trump descended the golden escalator at Trump Tower in New York City and ignited a political movement that has reshaped American politics. In a memorable turn of phrase, Trump promised supporters of his 2016 presidential campaign that “we are going to make our country great again.”

    Since then, the Make America Great Again movement has dominated the U.S. political conversation, reshaped the Republican Party and become a lucrative brand adorning hats, T-shirts and bumper stickers.

    When asked what MAGA means to him, Trump, in a 2017 interview with The Washington Post said, “To me, it meant jobs. It meant industry, and meant military strength. It meant taking care of our veterans. It meant so much.”

    But Democratic leaders have a different interpretation of the slogan.

    Former President Bill Clinton in 2016 said of MAGA: “That message where ‘I’ll give you America great again’ is if you’re a white Southerner, you know exactly what it means, don’t you? What it means is ‘I’ll give you an economy you had 50 years ago, and I’ll move you back up on the social totem pole and other people down.”

    While MAGA is ubiquitous, little is known about what it means to the American public. Ten years on, what do Americans think when they hear or read this phrase?

    Based on the analysis of Americans’ explanations of what “Make America Great Again” means to them, we found evidence suggesting that the public’s views of MAGA mirror the perspectives offered by both Trump and Clinton.

    Republicans interpret this phrase as a call for the renewal of the U.S. economy and military might, as well as a return to “traditional” values, especially those relating to gender roles and gender identities. Democrats, we found, view MAGA as a call for a return to white supremacy and growing authoritarianism.

    Donald Trump rides an escalator to a press event to announce his candidacy for the U.S. presidency at Trump Tower on June 16, 2015, in New York City.
    Christopher Gregory/Getty Images

    What MAGA means

    We are political scientists who use public opinion polls to study the role of partisanship in American politics. To better understand American views about MAGA, in April 2025 we asked 1,000 respondents in a nationally representative online survey to briefly write what “Make America Great Again” meant to them.

    The survey question was open-ended, allowing respondents to define this phrase in any way they saw fit. We used AI-based thematic analysis and qualitative reading of the responses to better understand how Democrats and Republicans define the slogan.

    For our AI-based thematic analysis, we instructed ChatGPT to provide three overarching themes most touched upon by Democratic and Republican respondents. This approach follows recent research demonstrating that, when properly instructed, ChatGPT reliably identifies broad themes in collections of texts.

    Republican interpretation of MAGA

    Our analysis shows that Republicans view the slogan as representing the “American dream.” In part, MAGA is about restoring the nation’s pride and economic strength. Reflecting these themes, one Republican respondent wrote that MAGA means “encouraging manufacturers to hire Americans and strengthen the economy. Making the USA self-sufficient as it once was.”

    MAGA is also closely related among Republicans with an “America First” policy. This is partly about having a strong military – a common theme among Republican respondents – and “making America the superpower” again, one respondent wrote.

    Republicans also wrote that putting America first means emphasizing strict enforcement of immigration laws against “illegals” and cutting off foreign aid. For example, one Republican respondent said that MAGA meant “stopping illegals at the border, ending freebies for illegals, adding more police and building a strong military.”

    Finally, Republicans see the slogan as calling for a return to “traditional” values. They expressed a strong desire to reverse cultural shifts that Republican respondents perceive as a threat.

    As one Republican put it, MAGA “means going back to where men would join the military, women were home raising healthy minded children and it was easy to be successful, the crime rate was extremely low and it used to be safe for kids to hang out on the streets with other kids and even walk themselves places.”

    Another Republican made the connection between MAGA and traditional gender roles even more explicit, highlighting the link between MAGA and opposition to transgender rights: “MAGA people know there are only 2 sexes and a man can never be a woman. If you believe otherwise you are destroying AMERICA.”

    A banner showing a picture of President Donald Trump is displayed outside of the U.S. Department of Agriculture building on June 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
    Kevin Carter/Getty Images

    Democratic MAGA views

    Democrats have a very different understanding of the MAGA slogan. Many Democrats view MAGA as a white supremacist movement designed to protect the status of white people and undermine the civil rights of marginalized groups.

    One Democrat argued that “‘Make America Great Again’ is a standard borne by people who’ve seen a decrease in the potency of their privilege (see: cisgendered white men) and wish to see their privilege restored or strengthened. In essence, it’s a chant for all racist, fascist and otherwise bigoted actors to unite under.”

    Another Democrat wrote that MAGA was a call to “take us backwards as a society in regards to women’s, minority’s, and LGBTQ people’s rights … It would take us to a time when only White men ruled.”

    Democrats also view MAGA as a form of nostalgia for a heavily mythologized past. Many Democratic respondents described the past longed for by Republicans as a “myth” or “fairytale.” Others argued that this mythologized past, though appealing on the surface, was repressive for many Americans.

    One Democrat said that MAGA meant “returning America to a fantasy version of the past with the goal of advancing the success of white, straight, wealthy men by any means necessary and almost always to the detriment of other segments of the population.”

    A person holds a ‘Trump won’t erase us’ sign while walking in the WorldPride Parade on June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
    Kevin Carter/Getty Images

    Finally, many Democrats interpret the slogan as reflecting an authoritarian cult of personality. In this vein, a Democratic respondent said of MAGA, “It’s a call to arms for MAGA cult members, who believe that Trump and the Republicans party will somehow improve their lives by targeting people and policies they don’t like, even when it is against their best interests and any rational thought process.”

    While some Republicans expressed racist, xenophobic or anti-trans sentiments in their understanding of MAGA, some Democrats revealed outright condescension toward MAGA believers.

    “The MAGA’s are brainwashed, idiotic members of society who know nothing more than to follow the lead of an idiotic president who has the vocabulary of a 3rd grader,” one Democrat wrote. “It is nonsense idiots parrot,” another respondent said.

    In all, in the 10 years since Donald Trump burst onto the political scene, much has been written about the conflicting visions of past, present and future at the heart of America’s partisan divisions.

    With the Trump administration’s proclaimed commitment to return the U.S. to its “golden age” and a strong resistance to his efforts, only time will tell which vision of America will prevail.

    Jesse Rhodes has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and Demos. He is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union.

    Douglas Rice has received funding from the National Science Foundation.

    Adam Eichen, Gregory Wall, and Tatishe Nteta do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What MAGA means to Americans – https://theconversation.com/what-maga-means-to-americans-259241

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Salmonella cases are at ten-year high in England – here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rob Kingsley, Professor, Microbiology, Quadram Institute

    _Salmonella_ causes salmonellosis — an infection that typically results in vomiting and diarrhoea. Lightspring/ Shutterstock

    Salmonella cases in England are the highest they’ve been in a decade, according to recent UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data. There was a 17% increase in cases observed from 2023 to 2024 – culminating in 10,388 detected infections last year. Children and older adults accounted for around a fifth of cases.

    Although the number of infections caused by foodborne diseases such as Salmonella had broadly decreased over the last 25 years, this recent spike suggests a broader issue is at play. A concurrent increase in Campylobacter cases points to a possible common cause that would affect risk of both foodborne pathogens – such as changes in consumer behaviour or food supply chains.

    While the UK maintains a high standard of food safety, any increase in the incidence of pathogens such as Salmonella warrants serious attention.

    Salmonella is a species of bacteria that is one of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses globally. The bacteria causes salmonellosis – an infection that typically causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

    Most cases of salmonellosis don’t require medical intervention. But approximately one in 50 cases results in more serious blood infections. Fortunately, fatalities from Salmonella infections in the UK are extremely rare – occurring in approximately 0.2% of all reported infections.

    Salmonella infections are typically contracted from contaminated foods. But a key challenge in controlling Salmonella in the food supply chain lies in the diverse range of foods it can contaminate.

    Salmonella is zoonotic, meaning it’s present in animals, including livestock. This allows it to enter the food chain and subsequently cause human disease. This occurs despite substantial efforts within the livestock industry to prevent it from happening – including through regular testing and high welfare practices.

    Salmonella can be present on many retail food products – including raw meat, eggs, unpasteurised milk, vegetables and dried foods (such as nuts and spices). When present, it’s typically at very low contamination levels. This means it doesn’t pose a threat to you if the product is stored and cooked properly.

    Vegetables and leafy greens can also become contaminated with Salmonella through cross-contamination, which may occur from contaminated irrigation water on farms, during processing or during storage at home. As vegetables are often consumed raw, preventing cross-contamination is particularly critical.

    Spike in cases

    It’s premature to draw definitive conclusions regarding the causes of this recent increase in Salmonella cases. But the recent UKHSA report suggests the increase is probably due to many factors.

    Never prepare raw meat next to vegetables you intend to eat without cooking, as cross-contamination can lead to Salmonella.
    kathrinerajalingam/ Shutterstock

    One contributing factor is that diagnostic testing has increased. This means we’re better at detecting cases. This can be viewed as a positive, as robust surveillance is integral to maintaining a safe food supply.

