McCain Foods, the maker of 1 in 4 fries worldwide, is making big strides towards its regenerative agriculture commitment, digging in with the aim to help combat climate change over time and secure the future of everyone’s favorite food, the golden French fry. According to research, most people are not sure what regenerative agriculture is or its potential role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, with a survey finding that less than 1 in 10 Canadians understand the concept of regenerative agriculture practices, with 26% of Canadians having never heard of it.
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The Vision for Agriculture and Food presented today by the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, aims to show that the farmers’ distress, which culminated in a significant protest a year ago, has been well understood in Brussels. However, how this renewed political message will concretely translate into action remains an open question, especially in light of the concerning ideas initially put forward by the European Commission regarding the Multi Annual Financial Framework and the CAP budget .
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The High-Level Group on Wine Policy has issued a set of recommendations aimed at securing the fitness of the EU’s wine sector. These recommendations were endorsed by the 27 EU countries and shared with representatives of key stakeholder organisations at the Group’s final meeting.
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The 11th edition of the Congress of European farmers, organised by Copa and Cogeca and supported by the Romanian Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation (AAC), was held in Bucharest from 23rd to 25th October. With more than 400 participants and panellists, the programme focused on setting the course for the competitive and sustainable future of European Agriculture for the next political term.
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Groupe Florimond Desprez and DLF Seeds A/S are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to merge their sugar beet, fodder beet, industrial chicory seed businesses and the related R&D activities into a new joint venture called United Beet Seeds (UBS). This strategic partnership will position UBS as a leading player in the international beet seed market.
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Yesterday, Cogeca held the first of its Business Fora for 2024, on the theme “How can agri-cooperatives secure robustness in the cereals and seeds sectors?”.
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SESVanderHave has announced that today Rob van Tetering steps down from his position and Lilian Escalon takes over the role of CEO of SESVanderHave, marking a new chapter in the company's journey.
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European Agri Transition Fund finances small businesses and mid-caps in the farm and food sectors, particularly in Eastern Europe.
The EIF has committed €40 million to a fund aiding the transition to a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system in Europe.
The EIF investment is backed by the InvestEU programme.
The portfolio will be managed by Switzerland-based INOKS Capital.
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Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization. The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now.
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As the European Union prepares for the forthcoming elections, the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) is proud to announce the publication of its Manifesto for generational renewal in agriculture. The document outlines 10 critical points that demand the unwavering consideration of candidates competing for seats in the European Parliament: (1) Access to investment; (2) Climate change and water; (3) Access to land; (4) Future of the CAP; (5) Innovation, education, knowledge & skills; (6) Governance and legal certainty; (7) Income and position in the value chain; (8) Rural areas and livelihood; (9) Youth involvement and funding; (10) A better consideration of the diversity of farming systems.
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Open letter VDL
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Regarding the discussion in various EU Member States about tax exemptions for agricultural diesel, the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) emphasizes the critical need to maintain the competitiveness of agriculture amidst evolving political demands. In light of this, CEMA advocates for the creation of EU political framework conditions that provide farmers with reliable prospects and incentives to navigate the changing agricultural landscape.
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The EU's legislation on animal transport dates back almost 50 years and the last major overhaul was done in 2004, this is almost 20 years ago. Today's proposal for a much-needed revision is part of the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy for sustainable agriculture and food production and builds further on the latest scientific insights and technological developments.
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The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), proposed by the Commission in April 2021.
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On 23th of November 2023, European Commission's report confirms the important role of CAP Strategic Plans for maintaining farmers' income and food security, while supporting EU agriculture's transition to a sustainable farming model in the 2023-2027 period.
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Today, the European Parliament adopted its initiative report on generational renewal in agriculture. CEJA welcomes the report and its focus on the main obstacles faced by the younger generation, such as access to land, access to credit, education, and training.
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In a ruling (Case C-688/21) handed down on 7 February 2023, the European Court of Justice decided upon the genome of a living species that is modified without adding foreign DNA and is not subject to the EU GMO Directive.
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The European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association is glad to present its 2022 Industry Report, detailing the characteristics and key figures of the industry represented by CEMA.
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European Green Deal: EU agrees to strengthen and expand emissions trading, and creates a Social Climate Fund to help people in the transition
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In the fast-growing potato sector, innovations are the common thread that enables efficient, competitive and sustainable growth. An independent group of experts has carefully selected the most relevant innovations in the chain, which offer significant added value to you as a user and to the further sustainability and professionalisation of the potato sector.
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The Commission has today adopted a legislative proposal to make instant payments in euro, available to all citizens and businesses holding a bank account in the EU and in EEA countries. The proposal aims to ensure that instant payments in euro are affordable, secure, and processed without hindrance across the EU.
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McCain Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of prepared potato products, is entering the Metaverse and introducing new Regen Fries as part of the #SaveOurSoil initiative. Regen Fries are made with potatoes that are grown using regenerative farming methods which build soil health, improve biodiversity, and enhance on-farm resilience to climate change.
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The 10th edition of the Congress of European farmers organised by Copa and Cogeca and supported by the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture (HPK), was held in Šibenik from 12 to 14 October. Among the 400 participants and panelists, concerns related to the multiple aftershocks of Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and the climate change effects marked the discussions. A consensus arised from all stakeholders involved in the panels: food security and sustainability must be the priority objectives, with innovation and investments connecting both.
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Yara calls on the European Union and national governments to act urgently and decisively to ensure Europe reduces, and not strengthens, its dependency on Russia for food and fertilizers. A strong European fertilizer industry is crucial not only for ensuring food security in Europe and globally but also for ensuring that Europe can continue to take the lead in the green transition.
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The drought situation in many regions of Europe remains severe, according to the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) latest ‘Drought in Europe - August 2022' report, an update of the assessment of Europe's drought situation based on the data and analyses of the European Drought Observatory. The evolution and impacts of the prolonged drought in the EU confirms the worrying situation of July 2022: 47% of the EU is still under warning conditions, meaning that precipitation has been less than usual and soil moisture is in deficit, and 17% of the EU is in alert, meaning that also vegetation and crops show the negative effects of drought. Cumulatively, 64% of Europe is under warning or alert, which is also contributing to spread widely the areas of fire danger across the EU.
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From basic hand tools to sophisticated motorized equipment, mechanization covers all levels of farming and processing technologies. Where it is adopted, it can offer a range of benefits, helping to reduce hard labor, relieve labor shortages, improve productivity and efficient use of resources, enhance market access and mitigate climate related hazards. It can be a game changer for farm work – and a key component in developing sustainable agrifood systems.
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While the COVID crisis has certainly represented an unprecedented challenge for us, I am happy to be able to say that it has also reinforced my belief in the potential and strength of our sector. Agri-cooperatives have in this time of crisis once again proved their ability to innovate, to face challenges and to further strengthen their resilience while delivering to consumers. Great innovate efforts had been put in place to ensure food security, readjust the mechanisms of the value chain, remain competitive on the market, and address the arising needs of consumers and our food chain partners
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Following yesterday’s Agri-Fish Council meeting, Copa and Cogeca welcome the adopted Council’s conclusions on the European Commission’s communication on sustainable carbon cycles in the agriculture and forestry sectors.
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Today, the Commission's Joint Research Centre publishes the annual report of the EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM).
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The WASTE2FUNC project aims to resolve supply chain hurdles towards the efficient conversion of food (crop) waste into two types of biobased functional molecules for use in home- and personal care applications: lactic acid and microbial biosurfactants, functionally outperforming or equalling their respective fossil-based and/or 1G bio-based benchmarks.
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The British Frozen Food Federation has published a report on Frozen Foods in the United Kingdom. It reveals that new habits UK consumers have developed in lockdown bolster the frozen category for the long-term:
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Twenty years ago, on 1 January 2002, twelve EU countries changed their national currency banknotes and coins for the euro in the largest currency changeover in history. In these two decades, the euro has contributed to the stability, competitiveness and prosperity of European economies. Most importantly, it has improved the lives of citizens and made it easier to do business across Europe and beyond. With the euro in your pocket, saving, investing, travelling and doing business became much easier.
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Some of the largest companies in the world launched a shared initiative to reach the climate goals through ground-breaking technology. Fertilizer manufacturer Yara International is one of them.
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Today, the Commission proposed a Path to the Digital Decade, a concrete plan to achieve the digital transformation of our society and economy by 2030.
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2020 marked another improvement in the EU's leading position among the world's biggest exporters of agri-food products. On the import side, the EU has become the third largest importer after the United States and China, according to a report published today.
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There’s no escaping plant-based milk in the 21st century. Visit any major supermarket in Europe and you’re likely to find more than three types on the shelf. In the UK, nearly a quarter of British people now consume plant-based milk, with that figure rising to 33 per cent among 18-24-year-olds.
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During a special award ceremony on Wednesday, September 1st, a professional jury awarded the PotatoEurope Gold Innovation Award to the Microtubers of E Green Global (EGG).
Based on three criteria, namely innovativeness, potential impact in the potato market, and applicability in the potato sector, the jury came to the decision to declare EGG Microtubers as the winner of the Golden Innovation Award.
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On September 1st, a professional jury will award the PotatoEurope Innovation Awards 2021. Potato professionals worldwide now have the opportunity to determine which innovation will receive the Audience Award.
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Potatoes are the fourth most important food crop in the world after corn, rice and wheat and play an important role in Europe and worldwide in ensuring food security. Their short cultivation cycle and adaptability to a wide range of climatic conditions have helped potatoes to spread from their South American roots across multiple geographical borders. Today, there are over three thousand potato cultivars distributed far and wide across more than 125 countries, particularly in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions. They are of major economic value on the global agricultural market and their global production exceeds 370 million tonnes of potatoes. Europe is the world’s second major potato-producing region.
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It's easy to see a bruise on a person. Not so, on a potato. The bruises are under the product's skin and so not easily detected during processing. Science, however, has found a solution that gives the Belgian Colruyt Group a peek under potatoes' skins.
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Yesterday at the EU Green Week, Europe's biggest environmental event, the winners of the 2021 LIFE Awards were announced by the EU's LIFE programme - the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action.
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On the occasion of the European Maritime Day, the Commission released today the fourth edition of its ‘EU Blue Economy Report', providing an overview of the performance of economic sectors related to oceans and the coastal environment in the European Union.
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Europatat is part of an international consortium involved in the research project ADAPT (“Accelerated Development of multiple-stress tolerAnt PoTato”), which aims at developing new strategies to make potatoes fit for the challenging growing conditions of the future.
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Following the Council adoption of Horizon Europe back in March and the European Parliament approval of the 9th Framework Programme for European Research and Innovation - Horizon Europe - has been officially adopted. The programme, which will be implemented through three pillars and a budget of €95.5bn aims to foster a sustainable, fair, and prosperous future, with a targeted budget to tackle climate change, achieving SDG’s whilst boosting the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
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The Commission announced today the winners of the 2020 Advanced Grants competition of the European Research Council (ERC).
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Water availability and thoughtful use of available water are becoming an increasing priority for agricultural and horticulturalists. In times of drought and water scarcity, irrigating crops with rain and groundwater is no longer a given. Therefore the partners in the VLAIO project Irrigation 2.0 are developing the online viewer WaterRadar. This tool integrates water demand and supply and thus promotes sustainable and circular water use.
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Experts gathered by the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG Research and Innovation have built four alternative scenarios for the EU bioeconomy in 2050.
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Today, the Commission presented an Action Plan for the development of organic production. Its overall aim is to boost the production and consumption of organic products, to reach 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030, as well as to increase organic aquaculture significantly.
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The EU trade agenda is set to have an overall positive impact on the EU economy and the agri-food sector, according to a new study published today. Trade agreements are due to result in substantial increases in EU agri-food exports, with more limited increases in imports, creating a positive trade balance overall. The study also confirms that the EU's approach to grant a limited amount of lower duty imports (through tariff rate quotas) is the best approach in terms of protecting specific vulnerable agri-food sectors in the EU
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PotatoEurope 2021 Innovation Award professional jury members announced In January 2021, the year in which another Dutch edition of PotatoEurope will take place on September 1 and 2, the organiser DLG Benelux has announced the members of the professional jury of the PotatoEurope 2021 innovation award.
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The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, launched the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021 (IYFV) with an appeal to improve healthy and sustainable food production through innovation and technology and to reduce food loss and waste.
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With the pilot, 'smart big bags' HZPC uses the internet of things to share knowledge and get a better grip on the delivery process of seed potatoes.
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Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a first-of-its-kind intentional genomic alteration (IGA) in a line of domestic pigs, referred to as GalSafe pigs, which may be used for food or human therapeutics. This is the first IGA in an animal that the FDA has approved for both human food consumption and as a source for potential therapeutic uses. The IGA in GalSafe pigs is intended to eliminate alpha-gal sugar on the surface of the pigs’ cells. People with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) may have mild to severe allergic reactions to alpha-gal sugar found in red meat (e.g., beef, pork, and lamb).
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Today, the Commission published recommendations for each Member State to assist in the drafting of their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans, accompanied by a Communication. These recommendations are part of the dialogue between the Commission and Member States to support them in implementing the CAP as of 2023 as well as to ensure that their CAP strategic plans contribute in an ambitious way to the European Green Deal.
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In light of on-going developments with COVID-19 and after thoughtful discussions with our Executive Committee and supporting companies, and through feedback via attendee surveys, we have decided to hold the Potato Expo 2021 as a Virtual Experience, held exclusively online.
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In view of the current global economic climate and the many uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers of SIMA have taken the decision to hold the next edition of SIMA in November 2022 (from Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 November 2022).
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The Women’s Committee of Copa-Cogeca published today, on the occasion of the UN’s 13th Rural Women’s Day, a reflection on the European Commission Communication on the Gender Equality Strategy, outlining the ways in which gender equality within the agricultural sector can be better supported, also highlighting key measures and opportunities to better promote gender equality within European policies.
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The United States and Europe share a great history, a history that goes back centuries and will continue for centuries to come.
This shared history has seen the advent of new technologies that have transformed life and bettered the human condition.
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Wageningen University & Research and DLG Benelux have signed a contract for hosting PotatoEurope 2021 at the location of Wageningen Plant Research in Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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On 25 July 2018 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) published its ruling on mutagenesis breeding including targeted genome editing techniques. This ruling put new forms of mutagenesis breeding under the strict rules and requirements for GMOs and with that factually made the tools unavailable for European plant breeding and agriculture.
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CEJA welcomes the reaching of a deal on the 2021-2027 Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Next Generation EU recovery instrument.
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The fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented uncertainties in global food supply chains, with potential bottlenecks in labour markets, input industries, agriculture production, food processing, transport and logistics, as well as shifts in demand for food and food services. In the short term, the economic and social impacts of the pandemic interrupt the generally positive medium-term outlook for global agricultural production and food consumption. Governments face the challenge to create balanced policies that address immediate needs, such as labour shortages and create durable conditions for the agricultural sector to ‘build back better,' according to a new report presented today by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría and UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General QU Dongyu.
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New DLG Feldtage Digital robot webinar explored mechanical weeding as alternative to herbicide: Field requirements, monitoring, wear parts, solar power and remote service. Webinar attended by 450 international participants
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Today, Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, has published the "Sustainable development in the European Union — Monitoring report on progress towards the SDGs in an EU context - 2020 edition".
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The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Bayer AGs animal health division by Elanco Animal Health Inc. The decision is conditional on the divestment of otitis products and several types of parasiticides in the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK and globally.
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In its proposal for a reinforced long-term budget, the Commission will increase the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by €9 billion (€4 billion for the CAP's European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and €5 billion for the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) by €500 million.
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Today, the European Commission has put forward its proposal for a major recovery plan.
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Il est déjà certain que 2020 entrera dans les annales comme "l'année du coronavirus". La crise sanitaire que nous traversons en ce moment touche tous les secteurs et n'a malheureusement pas épargné le secteur de la pomme de terre: la demande au niveau mondial – en particulier dans le secteur de la restauration – a considérablement chuté, ce qui a eu un impact négatif sur la production et la transformation. Des centaines de milliers de tonnes de pommes de terre sont donc en attente de pouvoir être utilisées à d'autres fins durables, comme l'alimentation humaine ou animale ou l'énergie verte. Le secteur est par conséquent impatient que les activités économiques et sociales reprennent leur cours, afin que nous puissions tous à nouveau profiter des pommes de terre et des produits à base de pommes de terre à l'extérieur, en famille et entre amis.
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2020 will go down in history as 'the year of the coronavirus pandemic'. The health crisis that we are currently facing is affecting all sectors and has unfortunately also had a profound impact on the potato sector: global demand – especially in the foodservice industry – has dropped significantly, which has had a negative impact on production and processing.
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Future technologies and systemic innovation are critical for the profound transformation the food system needs. These inno-vations range from food production, land use and emissions, all the way to improved diets and waste management. Here, we identify these technologies, assess their readiness and propose eight action points that could accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable food system. We argue that the speed of innovation could be significantly increased with the appropriate incentives, regulations and social licence. These, in turn, require constructive stakeholder dialogue and clear tran-sition pathways.
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The following statement is issued on behalf of three trade associations representing farmers and agri-cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca), food manufacturers (FoodDrinkEurope) and brands (AIM) in response to the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) report on retail alliances and their impact on the food supply chain, which was published on 13 May.
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The European Commission announces two Director-Generals for the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
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The European Commission announced today that 107 innovative projects from across Europe will be supported with €344 million through the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. Funded by Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation programme, the selected proposals comprise an array of unique project concepts aimed at improving surgical precision during cancer-removal surgery, modernising local and global air quality monitoring, and bringing about many other ground-breaking innovations.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome the new European Circular Economy Action Plan published today, as it recognises the potential of circular bioeconomy and of the implementation of the EU’s Bioeconomy Strategy in enabling greater circularity.
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Syngenta is not making any specific promises, but it expects to release chemical alternatives to glyphosate if the popular broad spectrum herbicide is pulled off the market.
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Today, the European Commission announced 301 top scientists and scholars across Europe that won the latest Consolidator Grant competition of the European Research Council (ERC).
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The European Commission and the European Investment Bank announced today that ECBF Management GmbH has been selected as an investment advisor for the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund.
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Plant breeding innovation is essential to contribute to a sustainable agriculture production that fosters food security and healthy nutrition. This is one of the key messages by the High-level Conference on Plant Breeding Innovation “Growing the Future Together” held by Copa-Cogeca and Euroseeds in Brussels this morning.
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Today in Brussels, CEVI and Copa-Cogeca, who represent independent winegrowers, wineries and wine cooperatives, organised a workshop to present the current market situation and future trends, but most importantly to discuss how EU winegrowers are adapting in order to ensure a more sustainable viticulture.
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The Investment Plan for Europe, the Juncker Plan, has played a key role in boosting jobs and growth in the EU. Investments by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group backed by the Juncker Plan's European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) have increased EU gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.9% and added 1.1 million jobs compared to the baseline scenario. By 2022, the Juncker Plan will have increased EU GDP by 1.8% and added 1.7 million jobs. These are the latest calculations by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Economics Department of the EIB Group, based on financing agreements approved until the end of June 2019.
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Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc and Commissioner for the Security Union Julian King are today participating in an international conference in Brussels aimed at discussing ways to counter the threats posed by drones.
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Today marked the deadline set by the European Patent Office (EPO) to end its consultation process (G3/19) that aimed to clarify legal concerns related to the patenting of conventionally bred plants and animals.
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Last week Copa and Cogeca's Working Party on Fruit and Vegetables elected as Chair and Vice Chair, Mr L. Vanoirbeek from BB, Belgium and Mr Sergio Tondini from Alleanza delle Cooperative Italiane Agroalimentare, Italy.
Together they will be in charge of leading the works of the group in the times when fruit and vegetable sector is facing a high level of competition and requires constant innovation and investments to adapt to consumer demand and to remain economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. The sector needs to overcome significant challenges, including the imbalances of the food chain and increased competition on the internal EU market.
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European Commission announcement: 10 Challenging Plastic Waste Projects to pitch their ideas in a chance to win 3 50,000€ European Social Innovation Competition prizes
Today, the European Commission announces the Finalists for the 2019 European Social Innovation Competition. The three winners of this year’s competition will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 24 October in Brussels, each receiving 50,000€ in prize money. At the same event, the Impact Prize winner will also be announced.
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The DLG (German Agricultural Society), organiser of Agritechnica, today announced the winners of the Agritechnica Innovation Awards. Overall, the DLG Innovations Jury recognised one innovation with the Agritechnica Gold Innovation Award 2019, and 39 innovations with the Agritechnica Silver Innovation Award 2019. The full list of awards follows:
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De Ruiter and Seminis seed brands discuss sustainable and tailored solutions / Industry collaborators demonstrate new advances in digital automation technology
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Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica is in Kigali, Rwanda, to speak at the Africa Food Security Leadership Dialogue.
