Latest news with #Farming
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sweet harvest: Omani farmer's fig venture bears fruit in Mahdha
Muscat – Driven by a commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability, an Omani farmer in the border town of Mahdha in Buraimi is transforming arid land into a fertile farm. Ali bin Hamad al Badi has successfully cultivated four fields producing Turkish brown figs, Fardh dates, mangoes and lemons. Supported by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, his venture is becoming a model of economic potential in the governorate. 'What began as a bold experiment is now bearing real fruit – literally and figuratively,' Badi said. 'We're currently harvesting between 90kg to 100kg of figs every day, and demand in local markets has been overwhelming.' Badi's figs, known for high quality and freshness, are proving popular with consumers across Buraimi. Encouraged by the strong market response, he plans to expand his operations by planting 550 yellow Spanish fig seedlings – a variety prized for quality and demand. Behind this success is consistent support from agricultural authorities. 'The technical support and field visits from the Agriculture and Water Resources Directorate in Buraimi and the Agriculture Department in Mahdha were crucial. Their expertise helped me manage the farm effectively from the ground up,' Badi noted. His venture is about more than just figs – it is about setting an example for others. 'We need to encourage more farmers to establish commercial fields,' he said. 'They're easier to manage, and with the right support, can provide sustainable and profitable returns. It's good for farmers and for Oman's food security.' The ministry's support is part of a broader national strategy to promote food security, diversify crop production and encourage investment in high-value agriculture. Projects like Badi's highlight what is possible when tradition meets innovation and when farmers are empowered to take calculated risks with commercially viable crops. With the next planting phase just around the corner, Badi's journey is far from over. He has planted in Mahdha the seeds of what may become one of the most successful agricultural stories of the governorate and a source of pride for local farmers. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
NZ Farmers Slam Methane Madness: 95% Reject Biotech Fix For Livestock
Press Release – NZ Farming Farmers are alarmed that unproven biotech tools threaten New Zealands hard- earned reputation for natural, pasture-raised meat and milk. They see methane inhibitors as risky, intrusive and unnecessarynot just to animal welfare, but to consumer … A major new independent farmer survey reveals overwhelming rejection of New Zealand's current ruminant methane strategy, exposing a deep disconnect between grassroots producers and industry leadership. Key findings: 95% agree reducing livestock methane won't impact global climate change 94% of farmers believe methane cuts should not be a necessary part of market access 93% refuse to use methane inhibitors on their animals 88% wouldn't eat meat or dairy from treated stock Farmers are alarmed that unproven biotech tools threaten New Zealand's hard- earned reputation for natural, pasture-raised meat and milk. They see methane inhibitors as risky, intrusive and unnecessary—not just to animal welfare, but to consumer trust and export advantage. 'There is growing unease about manipulating the gut microbiome of healthy animals. These interventions go against everything our farming systems stand for,' says Duncan Humm of NZ Farming. 'How did we get this far down the track without consulting the very people expected to deliver these changes?' Despite being global leaders in low-emissions food production, farmers feel ignored as unelected boards and bureaucrats push policies without a grassroots mandate. Farmers are now demanding answers: Why were hundreds of millions of dollars spent on methane tools without farmer consultation? Where's the 'farmer' support the industry claims exists? Why did co-ops join AgriZero without asking shareholders? If farmers and consumers don't want these tools, who are they really for—and is compulsion the endgame? Why are our levy bodies so out of touch? The message is clear: Leave our animals alone. Helen Mandeno of Methane Science Accord states: 'Professor David Frame has shown that New Zealand's ruminants might, at worst, contribute four millionths of a degree celsius warming per year. It would take 250,000 years for that to amount to 1 °C.' Ruminant methane is a natural part of the carbon cycle—don't punish farmers and their animals for a crime they didn't commit.
