NewzIntel.com

Category: Fisheries

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Names The Gangplank as March Small Business of the Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of The Gangplank in Idaho Falls as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2025. The Gangplank will be recognized for its contribution to the Southeast Idaho community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

    “The Gangplank has been a Southeast Idaho staple for 55 years,” said Risch. “Owned by the Croney family, The Gangplank serves the people of Idaho Falls delicious fish and chips and excellent community service. I’m proud to recognize The Gangplank as the March Small Business of the Month.”

    Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community.?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Embolization Device Recall and Correction: Medtronic Removes Unused 027 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device with Shield Technology, Updates Use Instructions for 021 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices due to Increased Risk of Incomplete Wall Apposition and Braid Deformation

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type.This recall involves:

    removing the Pipeline Vantage 027 device models from where they are used or sold 
    updating instructions for using the Pipeline Vantage 021 device models 

    Affected Product 

    Product Names:

    Removal of unused: Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device with Shield Technology, 027 Compatible (Pipeline Vantage 027 devices)
    Instructions for Use (IFU) update: Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device with Shield Technology, 021 Compatible (Pipeline Vantage 021 Devices)

    Catalog and Serial Numbers: 

    Removal of unused:  REF: PED3-027-350-12, PED3-027-350-14, PED3-027-350-16, PED3-027-350-20, PED3-027-350-25, PED3-027-400-12, PED3-027-400-14, PED3-027-400-16, PED3-027-400-18, PED3-027-400-20, PED3-027-400-25, PED3-027-400-30, PED3-027-450-12, PED3-027-450-14, PED3-027-450-16, PED3-027-450-18, PED3-027-450-20, PED3-027-450-25, PED3-027-450-30, PED3-027-450-40, PED3-027-500-14, PED3-027-500-16, PED3-027-500-18, PED3-027-500-20, PED3-027-500-25, PED3-027-500-30, PED3-027-500-40, PED3-027-550-16, PED3-027-550-18, PED3-027-550-20, PED3-027-550-30, PED3-027-550-40, PED3-027-550-50, PED3-027-600-16, PED3-027-600-18, PED3-027-600-20, PED3-027-600-30, PED3-027-600-40, PED3-027-600-50 and all Pipeline Vantage 027 product lots from B317266 through B817292
    Instructions For Use (IFU) update: REF: PED3-021-350-16, PED3-021-250-14, PED3-021-350-20, PED3-021-250-20, PED3-021-300-16, PED3-021-300-20, PED3-021-275-12, PED3-021-275-16, PED3-021-325-12, PED3-021-325-14, PED3-021-325-16, PED3-021-325-20, PED3-021-250-12, PED3-021-300-14, PED3-021-250-16, PED3-021-300-12, PED3-021-275-14, PED3-021-350-14, PED3-021-350-25, PED3-021-350-12, PED3-021-250-10, PED3-021-275-20, PED3-021-350-18, PED3-021-325-18, PED3-021-275-18, PED3-021-250-18, PED3-021-300-18; and Instructions for Use, Part: M056989CDOC2. All Pipeline Vantage 021 product lots from B317266 through B817292

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Catalog Number:

    UDI
    Device Model

    00847536030398
    PED3-021-250-10

    00847536036215
    PED3-021-250-10

    00847536034884
    PED3-021-250-10

    00847536030404
    PED3-021-250-12

    00847536034891
    PED3-021-250-12

    00847536036222
    PED3-021-250-12

    00847536030411
    PED3-021-250-14

    00847536034907
    PED3-021-250-14

    00847536036239
    PED3-021-250-14

    00847536030428
    PED3-021-250-16

    00847536034914
    PED3-021-250-16

    00847536036246
    PED3-021-250-16

    00847536036253
    PED3-021-250-18

    00847536030442
    PED3-021-250-20

    00847536034938
    PED3-021-250-20

    00847536036260
    PED3-021-250-20

    00847536030466
    PED3-021-275-12

    00847536034952
    PED3-021-275-12

    00847536036284
    PED3-021-275-12

    00847536030473
    PED3-021-275-14

    00847536034969
    PED3-021-275-14

    00847536036291
    PED3-021-275-14

    00847536030480
    PED3-021-275-16

    00847536034976
    PED3-021-275-16

    00847536036307
    PED3-021-275-16

    00847536036314
    PED3-021-275-18

    00847536030503
    PED3-021-275-20

    00847536034990
    PED3-021-275-20

    00847536036321
    PED3-021-275-20

    00847536030527
    PED3-021-300-12

    00847536035010
    PED3-021-300-12

    00847536036345
    PED3-021-300-12

    00847536030534
    PED3-021-300-14

    00847536035027
    PED3-021-300-14

    00847536036352
    PED3-021-300-14

    00847536030541
    PED3-021-300-16

    00847536035034
    PED3-021-300-16

    00847536036369
    PED3-021-300-16

    00847536036376
    PED3-021-300-18

    00847536030565
    PED3-021-300-20

    00847536035058
    PED3-021-300-20

    00847536036383
    PED3-021-300-20

    00847536030602
    PED3-021-325-12

    00847536035096
    PED3-021-325-12

    00847536036420
    PED3-021-325-12

    00847536030619
    PED3-021-325-14

    00847536035102
    PED3-021-325-14

    00847536036437
    PED3-021-325-14

    00847536030626
    PED3-021-325-16

    00847536035119
    PED3-021-325-16

    00847536036444
    PED3-021-325-16

    00847536036451
    PED3-021-325-18

    00847536030640
    PED3-021-325-20

    00847536035133
    PED3-021-325-20

    00847536036468
    PED3-021-325-20

    00847536030688
    PED3-021-350-12

    00847536035171
    PED3-021-350-12

    00847536036505
    PED3-021-350-12

    00847536030695
    PED3-021-350-14

    00847536035188
    PED3-021-350-14

    00847536036512
    PED3-021-350-14

    00847536030701
    PED3-021-350-16

    00847536035195
    PED3-021-350-16

    00847536036529
    PED3-021-350-16

    00847536036536
    PED3-021-350-18

    00847536030725
    PED3-021-350-20

    00847536035218
    PED3-021-350-20

    00847536036543
    PED3-021-350-20

    00847536030732
    PED3-021-350-25

    00847536035225
    PED3-021-350-25

    00847536036550
    PED3-021-350-25

    00847536035263
    PED3-027-350-12

    00847536030770
    PED3-027-350-12

    00847536035287
    PED3-027-350-14

    00847536030787
    PED3-027-350-14

    00847536035294
    PED3-027-350-16

    00847536030794
    PED3-027-350-16

    00847536035317
    PED3-027-350-20

    00847536030817
    PED3-027-350-20

    00847536035324
    PED3-027-350-25

    00847536030824
    PED3-027-350-25

    00847536030862
    PED3-027-400-12

    00847536035362
    PED3-027-400-12

    00847536036680
    PED3-027-400-12

    00847536030879
    PED3-027-400-14

    00847536035379
    PED3-027-400-14

    00847536036697
    PED3-027-400-14

    00847536030886
    PED3-027-400-16

    00847536035386
    PED3-027-400-16

    00847536036703
    PED3-027-400-16

    00847536036710
    PED3-027-400-18

    00847536030909
    PED3-027-400-20

    00847536035409
    PED3-027-400-20

    00847536036727
    PED3-027-400-20

    00847536030916
    PED3-027-400-25

    00847536035416
    PED3-027-400-25

    00847536036734
    PED3-027-400-25

    00847536030923
    PED3-027-400-30

    00847536035423
    PED3-027-400-30

    00847536036741
    PED3-027-400-30

    00847536030961
    PED3-027-450-12

    00847536035461
    PED3-027-450-12

    00847536036789
    PED3-027-450-12

    00847536030978
    PED3-027-450-14

    00847536035478
    PED3-027-450-14

    00847536036796
    PED3-027-450-14

    00847536030985
    PED3-027-450-16

    00847536035485
    PED3-027-450-16

    00847536036802
    PED3-027-450-16

    00847536036819
    PED3-027-450-18

    00847536031005
    PED3-027-450-20

    00847536035508
    PED3-027-450-20

    00847536036826
    PED3-027-450-20

    00847536031012
    PED3-027-450-25

    00847536035515
    PED3-027-450-25

    00847536036833
    PED3-027-450-25

    00847536031029
    PED3-027-450-30

    00847536035522
    PED3-027-450-30

    00847536036840
    PED3-027-450-30

    00847536031043
    PED3-027-450-40

    00847536035546
    PED3-027-450-40

    00847536036864
    PED3-027-450-40

    00847536031067
    PED3-027-500-14

    00847536035577
    PED3-027-500-14

    00847536036895
    PED3-027-500-14

    00847536031074
    PED3-027-500-16

    00847536035584
    PED3-027-500-16

    00847536036901
    PED3-027-500-16

    00847536036918
    PED3-027-500-18

    00847536031098
    PED3-027-500-20

    00847536035607
    PED3-027-500-20

    00847536036925
    PED3-027-500-20

    00847536031104
    PED3-027-500-25

    00847536035614
    PED3-027-500-25

    00847536036932
    PED3-027-500-25

    00847536031111
    PED3-027-500-30

    00847536035621
    PED3-027-500-30

    00847536036949
    PED3-027-500-30

    00847536031135
    PED3-027-500-40

    00847536035645
    PED3-027-500-40

    00847536036963
    PED3-027-500-40

    00847536031166
    PED3-027-550-16

    00847536035683
    PED3-027-550-16

    00847536037007
    PED3-027-550-16

    00847536037014
    PED3-027-550-18

    00847536035706
    PED3-027-550-20

    00847536031180
    PED3-027-550-20

    00847536037021
    PED3-027-550-20

    00847536031203
    PED3-027-550-30

    00847536035720
    PED3-027-550-30

    00847536037045
    PED3-027-550-30

    00847536031227
    PED3-027-550-40

    00847536035744
    PED3-027-550-40

    00847536037069
    PED3-027-550-40

    00847536031241
    PED3-027-550-50

    00847536035768
    PED3-027-550-50

    00847536037083
    PED3-027-550-50

    00847536031289
    PED3-027-600-16

    00847536035805
    PED3-027-600-16

    00847536037120
    PED3-027-600-16

    00847536037137
    PED3-027-600-18

    00847536031302
    PED3-027-600-20

    00847536035829
    PED3-027-600-20

    00847536037144
    PED3-027-600-20

    00847536031326
    PED3-027-600-30

    00847536035843
    PED3-027-600-30

    00847536037168
    PED3-027-600-30

    00847536031340
    PED3-027-600-40

    00847536035867
    PED3-027-600-40

    00847536037182
    PED3-027-600-40

    00847536031364
    PED3-027-600-50

    00847536035881
    PED3-027-600-50

    00847536037205
    PED3-027-600-50

    What to Do

    Do not use and return all unused Pipeline Vantage 027 devices.
    Read updated instructions before using Pipeline Vantage 021 devices.   

    On January 30, 2025, Medtronic Neurovascular sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall letter recommending the following actions:
    For affected Pipeline Vantage 027 devices

    Do not use any affected Pipeline Vantage 027. 
    Remove and quarantine all unused affected products. 
    Return affected products to Medtronic with help from your Medtronic representative, who can also help identify suitable replacement products if needed.

    For affected Pipeline Vantage 021
    Download and review labeling updates M067713CDOC2 Rev. A (01/2025) (or M056989CDOC2 Rev. A) for the Pipeline Vantage 021 device. The updated Instructions for Use (IFU) was provided by Medtronic with the letter to healthcare providers and is also available on the Medtronic manuals website at: https://manuals.medtronic.com/manuals/. These instructions should be used when completing any future procedures with Pipeline Vantage 021. 
    The updates aim to help achieve optimal device size selection and stent braid deployment to reduce the risk of complications and patient harms by lowering the incidence of incomplete wall apposition and/or braid deformation. Revisions to the instructions include:

    Considerations to appropriately select device diameter and length accounting for complex anatomy.
    Techniques to deploy Pipeline Vantage compared to Pipeline Shield using a balance of device tension and compression, aiming to achieve adequate wall apposition and in complex vessel anatomies (e.g., tortuous vessels).
    Warnings about the consequences of incomplete wall apposition and suboptimal deployment as well as the increased risk of braid deformation in females, especially in females younger than 45 years of age.

    For all affected devices
    Complete the Customer Confirmation Form included with the letter and email it to neuro.quality@medtronic.com.
    For patients who have already been treated with Pipeline Vantage 027 and 021 devices
    The treating physician should determine the need for follow-up imaging or changes to medical management based on the patient’s overall health. This includes weighing the risks of dual antiplatelet therapy against potential risks for braid deformation. 
    Reason for Recall and Updates to Use Instructions   
    Medtronic Neurovascular is recalling 027 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices and updating use instructions for 021 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices due to reports of a higher incidence of the flexible, braided tube part of the device failing to properly attach or stay attached to the blood vessel wall (incomplete wall apposition and/or braid deformation) during and after procedures using these devices. Incomplete wall apposition and braid deformation, also sometimes called fish-mouthing, braid narrowing, or braid collapse, are known risks of these devices. The risks were higher in females, especially those younger than 45 years of age.  
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including thrombosis, stroke, or death.
    There have been thirteen reported injuries and four reports of death related to the 027 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device. There have been four reported injuries and no reports of death related to the 021 Compatible Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device. 
    Device Use 
    Pipeline Vantage Embolization Devices with Shield Technology are used to treat bulges in the artery walls (aneurysms) of the brain. These devices are inserted into the blood vessels (endovascular) through a small catheter and delivered to the aneurysm location, where a small, braided tube is placed to block off blood flow to the bulging area. 
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact their local Medtronic representative or Medtronic Quality Assurance at rs.nvquality@medtronic.com or 1-800-633-8766.
    Additional FDA Resources 

    FDA’s Enforcement Report

    Medical Device Recall Database

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI) 
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem? 
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    03/18/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s press encounter following the informal meeting on Cyprus

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    From the very start of my mandate, I have been committed to the security and wellbeing of the Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. 

    And today was another attempt to find a way forward. 

    These discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides showing clear commitment to making progress and continuing dialogue. 

    Mr. Tatar and Mr. Christodoulides have agreed the following group of initiatives to build trust: opening four crossing points; demining; creation of a technical committee on youth; initiatives on the environment and climate change, including the impacts on mining areas; solar energy in the buffer zone; and the restoration of cemeteries. 

    We agreed to have in this format the next meeting end of July, and I will appoint a Personal Envoy to prepare the next steps.

    Question : Mr. Secretary-General, based on today’s developments, what you have announced, basically more confidence building measures, so are you confident that the two sides will be able to eventually move forward, to actually having substantive talks as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem?

    Secretary-General : I think it is important to note that even before Crans-Montana, and we are talking about 2017 until now, there was no real progress on any aspect.  And today, there was meaningful progress.  And I hope that the confidence-building measures or the initiatives to build trust, together with the decision to have very soon a next meeting, and the acceptance by all of the appointment of a [Personal] Envoy on Cyprus to prepare the next steps, demonstrates the sense of commitment and the sense of urgency that I believe were extremely important.  It is a new atmosphere.

    Question: Mr. Secretary-General.  Ms. Holguin will continue her job, or you will appoint a new representative?

    Secretary-General: I will appoint a new [personal] envoy. It is not yet chosen. Before the meeting, I didn’t even know if I would be able to appoint an envoy.

    Question: Good afternoon, Secretary-General. What, if anything, can the UN do about the situation in Gaza right now? Thank you.

    Secretary-General: Unfortunately, we are witnessing a situation in which we had an intolerable level of suffering for the Palestinian people, with the air strikes that killed hundreds of people. We have humanitarian aid still blocked. And I believe that the role of the UN is to do everything to convince the parties and to have the international community pressing for three essential aspects: First, for the ceasefire to be fully respected. Second, for humanitarian aid to have access to Gaza in an unimpeded way. And third, for the unconditional release of hostages. And we will not, we will not give up on these objectives.

    Thank you very much. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen Foster, Associate Professor, Sociology and Social Anthropology and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Rural Futures for Atlantic Canada, Dalhousie University

    Rising tensions between Canada and the United States have made increased military investment and a renewed focus on national defence all but inevitable.

    A recent Angus Reid poll found three in four Canadians want to see the country’s military strengthened in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the 51st state. In early March, former prime minister Justin Trudeau committed publicly to increasing military spending.

    While it makes sense for a country feeling vulnerable to invasion to look at recruiting new soldiers and increasing its arsenal, there is an additional facet of national defence that is too often overlooked: food preparedness.

    Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs are already “stoking a new nationalism” in Canadians and sparking interest in buying local, but food should be part of the national defence conversation, too.

    The double edge of globalization

    The globalization of food systems, in Canada and the rest of the world, has intensified since the Second World War. This has brought some benefits, such as year-round access to fresh produce, but it has also made Canada’s food systems vulnerable to the whims of its trading partners.

    Academics focused on food security and sovereignty have long raised concerns about import-dependence on key nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.

    Even in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic shone a harsh light on food supply chains in Canada, research showed that the production of fresh produce was declining while imports were increasing.