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On 6 June 2019 FEFAC celebrated its 60th Anniversary, with the theme “Resource Efficiency Champions of the Food Chain”. The event featured a key note speech[1] by European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development Phil Hogan and panel sessions on the challenges for the agricultural and livestock sector linked to sustainability and societal expectations.
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Innovation and technologies make agriculture more productive and sustainable / NemaStrike™ Technology helps corn, soybean, and cotton farmers protect their yield / Bayer expands biological seed treatment portfolio with JumpStart™ and ProStablish™
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In the continued efforts to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishery (IUU) globally, Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will launch the EU's first IT tool, called “CATCH”, conceived to streamline the checks of seafood products entering the EU market.
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Three weeks ahead of the crucial European elections, EU farmers and agri-cooperatives, represented by Copa and Cogeca, are launching their manifesto entitled WeFarm4EU, encouraging the whole European farming community to raise their profile and to vote. In a tense European and international political climate, agriculture is a solution to many key social, political, environmental and economic challenges. For the Brussels-based organisations, Copa and Cogeca, a strong Europe cannot move forward without strong agriculture.
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Commissioner for agriculture Phil Hogan will open tomorrow morning 25 April the “Our Forests, Our Future” conference which will celebrate forests for their role in combating climate change.
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A new Eurobarometer survey on citizens' perception about competition policy shows that EU citizens largely share its objectives and values. 78% of respondents say effective competition has had a positive impact on them as consumers (72% in 2014).
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The Commission presents today next steps for building trust in artificial intelligence by taking forward the work of the High-Level Expert Group.
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The Commission welcomes yesterday's votes in the European Parliament, establishing its first reading positions on the Commission's proposal for Cohesion Policy in the next long-term EU budget.
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The Commission today adopted common EU-wide rules setting technical requirements for drones.
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Today the Commission adopted a Report on its 2015 Circular Economy Action Plan to stimulate Europe's transition towards a circular economy which aimed at boosting global competitiveness, fostering sustainable economic growth and generating new jobs.
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The Commission today announces an investment programme worth over €10 billion for low-carbon technologies in several sectors to boost their global competitiveness.
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Agrico was exhibiting at Fruit Logistica in Berlin from Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 February 2019. During this leading international trade fair, Agrico, together with its subsidiaries, launched its new quality strategy.
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At Fruit Logistica 2019 in Berlin, Bayer will announce new collaboration agreements with some companies active in the agricultural sector, with research institutes and with the American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), an intergovernmental organization in the Americas.
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After a record-breaking 251 startups from 53 countries applied to be part of The Pearse Lyons Accelerator, the class of 2019 has been selected to work with Alltech and Dogpatch Labs to accelerate their business development. This year’s applicants have already raised over $143 million, with 135 startups disclosing funding.
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Commissioners Vytenis Andriukaitis and Phil Hogan, respectively in charge of Health and Food safety and of Agriculture, will both be attending the International Green Week in Berlin which gathers exhibitors from the food, agriculture and gardening sectors on 17-19 January.
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The Climate Corporation (Climate), a subsidiary of Bayer and the industry leader in bringing digital innovation to farmers, today announced strong harvest results for farmers using Seed Advisor, its new predictive seed selection and placement technology for corn. In addition to Seed Advisor, Climate accelerated 25 innovation advancements in 2018 through its global, digital farming pipeline to provide farmers more data-driven insights to sustainably improve their productivity.
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Today, the European Commission launches an alliance of key industry stakeholders as part of its persisting efforts to reduce plastics littering, increase the share of recycled plastics and stimulate market innovation.
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The EU institutions have found an agreement on new EU rules on fertilisers proposed by the Commission in 2016 as a key deliverable of the Circular Economy Package.
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Tomorrow, 6 December, Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, in charge of Health and Food Safety, will address the members of the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste at its 5th meeting where progress made in EU actions to fight food waste will be discussed.
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Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica is today in Rome to participate in a Conference organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
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Today the European Commission adopted its report on the development of plant proteins in the European Union. The report reviews the supply and demand situation for plant proteins (such as rapeseed, sunflower seeds or lentils) in the EU and explores ways in which to further develop their production in an economically and environmentally sound way.
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CEJA and DeLaval announced a collaborative agreement at EuroTier, the world's leading trade fair for animal production in Hannover, Germany.
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The European Union makes 23 new commitments to the Our Ocean 2018 conference. These commitments represent around EUR 300 million and cover all six themes of Our Ocean. In addition, several EU Member States have their own commitments. They add up to the 35 commitments made by the EU in 2017.
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Against the backdrop of the Commission's Energy Union Strategy to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy in Europe, our Paris Agreement commitments to fight climate change and our push for the modernisation of Europe's economy and industry, today the European Investment Bank (EIB) will grant a €60 million loan to the Portuguese company Windplus.
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In this exclusive interview with Marc Van Herreweghe, the new Chairman of Belgapom and CEO of Mydibel, we discuss the role and challenges that the Association faces going forward, as well as sustainability issues and problems related to recent weather conditions in Belgium and elsewhere, amongst other topics.
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Today the Commission has put forward an action plan to develop a sustainable and circular bioeconomy that serves Europe's society, environment and economy.
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Joined by farming stakeholders, academia, NGOs and industry experts from around the globe, Bayer outlined its vision for the future of agriculture today, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability and digital transformation to help ensure the world’s rapidly growing population can be fed without starving the planet.
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With increased numbers of both exhibitors and visitors, the second editions of AGRITECHNICA ASIA and Horti ASIA last week reached a successful conclusion in Thailand. There were nearly 300 exhibitors from 29 countries, an increase of about 25 percent from last year, and 10,677 trade participants and conference delegates from 69 countries, a 30 percent increase.
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Zeracryl AS has in collaboration with the Norwegian French fries manufacturer Hoff SA developed a suitable and robust process in order to reduce acrylamide levels in French fries. Industrial testing and improvements have given good results.
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At the 30th International Horticultural Congress (IHC2018), which will take place from August 12 to 16 in Istanbul, Turkey, Bayer introduces its latest innovations and novel approaches for sustainable horticulture production.
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The INTERPOM PRIMEURS covers all aspects of the potato industry, ranging from potato varieties, sensors, crop protection, large agricultural equipment, potato storage, potato products (Belgian Fries!) and processing and packaging equipment.
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CEMA is pleased to announce that the INNOSETA project (in which CEMA is a participating partner) was recently selected for funding by the European Commission under H2020 (RUR-2016-2017 - Rural Renaissance - Fostering innovation and business opportunities) Call for proposals RUR-1-2017.
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For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission proposes to create the InvestEU Programme, bringing EU budget financing in the form of loans and guarantees under one roof.
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The international comparison of winter wheat cultivation methods, which has been an important part of the technical program at the DLG-Feldtage since 1988, will this year feature crop experts from seven countries presenting their strategies for growing the crop. This will once again give visitors the opportunity to get to know a wide variety of cultivation philosophies from different European growing regions, as well as Germany, and to discuss these with the experts involved to reach conclusions that could inform how they cultivate their own wheat crops.
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Copa and Cogeca urged EU Farm Ministers today for a real simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the future, with measures to attract young blood to the sector.
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One in ten pollinating insects is on the verge of extinction, and a third of bee and butterfly species is declining. This is why today the Commission is proposing the first-ever EU initiative to address the decline of wild pollinating insects.
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For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission is proposing to increase funding by almost 60% for LIFE, the EU programme for the environment and climate action.
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Reacting to the EU Commission proposal on the Future of Food and Farming, Copa and Cogeca warn against plans to erode farmers’ incomes and call for a real simplification of CAP rules. It is vital to ensure that there is no renationalization of the CAP, and it is backed up by a stronger budget.
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The European Commission today published proposals for regulations modernising and simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
These proposals are for a regulation on the CAP Strategic Plans (a proposed new way of working covering direct payments to farmers, rural development support and sectoral support programmes), a regulation on the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO) and a horizontal regulation on financing, managing and monitoring the CAP. These proposals give shape to the ideas for the future of the CAP, as outlined in the Communication on the Future of Food and Farming, presented by the Commission in November 2017.
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For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission is proposing to modernise and simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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German farmers are currently faced with a long list of challenges that are impacting on their businesses, according to the president of the DLG (German Agricultural Society), Hubertus Paetow. Addressing agricultural journalists at Neugattersleben, Germany, on 26 April, he said the issues included: resistance to pesticides; approval-related loss of important active ingredients for crop protection; stagnation in breeding progress; loss of biodiversity; problems due to too narrow crop rotations; and new measures aimed at protecting water and soil.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome some aspects of European Parliaments’ vote on an own-initiative report today on the Future of Food and Farming.
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For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission proposes to modernise Cohesion Policy, the EU's main investment policy and one of its most concrete expressions of solidarity.
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With the amount of harmful plastic litter in oceans and seas growing ever greater, the European Commission is proposing new EU-wide rules to target the 10 single-use plastic products most often found on Europe's beaches and seas, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear.
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Greenfish, a Belgian consulting firm specialising in the B2B offers of sustainable and innovative solutions, in partnership with InnoEnergy, the Tweed Cluster, WBI, The Shift and GreenWin, has launch the second edition of the Green Mind University on sustainable development this Tuesday May 22, 2018 at La Tricoterie in Brussels.
For this second edition, different opinion leaders and specialists from the private and public sectors, as well as from the academic world, came to share and exchange their views on sustainable development and innovation issues organised around five themes: the circular economy, the bio-economy, the future of mobility, smart cities and energy storage.
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The DLG-Feldtage 2018 will have live machinery demonstrations on all three days of the exhibition, with an expanded program on offer this year. Comparative demonstrations will take place on the key topics of crop protection sprayers, mineral fertilizer spreaders, sensor technology for precision farming Seed drills for cereals and steering and data management systems and, new for 2018, mechanical weed control. Many of the demonstrations will have live commentaries, which will mostly be in German.
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Over the years, many urban legends have circulated on fresh-cut products. Some people believe that these products are of inferior quality, more expensive, and full of preservatives or harmful microorganisms. But is it really so?
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Technology is developing rapidly and Europe needs to seize the opportunities ahead. In addition to supporting industry modernisation with initiatives such as measures on artificial intelligence and an upcoming strategy on connected and automated driving, the Commission wants to ensure that EU legislation is apt for emerging digital technologies and innovative products.
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Today, 50 winners of an innovation grant competition from the European Research Council (ERC) have been announced.
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Reacting to EU Commission budget plans post 2020 released in Brussels today, Copa and Cogeca express strong disappointment with the proposed cuts to the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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The Commission is today proposing a pragmatic, modern, long-term budget for the 2021-2027 period.
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The European Commission has conditionally approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of parts of Bayer's Crop Science business by BASF. This transaction is related to the Bayer/Monsanto merger divestment commitments.
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Ahead of release of EU Commission proposals on the future EU budget and the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Copa and Cogeca call for a strong, competitive, market-oriented, more sustainable CAP based on simple, common rules across the EU. It must be backed up by a strong budget.
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Copa and Cogeca wholeheartedly welcomed today a new financing initiative from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to inject close to 1 billion euros into the agriculture and bio-economy sectors.
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The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU bank, today announced the launch of a new financing initiative that aims to unlock close to EUR 1bn of investment in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector. Bioeconomy encompasses the value chains of production and the processing of food, material and energy using renewable biological resources from land and sea. This large EIB lending programme for agriculture and bioeconomy outlines the Bank’s broader support to this sector. The operation will be guaranteed by the EU budget under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), which forms a central part of the “Investment Plan for Europe” of the European Commission under the Juncker administration. In a new Regulation applicable from early 2018, the scope of EFSI was extended to include a specific sectorial focus on sustainable agriculture and the wider bioeconomy.
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The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Triodos Bank have signed the first Social Entrepreneurship guarantee agreement in The Netherlands under the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI).
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The European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched a Pan-European Venture Capital Funds-of-Funds programme (VentureEU) to boost investment in innovative start-up and scale-up companies across Europe.
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After New Plant Processing Techniques (NBTs) have been allowed in the USA without restriction, Copa and Cogeca urge the EU to improve Europe’s challenging policy and regulatory framework.
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€653 million of EU funding will go to 269 senior researchers across Europe, giving them a chance to realise innovative ideas and produce results that will have a major impact on science, society and the economy.
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Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme, will support 257 small and medium-sized companies (SMES) from 31 countries with €12.65 million of funding under the SME instrument.
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On 10 April, Digital Day 2018 will take place in Brussels. This one-day event will bring together policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the future of Europe. It is organised by the European Commission under the auspices of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
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Since its creation, SIAL has given pride of place to food innovation, with almost 10% of the world's innovations presented by its exhibitors. In 2018, SIAL Paris will once again be the biggest laboratory of Planet Food, where professionals will be able to try out thousands of innovations, live and direct. With Future Lab: SIAL Paris will be going still further, creating a forecasting space, for keeping one step ahead!
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer. The merger is conditional on the divestiture of an extensive remedy package, which addresses the parties' overlaps in seeds, pesticides and digital agriculture.
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Bayer is proud to announce that its transparency initiative has entered the next phase. Full, in-depth, safety-related study reports can now be requested providing they are not used for commercial purpose.
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After 16 years, Theo Koekkoek is transferring the chairmanship of the Supervisory Board of the Royal Agrifirm Group to Arian Kamp. He leaves behind a healthy company: ‘The cooperative has evolved into an organisation with a strong position in the market, one that always gives priority to the interests of its members and customers.’
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International Conference September 4-5, 2018 - Bruges, Belgium
Academic Sessions on Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 at the PROVINCIEHUIS 'BOEVERBOS', Kon. Leopold III-laan 41 - 8200 Bruges (St-Andries)
Congres Diner Tuesday evening (19h00) at HOTEL WEINEBRUGGE, Leikendreef 1 - 8200 (St-Michiels) Bruges
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Copa welcomed in Brussels today International Women’s Day and underlined the importance of women in the agriculture sector as drivers of innovation.
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The European Commission is looking for 20 experts such as farmers, foresters, advisers, scientists, industry and other relevant actors for the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' (EIP-AGRI) to start a new Focus Group on ‘Protecting fruit production from frost damage’.
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Half way through the implementation of the EU's action plan for a maritime strategy in the Atlantic, an independent study finds it has spurred over 1200 new maritime projects and nearly € 6 billion of investments so far.
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After a first successful edition last year, the EU Industry Day is coming back with an extended edition.
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The EU Covenant of Mayors is the world's largest movement for local climate action and energy transition, bringing together more than 9,200 local and regional authorities across the Europe, determined to take action to help meeting the EU climate and energy objectives.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome publication by the EU Commission of a Roadmap on the Revision of the Bioeconomy, and underline the importance of the EU agriculture and forestry sectors to maximize it’s potential.
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The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is one of the best performing policies, but improvements are vital to make it work better, Copa and Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers today.
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New Holland Agriculture will enable its customers to seamlessly share in-depth real-time machine data with The Climate Corporation in order to enhance productivity and in-field efficiency
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From November 15 to 17, Bolzano will once again become the apple capital of the world, as more than 20,000 professionals from all over the world descend on the city to find out the latest news from the sector. In the last few years, Interpoma, the international trade show on apple production, storage and marketing, has pursued innovation as its main theme, becoming the key event for finding out about the development of new ideas in the apple production sector.
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At Fruit Logistica 2018 in Berlin, Bayer will sign collaboration agreements with two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) committed to supporting smallholder farmers. "80 percent of the food consumed in developing countries is produced by more than 500 million smallholder farmers. Helping them to increase their productivity in a sustainable manner is key to address food security whilst protecting the environment," says Liam Condon, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division. "That’s why we are collaborating with strong partners to ensure access to important know-how, quality products and markets."
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Discussing cancer related issues is never easy. At the same time, given that the disease is still the second leading cause of death in the EU, there is a constant need for a robust, well informed response to it in order to contribute to the prevention, early detection, and adequate treatment.
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The European Farmers Organisation Copa urged European women farmers to submit applications for the 2018 European Innovation Award.
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The European Cooperative Organisation Cogeca underlined today at a United Nations event the importance of cooperatives in combating poverty and ensuring vibrant rural areas.
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The European Cooperative Organisation Cogeca underlined today at a United Nations event the importance of cooperatives in combating poverty and ensuring vibrant rural areas.
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Investment in microfinance and social enterprises is set to receive a significant boost.
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INTERMAT, the international trade show for construction and infrastructure, announced the winners of the INTERMAT Innovation Awards on Thursday 18 January in Paris (Maison de la Mutualité). In its role as a springboard for worldwide innovation in the building and public works sector, the competition designated 13 prize winners from the 90 competing entries.
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European forestry and agricultural organisations urge MEPs to ensure that the role of forest bioenergy to decarbonize Europe is not hindered when they vote on an EU Commission proposal on the promotion of renewable energy sources (RES).
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COCERAL confirms the appointment of Iliana AXIOTIADES as its new Secretary General.
Iliana, has been holding several roles within in the agribusiness sector within the Brussels landscape, including starch, food ingredients and bio-ethanol sectors, most recently as Director Government and Trade Relation Europe for Johnson Control.
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In less than five months, the Commission will propose the next long-term budget for the EU – the Multiannual Financial Framework or "MFF" - after 2020. Today, the College held a first orientation debate on the next MFF.
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All the innovations in irrigation in a demonstration field, a convention on the theme of water and the presence of the world’s leading plant engineering companies. In other words, an event during the event: AcquaCampus at Macfrut 2018 (Rimini, 9-11 May).
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The new Regulation on Novel Food is applicable from 1 January 2018. The regulation brings significant improvements and changes to the novel food authorisation procedure.
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Two years after the Paris Agreement, the EU is firmly in the lead in fighting climate change. To that end the Commission announced a series of initiatives for a modern and clean economy at the One Planet Summit in Paris today.
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Today, the High Level Group of the Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism has published a new scientific opinion on 'Food from the Oceans'.
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The 2017 European Awards for Cooperative Innovation were presented in European Parliament in Brussels this week to five agri-cooperatives for their outstanding innovation practices and solutions.
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Animal protein production is expanding around the world, and increasing competition —between the species for share of consumer wallet and between exporters for access to import destinations— is creating many areas of opportunity for both producers and processors, according to RaboResearch’s Animal Protein Outlook for 2018.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today the launch of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform to raise awareness of the circular economy and the recycling of materials.
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The 2017 edition of Agritechnica opened with many awards ceremonies. A jury composed by 24 international expert journalists decided to mention FPT Industrial both in the “Tractor of the Year 2018” and “Machine of the Year 2018”. FPT Industrial was involved five times during these ceremonies: first for equipping McCormick’s X6.440 VT-Drive tractor, which won the “Tractor of the Year” award in the “Best Utility” category, then for powering Case IH Maxxum Multicontroller, STEYR Profi, New Holland Agriculture T6.175 Dynamic Command in the “Mid-Class” category and the CLAAS AXION 900 in the “High Horsepower tractors” category of the “Machine of the Year” award.
FPT Industrial is proud to underline its strong market leadership in Europe for Agricultural machinery engines over 30 hp, and this accolade is a further recognition of the constant innovation, research and development dedicated to our customers.
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"With 2,803 exhibitors and 450,000 visitors, including more than 100,000 from outside Germany, Agritechnica has further extended its leading role as the global industry gathering for agriculture and agricultural machinery," said Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer, DLG (German Agricultural Society), at the conclusion of the fair on 18 November 2017 in Hanover.
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The success story of cooperatives in boosting farmers positioning in the food chain and driving innovation to help farmers produce more efficiently using less resources was underlined by Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson in Estonia today.
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The success story of cooperatives in boosting farmers positioning in the food chain and driving innovation to help farmers produce more efficiently using less resources was underlined by Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson in Estonia today.
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Ahead of the upcoming AGRITECHNICA fair in Hannover (12-18 November), the world’s largest exhibition for farm machinery, CEMA today launched AgriTech 2030, a new long-term Strategic Vision for Europe’s Agricultural Machinery Industry.
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New figures released by Copa and Cogeca today estimate a good EU olive and olive oil harvest this year, despite the spread of the disease Xylella fastidiosa
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Dewulf, full-liner in potato and root crop machinery, will reveal the Structural 30, its latest belt planter, at the Agritechnica 2017. The 3-row planter features innovation at its core with among others a unique, potato-friendly planting belt. Further to this addition to its highly praised Structural line, the manufacturer will be officially presenting the Inclino Master® technology in Hannover, with which the Torro is also equipped. The innovative machines from Dewulf can be discovered from 12 - 18 November in hall 25 on stand G23.
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Up against increasing challenges, Copa and Cogeca launched in Brussels today a new EU action plan to secure a viable future for EU beef producers .
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The EU expects this year's UN climate conference (COP23) to reaffirm once again the international community's commitment to stepping up the global response to climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
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Sustainable agriculture and smart technology are today´s drivers of the agricultural industry. There is a huge potential for a greener farming future and Trelleborg is at the forefront of shaping that future together with its industry partners.
