Crops

The partnership will focus on implementing best-in-class agricultural practices, capacity building programmes as well as undertaking comprehensive vegetable seed trials. (Image source: Bayer)

Building on their successful collaboration announced in 2023, Silal and Bayer have expanded their strategic partnership through a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Dubai

The MoU outlines an ambitious programme of collaboration through 2028, focusing on four key initiatives designed to advance agricultural practices in arid environments around the world like the UAE, with both organisations aiming to contribute meaningfully to the region’s National Food Security, while also addressing climate change challenges.  

The partnership will also scale up agricultural capacity building through Bayer's BayG.A.P. programme, with particular emphasis on regenerative agriculture practices suitable for arid climates. A key innovation in this phase includes the implementation of digital monitoring and verification platforms to ensure the effective adoption of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the collaboration encompasses the extension of comprehensive vegetable seed trials aimed at identifying crops better suited to local growing conditions and market demands.

Hugo Hagen, Senior Bayer Representative – Middle East at Bayer, stated: "The signing of this MoU represents a major step forward in our partnership with Silal. This detailed framework allows us to bring together Bayer's global expertise in sustainable agriculture with Silal's deep understanding of local agricultural challenges, advancing our mission of ‘Health for all, Hunger for none’ while addressing critical climate challenges."

The agreement will give Catona Climate customers access to credits generated by US farmers who adopt regenerative agricultural practices. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Leading sustainable agricultural solutions company Indigo Ag is helping to create a new market segment offering unprecedented opportunities for farmers and businesses to access the value of nature-based carbon credits

Indigo Ag’s scale and innovative, high-integrity approach has drawn the attention of global climate finance company Catona Climate which has consistently maintained a focus on sourcing, financing, and helping develop the highest-quality credits from nature-based climate solutions.

Through a strategic partnership, Indigo Ag has agreed to provide Catona Climate exclusive access to 250,000 credits from a highly-rated US-based regenerative agriculture soil carbon project. The agreement will give Catona Climate customers access to credits generated by US farmers who adopt regenerative agricultural practices — such as planting cover crops, diversifying crop rotation, and reducing tillage — that abate emissions and sequester carbon in the soil.

“We’re delighted that Catona Climate, known for their high-quality nature-based carbon credit portfolio, has chosen to work with us as we gear up to deliver our largest ever carbon crop,” said Indigo Ag CEO, Dean Banks. “This deal not only represents a strong vote of confidence in our thriving programme but also in soil carbon as an asset class. It reflects the increasing maturity of the market and will generate further confidence in the long-term durability of soil carbon projects, which is great news for the farmers and agribusinesses benefiting from this promising new revenue stream.” 

Among those who were recognised were scheme smallholders who consistently adopted sustainable plantation practices in compliance with certification standards. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Asian Agri’s smallholder partners in Jambi Province received recognition, with premium payments being distributed from the sale of certified sustainable palm oil for 2023

Forty cooperatives (KUDs) comprising around 12,500 smallholder members received a total amount of more than US$147.24 on 20 December at EV Garden in Jambi, Indonesia. The aim of the programme is to reward oil palm smallholders who adhere to internationally recognised sustainability standards, such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. Among those who were recognised were scheme smallholders who consistently adopted sustainable plantation practices in compliance with certification standards.

“With RSPO certification, we can support the sustainable palm oil industry in international markets, particularly in Europe, where only sustainably sourced palm oil is accepted,” noted Ramli Simarmata, regional head of Asian Agri for Jambi region, adding that the premium payments are expected to benefit over 12,500 smallholders, aligning with Asian Agri’s 5C philosophy. This emphasises that the company’s presence should bring value to the Community, the Country, the Climate, the Customer, and ultimately the Company.

Rudy Rismanto, head of Partnership at Asian Agri, highlighted the role of partnerships in the company’s sustainability strategy. Rahadi, chairman of KUD Sawit Mulia, also noted the many advantages of the partnership model and encouraged smallholders with unproductive plantations to proceed with replanting. Furthermore, Basuki, supervisor of KUD Makmur Rezeki, emphasised the importance of using high-quality seeds as a key factor for successful replanting. 

Under the guidance of the Sheyang County Rice Association, Nanjing 5718 has become the flagship variety for the Sheyang Rice brand. (Image source: Sheyang County Rice Association)

The new Nanjing 5718 variety of Sheyang rice was recently honored with the 'Special Excellence Award' at the 16th edition of the Japan Rice Quality and Taste Research Association Seminar and Premium Japonica Rice Tasting event in Hiroshima, Japan

Renowned for its rich aroma, sweet and tender texture and exceptional nutritional value, the Sheyang rice variety stands out for its superior taste and its adaptability to integrated farming models, such as rice-shrimp and rice-crab cultivation. These advantages align perfectly with Sheyang's strategic focus on developing green and high-quality rice production bases. Under the guidance of the Sheyang County Rice Association, Nanjing 5718 has become the flagship variety for the Sheyang Rice brand. 

For 15 consecutive years, Sheyang Rice has been recognised as one of Shanghai's 'Top 10 Quality and Best-selling Brands" for edible agricultural products in th  grain and oil category. The brand has also received over 50 honors, including being named one of China's 'Top 10 Regional Public Rice Brands'. Its brand value has been assessed at an impressive US$4.8bn.