    Now, faced with both a trade war and annexation threats, Canada must confront whether its domestic food systems can feed its population in a crisis — economic, political, environmental or otherwise.

    Food systems and national defence

    Trade-dependent countries worldwide are recognizing food security as a matter of national defence. Some, like Sweden, are making plans to take stock of the capacity and resilience of their food systems, and actively working toward a system that can sustain the lives of their citizens in a crisis.

    Sweden’s total goods trade accounted for 67 per cent of its GDP in 2023, compared to Canada’s 53 per cent. Despite its high level of trade dependence, Sweden has put food at the heart of the country’s total defence approach to national security.

    Total defence is a defence policy that emphasizes both traditional military activities and civilian activities, including their food systems.

    The Swedish government, in its defence resolution, states: “A well-functioning and robust food supply and personal preparedness of the civil population are ultimately a matter of survival and maintaining the will to defend.”

    This approach is not focused only on individual or household levels of preparedness — that is, whether people have enough in their pantries — but also includes the overall preparedness of the systems that produce, process and distribute food.

    Canada, with its heavy reliance on global trade and the U.S. as a primary trading partner, would do well to take note.

    Food sovereignty in Canada

    There are hundreds of scholars and thousands of community entities working to make Canada’s food systems more sustainable and resilient in the face of financialization, farmland consolidation and the globalization of supply chains.

    In Québec, for example, there is a growing movement to mobilize and empower producers, community entities, the agrifood sector, policymakers and additional stakeholders to build more resilient, territorial food systems across the province.



    Read more:
    Making our food fairer: Don’t Call Me Resilient EP 12

    Canadian experts play a key role in global discussions on food systems resilience, with scholars contributing to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security’s Building Resilient Food Systems draft report. This report is designed to help countries make their food systems more resilient, equitable and sustainable.

    Yet Canada’s efforts are not co-ordinated, empowered or moving fast enough in the push for greater food sovereignty. The point is not to abandon trade, but to manage it more strategically.

    Both international and domestic markets are crucial for Canadian farmers, and many local companies are devoted to importing everyday goods like coffee, tea and bananas under fair trade and agroecological conditions.

    Trade relations, however, are about more than economics; they involve building political partnerships with Mexico, the European Union, Asian countries and beyond — something Canada needs now more than ever.

    Sweden has already recognized this. Its food preparedness strategy involves deepening co-operation with like-minded Nordic countries and collaborating around the supply, transport, stockpiling and testing of food.

    Crisis-proofing Canada’s food systems

    To ensure Canada can feed itself in a crisis, the government must invest in domestic production, processing and distribution infrastructure. This would create more efficient, connected local markets that removes some of the burden of buying local from individuals.



    Read more:
    Boycotting U.S. products allows Canadians to take a rare political stand in their daily lives

    The Canadian government must also promote diversification in production and export. Canada needs to move away from monoculture farming and toward more regional networks and agroecological approaches. These approaches are more resilient to both crops themselves and the diverse markets they open up, reducing Canada’s dependence on single trading partners like the U.S.

    Key agricultural policies such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership need to go beyond the long-standing focus on prioritizing export markets. They must also invest in infrastructure and partnerships in Canada to strengthen their support of Canadian producers, ranchers, fisheries and food system players at home, to help them work together at a regional scale.

    Correcting power imbalances in our food systems is also critical. Greater local and regional autonomy over how food is produced, processed and distributed would help with this. These strategies would make Canada less vulnerable to supply chain disruption.

    Countries like Sweden recognize these efforts as part of national defence — an approach Canada should consider.

    But while we fight annexation from the kitchen table, we must recognize it doesn’t start there; it starts at a higher level. Only better policy, infrastructure and systemic change can prepare Canada to be more proactive and resilient in the face of world crises — economic or otherwise.

    Karen Foster receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). She is the director of the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

    Alicia Martin is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

    Gavin Fridell receives funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. He is a member of the Trade and Investment Research Project at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

    Kathleen Kevany receives funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, for the Food Impact Network research and knowledge mobilization for the handbook of sustainable diets; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for food waste prevention work, and Mitacs for internships on food procurement and food environment analysis.

    I am advised to Farm to Cafeteria Canada (F2CC) an NGO.

    – ref. Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence – https://theconversation.com/why-canada-must-treat-its-food-system-as-a-matter-of-national-defence-251118

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Demand USDA Reverse $1 Billion in Canceled Local Food Purchases for Maine Schools, Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King is demanding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reverse its cancelation of food purchase programs for food banks, schools and childcare centers in Maine and across the United States. In a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins from King and a number of his colleagues, the Senators said the reported $1 billion in cancelled purchases by the USDA adds further pain at a time of high food prices and instability within U.S. agricultural markets. 

    “We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” the Senators wrote. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation…poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.” 

    In Maine, cancelation of purchases through USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) puts more than $1.3 million in local food purchases for food-insecure Maine people at risk in Fiscal Year 2025. 

    “At Good Shepherd Food Bank, we use LFPA funding to purchase fresh local produce from dozens of Maine farmers,” said Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “The reduction of these funds will have a significant negative impact on farmers who plan on this income continuity, and neighbors who benefit from this nutritious local produce. We appreciate [Senator King’s] consideration for reinstating this LFPA25 extension.”

    “The Maine School Nutrition Association would like to extend their gratitude and support of the letter that Senator King has sent to the USDA asking to reinstate Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) funds,” said Caroline Trinder, Maine School Nutrition Association President Elect. “These funds have been beneficial to both our students and farmers, with 119 districts in all 16 counties in Maine buying local. School districts have been able to source local fish, beef, dairy, and produce from our farmers and fishermen here in Maine. This food provides our children healthy, minimally processed foods that we are proud to serve in our cafeterias! Thank you, Senator King, for advocating for our students and farmers!”

    The full letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Secretary Rollins:  

    We write to express serious concerns regarding the cancellation of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs supporting local and regional food purchases providing assistance to those in need. These successful programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase local foods from nearby farmers and ranchers to be used for emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers.  

    At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments. Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing opportunities.  

    Most importantly, we ask that you reverse the cancellation of LFPA and LFS. We also ask that you provide a thorough and complete update on USDA’s implementation of LFPA and LFS, including answers to the following questions:  

    1.        What is the status of reimbursements for entities that have agreements with USDA through LFPA and LFS? What is the last date for which states, territories, and Tribes received reimbursements for food purchases under LFPA and LFS?  

    2.        Has the Administration conducted any assessments of how these program cancellations will impact producers and recipient organizations (e.g., food banks, schools, child care centers)? If so, please provide a copy of any such assessments.  

    We have grave concerns that the cancellation of LFPA and LFS poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.  

    Please provide responses to the information requested in our questions no later than Friday, April 4. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the media following the informal meeting on Cyprus

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    From the very start of my mandate, I have been committed to the security and wellbeing of the Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. 

    And today was another attempt to find a way forward. 

    These discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides showing clear commitment to making progress and continuing dialogue. 

    Mr. Tatar and Mr. Christodoulides have agreed the following group of initiatives to build trust: opening four crossing points; demining; creation of a technical committee on youth; initiatives on the environment and climate change, including the impacts on mining areas; solar energy in the buffer zone; and the restoration of cemeteries. 

    We agreed to have in this format the next meeting end of July, and I will appoint a Personal Envoy to prepare the next steps.

    Question : Mr. Secretary-General, based on today’s developments, what you have announced, basically more confidence building measures, so are you confident that the two sides will be able to eventually move forward, to actually having substantive talks as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem?

    Secretary-General : I think it is important to note that even before Crans-Montana, and we are talking about 2017 until now, there was no real progress on any aspect.  And today, there was meaningful progress.  And I hope that the confidence-building measures or the initiatives to build trust, together with the decision to have very soon a next meeting, and the acceptance by all of the appointment of a [Personal] Envoy on Cyprus to prepare the next steps, demonstrates the sense of commitment and the sense of urgency that I believe were extremely important.  It is a new atmosphere.

    Question: Mr. Secretary-General.  Ms. Holguin will continue her job, or you will appoint a new representative?

    Secretary-General: I will appoint a new [personal] envoy. It is not yet chosen. Before the meeting, I didn’t even know if I would be able to appoint an envoy.

    Question: Good afternoon, Secretary-General. What, if anything, can the UN do about the situation in Gaza right now? Thank you.

    Secretary-General: Unfortunately, we are witnessing a situation in which we had an intolerable level of suffering for the Palestinian people, with the air strikes that killed hundreds of people. We have humanitarian aid still blocked. And I believe that the role of the UN is to do everything to convince the parties and to have the international community pressing for three essential aspects: First, for the ceasefire to be fully respected. Second, for humanitarian aid to have access to Gaza in an unimpeded way. And third, for the unconditional release of hostages. And we will not, we will not give up on these objectives.

    Thank you very much. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Combatting the measles threat means examining the reasons for declining vaccination rates

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Catherine Carstairs, Professor, Department of History, University of Guelph

    To address anti-vaccine sentiment, we need to listen to parents’ concerns and make it easy for them to get their children vaccinated. (Shutterstock)

    Measles was supposedly eradicated in Canada more than a quarter century ago. But today, measles is surging.

    Public Health Ontario recently announced that there have been 195 cases in the province in the past two weeks and 372 cases since autumn 2024. Many cases have required hospitalization. Last year, a child died.

    The cause of this resurgence is declining vaccination rates.

    Measles is extremely infectious. One person with the measles is likely to infect nine out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. To prevent its spread, we need 95 per cent of the population to be vaccinated.

    Anti-vaccine sentiments

    Our research examines why parents have hesitated or refused to vaccinate their children. Anti-vaccine sentiment is often linked to a now thoroughly discredited 1998 study that suggested a link between the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and autism.

    But our research on the anti-vaccine movement in Canada from the 1970s to the early 2000s suggests that parents’ concerns about vaccines started much earlier than that study, and that parents worry about far more than autism.

    To address anti-vaccine sentiment, we need to listen to parents’ concerns and make it easy for them to get their children vaccinated. We also need to persuade them of the benefits of vaccination, not just for their own children, but for their family members, friends and fellow citizens.

    The anti-vaccine literature is not anti-science. It is filled with statistics and references to scientific studies, although the facts are often wrong. Parents who read this literature need more than the simple reassurance of experts that vaccines are safe and effective. They need to be shown evidence and have confidence that their concerns are being taken seriously.

    One argument that appeared frequently in the anti-vaccine literature is that rates of infectious disease had fallen before the introduction of vaccines.

    While mortality from infectious diseases declined well before vaccination, vaccines played a vital role in further diminishing the toll of infectious disease. Diphtheria is largely unknown today, but before the introduction of widespread vaccination in the years between the First and Second World Wars, it killed hundreds of Canadian children every year.

    Another common argument was that vaccines are ineffective. This argument was often used with respect to the measles vaccine. Because some people are inadequately vaccinated (receiving only one shot for example, instead of two), and because the vaccine is not perfect, there will be some cases of measles even in vaccinated people. Fortunately, these people tend to have milder cases.

    Anti-vaccine texts frequently contain long lists of scary-sounding ingredients in vaccines, similar to what we see for highly processed foods. Thimerosal (ethyl mercury used as a preservative) attracted the most attention. Thimerosal is no longer used in childhood vaccines in Canada.

    The anti-vaccine literature is deeply skeptical about the profit-making motivations of pharmaceutical companies and often mentions past disasters such as the thalidomide scandal that saw thousands of children born with shortened limbs.

    While this is not the only example of inadequate safety testing of new drugs, it is clear that the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, used since the early 1970s, has a long safety record and has played a vital role in reducing deaths and illness from the measles in Canada and abroad.

    Anti-vaccine literature also stressed that there were natural ways of building immunity that could take the place of vaccination. We see this today with claims by United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

    Kennedy claims that poor eating habits are behind the spread of measles in the U.S. This is extremely dangerous. Even the healthiest, best-fed child can get extremely sick with the measles. Not all parents can afford nutritious food. And some children can’t be vaccinated because of medical conditions, leaving them extremely vulnerable.

    Tragedies of the past

    Anti-vaccine parents see vaccines as one of the dangers of our modern, polluted world, and worry that vaccines might have risks that have not yet been recognized. While there are risks with any medical technology, the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the possible dangers.

    A century ago, parents mourned the gruesome deaths of children with diphtheria, which caused a membrane to form across the child’s throat, slowly strangling them to death.

    Mortality from the measles declined in the first half of the 20th century, but in 1945, there was still one measles death for every 100,000 people in Ontario.

    Parents today have little memory of these tragedies, but sadly, they could return. Indeed, a powerful article recently published in the Atlantic Monthly profiled a father who had just lost his six-year-old child to the measles.

    Along with scholars like sociologist Jennifer Reich, who has studied contemporary anti-vaccine parents, we see anti-vaccination sentiment as part of a larger societal trend towards individualism. Parents think about what’s best for their own child, rather than thinking about what’s best for their community.

    At a time when Canadians are bonding together to fight the tariff threat from the U.S., it would be wonderful if we could also come together to fight the scourge of infectious diseases, including measles. The best way to do this is vaccination.

    Catherine Carstairs received funding from AMS Healthcare for this project.

    Kathryn Hughes receives funding from AMS Healthcare for this project.

    – ref. Combatting the measles threat means examining the reasons for declining vaccination rates – https://theconversation.com/combatting-the-measles-threat-means-examining-the-reasons-for-declining-vaccination-rates-252168

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Exploring the link between school exclusion and crime – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Iain Brennan, Professor of Criminology, University of Hull

    The rate of children permanently excluded from school in England rose against last year and is higher than before the pandemic.

    A recent BBC documentary by actor Idris Elba pointed out that being excluded from school can be a tipping point that pushes a child towards serious violence. This observation is backed up by convincing evidence.

    Data in a joint report by the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education shows that the risk of being cautioned or charged for a serious violence offence by age 18 is 15 times higher in children who had been excluded from school.

    Crucially, though, exclusion and violence have many risk factors in common. Children who have special educational needs, have grown up in deprivation or have been in care, for instance, are more at risk both of being excluded from school and of committing a violent offence.

    This makes the job of teasing out the impact of exclusion on violence challenging. Research needs to account for the contribution of these other factors.

    We carried out research to isolate the effect of school exclusion on serious violence, trying to do so in a way that just focused on the impact of exclusion.

    The best way to know whether or not something has caused a change is to split a group of people at random and give one group something and not the other, be that a medicine, a programme or anything else. This is known as a randomised controlled trial.

    Finding a cause

    By randomly splitting the group, any other risk factors – ones that we know about and ones that we don’t – are shared equally across the two groups, so if we see a difference between the groups, the only explanation is the difference introduced by the researchers.

    However, there are lots of situations where randomisation would be unethical. We could never randomise people to start smoking to test if it causes a disease, nor could we randomise skydivers to not wear parachutes. School exclusion is a situation like this. Excluding some children but not excluding others in the name of science would be a dangerous experiment.

    Instead of this unethical coin toss, we used a new technique from medical research, known as a target trial emulation. This approach seeks to mimic the circumstances of a randomised controlled trial.

    It does so by ensuring that the study only includes people who meet the “eligibility” criteria for the study, that the two groups are as similar as possible and that they are followed up for identical periods.

    It is important to define who is “eligible” for exclusion. While in theory, any children can be excluded, they are only truly eligible if they have done something “exclusion-worthy”.

    There are many common risk factors for exclusion and violence.
    polya_olya/Shutterstock

    Finding groups of people who meet these criteria and where some have been excluded and others have not is challenging. Fortunately, in 2020, the Department for Education linked the records of over 15 million people to criminal records held by the Ministry of Justice and anonymised them. This data set is just the type of “big data” we need for this question.

    We identified every record of a child who had been excluded between 2006 and 2016 – over 20,000 children. We then matched these records against those of other children from the same data set who had the same background, educational experience and history of suspensions and (non-violent) offending, but who, crucially, were never excluded.

    Following those cases from the time of the exclusion and comparing them, we found that, within a year, the excluded children were more than twice as likely to commit serious violent crime than their not excluded peers.

    A doubling of risk of the most serious violence in an already high-risk group points to exclusion being an important factor in youth violence.

    But because we cannot rule out other factors and because we can’t know if the comparison group were truly “eligible” for exclusion, this may be as close as we can get to understanding the causal influence of exclusion.

    Cut back on exclusions?

    The evidence on a link between exclusion and future violence might suggest that it would be a good idea to limit exclusions from schools. But this is an extremely contentious issue.

    Limiting or preventing exclusions risks schools having to spend a great deal of precious resources keeping a small number of children in school. The Department for Education and many teachers state that exclusions are necessary when a child’s behaviour becomes a risk to their classmates and teachers or harms the potential to learn.

    On the other hand, continuing with increasing rates of exclusions risks letting down the most vulnerable and traumatised children – as well as potentially creating victims of crime and heaping pressure on prisons later on.

    Critics of exclusions argue that, as well as increasing risk of offending, exclusions unfairly target children from ethnic minorities and children with special educational needs, and should be avoided as much as possible.

    We may never truly know the causal effect of exclusion on violent offending. But perhaps we do not need to. Addressing the common causes of exclusion and violence should be the greater priority.