We are pleased to introduce you to Trelleborg´s latest innovations during our press conference held at
Agritechnica 2017 – Convention Center CC, room 1A
November 13, 2017 at 10 am
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On Friday 27 October, Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action Miguel Arias Cañete will open today the IV European Electric Vehicle Congress in Madrid. In his speech he will underline the crucial importance of zero- and low- emission mobility for the future of the European transport sector.
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There were more than 320 innovations registered for the innovation awards contest at Agritechnica 2017 and, as always, entrepreneurial vision and risk-taking by the companies’ managers and great inventiveness of the engineers involved were necessary to produce the new products presented.
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There will be 23 national pavilion stands at Agritechnica 2017, where smaller companies can get together to exhibit under the banner of their home nation. The popularity of the pavilions, which will represent 13 different countries at this year’s event, has increased consistently, with the numbers growing hand-in-hand with Agritechnica’s international scope.
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More than 300 innovations will be on show at Agritechnica 2017 in November, reinforcing the event’s position as the worlds primary forum for new agricultural equipment and technology
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the importance of innovation and new technologies to secure a viable agriculture sector and to meet growing demand at the EU Agri-Innovation Summit hosted by the EU Commission in Lisbon today.
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Plans to extend the scope of the EU’s ePrivacy Regulation to Machine-to-Machine communications (M2M) should be shelved, warned representatives of Europe’s agricultural and construction equipment industries ahead of a crucial vote on the proposal in the European Parliament’s Justice and Home Affairs Committee next Thursday.
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Copa and Cogeca underline urgent need to develop new and better plant varieties using new breeding techniques to deal with increasing challenges like climate change
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Innovative startups in the agricultural and apple industry can apply for the Interpoma Innovation Camp 2017. The event is an excellent platform to gather new ideas and experiences, make connections and new contacts, and help improve and support the apple sector in South Tyrol. Applications are open until Friday, 13 October for the chance to win a unique presentation package.
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Ahead of the European Commission’s conference on Modern Biotechnologies in Agriculture on 28 September, the European seed sector launches the campaign #EmbracingNature to underline and explain the essential role plant breeding innovation plays in tackling Europe’s agri-food challenges, including meeting consumer demands and contributing to a highly productive and more sustainable agriculture and food production system.
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The European Commission is today launching a new EU agenda to ensure that the digital economy is taxed in a fair and growth-friendly way.
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PotatoEurope welcomed around 10,000 visitors on Thursday. The trade fair was opened by the mayor of the Noordoostpolder, Aucke van der Werff. By pushing the button, he started the harvesting demonstrations.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s work programme and vision of the future of Europe announced today, and underlined the need for a strong budget to fund an innovative Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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The trend towards further automation of processes – coupled with intelligent data management systems to optimize the regulation and control of equipment, logistics, documentation, quality assurance and traceability – is proceeding unabated in agriculture. This is demonstrated by the more than 320 new product registrations the DLG (German Agricultural Society) has received for this year's Agritechnica.
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Advances in process automation - Agritechnica 2017 shows solutions – International mood displays confidence – World’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment with more than 2,800 exhibitors from 53 countries – Fairgrounds fully booked – More than 400,000 visitors expected
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Continental is returning to the agricultural tire business with its first premium radial tires for agricultural operations of the new portfolio. "Re-entering the agricultural tire business is an important step for us on the growth path of the tire division," says Nikolai Setzer, member of the Executive Board of Continental AG and head of the tire division. "Over the past few years, we have been able to successfully expand the specialty tire business with the launch of port and earthmoving tires. The agricultural tire portfolio completes the product range for off-road use."
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Nuscience Group, a member of the Royal Agrifirm Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Roland Brugger as Chief Innovation Officer on September 4 . Roland has an extensive expertise both in animal nutrition and health but also in feed additive development.
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The European frozen food leader Ardo has acquired a majority stake in VLM Foods, a well-established supplier of processed food in North America, headquartered in Montreal with sales of EUR 129 million (USD 143 million).
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The second edition of the AGRITECHNICA ASIA exhibition, taking place next year in Thailand, is guaranteed to include a wide range of farming solutions that are directly relevant to farms in Asia-Pacific. Scheduled just nine months after the original and world-renowned AGRITECHNICA exhibition in Hanover, Germany, which will present over 300 world premieres of farm machinery innovations later this year, AGRITECHNICA ASIA will offer the ideal opportunity for agricultural experts throughout the region to preview the latest equipment appropriate to their businesses.
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The Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission has concerns that the merger may reduce competition in areas such as pesticides, seeds and traits.
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VIB, Ghent University and KU Leuven have launched a new spin-off: Aphea.Bio. This new company will develop sustainable agricultural products based on natural microorganisms to increase crop yields and to protect them against specific fungal diseases. Thanks to a successful Series A financing round and an R&D grant approved by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), Aphea.Bio is now backed by 9 million euros of funding, giving it a clear shot at a leading position in the fast-emerging market of biopesticides and biostimulants. Headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, Aphea.Bio will be led by CEO Dr. Isabel Vercauteren and CSO Dr. Steven Vandenabeele.
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The organisers of Macfrut, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, are now at work on the 35th edition to be held from 9 to 11 May 2018 in Rimini, and have already received many requests to participate from foreign operators. In fact, nine months before the start of the 2018 edition, Cesena Fiera’s staff has already implemented several initiatives to attract international professionals to Rimini, the most important being: a strategic alliance with Cibus, the involvement of the German retail giant Rewe, the first edition of the Tropical Fruit Congress, the organisation of international delegations of professionals from the entire supply chain, from pre-harvest to post-harvest.
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Dewulf has expanded its product range with a new 2-row trailed offset harvester with bunker that has been named Torro.
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The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed takeover of Haldex by Knorr-Bremse under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission has concerns that the deal may reduce competition for brake systems and related components for commercial vehicles in Europe.
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Karel Decramer has decided to quit as the sales director for the vegetable division of Dewulf, specialist in the field of harvesting technology for potatoes and carrots. After a good career of 16 years at the family company, he is ready for a new professional challenge. Karel Decramer will stop his operational duties at the end of October 2017, but will continue to maintain close ties with the company as a shareholder.
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On 20 July, the European Commission will launch a new Bioeconomy Knowledge Centre to better support EU and national policy makers and stakeholders with science-based evidence in this field.
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Copa and Cogeca are set to present our views on the EU organic farming review to EU Farm Ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, after the EU did not reach a deal on it in May.
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Copa & Cogeca held a major Workshop this week on How to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change in the future CAP, looking at how to produce more using less resources in the future to feed a growing world population in a changing climate.
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FEFAC will discuss the competitiveness of EU animal production with European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, Mr Phil Hogan, at its XXVIII Congress in Cordoba on 8 June 2017.
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Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan is today in Kilkenny, Ireland to participate at a seminar on 'Digital Innovation Hubs for Agriculture' organised by the European Innovation Partnership and the European Commission.
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On Friday 2 June, Brussels will play host to the 19th Summit between the European Union and the People's Republic of China. The
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European fruit and vegetable producer organisations will benefit from simpler rules, a reduced administrative burden and greater financial support in times of crisis thanks to new legislation that comes into force on 1 June 2017.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined at a major workshop today during this years’ Green Week the important role farmers and their cooperatives play in driving green jobs in Europe.
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Today, CEJA President Alan Jagoe addressed EU Agriculture Ministers, Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan and Commissioner for Environment Karmenu Vella in the context of the Maltese Presidency’s informal Council meeting on the theme “Climate Change and Water Resources in the EU: Emerging Challenges for Agriculture.”
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Newly re-elected Chairman of Copa & Cogeca Working Party on Organic Production Kees Van Zelderen outlines priorities including getting good deal on EU Organic Farming Review
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Technology and innovation will be the main themes of Macfrut in the Field (Macfrut in Campo), an event featuring field demonstrations of precision horticulture 2.0 machines and equipment.
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Copa and Cogeca adopt position on future EU rural development policy and underline importance of implementing the Cork 2.0 Declaration to ensure a better life in rural areas at major Conference
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Following the request of Vytenis Andriukaitis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, the scientific advisers provide a detailed scientific description of the full spectrum of agricultural breeding techniques used in plants, animals and microorganisms. Drawing on the best available scientific reviews, expert opinions and reports, the document describes and compares the new techniques with conventional breeding techniques and with established techniques of genetic modification.
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European farmers and cooperative Presidents united in Brussels today and agreed on a joint position on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), underlining the need for a stronger, sustainable and more modern CAP which is more capable of responding to current and future challenges.
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Syngenta in Zambia, through its subsidiary MRI Seed, has partnered with the Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme implemented by Fintrac Inc., to help smallholder farmers gain access to high-quality, disease-free horticultural seedlings, giving them the opportunity to become commercially viable vegetable farmers.
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The European Commission has adopted a new Action Plan to improve the protection of nature and biodiversity in the EU, for the benefit of its citizens and the economy.
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Potato breeder Solynta started a potato revolution nearly ten years ago: to develop and apply new breeding technologies to convert potatoes into a hybrid crop. Years of research went into the development of a hybrid potato.
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Systems & Components, a specialized cross-industry trade show and one of the star attractions of Agritechnica, was the vision of Raffaele Talarico, responsible for the conceptual and technical program of this specialized trade show. For the third time, Systems & Components, a sub-brand of Agritechnica, will take place in Hanover from November 12 to 18, 2017.
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Syngenta (based in Switzerland) by ChemChina. The approval is conditional on the divestiture of significant parts of ChemChina's European pesticide and plant growth regulator business.
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed merger between US-based chemical companies Dow and DuPont. The approval is conditional in particular on the divestiture of major parts of DuPont's global pesticide business, including its global R&D organisation.
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Nutrition companies view stricter EU regulation as a greater challenge than the state of the global economy, new research has shown. Meanwhile, Brexit is not widely expected to have a major impact on the European nutrition industry.
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Copa and Cogeca underline importance on World Water Day of sustainable water management to produce quality food and call for research and innovation to be stepped up WorldWaterDay
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Plant breeders must have free access to biological material in order to be able to breed new crop species. Patent law thus does not apply to conventional plant breeding.
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European fruit and vegetable producer organisations will benefit from simpler rules, reduced administrative burden and greater financial support in times of crisis thanks to new rules adopted today by the European Commission.
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Copa welcomed in Brussels today the initiative from European Parliament to debate on International Women’s Day the Women’s Economic Empowerment: Let’s Act Together[1] and underlined the importance of this also in the agriculture sector.
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Royal DSM and Evonik today announced their intention to establish a joint venture for omega-3 fatty acid products from natural marine algae for animal nutrition. This breakthrough innovation will, for the first time, enable the production of omega-3 fatty acids for animal nutrition without using fish oil from wild caught fish, a finite resource.
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This week, the British government has extended the avian influenza (bird flu) prevention zone to April 2017. Also the requirements of the zone have changed, meaning keepers may let their birds out provided that they have enhanced biosecurity measures in place. These restrictions have caused havoc for free-range and organic poultry farms across the UK.
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The jury panel of the ‘Machine of the Year 2017’ award bestowed the coveted title to the New Holland CR and CX combines featuring Everest System, in the Combine category at the SIMA show 2017.
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New Copa Chairman of the Horse Working Party underlined the need to have a true European policy for horses to maximize the economic potential of the sector and to take better account of the benefits of the equine sector for rural areas.
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Copa President Martin Merrild pays tribute to FNSEA President and Copa Vice-President Xavier Beulin, saying it is a great loss to agriculture
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The European Agri-Cooperatives Confederation (Cogeca) launches European Award for Cooperative Innovation
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Copa & Cogeca underline that EU agriculture and forestry sectors part of the solution in tackling climate change but right policy must be in place to maximize potential
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Royal Cosun announces an increase in its profit for 2016 in comparison with 2015. The projected decline in the profit on sugar was offset by firmer results on other activities, especially potatoes.
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Last week the CEJA team attended the kick off meeting of the “Creating Entrepreneurs in Food (CEF)’ project in Ireland. The project -- supported by the Erasmus+ programme -- aims to build food innovation and entrepreneurship-focused rural communities, and develop a model for Europe.
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Today we face an onslaught of articles and directives that deal with the use of antibiotics in a myriad of feed and water applications. This is in addition to the therapeutic applications usually administered by veterinarians. The concern over antibiotic resistance in a number of human applied antibiotics is gaining significant attention in the medical community and with the consumers across the world.
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Studies on the safety of GMOs, glyphosate or other pesticides could enjoy higher levels of trust from the general public if there were stronger guarantees that the science behind them is really independent, says Bernhard Url, executive director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
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Copa Vice-President Henri Brichart elected to Chair EU Commission stakeholder group on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
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A top priority for the new Chairman of Copa & Cogecas’ Working Party on Research and Innovation Dr. Daniel Rossi is to focus work on “green growth” - how to produce more while using less resources.
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25,437 visitors from 57 countries came to Messe Stuttgart from 27 to 30 November for the première of INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA. This year the traditional trade fair opened with an extended concept: In addition to technology for wine and juice, the event also presented innovations for special crops. The halls were well-filled - organisers, exhibitors and visitors were relatively positive and optimistic. Particularly pleasing: The quality of the visitors increased once again compared with the trade fair in 2013.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined key measures needed for a strong rural development policy at a major event held in Brussels this week, stressing that it’s important to have efficient EU rural networks (ENRD and EIPagri)) and to improve infrastructures and skills in rural areas to unleash the potential of digital farming.
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In its continuous quest for innovation in animal nutrition and aqua feed, Nutreco is launching a new way to kick-start breakthrough solutions with the Nutreco FeedTech Challenge. Centred around the question 'What is your breakthrough innovation - that CANNOT wait?'
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INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA will open its doors today in Stuttgart: around 400 exhibitors will present their innovations at the International Technology Trade Fair for Wine, Juice and Special Crops up until 30 November.
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Lamb Weston / Meijer inaugurated its new production line for french fries in Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands, on 10 November 2016 in the presence of employees, suppliers, the mayor and the King’s Commissioner.
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This will be an Interpoma tenth anniversary very much focused on the event’s growing internationalisation. For twenty years now, the international trade show on the production, storage and marketing of apples has taken place every two years at the Fiera Bolzano: this year the event will run from 24 to 26 November.
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This will be an Interpoma tenth anniversary very much focused on the event’s growing internationalisation. For twenty years now, the international trade show on the production, storage and marketing of apples has taken place every two years at the Fiera Bolzano: this year the event will run from 24 to 26 November.
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The Commission will consider the report's recommendations and an appropriate policy response in line with its continuous support to the agricultural sector.
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Global nutritional health company Diamond V brings pre-harvest food safety research and expertise to the EuroTier international agricultural trade show in Hanover, Germany during 15-18 November.
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Yesterday, 30 October, in Brussels, the European Union and Canada signed both the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and a new Strategic Partnership Agreement that deepens cooperation across numerous policies.
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The EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis confirmed the renewed commitment in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that is one of the biggest health threats facing humanity today.
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CEMA’s Technical Board – which bring together Europe’s leading industry experts on farm machinery – has appointed a new Chairman: during the next two years, the Board will be headed by Dr. Markus Baldinger, Chief Technical Officer, Pöttinger (Austria), who was unanimously elected during the Board’s last meeting on 12 October in Brussels. On the same occasion, Jeannot Hironimus, Vice-President Product Portfolio and Business Development of Kuhn (France), was re-elected as Vice-Chairman of the group.
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Copa & Cogeca are happy that results from the EU Sheep Reflections Forum on the future of the sector were delivered in Brussels today to help give producers a more viable future.
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Already recognised as leading manufacturers of savoury snacks under private label brands in their respective home markets, Europe Snacks and Kolak will combine their product portfolio and technical expertise to create a leader of the sector.
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At a major event held in European Parliament today, hosted by MEP Elisabeth Köstinger, Copas’ Innovation Prize for Women Farmers and Special Achievement Award were presented to Margaret Farrelly from Ireland and Lisa Paganelli from Italy.
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Copa & Cogeca outlined first thoughts on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2020 after two days of intensive talks at a high-level Congress of European Farmers organized in Greece today.
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Bayer plans to further expand its position in the market for biological crop protection products and has invested some EUR 16 million in new capacity for research, development and production at its Wismar site.
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Bayer today announced the completion of the sale of the Consumer business from Environmental Science, a business unit of the Crop Science division, to SBM. The Consumer business encompasses the Bayer Garden and Bayer Advanced businesses in Europe and North America. With the completion of the sale, 220 dedicated employees as well as the entire product portfolios of Bayer Garden and Bayer Advanced, including the home and garden R&D pipeline, and for a transitional period a license to use the Bayer brand, have been transferred to SBM.
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Copa and Cogeca Presidents outlined key challenges facing the EU agriculture sector at a major press event in Brussels today, warning of the fragile state of the commodity markets and excessive red tape under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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DuPont Pioneer celebrated today the opening of its Multi-Crop Technology Center in Seville, Spain. The center’s expert researchers will focus on continuing to increase yields and expanding the Pioneer Protector® defensive native trait lineup, which currently offers solutions for major sunflower pests.
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Agrium Inc. (TSX: AGU) (NYSE: AGU) and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (PotashCorp) (TSX: POT) (NYSE: POT) announced that they have agreed to combine in a merger of equals to create a world-class integrated global supplier of crop inputs.
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Today, the European Commission opens the EU Prize for Women Innovators 2017 competition, which awards four female entrepreneurs who have successfully brought an innovation to market.
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Seven pavilions, 40,000 square metres of space, more than 1,000 exhibitors, one out of four exhibitors from abroad, 1,000 buyers, 50 events including workshops and meetings: these are the best assets of Macfrut 2016
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Strong innovation pipeline will help solve key agricultural challenges / Sustained high R&D investment level of about 10 percent of sales confirmed / EUR 2.5 billion capital expenditure program from 2017 to 2020 / Strong commitment to sustainability also supported by investments in Digital Farming, ForwardFarming and Smallholder Farming
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Ahead of the European Rural Development Conference in Cork on Monday and Tuesday, Copa & Cogeca outlined today key points to feed into the panel debate at the Conference and into the drafting of the Cork declaration, to reflect the new challenges facing the sector in the 21st century.
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The Commission has opened an in-depth probe to assess whether the proposed merger of Dow and DuPont is in line with the EU Merger Regulation.
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The Commission has opened an in-depth probe to assess whether the proposed merger of Dow and DuPont is in line with the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission will investigate further whether the deal may reduce competition in areas such as crop protection, seeds and certain petrochemicals.
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From winegrowing to enology through to marketing: The programme of the 62nd German Winegrowers' Congress at INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA
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Macfrut 2016, the international exhibition of the fruit and vegetable sector to be held in Rimini from 14 to 16 September, will open with a focus on internationality and innovation.
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New EU study reveals EU would need 19 million more hectares of farm land to produce same amount of food without plant breeding techniques but warns of challenging policy environment
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Together with the EU Feed Manufacturers Federation FEFAC, Copa and Cogeca welcomed today publication and endorsement by the EU Commission of our EU code of good labelling practice for compound feed for food producing animals.
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A great opportunity for stakeholders in the fruit and vegetable supply chain: to invest in Cesena Fiera and in Macfrut's opportunities for development. This was the announcement made by Renzo Piraccini, President of Cesena Fiera, as part of the press conference held at Rimini Wellness, during which the current situation of Macfrut 2016 was illustrated.
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The European Commission today presented a proposal for the European Union to ratify the Paris Agreement, the world's first universal, legally binding deal to tackle climate change. The Commission's proposal comes just weeks after the EU and 174 countries signed the landmark agreement at a ceremony.
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On 9 June 2016, FEFAC and FEFANA held a joint high-level EU Conference on “Innovation in Animal Nutrition” in Brussels, which attracted over 170 participants. In the context of the feed sector’s political and economic framework, the event showcased a series of solutions that animal nutrition can provide. The programme featured European Commission officials, feed industry representatives and speakers from the farming sector, academia and the banking sector.
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The EPP Group in the European Parliament is by far the strongest defender of the interests of European farmers. During the last reform of the CAP, it was the EPP Group that ensured a substantial EU agriculture budget. We continue to stand up for a common agricultural policy and together with our farmers amid the current crisis on the agricultural markets.
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The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Phil Hogan, today visits Portugal, where he will open the first water connection from the Alqueva Irrigation Global System in the small town of Ervidel.
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The European Commission welcomes the commitment by the G20 Agriculture Ministerial meeting to support sustainable agriculture for ensuring global food security and to fight antimicrobial resistance, including the phasing out of antibiotics as growth promoters in animals.
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Copa & Cogeca underlined the crucial role of using drones in agriculture as an additional agronomic tool that can help to enhance resource efficiency, productivity and profitability as well as ensure greater sustainability at a major Conference organized in the Netherlands today.