    The UKHSA also suggests that changes in the food supply chain and the way people are cooking and storing their food due to the cost of living crisis could also be influential factors.

    To better understand why Salmonella cases have spiked, it will be important for researchers to conduct more detailed examinations of the specific Salmonella strains responsible for the infections. While Salmonella is commonly perceived as a singular bacterial pathogen, there are actually numerous strains (serotypes).

    DNA sequencing can tell us which of the hundreds of Salmonella serotypes are responsible for human infections. Two serotypes, Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, account for most infections in England.

    Although the UKHSA reported an increase in both serotypes in 2024, the data suggests that Salmonella enteritidis has played a more significant role in the observed increase. This particular serotype is predominantly associated with egg contamination.

    Salmonella enteritidis is now relatively rare in UK poultry flocks thanks to vaccination and surveillance programmes that were introduced in the 1980s and 1990s. So the important question here is where these additional S enteritidis infections are originating.

    Although the numbers may seem alarming, what the UKHSA has reported is actually a relatively moderate increase in Salmonella cases. There’s no reason for UK consumers to be alarmed. Still, this data underscores the importance of thoroughly investigating the underlying causes to prevent this short-term increase from evolving into a longer-term trend.

    Staying safe

    The most effective way of lowering your risk of Salmonella involves adherence to the “4 Cs” of food hygiene:

    1. Cleaning

    Thoroughly wash hands before and after handling any foods – especially raw meat. It’s also essential to keep workspaces, knives and utensils clean before, during and after preparing your meal.

    2. Cooking

    The bacteria that causes Salmonella infections can be inactivated when cooked at the right temperature. In general, foods should be cooked to an internal temperature above 65°C – which should be maintained for at least ten minutes. When re-heating food, it should reach 70°C or above for two minutes to kill any bacteria that have grown since it was first cooked.

    3. Chilling

    Raw foods – especially meat and dairy – should always be stored below 5°C as this inhibits Salmonella growth. Leftovers should be cooled quickly and also stored at 5°C or lower.

    4. Cross-contamination

    To prevent Salmonella passing from raw foods to those that are already prepared or can be eaten raw (such as vegetables and fruit), it’s important to wash hands and clean surfaces after handling raw meat, and to use different chopping boards for ready-to-eat foods and raw meat.

    Most Salmonella infections are mild and will go away in a few days on their own. But taking the right steps when storing and preparing your meals can significantly lower your risk of contracting it.

    Rob Kingsley receives funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

    – ref. Salmonella cases are at ten-year high in England – here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe – https://theconversation.com/salmonella-cases-are-at-ten-year-high-in-england-heres-what-you-can-do-to-keep-yourself-safe-260032

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: A surprisingly effective way to save the capercaillie: keep its predators well-fed – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chris Sutherland, Reader in Statistical Ecology, University of St Andrews

    A male capercaillie showing off its colours. Rolands Linejs/Shutterstock

    Conserving species can be a complicated affair. Take this dilemma.

    After being hunted to near extinction, numbers of a native predator are recovering and eating more of an endangered prey species, whose own numbers are declining as a result. Should conservationists accept that some successes mean losing other species, or reinstate lethal control of this predator in perpetuity?

    Or perhaps there is a third option that involves new means of managing species in the face of new conditions. This issue is playing out globally, as land managers grapple with predators such as wolves and lynx reclaiming their historic ranges.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    In the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Scotland there are fewer than 500 capercaillie remaining. This grouse is beset by multiple threats, not least shifts in spring weather caused by climate change that are driving its Europe-wide decline, relating to changes in when chicks are reared and available nutrition.

    Additionally, and in common with other ground-nesting birds, capercaillie lose eggs and chicks to carnivores. As such, the recovery of the pine marten (a relative of weasels and otters) from its own near extinction in Scotland is contributing to the decline of capercaillie.

    A capercaillie cock displaying for a hen.
    Jack Bamber

    Internationally, little has been achieved to slow the heating of Earth’s climate, and decades of dedicated conservation efforts have not arrested the decline of capercaillie. Extinction will follow unless new solutions are found.

    Killing pine martens, the capercaillie’s predators, might offer short-term relief, but it is socially and politically contested and scientific evidence on its effectiveness is meagre. Most importantly, it risks undermining the recovery of species conservationists have worked hard to restore. Instead, the challenge is to reduce the effects of predators, not their numbers, and encourage coexistence between species.

    We have tried one such method in Scotland – with incredibly positive results.

    A non-lethal alternative for controlling predators

    Our idea is simple: predators have to be efficient, so when given access to a free meal, they are less likely to hunt for harder-to-find prey like capercaillie nests.

    Taking the bait: a pine marten eating carrion.
    Jack Bamber

    Satiated predators are less likely to kill and eat prey that is of concern to conservationists. This is called diversionary feeding: giving predators something easy to eat at critical times, such as during the time when capercaillie build their ground nests and rear chicks between April and July.

    To test this idea we systematically dumped deer carrion across 600 square kilometres of the Cairngorms national park in north-eastern Scotland, during eight weeks in which capercaillie are laying and incubating eggs. This area is home to the last Scottish stronghold of capercaillie. We also made artificial nests across the same area that contained chicken eggs, to represent capercaillie eggs.

    Through this landscape-scale experiment, we showed that the predation rate of pine marten on artificial nests fell from 53% to 22% with diversionary feeding. This decrease from a 50% chance of a nest being eaten by a pine marten, to 20%, is a massive increase in nest survival.

    A capercaillie brood, with chicks and hen highlighted.
    Jack Bamber

    This was a strong indication that the method worked. But we were unsure whether the effect seen in artificial nests translated to real capercaillies, and the number of chicks surviving to independence.

    Counting chicks in forests with dense vegetation is difficult, and land managers are increasingly reluctant to use trained dogs. Our innovation was to count capercaillie chicks using camera traps (motion-activated cameras which can take videos and photos) at dust baths, which are clear patches of ground where chicks and hens gather to preen.

    We deployed camera traps across the landscape in areas with and without diversionary feeding and measured whether a female capercaillie had chicks or not, and how many she had. Chicks are fragile and many die early in life. The number of chicks in a brood declined at the same rate in the fed and unfed areas.

    However, in areas where predators received diversionary feeding, 85% of the hens we detected had chicks compared to just 37% where predators were unfed. That sizeable difference mirrored the improvement seen in artificial nest survival.

    Fewer nests being predated led to more hens with broods, such that by the end of the summer, we observed a staggering 130% increase in the number of chicks per hen in fed areas – 1.9 chicks per hen were seen compared to half that in unfed areas.

    So, does diversionary feeding provide a non-lethal alternative to managing conservation conflict and promoting coexistence? Our work suggests it does.

    A mature capercaillie brood.
    Jack Bamber

    Diversionary feeding is now a key element of the capercaillie emergency plan, which is the Scottish government’s main programme for recovering the species. Diversionary feeding will probably be adopted across all estates with capercaillie breeding records in the Cairngorms national park by 2026.

    This rapid implementation of scientific evidence is a direct result of working closely, from conception, with wildlife managers and policy makers. For capercaillie, diversionary feeding has real potential to make a difference, a glimmer of hope in their plight (some nicer weather in spring might help too).

    More broadly, for conservationists, land managers, gamekeepers, farmers, researchers and anyone else involved in managing wildlife, this work is testament to the fact that, with the right evidence and a willingness to adapt, we can move beyond the binaries of killing or not killing. Instead, finding smarter ways to promote the coexistence of native predators and native prey.

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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Jack Anthony Bamber received funding from the SUPER DTP.

    Xavier Lambin would like to credit the academic contribution of Kenny Kortland, environment policy advisor for Scottish Forestry.

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

    – ref. A surprisingly effective way to save the capercaillie: keep its predators well-fed – new research – https://theconversation.com/a-surprisingly-effective-way-to-save-the-capercaillie-keep-its-predators-well-fed-new-research-259925

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lysine 1 – P-001590/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Lysine is an amino acid which can be included as an active substance in feed additives. 26 lysine-based feed additives are currently authorised to be placed on the EU market, all of them in the category of ‘nutritional additives’, and the functional group of ‘amino acids, their salts and analogues’. The purpose of these additives is to satisfy the nutritional needs of animals, thereby contributing to keeping animals in good health.

    The Commission is aware of the concerns regarding a reliable supply of lysine to the EU market and its importance as an essential amino acid to complement the diets of farmed animals.

    Security of supply for such agricultural inputs is part of a wider reflection whereby, as clearly highlighted by the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food[1], the EU develops an assertive policy response in favour of our strategic autonomy and food sovereignty. Ensuring the survival of the sole remaining Union producer of lysine serves those objectives.