    The warning signs for a child’s exclusion and violence will have been clear in many cases but too often schools and teachers lack the time and resources to help and include a child showing these signs, falling back on disciplinary policies that may be doing more harm than good.

    It would be better to introduce an inclusive system that views schools as being part of a system that does not just respond to violence but can prevent it. However, although exclusion from school may be a trigger and a predictor of serious violence, preventing such violence cannot be the responsibility of schools alone.

    Iain Brennan receives funding from Economic and Social Research Council, Home Office, College of Policing, Youth Endowment Fund and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.

    Rosie Cornish receives funding from the UK Medical Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Youth Endowment Fund, the Home Office and the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership.

    – ref. Exploring the link between school exclusion and crime – new research – https://theconversation.com/exploring-the-link-between-school-exclusion-and-crime-new-research-252122

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: In 2025, 6.5 billion rubles are allocated for the construction, repair of hydraulic structures and cleaning of water bodies

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on preparations for the flood and fire hazard period.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on preparations for the flood and fire-hazardous period. The event was attended by all responsible federal agencies – the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Roshydromet, Rosvodresursy and Rosleskhoz, as well as heads of the subjects of the Russian Federation.

    “Due to the warm weather in the winter period, the flooding began earlier than usual this year. In general, the situation is stable now, but already at the end of March, the water level is expected to exceed critical marks in the east of the European part of the country and in the Southern Urals. In April, severe flooding is predicted in Siberia and the Far East. Let me remind you that this year 6.5 billion rubles have been allocated for the construction and repair of hydraulic structures, as well as the clearing of water bodies,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    Taking into account the low-snow winter in the European part of the country, according to the forecast of Roshydromet, the water level may be lower than the values required for economic activity. Dmitry Patrushev instructed the owners to check the water intakes for readiness to operate at low water levels and, if necessary, to carry out measures to adapt the structures.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Rosvodresursy needs to optimize the operating modes of the Volga-Kama Cascade, as well as the Tsimlyansk Reservoir, where there are risks to normal water supply in the summer. It is important for Rosmorrechflot to plan navigation taking into account the forecast for water resource volumes and ensure the clearing of shipping lanes in the Volga and Don basins.

    In turn, the Ministry of Agriculture needs to check the functionality of drainage networks, and the Federal Agency for Fisheries needs to check the canals that supply water to fisheries enterprises.

    Regions will have to pay special attention to the condition of hydraulic structures, as well as abandoned objects, check the readiness of storm systems and under-bridge spaces, continue work on establishing flood zones and developing plans to protect these areas.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Visit Winchester team showcases Jane Austen during English Tourism Week

    Source: City of Winchester

    A Morning of Jane Austen was led by Visit Winchester – which is managed by Winchester City Council’s Economy and Tourism team – to mark English Tourism Week, showcasing some of the local author-related highlights.

    2025 is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and a range of special events are taking place including the first-ever public access to the house in College Street where she died.

    Winchester’s year-long birthday celebration includes partners from across the city and surrounding district, who have come together to devise a series of over 35 special events, tours, and exhibitions to celebrate Austen’s life and works.

    The showcase, on Saturday 15 March, included a visit to Winchester Visitor Information Centre, and a themed Jane Austen tour by one of Winchester Tourist Guides which took in the key landmarks to Austen’s time in Winchester including College Street and Winchester Cathedral, where the author is buried, before finishing at Winchester City Museum.

    Visit Winchester has also recently launched a new self-guided trail around the city which highlights all places the author would have visited during her time in the city and gives visitors an insight into Winchester’s Georgian history. The trail has launched as part of English Tourism Week and is available to download on the Visit Winchester website or from the visitor information centre.

    Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture Councillor Lucille Thompson said: “Winchester district’s first-class tourism offering brings in millions for our economy each year, supporting thousands of jobs and driving growth into our local communities. A thriving visitor destination is also a welcome benefit for local residents, who can also access a year-round vibrant programme of experiences and events right on their doorstep.

    “This English Tourism Week we have a lot to celebrate – not only are we celebrating 250 years since the birth of one of the world’s most famous authors, but also all the hard work our visitor economy does, welcoming our visitors and showcasing Winchester to the world.”

    Louise West, Chair of Collections Committee and Trustee at Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “Jane Austen was a Hampshire girl through and through, with an inextricable link to Winchester. 250 years on since her birth, her life, literature and legacy continue to be an irresistible draw to visitors from all over the UK and beyond. We are proud and honoured to have the privilege of counting some of her personal possessions among the collections that we care for, and are looking forward to showcasing these, along with our full programme of Austen-themed events, to visitors to the city throughout the year.”

    Dr Danny Chambers, MP for the Winchester Constituency, said: “Jane Austen’s novels and film adaptations have been enjoyed by fans for decades and bring so many people from around the whole world to Winchester. We’re fortunate to have a literary superstar bringing people to our city. Winchester City Council and other organisations across the city, including the amazing tour guides, have done an excellent job to promote this 250th anniversary celebration, and I thank them for showing me the work they’ve put in to make it happen.”

    To see a full list of Winchester’s attractions and businesses taking part in Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary celebrations, visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk/jane-austen-250.

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors

    Over eight million people visit the Winchester district every year, spending over £370 million in the local area and supporting over 5,760 jobs, both for local residents and those living nearby, making it one of Winchester’s largest and most valuable industries. – The Economic Impact of Tourism on Winchester, 2022, Tourism South East

    Visit England’s English Tourism Week – 14-23 March 2025 – celebrates this diverse, exciting and vibrant sector, and highlights the quality and value of English tourism. 

    Jane Austen was a Hampshire girl through and through, with an inextricable link to Winchester. 250 years on since her birth, her life, literature and legacy continue to be an irresistible draw to visitors from all over the UK and beyond. We are proud and honoured to have the privilege of counting some of her personal possessions in the collections that we care for, and are looking forward to showcasing these, along with our full programme of Austen-themed events, to visitors to the city throughout the year. For further information, please email tourism@winchester.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on the International Day to combat Islamophobia

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:  

    “Tomorrow, on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Government of Yukon will stand in solidarity with the Yukon’s Muslim community in the fight against hate, discrimination and intolerance.

    “Our government believes strongly in building a Yukon where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. Established by the United Nations in 2022, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia serves as an important reminder that combatting intolerance requires ongoing commitment from all of us.

    “We are fortunate to have a growing Muslim community here in the Yukon and to celebrate historic milestones with them, including the opening of the territory’s first mosque in 2018.

    “I encourage all Yukoners to reflect on the actions we take, big and small, to create a more welcoming community. By challenging prejudice, promoting understanding and standing in solidarity with our neighbours, we build a stronger, more inclusive territory for all.”
     

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: LyondellBasell and Covestro announce permanent closure of PO11 unit at Maasvlakte

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAASSVLAKTE, Netherlands, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LyondellBasell (LYB) and Covestro have jointly decided to permanently close the Propylene Oxide Styrene and Monomer (POSM) production unit (PO11) at the Maasvlakte site in the Netherlands. This decision comes after thorough and careful consideration and is driven by the continued pressure on Maasvlakte’s profitability due to global overcapacities, a strong increase of imports from Asia and high costs of European production. Unfortunately, this situation is expected to continue, so longer-term profitable production is not anticipated.

    “While the decision to shut down the PO11 unit is difficult, we must ensure all assets within our portfolio are a long-term strategic fit,” said Aaron Ledet, executive vice-president, I&D and Supply Chain. “We are prioritizing our core assets which play a key role in our technology differentiation and circularity or provide attractive returns over the cost of capital. We take our obligations toward our employees, European employee reps, councils and unions seriously. We have engaged with them in line with these obligations and will continue to do so. We would like to thank them for the constructive dialogue. We are also in communication with customers, suppliers and other parties across the value chain and will continue to do business as usual. There is no change to our working relationship, and we continue to focus on providing an exceptional customer and supplier experience.”

    “As part of our Sustainable Future Strategy, we’re continuously working to optimally position Covestro to be a reliable partner for our customers and to operate competitively in a challenging market environment,” said Hermann-Josef Dörholt, head of the Performance Materials Business Entity at Covestro. “Due to global overcapacities, persistently weak demand, and high costs in Europe, we have jointly decided with LYB to close the PO11 plant. We will support LYB in implementing this change as socially responsibly as possible. At the same time, we remain committed to the European market and will continue to supply customers with our renowned polyether polyols portfolio.”

    The Maasvlakte site, a joint venture between LYB and Covestro, has been operational in the Rotterdam region since 2003. Between now and the end of 2026, LYB will carry out a process to safely shut down and prepare for the demolition of the asset.

    In 2024, LYB announced a strategic review of European assets of its Olefins & Polyolefins (O&P) and Intermediates & Derivatives (I&D) business units. LYB has taken the next step in evaluating the option to seek alternative ownership for the O&P sites in the strategic assessment. At this time no decisions have been made and various outcomes remain possible.

    About LyondellBasell
    We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors, and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

    About Covestro
    Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

    The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

    Media Inquiries LYB Global
    LyondellBasell Media Relations
    Phone: +1-713-309-7575
    Email: mediarelations@lyondellbasell.com

    Or:

    Media Inquiries LYB Europe
    Robert Kleissen, External Affairs Europe
    Phone: +31-6-273-573-98
    Email: robert.kleissen@lyondellbasell.com

    Media Inquiries Covestro
    Markus Kleine-Beck, Corporate Trade Media Relations
    Phone: +49-173-2320-686
    Email: markus.kleine-beck@covestro.com

    Svenja Paul, Corporate Media Relations
    Phone: +49-214-6009-2814
    Email: svenja.paul@covestro.com

    Forward-Looking Statements LYB
    The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to align our asset base with our strategic goals; and our ability to safely shut the asset described down and conduct demolition. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.

    Forward-Looking Statements Covestro
    This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports, which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab7935cb-361b-4c8f-82f7-81f1b6bcd387

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Market Hall unveils first wave of traders, setting stage for grand reopening

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council is excited to announce the first lineup of traders set to move into the revitalised Derby Market Hall, marking another milestone in the transformation of the historic Grade II-listed building. 

    Following a £35.1m restoration, the Market Hall will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday 24 May, marking a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. 

    A curated mix of traditional and contemporary traders will be in place when the Market Hall reopens its doors, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of the city and blending the Market Hall’s rich history with a modern experience. 

    A legacy continues:

    • Amongst the first confirmed traders is one that has traded throughout the refurbishment works – Bailey’s Fishmongers. Derby’s last remaining fishmonger has been a trader in the Market Hall for 65 years and will continue to operate in their current location in the lock-up yard area. As a family-run business with over 100 years of experience, Bailey’s Fishmongers was originally founded by Stuart Bailey’s father, with Stuart working in the trade for more than 64 years. Fresh fish and seafood products will be on offer for customers and businesses alike.

    A world of local and international flavours:

    • Bringing a taste of Italy to Derby Market Hall, Caffé Prosecco is set to offer an elegant and modern take on Italian hospitality. Born out of a collection of award-winning bars, including venues that have claimed the Derby Food & Drink Award three years in a row, Caffé Prosecco is renowned for its service and premium selection of drinks. Offering a wide range of Proseccos and fine wines, the independent café promises a refined yet relaxed experience where customers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, freshly baked croissants, indulgent cakes, and a selection of Pinchos and Cicchettis (traditionally enjoyed in Spanish and Italian bars). Gluten-free and alcohol-free options will also be available. 
    • Locally sourced produce will be at the heart of the revitalised Market Hall, with Derbyshire’s Own, run by Derby Uncovered CIC, set to champion the best of Derby and Derbyshire’s history and heritage. With a sole mission to provide residents and visitors with a wide and varied selection of groceries sourced exclusively from suppliers in Derby and Derbyshire, Derbyshire’s Own will support the local economy whilst promoting sustainability. Customers will also enjoy a wide range of locally produced food and drink.
    • Bold international flavours will be offered by Colombo Street, a multi-award-winning street food vendor offering visitors an authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine. Holding prestigious awards such as Sri Lankan Restaurant of the Year at the Nation’s Curry Awards 2024, the National Asian Food Awards 2023, and more, they are set to offer their signature Kottu dishes alongside a selection of flavourful Sri Lankan specialities.
    • Nico’s Gelato & Coffee is set to bring a taste of Italy to Derby. The Derby-based business will offer artisan gelato, hot drinks, and Italian pastries to residents and visitors. The business was founded by Nico, who began making gelato after moving from Italy to Derby, inspired by his memories of Italian summers. After over a decade of creating the perfect gelato recipes, Nico now sells gelato across the city. 

    Sustainably fashion forward:

    • With over 10 years of experience, vintage fashion trader Mardy Ducks will offer a selection of handpicked, on-trend, and affordable vintage clothing, including brands such as Carhartt, Ralph Lauren, Patagonia, and The North Face. At the heart of the brand’s mission is to extend the life cycle of clothing, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.
    • Also joining the fashion offer will be The Oddities Store (TOS), an award-winning luxury fashion brand. TOS specialise in made-to-order collections and deconstructed fashion pieces, transforming second-hand luxury materials into one-of-a-kind designs. As a Black-owned business, TOS uses its Afrocentric influences to blend timeless elegance with contemporary design, carefully handcrafting each individual garment. 

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

    I am incredibly excited to announce the first traders who will be moving into Derby Market Hall when it reopens its doors on Saturday 24 May. From international street food to sustainable fashion, the new –and old- traders each have something truly special to offer to every resident and visitor.

    I am particularly excited to welcome the public into the revitalised Market Hall at a time when we are entering a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. I am certain that the carefully curated set of traders will be met with much anticipation and will be a massive success for the Market Hall’s incredible offer.

    Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year. 

    More traders are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

    Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the website, to find out more. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bessie Margolin, Labor Lawyer

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Bessie Margolin was not born to privilege; she was left at the Jewish Orphans Home of New Orleans at four. She was fortunate to have a foundational education at the Newman School. She was admitted to Tulane Law School, the only woman in her class, and graduated with a liberal arts degree and a law degree, with honors, in 1930. The strong recommendations that she had from Tulane got her admitted to Yale Law School, where she worked as a research assistant and earned the Sterling Fellowship, the first woman to be awarded that honor. She graduated from Yale with a J.S.D. in May 1933. She immediately began working as a researcher for the Inter-American Commission of Women, mainly writing and conducting her research at the Library of Congress during that summer. (Trestman, 38.)

    Her first permanent post-degree position was at the new agency, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), at a time when women formed only 2% of the legal profession. (Trestman, 41.) While at the TVA, where again she was the first female lawyer, she worked on several key cases, including a few that challenged the TVA’s existence, such as Ashwander v. Tennessee Valley

    KF26 .L3 1963e United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Labor and Public Welfare. Equal Pay Act of 1963.
  • Earl Warren papers, box 832, Remarks, Dinner Marking Retirement of Bessie Margolin, Washington Hilton Hotel, January 28, 1972.
  • JK671.C52  Civil Service Journal.
  • KF3306 2016 The Employment Law Sourcebook / Eleanor L. Grossman, J.D., and Robert B. McKinney, J.D., of the staff of the National Legal Research Group, Inc., editors.

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Women Beneficiaries under PMMKSY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a new Central Sector Sub-scheme namely the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) under the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 at an estimated outlay of ₹6000 crore.

    Under PM-MKSSY, the Sub-scheme provides support for: (i) formalization of the unorganized part of fisheries sector by providing work based digital identity to fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders through National Fisheries Digital Platform (ii) facilitating access to institutional credit, (iii) incentive for adoption of aquaculture insurance by providing ‘one-time incentive’ to the farmers by providing 40% of the premium (up to ₹25,000 per hectare, or ₹1 lakh per farmer for 4 hectares, SC/ST and women beneficiaries get an additional 10% incentive (iv) improvement of fisheries value-chain efficiencies under component 2 through Performance grant for a Microenterprise i.e. 25% of the total investment or Rs.35 lakhs, whichever is lower, for General Category and 35% of total investment or Rs.45 lakhs, whichever is lower, for SC, ST and Women owned microenterprises. In addition, Performance Grant for Village Level Organizations and Federations of SHGs, FFPOs and Cooperatives shall not exceed 35% of total investment or Rs.200 lakhs, whichever is lower  and for establishment of supply chains of safe fish products to consumers under Component 3 through Performance grant for a Small and Microenterprise  i.e. 25% of the total investment or Rs.35 lakhs, whichever is lower for microenterprise and 25% of total investment or ₹75 lakhs, whichever is lower for small enterprise for General Category and 35% of total investment or Rs.45 lakhs, whichever is lower for microenterprise and 35% of total investment or ₹100 lakhs, whichever is lower, for SC, ST and Women for small enterprise. In addition, Performance Grant for Village Level Organizations and Federations of SHGs, FFPOs and Cooperatives shall not exceed 35% of total investment or Rs.200 lakhs, whichever is lower. Along with this, PM-MKSSY aims to provide an amount of Rs.10,000 and Rs.15,000 per year for creation and maintenance of jobs for a men and woman respectively subject to the limit of 50% of total eligible grant.