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A stronger and simpler Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2020 which better responds to the challenges hitting the EU agricultural sector is what is needed, Copa & Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers at their meeting in Amsterdam this week.
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Innovation Deals, a new pilot scheme launched by the European Commission today, aim to help innovators with promising solutions to environmental issues overcome what they perceive as regulatory challenges to bringing their ideas to market.
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In response to further market speculation and stakeholder inquiries, Bayer is publicly disclosing the contents of its private proposal to acquire Monsanto. Bayer has made an all-cash offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Monsanto Company for USD 122 per share or an aggregate value of USD 62 billion.
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This year, the G7 summit will take place from 26 to 27 May in Ise-Shima (Japan). The European Union will be represented by the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.
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Copa & Cogeca warned against using patents in the EU plant breeding sector sector, warning it will reduce the amount of new varietes on the market and add to costs, at a Conference hosted by the Netherlands Presidency this week.
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At the ISF World Seed Congress, which took place from May 15-18 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Bayer presented its first-class product portfolio and comprehensive knowledge in the field of seed treatment and seeds. The focus was on new developments in soybeans such as the success of ILeVO™ seed treatment tackling Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematodes, the expansion of Bayer’s biological SeedGrowth portfolio for soybeans and the introduction of Credenz™ soybean varieties in Latin America. As a global player in seed treatment and seeds and as a longtime sponsor of the Congress, Bayer strongly supports the International Seeds Federation (ISF) where it is actively engaged in policy dialogue and industry best practices in the areas of plant breeding innovation, sustainability and stewardship.
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"The blossoming in the valley began in early April and is now over. It was a bit earlier than usual, by about six days. However, there is still blossoming in the apple orchards located at around 800m a.s.l. The weather was mild and conducive to fertilisation and the blossoming was very abundant this year.” Wolfang Drahorad, agronomist and teaching assistant at the University of Bolzano’s Faculty of Science and Technology, describes a very positive situation, in late spring, in the apple orchards of South Tyrol.
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The DLG-Feldtage 2016 will again offer live machinery demonstrations on all three days of the exhibition, and new this year will be individual demonstrations performed by exhibitors on three key topics.
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Working to build greater prosperity for disadvantaged and vulnerable rural people in developing countries around the world, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) signed an agreement today to reinforce and expand cooperation between the two organisations.
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On the occasion of ‘BioEconomyUtrecht2016’, the fourth Bioeconomy Stakeholders’ Conference, the European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA) calls on the EU to lead a worldwide transition towards a renewable, low-carbon economy. Europe has all of the means necessary to become a global leader in the bioeconomy, if its potential is realised and embraced by European policy makers.
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Europatat and Freshfel Europe will jointly celebrate their first common annual meeting on 2 June 2016 in Brussels.
Adhering to the European Commission work programme 2016, the common conference will be held under the theme “Not business as usual”. The conference will review the upcoming challenges and opportunities for both sectors in light of a complex political and business environment.
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Today's Action Plan is the first step towards a single EU VAT area which is equipped to tackle fraud, to support business and help the digital economy and e-commerce.
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Canadean’s latest long-term forecast to 2021 highlights the dwindling consumption of white milk in the West, and the potential for milk alternatives all over the world.
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Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people.
It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.
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Macfrut increasingly confirms its role as an international showcase for the fruit and vegetable sector. This year’s edition will feature seven pavilions (one more than last year), which, from 14 to 16 September 2016, will welcome exhibitors and visitors from all over the world at Rimini Fiera.
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In the wake of increasing market volatility and adverse weather conditions, newly re-elected Chairwoman of Copa and Cogeca Working Party Paola Grossi said a top priority is to put more focus on measures, such as insurance, to help protect farmers against risks.
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The Commission presents first deliverable of Circular Economy Package with new rules on organic and waste-based fertilisers in the EU
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ForFarmers, one of the leading feed companies in North West Europe, with a focus on total feed solutions, and Nedap, a leading global provider of precision farming technologies, are to cooperate in a new project focusing on collection and analysis of individual pig performance data.
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Many uncertainties question the way we produce, process and consume food. We are challenged to reduce the climate footprint of our food systems. Citizens and consumers are demanding more information on how food is produced, while food systems have to remain competitive on quality and costs in an open world. Business as usual is not an option, which is why research and innovation (R&I) is so crucial in helping future food security and competiveness.
European farming and agro-food systems need knowledge from many different sources to compete with quality products and services in a globalised world. New knowledge is generated by farmers, researchers, companies and citizens. The old ‘linear’ model of technology transfer (from scientists to the users) is gradually being replaced by an interactive model of systems which integrates knowledge production, adaptation, advice and education. Using an open innovation approach provides opportunities to leverage research into a new setting. It was on this basis that the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) began working on Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) in the SCAR-AKIS Strategic Working Group in 2010.
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Commissioner Moedas, responsible for Research, Science and Innovation will this evening award the 2016 EU Prize for Women Innovators.
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On Wednesday, Bayer celebrated the first visit of a high-level delegation from the Australian Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) at a ceremony at its Frankfurt site, where the company’s global weed control research activities are concentrated. In June last year, the two companies signed their Herbicide Innovation Partnership (HIP), an innovative cooperation model to jointly discover next-generation weed control solutions. This five-year agreement funded with AUD 45 million over five years has led to 39 scientists now being employed at Bayer’s Frankfurt site. Besides welcoming the scientists, Bayer and GRDC inaugurated the new research laboratories in Frankfurt.
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On International Women’s Day, Copa underlined the big contribution women make to the EU agriculture sector, accounting for 45% of the agricultural labour force, but warned that conditions for women in rural areas must be stepped up.
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Valencia’s food production industry is looking vigorous. This is particularly evident at Fruit Attraction, given that most participants in the trade fair are based in this region.
A total of 128 Valencia-based companies took part in the last edition. How do you think the trade fair has contributed to this health and to the internationalisation of Valencia’s companies?
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McCain Foods Limited (“McCain”) and TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. (“TowerBrook”) have announced that they have agreed terms for the sale of a majority stake in Van Geloven B.V. (“Van Geloven”) to McCain.
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In 2015 Royal Cosun achieved a lower result than in 2014, but it was still better than expected.
The decline can basically be attributed to the considerably lower sales prices of sugar in the EU. The result of the other activities further increased in 2015. This all results in a beet price of €43.01 per tonne of delivered beets.
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The European Research Council (ERC) has announced today the 302 winners of its 2015 Consolidator Grant competition.
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Syngenta today announced that ChemChina has offered to acquire the company at US$ 465 per ordinary share plus a special dividend of CHF 5 to be paid conditional upon and prior to closing.
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The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).
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The Europatat Congress 2016 will take place in Brussels (Belgium) on 1 & 2 June 2016.
Under the slogan “Not business as usual”, the Congress will focus on discovering ways for business to manage change in an uncertain world to remain successful.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the key role of research and innovation in a viable EU agriculture sector and the need for farmers and agri-cooperatives to play a key role in the process right from the start at a major Conference this week.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, organised a dinner debate entitled “CEJA – Inspiring the Future of our Industry” yesterday evening hosted by Vice-President of the European Parliament and Member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (COMAGRI), Mairead McGuinness. The debate featured a number of MEPs from across the Union including prominent COMAGRI members Ulrike Müller and Marijana Petir engaging directly with leading young farmer delegates from their own Member States and regions. Discussions were centered on young farmers and the importance of CEJA taking a leading role in the long road to CAP 2020.
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Investment in research and innovation from the EU budget between 2007 and 2013 has greatly improved scientific excellence in Europe and strengthened its competitiveness by improving industry's capacity to innovate.
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Today, the Commission presented its 'Employment and Social Developments in Europe' (ESDE) review for 2015. Each year, the ESDE report gives a review of the latest employment and social trends, reflecting on upcoming challenges and possible policy responses.
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The European Commission will be represented by several Members of the College at the 2016 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which takes place from 20 to 23 January under the motto “Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome the new package of measures to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) announced by EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan this week, claiming it will make life easier for farmers.
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Today Member States agreed on a Commission proposal to invest €217 million in key trans-European energy infrastructure projects.
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FRUIT LOGISTICA presents detailed information about the ten FLIA 2016 nominees. The leading award in the fresh produce sector will be presented in Berlin on 5 February 2016.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the importance of innovation in the EU agriculture sector to remain competitive and sustainable in order to meet growing world food demand using limited resources at a major event organized by Politico in Brussels today.
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Today, the Commission is announcing the names of 9 outstanding women entrepreneurs who are entering the final stage of the EU Prize for Women Innovators 2016.
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Today the Commission adopted seven new cross-border cooperation programmes, worth over €740 million from the European Regional Development Fund and the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.
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Worth €99.6 billion for 2014-2020, all 118 EU Rural Development Programmes for 2014-2020 are now ready to roll.
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New Copa and Cogeca Task Force debated in Brussels this week the importance of technology in modern farming - big data and precision farming – to improve farmers returns .
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The new urban farm planned for the rooftop of the Foodmet food market on the site of Anderlecht’s slaughterhouse will employ the latest technology of aquaponic greenhouse farming, the site’s operators have announced.
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The European Technology Platform ‘Plants for the Future’ (Plant ETP) in collaboration with Mr Jasenko Selimović and Mrs Anthea McIntyre, both Members of the European Parliament (EP), organised the first event of a series of workshops “Sustainable growth: Unlocking the potential of plants”. This series of workshops follows a report by former MEP Marit Paulsen on “Plant breeding: what options to increase quality and yields” published last year.
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Secretary Vilsack, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased that so many of you have been able to join us this morning. After the problems that we have seen in the past couple of weeks, I'm pleased to see that we are getting back to business as usual. I'm particularly pleased that Secretary Vilsack is also with us and I very much look forward to hearing what he has to say about the prospects for the agri-food sector and, of course, his view on the conditions for success in the ongoing TTIP negotiations.
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On Friday, November 13th, 2015, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands awarded to AIB (Anti Infringement Bureau) its cassation request concerning the infringement of Plant Breeders' Rights by the company Novisem.
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ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced plans to pursue the separation of the Company into two independent public companies: one comprising its robust consumer portfolio of diverse and leading brands and the other comprising its market leading foodservice portfolio of innovative frozen potato products.
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The European Commission is making funds available to boost research into Xylella fastidiosa, a pathogenic bacterium that has been found on olive trees and other plants in southern Italy and on ornamental plants in southern France and Corsica.
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Copa and Cogeca underline need to step up innovation and invest in new technologies to unleash potential of biomass from EU agriculture and forestry sectors at major workshop
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'Once again, Agritechnica 2015 has impressively cemented its lead position as the benchmark international trade fair for agricultural machinery and farming. With some 2,907 exhibitors, around 450,000 visitors – including more than 100,000 from overseas – Agritechnica has matched its figures from 2013.'
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EU agricultural market situation still critical and measures needed to alleviate pressure on EU pigmeat and dairy sectors and to simplify the CAP, Copa and Cogeca Presidents tell EU Farm Ministers
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New novel food Regulation has been agreed today.
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Copa and Cogeca underline challenges and opportunities facing EU sheep meat sector at an EU reflections group and outline measures to benefit the sector
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New Holland reaps a prestigious award at Agritechnica 2015: the brand new T7.315 tractor was crowned with the coveted “Machine of the Year” 2016 in the L category , title bestowed by a jury of 19 journalists representing leading European agricultural publications. The machine was rewarded for its technical innovation and the benefits it brings to customers, with selection criteria focusing on innovative features, performance, productivity, cost of operation, ease of use and operator comfort.
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Agritechnica 2015, the world’s leading forum for the future of the agricultural sector, is celebrating the thirtieth year since it started with record exhibitor participation. As Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer of the organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), told the international press, up to and including Saturday, 14 November 2015, the Fairgrounds in Hanover will be the meeting place and forum for the world’s agricultural sector. “With more than 2,900 exhibitors from 52 countries we have reached a new record level”, said the DLG CEO. “The Fairgrounds are fully booked.” Agritechnica is thus impressively continuing its success story and further consolidating its leading position as the international trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment and the agricultural sector.
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Today, Commissioners Carlos Moedas, responsible for Research, Science and Innovation and Phil Hogan, responsible for Agriculture delivered keynote speeches at the Bioeconomy Forum in Brussels which addresses the need to strengthen the transition from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy in Europe.
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NNew Holland Agriculture launches the new generation CX Series of super conventional combines – 2 five-strawwalker and 4 six-strawwalker models that set new standards of operator comfort, grain and straw quality, productivity and versatility while preserving the soil with lower compaction. The CX range has been expanded with the new CX8.85 450hp six-strawwalker model with a 12,500 litre grain tank. At the top of the range, the flagship CX8.90 is the highest capacity conventional combine in the world and, with its 360 kW (490 hp), vast 12,500 litre grain tank and state-of-the-art cleaning systems, it delivers threshing and separation efficiency combined with a cleaning performance without equal.
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Deere & Company said today it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Monosem, the European market leader in precision planters. The purchase includes the company's four facilities in France and two in the United States.
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Every two years, many thousands of international farmers visit Agritechnica exhibiting which takes place in Hanover, Germany every two years. In 2013, Brazilian farmer Richard Dijkstra made his first visit to the event, and it is with a contagious enthusiasm that he describes his experience.
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Copa and Cogeca warned EU Farm Ministers against patenting plant traits in the EU agriculture sector at a high-level meeting today, saying it would cause less competition and higher costs the seed market.
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As a result of its Scientific Programme at EXPO 2015, the EU is today making available a set of expert recommendations on the role of science and research in improving food and nutrition security, which has been the topic of this year's Universal Exhibition.
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Agritechnica, the world’s largest and most innovative international agri-machinery exhibition is back in Hanover again in November 2015, with hundreds of thousands of visitors already preparing to attend this exciting “must-see” farming extravaganza.
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More than 600 food safety experts from 70 countries gathered in Milan today for the opening of EFSA’s scientific conference, “Shaping the future of food safety, together”.
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FAO and the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association CEMA, an international non-profit organisation, today forged a new partnership that aims to promote wider use of sustainable agricultural mechanization in developing countries.
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As of 1 October 2015, Mr. JanWillem Breukink will become a member of the Supervisory Board of the Royal Barenbrug Group, succeeding Prof. dr. Cees Veerman. Mr. Breukink has been CEO of the Incotec Group BV until 2014, the company of which he is still a major shareholder.
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The official inauguration of the 32nd edition of Macfrut, organised by Cesena Fiera and hosted at the Rimini Expo Centre for the first time, took place with great optimism and enthusiasm in facing future challenges.
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To unleash the potential of the advanced European farm and construction equipment sectors and maintain their presence and growth in Europe, industry leaders call on EU policy makers to adopt a ‘smart’ approach to EU regulation, and open up funds from the Common Agriculture Policy and the European Investment Fund (‘Juncker Plan’).
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Today the European Commission and the Luxembourg Presidency are starting a two day conference to discuss proposals for EU support for innovative low-carbon energy technologies.
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Prof. Louise Fresco, President of the Executive Board of Wageningen UR (right) ordered the first portion of fries from the machine. After paying one euro and a single click on the 32-inch screen, the machine immediately started to deep-fry the french fries. Henk Werner of Caenator (left) was responsible for the developement and implementation of the technical innovations
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New exhibition premises, more companies attending, an international preview focused on the retail sector and the markets, a wide-ranging offer of initiatives dedicated to innovation and internationalisation, and a new promotional venue for businesses.
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Copa-Cogeca held a high-level event at ExpoMilano this week underlining the importance of having an innovative Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with new measures to drive the EU farm sector to provide quality nutritious food to feed a growing population.
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(DLG) Agritechnica is the world’s leading trade fair for farm machinery. This year’s show to be held at the Hanover exhibition centre from 10 to 14 November (Preview Days: 8 and 9 November) will feature numerous innovations. No fewer than 311 innovations have been registered with DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft / German Agricultural Society) which is organizing the fair. Applying the strictest criteria, an independent panel of experts appointed by DLG has conferred Gold Medals on five of these innovations and Silver Medals on a further 44:
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Over 6000 farmers and 2000 tractors after across the EU demonstrated in Brussels today to underline the drastic situation hitting EU agriculture, in particular dairy, pork, fruit and vegetable and beef producers, and call on the EU for action.
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The 2015 edition of Macfrut (Rimini Fiera, 23-25 September), scheduled to begin in less than a month, is getting ready to offer visitors from all over the world a series of programmed events dedicated to the fruit and vegetable supply chain, starting on the day before the official opening of the trade fair.
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Bayer CropScience has reached an important milestone towards the market introduction of its biological insecticide Requiem™ in Europe. Its active ingredient Terpenoid Blend QRD 460 has been recently approved by the European Commission. For growers and the entire food value chain, Requiem™ provides control of sucking pests and extends quality of harvested produce. First registrations of Requiem™ are expected in some European countries before end of 2016. Market launch in Europe is planned for 2017.
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From Italy to Saudi Arabia and from Spain to South Korea, Macfrut, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, scheduled to be held at the Rimini Expo Centre (Italy) from 23 to 25 September, has already received confirmation of participation from many international importers, distributors and retailers.
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During a celebration of Agricultural Research Day on July 15, Alberto Maurer, the Head of Peru’s National Institute for Agricultural Innovation (INIA), accompanied by CIP Director General Barbara Wells and representatives of various other national and international institutions, announced that Peru will host the 10th World Potato Congress in 2018.
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Today the European Commission has put the final building blocks in place to kick-start investment in the real economy. A package of measures agreed today will ensure that the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) is up and running by early autumn 2015, keeping the ambitious timetable set by President Jean-Claude Juncker to implement the Investment Plan for Europe.
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For the first time, Bayer CropScience and the European Agricultural Machinery Association CEMA joined forces to demonstrate to a blend of representatives from the EU institutions and agriculture stakeholders how the latest farming technologies, including big data and the Internet of Things, are changing the face of agriculture. During two farm visits, organized on 29 and 30 June at “Hof ten Bosch” in Huldenberg, near Brussels, participants had the opportunity to experience first-hand how such technologies are helping farm operations to become smarter and more sustainable.
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Copa and Cogeca warned against using patents in the EU agriculture sector at a seminar this week by the CPVO on the interface between patents and plant variety rights in Brussels , saying it will result in less products and varieties and additional costs .
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The Agri-Food Chain Coalition (AFCC)[i], representing 11 leading industry associations across the agri-food chain, today presented its joint declaration entitled: “Food for Thought: a vision for unlocking the potential of agriculture and food industries in the EU[1]” to the Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan. The event took place on the first day of the Food & Drink Week[2] at the Universal Expo in Milan with the aim of showcasing the importance of science and innovation in the EU agri-food sector.
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Copa and Cogeca warned against using patents in the EU agriculture sector at a seminar today by the CPVO on the interface between patents and plant variety rights in Brussels , saying it will result in less products and varieties and additional costs .
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Copa and Cogeca hold major Conference examining how best to collect and share data from farmers to cooperatives and others parts of food chain to increase efficiency and productivity
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More than 2,400 exhibitors from 49 countries have already registered to participate in this year’s top international trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, 2015, which features several exciting new ventures.
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Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Moedas are today attending the first day of the Innovative Enterprise Week in Riga.
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Following an earlier offer by Monsanto that was rejected by Syngenta, Syngenta has now rejected an updated second merger proposal.
Below is the letter by Syngenta to inform shareholders, published June 8, 2015:
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Joerg Seifert has been appointed as the new FEFANA Secretary General to assume the duties on 15 June 2015.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today approval by the EU Commission of a further 24 Rural Development Programmes designed to improve the competitiveness of the EU farming sector, caring for the countryside and climate, and strengthening the economic and social fabric of rural communities until 2020, and urge for the remaining programmes to be adopted.
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The European Commission has today approved a further 24 Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) aimed at improving the competitiveness of the EU farming sector, caring for the countryside and climate, and strengthening the economic and social fabric of rural communities in the period until 2020.
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Today, the European Commission is launching the European Smart specialisation platform on energy, which will support regions and Member States in using Cohesion Policy funding more effectively for promoting sustainable energy. The Platform will help regions to share their expertise on sustainable energy investments and especially on the deployment of innovative low-carbon technologies.
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New Holland has celebrated the success of its national network of agricultural dealers with the presentation of five awards in recognition of excellence in performance and service quality.
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The Sustainable Farm Pavilion is strategically located in a central position close to the Lake Arena and is immediately recognizable thanks to its striking architectural features. EXPO Milano 2015 will inaugurate a long season of exhibitions, events and conferences, that will attract millions of potential visitors to the New Holland Sustainable pavilion in the 184 days until 31 October, learning about the core role of agricultural mechanization in the food production supply chain and celebrating the role of farmers who use New Holland equipment and technology day after day to provide food all over the world, in strict respect for the environment and protecting the natural resources.
