Ban export of farm produce – Aregbesola

Rauf Aregbesola

The governor of the State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has called for a ban on the export of primary farm produce as a way to ensure food sufficiency in the country. Aregbesola who made the call in Osogbo in a statement issued by his media aide, Semiu Okanlawon, opined that the ban would enhance the value chain of the nation’s agricultural investments.

Nigeria seeks help of Canadian grower with ‘tomato Ebola’ crisis

tomato

In a nation where much of the tomato growing is done by small farmers, implementing a wide-scale program to eradicate a pest that has devastated the crop is difficult. But one Canadian company is looking for ways to help.

Nigerians should set up plantations – Agric Minister

Chief Audu Ogbeh

The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has advised Nigerians to set up plantations to boost food production in the country. Ogbeh, while addressing a town hall meeting in Enugu, expressed regret that Nigerians had abandoned agriculture to oil and gas for which they were known for, adding that the recent fall in oil price had caused a lot of problem to the country.

Eight Countries Taking Action Against Harmful Food Marketing

Countries around the world are taking action against the adverse impacts of junk-food marketing.

Children from the United States view an average of one food commercial for every five minutes of television watched, according to a study from the University of Minnesota. Unfortunately, these youth-targeted advertisements focus predominately on foods high in sugar and fat, such as fast food, high-sugar cereals, sugary drinks, and candy, making it no surprise that many children are not consuming healthy diets. In response to the high levels of junk-food advertising, some countries are taking the issue into their own hands by restricting broadcast advertising and other child-targeted marketing techniques.

Food-X: Changing the Future of Food

Ten companies new to the food business were included in Food-X’s fourth cohort.

Food-X has begun work with its fourth and latest cohort of startups, each aiming to bring innovation to the food sector. Ten early-stage companies from all parts of the supply chain—agriculture to packaged consumer goods—have received the three-and-a-half-month Food-X mentorship with experts and advisors that culminated in Food-X Demo Day on June 2 in New York City. Additionally, the chosen startups received US$50,000, networking opportunities, and media exposure, all in exchange for seven percent equity.

Nigerian Editors Seek Urgent Development Of Agribusiness

Nigerian Editors Seek Urgent Development Of Agribusiness

The curtains have dropped on the day-four of the Nigerian Editors conference in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, with an urgent and a practical note for agribusiness development in Nigeria.

Kebbi Govt. to collaborate with Niger and Benin Republics to promote agriculture

Minister threatens to shut fertiliser plant

Chief Audu Ogbeh

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said he would shut down any fertilizer plant that denies local farmers access while exporting the same commodities.

How the Philippines is Using a Robot to Plan for Natural Disasters

Drones could play a key role in assisting governments in guiding disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Philippines have launched a drone initiative to assess where agricultural land is most at risk from natural disasters—and how to rapidly evaluate damages after they occur.

Philadelphia Soda Tax: A Sweet Plan to Fund City Programs

Philadelphia has a sweet plan to fund city programs.

Philadelphia has achieved what many believed impossible when the city council voted 13-4 to approve a 1.5 cents-per-ounce tax on all sugar-sweetened drinks, including diet beverages. Although controversial, Philly’s soda tax is expected to raise US$91 million per year in revenue that will be reinvested into city programs.