Mangrove afforestation and seagrass restoration.

Taiwan has approved two new blue carbon methodologies aimed at enhancing mangrove and seagrass ecosystems to help meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050

These new carbon reduction strategies - Mangrove Afforestation and Seagrass Restoration - were developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC).

A "carbon sink" is a natural system that absorbs more carbon dioxide (CO₂) than it releases, playing a vital role in tackling climate change by reducing greenhouse gases. Taiwan’s new methodologies will now calculate and manage the carbon stored in mangroves and seagrasses, both of which are considered blue carbon sinks.

The Mangrove Afforestation methodology involves planting mangroves in designated areas, such as abandoned salt pans, fish farms, and reservoirs, to increase carbon storage in the ecosystem. According to the MOA, the site must have been free from industrial activities for at least two years before the project begins. Moreover, the initiative should not interfere with existing industries to avoid negatively impacting local livelihoods. The species of mangrove used must be suitable for the local conditions. Developers are also required to manage hydrology, sediment, salinity, and water quality to optimise growth and carbon capture while preventing the overgrowth of mangroves.

Similarly, the Seagrass Restoration methodology focuses on planting seagrass in marine and coastal areas, including artificial wetlands. Like the mangrove strategy, developers must ensure the right conditions for seagrass growth, managing water movement, sediment, salinity, and water quality. Marine life can only be removed from the area if necessary to protect the seagrass.

Before starting, developers must verify land use legality, conduct environmental assessments, and hold public consultations. All findings must be documented.

Taiwan is committed to using blue carbon ecosystems to achieve its net-zero target by 2050. The government hopes these new methodologies will encourage more organisations to take part in blue carbon projects. A 2023 study found that seagrass beds cover around 5,481 hectares in Taiwan, while mangroves span 681 hectares.

In addition to the new blue carbon methods, Taiwan has also added three new agricultural carbon offset methodologies since 2024. The MOA continues to refine these strategies to help companies access voluntary carbon credits.

Cassava is also an essential source of income for smallholder farmers.

Vietnam and Japan are set to launch a circular cassava production model aimed at making cassava farming more sustainable while increasing the value of one of Vietnam’s top exports.

The project, a partnership between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to begin in September.

Approved in December, the initiative will focus on improving the value, quality, and sustainability of Vietnam’s cassava industry, which ranks as one of the country's 13 key exports. According to MAE, Vietnam is the third-largest exporter of cassava and cassava-based products. Cassava is also an essential source of income for smallholder farmers, especially in rural regions, and a staple food for many.

This project will be Vietnam’s first circular cassava production model, incorporating smart soil health monitoring and advanced technologies like sensors, satellites, and drones to monitor both soil and crops. A significant goal is to develop a sustainable supply chain for cassava starch that also supports carbon storage and promotes eco-friendly farming practices.

A key feature of the project is the integration of carbon measurement methods (MRV), which will allow for better monitoring and smart management of the value chain.Hoang Trung, deputy minister, highlighted that one of the primary objectives is to shift cassava farming towards a circular system by selecting carbon-storing cassava varieties and introducing sustainable farming methods.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will provide full support to ensure that JICA and its partners can implement all project components efficiently and on schedule,” said Trung.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry's Sustainable Cassava Industry Development Scheme, which runs through to 2030, with a long-term vision set for 2050.

The pilot project, led by Takuro Shinano, professor of Hokkaido University, will take place in Tay Ninh province, selected for its suitable climate, reliable water access, worker safety, and strong potential for scaling up. The working group, in collaboration with Tay Ninh’s department of agriculture and environment, conducted field surveys before choosing the site.

Shinano, professor emphasized that the project aims to establish a solid technical foundation for Vietnam, backed by technology transfers from Japanese partners and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The initiative will also include training programmes for Vietnamese technicians in Japan, installation of laboratory equipment, and provision of tools for the design and analysis facility in Tay Ninh.