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Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) help ensure that innovators and creators get a fair return for their work, encourage investment in research, and create growth and quality jobs. They also contribute to the health and safety of consumers by allowing them to make informed choices about the products they buy. IPR intensive industries account for more than a quarter of all jobs and more than a third of GDP in the EU. This illustrates the value of these rights for the economy and society in the EU, as well as the scale of potential damage that can be caused when they are undermined.
The EU has acknowledged the need to protect consumers and safeguard intellectual assets simultaneously, in order to ensure that creativity and innovation continue to be major drivers of growth. In this context, Europol’s Serious Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA) has identified commodity counterfeiting violating health, safety and food regulations and substandard goods as a new priority area in the EU policy cycle 2014-17.
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At the Expo Milano 2015 the internationally oriented Province of Limburg will be one of the participants in the Dutch pavilion. The province will showcase the Brightlands campuses as an economic hub in Europe in the field of materials, nutrition and health.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Farm Ministers talks to simplify complicated Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules, warning urgent action is vital to cut red tape and ease the draconian penalties imposed on farmers and their cooperatives.
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The European Union will tomorrow officially kick-start its programme of activities at the EXPO 2015 Universal Exhibition in Milan. Centred on the theme of global food and nutrition challenges, EXPO is an opportunity for the EU to showcase its work in different food related areas and help raise awareness of this important global issue.
To ensure a lasting legacy, the main focus will be put on the role of science with dedicated events and a set of recommendations to be unveiled on 15 October, the day before World Food Day. The central role of science will also be reflected in the EU pavilion, the EU's main exhibition space at EXPO.
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Copa Working Party on Horses met EU Commissioner to discuss upcoming reform of EU VAT Directive and ways to improve economic viability of sector
Copas’ Working Party on Horses met EU Commissioner Pierre Moscovici today to debate VAT rates applicable to activities related to horses, in the wake of the upcoming reform of the EU VAT Directive, and the newly re- elected Chairman Pascal Bioulac from France outlined priorities for the sector.
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As part of the EU's €11 billion package supporting Ukraine, the European Commission has adopted a Special Measure for Private Sector Development and Approximation worth €70 million.
This measure is a response to the urgent need to support the recovery and economic development in Ukraine.
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Portuguese agriculture is at the heart of European agriculture, Copa President and LTO President Albert Jan Maat claimed in Lisbon.
That statement was made by Albert Jan Maat during the 40 th anniversary of the Congress of the Portuguese farmers organization (CAP).
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A new location and an extensive offer of initiatives to promote innovation and internationalisation. Many new features will characterise the 2015 edition of Macfrut, the Italian Fruit & Vegetable Trade Fair, scheduled to be held from 23 to 25 September.
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The European Commission has launched an online consultation on how science and innovation can help the EU ensuring safe, nutritious, sufficient and sustainable food globally.
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Root Demand Irrigation® (RDI®) recently accepted one of 50 awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for ground-breaking industry innovation for the development of its subsurface irrigation product. ASABE President Lalit Verma and ASABE Executive Director Darrin Drolinger further honored RDI by naming it one of five innovations that will change the nature of the crop farming industry.
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Milk quotas were introduced to address the structural oversupply on the EU market of the late 1970s and early 1980s that had led to the infamous milk lakes and "butter mountains". EU dairy farmers were guaranteed a price for their milk (considerably higher than on world markets) regardless of market demand. Despite different efforts in the 1970s to slow down EU production, it continued to rise much faster than domestic demand. The system was also having a negative impact on world market prices, as the EU frequently subsidised exports on to the world market.
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A new automated video tracking system allows the preference of insects for different plants to be determined in a quick, simple and objective way. “This offers us the opportunity to screen large numbers of plants for resistance to pests,” Dr Maarten Jongsma, a scientist at Wageningen UR, explains.
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From 10 to 12 March, Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu is in Romania. On 12 March she will participate in a conference on SMEs financing opportunities for 2014-2020. "I want the European Regional Development Fund to be a vital partner for our SMEs", she said, ahead of the conference.
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Carried out like conferences and exchanges, SIMA International Meetings are an opportunity to have a look with a transverse approach on all agriculture from all over the world. SIMA is more international than ever and offer a comprehensive range of products to meet all the needs of a farm operation.
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Discover the programme of the SIMA practical workshops in 2015 that take place in hall 7. Free acces
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Agritechnica 2015, which takes place from 10 to 14 November (with preview days on 8 and 9 November) is only nine months away and the deadline for booking exhibition stands has now past.
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The European Commission has today adopted 40 new programmes under the European Cohesion Policy to support economic development and social cohesion across the European Union. An additional 10 programmes will be adopted before the end of this month. Together, these 50 programmes will be worth more than 66 billion euro.
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FRUIT LOGISTICA 2015 underlined its role as the world's leading trade fair for the fresh produce industry. Offering a comprehensive market overview of the fresh produce trade, the event was attended by key decision makers with a record number of exhibitors and trade visitors.
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Farmers must get realistic return from the marketplace to ensure a dynamic dairy industry capable of meeting global demand set to rise by 2.1% annually Copa-Cogeca says
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Critics of genetic engineering have long worried about the risk of modified organisms escaping into the environment. A biological-containment strategy described this week in Nature1, 2 has the potential to put some of those fears to rest and to pave the way for greater use of engineered organisms in areas such as agriculture, medicine and environmental clean-up.
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During a lunch event hosted by Mrs. Marit Paulsen, MEP, ESA - European Seed Association officially presented its ‘Speak up for Seeds’ Vision to Members of Parliament and the Commission. Next to representatives from the seed sector and policy advisors, the event was also attended by Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan and by the Deputy Head of Cabinet of Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, Mrs. Nathalie Chaze.
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Crop based biofuels are vital for animal feed, the environment, jobs, fuel. It is unacceptable to limit their use and turn our back on science and innovation, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen warned at an International Conference"Fuels of the Future 2015" in Berlin today.
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On 19 January, the European Commission, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), is launching fi-compass, a new advisory service on financial instruments for the European Structural and Investment Funds.
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The European Commission is inviting comments on new draft guidelines on the application of EU antitrust rules in the agricultural sector. After a reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), new specific rules apply to the sale of olive oil, beef and veal livestock and arable crops. In particular, the new rules allow producers to jointly commercialise these products if certain conditions are fulfilled, including that their cooperation creates significant efficiencies.
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The next edition of Macfrut , to be held from 23 to 25 September 2015, will be a very specific, future-oriented mission with the aim of offering a large trade fair on the theme of professional fruit and vegetable growing.
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The world needs increasingly more food. Therefore Agrifac manufactures “Brilliant Simple” machines; the most innovative crop sprayers and beet harvesters in the world that are extremely easy to operate. This is because everything at Agrifac is developed in accordance with the “4 E’s for growers” concept. Efficient, Economical, Ergonomic and Ecological. By testing all developments against these 4 E’s, Agrifac is ahead of the competition in machinery development and innovation.
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The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether a proposed joint venture between two of world's leading coffee manufacturers Douwe Egberts Master Blenders 1753 B.V. ("DEMB") of the Netherlands and Mondelēz International Inc. ("Mondelēz") of the US was in line with the EU Merger Regulation. Both companies own popular brands: DEMB owns L'Or, Douwe Egberts, Senseo and Merrild while Mondelēz owns Carte Noir, Jacobs, Gevalia, and Tassimo.
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The European Commission has today approved the first three of 118 Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) aimed at improving the competitiveness of the EU farming sector, caring for the countryside and climate, and strengthening the economic and social fabric of rural communities in the period until 2020.
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Today's consumers, whether shopping on-line or in a supermarket, increasingly want clearer and more understandable food labelling to help them make informed choices on the food they eat. In addition, more and more people suffer from allergies. How is a teenager with a peanut allergy supposed to know what he can eat when dining out with friends? How can someone who wants to reduce their salt intake, know which snack is the best option? How can consumers be assured of the origin of the meat they just bought? New rules to address these sorts of issues and others will apply from 13 December 2014 across the EU.
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At Cargill’s new state-of-the-art cocoa processing facility in Gresik, Indonesia, employees focus on innovation to help customers succeed.
Jakarta, Indonesia, 10 December 2014 – Food and beverage manufacturers seeking to meet the growing demand amongst Asian consumers for chocolate and cocoa products will benefit from a greater availability of high quality cocoa powders following the inauguration of Cargill’s cocoa processing facility in Gresik, Indonesia.
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The "Bayer’s Perspective on Innovation 2014" international press forum held in Leverkusen, Germany, was the venue for the launch of the company’s first bee health magazine, "BEENOW". The magazine presents Bayer’s efforts to unite partners from around the world, including research institutes and universities, beekeepers, farmers and industry partners, to jointly tackle the various challenges bees are facing.
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Lamb Weston / Meijer, maker of frozen potato products and dried potato flakes, is investing € 120 million euros in its Bergen op Zoom plant located in the southwest of the Netherlands.
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At the invitation of Italian Minister of Agriculture Maurizio Martina, EU Ministers met in Sicily on 28 November 2014 accompanied by CEJA President Matteo Bartolini in order to discuss agriculture and food security in the Mediterranean region.
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Karmenu Vella - Commisisoner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Brussels, 40th Anniversary of the European Environmental Bureau
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Draft plans to encourage food innovation via a new, simplified authorization procedure for novel foods were approved by the Environment Committee on Monday. MEPs nonetheless amended the text and proposed a moratorium on the use of nanomaterials in food, based on the precautionary principle. They also added provisions for compulsory labelling of cloned food products.
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Watchword of the forthcoming exhibition, the slogan "Innovation First!" will be applied around 3 topics: material (techniques, equipment,…), crops (large-scale crops, tropical crops, specialised crops,…) and the human factor (regions, development of professions, the place of the farmer,…).
It will be expressed in the exhibition through:
- the Innovation First! Area: a veritable laboratory of ideas that will combine the work of French and international engineering schools with forecast scenarios on the topic of "agriculture until 2050", and the Innovation Gallery, showcase of the 2015 SIMA Innovation Awards;
- events, with International Forums, Conferences and
Practical Workshops.
More than 600 new products will be presented by the exhibitors.
And, to show how far we have come in less then a century, the Flashback Area presents old equipment, showing to what extent there has been revolution in the development of agricultural machinery! Still in matters of innovation.
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Discover the results of SIMA Innovation Awards 2015: 2 Gold medals, 3 Silver medals and 18 Special mentions.
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The 17th edition of INTERPOM | PRIMEURS in Kortrijk Xpo has again chalked up record visitor numbers with no less than 19 529 visitors, representing an increase of 10.5%.
In spite of the difficult market situation today, these growth figures (the last edition was also up 25.7%) together with the many new products at the event show that there is strong confidence in the future of our potato, fruit and vegetable sector.
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Strasbourg, 26 November 2014
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission
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In financial year 2013/2014 Cooperative AVEBE achieved - for the second consecutive year following the abolition of the agricultural subsidies - a good performance price: 75.07 euros. That is slightly lower than last year's record result. The cooperative result totals 8.3 million (12/13 11.4).
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Mansel Raymond, re-elected today as Chairman of Copa-Cogeca Milk Working Party, warned of the difficult market situation made worse by the Russian ban on EU farm exports and outlined ways to ensure there is a profitable sustainable dairy industry in the future.
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The intended fusion between Dewulf and Miedema, made public in early September, is to be completed this year. This is the joint announcement of both companies. With the takeover of Miedema by Dewulf, the merged company will be the world's second largest in potato and vegetable machines.
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Numerous meetings will enliven the five days of the international agricultural mechanization exposition. Agencies, publishing houses and exhibiting industries are promoting gatherings and conferences on technical and policy issues of interest. More than one hundred appointments are on the calendar to confirm the Bologna review as not only a promotional and commercial event but also cultural
Young farmers, contractors, bioenergy, hydrogeological dissolution and international markets are only a few of the issues to be taken up during the 41st edition of EIMA International, the agricultural machinery exposition set for November 12 to 16 in the Bologna Trade Fair Center. The event, one of the world’s greatest in the field of technologies for the primary sector, is also stepping up as an occasion for meetings, conferences and discussions on the salient points of the agricultural economy, the environment, industrial policy, research and innovation as well as the rural society.
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Thursday 6 November saw the opening of Agrico’s annual presentation of varieties and seedlings at its propagation & research facility Agrico Research in the Dutch town of Bant. The show, which was also open on Friday 8 November, attracted many interested visitors from within and outside the Netherlands. During the opening day Agrico’s managing director Jan van Hoogen presented Constance, the latest variety of table potatoes that has already become very popular and has recently been included in the Dutch list of varieties.
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The 17th edition of INTERPOM | PRIMEURS will take place between Sunday 23 and Tuesday 25 November 2014 at Kortrijk Xpo (Belgium). INTERPOM | PRIMEURS, the most specialised indoor trade fair in Europe for the potato, vegetable and fruit sector, has broken a new record number with 270 exhibitors.
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More than twenty of Europe's most prominent plant scientists today signed a joint letter warning that Europe will never meet agricultural targets unless it starts allowing GM crops
GM crops have polarised opinion for 30 years
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The European Commission has adopted a "Partnership Agreement" with Belgium setting down the strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and Investment Funds throughout the country. Today’s agreement paves the way for investing €2.28 billion in total Cohesion Policy funding over 2014-2020 (current prices, including European Territorial Cooperation funding and the allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative. Belgium also receives €551.8 million for rural development and €41.7 million for fisheries and the maritime sector.
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Starch Europe (formerly AAF, Association des Amidonniers et Féculiers) announced its support for the European Commission’s Communication for a European Industrial Renaissance at an event held in Brussels October 15. The Communication which forms part of the Commission’s efforts to tackle weaknesses hampering economic growth through industry support is a priority shared by Jean-Claude Juncker who begins his term at the helm of the European Commission.
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Global demand for food is expected to increase by 70% by 2050, while a steep increase in biomass use will also put pressure on agriculture.
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The food supply chain plays a crucial role in the daily life and well-being of every one of us. Apart from ensuring that we all have food to consume on a daily basis, it also provides employment for 46 million people in more than 15 million enterprises engaged in agriculture, food industry, food trade and services. This afternoon's final meeting of the EU's High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain will reveal a lot of progress in improving the operation of the food supply chain; in particular the group has contributed to more equitable business-to business trading relationships. But work still needs to be continued on sustainability, social dialogue and the monitoring of food prices.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the outcome of a new report by the Stoiber Group on cutting red tape in Europe, stressing that the next phase must be to simplify and cut excessive administration under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced on October 1, 2014 that it has completed the acquisition of WILD Flavors GmbH.
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Aquaculture holds the promise of reducing the need to catch wild fish. Global demand for fish is increasing, putting many species in danger from overfishing. Fish farming, or aquaculture, is taking some of the pressure off these stocks – half of the fish consumed globally is now produced at fish farms. However, more could be done to make Europe’s aquaculture industry, which employs some 80 000 people, more efficient. By producing more fish in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way, fish farms could further reduce the pressure on Europe’s wild fish stocks.
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Farm Leaders from across Europe gathered in Brussels today and adopted a major declaration underlining the huge benefits of European Family Farms and Agri-Cooperatives in boosting EU economic growth, providing quality food, helping to feed the world and care for the environment.
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The European Commission has unveiled the results of a comprehensive study about the evolution of choice and innovation in food products in Europe during the last decade.
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Ahead of the EuroTier 2014, Big Dutchman has been awarded a gold medal for its PEF System innovation, which allows the whole maize plant to become digestible for pigs.
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The consumption of potatoes is no longer rising and is therefore putting pressure on the potato packers. Scaling-up and offering added value are two obvious methods to maintain or increase market share.
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The shortlist for the 2014 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) has been revealed, following a two-day jury meeting in Rome, Italy. The 17 finalists come from 10 countries. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Lyon on 1st December 2014 at the Pollutec exhibition of environmental technologies in Lyon, France.
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Bayer CropScience is optimistic about the development perspectives of the agricultural markets and commits to invest significantly to deliver new solutions for sustainable agriculture. "We are convinced of the long-term growth potential of the agricultural markets despite increasing volatility," said Bayer CropScience CEO Liam Condon at the company’s annual press conference in Monheim, Germany. "We expect the worldwide market for agricultural inputs of crop protection products, seeds and traits to grow to around EUR 100 billion by 2020, up from EUR 50 billion in 2008", Condon forecasts.
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Today, the Commission adopted proposals on veterinary medicinal products and medicated feed, to improve the health and wellbeing of animals, to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the EU and to foster innovation.
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Today the Commission adopted proposals on veterinary medicines and medicated feed, which aim to improve animal health and public health, as well as the internal market.
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Together with Euppa and Europatat, Copa-Cogeca held a seminar in Brussels today highlighting the importance of the EU potato sector - the fourth largest crop in Europe - but warned of unfair trade restrictions that must be tackled.
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Seaweed is an important but under-exploited resource for food and feed ingredients, biochemicals and the production of biofuels. But it has been difficult to harvest efficiently on a large scale. Until now.
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Bayer CropScience sees a positive long-term market development in North America and is committing significant resources to spur further growth. "We see future growth driven by increasing and sustained demand from customers for improved seeds and innovative crop protection products," said Bayer CropScience CEO Liam Condon at the official inauguration of the company’s new integrated R&D site in West Sacramento, California.
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Cargill has agreed to purchase Archer Daniels Midland Company’s (NYSE: ADM) global chocolate business for $440 million. The acquisition is an excellent fit with Cargill’s existing chocolate business and brings together two organizations with strong talent, broad customer bases and extensive research and development capabilities.
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New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited and a leading Chinese infant food manufacturer Beingmate intend to form a global partnership that will help meet China’s growing demand for infant formula.
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Cargill's Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia cocoa and chocolate business has appointed Inge Demeyere as its new MD, chocolate.
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Precise application of slurry and AD plant biodigestate, according to pre-determined crop nutrient requirements or legal limits, is now possible using near infrared (NIR) sensor technology.
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Tomorrow Galileo, the EU's satellite navigation programme, will send two more satellites into space, reaching a total number of 6 satellites in orbit.
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Do you want to track how much ozone, black carbon and other pollutants you are exposed to when out cycling or walking?
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Cargill has finalized an agreement with Japan-based Nagase Group to be the exclusive distributor of TREHA™ trehalose for use in foods and supplements throughout the U.S. and Europe. A glucose disaccharide that is about 38 percent as sweet as sucrose, TREHA™ trehalose is a unique ingredient used in everything from cooked proteins to bakery goods and snack items because it serves several functions.
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Over the past 40 years, New Holland has produced over 235,000 roll belt balers, which is testament to their continuing global appeal. In celebration of this significant milestone, all new Roll-Belt models will feature a 40-year decal which will also mark the success of these new models. The latest generation has redefined round baling with advanced roll belt technology that can improve capacity by up to 20% and density by up to 5%.
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As part of the European Commission's efforts to help reduce childhood obesity, the Commission's in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre (JRC), has published the first comprehensive report on school food policies in Europe. It shows that European countries acknowledge the important contribution of school food to children's health, development and performance at school.
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North Korea needs sustainable agriculture as much as it needs nuclear power to keep enemies at bay, which has led to a push for self-sufficient farming — but for it to succeed the country would have to sanction capitalist-style reforms
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EU Farm Ministers must agree on urgent measures to be taken in the EU dairy sector, so that EU producers can meet increasing demand for dairy products worldwide, forecast to rise 2.3% annually, Copa-Cogeca told Ministers today. Another breakdown in talks is not an option, Copa President Albert Jan Maat warned.
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European Commission and European Investment Bank (EIB) sign Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation in agriculture and rural development
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the start of a new joint European Undertaking on Bio-based Industries (BBI) designed to trigger investments and create a competitive market for bio-based products and materials sourced locally and “Made in Europe” and the launch of the first calls.
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‘Everything of interest for farmers' will be on show during AgroTechniek Holland, the biggest outdoor agro event in the Netherlands held in Biddinghuizen from 10, up to and including 13 September. More than 3,000 agricultural machines of more than 450 brands will be presented by circa 260 manufacturers, importers and dealers during the third edition of this event.
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In the United Kingdom the value of fresh potato category is growing with a 3.8% rise over the last year, while the volume of fresh potatoes sold has dropped by 8.0% (Kantar WorldPanel 52 w/e 25 May 2014).
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The European Commission has today set out revised and updated criteria under which Member States can support agriculture, forestry and rural areas, in line with EU state aid rules. This is part of the Commission's State Aid Modernisation (SAM) initiative, aimed at fostering growth and competitiveness in the EU, and goes hand in hand with the Common Agricultural Policy, more particularly with the new rural development policy of the EU. In more precise terms, the Commission has adopted a new Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation (ABER) and new Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas 2014 to 2020 (GL). ABER allows the granting of certain categories of State aid to the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas without prior notification to the Commission.
