Author: Crop Protection

Limonar de Santomera, a leading Spanish cooperative in citrus fruit production, continues its impressive growth, cementing its position as a key player in the European agricultural sector. The company, which specialises in the cultivation and commercialisation of lemons and other citrus fruits, has seen a significant rise in exports, particularly in Germany, where demand has surged by 142% between 2023 and 2024. Sales have also grown substantially in other major markets, including France (+24%), the Netherlands (+70%), and its home country, Spain (+37%). The cooperative attributes this success to its commitment to sustainable farming and its ability to adapt to…

Concept Reply, part of the Reply Group and a specialist in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, has joined forces with agricultural technology consortium DKE-Data to launch the upgraded agrirouter platform, agrirouter 2.0. This latest version is designed to enhance data management, connectivity, and usability for farmers globally, marking a significant step forward in smart farming. Agrirouter 2.0 allows farmers to control and manage the exchange of data between machines and software applications from multiple manufacturers along the agricultural value chain. By using standardised data formats, the platform streamlines communication between different systems, enabling more efficient farming practices. Concept Reply was…

Ocean energy developer Minesto is advancing its plans to build a groundbreaking tidal energy site in the Faroe Islands, marking a significant step in its efforts to harness marine energy. The Hestfjord Dragon Farm, which will feature Minesto’s innovative Dragon 12 kites, will generate up to 10 MW of renewable energy in its first phase. This project forms part of the Faroe Islands’ ambitious drive to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, positioning tidal energy as a crucial contributor to the nation’s energy transition. The Hestfjord Dragon Farm, the first tidal energy array of its kind, builds on Minesto’s successful…

Modern Meadow, a pioneering company in the field of sustainable materials, has announced the appointment of David Williamson, PhD, as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Effective from 14 October 2024, Dr. Williamson, who has been with the company since 2015, will transition from his current role as president and chief operating officer (COO) to spearhead the company’s next phase of growth. Dr. Williamson has played a key role in shaping Modern Meadow’s strategy and development over the past nine years. His new role comes as the company reaches a significant production milestone in the creation of its innovative biofabricated…

Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, is set to celebrate the rich diversity of British heritage apples on Sunday, 20th October, with its inaugural Apple Day event. As the UK grapples with the dominance of global apple varieties like Gala and Braeburn, which together account for half of British apple sales, this celebration aims to highlight nearly 2,500 local varieties, including the lesser-known Hornsea Herring and Fillingham Pippin. Launched in 1990 by the charity Common Ground, Apple Day was established to honour the variety and history of this beloved fruit. Since then, it has inspired thousands across the UK to engage with…

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has announced the appointment of Amy Oliver as its new business development executive. Her addition to the sales team comes as part of the company’s expansion plans, particularly following a recent agreement with Tyson Foods’ UK division, aimed at enhancing the distribution of chicken products to independent frozen food wholesalers across the UK. Based near Central Foods’ headquarters in Collingtree, Northampton, Amy expressed enthusiasm for her new role. “I am excited to join Central Foods as a business development executive and start my journey within this wonderful local business in the exciting world of foodservice,”…

The UK government has been urged to develop an integrated materials strategy aimed at reducing demand, reusing, and recycling critical materials to support its existing Net Zero Strategy and bolster economic security. A new report from the National Engineering Policy Centre, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlights the urgency of addressing the nation’s dependence on materials that are increasingly being sourced from around the globe. Critical materials identified by the UK government include lithium, essential for battery production, and magnesium, used in steel alloys. Other vital elements such as indium, cobalt, niobium, and rare earth elements like neodymium…

The picturesque village of Braemar, located in the heart of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorm National Park, is gearing up to host its inaugural whisky festival on 25th and 26th October. The Braemar Whisky Festival aims to honour Scotland’s rich whisky heritage while also emphasising the importance of giving back to the local community. Organised by Julia Hall and Ann Medlock of GD Spirits, the festival features a stellar lineup of whisky experts and legends. Given Braemar’s cultural significance and royal connections, the event promises to be a significant addition to Scotland’s whisky calendar, offering attendees the chance to sample…

As the Autumn season sets in, Starbucks’ beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte has returned, sparking an 862% increase in global searches for the drink since its launch in August. This seasonal favourite, which has become a cultural phenomenon, tends to capture attention each year as temperatures drop and leaves change colour. However, for those looking to enjoy this popular beverage without the £4.65 price tag at Starbucks, pricing experts at PriceListo have revealed that making a homemade version could cost as little as £1.25. The homemade alternative offers a substantial savings of 73% compared to the café version. The analysis highlighted…

Planting spruce trees in parts of East Anglia and South East England will be restricted following the discovery of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, also known as Ips typographus. The Forestry Commission announced these measures on Tuesday, 8 October, as part of ongoing efforts to control the spread of this serious pest, which poses a significant threat to spruce trees. The new restrictions will come into effect on 29 October, affecting a designated area known as the Demarcated Area (DMA). Landowners, businesses, and land managers within this zone are urged to comply with the new regulations and remain vigilant to…