Indorama Ventures PCL : Notore Refute Alleged Sabotage of National Security

fertilizer

The management of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals (IEFCL) Company and Notore Chemical Industries have both refuted allegations that the companies were sabotaging the national economy and security through the importation of urea nitrate, a chemical used for fertilizer production and could be used illicitly to manufacture explosives, and the export of fertilizer to the detriment of farmers in Nigeria.

African Development Bank : AfDB makes USD 9 million equity investment in Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria

The African Development Bank

The African Development Bank has approved a USD 9 million equity investment (approximately 12% of the fund's capitalisation) in the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) to provide expansion capital to agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Italian Study Comforts Pasta Lovers

Pasta is not the unhealthy carbohydrate we once thought it to be. A recent Italian study states that the Mediterranean staple, under a wholesome diet, is contributive to a healthy body mass index, lower waist circumference, and better waist-hip ratio.

A recently published study from the Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S. in Pozzilli, Italy, found that pasta is associated with a reduced probability of obesity, based on data from more than 23,000 Italians.

New Report Reveals Influence of Pesticide Lobby on Bee Protections

New report by Friends of the Earth highlights tactics used by agrichemical companies to block pesticide reforms.

Last week, Friends of the Earth (FoE) released a report, titled "Buzz Kill: How the Pesticide Industry is Clipping the Wings of Bee Protection Efforts Across the U.S." The report, by Christopher Cook and Tiffany Finck-Haynes, details the pesticide industry’s outsized role in weakening and delaying bee protection plans across the country.

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.