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The European Commission has found that Lutèce, Prochamp and Bonduelle participated in a cartel to coordinate prices and allocate customers of canned mushrooms in Europe during more than a year and has imposed fines totalling € 32 225 000.
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a EUR 260 million loan to the energy company Fortum Värme for the design, construction and operation of a new biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plant. The plant will be located in Stockholm and deliver heat to the existing district heating system in Sweden’s capital and electricity to the public grid.
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The ID Kas concept developed by Technokas in cooperation with Duijvestijn Tomatoes, Boal Systems and Scheuten Glas, has been named Overall Winner of the GreenTech Innovation Award 2014. Mr. Aalt Dijkhuizen, chairman of the jury presented the award this morning during the official opening of GreenTech Amsterdam 2014, the first edition of the international tradeshow on horticulture technology.
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The European Commission has today highlighted the importance of research and innovation (R&I) investments and reforms for economic recovery in the European Union, and made proposals to help EU Member States maximise the impact of their budgets at a time when many countries still face spending constraints. Increasing R&I investment is a proven driver of growth, while improving the efficiency and quality of public R&I spending is also critical if Europe is to maintain or achieve a leading position in many fields of knowledge and key technologies.
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Europe's largest environment conference – Green Week – will wade into the economic debate this year. Under the banner “Circular economy – saving resources, creating jobs” the 3000 participants will discuss how Europe must move from its current linear economic model towards a more circular one.
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The 17th edition of INTERPOM | PRIMEURS will be held from Sunday 23 to Tuesday 25 November 2014 in Kortrijk Xpo (Belgium). INTERPOM | PRIMEURS is the leading indoor trade fair for the potato, fruit and vegetable sector in Europe. The whole chain will be represented here, from growing to processing and marketing.
A highly specialised trade fair, INTERPOM | PRIMEURS just keeps on expanding and is also growing more and more international.
This year’s event is looking stronger than ever and will be focusing on sustainability, under the slogan of ‘Together for sustainable growth’.
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Tauthors wish to express their gratitude towards DG AGRI for access to the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). They also thank the Editor for his constructive comments that greatly improved this manuscript. This research was conducted in a project funded by a scholarship provided by the agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders. This paper was realized in the context of the International Agricultural Risk, Finance, and Insurance Conference, Beijing, China, 20-21 June 2012. The authors are grateful to the conference organizers for presenting this opportunity and the conference participants for the many fruitful discussions and their useful feedback.
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The European Commission is hosting today a landmark conference on a new initiative to stop biodiversity loss.
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DSM has announced the opening of its China Animal Nutrition Center in the Chinese town of Bazhou, south of Beijing. With its focus on swine and poultry nutrition and the capabilities to conduct world-class scientific and application research, the facility will support the development of tailored solutions to meet the needs of the fast growing poultry and swine markets in China.
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Two thirds of our planet is covered by oceans and seas. If we manage them in a responsible manner, they can provide sources of food, medicine and energy while protecting ecosystems for generations to come. However, in order to make this possible, we need to know more about our seas and oceans.
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At EU Farm Ministers informal meeting in Athens today, Copa-Cogeca drew attention to the wide diversity and quality of EU farm produce, stressing research and innovation is key to preserving it and developing it further.
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The European Union and Japan are like-minded strategic partners and major economies sharing common values and principles. Their 22nd bilateral summit will take place on 7 May in Brussels. The EU will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. Japan will be represented by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht, Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger will also be present.
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The European Commission has adopted the first of 28 "Partnership Agreements" that set down the strategies in EU member states and regions for European Structural and Investment Funds. Today’s agreement was signed with Denmark and will pave the way for €553 million (current prices) in total Cohesion Policy funding and €629 million for rural development to be invested in the country’s real economy.
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The European Commission has today approved funding for 225 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union's environment fund. The projects selected were submitted by beneficiaries in all 28 Member States and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, climate change, environmental policy and information and communication on environmental issues across the EU. Overall, they represent a total investment of some €589.3 million, of which the EU will provide €282.6 million.
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A broad coalition of groups representing Europe’s agricultural and food business interests is calling for better and smarter policy-making that fosters innovation and creates jobs, ensuring that the EU agri-food chain becomes more productive and resource-efficient.
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SESVanderHave, the global market leader in sugarbeet seed, is investing over 10 million euro in a brand new high-tech research center on the site of the nearby Feed Food Health-site. Through the construction of this center SESVanderHave is raising its R & D capacity to a higher level. The research center will be more than 20,000 m², and up to fifty people will work there.
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Unilever has announced a third year of good progress on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, and an intention to expand further its sustainable living ambition to bring about broader change on a global scale.
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Children growing up on and near farms are always curious about the big heavy equipment that moves earth, the animals that graze the pasture land, and chemicals and fertilizers that can be worked into the soil to produce healthy plants. These three areas can also be potential sources of danger, which is why Simplot launched the Safety Days program.
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A new name – Adama, innovative packaging, a digital strategy and a new farmer centric approach were unveiled by Makhteshim Agan at a meeting with the leading distributors of agriculture products in Northern Europe. Addressing the meeting Han Rupert, General Manager of Adama Northern Europe, explained how these changes were further steps in the company’s transition to becoming a major global player and how the company will play its part in helping farmers meet the considerable challenge of feeding the world.
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Today the factory in Antwerp celebrates the fact that 50 years ago the production of tractors was started. In the beginning complete tractors left the factory, as the Ford 2000-7000 serie, the TW range and eventually the TLB’s. Since 1996 the plant concentrates on producing and assembling the technical heart of the tractors.
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After the positive results achieved in 2013, with 24,800 registered visitors and exhibitors from more than 35 countries, Macfrut, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain to be held in Cesena (Italy) from 24 to 26 September 2014, is preparing for its next edition.
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Copa-Cogeca released the latest edition of it magazine today and manifesto for the upcoming European elections, setting out key priorities to ensure European farmers and cooperatives have a viable future and can meet upcoming challenges like growing world food demand.
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Bayer CropScience and Targenomix GmbH, Potsdam, a spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, have entered into a five-year research collaboration to develop and apply systems biology approaches for the exploration of metabolic and regulatory networks in plants.
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Syngenta announced today that it has acquired Società Produttori Sementi (PSB), one of Italy's oldest seed companies and a leader in durum wheat breeding and production for pasta.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the election of Peter Kendall from the UK as new President of the World Farmers Organisation for a two year term. He will replace Robert Carlson.
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Asaja, co-partnered by Copa-Cogeca and Ecpa, held a major cocktail reception in European Parliament today for the launch of a photo exhibition on the new Common Agricultural Policy 2014-2020: Future for farmers, future for society and outlined priorities for the future.
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Organic production is a system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high production standards in line with the demand of a growing number of consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. Organic production thus plays a dual societal role, where it, on the one hand, provides for a specific market responding to consumer demand for organic products and, on the other hand, delivers publicly available goods contributing to the protection of the environment, as well as to rural development.
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The European Commission has published new proposals for a new Regulation on organic production and the labelling of organic products. Consumer and producer concerns are at the heart of this new proposal, which seeks to address shortcomings of the current system. The EU organic market has quadrupled in size over the last 10 years and rules need to be updated and adjusted so that the sector can further develop and respond to future challenges.
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On the eve of the first ever visit by a Chinese President to the European institutions, the EU and China will hold their second round of talks on an EU-China investment agreement on 24-25 March in Brussels.
The visit by President Xi Jinping on 31 March is expected to give an impetus to the negotiations.
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On the International Day of Forests, Copa-Cogeca underlined the multiple benefits of forests - for the environment, growth and jobs - and highlighted forest holders commitment to ensuring sustainable forests for future generations.
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More than 600 exhibitors from all over the world on 60 000 m2 and more than 60.000 visitors have attended the XX° edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition AGROTECH 2014 which took place in Kielce, Poland, on 7-9 March 2014, this is the second biggest Central and East European agricultural fair with a great exposition of products and innovations.
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At the end of December 2013 the Basic Regulations for the reformed Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) were published in the Official Journal, following their adoption by the European Parliament (EP) and the Council. This includes the regulations i) on Direct Payments, ii) the Common Market Organisation (CMO), iii) Rural Development and, iv) a Horizontal Regulation on the financing, management and monitoring of the CAP.
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Trade fair for fine food retailers and delicatessens presenting high-quality food from dynamic market leaders and exclusive gourmet products form artisan manufacturers.
Thanks to its unparalleled offer of exquisite classics and trendy food TAVOLA appeals to the imagination of more than 18,000 enthusiastic buyers from the retail sector and catering businesses.
The organization follows a number of strict selection criteria in order to guarantee the unique profile of TAVOLA in the gourmet and high-quality food segment. Also the highly professional character, the detailed attention for new products thanks to the contest Golden Tavola and the extremely well-cared-for infrastructure contribute to the quality of the event.
Also on an international level TAVOLA is highly appreciated as a unique, successful and inspiring business forum on a human scale.
Sunday 16 March 2014 (10.00 - 19.00 hrs)
Monday 17 March 2014 (10.00 - 19.00 hrs)
Tuesday 18 March 2014 (10.00 - 18.00 hrs)
Kortrijk Xpo - Doorniksesteenweg 216 - 8500 Kortrijk - Belgium
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Since 1895, New Holland is committed to providing solutions that improve farming efficiency and productivity by using accessible technology.
The long tradition in innovation is also a long tradition for the improvement of the new Roll-BeltTM Round Baler.
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Ahead of the celebration of International Women's Day the European Commission announces the winners of the 2014 EU Prize for Women Innovators. They are Saskia Biskup (Germany, first prize), Laura van 't Veer (The Netherlands, second prize) and Ana Maiques (Spain, third prize). The competition celebrates women who have combined their scientific excellence with a head for business to set up innovative enterprises. It is open to women who have benefited from EU research and innovation programmes.
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The first Competitiveness Council under the mandate of the Greek EU Presidency will take place in Brussels on 20-21 February 2014.
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From 5-7 February, more than 62,000 trade visitors from 141 countries gathered information and did business at the most comprehensive trade exhibition for the international fresh produce sector.
More than 2,600 exhibitors from 84 countries presented their entire range of products and services at all levels of trade (incl. potato exporters), as well as a number of innovations for the sector. These give the sector new impulses and provide even more diverse offers for consumers.
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Like in many regions in the European Union, companies in Wallonia have suffered a lot from the economic crisis over the last years and have only recently started to show signs of recovery. To help SMEs in Wallonia emerge from the downturn and help them participate in the next economic growth cycle, the European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani is travelling to La Louvière today with Daniel Calleja Crespo, Director-General of DG Enterprise and SME Envoy.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of February 2014 will take place in Brussels on 17th February 2014. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Health Commissioner Tonio Borg and Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş. There are no Fisheries points at the agenda of the Council. A press conference will be held at the end of the meeting, around 19.30.
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With an unbroken record of growth since its inception 27 years ago, Gulfood, the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality industry trade show, will feature a host of innovative new features, national pavilions, specialist conferences, high-ranking ministerial summits and pioneering B2B programmes in an evolved segmented format designed to ensure the 2014 edition covers the entire ‘foodservice sector’.
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Continuing the innovation and introduction of new technology for today’s requirements Florigo proudly announce the launched of the “Superior R/K” fryer – an innovative new design of fryer for regular and Kettle or Artisan Style potato chips (crisps).
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Nutreco reviewed business opportunities; concludes that strategic fundamentals of the strategy 'Driving sustainable growth', continue to be valid and strong
Management addresses intended divestment of large non-core businesses and market reality through new organisational structure, providing better execution power
New organisational structure also enhances innovation, partnerships and building up a portfolio of higher value-added nutritional solutions
Viggo Halseth, Chief Operating Officer Aquaculture, becomes Chief Innovation Officer in the new Executive Committee with effect from 6 February 2014 and will step down as member of the Executive Board. Jerry Vergeer, Chief Operating Officer Animal Nutrition and member of the Executive Board will step down from the Executive Board as per 6 February 2014. He will leave Nutreco with effect from 1 July 2014
The intended divestment, fewer sizeable value-creative acquisitions than foreseen and market developments in Norway leads to adjustment of the previous financial guidance to achieve € 400 million EBITA by 2016
New guidance: EBITA-margin to increase in the range from 5.5% to 6.5% (2013: 5.6%). Average organic sales volume growth Animal Nutrition 3% and Fish Feed 5%. Existing value-creative acquisition strategy maintained
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Yesterday, the European Parliament’s Committee for Agriculture adopted with a broad majority on an own-initiative report on plant breeding, looking at options and recommendations to improve crop quality and yields in Europe and highlighting the major issues facing Europe’s farmers and breeders in guaranteeing food security for Europe’s 500 million consumers and a growing world population. ESA European Seed Association welcomes this initiative as an opportunity for an informed and constructive debate on the value and role of plant breeding in modern societies.
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A strong European industry is necessary for fostering growth and competitiveness to sustain the current incipient economic recovery. Therefore the Commission submits to the consideration of the European Council a series of priorities to support the competitiveness of European industry. Today's communication “For a European Renaissance” is the European Commission’s contribution to the 2014 European Council debate on industrial policy.
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Prince Edward Island Potato Packer W.P. Griffin will get a combined investment of $372,490 from the provincial and federal governments to purchase new weighing and bagging equipment.
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Potatoes South Australia Incorporated, the peak industry body for the potato industry value chain, has been awarded funding of AU$409,800 (excl GST) through the Federal Department of Agriculture’s National Landcare Innovation Grants for a two year project which will help develop a more reliable soil Phosphorus test.
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Bayer CropScience is committed to helping raise agricultural productivity in Africa by giving smallholder farmers access to innovations and knowledge, said Marc Reichardt, Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer CropScience and Head of Agricultural Commercial Operations, at the 3rd AGCO Africa Summit in Berlin, Germany.
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Commissioners Maria Damanaki and Günther Oettinger today presented a new action plan to facilitate the further development of the renewable ocean energy sector in Europe. A central element in this action plan will be to establish an Ocean Energy Forum, bringing together stakeholders to build capacity and foster cooperation.
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The first round of negotiations for an EU-China investment agreement will take place in Beijing on 21-23 January 2014. A comprehensive EU-China investment agreement will benefit both the EU and China by ensuring that markets are open to investment in both directions. It will also provide a simpler, secure and predictable legal framework to investors in the long term.
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According to United States Department of Agriculture’s crop production predictions, average potato yield per acre increased during the 2013 season.
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Potatoes South Australia Incorporated, the peak industry body for the potato industry value chain, has been awarded funding of AU$409,800 (excl GST) through the Federal Department of Agriculture’s National Landcare Innovation Grants for a two year project which will help develop a more reliable soil Phosphorus test.
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Today the Members' Council of AVEBE today appointed Henk van Dalen (61) and Peter Poortinga (52) as members of AVEBE's Supervisory Board.
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The European Commission has today adopted three draft laws on animal cloning and on novel food which will provide legal certainty in this field. Two proposals will ban the use of the cloning technique in the EU for farm animals1 and the imports of these animal clones. The marketing of food from animal clones will also be prohibited. These proposals intend to address animal welfare and other ethical concerns related to the use of the technique.
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Dairy Partners Americas, a joint venture between Nestlé and New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra, has opened a new dairy distribution centre in the Brazilian city of Araras.
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On 16 December 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, held a working group in Brussels on the subject of family farming and the implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Copa-Cogeca outlined at a major conference organised by FAO today key measures needed to ensure family farms can meet growing world food demand expected to climb by 60% by 2050.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the release of the new EU Research Work Programme 2014-2015 under Horizon 2020 and the launch of first calls for research projects. The programme will allow farmers and agri-cooperatives to participate and be fully engaged in all project phases, making a vital contribution to the research and innovation agenda.
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Combination brings together the best of both companies to do more for our customers and invest in accelerating the transformation of Sysco and the industry
Total enterprise value of $8.2 billion, representing 9.9x US Foods' trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA of $826 million before synergies
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The 2013 Altran Foundation for Innovation’s award ceremony took place in Brussels last Tuesday December 3d. Mrs. Evelyne Huytebroeck, Minister of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, responsible for Environment, Energy, Water Policy, Urban Renewal, Firefighting and Emergency Medical Assistance and Housing was the President of the jury. The winner of this year’s edition was the GHL Groupe S.A., for its "FlorPro" project.
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The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to determine whether Belgium’s implementation of a system of support for innovative companies is in line with EU rules on state aid.
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Onions, the third largest vegetable crop in the world, form a bulb in response to lengthening days, however the molecular mechanisms controlling this response were not previously known. Research undertaken by Plant & Food Research and the University of Otago has identified the gene controlling bulb development, the first step in discovering genetic markers that can be used as tools to screen conventional breeding programmes for new onion varieties with the right genetic profile.
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A consortium of Flemish companies will, for one year, test an innovative purification system to treat residual water from the sprayer, within the project Modul-H2O with VITO/Vlakwa Open Call. The innovative technologies will be presented for the first time to the general public on the Delvano-booth (BRUSSELS EXPO, Paleis 1, booth 1107) during Agribex.
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The European Commission has today published a Report on "Genetic Resources – From Conservation to Better Use," outlining Commission aims for the period until 2020. While issues of conservation and halting biodiversity loss in agriculture remain a central element, the report highlights the need for a change of rationale with greater emphasis on an increased sustainable use of our genetic resources such as traditional or endangered breeds of animals or plants. The report is accompanied by a second document, reporting on existing programmes, as required by the end of 2013 under the current regulation.
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The European Commission has fined four European North Sea shrimps traders a total of € 28 716 000 for operating a cartel in breach of EU antitrust rules.
The companies are Heiploeg, Klaas Puul, Kok Seafood (all of the Netherlands) and Stührk (of Germany). Between June 2000 and January 2009 Heiploeg and Klaas Puul agreed to fix prices and share sales volumes of North Sea shrimps in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Kok Seafood participated at least from February 2005 and Stührk was involved in price fixing in Germany in the period from March 2003 to November 2007. Klaas Puul received full immunity from fines under the Commission's 2006 Leniency Notice, as it was the first to provide information about the cartel.
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“I welcome today's vote by the European Parliament on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy. This is an important day for European farmers, but also for all EU citizens concerned about the quality of their food and the sustainability of agricultural production methods. The reformed CAP will be better balanced between farmers, regions and Member States, with a special focus on young farmers. It will promote a competitive agricultural sector in Europe enhancing farmer's organisations, innovation and investments. It will be better targeted helping farmers in implementing concrete actions to fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and to increase water and soil quality. Now I look forward to the Council’s formal adoption of the legislative package. In the coming weeks, the European Commission will continue working on delegated acts working closely with experts from the Member States and the European Parliament to insure an efficient and smooth implementation of the political agreement.”
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AVEBE has again achieved a higher performance price over the last year. This performance price was 77.36 Euro per ton of potatoes, therefore exceeding previous year's price of 76.94 Euro per ton. This is an important step forward for AVEBE in the realisation of a structural improvement of returns for its members.
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On 14 November 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, held a working group on the subject of “Innovation in Agriculture: Young Farmers are the Future” at Agritechnica in Hannover, Germany – the biggest agricultural machinery fair in the world. The working group, attended by 50 young farmers from across Europe, followed an announcement made earlier on in the week launching a new partnership between CEJA and Massey Ferguson.
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Today, the European Commission, together with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is launching a new online self-assessment tool for universities to measure how entrepreneurial they are.
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In a strategic move to engage in agricultural water use efficiency, Yara has acquired the German water sensor company ZIM Plant Technology GmbH.
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“Agritechnica 2013 has impressively demonstrated the growing global significance of agriculture and agricultural machinery and equipment. With 2,898 exhibitors and some 450,000 visitors, including 112,000 from outside Germany, the fair has grown yet again.” These were the words of Dr. Reinhard Grandke, CEO of the organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft / German Agricultural Society) at the close of Agritechnica, the international fair for agricultural machinery and equipment. The mood among exhibitors and visitors is positive. It is reflected in a high tendency to invest.
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A survey1 published by the European Commission today reveals a decrease in antibiotic use in humans since 2009 and growing public awareness that antibiotics do not kill viruses.
However, this positive news is overshadowed by data released in parallel by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) showing a marked increase in Europe of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria resistant to the carbapenems – last-line antibiotics used to treat healthcare associated infections.
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New Holland Agriculture, as part of CNH Industrial, and together with the automobile brands of Fiat S.p.A., is an official global partner of World Expo Milano 2015, alongside seven other leading global companies.
New Holland Agriculture will take centre stage with its own Sustainable Farm pavilion, embodying the brand’s industry-leading commitment to sustainable farming.
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New Holland will unveil the Dual Stream header concept at the Agritechnica trade fair in Hannover, Germany, and this concept has already scooped a gold medal for innovation from the Agribex jury. Modern high capacity combines require efficient headers to unlock their full potential. The Dual Stream concept, when fitted to high capacity or Varifeed™ headers, can boost overall capacity by up to 15%, whilst reducing fuel consumption by up to 15%.