    In the EU interest analysis of the anti-dumping investigation you refer to, the Commission has provisionally concluded that the imposition of anti-dumping measures is unlikely to seriously affect the quantitative supply of lysine to EU users. The Commission has reasonable grounds to ascertain itself that no shortage of supply will occur in the future.

    The Commission has also provisionally concluded that it would result in an increase in the production cost of animal feed well below 1% and prices of animal livestock products will therefore hardly be affected by measures.

    Finally, the imposition of anti-dumping duties is likely to lower the production cost of lysine in the EU, as it is expected to result in increased sales and, thus, production volumes and less fixed costs per unit.

    • [1] COM(2025) 75 final.
    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statistics Canada publishes 2026 Census questions  

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 4, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario

    Statistics Canada is pleased to announce that the questions for the 2026 Census of Population and the 2026 Census of Agriculture have been published in the Canada Gazette and are now available to all Canadians on the Statistics Canada website.

    Every five years, Canadians and agricultural businesses are invited to participate in the census to help paint a portrait of Canada. The information they provide allows us to better understand Canada’s economy and society.

    Between each census cycle, Statistics Canada conducts comprehensive research, consultations and extensive testing to ensure the census fully captures the diversified profiles of Canadians and agriculture businesses.

    Statistics Canada is committed to keeping the questions relevant, accessible, and as easy to answer as possible for all respondents. This ensures that each census provides the high-quality data that Canadians rely on to make informed decisions. See the backgrounder for more details on how content for the 2026 Census questionnaires is determined.

    Collection for the 2026 Census will begin in May 2026, except for the most northern and remote areas of the country where collection will begin in February 2026.

    To learn more about the 2026 Census, visit theRoad to the 2026 Census.

    To learn more about the 2026 Census of Agriculture, visit Census of Agriculture.

    Quote:

    “Every five years, the Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture capture the most complete and accurate portrait of Canada, providing invaluable insights about our country. These are data that matter, and it all begins by asking the right questions. A lot of work and consultation go into the development of the census questionnaires. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this work by sharing their feedback and taking part in census tests. This will ensure the census continues to deliver the reliable data Canadians have come to expect.”

    André Loranger, Chief Statistician of Canada

    Contact:

    Statistics Canada
    Media Relations
    613-951-4636
    statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mauritius: South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) Member States strengthened regional cooperation for sustainable Tuna fisheries management

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Working Party on Collaboration and Cooperation in Tuna Fisheries (WPCCTF) from the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), met in Mauritius to continue its work on strengthening regional cooperation for the effective management of tuna fisheries and other highly migratory fish in the region.

    The 13th Session of the WPCCTF brought together during two days (17-18 June 2025) 11 from the 12 SWIOFC countries – Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania. Partner organizations, namely the World Bank, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nairobi Convention – UNEP, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the South West Indian Ocean Tuna Forum (SWIOTUNA) attended the meeting as SWIOFC Observers. Other Regional Fishery Bodies – the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)- actively participated in the discussion with members, specifically regarding SWIOFC compliance and reporting requirements.

    Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the WPCCTF as a platform for dialogue and collective action, underscoring the need for coastal states to manage tuna stocks responsibly within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and to collaborate regionally to rebuild overexploited stocks, particularly yellowfin tuna. Talla stressed the importance of strengthening national capacities to comply with Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) and to implement effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems.

    Mbuli Charles Boliko, FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, highlighted the significance of the Indian Ocean as the second-largest tuna-producing region globally, playing a vital role in supporting national economies and livelihoods. Boliko stressed that challenges such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate-induced migratory shifts, and external competition require a unified regional response grounded in science, cooperation, and shared commitment.

    The Working Party members acknowledged the progress made in the region, including the adoption and progressive implementation of the SWIOFC-led instrument, the MTC Guidelines, and the regional effort for jointly regulating and managing foreign fishing access for the best interest of the region. The MTC Guidelines (the Guidelines for Minimum Terms and Conditions for foreign fishing access) were officially adopted by all SWIOFC member countries in February 2019. WWF, a long-standing partner of the WPCCTF, presented recent work conducted on this subject, which was led by the Minimum Terms and Conditions Task Force (MTCTF) of the SWIOFC. This work received technical support from NFDS and focused on the joint and concerted actions required for the implementation of the priority provisions of the SWIOFC instrument, such as the provisions regulating licensing requirements, the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), transshipments and compensations and access fees.

    Other subject thoroughly discussed was the cooperation between SWIOFC, SADC and IOC on regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) initiatives. The new workplan for 2025–2026 was adopted, and the WP formulated joint recommendations for the upcoming plenary session of the SWIOFC, scheduled to take place in November 2025.

    The event was supported by the SWIOFish5 TRANSFORM project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by IOC with technical assistance from FAO. The project, ending in 2030, has the objective of strengthening regional, evidence-based fisheries management in the region.

    – on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on House Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    07.04.25

    Legislation Heads to President Trump to be Signed into Law

    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, legislation that delivers on promises to:

    • Provide permanent tax relief for American families and small businesses.
    • Secure the border. 
    • Rebuild our military.
    • Support farmers and ranchers by passing the heart and soul of the farm bill.
    • Unleash American energy dominance.

    At the same time, the legislation finds savings of $1.6 trillion through common sense reforms and reducing waste, fraud and abuse, ultimately reducing the deficit by $507 billion.

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill will make our nation more prosperous and more secure. We worked to pass this legislation to provide permanent tax relief for American families that will enable them to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. We invest in priorities like border security, national defense, unleashing American energy dominance and passing the heart and soul of the farm bill for our farmers and ranchers. At the same time, we find $1.6 trillion in savings to help with our debt and deficit. This bill delivers on the priorities that President Trump promised to get our nation back on track.”

    Tax Relief for Families and Small Businesses

    The legislation permanently extends current individual tax rates and bracket changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, providing $4 trillion in tax relief and will increase take-home pay by up to $10,900 in the first four years for the typical family, resulting from economic growth and tax relief.

    The bill provides new and expanded tax deductions and credits for individuals, families and seniors, including:

    • No taxes on tips or overtime for millions of American workers.
    • Increasing and making permanent the enhanced child tax credit at $2,200, with $1,700 of that amount being refundable, adjusted for inflation.
    • Permanent relief from the death tax by setting the exemption to $15 million or $30 million for those married filing jointly, adjusted for inflation.
    • Savings accounts for newborns to help build financial security.
    • A new $6,000 tax deduction for millions of low- and middle-income seniors. Combined with other deductions, this will result in the average beneficiary paying zero taxes on Social Security. 

    The legislation helps small businesses, including agricultural producers and manufacturers invest in their operations by:

    • Permanently extending the Section 199A pass-through deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers.
      • Permanently extending the Section 199A(g) deduction used by agricultural cooperatives.
    • Increasing the Section 179 expensing amount to $2.5 million and increasing the phaseout for qualified property at $4 million.
    • Establishing a 100 percent accelerated depreciation for new industrial and manufacturing facilities that begin construction between 2025-2028.
    • Making permanent the 30 percent interest expense allowance.
    • Permanently extending the 100 percent domestic research and development deduction.
    • Making permanent 100 percent bonus depreciation.

    Support for Farmers and Ranchers

    To support the nation’s farmers and ranchers, Hoeven worked to pass the heart and soul of the farm bill in the One Big Beautiful Bill.  The legislation improves the farm-safety net to meet today’s markets and input costs, essentially providing a seven year farm bill. Specifically, the bill:

    • Increases reference prices for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) by 10% to 20% (specific increase varies by commodity).
      • Built-in future reference price increases with an inflation adjuster and an improved price escalator to prevent reference prices from becoming outdated when market and input costs change.
      • New safety net begins right away – producers can receive the higher of the ARC or PLC payment for this crop year, 2025, with the new updated reference prices. North Dakota farmers will see tens of millions of dollars in relief in 2025 alone thanks to these updates.
    • Includes key provisions of Hoeven’s FARMER Act to strengthen and expand access to affordable crop insurance:
      • Increases premium support for individual-based coverage across nearly all levels – starting at 55% — by an additional 3-5%.
      • Enhances the Supplemental Coverage Option by raising the coverage level from 86% to 90%, and boosts premium support from 65% to 80%.
    • Extends the sugar program through 2031, while increasing the sugar loan rate to better align with current market conditions.
    • Improves livestock disaster programs
      • Sets Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payments at 100% of market value for losses from federally protected predators and 75% for weather and disease losses.
      • Improves the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) to provide one monthly payment to eligible producers with grazing land in counties rated D2 (severe drought) for at least four consecutive weeks and two payments if D2 persists during any seven of eight consecutive weeks within the normal grazing period.