Scoop
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
NZ Farmers Slam Methane Madness: 95% Reject Biotech Fix For Livestock
Press Release – NZ Farming Farmers are alarmed that unproven biotech tools threaten New Zealands hard- earned reputation for natural, pasture-raised meat and milk. They see methane inhibitors as risky, intrusive and unnecessarynot just to animal welfare, but to consumer … A major new independent farmer survey reveals overwhelming rejection of New Zealand's current ruminant methane strategy, exposing a deep disconnect between grassroots producers and industry leadership. Key findings: 95% agree reducing livestock methane won't impact global climate change 94% of farmers believe methane cuts should not be a necessary part of market access 93% refuse to use methane inhibitors on their animals 88% wouldn't eat meat or dairy from treated stock Farmers are alarmed that unproven biotech tools threaten New Zealand's hard- earned reputation for natural, pasture-raised meat and milk. They see methane inhibitors as risky, intrusive and unnecessary—not just to animal welfare, but to consumer trust and export advantage. 'There is growing unease about manipulating the gut microbiome of healthy animals. These interventions go against everything our farming systems stand for,' says Duncan Humm of NZ Farming. 'How did we get this far down the track without consulting the very people expected to deliver these changes?' Despite being global leaders in low-emissions food production, farmers feel ignored as unelected boards and bureaucrats push policies without a grassroots mandate. Farmers are now demanding answers: Why were hundreds of millions of dollars spent on methane tools without farmer consultation? Where's the 'farmer' support the industry claims exists? Why did co-ops join AgriZero without asking shareholders? If farmers and consumers don't want these tools, who are they really for—and is compulsion the endgame? Why are our levy bodies so out of touch? The message is clear: Leave our animals alone. Helen Mandeno of Methane Science Accord states: 'Professor David Frame has shown that New Zealand's ruminants might, at worst, contribute four millionths of a degree celsius warming per year. It would take 250,000 years for that to amount to 1 °C.' Ruminant methane is a natural part of the carbon cycle—don't punish farmers and their animals for a crime they didn't commit.
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak pushes for agricultural modernisation to become net food exporter by 2030
Dr Abdul Rahman (sixth right) receives a memento from Tang, as others look on. SIBU (May 10): Sarawak is intensifying efforts to modernise its agriculture sector with the goal of becoming a net food exporter by 2030. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the state's agricultural transformation is no longer an option, but a necessity and an opportunity to strengthen food security, while creating new economic wealth. 'Sarawak is investing heavily in agro-technology to boost productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness,' he said in a speech delivered by his deputy Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail at the opening of the 2025 National Farmers Conference here today. Among the key initiatives introduced were the development of modern agro-parks, aquaculture parks, the Sarawak Agrotechnology Park (SARTECH), and Precision Farming Parks. According to Dr Rundi, the state government is also enhancing food value chains through the Collection, Processing and Packaging Centres (CPPC) and Agrofood Terminals. 'Traditional farming practices such as 'kais pagi makan pagi' (hand-to-mouth farming) must be left behind. Agriculture today is a business, not just subsistence,' he said. The minister also stressed the need to leverage technology such as mechanisation, automation, smart farming, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics. He said innovation must happen at every level, from farm to table to increase output, reduce wastage, and ensure sustainability. 'For the record, Sarawak recorded a food trade deficit of RM6.44 billion, importing RM7.62 billion worth of food while exporting only RM1.18 billion in 2024,' he said, adding that reducing this dependency on imports is a top priority. Dr Rundi called on young entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to venture into agriculture, noting that the sector is no longer seen as 'dirty, difficult, and dangerous' (3D) but instead offers lucrative opportunities. 'Through strategic government-private sector collaboration and by strengthening initiatives like local seed production and biosecurity measures, Sarawak can position itself as a key food producer regionally and internationally,' he added. The 2025 National Farmers Conference, held for the first time in Sarawak, attracted around 700 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Among those present were Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh; Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek; Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Joshua Ting Fu Ying; Federation of Vegetable Growers Associations national president Lim Ser Kwee; Sibu Vegetable Farmers Association president Tieu Kiu Sing; and the event's organising chairman Tang Liung Poh. agriculture net food exporter Stephen Rundi Utom
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opportunity Wisconsin hosts town hall; WI SoS, Godlewski attends, Congressman Van Orden does not
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – A group in Western Wisconsin is sharing their concerns regarding changes at the federal level. Opportunity Wisconsin organized a town hall, saying they invited Congressman Derrick Van Orden, but he didn't attend. However, constituents did get a chance to speak with Wisconsin Secretary of State, Sarah Godlewski, who was also a special guest. Concerns about federal funding cuts to the Department of Education, Farming, Medicare and Medicaid were most mentioned. Many speakers shared their frustration with Van Orden not attending, and in response, they all lined up to share stories and say what they would have asked the Congressman if he attended. Godlewski explains, 'Well, the people of Eau Claire and the people of the third CD deserve answers when a representative votes on a bill to cut 1.5 trillion dollars and this money is going to impact essential services that western Wisconsinites rely on.' Attendee, Dr. Abby Nou, said, 'He says well they're not, the budget is not meaning that we're going to cut Medicare or Medicaid, well I'd like to see that in writing that he's going to oppose any bill that cuts funding.' Another unidentified, attendee, said, 'My question for Mr. Van Orden is where are you? And how can your constituents reach you?' While Congressman Van Orden was not in attendance at today's event, he held a virtual town hall the same afternoon. To explain why he is hosting virtual town halls, as opposed to in-person events, he explained, 'The reason we're doing this in this format is because George Soros is funding groups of people to go around the country to disrupt republican town halls, and that is just disrespectful to you, and I'm not going to allow those folks to do that.' Van Orden says he plans to hold another virtual town hall next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