    Further, The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) under PM-MKSSY on 11.09.2024. The NFDP aims at formalization of the Indian fisheries and aquaculture sector through creation of work-based digital identity and the database for all stakeholders in fisheries sector. It also serves as ‘one-stop’ solution for access to institutional credit, strengthening of fisheries co-operatives, incentivizing aquiculture insurance, performance-based incentives, fisheries’ traceability systems and training and capacity building. Till date, 20,25,676 fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders have registered on NFDP including 209850 registrations from Andhra Pradesh. The registrations include 56,165 Women beneficiaries, 8374 SC beneficiaries and 5075 ST beneficiaries. The district-wise details are furnished at Annexure-I.

    Under the NFDP, the module for aquaculture insurance, credit Facilitation, performance grant, traceability and training and capacity building has been developed and made live. The beneficiary can login to the NFDP portal and apply for availing the benefit. As on date, 286 lead applications for Aquaculture Insurance including 13 applications from Andhra Pradesh have been submitted by the beneficiaries covering 716 hectare farms and the same have been forwarded to the insurance companies on the portal. Further, 8 applications for Performance Grant including 6 applications under component 2 and 2 applications under component 3 have been received under PM-MKSSY. As of now, no applications have been received from Andhra Pradesh for Performance Grant.

     

    Annexure-I

     

    District-wise details of registrations under National Fisheries Digital Platform in Andhra Pradesh

     

    Name of the District

    No. of Female registrations

    No. of Male registrations

    Total registrations

    SC registrations

    ST registrations

    Alluri Sitharama Raju

    57

    364

    421

    25

    140

    Anakapalli

    305

    1126

    1431

    18

    47

    Anantapur

    291

    1692

    1983

    183

    47

    Annamayya

    8

    150

    158

    8

    17

    Bapatla

    990

    2076

    3066

    43

    125

    Chittoor

    684

    928

    1612

    224

    138

    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema

    4299

    6363

    10662

    90

    6

    East Godavari

    12380

    35557

    47937

    340

    174

    Eluru

    619

    1352

    1971

    308

    28

    Guntur

    1574

    7745

    9319

    658

    807

    Krishna

    11406

    20778

    32184

    2202

    594

    Kurnool

    373

    3450

    3823

    363

    90

    Nandyal

    63

    327

    390

    17

    16

    NTR

    193

    362

    555

    122

    24

    Palnadu

    42

    254

    296

    59

    126

    Parvathipuram Manyam

    73

    617

    690

    34

    338

    Prakasam

    1952

    7687

    9639

    305

    212

    Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore

    3195

    10355

    13550

    743

    1058

    Sri Sathya Sai

    51

    606

    657

    38

    15

    Srikakulam

    8547

    17094

    25641

    65

    64

    Tirupati

    572

    2692

    3264

    241

    287

    Visakhapatnam

    5434

    19673

    25107

    172

    210

    Vizianagaram

    1457

    3547

    5004

    98

    343

    West Godavari

    1495

    8514

    10009

    1944

    96

    Y.S.R. Kadapa

    105

    376

    481

    74

    73

    Total

    56165

    153685

    209850

    8374

    5075

     

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.

     

    *******

    AA

     

    (Release ID: 2112272) Visitor Counter : 75

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Insurance to Deep-Sea Fishermen

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing the following schemes and programme in the country for all round development of Fisheries and Dairy Sectors:

    1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY),
    2. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF),
    3. Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO)
    4. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and
    5. Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF),

    The year-wise Budget allocations under the aforesaid schemes implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying for development of fisheries and dairy sector during the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26 is furnished at Annexure-I.  The State/ UT-wise details funds provided by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and utilization thereof by the States/ UTs under the aforesaid schemes for development of fisheries and dairy sector during the last four years are furnished at Annexure-I, II, III, IV, V and VI.

    In order to provide social security measure to fishers, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India under the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) provides accidental insurance coverage to fishers including Deep-Sea Fishermen, wherein the entire insurance premium amount is borne by the Central and State Government, with no contribution from the beneficiary. The insurance coverage provided under the PMMSY includes (i) Rs.5,00,000/- against death or permanent total disability, (ii) Rs.2,50,000/- for permanent partial disability and (iii) hospitalization expenses in the event of accident for a sum of Rs. 25,000/. Besides, the insurance premium subvention scheme for fishing vessels intended to cover partial loss/ total loss arising due to natural calamities and accidental risks causing damage to hull, machineries and accessories including fishing nets is at its final stage for rollout with a premium rate of 2 % [plus applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST)] of the sum insured for fishing vessels irrespective of the size and categories.

    During last four years (2020-24) under the PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has accorded approval to the various marine fisheries developmental projects including mariculture activities for sustainable utilization of marine resources in Indian coastal waters. These activities include support for introduction of 480 numbers of deep-sea fishing vessels and 1,338 numbers of upgradation of existing vessels for traditional fishermen for export competency, 1525 numbers of sea cages, 10 numbers of marine fin-fish hatcheries, 2307 numbers of bivalve cultivation units (including mussels, clams, pearl etc.) and 47,245 numbers of rafts and 65,480 numbers of monoline tube nets for Seaweed cultivation. Further, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is also providing training and capacity building programme amongst fishers and fish farmers for various activities including application of modern technologies in fisheries and aquaculture under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with 100 % central share through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). The said training and skill development programs includes diverse areas of aquaculture, like intensive freshwater aquaculture, brackish water aquaculture, mariculture, Seaweed cultivation, coldwater aquaculture, ornamental fisheries, fish processing and marketing, species-specific hatchery/ breeding technologies of various commercial important fish species.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with effect from financial year 2018-19 is implementing Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs. 7522.48 crore.  FIDF inter-alia provides concessional finance for development of various fisheries infrastructure facilities to the Eligible Entities (EEs), including State Governments/ Union Territories, State entities and other stakeholders for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities.  Under FIDF, the Department of Fisheries provides interest subvention up to 3 % per annum for providing the concessional finance by the Next Level Entrepreneurs (NLEs) at the interest rate not lower than 5 % per annum. Under FIDF scheme, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has approved a total 136 project proposals/ projects at a total cost of Rs. 5801.06 crore with project cost restricted for interest subvention at Rs. 3858.19 crore to various States/ UTs. The State/ UT-wise details of the project approved under FIDF till date for infrastructural development in Fisheries sector.  The projects supported under FIDF to States and Union Territories are including Fishing Harbours (FHs), Fish Landing Centres (FLCs), ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, integrated cold chain (marine and inland sectors), modern fish markets, brood banks, hatcheries, modernization State fish seed farms, Fisheries Training Centres (FTCs), fish processing units, fish feed mills/ plants, cage culture in reservoirs, mariculture etc. 

    Annexure-I

    Year-wise Budget Allocations under the various schemes implemented for development of fisheries and Dairy sector during the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26):

    Year

    BE

    RE

    Expenditure

    I. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY),

    2021-22

    1000.00

    1200.00

    1169.19

    2022-23

    1879.00

    1410.00

    1169.86

    2023-24

    2000.00

    1500.00

    1148.88

    2024-25

    2352.00

    1500.00

    989.32*

    2025-26

    2465.00

     

     

    II. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

    2021-22

    1500.00

    1000.00

    1000.00

    2022-23

    1200.00

    1200.00

    1200.00

    2023-24

    2500.00

    2500.00

    2440.00

    2024-25

    3000.00

    2500.00

    625.00

    2025-26

    3000.00

    –

     

    III. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)

    2021-22

    255.00

    402.90

    402.90

    2022-23

    340.01

    220.00

    219.40

    2023-24

    326.93

    371.00

    370.83

    2024-25

    371.00

    450.00

    420.29*

    2025-26

     

     

     

    IV. Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)

    2021-22

    49.00

     

    10.00

    2022-23

    100.00

     

    23.52

    2023-24

    40.00

     

    40.00

    2024-25

    100.00

     

    51.26*

    2025-26

    100.00

     

    —-

    V. Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO)

    2021-22

    100.00

    130.00

    130.00

    2022-23

    100.00

    100.00

    100.00

    2023-24

    100.00

    121.00

    117.75

    2024-25

    100.00

    100.00

    100.00 (Assignment)

    2025-26

    100.00

     

     

                            *Expenditure till date

    Annexure-II

    State-wise details of funds released under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) during the last four years and current years (i.e. 2020-21 to 2024-25):

    (Rs. in lakhs)

    Sl. No.

    State/ UT

    Total Project Cost

    Central Share

    Funds Released

    		  
     

    (i)

    (ii)

    (iii)

    (iv)

    (v)

    		  

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar

    5867.10

    3122.53

    696.70

    		  

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    239872.67

    55910.38

    48211.79

    		  

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    20028.09

    13232.27

    9847.62

    		  

    4

    Assam

    53962.88

    29682.11

    20731.89

    		  

    5

    Bihar

    54712.98

    17365.23

    7928.31

    		  

    6

    Chhattisgarh

    92338.45

    30404.41

    20569.40

    		  

    7

    D & D& Dadra & NH

    13516.89

    6800.65

    178.90

    		  

    8

    Delhi

    533.25

    286.08

    163.30

    		  

    9

    Goa

    11616.49

    4849.74

    4405.68

    		  

    10

    Gujarat

    96068.53

    29277.71

    6516.70

    		  

    11

    Haryana

    76086.75

    26216.03

    10151.73

    		  

    12

    Himachal Pradesh

    15388.15

    7861.50

    3813.69

    		  

    13

    Jammu & Kashmir

    15019.86

    7773.04

    7961.80

    		  

    14

    Jharkhand

    43856.06

    14818.28

    11570.76

    		  

    15

    Karnataka

    105634.95

    36350.59

    35958.72

    		  

    16

    Kerala

    135811.54

    57628.59

    31842.33

    		  

    17

    Ladakh

    3374.60

    2036.76

    1016.99

    		  

    18

    Lakshadweep

    6763.48

    4458.13

    1419.12

    		  

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    89925.00

    29449.98

    19013.71

    		  

    20

    Maharashtra

    144767.36

    54426.66

    27877.83

    		  

    21

    Manipur

    20181.70

    9584.33

    2944.63

    		  

    22

    Meghalaya

    13262.36

    7425.73

    3596.21

    		  

    23

    Mizoram

    14785.80

    8128.27

    6347.38

    		  

    24

    Nagaland

    16368.38

    10543.52

    6709.46

    		  

    25

    Odisha

    113867.60

    46425.75

    25983.27

    		  

    26

    Puducherry

    33866.46

    22996.05

    5713.91

    		  

    27

    Punjab

    16792.95

    4514.79

    2476.27

    		  

    28

    Rajasthan

    7095.14

    2372.65

    864.12

    		  

    29

    Sikkim

    7827.43

    4681.43

    3300.05

    		  

    30

    Tamil Nadu

    115284.67

    44535.55

    13631.12

    		  

    31

    Telangana

    34117.09

    10842.16

    9582.93

    		  

    32

    Tripura

    25862.81

    14762.41

    5859.84

    		  

    33

    Uttar Pradesh

    129432.10

    41230.99

    28911.70

    		  

    34

    Uttarakhand

    32297.07

    16667.37

    8780.37

    		  

    35

    West Bengal

    54439.43

    22554.70

    5075.97

    		  

    Total

    18,606,26.07

    6,992,16.37

    3,996,54.2

    		  

    *******

    Annexure-III

    The State/UT-wise details of the project approved under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) till date for Infrastructural development in Fisheries sector;

    (Rs. in crores)

    Sl No

    Name of State

    No. of projects approved

    Total Project Cost

    Amount eligible for interest subvention

    1.

    Andhra Pradesh

    10

    1396.83

    653.06

    2.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1

    0.68

    0.54

    3.

    Assam

    1

    0.41

    0.18

    4.

    Goa

    1

    6.42

    5.00

    5.

    Gujarat

    5

    1354.92

    750.00

    6.

    Haryana

    1

    1.17

    0.64

    7.

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    5.17

    5.00

    8.

    Jammu and Kashmir

    2

    120.70

    93.17

    9.

    Karnataka

    2

    1.44

    0.79

    10.

    Kerala

    3

    162.82

    151.20

    11.

    Maharashtra

    13

    1031.30

    770.25

    12.

    Manipur

    4

    1.15

    0.90

    13.

    Mizoram

    1

    8.57

    6.85

    14.

    Odisha

    4

    60.18

    33.83

     

    Puducherry

    1

    2.46

    1.97

    15.

    Tamil Nadu

    66

    1576.08

    1337.81

    16.

    Telangana

    1

    4.70

    2.31

    17.

    Uttar Pradesh

    1

    0.22

    0.09

    18.

    West Bengal

    18

    66.07

    44.69

    Total

    136

    5801.06

    3858.19

    *****

    Annexure-IV

    The State-wise details of release of funds under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) during last five years (i.e. 2020-21 to 2024-25).

    (Rs. in lakhs)

    Sl. No.

    NAME OF STATE/ UT

    Total Expenditure made

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    7342.25

    2

    Assam

    336.4

    3

    Bihar

    275.3

    4

    Goa

    39.81

    5

    Gujarat

    17267.24

    6

    Haryana

    502.69

    7

    Himachal Pradesh

    2627.18

    8

    Jammu & Kashmir

    9849.43

    9

    Jharkhand

    915.79

    10

    Karnataka

    12657.83

    11

    Kerala

    3872.73

    12

    Ladakh

    50

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    1621.78

    14

    Maharashtra

    1349.59

    15

    Manipur

    901.89

    16

    Meghalaya

    3062.52

    17

    Nagaland

    394.71

    18

    Odisha

    1591.08

    19

    Puducherry

    481.05

    20

    Punjab

    9296

    21

    Rajasthan

    9551.93

    22

    Sikkim

    2427.82

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    10352.22

    24

    Telangana

    1082.29

    25

    Tripura

    604.14

    26

    Uttar Pradesh

    544.9

    27

    Uttarakhand

    2342.16

    28

    West Bengal

    71.47

     

    Grand total

    101412.2

    Annexure-V

    The State-wise details of release of funds for the infrastructure development support Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO) during last four years (i.e. 2020-21 to 2024-25).

    S No

    Name of the State/UTs

    Total

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    12.94

    2

    Assam

    0.04

    3

    Bihar

    3.22

    4

    Gujarat

    516.34

    5

    Haryana

    2.16

    6

    Jammu and Kashmir

    0.00

    7

    Jharkhand

    0.35

    8

    Karnataka

    26.68

    9

    Madhya Pradesh

    1.03

    10

    Maharashtra

    19.74

    11

    Odisha

    0.00

    12

    Punjab

    29.20

    13

    Rajasthan

    8.40

    14

    Tamil Nadu

    7.73

    15

    Telangana

    0.65

    16

    Uttar Pradesh

    0.22

     

    Total

    628.70

     

    Annexure-VI

    The State-wise details of release of funds for the infrastructure development support Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) as on 31-12-2024 during last four years (i.e. 2020-21 to 2024-25).

    Sl. No.

    State

    No of Projects

    (Rs in Crore)

    Total Project Cost

    Loan sanctioned

    Loan disbursed

    Total

    NDDB’s projects

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    1

    97.75

    78.20

    34.73

    2

    Bihar

    1

    113.27

    78.80

    76.39

    3

    Gujarat

    5

    1879.11

    1469.59

    1280.76

    4

    Haryana

    4

    420.19

    336.14

    197.50

    5

    Karnataka

    10

    2479.90

    1344.83

    1028.98

    6

    Kerala

    1

    15.25

    12.20

    8.62

    7

    Madhya Pradesh

    1

    338.00

    270.40

    237.86

    8

    Maharashtra

    2

    488.33

    290.66

    247.13

    9

    Punjab

    4

    318.41

    249.77

    205.73

    10

    Rajasthan

    1

    79.33

    59.77

    55.35

    11

    Telangana

    3

    261.51

    156.70

    134.22

    12

    Tamil Nadu

    3

    239.16

    191.32

    28.08

     

    TOTAL

    36

    6730.21

    4538.38

    3535.34

    NCDC’s projects

    1

    Tamil Nadu

    1

    46.66

    37.33

    19.33

    GRAND TOTAL

    37

    6776.87

    4575.71

    3554.67

     

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.

    *******

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coastal Development

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The ‘National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017 notified by the Government of India, provides guiding principles of conservation and optimum utilization of fisheries resources. The policy also highlights marine environment and pollution issues including micro-plastic and ghost nets. The policy supports regulatory mechanisms to control pollutants from land and sea-based sources, which can be effectively controlled and the ecosystems monitored for pollution related aspects. To combat marine plastic pollution, particularly from fishing and maritime sectors, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has been actively engaged in the global efforts like Glolitter Partnership Project and Reglitter Project both of which are jointly implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Food, and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO).

    These projects focus on preventing and reducing Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) from sea-based sources, with an emphasis on addressing abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and wastes from ships. As a Lead Partnering Country (LPC) in the Glolitter Project, Department of Fisheries, Government of India has published its National Action Plan (NAP), which outlines strategic measures to reduce Marine Plastic Litter from Sea-based Sources. To address the issues of destructive fishing, the Government of India has banned fishing methods such as pair or bull trawling and the use of LED or artificial lights for fishing in the EEZ area.