    Unleashing U.S. Energy Dominance

    The One Big Beautiful Bill will help restore American energy dominance by rolling back burdensome Green New Deal policies and empowering domestic energy production, including:

    • Increasing the value of the 45Q tax credit for captured carbon used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and utilization to match that of sequestration.
    • Requiring the Interior Department to hold regular oil and gas lease sales across federal lands and waters.
    • Requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to act timely on coal lease applications.
    • Reducing the royalty rate for oil, gas and coal produced on federal land to their levels prior to the Biden administration’s tax-and-spend legislation.
    • Stopping the Biden-era natural gas tax.
    • Investing in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
    • Providing regulatory relief for energy producers and repeals Biden-era Green New Deal policies and programs.

    Bolstering the Military

    • $25 billion to support the Golden Dome initiative, with investments in hypersonic testing, ground-based radars, and space-based sensors that support North Dakota-based missions and capabilities.
    • $15 billion to enhance nuclear deterrence, including the nuclear missions based at Minot Air Force Base:
      •  $2.5 billion for the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program.
      • $500 million to sustain the existing Minuteman III ICBM.
      • $200 million for additional MH-1139 Grey Wolf helicopters.
    • Improves servicemembers’ quality of life through increased allowances and special pays, as well as improvements to housing, health care, childcare, and education.

    Securing the Border

    • Completes construction of the border wall, and upgrades barrier systems including access roads, cameras, lights, and sensors.
    • Improves border screening technology to help prevent drug trafficking and human smuggling.
    • Strong funding to hire and train more border security personnel.
    • Funds the Operation Stonegarden grant program to equip state and local law enforcements to cooperate with Border Patrol.
    • Invests in state and local capabilities to detect threats from unmanned aerial systems.

    Supporting Water Infrastructure

    • Provides $1 billion in funding for Bureau of Reclamation Water Conveyance Projects, including for eligible projects like the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project (ENDAWS).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS continues to follow up on imported turkey bacon with possible contamination of Listeria monocytogene

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 4) said that subsequent to yesterday’s announcement that kinds of prepackaged turkey bacon originated from the United States (US) might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a follow-up investigation showed that an importer had imported one of the affected products. The CFS urged the public not to consume the product. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

    Product details are as follows:

    Product name: Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original
    Place of origin: US
    Pack size (Universal Product Code/Lot number) and use-by dates: 
    (1) 12oz (071871548601/RS40), July 18 to August 2, 2025;
    (2) 36oz (071871548748/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 23 to September 4, 2025; and
    (3) 48oz (071871548793/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 18 to September 4, 2025

         “The CFS has been closely following up on the notice issued by United States Department of Agriculture indicating that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and is being recalled. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up on the incident, and learnt during the follow-up investigation that an importer (Etak International Limited) had imported one of the concerned products (pack size: 12oz; use-by date: July 26, 2025).”

    The importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected product, and has initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2526 2371 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.

         “Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns,” the spokesman said.

    “In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish.”

         The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Tour of Farmers to Organic Farming Extension

    Source: APO


    .

    About 60 exemplary farmers and heads of agricultural offices, along with experts from Segeneity sub-zone, conducted a tour to the organic farming extension in Akria, Central Region, on 2 July. The program was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture.

    The Public Relations Office of the Ministry stated that the objective of the program was to facilitate experience-sharing among exemplary farmers on integrated organic farming, as well as the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides.

    Participants expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Agriculture’s role in enhancing their capacity and experience. They also pledged to share the knowledge they gained with fellow farmers in their respective areas and called for the continuation of such programs.

    Mr. Michael Medhanie, Manager of Orgamic Farming, noted that the farmers gained valuable insights into organic farming methods and encouraged them to apply these practices and share their experiences with others.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tax credit expands meat processing facility

    The province’s inviting and tax-friendly business environment, and abundant agricultural resources, make it one of North America’s best places to do business. In addition, the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit helps attract investment that will further diversify Alberta’s agriculture industry.

    Beretta Farms is the most recent company to qualify for the tax credit by expanding its existing facility with the potential to significantly increase production capacity. It invested more than $10.9 million in the project that is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 29,583 to 44,688 head of cattle per year. Eleven new employees were hired after the expansion and the company plans to hire ten more. Through the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, Alberta’s government has issued Beretta Farms a tax credit of $1,228,735.

    “The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit is building on Alberta’s existing competitive advantages for agri-food companies and the primary producers that supply them. This facility expansion will allow Beretta Farms to increase production capacity, which means more Alberta beef across the country, and around the world.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    “This expansion by Beretta Farms is great news for Lacombe and central Alberta. It not only supports local job creation and economic growth but also strengthens Alberta’s global reputation for producing high-quality meat products. I’m proud to see our government supporting agricultural innovation and investment right here in our community.”

    Jennifer Johnson, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka

    The tax credit provides a 12 per cent non-refundable, non-transferable tax credit when businesses invest $10 million or more in a project to build or expand a value-added agri-processing facility in Alberta. The program is open to any food manufacturers and bio processors that add value to commodities like grains or meat or turn agricultural byproducts into new consumer or industrial goods.

    Beretta Farms’ facility in Lacombe is a federally registered, European Union-approved harvesting and meat processing facility specializing in the slaughter, processing, packaging and distribution of Canadian and United States cattle and bison meat products to 87 countries worldwide.

    “Our recent plant expansion project at our facility in Lacombe has allowed us to increase our processing capacities and add more job opportunities in the central Alberta area. With the support and recognition from the Government of Alberta’s tax credit program, we feel we are in a better position to continue our success and have the confidence to grow our meat brands into the future.”  

    Thomas Beretta, plant manager, Beretta Farms

    Alberta’s agri-processing sector is the second-largest manufacturing industry in the province and meat processing plays an important role in the sector, generating millions in annual economic impact and creating thousands of jobs. Alberta continues to be an attractive place for agricultural investment due to its agricultural resources, one of the lowest tax rates in North America, a business-friendly environment and a robust transportation network to connect with international markets.

    Quick facts

    • Since 2023, there are 16 applicants to the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit for projects worth about $1.6 billion total in new investment in Alberta’s agri-processing sector.
    • To date, 13 projects have received conditional approval under the program.
      • Each applicant must submit progress reports, then apply for a tax credit certificate when the project is complete.
    • Beretta Farms has expanded the Lacombe facility by 10,000 square feet to include new warehousing, cooler space and an office building.
      • This project has the potential to increase production capacity by 50 per cent, thereby facilitating entry into more European markets.

    Related information

    • Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit

    Related news

    • Tax credit fuels bioprocessing industry investment (Feb. 25, 2025)
    • Tax credit beefs up burger patty production (July 11, 2024)
    • Tax credit mooooves Alberta’s dairy industry forward (June 19, 2024)
    • Tax credit fuels investments in bioprocessing industry (April 22, 2024)
    • Tax credit sprouts more little potato products (Feb. 22, 2024)
    • New tax credit opens the door to big investments (April 24, 2023)
    • Capitalizing on value-added agriculture (Feb. 7, 2023)

    Multimedia

    • View the Minister’s video

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada and Ontario strengthening province’s agri-food industry

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Provincial and federal governments investing $4.4 million to support small agri-food businesses, expand export opportunities and increase food safety.

    July 4, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $4.4 million under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to help small businesses in the agri-food industry grow their businesses and enhance their food safety and traceability systems. This funding will support 90 projects across the province through Ontario’s Food Safety and Growth Initiative, which helps protect workers and businesses by ensuring the industry can continue to thrive, respond to market and consumer demands and keep workers on the job.

    Under the initiative, eligible food processors, producers and service providers can receive up to $75,000 per project to improve food safety systems, adopt new food safety and traceability equipment, technologies and standards and provide related training to employees.

    Examples of projects include:

    • Vision Greens Inc., in Welland, is receiving up to $75,000 to purchase and install water filtration systems that will treat the water reaching their plants and increase food safety.
    • Shefa Meats, in Toronto, is receiving up to $74,684 to hire third-party consultants to improve their traceability program, install a barcoding system to increase traceability of products and expand their customer base.
    • West Grey Premium Beef Inc., in Durham, is receiving up to $75,000 to purchase and install new clipping and packaging equipment and third-party services to update food safety programs to increase traceability and food safety of product and meet customer demands.

    Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Energy Secretary approves largest Irish Sea offshore wind farm

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Energy Secretary approves largest Irish Sea offshore wind farm

    Mona offshore wind farm given the green light by the Energy Secretary.

    • Mona offshore wind farm has the potential to power the equivalent of more than 1 million homes with clean, secure, homegrown power
    • developer estimates project will support thousands of jobs over the life of the project – delivering on Plan for Change
    • approval another step forward for energy security and making Britain a clean energy superpower

    More clean, homegrown, secure energy will be delivered for the British people as the Energy Secretary today (Friday 4 July) gives the green light to the largest offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea. 

    It is estimated the Mona Offshore Wind Farm could generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1 million British homes, providing a major boost for the national mission to become a clean energy superpower. 

