Latest news with #sustainablefarming
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Guardian
England's farmers to get new payments for cleaning up waterways on their land
Farmers in England will get new payments for cleaning up the waterways near their land, the environment secretary has said. Agricultural pollution affects 40% of Britain's lakes and rivers, as fertiliser and animal waste washes off the land into waterways. Speaking at the National Farmers' Union water summit at Beeston Hall farm in West Yorkshire, Steve Reed said his department would be launching changes to the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) scheme that replaced EU subsidies. The SFI, which pays farmers to look after the environment, was frozen this year in a surprise move. The scheme is expected to reopen next year. Reed said: 'We also have to work with the farming sector to tackle pollution from agriculture. We are looking at how we can reform SFI so that when it opens in the new year there will be more actions in there focused on cleaning up water, because that's in the interests of the country as a whole, but it's also in the interests of the farming sector. So we'll have more to say on that.' He is expected to launch these changes by the end of summer. The NFU announced it was starting a new programme that would work with scientists to help farmers measure the pollution in the waterways near their farms, so they could take steps to improve the water quality and see the progress. The summit was held on the NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos's farm. On her land, which is owned by Yorkshire Water, there are two reservoirs. Reed toured these and saw they were completely dry, which has raised concerns about water supply and food production in the area. Yorkshire was the first area of the UK to implement a hosepipe ban this summer. It is in drought after the driest spring on record. The NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, said farmers were having to deal with weather extremes due to climate breakdown. He added: 'I think that, rather than being extreme, that is now the reality that we're all having to deal with, and that as farmers, we've got to work out how we can mitigate the risk, how we can try and manage the situation so that we don't lurch from one catastrophic problem of not being able to plant out crops, then them flooding, or not having enough fodder because we haven't had the rainfall.' Reed suggested he might make it easier for farmers to build reservoirs on their land to hold water during dry conditions. He said planning had been 'too slow', adding: 'Farmers can't get on and build reservoirs that they need.' He said: 'Farmers get caught in the planning system. We've done work with the National Trust and RSPB where they are trusted partners and they don't have to apply for permission to dig ponds on their land anymore. We aren't quite there yet with farmers we are coproducing policy but something could look like that. 'There isn't just one answer – we need farmers to be able to have ready access to water and that involves many different actions we could take. That's why it's so important to have conversations like those we are having today.'
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Al Dhaid Date Festival cements its status as a leading platform for agricultural innovation and sustainability
Sharjah: The 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, held at Expo Al Dhaid, featured record participation from leading date producers and palm farmers from across the UAE. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year's edition hosted more than 15 agricultural companies showcasing the latest sustainable farming technologies, reflecting the sector's growing focus on innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge solutions to optimise farm performance and improve yield quality. Participants shared inspiring success stories that highlighted both the preservation of traditional farming practices and the advancement of smart and future-forward agriculture initiatives. Their contributions, marked by product excellence and innovation in production techniques, underscored the agricultural sector's strategic importance in driving food security and supporting sustainable development goals. Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication Department at SCCI and Head of the Al Dhaid Date Festival's Media Committee, said that this year's strong participation underscores the festival's role as a commercial and marketing platform for technology transfer among farmers. The festival showcases cutting-edge solutions in organic and sustainable farming, modern agricultural mechanization, and AI-driven farming processes, offering farmers a unique opportunity to learn about best practices that enhance output quality and operational efficiency. Al-Washah Dates Farm, led by owner Rashid Ahmed Al-Tunaiji, stood out for its display of premium local date varieties, including Khalas, Barhi, and Lulu. Produced under the highest quality standards, these offerings highlight the farm's commitment to combining traditional agricultural heritage with advanced practices in organic cultivation. Al-Fahd Dates Farm demonstrated an innovative business approach through its display of premium date varieties, highlighting its strategic investment in downstream industries. The farm showcased value-added products such as pure date syrup, high-quality date paste, and gourmet stuffed dates, all developed and packaged with advanced methods aligned with the expectations of both domestic and global markets. Young farmer Sultan Ali Al-Khuzaymi from the Emirate of Fujairah presented an inspiring success story that reflects the UAE's efforts to empower youth. His participation in Al Dhaid Date Festival stemmed from a deep family tradition in agriculture and a personal commitment to sustain and evolve their legacy. His product line stood out for its premium quality, comprising both heritage and enhanced date varieties, alongside organically cultivated Turkish figs. Participating farmers commended the consistent and substantial support extended by the Sharjah Chamber, highlighting its role in sustaining the festival's success and enhancing its impact on the agricultural community. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Al-Ammariyah strawberry farms offer slice of rural bliss
RIYADH: In the serene natural landscape of Al-Ammariyah, northwest of Riyadh, strawberry farms have emerged as ecotourism destinations that bring together nature, agriculture, and family-friendly entertainment. These farms offer hands-on experiences that reconnect visitors with the land, transforming traditional agricultural work into interactive activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency. From strawberry picking to learning about the crop's cycle, visitors gain insight into sustainable farming while enjoying the beauty of the rural environment. The geographical features of Al-Ammariyah, including fertile soil and moderate terrain, provide ideal conditions for strawberry cultivation. Al-Ammariyah, northwest of Riyadh, have evolved in recent years into vibrant destinations that host family events and field trips, including strawberry picking. Modern technologies such as hydroponics and greenhouse farming enhance efficiency and demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability. The farms have evolved in recent years into vibrant destinations that host family events and field trips. They also offer live workshops on organic farming, and cookery sessions on strawberry-based products like juices, jams, and dessert. Rustic-style cafes and shaded rest areas overlook the orchards, creating a tranquil space where visitors can unwind and enjoy the scent of fresh strawberries and the surrounding serenity. Designed with all age groups in mind, the farms promote learning through entertainment and reflect a growing trend in tourism that combines environmental awareness with leisure and education.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Durham University study to support sustainable farming