    To ensure long-term viability of the sector and to address the issues related to climate change, protection and restoration of critical habitat, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India is working closely with the State Governments and environmental agencies. These efforts include establishment of artificial reefs along the entire coastline of India, conduct of sea ranching, promotion of seaweed farming, implementation of uniform fishing ban for 61 days during the major fish breeding period and installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets for conservation of turtles, etc. Further, advisories are issued to States/UTs to take measures to prevent juvenile fishing such as implementation of mesh size regulations and minimum legal size of fish under their Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs) to ensure sustainable and responsible fishing practices. In addition, to enhance the economic resilience of coastal communities impacted by the climate change, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages situated close to the coastline as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV). The activities in the identified coastal fishermen villages are need-based facilities, including common facilities like fish drying yards, fish processing centers, fish markets, fishing jetties, ice plants, cold storages, and emergency rescue facilities. The Government is promoting climate resilient livelihoods like aquaculture, especially the mariculture of seaweed, food and ornamental fishes, bivalves etc through the schemes of the Department of Fisheries in a large way. Additionally, the ICAR-Fisheries Research Institutes have been contributing to enhance inland and marine aquaculture through ongoing research, technology development, and capacity-building with funding support of the Government of India.

    The regulatory framework such as Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of fishing by foreign vessels) Act, 1981 and the Marine Fishing Regulation Acts of all maritime States/Union Territories have provisions to prevent certain forms of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign vessels and Indian vessels respectively. Further, implementation of ReALCraft, a web-based portal for registration and licensing of fishing vessels, issuance of biometric identity cards to marine fishers and vessel communication and support system supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) also help in prevention of IUU fishing. In addition, the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) is conducting awareness programs in coastal fishing villages across the country to educate fishers about the FAO-CCRF (Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries) and need for prevention of IUU fishing. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is also collaborating with the international bodies, like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which works to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing in the Indian Ocean region.

    To address the issue of price instability and ensure fair and predictable income for fishermen, PMMSY has supported 27189 units of fish transportation facilities (refrigerated vehicles, insulated vehicles, two wheelers/ three wheelers), 21 state-of-the-art wholesale fish markets, 202 fish retail markets, 6694 fish kiosks and 5 E-platforms for e-trading and e-marketing of fish and fisheries products in all the States/UTs across the country with a total outlay of Rs. 1654.51 crore. To provide real-time and accurate price information to fishers and fish farmers and to help them to negotiate better price, the Department through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has launched the ‘Fish Market Price Information System’ (FMPIS) during 2018-19 to capture and disseminate fish market prices of commercially important marine and inland fishes from 111 wholesale and retail fish markets in 29 States/UTs. Further, the Department of Fisheries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with an objective to provide a digital platform and empower all stakeholders including traditional fishermen, fish farmers’ producer organizations and entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector to buy and sell their products through e-marketplace.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.

     *******

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Seaweed Production

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:45PM by PIB Delhi

    India has significant potential for seaweed cultivation. As reported by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) total seaweed production in the country was 72,385 tonnes (wet weight) in 2023. The main cultivated species are Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria edulis, which are widely used for carrageenan and agar production. Seaweed is also utilized in food, biofertilizers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, and biofuels.

    In June’ 2020, the Government of India launched a flagship scheme namely, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with total investment of Rs. 20,050 crore towards promoting the fisheries sector in the country. Promotion of seaweed cultivation is one of the priority activity under PMMSY. Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) has approved the seaweed projects worth ₹194.09 crore, with a central share of ₹98.97 crore including support provided to beneficiaries for installation of Rafts, Monolines/Tubenets, establishment of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, Pre-feasibility Assessment Studies on seaweed farming, awareness and training programs in various States and Union Territories under the PMMSY. Besides, Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has been designated as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed development and the Lakshadweep Islands has been designated as a Seaweed Cluster.

    DoF, GoI has approved projects under the PMMSY for establishment of Seaweed Seedbanks in Tamil Nadu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep.  DoF, GoI on 21st October 2024 has also issued the Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India, allowing the import of high-quality seed strains.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.

    *******

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Fisheries Digital Platform

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a new Central Sector Sub-scheme namely the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) under the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 at an estimated outlay of ₹6000.

    The Sub-scheme has four components namely, Component 1-A: Formalization of fisheries sector and facilitating access of fisheries microenterprises to Government of India programs for working capital financing, Component 1-B: Facilitating adoption of aquaculture insurance, Component 2: Supporting microenterprises to improve fisheries sector value chain efficiencies, Component 3: Adoption and expansion of fish and fishery product safety and quality assurance systems, and Component 4: Project management, monitoring and reporting.

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) under PM-MKSSY on 11.09.2024. The NFDP aims at formalization of the Indian fisheries and aquaculture sector through creation of work-based digital identity and the database for all stakeholders in fisheries sector. It also serves as ‘one-stop’ solution for access to institutional credit,  strengthening of fisheries co-operatives, incentivizing aquiculture insurance, performance-based incentives, fisheries’ traceability systems and training and capacity building. Under NFDP, 20,25,676 fishers, micro-enterprises, FFPOs and companies has been registered till date. The details of state-wise registration is furnished at Annexure I.

    Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi-Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) offers provisions under Component 1A for enhancing financial inclusion by facilitating access to institutional credit for fish workers/enterprises. Under the NFDP, the Credit facilitation module has been developed and made live. The beneficiary can login to the NFDP portal and avail the benefit. As on date, 4066 lead applications including 129 from Andhra Pradesh has been received from the beneficiaries and the same have been forwarded to banks on the platform for necessary consideration.

     

    Annexure-I

    State-wise details of registrations under National Fisheries Digital Platform in India

     

    S.No

    State

    Total Number of Registrations

    Number of Individual

    Number of Organization

    1

    Andaman And Nicobar Islands

    3736

    3728

    8

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    225368

    224336

    1032

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1621

    1611

    10

    4

    Assam

    209935

    209518

    417

    5

    Bihar

    98095

    97706

    389

    6

    Chandigarh

    196

    195

    1

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    18644

    18485

    159

    8

    Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu

    1419

    1413

    6

    9

    Delhi

    509

    490

    19

    10

    Goa

    1934

    1928

    6

    11

    Gujarat

    87954

    87698

    256

    12

    Haryana

    7446

    7435

    11

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    7728

    7692

    36

    14

    Jammu And Kashmir

    25095

    25081

    14

    15

    Jharkhand

    25144

    24939

    205

    16

    Karnataka

    179146

    176762

    2384

    17

    Kerala

    237135

    236863

    272

    18

    Ladakh

    50

    50

    0

    19

    Lakshadweep

    2213

    2211

    2

    20

    Madhya Pradesh

    65589

    65002

    587

    21

    Maharashtra

    207715

    205966

    1749

    22

    Manipur

    18414

    18280

    134

    23

    Meghalaya

    20220

    20185

    35

    24

    Mizoram

    3148

    3138

    10

    25

    Nagaland

    5101

    5087

    14

    26

    Odisha

    139357

    139145

    212

    27

    Puducherry

    5625

    5622

    3

    28

    Punjab

    4070

    4065

    5

    29

    Rajasthan

    4788

    4780

    8

    30

    Sikkim

    1778

    1774

    4

    31

    Tamil Nadu

    109685

    109585

    100

    32

    Telangana

    110038

    109456

    582

    33

    Tripura

    76408

    76307

    101

    34

    Uttar Pradesh

    63541

    63264

    277

    35

    Uttarakhand

    10228

    10125

    103

    36

    West Bengal

    46603

    46526

    77

    Total

    2025676

    2016448

    9228

     

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sahkar se Samriddhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Cooperation

    Sahkar se Samriddhi

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:15PM by PIB Delhi

    To achieve the prosperity in the country through the mantra of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” given by the Prime Minister, a pilot project to promote ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’ was launched by Union Minister of Home and Cooperation on 21st May,2023 in Banaskantha and Panchmahal District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) of Gujarat to promote all financial transactions of Primary Dairy Cooperative Societies (PDCSs) with Rural Cooperative Banks and to strengthen and make the cooperative sector Aatma Nirbhar. Activities taken up under the pilot project are as under:

    1. Dairy cooperative societies were made Bank Mitras of DCCBs: To ensure ease of doing business of PDCSs through digital financial transactions and to promote financial inclusion, micro-ATMs were given to these Bank Mitra PDCS with support from NABARD’s Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) to provide doorstep financial services.
    2. Rupay KCC through DCCBs: To expand the business and reach of DCCBs and to provide necessary liquidity/credit to the members of dairy cooperative societies, RuPay Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) were issued by DCCBs to the members of PDCS and other societies for providing timely credit at comparatively lower interest rates and enabling other financial transactions.
    3. Awareness about the campaign was created through Financial Literacy Camps (FLCs) which was also supported through FIF.

    On the basis of learnings during the pilot project, the campaign was expanded and launched in all districts of Gujarat from 15th January 2024. Achievements during the campaign in the state of Gujarat are provided below:-

    • Over 2,23,994 new RuPay KCCs were issued by DCCBs.
    • 6446 micro-ATMs were distributed to new Bank Mitra PDCS
    • 6529 Bank Mitras were enrolled
    • More than 23 lakh deposit accounts opened
    • Total amount deposited was Rs. 8329 crore

    A Standard Operating Procedure for the nation-wide implementation of the Campaign on ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’ was launched on 19.09.2024.

    Ministry of Cooperation with active participation of various States/ UTs has taken various initiatives to revitalize and strengthen the cooperative sector across the country ensuring uniform development of Cooperative Societies across all the States, which are enclosed at Annexure. These initiatives also include the measures taken to strengthen cooperative societies in those States where the cooperative movement is not in good position at present.

    To enhance international market access for cooperative based products, Ministry of Cooperation has set up National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL). NCEL will focus on exporting the surpluses available in the Indian cooperative sector by accessing wider markets beyond the geographical contours of the country, thereby, increasing the demand of Indian Cooperative products/services across the globe and fetch best possible prices for such products/services. It will promote exports through various activities including procurement, storage, processing, marketing, branding, labelling, packaging, certification, research and development, etc, and trading of all types of goods and services produced by cooperative societies. 8,863 cooperatives have become member of NCEL.

    *****

    ANNEXURE

    Progress on major initiatives taken by Ministry of Cooperation

    Ministry of Cooperation, since its inception on 6th July, 2021, has undertaken several initiatives to realize the vision of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi” and to strengthen & deepen the cooperative movement from Primary to Apex level Cooperatives in the country. List of initiatives taken and progress made so far are as follows:

    A. Making Primary Cooperatives economically vibrant and transparent

    1. Model Bye-Laws for PACS making them multipurpose, multidimensional and transparent entities: Government, in consultation with all the stakeholders, including States/ UTs, National Level Federations, State Cooperative Banks (StCBs), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), etc., has prepared and circulated Model Bye-laws for PACS to all the States/ UTs, which enable PACS to undertake more than 25 business activities, improve governance, transparency and accountability in their operations. Provisions have also been made to make the membership of PACS more inclusive and broad-based, giving adequate representation to women and Scheduled Castes/Schedules Tribes. So far, 32 States/ UTs have adopted Model Bye-laws or their existing bye-laws are in line with Model Bye-laws.
      1. Strengthening of PACS through Computerization: In order to strengthen PACS, project for Computerization of functional PACS with a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore has been approved by the Government of India, which entails bringing all functional PACS in the Country onto a common ERP based national software, linking them with NABARD through StCBs and DCCBs. A total of 67,930 PACS from 30 States/ UTs have been sanctioned under the project. A total of 50,455 PACS have been onboarded on ERP Software and hardware has been procured by 30 States/UTs.
      1. Establishing New Multipurpose PACS/ Dairy/ Fishery Cooperatives in covering all the Panchayats: The Government of India has approved the plan to establish new multipurpose PACS/dairy/fisheries cooperatives, aiming to cover all panchayats and villages in the country over the next five years. This initiative is supported by NABARD, NDDB, NFDB and State/UT Governments. For effective implementation of the initiative, ‘Margadarshika’ has been launched on 19.9.2024, indicating the targets and timelines for stakeholders. As per National Cooperative Database, a total of 12,957 new PACS, Dairy and Fishery Cooperative Societies have been registered as on 27.1.2025 across the country since the approval of the plan on 15.2.2023.
      1. World’s Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative sector: Government has approved a plan to create warehouses, custom hiring centers, primary processing units and other agri-infrastructure for grain storage at PACS level, through convergence of various GOI schemes, including AIF, AMI, SMAM, PMFME, etc. This will reduce wastage of food grains and transportation costs, enable farmers to realize better prices for their produce and meet various agricultural needs at the PACS level itself. Under the pilot project, construction of godowns in 11 PACS of 11 States has been completed.
      2. PACS as Common Service Centers (CSCs) for better access to e-services: An MoU has been signed between Ministry of Cooperation, MeitY, NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited for providing more than 300 e-services such as banking, insurance, Aadhar enrolment/ updation, health services, PAN card and IRCTC/ Bus/ Air ticket, etc. through PACS. So far, 42,080 PACS have started providing CSC services to rural citizens.
      1. Formation of new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by PACS: Government has allowed 1100 additional FPOs to be formed by PACS with the support of NCDC, in those blocks where FPOs have not yet been formed or the blocks are not covered by any other implementing agency. Against this allocation of 1100 blocks, 958 FPOs have been registered/ on-boarded as on 27.01.2025. Apart from this, 730 FPOs have already been formed by NCDC in cooperative sector. As on date, a total of 1,688 FPOs have been registered / on-boarded by NCDC in cooperative sector. This will be helpful in providing farmers with necessary market linkages and get fair and remunerative process for their produce.
      1. PACS given priority for Retail Petrol/ Diesel outlets: Government has allowed PACS to be included in the Combined Category 2 (CC2) for allotment of retail petrol/ diesel outlets. As per information received from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), 286 PACS from 25 States/UTs have applied online for retail petrol/ diesel outlets.
      1. PACS given permission to convert bulk consumer petrol pumps into retail outlets: The existing bulk consumer licensee PACS have been given a one-time option by Oil Marketing Companies to convert into retail outlets. As per information shared by OMCs, 116 wholesale consumer pump licensee PACS from 5 States have given consent for conversion into Retail Outlets, out of which 56 PACS have been commissioned by the OMCs.
      1. PACS eligible for LPG Distributorship for diversifying its activities: Government has now allowed PACS to apply for LPG Distributorships. This will give PACS an option to increase their economic activities and diversify their income stream. As of now, 2 PACS from the state of Jharkhand have applied for LPG distributorship under CC Category.
      1. PACS as PM Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra for improving access to generic medicines at rural level: PACS have been allowed to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya JanaushadhiKendras (PMBJKs), which will provide additional income source to them and ease the access to quality generic medicines for rural citizens. So far, 4,523 PACS/ cooperative societies have applied online for PMBJKs, out of which 2,744 PACS have been given initial approval by Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) and 785 PACS have received drug license from State Drug Controllers and 716 PACS have got store codes from PMBI which are ready to function as PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
      1. PACS as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK): PACS have been enabled to operate PMKSK for ensuring easy accessibility of fertilizer & related services to farmers in the country. As per the information shared by Department of Fertilizers (GOI) and States/ UTs, a total of 36,193 PACS are functioning as PMKSK.
      1. PACS to carry out O&M of rural piped water supply schemes (PWS): PACS have been made eligible to carry out the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of PWS in rural areas. As per information received from States/ UTs, 934 PACS have been identified/ selected by 13 States/ UTs to provide O&M services at Panchayat/ Village level.
      1. Convergence of PM-KUSUM at PACS level: Farmers associated with PACS can adopt solar agricultural water pumps and install photovoltaic modules in their farms.
      2. Micro-ATMs to Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies for providing doorstep financial services: Dairy and Fisheries cooperative societies can be made Bank Mitras of DCCBs and StCBs. To ensure their ease of doing business, transparency and financial inclusion, Micro-ATMs are also being given to these Bank Mitra Co-operative Societies with support from NABARD to provide ‘Door-step Financial Services’. To facilitate effective implementation of the initiative, an SOP has been launched on 19th September 2024. So far, 8,322 Micro-ATMs have been distributed to Bank Mitra cooperative societies in Gujarat.
      1. Rupay Kisan Credit Card to Members of Milk Cooperatives: In order to expand the reach of DCCBs/ StCBs and to provide necessary liquidity to the members of Dairy Cooperative societies, Rupay Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) are being distributed to the members of cooperatives for providing credit at comparatively lower interest rates and to enable them to carry out other financial transactions. To facilitate effective implementation of the initiative, an SOP has been launched on 19th September 2024. So far, 7,43,810 Rupay KCC have been distributed in the State of Gujarat.

    16. Formation of Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO): In order to provide market linkage and processing facilities to fishermen, NCDC has registered 70 FFPOs in the initial phase. In addition, Department of Fisheries, Government of India has allocated the work of converting 1000 existing fisheries cooperative societies into FFPOs to National Cooperative Development Corporation. National Cooperative Development Corporation has identified 997 Primary Fisheries Cooperatives Societies to strengthen as FFPOs, with an approved outlay of Rs. 280.65 crore.