    Situated in the Irish Sea, the project will power growth across the country by building supply chain opportunities, with the developer launching a portal where local companies can offer their skills to deliver the project, boosting local communities in Wales and across the UK. 

    The developer estimates it will support thousands of jobs, contributing to the up to 100,000 jobs supported by the offshore wind sector in Great Britain by 2030.  

    Jobs are expected to include engineers and maintenance operations during the construction phase, driving industrial renewal in proud manufacturing communities as part of the Plan for Change.  

    One year since taking office the government has made progress on delivering for the British people as part of the Prime Minister’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. This year’s actions lay the foundations for clean power by 2030 – all part of the mission to get energy bills down for good. 

    In its first year this government has consented new clean energy projects that can generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of almost 2 million homes. Mona will add to this by powering the equivalent of more than a million homes.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    This government was elected to take back control of our energy- and in our first year we have shown that the clean power revolution is here to stay. 

    Whether it’s offshore wind, solar or nuclear, we are backing the builders not the blockers so we deliver the clean homegrown power this country needs to protect family finances through our Plan for Change.

    Notes to editors

    You can find the decision letter here: Mona Offshore Wind Farm: development consent order, Planning Act 2008.

    Mona homes powered estimate: Our homes powered estimate reflects the equivalent number of homes that could be powered based on an estimate of the annual generation from the Mona offshore wind farm, assuming generating capacity equivalent to its maximum grid connection (1.5 GW). The estimate is calculated using household consumption estimates sourced from the published Subnational Electricity and Gas Consumption Report and the 2024 average offshore wind specific load factors published in the department’s Energy Trends statistical publication (table 6.1). The actual generation will vary based on site specific factors.  

    Consented homes powered estimate: Our homes powered estimate reflects the equivalent number of homes that could be powered from the roughly 4 GW offshore wind and solar capacity consented by this government before this decision. It is based on a combination of published load factors (solar PV – 2023 Electricity Generation Costs Report) and developer estimates (offshore wind – Rampion 2), combined with the above household consumption data.  

    Jobs supported by Mona: The developer (bp and EnBW) estimates the project will support thousands of jobs and represent a significant economic opportunity for the UK. More information on their estimates is published here: Supporting the local, regional and national economy. 

    Up to 100,000 jobs supported by offshore wind in Great Britain by 2030: This includes direct and indirect jobs. Information on the methodology underpinning this estimate can be found here: Job estimates for wind generation by 2030: methodology note.

    Jobs supported and homes powered by Leasing Round 5 projects: These estimates are sourced from The Crown Estate – more information on their methodology can be found here: New frontier for UK offshore wind with leading developers set to deliver new generation of floating windfarms.

    Actual generation will vary somewhat based on site-specific factors. It is not possible to continuously power a home through intermittent renewables – this capacity will work alongside the rest of the electricity system to power homes and businesses.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald to attend the Calgary Stampede

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 4, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will travel to Alberta next week to attend the Calgary Stampede and meet with key stakeholders from the agriculture and agri-food industry. Alberta is crucial to Canada’s agricultural sector, accounting for more than a quarter of farm revenues – the highest in the country.

    Minister MacDonald will visit ranches, farms and agri-businesses and speak with producers and industry leaders, including those in agri-food and food processing. Discussions will focus on ways to ensure the sector stays strong and resilient, with key topics including increasing access to global markets, strengthening competitiveness through innovation and reducing regulatory burden, and putting more money in the pockets of producers.

    Quote

    “Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and food processors are the backbone of Canada’s economy, and the Calgary Stampede is a proud celebration of that heritage. I’m eager to get out in the field to hear from the folks who drive the sector forward, and work alongside them to ensure it continues to thrive.”

    – The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle and Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep – SPC change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle and Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep – SPC change

    Change to the information provided on adverse events in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

    Following monitoring of pharmacovigilance data, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) for Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle and Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep have been updated.

    Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle: Section 4.6 now states that on very rare occasions, hypersensitivity reactions and/or neurological disorders (such as collapse, convulsion, paralysis, and blindness) may occur.  Severe reactions may be fatal.

    Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep: Section 4.6 now states that on very rare occasions, neurological disorders such as collapse, convulsion, and paralysis may occur.  Severe reactions may be fatal.

    Any veterinary medicinal product which is authorised for marketing in the United Kingdom will have its Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) available on our Product Information Database.

    No medicine is 100% risk free, the SPC includes information on what adverse events have been known to occur following administration of a particular product, these can be found in either section Adverse events (3.6) or Adverse reactions (4.6).

    All updates to SPCs other than template changes, are published in the medicine updates section of VMD Connect

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mona Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mona Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced

    The Mona Offshore Wind Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Mona Offshore Wind Farm

    The application will consist of the development of an offshore wind farm with an approximate capacity of 1500MW in the Irish Sea awarded as part of the Round 4 Offshore Wind Licensing Arrangements 

    The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Mona Offshore Wind Limited on 22 February 2024 and accepted for examination on 21 March 2024.  

    Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 16 April 2025.   

    This is the 95th energy application out of 159 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.   

    Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month examination.   

    The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.  

    The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.  

    Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:   

    Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • World food prices tick higher in June, led by meat and vegetable oils

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Global food commodity prices edged higher in June, supported by higher meat, vegetable oil and dairy prices, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization said on Friday.

    The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in a basket of internationally traded food commodities, averaged 128.0 points in June, up 0.5% from May. The index stood 5.8% higher than a year ago, but remained 20.1% below its record high in March 2022.

    The cereal price index fell 1.5% to 107.4 points, now 6.8% below a year ago, as global maize prices dropped sharply for a second month. Larger harvests and more export competition from Argentina and Brazil weighed on maize, while barley and sorghum also declined.

    Wheat prices, however, rose due to weather concerns in Russia, the European Union, and the United States.

    The vegetable oil price index rose 2.3% from May to 155.7 points, now 18.2% above its June 2024 level, led by higher palm, rapeseed, and soy oil prices.

    Palm oil climbed nearly 5% from May on strong import demand, while soy oil was supported by expectations of higher demand from the biofuel sector following announcements of supportive policy measures in Brazil and the United States.

    Sugar prices dropped 5.2% from May to 103.7 points, the lowest since April 2021, reflecting improved supply prospects in Brazil, India, and Thailand.

    Meat prices rose to a record 126.0 points, now 6.7% above June 2024, with all categories rising except poultry. Bovine meat set a new peak, reflecting tighter supplies from Brazil and strong demand from the United States. Poultry prices continued to fall due to abundant Brazilian supplies.

    The dairy price index edged up 0.5% from May to 154.4 points, marking a 20.7% annual increase.

    In a separate report, the FAO forecast global cereal production in 2025 at a record 2.925 billion tonnes, 0.5% above its previous projection and 2.3% above the previous year.

    The outlook could be affected by expected hot, dry conditions in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly for maize with plantings almost complete.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Foot and mouth disease contained in Eastern Cape, Limpopo

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has decided to lift the disease management areas (DMA) in Eastern Cape and Limpopo after intensified efforts by veterinary services were successful in containing the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the two provinces. 

    In the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities in Eastern Cape, a DMA has been in place since 26 July 2024 to support the control of the FMD outbreaks. Vaccination was implemented as a control measure and 144 424 vaccinations were done. 

    The last cases were reported in September 2024. 

    “Extensive serological surveillance was done in the DMA to confirm that there are no undetected pockets of the disease. The Minister can now confirm the lifting of the movement restrictions in the Eastern Cape DMA,” said the department.

    In Limpopo, the DMA has been in place since September 2022 to control an FMD outbreak in diptanks in the Vhembe Municipality. Cattle at 34 diptanks were vaccinated in two rounds of vaccination, with a total of 23, 024 vaccinations done. 

    Following extensive serological surveillance conducted at the end of 2024, the department is satisfied that there is no evidence of FMD virus in the DMA. 

    “All restrictions on the DMA can, therefore, be lifted. The lifting of the DMA restrictions comes into effect today as it is published in the Government Gazette,” said the department.

    Minister Steenhuisen again emphasised that biosecurity is everybody’s responsibility. 

    “Biosecurity is not just a farming concern, but a shared responsibility of every individual in South Africa. We call on all citizens, especially those interacting with livestock or moving between rural areas, to consistently adhere to all biosecurity measures. 

    “Only through our collective efforts can we safeguard our agricultural sector, make sure livelihoods are protected and ensure we keep our areas FMD-free,” he said.

    Eastern Cape 

    A total of 76 farms in the Eastern Cape province, which were infected and/or vaccinated, remain under quarantine. Movement restrictions will remain in place on these farms until testing has confirmed the absence of viral circulation. 

    Testing will commence 12 months after the farms have been vaccinated. 

    The department said it has decided to allow milk from quarantined farms to be released into the local market following single pasteurisation, instead of double pasteurisation, which was required when the disease was still active in the area. 

    KwaZulu-Natal 

    The DMA in KwaZulu-Natal will remain in place as there are still signs of active virus circulation in the area. 

