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Monarch Tractor leads V2G revolution in agriculture

Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)

Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 

This collaborative effort, supported by a US$3mn grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) aimed at advancing "Vehicle to Building" technology, showcased the pioneering deployment of V2G capabilities from the Monarch MK-V tractor, which operates entirely on electricity, at PG&E’s Applied Technology Services (ATS) center in San Ramon, California.

The demonstration represents the culmination of extensive technology development, particularly in achieving high-power export capabilities from the Monarch MK-V tractor and integrating it seamlessly with Gridtractor’s open-standards charge management system and Borg Warner’s 60 kW DC Fast Charger. The MK-V tractor, designed as a versatile 3-in-1 electrification tool, functions not only as a tractor and utility vehicle but also as a potent electric generator, enabling the demonstration of high-capacity energy exports.

Once this integrated system becomes commercially available, owners of the MK-V tractor will have the opportunity to optimise charging costs and generate revenue by participating in various dynamic rate and demand response programs, complementing the already significant fuel savings achieved through electric vehicle (EV) operations. Gridtractor’s energy market integrations and load scheduling applications will play a crucial role in facilitating these opportunities.

Moreover, the system will support "automated load management," allowing for the efficient coordination of charging and discharging activities with other on-site loads. This capability will be particularly beneficial for facilities such as irrigation pump sites and wineries, where maximising the utilisation of existing electrical services without exceeding capacity is essential. With its flexible, scalable Internet of Things (IoT) architecture and seamless market integrations, Gridtractor’s platform, built on native OCPP principles, promises to connect any energy market or program with any Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) application.

The attractiveness of electrifying MK-V tractor fleets will be further enhanced by a range of incentives and grants, combined with anticipated bill savings resulting from recently approved dynamic rate programs. Agricultural customers stand to benefit significantly from these initiatives, not only improving the return on investment (ROI) of their fleet electrification efforts but also contributing to the overall reliability of the grid in their respective communities.

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The workshop aimed at cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, tech-enabled climate services.

Food & Commodity

Recently, the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD), in partnership with Safe4All Africa and the Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU), hosted a five-day workshop to address climate change and food insecurity challenges across Africa

Held in the wake of new weather station installations in Mashonaland East, the event brought together meteorologists, journalists, civil society groups, farmers, and other stakeholders for a focused dialogue on climate adaptation and early warning systems.

The workshop was a collaborative platform to share knowledge, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and scale innovative technologies that enhance community resilience. Safe4All Africa, a non-governmental organisation founded in January 2024 and operating in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Ghana, showcased several digital tools designed to help smallholder farmers manage climate risks.

Among the tools introduced were the Uliza-WI Chatbox, an AI chatbot providing localised forecasts and real-time farming advice; the Drop App, which tracks rainfall and sends drought alerts; the Climate Impact Atlas, an interactive platform highlighting high-risk climate zones; and a 24/7 Call Center Line, offering voice-based weather updates and expert support for farmers with limited internet access.

With Africa warming nearly twice the global average, and Zimbabwe increasingly vulnerable to droughts and shifting seasonal patterns, such innovations are crucial. Over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population relies on agriculture, making access to timely, localized climate data vital for national food security.

The Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union played a key role in ensuring farmer participation and emphasised the importance of local engagement. “We believe that technology must be rooted in local realities,” said Prince Kuipa, ZFU Operations Director. “By working closely with government agencies and tech innovators, we can ensure that smallholder farmers don’t get left behind in the climate conversation.”

MSD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding localized forecasting and early warning systems. These efforts align with Zimbabwe’s National Adaptation Plan and Vision 2030, the country’s strategy to achieve upper-middle-income status by the end of the decade.

The workshop concluded with a strong call for cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, tech-enabled climate services that protect people and the planet.

Microsaf is an innovative probiotic combining three Bacillus strains enhanced with GO Technology.

Poultry

Phileo by Lesaffre has announced that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a positive scientific opinion on its probiotic product, Microsaf, confirming its efficacy and safety for poultry production

Microsaf is an innovative probiotic combining three Bacillus strains enhanced with GO Technology, which improves spore germination and efficiency. Designed to support digestive health and performance in broiler chickens, the product has now gained EFSA's backing as a zootechnical feed additive in the categories of 'gut flora stabilisers' and 'other zootechnical additives'.

Elen Rondel, Western Europe poultry manager at Phileo by Lesaffre, said, "We are thrilled to receive this positive EFSA opinion, which validates the efficacy and safety of Microsaf. Microsaf is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable, science-backed solutions that support animal health, performance and welfare."

She added, "Microsaf is the trademark for Phileo's innovative probiotic that combines three unique Bacillus strains in one product to address some of the key challenges faced by poultry producers today. Together, these novel strains have been proven to effectively support digestive performance in broilers, while simultaneously improving production profitability."

Microsaf has already been adopted globally, with producers reporting consistent improvements in feed conversion, gut health, and weight gain. "Over the past years, we have witnessed very positive adoption of Microsaf by customers globally. The feedback from producers has been exceptional, confirming the product's efficacy in real-world commercial settings," Rondel said. "We are excited to bring this proven solution to European poultry producers soon."