      1. White Revolution 2.0: The Ministry of Cooperation has launched an initiative to usher Cooperative-led “White Revolution 2.0” aimed at expanding cooperative coverage, employment generation and women’s empowerment with an objective “To increase the milk procurement of dairy cooperatives by 50% from the present level over next five years by providing market access to dairy farmers in uncovered areas and increasing the share of dairy cooperatives in organised sector.” The SOP for White Revolution 2.0 was launched on 19.11.2024 by Hon’ble Home & Cooperation Minister in presence of Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. On 25.12.2024 Hon’ble Home & Cooperation Minister in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying inaugurated 6,600 newly set up Dairy Cooperative Societies. So far, 8,294 DCSs have been registered in 27 States/UTs.
      2.  Atmanirbharta Abhiyan: Ministry of Cooperation has launched the initiative to incentivize production of pulses (tur, masur and urad) to reduce dependency on imports, and production of maize to be used for production of ethanol for meeting the goal of Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) through National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). Both have developed their own web portal i.e. e-samyukti and e-samridhi respectively for registration of farmers through cooperatives. Both have assured pre-registered farmers of tur, urad, masur and maize to procure 100% of their produce at Minimum Support Price (MSP). However, if market prices exceed the MSP, farmers are free to sell their produce in the open market. A total of 12,64,212 farmers have already registered on the e-samyukti portal of NCCF. Similarly, 6,75,178 farmers have registered themselves on the e-samridhi portal of NAFED.

    B. Strengthening the Urban and Rural Cooperative Banks

    1. Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) have been allowed to open new branches to expand their business: UCBs can now open new branches up to 10% (maximum 5 branches) of the existing number of branches in the previous financial year without prior approval of RBI.
    1. UCBs have been allowed by RBI to offer doorstep services to their customers: Door step banking facility can now be provided by UCBs. Account holders of these banks can now avail various banking facilities at home such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, KYC, demand draft and life certificate for pensioners, etc.
    1. Cooperative banks have been allowed to make one-time settlement of outstanding loans, like Commercial Banks: Co-operative banks, through board-approved policies, can now provide the process for settlement with borrowers, along with technical write-off.
    1. Time limit increased to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets given to UCBs: RBI has extended the timeline for UCBs to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets by two years i.e., up to March 31, 2026.
    1. A Nodal Officer designated in RBI for regular interaction with UCBs: In order to meet the long pending demand of the cooperative sector for closer coordination and focused interaction, RBI has notified a nodal officer.

    24. Individual housing loan limit more than doubled by RBI for Rural and Urban Cooperative Banks:

      1. Housing loan limit of Urban Cooperative Banks has now been doubled from Rs. 30 lakhs to Rs.60 lakhs.
      2. Housing loan limit of Rural Cooperative Banks has been increased to two and a half times to Rs.75 lakhs.

    25. Rural Cooperative Banks will now be able to lend to commercial real estate/ residential housing sector, thereby diversifying their business: This will not only help Rural Cooperative Banks to diversify their business, but will benefit Housing cooperative societies also.

    1. License fee reduced for Cooperative Banks: License fee for onboarding Cooperative Banks to ‘Aadhaar Enabled Payment System’ (AePS) has been reduced by linking it to the number of transactions. Cooperative financial institutions will also be able to get the facility free of cost for the first three months of the pre-production phase. With this, farmers will now be able to get the facility of banking at their home with through biometrics.
    1. Non-scheduled UCBs, StCBs and DCCBs notified as Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) in CGTMSE Scheme to increase the share of cooperatives in lending: Cooperative banks will now be able to take advantage of risk coverage up to 85 percent on the loans given. Also, cooperative sector enterprises will also be able to get collateral free loans from cooperative banks now.
    1. Notification of Scheduling norms for including Urban Cooperative Banks: UCBs that meet the ‘Financially Sound and Well Managed’ (FSWM) criteria and have maintained the minimum deposits required for classification as Tier 3 for the last two years are now eligible to be included in Schedule II of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and get ‘Scheduled’ status.
    1. Monetary ceiling doubled by RBI for Gold Loan: RBI has doubled monetary ceiling from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs.4 lakhs, for those UCBs that meet the PSL targets.
    1. Umbrella Organization for Urban Cooperative Banks: RBI has accorded approval to the National Federation of Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies Ltd. (NAFCUB) for the formation of an Umbrella Organization (UO) for the UCB sector, which will provide necessary IT infrastructure and operational support to around 1,500 UCBs.

    C. Relief to Cooperative Societies in the Income Tax Act

    1. Surcharge reduced from 12% to 7% for co-operative societies having income between Rs. 1 to 10 Cr.: This will reduce the burden of Income Tax on Cooperative Societies and more capital will be available with them to work for the benefit of their members.
    1. MAT reduced for cooperatives from 18.5% to 15%: With this provision, now there is parity between Cooperative Societies and Companies in this regard.
    1. Relief in cash transactions under section 269ST of the Income Tax Act: In order to remove difficulties in cash transactions by cooperatives under Section 269ST of IT Act, Government has issued a clarification that cash transaction of less than Rs. 2 lakhs done by a cooperative society with its distributor in a day will be considered separately, and will not be charged with income tax penalty.
    2. Tax cut for new manufacturing Cooperative societies: Government has decided that a flat lower tax rate of 15% will be charged, compared to an earlier rate of up to 30% plus surcharge, for new cooperatives commencing manufacturing activities by March 31, 2024. This will encourage the formation of new cooperative societies in the manufacturing sector.
    1. Increase in limit of Cash Deposits and Cash Loans by PACS and PCARDBs: Government has enhanced the limit for Cash Deposits and Cash Loans by PACS and Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs) from Rs. 20,000 to Rs.2 lakh per member. This provision will facilitate their activities, increase their business and benefit members of their societies.
    1. Increase in the limit of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) in Cash Withdrawal: Government has increased the cash withdrawal limit of cooperative societies without deduction of tax at source from Rs.1 crore to Rs.3 crore per year. This provision will save Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for cooperative societies, which will enhance their liquidity.

    D. Revival of Cooperative Sugar Mills

    1. Relief from Income Tax to Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has issued a clarification that cooperative sugar mills would not be subjected to additional income tax for paying higher sugarcane prices to farmers up to Fair and Remunerative or State Advised Price, from April, 2016 onwards.
    1. Resolution of decades old pending issues related to Income Tax of Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has made a provision in its Union Budget 2023-24, wherein Sugar cooperatives have been allowed to claim as expenditure their payments to sugarcane farmers for the period prior to assessment year 2016–17, giving them a relief of more than Rs.46,000 crore.
    1. Rs.10,000 crore loan scheme launched for strengthening of Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has launched a scheme through NCDC for setting up ethanol plants or cogeneration plants or for working capital or for all three purposes. So far, the Ministry has released Rs. 875 crore to NCDC (Rs. 500 crore in FY 2022-23 and Rs. 375 crore in FY 2024-25) under the scheme and as of now, NCDC has sanctioned 80 loans amounting to Rs.9,169.76 crore to 44 CSMs.
    1. Preference to Cooperative Sugar Mills in purchase of ethanol: Cooperative Sugar Mills have now been put at par with private companies for ethanol procurement by Government of India under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
    1. Strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills by converting their molasses-based ethanol plants into multi feed ethanol plants: Ministry of Cooperation has taken initiative in consultation with National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSFL) for conversion of existing molasses-based ethanol plants of CSMs into multi feed ethanol plants. The Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) also produce ethanol from molasses and sugar syrup by installing ethanol production plants. However, the availability of raw material i.e., molasses and sugar syrup for production of ethanol is limited by many factors viz, Government Policy on diversion of sugarcane syrup, B heavy molasses for production of ethanol and duration of sugar cane crushing season and availability of sugarcane depending on rainfall, etc. On account of these limiting factors, the CSMs having ethanol plants are not able to operate them at full capacity round the year. The Government of India has prioritized maize for production of ethanol, therefore, it is prudent for CSMs to convert their existing ethanol production units into multi feed ethanol production units so that they are able to produce ethanol by using maize as raw material.
    1. Reduction in GST on molasses from 28% to 5%: Government has decided to reduce the GST on molasses from 28% to 5% which will enable cooperative sugar mills to earn more profits for their members by selling molasses to distilleries with higher margins.

    E. Three new National Level Multi-State Societies

    43. New National Multi-State Cooperative Seed Society for certified seeds: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative seed society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) as an umbrella organization for quality seed cultivation, production and distribution under a single brand. During the Rabi 2024-25 season, 57 Varieties of 12 Crops were sown/ planted in 5,596 hectares. Similarly, during the Kharif 2024 season, 23 varieties of 8 Crops have been planted on 176.59 hectare of land. So far, 17,425 PACS/ Cooperative Societies have become members of BBSSL.

    1. New National Multi-State Cooperative Organic Society for organic farming: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative organic society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) as an umbrella organization to produce, distribute and market certified and authentic organic products. So far, 5,184 PACS/ cooperative societies have become members of NCOL. NCOL has launched 13 products i.e., Whole Wheat Flour, Moong Dhuli, Moong Whole, Moog Chilka Dal, Moog Split, Arhar/ Toor Dal, Urad Whole, Urad Dal, Masoor Whole, Masoor Malka, Brown Chana, Rajma Chitra, Chana Dal under ‘Bharat Organics Brand’.
    1. New National Multi-State Cooperative Export Society for promoting exports: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative export society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL) as an umbrella organization to give thrust to exports from cooperative sector. So far, 7,933 PACS/ cooperative societies have become members of NCEL. Till date, NCEL has achieved a total export quantity of commodities (rice, sugar, onion, wheat, maize and Jeera) of 12,52,083 Metric tonnes with an exported value of Rs. 5,099.24 crore.

    F. Capacity Building in Cooperatives

    1. Promotion of training and awareness through National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT): By increasing its reach, NCCT has conducted 2,872 training programs and provided training to 2,35,060 participants till December 2024.

    G. Use of Information Technology for ‘Ease of Doing Business’

    1. Computerization of the Central Registrar’s Office: Central Registrar’s office has been computerized to create a digital ecosystem for Multi-State Cooperative Societies, which will assist in processing applications and service requests in a time bound manner.
    1. Scheme for computerization of office of RCSs in States/ Union Territories: To increase ‘ease of doing business’ for cooperative societies and create a digital ecosystem for transparent paperless regulation in all the States/ UTs, a Centrally Sponsored Project for Computerization of RCS Offices has been approved by the Government. Grants are provided for the purchase of hardware, development of software, etc. to the States/ UTs. So far, proposals received from 35 States/ UTs have been sanctioned by GOI.
    1. Computerization of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs): To strengthen the long-term cooperative credit structure, the project of computerization of 1,851 units of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) spread across 13 States/ Union Territories has been approved by the Government. NABARD is the implementing agency for the project. So far, proposals from 10 States/UTs have been received and sanctioned. Further, GOI share amounting to Rs 5.08 crore has been released to 9 States/UTs in FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 for procurement of hardware, digitization and setting up of support system.

    H. Other Initiatives

    1. New National Cooperative Database for authentic and updated data repository: A database of cooperatives in the country has been prepared with the support of State Governments to facilitate stakeholders in policy making and implementation of programmes/ schemes related to cooperatives across the country. So far, data of more than

    8.2 lakh cooperatives across 30 sectors, with approximately 30 crore members, has been captured in the database.

    1. Cooperative Ranking Framework: The Government launched the Cooperative Ranking Framework on 24th January 2025 to rank cooperatives State-wise and sector-wise. The ranking framework enables State RCS to assess Cooperative Societies’ performance based on key parameters, including audit compliance, operational activities, financial performance, infrastructure, and basic identity information. The RCS of the States/ UTs, through login on NCD portal, can generate ranks of Cooperative Societies, initially of 7 major sectors namely PACS, Dairy, Fishery, Urban Cooperative Banks, Housing, Credit and Thrift, and Khadi and Gram Udyog. This ranking system aims to enhance transparency, reliability and competitiveness among cooperative societies, ultimately fostering their growth. Furthermore, top-performing cooperative societies in each sector will be recognized and honoured by the Ministry of Cooperation and respective State/ UT authorities, aligning with the objectives of the International Year of Cooperatives.
    1. International Year of Cooperatives – 2025 in India: The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025) to highlight the role of cooperatives in economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainability. The Ministry of Cooperation has developed an action plan in collaboration with National Cooperative Federations, State Governments, Central Ministries and other stakeholders emphasizing transparency, policy reforms, and rural economic transformation through PACS. Activities include training, board meetings, cooperative flag hoisting, exhibitions, and business expansion workshops at District, State, and National levels. To ensure effective execution, committees at national, state, and district levels have been formed. The National Execution Committee (NEC) and National Cooperative Committee (NCC) will oversee coordination and financial mobilization. State Apex Committees (SAC), along with State and District Cooperative Development Committees (SCDC & DCDC), will organize and manage State/ District/ Village level programs.
    1. Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023: Amendment has been brought in the MSCS Act, 2002 to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, increase accountability, reform electoral process and incorporate provisions of 97th Constitutional Amendment in the Multi State Cooperative Societies.
    1. Cooperative Ombudsman: Following the amendment in the Multi–State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, Cooperative Ombudsman has been appointed under Section 85A of the said Act vide gazette notification dated 05.03.2024. The Ombudsman office is fully functional and deals with complaints or appeals, from members of the MSCS regarding their deposits, equitable benefits of the Multi–State Co-operative Society’s functioning or any other issue affecting the individual rights of the concerned member.
    1. Cooperative Election Authority (CEA): Following the amendment in the Multi–State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, the Cooperative Election Authority has been set up to strengthen governance and accountability, with a mandate to conduct free and fair election in all MSCSs. Elections in more than 80 MSCS have been conducted successfully up to December, 2024.
    2. Inclusion of Cooperatives as ‘buyers’ on GeM portal: The Government has permitted cooperatives to register as ‘buyer’ on GeM, enabling them to procure goods and services from over 67 lakh vendors to facilitate economical purchases and greater transparency. So far, 574 cooperative societies have been onboarded on GeM as buyers.
    3. Expansion of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to increase its range and depth: NCDC has launched new schemes in various sectors such as ‘Swayamshakti Sahkar’ for SHGs; ‘Deerghavadhi Krishak Sahkar’ for long term agricultural credit and ‘Dairy Sahkar’ for dairy. During the current FY 2024-25, so far, total financial assistance of Rs. 84,673.70 crores has been disbursed by NCDC.
    4. Financial assistance by NCDC for Deep Sea Trawlers: NCDC is providing financial assistance for projects related to deep sea trawlers in coordination with the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. NCDC has already sanctioned financial assistance of Rs.

    25.95 crore for purchase of total 44 deep sea trawlers for the Fisheries Cooperative Societies of Maharashtra and Gujarat State.

    1. National Cooperation Policy (NCP): The formulation of New National Cooperation Policy (NCP) has been envisaged to fulfil the mandate of the Ministry of Cooperation – “Sahakar se Samriddhi.” A National level committee was constituted on 2.9.2022 under Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu with experts of the cooperative sector, representatives from National/ State/ District/ Primary level cooperative societies, Secretaries (Cooperation) and RCSs from States/ UTs and officers from Central Ministries/ Departments to formulate the New Cooperation Policy to provide a framework to unlock the true potential of the Cooperative sector. The Committee conducted four regional workshops throughout the country to elicit suggestions from stakeholders. The received suggestions have been incorporated into the draft policy appropriately. The draft policy has been prepared and is under finalization.
    2. Refund to Investors of Sahara Group of Societies: A portal has been launched for making payments to the genuine depositors of the cooperative societies of Sahara Group in a transparent manner. Disbursements have already started after proper identification and submission of proof of their deposits and claims. So far, Rs. 2,025.75 crores have been disbursed to 11.61 lakh applicants.

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2112225)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BOOSTING EXPORT OF SHRIMP CONTAINERS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 2:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government, under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, provides financial assistance to State Government, Union Territories and Implementing agencies for construction of fishing harbour, fish landing centres, modernisation/upgradation of existing fishing harbours and maintenance dredging of the fishing harbours. During the year, last five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25, Rs.3490 crore have been allocated under the scheme. The scheme provides for sustainable investment in infrastructure with objective of enhancing production, productivity, exports and addressing key gaps including reduction of post-harvest losses in various component of value chain.

    Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), a statutory body under Ministry of Commerce and Industry promotes and regulates the export of marine products. The initiatives by MPEDA for boosting shrimp exports are oriented towards production and processing and not port specific. To strengthen the export value chain, the Government has sanctioned projects adjacent to Major Ports namely, modernisation and upgradation of fishing harbour at Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Paradip, Cochin and Mumbai Port with 100% financial assistances under PMMSY in convergence with Sagarmala at a total cost of Rs 651.14 crores. During the financial year 2023-24, India exported an all-time high volume of 17,81,602 MT of sea food worth Rs. 60,523.89 crore. 