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New Holland Agriculture has reached the impressive production milestone of 50,000 TC conventional combines. This achievement will be celebrated in Plock, Poland, home of the TC in Europe, and in Curitiba, Brazil, the Latin American manufacturing plant later this month.
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Every year, the Altran Foundation for Innovation brings together key project holders with engineering experts and contributes to the development of some of the most innovative solutions on the market.
While the theme changes for each edition, the reward remains the same and consists of 6 months of free consulting services in technology & innovation from Altran expert engineers.
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The European Commission has appointed the 15 groups of independent experts to advise on priorities for Horizon 2020, the next EU research and innovation programme. The advisory groups are the most diverse yet, drawing on public, private and civil society sources.
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The world's largest snack maker is widening its own market by mixing sweet with salty in its snacks -- and is rolling out chocolate-covered Lay's Wavy chips for the holidays.
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In response to the need in the South African foodservice industry for a source of online business information that is convenient, credible, reliable and on-trend, McCain Foods (SA) Foodservice Division has launched a brand new website.
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On 29 October 2013, the President of the European Council of Young Farmers, Matteo Bartolini, addressed a high-level conference organised by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) in Brussels, Belgium. The conference, entitled “From a grey deal to a green implementation of the future CAP?” focused on the rolling out of the greening measures and recommendations for biodiversity-friendly Rural Development policy post 2013. The CEJA President spoke on the panel focusing on the final Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) deal, and underlined the importance of young farmers in the environmental sustainability debate in agriculture.
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The Commission, the Council and the European Parliament (EP) have reached a political agreement on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy – subject to formal approval by the Council and the EP as a 1st reading Agreement. Most elements were agreed in trilogue on June 26, and the last remaining issues (linked to the Multi-Annual Financial framework package) were finalised on September 24.
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Kverneland Group has received the prestigious Dutch design award Goed Industrieel Ontwerp (good industrial design), also known as the GIO award, for its new innovative drum mower, the Vicon EXPERT 432F.
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24-25 October 2013
European Parliament plenary debate/Strasbourg
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New research has been funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, to help the potato industry reduce issues caused by an insect intruder – the tomato-potato psyllid.
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On 27 September 2013, EDA organised its annual World Dairy Forum in Cologne, Germany. This year’s forum was entirely dedicated to dairy sustainability and its economic, social and environmental aspects. Mr. Michel Nalet, President of the European Dairy Association, opened the session and said he hoped to gain answers to three important questions: First, ‘How should we measure and communicate about sustainability?’; second, ‘What are the economic, social and environmental aspects of a sustainable dairy?’; and last, ‘What qualifies as dairy sustainability?’.
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Research and development for new crop protection products needed by European farmers is in decline, according to a new analysis of market trends in the EU and around the world.
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The finalists have been announced for the 26th edition of the Food ingredients Europe Excellence Awards Programme. The Fi Europe Excellence Awards coincides with the show and recognises major innovations in the food ingredients industry, across 8 categories. The Fi Europe Excellence Awards 2013 recognises professionals and companies for their ability to demonstrate and stimulate innovation and for their contribution to the food and beverage industry.
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Participating in the Food and Agriculture Organization Ministerial meeting on price volatility in Rome, Commissioner Dacian Cioloş stressed the importance of moving forward in terms of thinking and going beyond the Agricultural Market Information System's (AMIS) success: "The monitoring of agricultural markets will only be effective in vulnerable areas if it is accompanied by agricultural and governance policies, by public and private investments, as well as by trade and more structured regional and sub-regional markets. This means in particular transparent, clear and stable institutional environments." Commissioner Cioloş called in particular for concrete answers to issues in the area of land tenure, research and innovation as well as crisis management. Read the full speech .
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Trelleborg, global developer and supplier of tires and complete wheel solutions for the agricultural industry, will launch ProgressiveTraction™ technology. A concept tire will feature at the AGRITECHNICA 2013 exhibition taking place from 10 to 16 November in Hannover, Germany.
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After more than a decade of research and development, McCain Foods USA is proud to announce the launch of WISE FRIES™ with the new proprietary WISE FRIES™ batter recipe that keeps just enough oil on the outside for great taste and crispness while maintaining the great potato flavor inside.
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On the final day of the Macfrut event, the international exhibition dedicated to the fruit and vegetable supply chain, five Oscar Macfrut Awards for innovation were given.
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The world's largest exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment – Agritechnica, being held at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover from 12 to 16 November 2013 (Preview Days on 10 and 11 November) – will be marked by a veritable fireworks of innovations (also in potato harvesters).
This is reflected in the 393 innovations submitted to Agritechnica organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society). Working on the basis of strict criteria, a neutral Commission of Experts assigned by DLG selected altogether four innovations deserving a Gold Medal and 33 innovations meriting a Silver Medal from among the submissions.
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As Europe’s farmers continue to be confronted with increasing economic and environmental challenges, innovation and research are of vital importance for the agriculture sector to remain competitive.
That’s the main finding of a workshop held in Brussels on 25 September 2013 and jointly organised by ECPA, COPA-COGECA, Fertiliser Europe, ESA and CEMA. More than 100 participants, including farmers, industry, MEPs, European Commission and Council Representatives and other stakeholders, took part in the discussion.
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Government support for agriculture in the world’s leading farming nations rose during 2012, bucking a long-term downward trend and reversing historic lows recorded in 2011, according to the latest version of an annual OECD report.
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FEFANA took the opportunity of the 50th anniversary celebrations to highlight the historical evolution and milestone achievements of the association, with a view over the challenges of The years to come for the industry of Specialty Feed Ingredients (SFIs) and their Mixtures.
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The general technical and social challenges in the coming years, such as the turnaround in energy policy, electromobility and networked production, also termed Industry 4.0, are predominantly driven by technology.
When mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology join forces with the goal of steering development and production via the internet, we speak of Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution after mechanization with hydro and steam power, mass production with the help of electric power, and the digital industrial revolution. This development in industry can also be observed by analogy in agricultural production.
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Sweden, Germany, Ireland and Luxembourg are the EU Member States getting the most out of innovation, according to a new indicator proposed by the European Commission. The "Indicator of Innovation Output" measures the extent to which ideas from innovative sectors are able to reach the market, providing better jobs and making Europe more competitive.
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“And the winner is: HZPC with the Potatoshelf of the future.” With these words the Dutch Minister of Agriculture Sharon Dijksma, announced the winner of the Next Level Innovation Award of PotatoEurope 2013. She stressed the importance of a good quality and presentation of food products which according to her is shown to its right in the winning concept. Second and third prize winners were respectively HLB with the PlantCheck app and Restrain with a product for shelf life extension of packaged table potatoes.
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CEJA President Matteo Bartolini addressed Commissioner Ciolos, Agriculture Committee Chair Paolo De Castro MEP and all 28 EU farm ministers at the Informal Agriculture Council in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 10 September 2013. At this first Informal meeting of Ministers since the political consensus on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was reached on 26 June 2013, the CEJA President seized the opportunity to congratulate the Institutions on the strong measures for young farmers included in the agreement but also called on them to make the most of these by using the measures available in order to secure the European family-farming model.
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At EU Farm Ministers informal meeting in Lithuania today, Copa and Cogeca Presidents underlined the importance of maintaining family farms, handed down for generations, to ensure vibrant rural areas. Research and innovation must be stepped up to enable them to benefit from new technologies to provide over 500 consumers with safe, quality, diverse food products.
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On September 11 & 12 PotatoEurope 2013 takes place in the most famous potato capital of the world; Emmeloord in The Netherlands.
PotatoEurope Emmeloord will be the heart of the international potato industry.
We invite you to be a part of this event and meet colleagues, clients, potential clients, suppliers, researchers and all other services in the potato chain.
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BASF, The Chemical Company, is the world’s leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection.
Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future.
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Harvester specialist the Ploeger Oxbo Group announced in June it had acquired all the shares of SAS Bourgoin Investissements, the Bourgoin Group, headquartered in Bournezeau, France, through a subsidiary of Ploeger Agro France BV.
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Potato Council’s summer ‘Many Faces of Potatoes’ campaign has been hailed a major success, following positive industry and consumer feedback.
The impact of activity, which included national TV advertising and a consumer-facing roadshow, triggered a clear shift in awareness of the healthiness of potatoes, as well as their versatility and convenience.
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The mission of the Foundation is to promote technological innovation for human benefit. In each country, the Foundation selects a specific theme and rewards the best innovative project. This year the Belgian theme will focus on technological Innovation for safe, sustainable & healthy food.
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A team of Argentinian scientists led by Fernando Bravo Almonacid, independent researcher of CONICET at the Institute for Research on Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology (INGEBI, CONICET-UBA), developed potato plants resistant to Potato Virus Y (PVY), a disease that affects more than 50 percent and reduces crop productivity from 20 to 80 percent, in the most severe cases.
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Protection of consumer rights still varies greatly between EU countries. Only 35% of Europeans are confident buying online from sellers in other EU countries and seven out of ten consumers do not know what do to when they receive products that they did not order.
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The doctoral research done by Marijke Verhegghe (published as “Molecular epidemiology of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Belgian pork production chain”) confirms the presence of LA-MRSA (a type of MRSA found in farm animals) in pig husbandry, and reveals the genetic diversity of this bacterium.
The research also focuses on the contamination routes in pig husbandry from the nursery to the butchery. The results show that additional hygiene regulations are needed to reduce the percentage of LA-MRSA in Belgian pig farming.
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The Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives has endorsed the agreement reached between the institutions on 26 June on a new LIFE Regulation. This paves the way for formal adoption of the new funding instrument for the environment by the Council and the Parliament later in the year.
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The European Commission, EU Member States and European industry will invest more than €22 billion over the next seven years in innovation for sectors that deliver high quality jobs. Most of the investment will go to five public-private partnerships in innovative medicines, aeronautics, bio-based industries, fuel cells and hydrogen, and electronics. These research partnerships will boost the competitiveness of EU industry in sectors that already provide more than 4 million jobs.
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According to a new survey, most Europeans would be prepared to change their purchasing habits and buy more environmentally-friendly products, but many feel they lack information and distrust manufacturers' environmental claims.
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The organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschaftsgesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) reports that 2,200 exhibitors from 46 countries have already registered for the international exhibition of agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, to be held in Hanover from 12 to 16 November 2013 (Preview Days on 10 and 11 November).
This encouraging stand booking result is around 10 per cent higher than it was at the same time for the record event two years ago, says Agritechnica Project Manager Freya von Rhade.
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The Commission, the Council and the European Parliament (EP) have today reached a political agreement on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy – subject to formal approval by the Council and the EP as a 1st reading Agreement once the texts have been formalised in all languages. Based on the Commission proposals from October 2011 (see IP/11/1181 and MEMO/11/685), the agreement relates to four basic European Parliament and Council regulations for the Common Agriculture Policy – i) on Direct Payments, ii) the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO), iii) Rural Development and, iv) a Horizontal Regulation for financing, managing and monitoring the CAP.
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The European Parliament, the EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission have reached an agreement on reforming the common agricultural policy (CAP) post 2013. "I am delighted with this agreement which gives the Common Agricultural Policy a new direction, taking better account of society's expectations as expressed during the public debate in spring 2010. This agreement will lead to far-reaching changes: making direct payments fairer and greener, strengthening the position of farmers within the food production chain and making the CAP more efficient and more transparent. These decisions represent the EU's strong response to the challenges of food safety, climate change, growth and jobs in rural areas. The CAP will play a key part in achieving the overall objective of promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth", said Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.
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Copa-Cogeca is glad the European Commission, Council and Parliament chief negotiators struck a preliminary deal on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform today.
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The Agriculture Council meeting of June will take place in Luxembourg starting on June 24, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloş. A delegation of MEPs, headed by EP Agriculture Committee Chairman Paolo De Castro, will also be present in Luxembourg.
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The Commission has launched its search for the 2016 European Green Capital. The European Green Capital Award recognises cities that are at the forefront of environmentally-friendly urban living. The annual award is intended to inspire European cities to take action to become more attractive and healthy places to live, work and visit – cities that are “fit for life”.
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The European Investment Bank has agreed to contribute up to EUR 25m for the Althelia Climate Fund launched this week. The Althelia Climate Fund is a public-private partnership that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on sustainable land use, ecosystem services and forest carbon.
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The European Commission today announced the winners of the European Prize for Innovation in Public Administration. This prize celebrates the most innovative, forward-looking public initiatives which benefit citizens, firms, or the education and research sector.
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Baker Perkins will showcase its technology and services that enable snack manufacturers to take advantage of new market opportunities, at Snackex 2013 in Gothenburg (June 12 - 13, stand 323).
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Yesterday saw about 1 100 biotechnology professionals descend on the Ghent International Congress Center for the ninth edition of Knowledge for Growth, the biggest meeting place for the biotechnology industry in Europe hosted by FlandersBio. “A CEO of a biotechnology company is someone who is constantly raising funds,” says Patrick De Haes, chairman of FlandersBio and CEO of ThromboGenics, the biggest Belgian biotech company.
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On 28 May 2013, CEJA President Joris Baecke addressed all 27 EU Ministers for Agriculture, the European Commissioner Dacian Cioloş, and COMAGRI Chairman Paolo De Castro, on the subject of the CAP reform.
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It’s the free advice every decent florist delivers when you buy their potted plants: how much water they need, and how often. And it’s not just the occasional flower buyer who needs guidance on watering as even experienced farmers can misjudge how much to sprinkle on their crops, leaving them either parched or drenched.
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The European Commission has launched a call for proposals of EUR 31.5 million for the best 45 eco-innovation projects.
Businesses throughout Europe have until 5 September 2013 to put in their proposals for bringing novel environmental solutions to the market in the following 5 areas:
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Of course. Your product must be correct. There must be a need in the export market, which you have been looking at.
Also you need to satisfy all requirements in all kinds of areas, from documentation to and including phytosanitary.
But without going there and building a personal relationship one will not be successful in a foreign market.
A discussion with Piet de Bruijne of Farm Frites about the approach to internationalization follows...
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Nemgenix Pty Ltd, an international agricultural biotechnology company developing new technologies for the control of plant parasitic nematodes and aphids, and SESVanderHave, a leading sugar beet breeding and marketing company, today announced their collaboration to develop a novel nematode resistant trait for sugar beet to address the needs for a long-term resistance strategy to beet cyst nematodes (BCN).
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The European Commission has launched a call for proposals of EUR 31.5 million for the best 45 eco-innovation projects. Businesses throughout Europe have until 5 September 2013 to put in their proposals for bringing novel environmental solutions to the market in the following 5 areas:
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On 14 May 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, and MEP Milan Zver held their third round table on young farmers in the European Parliament in Brussels entitled: “Young farmers ensuring sustainable growth for Europe’s future”.
The event featured a number of high-level speakers from all three European Union (EU) institutions and attracted an audience made up of young farmers from across Europe, a number of MEPs and Member States’ representatives as well as other European stakeholders.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of May will take place in Brussels on 13th and 14th May 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloş and Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki.
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On Saturday, 4 May 2013, the European Commission's in-house science arm opens its doors at the Ispra site in Italy. Thousands of visitors are expected for the traditional bi-annual Open Day.
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Aquaculture can bring safe, healthy and sustainable seafood on our tables, and help us fight overfishing. The global consumption of seafood is constantly increasing, but there is a limit to what our capture fisheries can sustainably produce. Aquaculture can help filling this growing gap in a sustainable way. It also has a positive impact in terms of growth and job creation in coastal and inland areas: based on current labour productivity, each percentage point of current EU consumption produced internally through aquaculture could help create between 3,000 and 4,000 full-time jobs.
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EIB and Puratos, a leading company in its field in the food industry, signed a loan contract for EUR 45 million that will be dedicated to Puratos European research and development programme until 2015.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomes the EU Commissions’ new package designed to advance action on adaptation to climate change.
Copa-Cogeca also welcomed publication of the Commissions’ Green Paper on insurance which looks at natural and man-made disasters and aims to help deal with catastrophes like forest fires, droughts - we will make a positive contribution to it.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of April 2013 will take place in Luxemburg on 22 April 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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EUPPA, the European Potato Processors’ Association, is organising in Brussels (Golden Tulip Hotel) its 1st Congress for the processed potatoes’ sector on 16th May 2013 in Brussels, which will be also an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of EUPPA. The day before EUPPA working Committees and General Assembly will meet.
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Today, the brand new European Heinz Innovation Center in Nijmegen was officially inaugurated by His Royal Highness Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange who will become King of the Netherlands by the end of the month.
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Nemgenix Pty Ltd, an international agricultural biotechnology company developing new technologies for the control of plant parasitic nematodes and aphids, and SESVanderHave, a leading sugar beet breeding and marketing company, today announced their collaboration to develop a novel nematode resistant trait for sugar beet to address the needs for a long-term resistance strategy to beet cyst nematodes (BCN).
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, has been speaking at several high-level events this week on the subject of greening measures in the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Condor AdBlue: maximum effi ciency, minimal impact on the environment
The world needs food, more and more. More effi cient agricultural production and higher yields are neededfrom less cultivated land to satisfy this growing demand. Therefore Agrifac manufactures “Brilliant Simple” machines. For manufacturing Brilliant Simple machines, Agrifac deploys the “4E for growers” concept.
The 4 E’s stand for: Effi ciency, Economy, Ergonomics and Ecology. Every Agrifac product and innovation is developed and designed according to these 4E’s. This enables Agrifac to develop according to customer needs and stay ahead with innovative solutions.
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Celebrating International Water Day, which is dedicated in 2013 to water cooperation, Copa-Cogeca showcased results from its workshop organised together with the European Water Platform (WssTP) on innovative agricultural water management solutions.
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Dairy giant Fonterra has launched a "world-first" bottle that it says will protect milk from light and keep it fresher and tasting better for longer.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of March will take place in Brussels on 18 and 19 March 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Commission will be represented by Dacian Cioloş, Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development.
Both days will be dedicated to agricultural matters as the Council seeks to agree a negotiating mandate on CAP Reform.
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The Macra na Feirme-CEJA Seminar started on Monday morning, with interventions from both the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, and Irish Minister for Agriculture and Chair of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers, Simon Coveney. European young farmers then participated in workshops in the afternoon, during which they analysed and discussed current Rural Development policy in relation to young farmers as well as the European Commission’s proposals for the future CAP. The recommendations by young farmers resulting from these discussions were then discussed and elaborated on in a CEJA working group on Wednesday, compiling them into the Dublin Declaration, which was then adopted.
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Brussels, 7 March 2013
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Today the last deadline to phase out animal testing for cosmetic products in Europe enters into force. As of today, cosmetics tested on animals cannot be marketed any more in the EU.
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New Holland’s BigBaler range of large square balers has further cemented its position as the industry-leader with a coveted SIMA Silver Innovation Medal. The international jury of agricultural experts were particularly impressed by the cutting-edge safety features, which enhance operator safety with a zero-tools approach, whilst maintaining best-in-class outputs.
Furthermore, the BigBaler is just the latest product in the renewed, professional hay and forage product line up, which features the updated FR range of forage harvesters and the new Roll Baler, high density, fixed chamber round baler.
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Colloque de l'INRA, Salon de l'Agriculture / Paris
Le 26 février 2013
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Excellent stand booking figures by manufacturers from home and abroad are emerging for the world’s largest specialist exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment – Agritechnica 2013 – to be held in November this year. Registration figures to date paint a clear picture. Numbers are ten percent up on the figures for the comparable period before the last event in 2011. The organizer, the German Agricultural Society (DLG / Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft ) is therefore expecting attendance by more than 2,700 exhibitors from Germany and other countries this year.
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The European Commission is today bringing together experts to advise a new partnership in agriculture research and innovation. The European Innovation Partnership (EIP) "Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability" (EIP) was set up to help meet the challenges of food security, sustainable resource management and environment preservation. The EIP aims to ensure faster transfer of innovative research results from science into practice, encourages the sharing of knowledge and experience, and will help provide more systematic feedback to the scientific community about what research is needed.
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Joris Baecke, President of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA), was speaking in Kiev, Ukraine on Monday 18 February at a workshop on the subject of young farmers co-organised by the European Commission and the Ukraine Chambers of Agriculture within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Partnership (ENP). Mr Baecke presented CEJA’s work, structure and achievements at EU level in a bid to suggest a model for potential representation in Ukraine.
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New Holland’s BigBaler range of large square balers has further cemented its position as the industry-leader with a coveted SIMA Silver Innovation Medal. The international jury of agricultural experts were particularly impressed by the cutting-edge safety features, which enhance operator safety with a zero-tools approach, whilst maintaining best-in-class outputs.
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Cosun (parent of Aviko) can report an excellent financial result for 2012, with all business activities making a positive contribution.