Pending final EU authorisation, Phileo is preparing for a European launch. "Microsaf represents our ongoing commitment to developing innovative solutions that help address the increasing complexity of food production while supporting animal health and welfare," Rondel concluded.

Zoomlion showcases tailored solutions for Africa’s growth at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. (Image source: Zoomlion)

Equipment

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. took centre stage at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, China, from 12 to 15 June, showcasing its latest agricultural and engineering machinery solutions tailored specifically for the African market

Since making its entry into Africa in 2007, Zoomlion has played an integral role in infrastructure development and agricultural modernisation across the continent. The company has also been committed to nurturing local talent, evident in its ongoing technical training programmes, such as those provided to Ugandan farmers to enhance agricultural skill sets.

At the trade expo, Zoomlion displayed a comprehensive line-up of machinery, ranging from construction cranes and earthmoving equipment to aerial work platforms and advanced agricultural machinery. These products are engineered to withstand and perform efficiently in Africa’s diverse and often demanding working conditions.

Zoomlion’s footprint in Africa has expanded significantly over the past 18 years. The company has delivered more than 10,000 units of equipment to markets across the continent, establishing itself as one of Africa’s leading machinery suppliers. In addition to setting up subsidiaries in key markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Zoomlion has developed a robust after-sales infrastructure. This includes spare parts centres in Algeria and South Africa, a joint-venture manufacturing plant in Algeria, and an expanding network of dealers and service providers across the region.

The company has also been instrumental in supporting critical infrastructure projects throughout Africa. These include Egypt’s New Administrative Capital—home to Africa’s tallest skyscraper at 385.8 metres—the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project in Tanzania, which boosts the country’s energy capacity nearly fourfold, and the N'Djamena Stadium in Chad, designed to host international sports and cultural events. Another notable contribution is the Rosso Bridge, linking Senegal and Mauritania, which will enhance regional trade and connectivity.

Zoomlion’s growth trajectory in Africa continues to accelerate. Sales in the first quarter of 2025 alone accounted for 60% of the total recorded in 2024, underlining rising demand for its solutions. As of May 2025, the company’s Africa team comprised over 300 employees, with more than 90% of them being locally hired—demonstrating Zoomlion’s commitment to job creation and skills development in the region.

Entocycle operator using controls web. (Image source: Entocycle)

Technology

Entocycle, a UK-based developer of insect farming technology that transforms food waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, has collaborated with Siemens to launch the country’s first digitalised insect farm showroom

The facility is uniquely located beneath four Victorian railway arches in central London.

Focused on creating a sustainable protein alternative, Entocycle chose the high-profile London Bridge area to boost visibility, attract top talent, and engage potential investors in its innovative approach to circular food systems.

Before construction began, Entocycle used Siemens’ digital twin technology to create a virtual model of the site. This simulation helped maximise the use of the complex arch-shaped space and minimise construction errors, saving time and costs.

The site has since undergone a full digital transformation and now runs on Siemens AI and automation systems. Advanced technologies integrated into the facility include robotic arms, machine vision systems that monitor 3,000 larvae per second with up to 100% accuracy, and climate-controlled chambers. These upgrades have significantly enhanced production by reducing larvae growth time and improving survival rates by 30%.

Now in operation for a year, the facility has demonstrated that insect farming can address two major environmental challenges: cutting the UK’s annual 10.7 million tonnes of food waste (of which 30% is lost through supply chain inefficiencies) and reducing reliance on 3.3 million tonnes of imported soy used for animal feed.

With proof of concept established, Entocycle plans to expand its model to industrial scale, aiming to support farms, agri-businesses, and waste management companies in cutting emissions and rethinking protein supply chains.

Matt Simonds, managing director at Entocycle, said: “We’ve spent a decade developing this concept, which has grown from equipment pieced together from hardware retailers to the bespoke and highly advanced factory we’re running today. The London Bridge centre proves our concept, which leverages the black soldier fly as nature’s recycler, that can be scaled around the world to help tackle the dual issue of food waste and sustainability issues in animal feed supply.

“Insect farming is an exciting emerging industry, and our vision is to be the go-to provider of technology to customers alongside our partner Siemens. In 10 years’ time, we expect Entocycle-designed farms to be processing millions of tonnes of food waste around the world, saving millions of tonnes of carbon emissions with it. Partnering with Siemens to deliver our solution internationally provides us with the trust and scalability we need to deliver on our global ambitions.”

Keith Thornhill, head of food and beverage for UK & Ireland at Siemens said: “Entocycle has created the blueprint for high-tech insect farming. It’s successfully applied modern manufacturing technology to its highly niche subject of rearing black soldier flies. And the outcomes are clear to see in increased insect survival rates and slashing the time staff would spend counting insects.

“It’s a fantastic concept ready to be delivered to customers around the world, regardless of site size and location. We’re proud to support it as a great example of technology with a purpose in addressing crucial sustainability challenges.”

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