    The information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

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    (Release ID: 2112193) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bringing the Heat: Abigail Howard Leads Thermal Systems for Artemis Rovers, Tools

    Source: NASA

    Depending on where you stand at the lunar South Pole, you may experience temperatures of 130°F (54°C) during sunlit periods, or as low as -334°F (-203°C) in a permanently shadowed region. Keeping crews comfortable and tools and vehicles operational in such extreme temperatures is a key challenge for engineers at Johnson Space Center working on elements of NASA’s Artemis campaign.
    Abigail Howard is part of that innovative team. Since joining Johnson in 2019, she has conducted thermal analysis for projects including the lunar terrain vehicle (LTV), pressurized rover, VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover), and Gateway – humanity’s first lunar space station. Her work explores how different materials and components respond to different temperatures and how to manage heat transfer in products and structures.
    She currently serves as the passive thermal system manager for the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program, leading a small team of thermal analysts. Together, they provide expertise on passive thermal design, hardware, modeling, and testing to vendors and international partners that are developing rovers and tools for human exploration of the lunar surface.

    Howard said her sudden shift from thermal analysis engineer to thermal system manager involved a steep learning curve. “Every day was like drinking through a firehose. I had to learn very quickly about systems engineering tasks, project phases, and leadership, while also learning about many new thermal approaches and designs so that I could provide good insight to project leadership and program vendors and partners,” she said. “Having a good group of senior engineers and friends to lean on and building up my team helped me get through it, but the single most important thing was not giving up. It gets easier and persistence pays off!”

    Howard feels fortunate to have worked on many interesting projects at NASA and presented her work at several conferences. Top achievements include watching her first NASA project launch successfully on Artemis I and supporting the LTV Source Evaluation Board as the thermal representative. “Something I’m really proud of is obtaining funding for and managing a test that looked at thermal performance of dust mitigation for spacecraft radiators,” she added.

    She believes interesting and challenging work is important but says the biggest determinant to professional success and satisfaction is your team and your team lead. “Having a really great team and team lead on Gateway thermal taught me the kind of leader and teammate I want to be,” she said.
    Howard encourages fellow members of the Artemis Generation to not let imposter syndrome get in their way. “Focus on the evidence of your abilities and remember that no one is in this alone,” she said. “It’s okay to ask for help.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Green scheme approves 6 projects

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Six projects have been approved in the new application round of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, involving a total grant of around $51 million, the Government announced today.

    The newly approved projects cover diversified ecological and cultural conservation work in remote countryside areas such as Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, Kap Tong, Kuk Po, Kat O and Deep Bay wetlands.

    They involve the adoption of ecologically friendly means to conduct farming and fishpond habitat management to revitalise farmland and fish ponds, and increase their ecological value.

    The approved projects also include the revitalisation of traditional Hakka culture, showcasing unique and precious cultural assets in the countryside, enhancing travellers’ ecotour experience, as well as increasing public awareness of conserving natural ecology and cultural and historic assets.

    So far, a total of 56 projects involving a subsidy of more than $325 million have been approved under the 10 application rounds.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Robert F. Kennedy Jr says vitamin A protects you from deadly measles. Here’s what the study he cites actually says

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia

    RobsPhoto/Shutterstock

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who oversees the health of more than 340 million Americans, says vitamin A can prevent the worst effects of measles rather than urging more people to get vaccinated.

    In an opinion piece for Fox News, the US health secretary said he was “deeply concerned” about the current measles outbreak in Texas. However, he said the decision to vaccinate was a “personal one” and something for parents to discuss with their health-care provider.

    Kennedy mentioned updated advice from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to treat measles with vitamin A. He also cited a study he said shows vitamin A can reduce the risk of dying from measles.

    Here’s what the vitamin A study actually says and why public health officials are so concerned about Kennedy’s latest statement.

    Why is a measles outbreak so worrying?

    Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily including when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

    Measles initially infects the respiratory tract and then the virus spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, red eyes, runny nose and a rash all over the body.

    Measles can also be severe, can cause complications including blindness and swelling of the brain, and can be fatal. Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children.

    The Texan health department has confirmed 150-plus cases of measles and one death of an unvaccinated child during the current outbreak. While this is by far the largest measles outbreak in the US in 2025, the CDC has reported smaller outbreaks in several other states so far this year.

    Why vitamin A?

    Vitamin A is essential for our overall health. It has many roles in the body, from supporting our growth and reproduction, to making sure we have healthy vision, skin and immune function.

    Foods rich in vitamin A or related molecules include orange, yellow and red coloured fruits and vegetables, green leafy vegetables, as well as dairy, egg, fish and meat. You can take it as a supplement.

    Vitamin A can also be used therapeutically. In other words, doctors may prescribe vitamin A to treat a deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency has long been associated with more severe cases of infectious disease, including measles. Vitamin A boosts immune cells and strengthens the respiratory tract lining, which is the body’s first defence against infections.

    Because of this, the CDC has recently said vitamin A can also be prescribed as part of treatment for children with severe measles – such as those in hospital – under doctor supervision.

    One key message from the CDC’s advice is that people are already sick enough with measles to be in hospital. They’re not taking vitamin A to prevent catching measles in the first place.

    The other key message is vitamin A is taken under medical supervision, under specific circumstances, where patients can be closely monitored to prevent toxicity from high doses.

    Vitamin A toxicity can cause birth defects and increase the risk of fractures in elderly people. Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which the body turns into vitamin A) from supplements may also increase your risk of cancer, especially if you smoke.

    Taking too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity and cause birth defects.
    ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

    How about the study Kennedy cites?

    Kennedy cites and links to a 2010 study, a type known as a systematic review and meta-analysis. Researchers reviewed and analysed existing studies, which included ones that looked at the effectiveness of vitamin A in preventing measles deaths.

    They found three studies that looked at vitamin A treatment by specific dose. There were different doses depending on the age of the children, measured in IU (international units). Having two doses of vitamin A (200,000IU for children over one year of age or 100,000IU for infants below one year) reduced mortality by 62% compared to children who did not have vitamin A.

    The 2010 study did not show vitamin A reduced your risk of getting measles from another infected person. To my knowledge no study has shown this.

    To be fair, Kennedy did not say that vitamin A stops you from catching measles from another infected person. Instead, he used the following vague statement:

    Studies have found that vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality.

    It’s easy to see how a reader could misinterpret this as “take vitamin A if you want to avoid dying from measles”.

    We know what works – vaccines

    The World Health Organization recommends all children receive two doses of measles vaccine.

    The CDC states two doses of the measles vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella or MMR vaccine) is 97% effective against getting measles. This means out of every 100 people who are vaccinated only three will get it, and this will be a milder form.

    But these facts were missing from Kennedy’s statement. Should we be surprised? Kennedy is well known for his vaccine sceptism and for undermining vaccination efforts, including for the measles vaccine.

    As Sue Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told the Washington Post:

    relying on vitamin A instead of the vaccine is not only dangerous and ineffective […] it puts children at serious risk.

    Evangeline Mantzioris is affiliated with Alliance for Research in Nutrition, Exercise and Activity (ARENA) at the University of South Australia. Evangeline Mantzioris has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, and has been appointed to the National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guideline Expert Committee.

    – ref. Robert F. Kennedy Jr says vitamin A protects you from deadly measles. Here’s what the study he cites actually says – https://theconversation.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr-says-vitamin-a-protects-you-from-deadly-measles-heres-what-the-study-he-cites-actually-says-251465

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Business News ‘Politics & Business’ breakfast

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Acknowledgements omitted

    I always enjoy the perspective of Western Australia and Perth which reflect your economic position and your geographic position, so close to Southeast Asia and so engaged with the regional economies.

    I know the business community thinks deeply about what it means to protect and promote Australia’s interests in an increasingly uncertain world.

    I know you think deeply about how we shore up Australia’s prosperity despite that uncertainty. I don,t need to tell this room, Western Australia is vital to that prosperity: when you succeed, the whole country prospers.

    That success includes WA resources, metals, critical minerals and rare earths but it also includes WA manufacturers and workers, your universities, research and technology, which are all globally prized.

    So what’s my role as Foreign Minister? Amongst other things and importantly, it is to help create opportunities, and promote and protect Australia’s interests as a reliable exporter of choice in an increasingly competitive international environment.

    Our foreign policy helps build and maintain the strategic conditions that enable our stability and prosperity.

    And you have to say that is a task that is not getting any easier.

    Each day, our assumptions are being tested.

    We live in a world of increasing strategic surprise. We live in a world that is ever more uncertain and unpredictable.

    We see the devastating human toll of conflicts including in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.

    Malign actors continue to engage in sabotage and terrorism.

    Bullies threaten to use nuclear weapons, and authoritarianism is spreading.

    Some countries are shifting alignment, high global inflation continues to put pressure on working people.

    And institutions that we helped build are being eroded and rules that we helped write are being challenged.

    These factors compound threats and risks in our own region from a changing climate, military buildup without transparency, and disruption of trade – as well as the risks inherent in great power competition.

    I recently released the 2025 Snapshot of Australia in the World, a summary of our foreign policy strategy, priorities and policy achievements.

    What it clearly shows is that even though we face a time of growing uncertainty, Australia is well-placed to protect our security, our stability and our prosperity.

    But that is only if we continue to build our disciplined focus on our region, because it is here where our interests are most at stake; if we invest not only in traditional but also in more diverse relationships; and if we work with partners to uphold international rules that protect us all.

    We have to apply ourselves to these tasks with ambition and calm, consistent and disciplined engagement.

    This is the approach the Albanese Government is taking with the United States.

    President Trump’s America First agenda envisages a very different role for America in the world, and that is what the American people have chosen.

    President Trump campaigned on change and none of us should try to minimise the implications of this change.

    And over the first seven weeks of the Trump Administration we have seen how broad those implications are around the world.

    Mindful of the scale of this change involving our most important strategic partner, there has been extensive engagement across senior levels of the Albanese Government.

    In addition to our relentless Ambassador in Washington, the Prime Minister has had two productive phone calls with the President.

    I had the honour of being the first Australian Foreign Minister ever to be invited to attend a Presidential Inauguration, and I was able to put the case for Australia to the Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his first day in office.

    The Deputy Prime Minister was Secretary Hegseth’s first international counterpart to meet with him following his confirmation.

    The Treasurer has made an early connection with his counterpart, US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

    And our Trade and Tourism Minister has also been engaging with his counterparts.

    In those interactions we make the point that the US enjoys a two-to-one trade surplus with Australia and has since the Truman Presidency.

    We make the point that US exports to Australia face no tariffs.

    And that our trade and investment relationship is important for US industry and jobs. Half of Australia’s exports are inputs into US manufacturing and construction. And of course, we are a top 10 investor in the United States.

    And given the pool of funds under management in Australia’s superannuation sector that can only grow.

    Nevertheless, last week we saw that the second Trump administration has hardened its position in favour of tariffs as a centrepiece of its economic policy.

    And whereas the first Trump administration exempted 36 countries from steel tariffs and 32 countries from aluminium tariffs, this time not one single country has been exempted.

    Not Australia. Not Japan. Not anyone.

    And the degree of a country’s engagement has not changed the outcome.

    Indeed, the administration has been clear that the exemptions granted in its first term were a mistake.

    Our response to the Trump administration’s imposition of tariffs on Australia has been firm and it has been clear.

    As the Prime Minister has said, these measures are “entirely unjustified”.

    And “it is against the spirit of our two nations, enduring friendship and fundamentally at odds with the benefits our economic partnership has delivered over more than 70 years.”

    Steel and aluminium exports to the US represent 0.18 per cent of Australia’s total exports in 2023.

    We will continue to press the case for all Australian exporters, including steel and aluminium.

    We will continue to have advocate for the existing economy-wide access commitments under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. They should be maintained.

    And we will also keep making the case for the many opportunities Australia has to offer.

    After the US announced their position, Peter Dutton said he would “do a deal” and “there’s no question about that”.

    Given not one leader of the 36 countries that got a deal last time got a deal this time, Australians are right to be incredulous about that claim.

    And they,re rightly concerned Peter Dutton would do a deal at any cost.

    Unlike Mr Dutton, we are not going to give away the farm – and we don,t have to.

    We will always put the interests of Australian industries and workers first.

    Remember, these tariffs do not necessarily mean that Americans won,t keep buying Australian products.

    And many nations want our exports. This state understands that possibly more than any part of Australia.

    We have a strong track record of supporting our exporters diversify their export markets, and regardless of what happens with US tariffs, that is a priority we will continue to pursue.

    One of the priorities I have brought to this job has been a focus on Southeast Asia, in part because of where I,m from originally, but in part because of my firm belief that ASEAN and the countries of Southeast Asia are critical to our next generation’s stability and prosperity.

    So just to our north, Indonesia stands as a major and growing power in our region and beyond.

    The world’s third largest democracy, projected to become the world’s fifth largest economy.

    So deepening our economic engagement with Indonesia is of enormous value to Australia, and part of our broader effort to diversify our economy, especially through Southeast Asia.

    Now we have our work cut out. When we came to government, Australian direct investment in Southeast Asia was lower than it was in 2014.

    Over this period, while international investment in the region had grown apace, Australia’s investment in it had gone backwards, both in relative and absolute terms.

    And by 2040, Southeast Asia is predicted to be the world’s fourth-largest economy after the United States, China and India.

    Australia’s trade and investment has simply not kept pace – and we need to turn this around.

    Australia has been central to the north Asian economic growth story, so we must be to the Southeast Asian economic growth story.

    That’s why we appointed Nicholas Moore AO as Australia’s Special Envoy to Southeast Asia and charged him with developing a Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

    In the almost 18 months since its launch, we have made tangible progress.

    We have now implemented a number of initiatives responding to its recommendations, including new deal teams to identify and facilitate Australian investment in the region.

    New landing pads in Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to the existing hub in Singapore, to help our tech companies scale up.

    Business and investment missions, including three to Singapore, one of which was our largest ever outbound investment mission by value, representing a combined $2.5 trillion of assets under management.

    Improved visa access for businesspeople from the region and the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Centre because we have to continue to build Southeast Asia literacy and enhance business and cultural ties.

    It’s no accident that Austrade had their best ever client results in Southeast Asia in 2024, with over $1 billion in commercial outcomes.

    We all need to play our part in diversification.

    Complacency, or business as usual, risks compromising our influence today and our prosperity tomorrow.

    Nobody today could claim they don,t understand the risk of putting too many eggs in one market.

    As you know, China’s growth has been a crucial driver of Australia’s prosperity and the world’s prosperity – and we know this has never been straightforward for business.

    Especially during the last term of government, when China’s doors were closed to many of our exports.

    Since the Albanese Government was elected you have seen a concerted effort to restore dialogue and stabilise the relationship with our largest trading partner.

    We pressed China to lift impediments on more than $20 billion of Australian exports – barley, wine, coal, timber logs, cotton, beef, hay and copper ores, concentrates, and lobsters.

    The final impediments on lobster were lifted in late December, and we have seen in just the first month of the crayfish trade resuming into China, sales have already reached $118 million.

    We know how important that is to Western Australia. In 2023-24, China received 56 per cent of exports from this state. And what we want is grow opportunities for our great exporters – both into China and elsewhere across our region.

    The China relationship will continue to face challenges.

    You see, the term stabilisation has never meant there would be no problems.

    It has always meant we should be able to engage directly with China in order to manage differences and problems that are inevitable – without these problems derailing our ability to talk to each other – as we saw in the past.

    And that is what we will keep doing – and it is what the Australian people expect of us, your government – to engage confidently, calmly and consistently, protecting our sovereignty and advancing our interests.

    We have seen in recent weeks that the same people who had no regard for the consequences for Australian exporters and jobs are at it again – trying to turn China into an election issue, with inflammatory language.

    This country, as you all know, built our prosperity in great part because we are a trading nation.

    A great trading nation has to grapple with a world where trade can be a vulnerability as well as an opportunity.

    And the whole country, all of us, government, business, the workforce – we have to manage these risks together.

    We can’t imagine the challenges away nor can we put other countries, interests ahead of ours.

    What we can do is recognise our challenges in the world are growing.

    That our interests are most at stake in our region.

    And that we must not just invest in our traditional relationships but also in diversified relationships.