Urban agriculture can contribute to the nation’s food security.

Urban farmers in Malaysia, particularly those operating hydroponic systems on vertical farms in Penang, Johor, and Sabah, face several challenges despite various government support measures such as subsidies, price regulations, and other protective policies

These farmers are grappling with issues stemming from government policies and legislative controls, volatile market dynamics, financial constraints, operational limits, and environmental factors. As one farmer notes, "We are facing several challenges, even with the existing subsidies and price regulations. The market is unpredictable, and there are many operational and financial barriers that prevent us from growing our businesses." These issues remain prevalent despite the efforts aimed at supporting local farming. The need for more efficient and accessible capital-raising methods is a key concern. Urban farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the financial resources necessary to sustain operations, expand their ventures, and address ongoing challenges.

One of the primary hurdles is securing funding. To overcome this, there is a growing call for more streamlined and innovative financing options. Traditional financing methods are often not suited to the specific needs of urban farmers, who require capital to grow their operations quickly and effectively. As a result, there is increasing interest in leveraging global financial blockchain networks, agro-tokens, and expanding agro-lending options to support these farmers.

Blockchain technology, in particular, has garnered attention for its potential to facilitate secure and transparent financial transactions, helping to ease the process of obtaining funds. The use of agro-tokens is another emerging solution, offering urban farmers a new avenue for raising capital in a decentralised and efficient manner. These methods are gaining prominence in light of Malaysia's increasing focus on urban farming as a strategy to boost crop yields, stabilise food prices, and reduce the risks associated with food security.

As Malaysia seeks to enhance its urban farming sector, it is clear that innovative financial tools and expanded lending opportunities will be crucial in overcoming the barriers faced by urban farmers. By adopting these forward-thinking solutions, urban agriculture can flourish, contributing to the nation’s food security while offering sustainable growth for local farmers.

The greenhouse will feature cultivating nursery plants using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT).

A new greenhouse project in Leping, China, brings together multiple innovative agricultural techniques, spearheaded by Growing Smart Technologies

The project, which spans 6.5 hectares, will serve both the city and the province, demonstrating the potential of various technologies and crops on a commercial scale. The greenhouse will feature strawberries grown on hanging gutters, lettuce cultivated using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and a nursery for young plants.

Roy Peleg of Growing Smart Technologies, said, "Other than being technologically possible, we also want to make sure that it will be feasible economically." He highlights China's growing horticultural industry, particularly in its western regions, which have seen rapid expansion in recent years. "The economic growth has been rapid, and the fascination for safe and quality-grown food is high," Peleg adds, reflecting on his experiences in China since 2003.

The greenhouse is divided into four distinct zones, catering to the high demand for strawberries in China and other crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons. These will be grown under an F-Clean roof, which offers advantages over traditional glasshouses, particularly in the region's harsh winters and humid summers. Peleg explains, "F-clean coverage provides more advantages than a glasshouse, especially if you have to deal with natural ventilation." The project also includes a hydroponic lettuce zone and a nursery to support the local agricultural community.

A significant feature of the project is its alignment with Global GAP guidelines, even though these standards are not yet required in China. Peleg states, "We want this project to be prepared for the future and to teach the staff at the site how to work on common standards in growing."

After completing the greenhouse, Growing Smart Technologies will provide ongoing support for two years, including maintenance and crop management training. The facility will also include a visitor area to showcase the project's techniques without direct access to the greenhouse.

Roy Peleg is confident that this project will help drive the development of China's high-tech horticulture sector forward. "We demonstrate the basic monitoring systems and the various soilless growing systems, including the strawberry gutters," he explains. "Then there's the nursery with the overhead irrigation and gutter booms." With further research on crop varieties and climate strategies, the team aims to prepare the project for long-term success.

Despite China's rapid pace of development, Peleg concludes, "In China, construction projects can be realized rapidly. That's different from horticulture." The goal is to prove that high-tech horticulture can thrive in China, technically and economically.