"In this massive crisis, we must act together in the interests of our country. The current, home-made budget situation of the federal government must under no circumstances be at the expense of the economy. With food security, agriculture in particular is an important pillar for the domestic economy.
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Two new funding streams are being made available by Growing Kent & Medway to back sustainable innovation and new technologies in the horticultural and plant-based food and drink sector. read more

New EU-wide rules on packaging threaten to have a detrimental economic and social impact without achieving their environmental objectives, according to a group of 14 Italian companies that produce plastic containers for food and drinks, including fruit and vegetables. read more

"The aim is to secure and further develop the future of agriculture and rural areas in Germany and Europe. The primary goal must be to give agricultural businesses an economic perspective while at the same time protecting the climate, biodiversity and animal welfare.
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German consumers want more homegrown apples in future, according to leading fruit and vegetable cooperative Landgard. read more

The Chilean Blueberry Committee has revised its export forecast for 2023/24, with the aid of iQonsulting, predicting 76,500 tonnes of fresh blueberry exports this season. read more

Particularly noteworthy is the Green variety, whose forecast yield per tray has reached a record level of USD 9. By comparison, the final Orchard Gate Return (OGR) in the previous season was USD 5.78 per tray. For Zespri Organic Green, the forecast per tray is
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According to the Sofia business newspaper Kapital, the local Parkmart Holding is now planning a revival with at least 25 Carrefour Express and Carrefour Market outlets in 2024. read more

An open letter signed by more than 1,750 farmers and growers has been sent by the NFU to the three main political parties urging them to immediately outline their plans to protect farming businesses from flooding. read more

A unique logistical system designed to transport pallets of fruit using cable cars in Italy’s Dolomites has been given the green light. read more

I was contacted by a journalist recently asking me to comment on a recent report that shows consumption of fresh veg in the UK is down year on year. No great surprise there, I suppose, during a cost-of-living crisis and a period of rampant inflation. read more

In an era where sustainability is a big priority for the fresh produce industry, Greenyard has emerged as a shining example of unwavering commitment to a healthier future, dedicated to improving lives through pure-plant food experiences, promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering more
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As QS reports with reference to the BVL, only one plant protection product containing the active ingredient clofentezine, Apollo 50 SC, is currently authorised in Germany. Apollo 50 SC is currently used for the control of fruit tree spider mites (Panonychus ulmi) on pears and apples, among other things.
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Researchers in Chile’s University of Concepción have come up with a new technology to extend the shelf-life of fruit. Bioshield Pack is a bioactive paper made from cellulose pulp, Monterey pine and algae, which its developers claims can reduce fruit losses by up to 65 per cent during storage
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In September 2023, the year-on-year rate of change was -14.7%, which was the sharpest year-on-year decline since the survey began in 1949. According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), this development is still due in particular to
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Consumers looking for the best in fruit quality and taste are searching for recognisable brands which will be on the shelf for a considerable length of time. read more

It is an atypical 2023/24 season, which is affected by climate change and has led to earlier development and maturity of the crops. Price fluctuations are to be expected in view of the Christmas break in December, as exports will be concentrated in certain weeks. read more

Six years ago, millions of viewers saw a mother albatross feeding her newborn chick scraps of plastic in David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II. What followed was a wave of support for more sustainable packaging and less waste ending up in nature. read more

The NFU has written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of the Autumn Statement calling for support to rebuild confidence and stability in the UK’s food and farming sector. read more

While the climate-damaging insecticide and biocide sulfuryl fluoride is mainly used in Germany for pest control of export timber in shipping containers, the active ingredient flufenacet is used as a pesticide. DUH criticises the actions of the
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