    Some outbreaks were detected outside of the DMA. 

    “An abattoir in the Vryheid area in the DMA was designated to slaughter animals from premises under FMD restrictions. A system has been put in place to assess the level of biosecurity on individual farms, with the intention of aligning the control measures to the biosecurity risks,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 7 July – 10 July: Plenary week

    Source: European Parliament

    In the week of 7 July, Members’ work is centred on Parliament’s plenary sitting, and Committees meet only in exceptional cases. During this week, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will vote on the own-initiative report on the future of agriculture and the post-2027 CAP. The report calls for a more competitive and resilient model, a competitive and sustainable agriculture, and for support for farmers facing rising production costs. Follow the link below to discover this week’s highlights.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies – A10-0134/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Members present for the final vote

    Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Pascal Arimont, Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Andreas Glück, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Katri Kulmuni, Peter Liese, César Luena, Catarina Martins, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Oliver Schenk, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Flavio Tosi, Dimitris Tsiodras, Ana Vasconcelos, Aurelijus Veryga, Kristian Vigenin, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Li Andersson, Daniel Buda, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Geadis Geadi, Nicolás González Casares, Nora Junco García, Billy Kelleher, Seán Kelly, Norbert Lins, Victor Negrescu, Valentina Palmisano, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Elena Sancho Murillo, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Laurence Trochu, Roberto Vannacci, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Barry Cowen, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Evin Incir, Liudas Mažylis, Aleksandar Nikolic, Volker Schnurrbusch, Petra Steger, Matej Tonin, Ivaylo Valchev, Lucia Yar

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies – A10-0134/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Members present for the final vote

    Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Pascal Arimont, Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Andreas Glück, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Katri Kulmuni, Peter Liese, César Luena, Catarina Martins, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Oliver Schenk, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Flavio Tosi, Dimitris Tsiodras, Ana Vasconcelos, Aurelijus Veryga, Kristian Vigenin, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Li Andersson, Daniel Buda, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Geadis Geadi, Nicolás González Casares, Nora Junco García, Billy Kelleher, Seán Kelly, Norbert Lins, Victor Negrescu, Valentina Palmisano, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Elena Sancho Murillo, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Laurence Trochu, Roberto Vannacci, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Barry Cowen, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Evin Incir, Liudas Mažylis, Aleksandar Nikolic, Volker Schnurrbusch, Petra Steger, Matej Tonin, Ivaylo Valchev, Lucia Yar

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Trump says he is willing to let migrant laborers stay on US farms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he is willing to let migrant laborers stay in the United States if the farmers they work for will vouch for them.

    At a campaign-style speech at the Iowa state fairgrounds, Trump said he is working with the Homeland Security Department to help farmers who depend on migrant laborers for their seasonal needs. He said he will also work with the hotel industry on the issue.

    Trump has been pursuing a hard-line policy on migration and his U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been leading an effort to deport people who crossed into the United States illegally.

    This has led to some complaints from farmers that their crops are at risk due to a depleted work force.

    “If a farmer is willing to vouch for these people in some way, Kristi, I think we’re going to have to just say that’s going to be good, right?”

    “We don’t want to do it where we take all of the workers off the farms,” he added, speaking in a Midwestern state where farming is a dominant industry.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ngāi Tukairangi staff advance Kiwifruit careers through EIT study

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    11 hours ago

    Three staff members from Ngāi Tukairangi Trust are enhancing their careers in the kiwifruit industry by combining hands-on experience with academic study at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT).

    Kevin Kooijman, Maria Edmonds and Janiva Singh (Ngāti Kahungunu) have each completed Level 3 of the Horticulture Apprenticeship Programme and are now working towards Level 4. Based at Ngāi Tukairangi’s Hawke’s Bay kiwifruit orchard, they say their study through

    Maria Edmonds (left), Janiva Singh and Kevin Kooijman are progressing through EIT’s Horticulture Apprenticeship Programme while working at Ngāi Tukairangi’s Hawke’s Bay orchard.

    EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus has given them the knowledge and confidence to grow in the industry.

    Maria joined Ngāi Tukairangi five years ago after almost a decade in the hospitality industry.

    “Horticulture gave me the mum-friendly hours hospitality couldn’t, and I also noticed there weren’t many women in management roles, especially outside of HR. I wanted to change that,” she said.

    Now a Vine Manager overseeing 60 hectares of kiwifruit, Maria praised EIT for adapting its pipfruit-based content to suit their needs.

    “They’ve let us do things from a kiwifruit perspective and even set up kiwifruit bays using plants we provided.”

    With more than a decade of experience in orcharding, Vine Supervisor Kevin was initially hesitant to return to study. But Kevin is now an advocate for upskilling, having discovered how much there still is to learn.

    “I used to think you had to be on the orchard to really learn. But I was surprised by how much I picked up through the course, especially the soil science. Learning the technical terms has made it easier to explain things to my team.”

    He plans to enrol in Level 5 next year and says classroom-based learning has worked well for him.

    “I’d recommend it to anyone, even if you’ve been in the industry 15 years. You don’t know everything. There’s always more to learn.”

    At 24, Janiva is the newest to horticulture of the three. She works as an orchardist at Ngāi Tukairangi and began studying at EIT soon after joining the team.

    “I had no experience with kiwifruit or horticulture. But the study answered a lot of the questions I had out in the field. It made everything click,” she said.

    She said the combination of practical and theoretical learning helped accelerate her understanding and allowed her to step into more responsibility.

    “I want to learn the orchard from the ground up, understand every role, and then work my way into management. That’s the goal.”

    The move into horticulture has also deepened her sense of cultural connection.

    “As a wahine Māori, I believe we have a role to protect our whenua and act as kaitiaki. Working in this industry has helped me live that value.

    It’s been both challenging and rewarding,” she said.

    All three credit their study at EIT and the support of their employer for helping them build skills and grow in confidence.

    “Before I started studying, there didn’t seem to be a lot of room for growth,” Maria said. “Now I know exactly what I need to do, and I’ve been able to take on more and more.”

    Their stories highlight the value of accessible training and supportive workplaces in developing talent across the horticulture sector.

    Ngāi Tukairangi Area Manager Liam Sykes said the EIT programme has been a valuable development pathway for their staff.

    An EIT graduate himself, Sykes said it helped spark his own passion for horticulture and is something he now encourages all staff to take up.

    “We’ve been avid users of the programme since entering the horticulture space in 2017. It gives a broad understanding of the industry, really good tools, and that extra bit of science to understand how we grow fruit,” he said.

    “It also gets their brains firing. It makes them question what we do on orchard, pose questions to our managers, and creates really good discussion points.”

    Liam said there is also a strong sense of achievement among staff, pointing to Kevin as a standout example.

    “Kevin got 100 per cent in one of his classes. He’s super proud of it, and we regularly use it as an example of our guys excelling.”

    Clare Buckner, Program Co-ordinator of the Fruit Production qualifications, says: “EIT is proud to partner with horticultural businesses like

    Ngāi Tukairangi, and we endeavour to have flexibility in our programs to meet industry needs”.

    “It is rewarding to see these efforts being appreciated. We have strong, individual relationships with all our ākonga and their managers, and feel genuinely supported and valued by this essential Hawkes Bay industry.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – Uber drivers to rally at Supreme Court as appeal heard – Workers First Union

    Source: Workers First Union

    WHAT: Workers First Union Uber drivers will be rallying outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning as Uber’s appeal begins in Wellington over a 2022 Employment Court case that found four drivers had been misclassified as contractors rather than employees of the company.
    WHEN: Tuesday 8 July, 09:00-09:30
    WHERE: Outside the Supreme Court, 85 Lambton Quay, between Ballance & Whitmore Street, Wellington 6011
    WHY:
    Dennis Maga, Workers First Union General Secretary, said that the Uber case, which had first been won by drivers in 2022, was the most significant employment case in recent New Zealand history and would have major ramifications for contractors and the ‘gig economy’.
    “The Employment Court and the Court of Appeal have already ruled that Uber drivers should be entitled to real employment protections like a minimum wage, sick leave, and the right to bargain collectively with Uber over wages and conditions as they already have to do in many overseas jurisdictions,” said Mr Maga.
    “Uber’s entire strategy is to misclassify themselves as a ‘tech company’ rather than a transport provider, to misclassify drivers as independent contractors, and to mislead politicians with bad faith arguments about “flexibility” to limit their responsibility to our country and economy.”
    “Uber drivers deserve real employment protections, and we sincerely hope that the Supreme Court will scrutinise the company’s arguments carefully and reaffirm the standard set in the Employment Court’s original verdict.”
    Mr Maga said hundreds of Uber drivers have joined Workers First since the Employment Court’s 2022 verdict and the union has lodged backpay claims for underpaid wages and leave on their behalf.
    Background information
    • A new report released this week by the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR) and commissioned by Workers First Union, argues that Uber appears to be shifting hundreds of millions in misclassified profits out of New Zealand, costing the country millions in tax revenue.
    • For a timeline of the judicial process following the original Employment Court verdict on the case of the four Uber drivers, please see the union’s past media release on the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of Uber’s appeal.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A program for Sergei Yesenin’s birthday has been prepared at the Moskino cinema park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On July 5 and 6, the Moskino Cinema Park will host performances, concerts, lectures and master classes by filmmakers dedicated to the 130th anniversary of Sergei Yesenin’s birth. Guests are invited to recall the poet’s works and learn more about the Silver Age.