    And if we do these things, we can be confident that together as Australians we can meet these challenges, and keep building a better future.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Push VA to Bolster Emergency Services for Veterans Affected by LA Fires

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff Push VA to Bolster Emergency Services for Veterans Affected by LA Fires

    Senators: “While the fires have been extinguished, veterans will have ongoing needs for months if not years ahead”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) urged Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to provide emergency health care and housing for veterans affected by the Los Angeles fires. Many veterans in these areas are at risk of losing access to vital health care services, including medications and power for medical equipment.
    Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County fires burned more than 40,000 acres and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, including many veterans whose health and well-being depend on local resources and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services.
    “Los Angeles County is home to the most veterans in the nation, and many of them will struggle to navigate the fires’ aftermath,” wrote the Senators. “As a Navy veteran yourself, you know that veterans often face complex challenges that make the recovery from natural disasters even more complicated, including access to health care, housing, and mental health services.”
    “Our offices stand ready to assist in any way possible to facilitate these efforts and ensure that our veterans receive the care and support they have earned. We would welcome the opportunity to help the VA coordinate its assistance to these needs in close partnership with state and local authorities and organizations to maximize the impact of recovery efforts for veterans,” continued the Senators.
    Padilla and Schiff urged the VA to prioritize the following actions to support veterans recovering from the Los Angeles fires:
    Expedite access to emergency care and services to make sure veterans affected by the fires can quickly access medical care, including mental health services, through VA facilities and community providers.
    Provide housing assistance, collaborating with state and local agencies to quickly identify and support affected veterans participating in the HUD-VASH, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and other Homeless Program Office programs, as well as to provide additional housing resources and emergency financial support for displaced veterans and their families.
    Offer outreach and benefits by ensuring that impacted veterans are aware of available resources and relief options and have easy access to VA staff who can assist them in navigating the recovery process.
    Offer additional mental health resources, including counseling and crisis support, to help veterans cope with the emotional and psychological toll of the fires and their disastrous impacts.
    Develop long-term recovery plans, coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to help veterans whose homes and livelihoods were severely impacted recover and rebuild.
    Senators Padilla and Schiff have fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Padilla recently blasted the Republican’s spending bill, emphasizing that it did not include the disaster relief funding California needs.
    Last month, Padilla, Schiff, and Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging Senior Congressional leadership to provide additional disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild. Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, and Lofgren also successfully pushed FEMA to extend the application deadline for federal disaster assistance for victims of the Los Angeles fires. Padilla previously delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Collins,
    We write today regarding the continuing effects of the Los Angeles wildfires on our veterans and their families. As you are aware, the wildfires caused widespread destruction, forcing tens of thousands of individuals from their homes, including a significant number of veterans who rely on local resources and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services for their health and well-being. We appreciate the rapid assistance the VA provided to this community in the immediate response to the wildfires. Unfortunately, while the fires have been extinguished, veterans will have ongoing needs for months if not years ahead.
    Los Angeles County is home to the most veterans in the nation, and many of them will struggle to navigate the fires’ aftermath. As a Navy veteran yourself, you know that veterans often face complex challenges that make the recovery from natural disasters even more complicated, including access to health care, housing, and mental health services. We write to urge the VA to prioritize the following actions as it continues to support veterans during this time of need:
    1. Expedited Access to Emergency Care and Services: Ensuring veterans affected by the fires can quickly access medical care, including mental health services, through VA facilities and community providers. We ask that the VA consider re-deploying a mobile Vet Center to the region to provide counseling, crisis intervention, and other necessary services for veterans impacted by this disaster if needed. In addition, for veterans who lost access to their means of transportation, we ask the VA to explore collaborating with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to see if DAV vans could again be utilized to help provide emergency transportation to affected veterans and their families.
    2. Housing Assistance: Collaborating with state and local agencies to quickly identify and support affected HUD-VASH, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and other Homeless Program Office programs’ participants and to provide additional housing resources and emergency financial support for displaced veterans and their families. And please ensure that veterans who were already or are newly unhoused have easy access to outreach services to begin the process of becoming rehoused.
    3. Outreach and Benefits: Ensuring that veterans in the affected areas are aware of available resources and have easy access to VA staff who can assist them in navigating the recovery process. We also urge the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to continue to identify relief options for veterans affected by the fires. This could include the expedited processing of claims, suspending deadlines for response, or extending flexibility for disability medical examinations and other appointments.
    4. Mental Health Support: Offering additional mental health resources, including counseling and crisis support, to help veterans cope with the emotional and psychological toll of the disaster.
    5. Long-Term Recovery Plans: Coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to provide long-term recovery assistance and rebuilding efforts, particularly for veterans whose homes and livelihoods were severely impacted.
    Our offices stand ready to assist in any way possible to facilitate these efforts and ensure that our veterans receive the care and support they have earned. We would welcome the opportunity to help the VA coordinate its assistance to these needs in close partnership with state and local authorities and organizations to maximize the impact of recovery efforts for veterans.
    We commend the VA for its timely, ongoing, and continued support to our veterans and their families following the devasting fires and look forward to working with you to ensure that our veterans have the resources they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Trump’s Cancellation of USDA Local Food Purchasing Programs Hurts Hungry Students & Families, Local Farmers, & the Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – As the Trump Administration confirms it is halting more than $1 billion in federal assistance that enables public schools and food banks to purchase nutritious produce and food from local farmers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says these cancellations will harm hungry students and low-income families, farmers and food producers, and local economies.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs on the chopping block include the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). In a statement to The Hill, Trump’s USDA claimed that the essential programs that help provide nutritious food to hungry Americans “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency.”

    This year, the programs were set to distribute $660 million for schools and child care facilities and $500 million for food banks to work with local farmers within a set geographic range to purchase local food from farmers, fishermen, and food producers. The successful programs have increased access to locally-grown, nutritious food in underserved communities and helped family farmers, fishermen, and local food producers significantly expand their markets.

    Senator Reed joined with U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and 30 other colleagues in urging USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to reverse course on these cuts and provide additional information about implementation of the USDA programs set to be cancelled.

    “At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments,” the Senators wrote. “Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing

    opportunities.”

    According to Farm Fresh Rhode Island, these cuts would cost Rhode Island approximately $3 million and negatively impact about 100 small businesses in the Ocean State.

    Senator Reed noted that these drastic cuts come as Republican budget proposals threaten access to critical nutrition assistance programs and as the demand on local food banks across the nation continues to soar in Rhode Island and across the nation.

    “Making it harder for schools and food banks to serve up fresh, nutritious, local foods to students and struggling families is a shameful way to scrounge up cash for President Trump’s billionaires-first tax giveaway.  We know that hungry students do not perform as well in the classroom as their peers who have access to regular, nutritious meals. These reckless cuts to essential USDA programs will have an outsized impact on low-income families and on the local farmers, fishermen, and food producers who have benefitted significantly from expanded local markets for their goods,” said Senator Reed.  “Time and time again, President Trump has insisted that his Administration’s devastating cuts will magically not impact vulnerable American families. By cutting these vital USDA programs, he is making his priorities crystal clear – billionaires come first and American families come last.”

    During the COVID pandemic, Congress made $900 million available for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food purchasing efforts through the LFPA.  These programs helped strengthen local and regional food systems, improved agricultural supply-chain resiliency, and supported underserved producers and communities.  Using LFPA funds, states set up approved programs to purchase food produced within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination, which was then distributed through food banks, pantries, and other food distribution centers where hungry families in need can receive food.

    In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), working with nonprofits like Farm Fresh Rhode Island, was awarded a total of $1.78 million to purchase local foods for distribution within the state.  To date, DEM, Farm Fresh, and their partners, have purchased food from 95 local producers and distributed that nutritious, local food to over 65,000 Rhode Islanders.

    Last year, Senator Reed introduced legislation that would codify LFPA into law, providing permanent funding to ensure the program continues. Reed’s EAT Local Foods Act gained the support of a wide range of farmers, food hubs, coalitions, and business networks across the nation in addition to several leading Rhode Island organizations, including: the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, and Southside Community Land Trust.

    In addition to Senators Reed and Schiff, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Ben Ray Luján (D-NM); Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH); Tina Smith (D-MN); Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); Ron Wyden (D-OR); Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); Martin Heinrich (D-NM); Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); Michael Bennet (D-CO); Elissa Slotkin (D-MI); Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); Elizabeth Warren (D-MA); Jeff Merkley (D-OR); Raphael Warnock (D-GA); Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); Richard Durbin (D-IL); Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV); Patty Murray (D-WA); Angus King (I-ME); Bernie Sanders (I-VT); John Hickenlooper (D-CO); Gary Peters (D-MI); Jacky Rosen (D-NV); Peter Welch (D-VT); Alex Padilla (D-CA); Cory Booker (D-NJ); Ed Markey (D-MA); and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

    Full text of the letter follows:

    March 14, 2025

    Ms. Brooke Rollins

    Secretary

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    1400 Independence Ave SW

    Washington, DC 20250

    Dear Secretary Rollins:

    We write to express serious concerns regarding the cancellation of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs supporting local and regional food purchases providing assistance to those in need. These successful programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase local foods from nearby farmers and ranchers to be used for emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers.

    At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments.

    Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing

    opportunities.

    Most importantly, we ask that you reverse the cancellation of LFPA and LFS. We also ask that you provide a thorough and complete update on USDA’s implementation of LFPA and LFS,

    including answers to the following questions:

    1. What is the status of reimbursements for entities that have agreements with USDA through LFPA and LFS? What is the last date for which states, territories, and Tribes received reimbursements for food purchases under LFPA and LFS?
    2. Has the Administration conducted any assessments of how these program cancellations will impact producers and recipient organizations (e.g., food banks, schools, child care centers)? If so, please provide a copy of any such assessments.

    We have grave concerns that the cancellation of LFPA and LFS poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.

    Please provide responses to the information requested in our questions no later than Friday, April 4. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: HAITI: MSF Vehicles shot during hospital evacuation amid escalating violence in Port-au-Prince – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Port au Prince- 16 March 2025: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) strongly condemns the intentional opening of fire upon four of its vehicles while they were seeking safety for their staff amid escalating violence in Port au Prince, Haiti. 

    The escalating violence close to the Turgeau Emergency Centre has forced MSF to suspend again its activities in the hospital on the 15th of March and evacuate its teams from the hospital as a precautionary measure. During one of the evacuation movements, the MSF identified convoy was repeatedly and intentionally fired upon, despite prior coordination with authorities. While fortunately no one was killed, our staff suffered minor injuries.

    “This attack serves as stark reminder that no one is safe amidst the ongoing violence between armed groups and law enforcement. Despite our precautions, we have been targeted and this is unacceptable. We urgently call on all parties for the respect of medical staff, facilities and patients at all times,” says Benoit Vasseur, Head of Mission for MSF in Haiti.

    Since end of February, the situation in Turgeau, where MSF runs a Referral and Emergency Centre, has worsened sharply. On March 12 alone, our Emergency Centre treated 27 victims of violence, including women and children, from the surrounding area. During the night of March 14-15, the violence escalated further. Armed groups moved within meters of the hospital, threatening to turn it into a frontline. “We had to make the painful decision to suspend activities at the MSF Turgeau Emergency Centre to protect our staff and patients. Currently, it is impossible to continue operations at the hospital, but we are committed to reopening our facility as soon as the situation allows us to do so safely,”says Benoit Vasseur.

    Before suspending activities, MSF successfully referred all patients from the Emergency Centre to other medical facilities. Between February 24 and March 2, our teams at the Turgeau Emergency Centre treated 314 patients. In February 2025 alone, our teams conducted over 2,500 medical consultations and more than 400 physiotherapy sessions at the Turgeau Emergency Center.

    This is the second time in less than four months that MSF has been forced to suspend operations at the health facility. On November 22, 2024, MSF halted all activities in Port-au-Prince following multiple attacks and repeated threats against medical staff. After months of engagement with authorities and assurances from all parties regarding the protection of MSF’s medical mission, the organization partially resumed operations in January, reopening the Turgeau hospital on January 20, 2025.

    However, the resurgence of violence and the deliberate attack on our vehicles during this evacuation make it clear that these assurances and engagements with authorities have failed to translate into real safety for our staff and patients.

    Our MSF team has been providing emergency medical care in Turgeau since 2021. MSF maintains multiple medical programs in other areas of Port au Prince and Haiti, notably for maternal and newborn care, severe burns, trauma and victims of sexual violence. Continuing these vital medical services requires clear guarantees about the security of our movements.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Central West and southern NSW farmers big winners with $6.1 million to improve rural connectivity

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Overall, the NSW Government and Australian Governments have provided up to $6.1 million to improve rural connectivity to around 1,500 premises across Weddin Shire, Burcher, Burra, Eumungerie, Glen Davis, Talbingo in the central west and Burra, Urila and Talbingo in southern NSW.

    Improvements will be delivered through new services provided by YLess4U and Connected Farms, enabling farmers to access reliable communications and data directly from their paddocks, maximising productivity and saving time and money.

    Primary producers and agricultural businesses are increasingly relying on the internet, with modern farming technology such as livestock monitoring, smart irrigation systems and wireless drone inspections for land surveying now being used alongside AgTech in tractors, headers and centre-pivot watering systems.

    This new funding will allow growers in the Weddin Shire and surrounding areas to fully harness modern farming technology through improved coverage.

    Currently, machinery programmed to sow seeds in a designated area across Weddin Shire farmland can only be configured using farm-office based computers with wired internet connections, as there are no reliable wireless options out on the farm.

    In the Weddin Agriculture Precinct, Connected Farms will deliver a network providing mobile services and high speed fixed wireless broadband to more than 200 premises in Caragabal, Bribbaree, Piney Range and Pullabooka.

    Dual SIM phones will allow locals to make calls and access mobile data via the Connected Farms network, while still accessing other mobile voice and data networks.

    In addition to unlocking modern Agtech methods, locals and visitors alike will have improved access to emergency services during disasters and unexpected events.

    In Burcher, Burra, Eumungerie, Glen Davis, Talbingo and Urila, telecommunications provider, YLess4U will deliver high speed fixed wireless broadband to premises providing locals farmers and their families with fast and reliable internet.

    For more information on the latest Regional Connectivity Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/regional-connectivity-program

    For information on co-funded regional NSW projects, visit www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalNSW

    Quotes from Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland

    “Every Australian deserves access to fast, reliable and affordable connectivity regardless of whether they live.

    “Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has been working to bridge the digital divide with a focus on regional New South Wales.

    “These upgrades will make a meaningful difference to residents, local businesses and visitors to the Central West.

    “Labor’s vision is for Australia to be the most connected continent, and we are working with the NSW Government and industry to deliver this.”

    Quotes from NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty

    “Residents in rural and regional areas deserve dependable telecommunications services to support their everyday needs and that is what this program is providing.

    “Improved digital services is important for both the productivity of the farm business and for the daily logistical challenges of living in a rural area.

    “Farmers and their families shouldn’t have to stand in the back yard waving their phones around to make a call. 

    “These upgrades will mean school children can easily contact their parents when the school bus drops them off at the farm gate.

    Quotes from co-founder and Growth Lead at Connected Farms Melissa Andrews

    “These connectivity services will provide farmers with a platform to utilise the latest in real time digital and precision agricultural technologies across their farms to increase their operational efficiency,” Ms Andrews said.

    ”For many years, connectivity in many parts of Weddin Shire has been very limited and these services will also enable better communications and farm safety capability.”

    Quotes from YLess4U director Jason Green

    “We’re proud to partner with the NSW Government as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program to deliver fixed wireless broadband services to over 900 homes and businesses across six communities in regional New South Wales,” Mr Green said.

    “Once complete, residents and businesses will have access to faster, more reliable internet and a wide range of plans and pricing options, importantly at prices equivalent to those found in metropolitan areas.

    Case study – Stuart McKellar

    In the Weddin Shire, sheep and cropping farmer Stuart McKellar runs a large family operation alongside his wife, Cath, brother, Brett, and son, Scott.

    Since the land was handed down from Stuart’s parents, the family have managed the farm together and as residents of rural Weddin Shire, they are all too familiar with the challenges brought on by the digital divide.

    In 2023, when Stuart’s truck broke down 40 kilometres outside of Grenfell, he deliberately stopped the vehicle on a hill, knowing it was his only chance to get enough mobile reception to call for help.

    When the mechanic arrived on-site, they realised that he would need to make five separate trips back into town to access the phone and internet coverage needed to diagnose the mechanical fault and get Stuart’s truck back on the road.

    Unfortunately, these incidents aren’t the only way the digital divide affects Stuart and his family; it also impacts their daily sheep and cropping operations.

    The business is forced to rely on paper-based vendor declarations and contracts because they lack the internet access required to download even low-megabyte digital resources.

    Poor connectivity makes it hard for farmers to use modern tools like Variable Rate (VR) fertiliser tech, which usually lets them upload field data, like soil tests, straight from their tractor.

    Without internet in the field, Stuart is forced to return to the home office to upload the required data and make adjustments before getting back to spreading fertiliser where it’s needed most.

    This slows things down and means they can’t always make the best use of expensive inputs like lime and gypsum, or maximise crop growth efficiently.

    Once the Connected Farms service becomes available in the area, challenges like Stuart’s will soon become a thing of the past and residents will finally have access to reliable mobile phone reception and metropolitan-grade internet, whether during car breakdowns or for everyday farming needs.

    Weddin Shire farmer Stuart McKellar said:

    “Connectivity has always been very poor around here and our dependence on data is getting greater and greater,” Mr McKellar said.

    “Accidents often happen where there is no service, and that improved connectivity would not only make residents’ day-to-day lives easier but would increase farm safety across the shire.

    “I recently broke down 40 kilometres from Grenfell and the mechanic had to make five trips out from town to fix the issue as we couldn’t get data out at the worksite. It’s an awful lot of travelling and time wasted and if we had decent internet connection, it would have been a simple fix.

    “Currently, your phone will only work near a certain tree or on a hill, we have to use a paper-based vendor declaration because electronic ones won’t load, and we rely on internet in the home office to do simple things like searching the weather forecast.

    “Any AgTech field adjustments that need to be done on farm machinery must be done on the house computer too – our farm is spread out across 30 kilometres so when you go out to the field and realise what you’ve preplanned is wrong, you have to take it back to the home office, where the internet is, to make the necessary adjustments.

    “Once we have reliable coverage, it’ll be a big time saving and big benefit if we can make those adjustments on the spot.”

    MIL OSI News –