A new research programme will look into the ability to "temporarily programme plants" to support sustainable University has announced it will study a type of bacteria found in plant cells called Gluconacetobacter would be used to introduce traits to certain crops to tackle common challenges such as heat, drought and disease, and reduce the need for chemical pesticides."The technique could allow farmers to enhance plant performance, resilience and nutritional value without permanent genetic modification," a university spokesman said. They added the project aimed to tackle "some of agriculture's most pressing challenges", including climate change, rising demand for food and the overuse of will take place across Durham and York and involve plant trials and the development of genetic and cell-biology project is part of the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency's Programmable Plants initiative and is in collaboration with Azotic Technologies. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sowing the seeds of digital agriculture in Ethiopia
Ethiopia's agricultural sector is going digital, with new tools offering ways to boost productivity and improve market access. In Addis Ababa, sector leaders and stakeholders explore practical steps for building a more resilient, tech-enabled farming system. With traditional farming still widespread and digital tools often out of reach for rural communities, a symposium held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, set out to address challenges in productivity, market access, infrastructure and digital literacy. Smallholder farmers, women, youth and others who are frequently excluded from innovation efforts, received particular attention. Organized by Orbit Innovation Hub in partnership with the International Trade Centre and Trade Ethiopia, the symposium brought together stakeholders from across the agriculture and technology ecosystems. Focused on real-world solutions The one-day programme included panel discussions, startup pitches, a documentary screening and presentations on new technologies such as AI in agriculture. The event offered a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring how digital innovation can support inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. Orbit Innovation Hub, launched as the social enterprise arm of health tech company Orbit Health, is committed to developing the startup ecosystem in Ethiopia. 'We started this because we didn't want new entrepreneurs to face the same hurdles we did,' said COO Girum Habetewold. 'Agriculture remains central to our economy. Modernizing it is essential for long-term growth.' Support from the International Trade Centre's Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project has been key to turning that vision into reality. Over the past three years, the programme has provided both funding and technical guidance to help Orbit standardize the symposium format, bring in international expertise and expand its reach. What began as a local idea has become a national platform with international relevance. Building networks and partnerships One of the symposium's key strengths was the range of voices in the room. Policymakers, business leaders, researchers, funders and grassroots entrepreneurs all took part. 'Everyone brought their networks,' said Kiya Girma of Trade Ethiopia. 'It helped connect people who don't usually have the chance to collaborate directly.' Trade Ethiopia, a B2B platform connecting local producers with global buyers, joined the organizing team for the first time this year. Their involvement highlighted the importance of linking agriculture, digital tools and export opportunities. 'We support cooperatives and smallholder farmers in accessing markets,' Girma said. 'Digital tools help them do that more efficiently and on better terms.' NTF V played a coordinating role in bringing these different actors together, drawing on its extensive experience in supporting agricultural trade and digital innovation across Ethiopia. Stories from the field The symposium also presented examples of what happens when digital tools and support systems are in place. For example, a young farmer from Woliso, who attended a SEED programme workshop, secured a bank loan and bought a tractor. His story illustrates how targeted training and financial access can bring new opportunities for youth engagement and economic mobility within the sector. Another example came from Kifiya Technologies, a company offering digital insurance services that help farmers manage risk and improve resilience. Speakers raised important points about the need to design tools that fit local realities, invest in digital literacy, prioritize relationships with farmers, and ensure that technology is accessible, affordable and relevant to those working in remote or underserved areas. Several panelists stressed that without strong local engagement, even the most advanced tools risk being underused or misunderstood. 'You don't get useful data unless you've built trust,' Girma said. 'Technology has to work for the people using it.' Supporting national goals The symposium directly supports Ethiopia's Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which aims to unlock greater value in agriculture through digital innovation. Orbit Innovation Hub has been an active contributor to this agenda, and NTF V has served as a key partner in making that contribution possible. NTF V's broader impact extends well beyond the symposium. The project helped Ethiopian agri-businesses engage in international markets, supported women-led enterprises, and increased digital access for nearly 400,000 individuals. It also brought in direct investment and improved the capacity of local support organizations, including those involved in agricultural trade. Looking ahead As the NTF V project concludes, Orbit and its partners are exploring how to sustain and scale the work that has been started. Plans are under way for future editions of the symposium and new initiatives that will support innovation in agriculture and beyond. 'Agriculture in Ethiopia is beginning to change,' said Habetewold of Orbit Innovation Hub. 'It's a slow process, but the groundwork is being laid. Shifting from traditional practices to data-driven, tech-enabled farming will take time, especially given the scale of the sector and the realities facing smallholder farmers. But with continued investment, strong partnerships and a focus on practical outcomes, Ethiopia is taking meaningful steps toward a more resilient and inclusive farming future.' The COO added that the AgriTech Stakeholders Symposium has become a clear example of how local collaboration, combined with sustained international support, can turn good ideas into action and help reshape the agricultural landscape from the ground up. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