    Lectures and performances

    On Saturday and Sunday at 14:00, the educational center will host lectures on the work of Sergei Yesenin and the era in which he lived. Eduard Zakharov, a candidate of philological sciences and a teacher at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), will speak at the lectures. He will talk about the fate of Sergei Yesenin in the context of the revolution and cultural crisis, about his rare poetic style and ditty motifs in his poems. The lecture program may be subject to change.

    On Saturday, the Gonzaga Theatre will show the play Isadora at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The audience will see a story about love, poetry, passion and dance, based on the difficult relationship between Sergei Yesenin and the legendary dancer Isadora Duncan. They were completely different: they were separated by language, culture and views on life. But their meeting became the beginning of a stormy and passionate story, full of contradictions and emotions, which will forever remain part of the poet’s biography. On July 5 at 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM, and on July 6 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, the actors of the Theatre on the Hills will present a lyrical play about the life, work and fate of the great poet.

    On Sunday at 12:00 and 16:30 the musical group “Zavtra” will perform on the stage of the “Gonzaga Theater”. The artists will perform songs based on the poems of Sergei Yesenin in a modern arrangement.

    Attendance at the events is included in the price of a ticket to the cinema park. You can buy it atlink or at the information center by QR code. Cash payment is not accepted.

    Movie Weekend at Moskino

    In addition, the cinema park will also host a traditional film weekend program. Experienced filmmakers will speak at the educational center. On July 5 at 15:00, the director of the Young Muscovites Theater Andrey Zadubrovsky will give a lecture. He will talk about the interaction of actors on the set and their transformation into characters, and will also share his professional experience.

    Irina Glebova, Dean of the Production Department of the Institute of Cinema and Television (GITR), will give a lecture on July 6 at 15:00 on the selection of actors for the roles of historical characters, the work of artists with archival materials and immersion in the era, as well as the creation of a believable atmosphere through a stage image.

    Producer Petr Petska will hold a master class at 16:00, where he will share the secrets of creating a believable historical environment, discuss with the participants the cost of building decorations and coordinating the use of literary and artistic works with heirs and museums. The lecture program may be subject to change.

    Master classes on creating professional acting makeup and hairstyling by Svetlana Shevtsova and Irina Konovalova will be held on July 5 and 6 at 12:30 and 16:30. Attendance at the events is included in the price of a ticket to the cinema park. You can purchase it atlink or by QR code at the information center.

    The Gonzaga Theatre will host concerts by virtuoso musical experimenters Limoncello Band. Spectators will hear original rock compositions performed on two cellos in a modern arrangement. The concerts will take place on July 6 at 13:00 and 15:30.

    Children are invited to four animation games that will take place on the site near the natural chromakey. In “Collect a Poem” children will receive cards with lines from poetry and will have to arrange them in the correct order, in “Duel of Poets” children will be able to show their strength and resourcefulness, tug-of-war and invent rhymes, in “Rhymeball” they will compose a poem from four phrases, and in the game “In Pursuit of the Muse” they will go through an obstacle course for speed.

    Four master classes will be held for children and teenagers on the central square. During the “Pens for a Poet” class, participants will be able to create a writing quill from a pen and cardboard. During the “Wandering Through Blue Villages” plein air, guests will paint rural landscapes with acrylic paints. During the calligraphy master class, children will write their names with a real pen, dipping it in ink, and will also be able to stylize a bookmark using acrylic markers.

    Attendance at the events is included in the price of a ticket to the cinema park. You can buy it atlink or by QR code at the information center.

    The Moskino cinema park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s “Moscow – City of Cinema” project and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed by the capital Department of CultureThe first stage of development has already been completed here: 24 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built, including the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow in the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Yurovo Airport”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “Deaf 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 chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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/156238073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • PM Modi announces OCI Cards for 6th-generation Indians in Trinidad & Tobago

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Highlighting that the sixth generations of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago are set to receive their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the former are not just connected by blood or surnames as India wholeheartedly welcomed them.

    “Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you,” Prime Minister Modi said, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.

    He also mentioned that PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestors were from Bihar’s Buxar region. “People consider her the daughter of Bihar… Bihar’s heritage is the pride of India and the world… Bihar has shown the way to the world in various fields for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century also,” he added.

    The Prime Minister also welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy and have deep faith and devotion towards Lord Ram. Speaking to the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said, “We remember you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.”

    “I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. I have also bought a replica of Ram Mandir and some holy water from River Sarayu,” he added. 

    PM Modi also said: “The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says, राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि। लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।। It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.”

    “Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water, finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself,” PM Modi said.

    “You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

    The Prime Minister also added: “I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence. They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contributions have benefitted this country — culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.” “Our bond goes beyond geography and generations,” PM Modi noted.

    The Prime Minister also said: “Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji — as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji – as the female President. Late Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, music icon Sundar Popo, cricketing talent Darren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on.”

    “You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the “doubles” and “dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!” PM Modi said in his address to the Indian community here.

    “When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger.”

    “Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.”

    “I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation – keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations,” PM Modi said. (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s summer grain procurement surpasses 50M tonnes

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

    This aerial photo taken on July 15, 2023 shows a farmer harvesting wheat in Hutubi County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s summer grain procurement has entered its peak season, with cumulative purchases exceeding 50 million tonnes nationwide, which is a relatively high level for recent years, the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration said on Thursday.

    Procurement operations are progressing in an orderly manner across all regions, and the market is maintaining stable operations. Premium wheat varieties are selling well at higher prices than standard wheat, reflecting demand for high-quality products, the administration said.

    China has continued to implement its minimum-purchase-price policy in major wheat-producing regions this year. So far, the provinces of Henan, Anhui and Hebei have activated their implementation plans for the policy, procuring approximately 1.8 million tonnes of wheat under the scheme.

    As China enters its primary flood season, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has initiated a 100-day campaign to boost yields, mitigate disasters and secure autumn grain production, which is pivotal to China’s food security.

    To secure the autumn harvest and achieve China’s grain production goal of approximately 700 million tonnes this year, the ministry will deploy teams to guide field management for robust seedlings, disaster prevention and pest control.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wicker Details the Provisions of the Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., detailed the provisions of the reconciliation bill which President Trump will soon sign into law.
    “The reconciliation bill is an investment in the future of the United States. Through this legislation, the Senate secured a down payment on a generational upgrade for our nation’s defense capabilities. Many of the key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will be cemented and expanded. This will stimulate the economy and benefit job creators across the country. Additionally, this legislation will help secure the southern border and unleash American energy production. This legislation delivers on the promises Republicans made to the American people in November.”
    Click here for the full legislative text.
    Below is a list of provisions in the reconciliation bill that benefit Mississippians:
    Key tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are made permanent with an adjustment for inflation.
    This reconciliation bill delivers the largest tax cut for the middle class in American history.
    The Child Tax Credit is doubled from $1,000 to $2,000, and the legislation increases tax credits available for childcare expenses.
    The adoption tax credit is now partially refundable, making it more affordable for families to manage costs related to adoption.
    A 20 percent small business deduction is maintained, ensuring small businesses can continue to invest in themselves and their employees.
    A 53 percent long-run wage increase for Mississippians. This legislation ensures Mississippians will take home more dollars and have improved economic security.
    Research and development expenditures will be fully expensed for small business owners. This provision encourages innovation, boosts productivity, and improves competitiveness for businesses across Mississippi.
    The creation of permanent opportunity zones. Making opportunity zones permanent provides certainty for the individuals and companies that utilize the credit and invest in underserved communities.
    Up to a $25,000 deduction for qualified cash tips received in occupations that customarily receive tips, available to both employees and independent contractors.
    The 1099-K reporting threshold increased to $20,000 and 200 transactions. This will reduce burdensome red tape and unnecessary regulations imposed by Democrats in 2021, improving economic activity and job creation across Mississippi.
    The New Market Tax Credit is made permanent, driving investment in rural and underutilized areas across Mississippi.
    Work requirements will now be required for Medicaid coverage, ensuring these benefits are available to those who are truly in need of care. This provision will also eliminate much of the waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicaid.
    Medicaid is no longer available for illegal immigrants.
    There is an allocated $50 billion over five fiscal years for states to carry out rural health transformation plans. This funding would be available to improve access to hospitals and ensure the financial stability of rural hospitals.
    This legislation repeals $6 billion in climate related Green New Deal funds, restores lease sales blocked by the Biden administration, cuts permitting red tape, and funds resupplying the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) with American-sourced energy.
    All unspent funds and unobligated money in the Inflation Reduction Act will be rescinded.
    The methane tax is paused for the next 10 years, stopping Democrats’ natural gas tax hike, which would have increased gas prices and continued Biden’s inflationary policies.
    The Federal Communications Commissions’ (FCC) spectrum auction authority is restored until September 30, 2034. The FCC would be required to auction at least 800 megahertz—500 megahertz of Federal and 300 megahertz of non-Federal spectrum—within an eight-year period.
    There is an allocated $4.3 billion for the procurement of Polar Security Cutters, which are built at the Bollinger Shipbuilding’s Pascagoula yard.
    A total of $175 billion on funding for securing the southern border, including:
    $46.5 billion for Customs and Border Protection for construction of the border wall.
    $45 billion for expanding ICE detention capacity.
    $4.1 billion for border patrol agents, air and marine agents, and field support personnel.
    $6 billion for border technology and screening upgrades.
    $10 billion in grant funding to reimburse states for border security expenses.
    The John C. Stennis Space Center will receive $120 million for infrastructure modernization projects. As NASA’s largest rocket propulsion test facility, these investments will enable NASA to update aging facilities and support development to attract commercial companies to the site.
    The Space Launch System for Artemis Missions IV and V receives $4.1 billion. All engines in the Artemis program are tested at the Stennis Center. This will enable additional testing of engines for Artemis V to continue at the Stennis Center.
    The legislation narrows the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) exceptions for work requirements for able-bodied adults, ensures benefits are available for those who truly need it.
    SNAP is no longer available for illegal immigrants.
    Commodities reference prices are increased to account for inflation so farmers and cattlemen can produce food here in the United States. It is imperative we are not relying on other nations for the food to feed our nation.
    Farm-raised fish producers who experience losses associated with bird predation are eligible for emergency assistance in the event of a disaster.
    The competitive research grants included in this bill for agriculture research facilities will ensure the next generation of students have access to cutting-edge facilities and research opportunities.
    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau funding would be decreased by 45 percent, limiting this unaccountable federal entity from issuing needless bureaucratic regulations that reduce consumer access to financial services.
    As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Chairman Wicker secured a total of $150 billion for investment in our military. Below are a few of those provisions:
    $25 billion for the Golden Dome for America. This missile defense system will shield our homeland and troops in the age of hypersonic weapons.
    $29 billion for shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base. Expands the size and enhances the capability of our naval fleet. Invests in autonomous surface and subsurface technology. Builds capacity and improves infrastructure in the maritime industrial base.
    $15 billion for nuclear deterrence. Accelerates modernization of the triad. Improves readiness of our current nuclear deterrent. Invests in infrastructure needed to restore America’s ability to manufacture nuclear weapons.
    $350 million to replace antiquated business systems and inject automation and AI at the DOD. This funding would support DOGE so that the DOD can finish its first audit by end of 2028.
    $16 billion to improve readiness, including through modernization of depots, additional spare parts for aircraft, and expanded naval maintenance.    
    $9 billion for service member quality of life. These funds increase allowances and special pays, as well as improvements to housing, healthcare, childcare, and education. 
    $16 billion to expedite innovation to the warfighter. This legislation increases scale production of innovative low-cost and next-generation weapons like drones, counter-drone tech, low-cost munitions, and artificial intelligence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s summer grain procurement surpasses 50 mln tonnes

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

    BEIJING, July 3 — China’s summer grain procurement has entered its peak season, with cumulative purchases exceeding 50 million tonnes nationwide, which is a relatively high level for recent years, the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration said on Thursday.

    Procurement operations are progressing in an orderly manner across all regions, and the market is maintaining stable operations. Premium wheat varieties are selling well at higher prices than standard wheat, reflecting demand for high-quality products, the administration said.

    China has continued to implement its minimum-purchase-price policy in major wheat-producing regions this year. So far, the provinces of Henan, Anhui and Hebei have activated their implementation plans for the policy, procuring approximately 1.8 million tonnes of wheat under the scheme.

    As China enters its primary flood season, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has initiated a 100-day campaign to boost yields, mitigate disasters and secure autumn grain production, which is pivotal to China’s food security.

    To secure the autumn harvest and achieve China’s grain production goal of approximately 700 million tonnes this year, the ministry will deploy teams to guide field management for robust seedlings, disaster prevention and pest control.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Liverpool, football world mourn Jota as tributes pour in

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

    Liverpool FC and Cristiano Ronaldo have led tributes to Portugal international Diogo Jota, after he and his brother Andre died in a car crash in northwestern Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning.

    The brothers died when their Lamborghini went off the A52 road, possibly due to a tire exploding, and burst into flames, shortly after midnight in Spain.

    A banner to Diogo Jota is seen outside Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, Britain, July 3, 2025. Liverpool’s Portuguese international forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre died in the early hours of Thursday morning in a car accident in north-east Spain, according to Spanish authorities. (Xinhua)

    28-year-old Jota had been with Liverpool for five years and his club said it was “devastated by [his] tragic passing,” while also requesting privacy for Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff.

    “We will continue to provide them with our full support,” said the club, while former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp admitted he was “heartbroken” and struggling to understand the deaths.

    “This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose. But I can’t see it, Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much,” Klopp posted on social media.

    In his tribute to Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo also looked back to Portugal’s recent triumph in the UEFA Nations League.

    “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team,” he wrote, making reference to Jota marriage to long-time partner Rute Cardoso – with whom he had three young children – less than a fortnight ago.

    “You had just got married. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will miss you,” commented Ronaldo.

    Many football clubs also expressed messages of support and condolence, with Real Madrid posting: “Real Madrid expresses its condolences and support to their family, loved ones and teammates at their respective clubs,” while adding the club “shares in the deep sorrow felt by the footballing world.”

    Athletic Bilbao, who will play Liverpool in a friendly at Anfield in early August, posted “All our thoughts are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with @LFC following today’s heartbreaking news. Rest in peace, Jota.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA awards public school advocate and national expert on private education vouchers with its highest honor

    Source: US National Education Union

    PORTLAND, Ore.—The National Education Association today awarded Dr. Josh Cowen—distinguished author, professor, researcher, and national expert on private school vouchers—with its highest honor, the Friend of Education Award. Cowen received the award in front of nearly 7,000 educators gathered in Portland, Oregon, during the 2025 NEA Representative Assembly. 

    Cowen is at the forefront of the fight against school privatization and holding billionaire-run organizations accountable for the ineffective voucher policies they have promoted through lobbying efforts in multiple states and Congress. His book, The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers, lays out the dishonest, money-driven, and faux-researched lobby effort used to support voucher policies by monied interests. He also explains how vouchers have negatively impacted the overall educational outcomes in the United States. Across the country, voters continue to reject vouchers, most recently seen as voters in Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska all rejected ballot measures related to school vouchers. 

    “Dr. Cowen is a leading voice in the work of advocating for our nation’s public schools and the well-being of our students. America’s educators are proud to bestow him with NEA’s highest honor, the Friend of Education award,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Through his research and in his advocacy, Dr. Cowen is tireless in his commitment to America’s public schools. He speaks truth to power, and at a time when anti-public education politicians push harmful voucher schemes and try to steal opportunities from our students, our families, and our communities, we need more voices like his.” 

    “I’m accepting this Friend of Education Award on behalf of all the public school educators, middle-class families, and everyone else out there who’s been standing up to right-wing billionaires like Betsy DeVos for years. My life’s work has been fighting for public schools and making sure every student gets the education they deserve. Now more than ever, we’re going to need the same commitment in the fight to defend our democracy. And when it comes to that fight, I’m just getting started.”  

    Cowen has been a leader in educational research, teacher mobility, teacher attrition, and interpreting educational outcomes. In 2016, he founded the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC), a think tank designed to partner with policymakers to improve educational outcomes for students and educators alike. He has also been a national director for the National Center for Research on Education Access and Choice (REACH), which is based at Tulane University. 

    “Vouchers are the education equivalent of predatory lending. The right-wing markets vouchers specifically to families of color, to low-income families, as if there are a whole lot of high-quality private school providers that will take all of these children in mass amounts. We know that doesn’t happen. We know the schools that do accept them tend to be barely hanging on, tend to be subprime, as I call them, as the academic results show,” Cowen said in an interview with NEAToday. 

    The NEA Friend of Education Award is presented during NEA’s annual convention and recognizes a person or organization whose leadership has significantly contributed to improving American public education. Past recipients include activists Judith Heumann, Greta Thunberg, Dolly Parton, and Quinta Brunson. 

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    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org. 

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