The result is the fruit of the strategic choices taken and consistently implemented in recent years.
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While the poor price of milk being paid to farmers by supermarkets has often hit the headlines, the same inequality in the supply chain also applied to potatoes, according to Allan Stevenson, chairman of the Potato Council
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The annual Innovation Award is presented for outstanding innovation in the fresh produce sector and its service industries by Messe Berlin and Fruchthandel Magazine Innovation Award is presented for outstanding innovation in the fresh produce sector and its service industries by Messe Berlin and Fruchthandel.
Magazine.Product: On-site biogas plant
Company: GreenWatt SA, Belgium
Website: www.greenwatt.be
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A Dutch technology that could allow farmers to grow lettuce efficiently anywhere in the world has captured imaginations at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, winning the event’s innovation award ahead of a dried apple slice product and a Brussels sprout-kale hybrid.
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The FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award 2013 (FLIA) goes to the "City Farming" system from the Staay Food Group , the Netherlands. Custom greenhouses with specialised LED lighting allow seeds to be cultivated into young plants within 35 days independently of their natural season. Optimum growing conditions make pesticides completely unnecessary. Temperature, irrigation and fertilizing are controlled automatically. City Farming offers a sustainable, environmentally-friendly method of producing healthy food for a rapidly growing global population.
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Numerous ministers of agriculture from around the world welcomed German Food Minister Ilse Aigner at their national stands during her official tour at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. Her first stop on Wednesday afternoon was the stand of partner country Peru. Here, together with Minister of Foreign Trade Jose Luis Silva Martinot, her Peruvian counterpart Milton von Hesse and Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH, she cut the red ribbon, officially opening the 21st FRUIT LOGISTICA. Accompanied by Global Brand Manager Gérald Lamusse, Aigner was then told by Uruguay's Minister of Agriculture Tabare Aguerre that food safety was his key policy focus. Morocco's Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Trade El Aid Mahsoussi spoke highly of his country's produce.
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Copa-Cogeca regretted EU Heads of State and governments’ decision today to make extra cuts in the future EU budget 2014-20 for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), on top of those already proposed by the EU Commission. The decision will mean a 15% reduction in CAP spending, threatening the employment of 40 million in the agri-food sector and millions more in rural areas. With food demand expected to increase by 70% by 2050, it also puts food security at risk.
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Many consumers know about the healthy effects of fruit and vegetables (incl. potatoes), but they no longer have an emotional connection to fresh produce. These were the words of Dieter Krauß, President of the German fruit trade association at the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 opening press conference. He believes that this is due in large part to the retail industry, where fresh produce is advertised almost exclusively on the basis of price. In order to restore consumers' appetites for these healthy sources of vitamins, the fruit trade association has developed the qualification "Fruit and vegetable retail industry specialist".
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2,543 exhibitors from 78 countries present entire value chain of fresh produce trade – Some 55,000 trade visitors from 120 countries come to Berlin – FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award for the innovation of the year – Peru is official partner country – Some 1.6 billion tonnes of fruit and vegetables (incl. potatoes) were produced around the world in 2012
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BASF Plant Science is continuing to strengthen its focus on plant biotechnology solutions to achieve higher yield in plants. BASF will expand its fungal resistance research platform by adding corn as a target crop. At the same time, research activities in Nutritionally Enhanced Corn will be stopped and the European approval processes for potato products will be discontinued.
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Combining leading vegetable and fruit crop genetics with effective chemical and biological crop protection, will help growers to deliver high quality fruit and vegetables that better meet modern food chain requirements.
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Retailers are faced with various challenges that differ according to the size of the business concerned and its specific sector of activity. Global phenomena, such as the financial crisis and its impact on consumers' purchasing power, rising commodity prices, demographic trends, in particular the aging of the EU population and the drive for sustainability, all represent significant challenges for existing retail business models and processes.
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The annual FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award is presented for outstanding innovation in the fresh produce sector and its service industries by Messe Berlin and Fruchthandel Magazine.
The 10 best innovations nominated for the FLIA 2013 by an expert jury, will be presented to more than 55,000 visitors from 120 countries in a special exhibition area at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 in Berlin (6 – 8 February).
During the first two days of the exhibition, visitors will be able to vote for the best innovation of the year. The FLIA 2013 will be awarded to the winning product at a special prize giving ceremony at FRUIT LOGISTICA on Friday, 8 February.
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Today FEFANA - the EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures - proudly celebrates the milestone of its 50 years’ existence
The first statutes of FEFANA were signed on the 22nd January 1963 by the National Associations in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
The founding members had the forward vision of forming a European Association to act as an interface between the feed additives manufacturing industry as a whole and the European Union, then European Economic Community (EEC), and its Member States authorities.
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Kenya is expected to benefit from this bilateral agreement with the government of the Netherlands to produce new varieties of potatoes and boost potato growing in Kenya.
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From protecting seeds to fighting fungal diseases, potato growers face multiple challenges throughout the season and need tools to help them achieve a successful harvest.
Bayer CropScience is showcasing its season-long solutions at its One World to Grow On exhibit at the 2013 Potato Expo in Las Vegas, Jan. 9 -11, 2013.
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Recent consumer potato consumption trends point to significant growth opportunities for the U.S. potato industry, according to new research unveiled yesterday at POTATO EXPO 2013.
The research, conducted by Datassential, a leading food industry market research firm, and sponsored by Bayer CropScience, shows that nearly half (43 percent) of consumers surveyed report they increased their potato consumption last year. Forty-six percent report eating potatoes several times per week at home or away from home, with 14 percent eating potatoes daily or more than once a day.
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In the EU27, 53% of enterprises1 from industry and services reported innovation activity between 2008 and 2010. Among the EU27 Member States, the highest proportions of enterprises with innovation activity were recorded in Germany (79% of enterprises), Luxembourg (68%), Belgium (61%), Portugal, Sweden and Ireland (all 60%), and the lowest in Bulgaria (27%), Poland (28%), Latvia (30%), Romania and Hungary (both 31%).
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Cargill today reported net earnings of $409 million in the fiscal 2013 second quarter ended Nov. 30, compared with $100 million in the same period a year ago. In the first six months, earnings totaled $1.38 billion compared with $336 million in the prior year. Second-quarter revenues rose 6 percent to $35.2 billion, which brought first-half revenues to $69 billion
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Bayer CropScience has signed an agreement to acquire Prophyta GmbH, a leading supplier of microbial crop protection products headquartered in Malchow on the island of Poel in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, along with the company´s R&D laboratories and its state-of-the-art production and formulation facilities in Wismar, Germany.
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We proudly present our latest innovation in the domain of lighting in poultry housing: The Aviled®.
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In Taiwan, a sustainable horticultural production can contribute to achieving energy efficiency in the greenhouse sector and therefore contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
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Organised by Sud de France Développement and the Languedoc-Roussillon Regional Council, the 2013 Medfel event shines the spotlight on citrus fruits and celebrates Egypt as its featured country. For this fifth edition, orange will be the signature colour. This international trade fair for professionals working in the Euro-Mediterranean fruit and vegetable, transport and logistics sectors will be held in Perpignan on 22 - 24 April 2013 at the Parc des Expositions (Exhibition centre).
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Partnerships are key to the success of the global vegetable food value chain, and Bayer CropScience is committed to leveraging its position to help connect the various parts of this chain, and propel the future of farming.
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Developing networking and stronger co-operation with the Member States and strengthening EFSA’s relationship with its institutional partners (EU and international) and stakeholders are among the key recommendations formulated by EFSA’s Management Board.
In accordance with EFSA’s strategy for co-operation and networking with Member States[1], the Scientific Network for Risk Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Food and Feed (hereafter referred to as ‘Nano Network’) was launched in 2011.
The Nano Network had its inaugural meeting in February 2011 and following this, one meeting per year is scheduled.
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Galileo and GMES/Copernicus are complementary systems making use of satellite technologies.
Both systems have their strategic value as each of them has its own mission, which do not overlap. Galileo is essentially a ‘navigation’ system providing a permanent and more accurate than ever positioning and timing services worldwide.
GMES/Copernicus is an ‘Earth observation’ system providing information on the state of our environment and improving the security of our citizens.
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The European Commission is launching a study to assess the impact of recent developments in the European retail sector on consumers. Following calls by stakeholders, the Commission will examine, in particular, whether increased concentration and the use of own brand (private label) products have hampered choice and innovation in the European food sector.
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On 6 December 2012, the European Parliament’s European People’s Party (EPP) political group hosted a European Young Farmers’ Congress organised by Spanish MEP Esther Herranz and Portuguese MEP Nuno Melo.
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The 16th edition of INTERPOM | PRIMEURS in Kortrijk Xpo shot past the record-breaking number of visitors at the last event: with an amazing 17 678 visitors this year, INTERPOM | PRIMEURS clocked up a spectacular 25.7% more visitors.
These statistics prove beyond a shadow of doubt that INTERPOM | PRIMEURS is the most successful specialised indoor trade fair in Europe – or even the world – for professionals from the entire potato, fruit and vegetable chain, from growing to processing and marketing. 2012–13 was a challenging and surprising season for the potato sector and together with the high prices, this was an extra reason to visit INTERPOM | PRIMEURS to keep a weather eye on future market developments and consider new investments.
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EFSA’s new brochure “Science protecting consumers from field to fork” provides a concise overview of the Authority’s role in the EU food safety system.
Europe’s food chain is continually evolving and EFSA’s remit has evolved to cover an increasingly complex number of areas related to the safety of the food chain: food-borne diseases, contaminants, animal health and welfare, plant protection, food production and distribution as well as food sector innovation to name a few.
This brochure shows in a simple yet instructive way how the advice that EFSA provides to risk managers underpins many of the laws and regulations in place to protect European consumers from food-related risks – from field to fork.
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EU leaders from the EU Agricultural Coopertatives Confederation Cogeca unanimously elected in Brussels today Mr Christian Pèes from France as its new President for the period 2013-2015.
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Herbert Engineering has launched Oculus, the next generation in optical sorting for washed and peeled potatoes. See for yourself this new vision in optical sorting on the Herbert stand, no 1100 at this year’s Interpom. With its streamlined appearance and huge range of benefits the new Oculus demonstrates how Herbert has invested in design and innovation to ensure the Oculus is right for the customer.
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Visys NV, the advanced sorting technology provider, today announced it expands its successful vegetables sorting applications towards dedicated potato processing applications.
Visys’ state-of-the-art digital sorting solutions are globally considered, by major food processors, as the leading technology for complex sorting applications.
Visys’ continuous drive for innovation has set the company in a league of its own in product innovation and technology leadership. Visys is now a preferred sorting technology provider for nuts & dried fruits, processed fruits & vegetables and seafood.
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EFSA has completed a full review of all its risk assessment activities and scientific outputs related to bees and bee health. An inventory has been compiled which will now be assessed by EFSA’s scientific experts to identify areas for further cross-disciplinary collaboration as well as data and research needs inside and outside EFSA. These recommendations, which will be shared with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research & Innovation, will be published in a second report next year.
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A unique approach to supporting start-ups by helping society’s most vulnerable groups to find work through self-employment and enterprise, created by the UK organisation Outset, was announced today as the winner of the 6th European Enterprise Promotion Awards. Cyprus, Sweden, Italy, Portugal and Turkey also received prizes for driving enterprise with new and innovative local solutions.
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Last night the European Commission awarded the 6th round of European Enterprise Promotion Awards to public bodies and public-private partnerships who have successfully promoted enterprise and entrepreneurship in 2102. One of the main themes of the 2012 competition was SME funding for entrepreneurs that want to extend their business and enter new markets. SMEs are acknowledged to contribute to economic growth and their job creation potential is impressive; 85% of all new jobs in the EU are provided by SMEs. With this in mind, European public authorities support SMEs with a large number of initiatives.
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This week EFSA celebrated its 10th anniversary. To mark this occasion which also coincides with 10 years of EU General Food law, EFSA in collaboration with the European Commission organised a high level conference in Parma, Italy on 13 November 2012 titled "Ready for the challenges of tomorrow". Gathering international experts in the field, the conference aimed to mark this anniversary by looking back over past achievements and reflected on the best ways to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
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Copa-Cogeca held a major Seminar in Brussels today on implementation in member states of the recently agreed EU milk package. The package focuses on strengthening contractual relations between farmers and processors, in order to improve producers weak position in the food chain and enable them to get a better return from the market .
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More than 300 innovations submitted for EuroTier 2012, of which 19 won Silver Medals and five won Gold Medals – demonstrating the strong innovative power of the sector.
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Continuous fully automatic milking – this is no longer a pipe dream. It has been brought about by a groundbreaking innovation – the World’s first automatic milking stall module for several types of milk parlours. GEA Farm Technologies is pleased to present its product innovation for the first time in the context of EuroTier 2012.
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Hanover, Germany (13 November 2012) At EuroTier 2012, the world’s largest trade show dedicated to agriculture, DeLaval barn system controller BSC™ was awarded the EuroTier silver medal for innovation. The system integrates barn environment and cow comfort to ensure healthy, productive cows and maximum milk yield. It’s the only integrated solution for dairy barns available on the market.
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Without a doubt you have felt something from the earthquake with OptiServe as epicenter! When you think: “earthquake”? Do not worry, because this ‘only’ involves a revolution in optical sorting technique!!!
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The 16th edition of INTERPOM PRIMEURS will be held from Sunday 25 to Tuesday 27 November 2012 in Kortrijk Xpo (Belgium). With the new record number of 255 exhibitors and the entire filling of the exhibition complex at Kortrijk Xpo, INTERPOM PRIMEURS confirms its position as the most specialised indoor trade fair for the whole potato, fruit and vegetable sector in Europe, from the grower right through to processing and marketing.
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Tomorrow, 16 October, will mark the World Food Day. It is unacceptable that tonight, across the world, close to 870 million people - more than one and a half times the population of the European Union - will go to bed hungry.
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Fresh produce industry companies with innovative products or services are invited to apply for the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA)
An official award ceremony on 8 February 2013 will be held to announce the winners of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA).
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PotatoEurope 2012 hosted more than 10,000 visitors over the 12th and 13th of September in Villers-Saint-Christophe, Aisne department, France, surpassing the goals set by ARVALIS and its partners.
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The Macfrut Oscars for innovation livened up the last day of Macfrut 2012, the international exhibition of the fruit and vegetable sector held in Cesena (Italy) from September 26th to 28th.
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Researchers and companies in the EU received a boost today with a new proposal that should provide reliable access to genetic resources from outside the Union.
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Greenvale AP, the UK’s leading supplier of fresh potatoes, has once again proved it is blazing a trail in reducing water consumption in the fresh produce world, scooping a UK Water Efficiency Award 2012 in the Business and Industry category.
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Nanotechnology is delivering major advances today and also has the potential to allow “game changing” technological breakthroughs and rekindle economic growth. In recognition of this fact, the European Commission today adopted a Communication on the Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials, which also includes the Commission’s plans to improve EU law to ensure the safe use of nanomaterials.
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This year’s impressive number of applications for the EuroTier innovation awards has once again confirmed the event’s status as the largest international platform for innovations in machinery, equipment and supplies for the professional livestock sector.
EuroTier organizer DLG (German Agricultural Society) has received more than 300 submissions, from 182 exhibitors across 23 countries, which represents a new all-time high for the EuroTier event.
Notably, around half of the entries come from exhibitors based outside of host country Germany.
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EuroTier represents the largest European and world innovations market for machinery, equipment and farm inputs as well as for management of professional animal husbandry. This year, with 300 innovations submitted by altogether 182 exhibitors from 23 countries, EuroTier has reached an absolute new record. It is noteworthy that around half of the innovations submitted come from exhibitors based outside Germany.
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The world’s top event for professional animal husbandry, EuroTier 2012, being held at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover from 13 to 16 November, has exerted a hitherto unrivalled draw on manufacturers from home and abroad. With 2,336 direct exhibitors and 39 additionally represented companies from 51 countries, including all market leaders, the DLG as organizer can report a new record level. The number of exhibitors is around one quarter higher than at the previous record event two years ago.
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Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, announced today that it is in exclusive discussions with Cargill which may, or may not result in the acquisition of Cargill’s cultures and enzymes business by DSM.
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The European Commission, industry and academia have agreed to launch a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Robotics, to help Europe-based companies take a larger share of the €15.5 billion annual global robotics market. Representatives from European robotics manufacturers, research institutes joined European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes in signing a Memorandum of Understanding, the first step towards a PPP launch in 2013. The Commission believes that the future PPP will strengthen the EU robotics sector.
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The Danish Agriculture and Food Council had on September 10 invited a large number of directors and senior officials from the Danish ministries to visit some of the leading companies within the agricultural and food industries.
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INTERPOM PRIMEURS will be held on Sunday 25 to Tuesday 27 November 2012 in Kortrijk Xpo (Belgium). INTERPOM PRIMEURS is renowned as the most wide ranging platform for information and contacts for the whole fruit and vegetable sector in Europe, from the grower right through to processing and marketing. With three months still to go, we have already beaten the record number of 225 exhibitors at the last INTERPOM PRIMEURS and it is clear that this time, we will be filling almost the entire exhibition complex here at Kortrijk Xpo.
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Texas-based potato producer Pro-Health announces the release of cutting-edge, scannable technology to boost traceability in healthy potatoes.
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The J. R. Simplot Company is planning to begin construction in late 2013 or early 2014 of a new headquarters building in Boise, Idaho.
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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continues to demonstrate its value as the cornerstone of risk assessment for food and feed in the EU and fulfil its obligations to operate in an independent manner, an external evaluation has found. The review also makes a number of recommendations on how the Authority could further improve its performance.
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In the wake of rising food demand, Copa-Cogeca outlined the best ways to maintain the EU’s potential for agricultural production whilst preserving limited resources– especially land and water – at EU Farm Ministers Informal Meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus today.
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Plant Health Technologies (PHT), the proprietary products division of Simplot Growers Solutions (SGS), launched an innovative application for iPhone and Android smartphones customized for crop advisors, applicators, and growers.
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The European Research Council (ERC) has today announced the selection of 536 early-career top researchers for funding totalling almost €800 million. 'ERC Starting Grants' of up to €2 million per project will enable the most promising scientists to develop ideas at the frontiers of knowledge.
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Karel De Gucht European Commissioner for Trade
Seminar on EU-Russia Trade and Economic Relations
Helsinki, Finland 7 September 2012
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GB’s seed potato community will be coming together to keep up-to-date on plant health and variety breeding at this year’s Seed Industry Event at Crieff Hydro near Perth, Scotland on November 20.
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Once again the exhibition of the fruit and vegetable sector awards its guests.
A commission will award four product categories, while the main prize will be conferred according to the visitors’ preferences
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Today’s decision of the European Court of Justice clarifies the legal requirements for the cultivation of GM crops in the European Union Member States. The decision confirms the non-legitimacy of national authorizations introduced in addition to the approval of biotech crops established by the European legal framework, and it also confirms that coexistence measures are not mandatory to grow GM plants.
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Despite increased awareness about the risks of too much sodium in consumers’ diets and pledges from governments around the world to reduce salt levels in food, products with low/no/reduced sodium claims have seen some decline over the past years according to new findings from Mintel. Globally, launches of foods with low/no/reduced sodium claims declined 5% over the 2010/2011 period, appearing on just 2% of total food launches in 2011.
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Wageningen UR and four companies have committed themselves to reinforcing the position of the Netherlands as an innovative livestock breeding country through the Breed4Food initiative. To this end, they signed a declaration of intent on 3 September 2012 in Wageningen.
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Two innovative Dutch agri-food companies, Solynta and FOODSniffer, have been selected to present at the Ag Innovation Showcase in St. Louis Sept. 10-13.
The first company, Solynta, has developed a revolutionary breakthrough in potato breeding technology, unlocking potato’s genetic potential previously deemed inconceivable as well as significantly increasing both efficiency and effectiveness of potato breeding by more than 300%.
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BASF, Cargill and Novozymes have signed an agreement to develop technologies to produce acrylic acid from renewable raw materials.
Presently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived from the refining of crude oil. BASF – The Chemical Company, Cargill and industrial biotechnology company Novozymes will develop bio-based technologies to produce acrylic acid from renewable feedstocks.
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After an incredibly challenging season for potato growers, the ADAS Syngenta 2012 Potato Conference and Exhibition is perfectly timed to provide the essential new technical innovation and marketing inspiration for all growers, agronomists and potato industry specialists.
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On Tuesday 25th September Cesena Fair will host the International Symposium on Strawberries that will focus on the research on, and marketing of, this species, more and more important for European and Mediterranean agriculture
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Top EU businesses expect their investments in research and development to grow by an average of 4% annually over the period 2012 to 2014, according to a Commission survey of some of Europe's companies that invest the most in R&D.
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Novozymes and the Holck-Larsen Foundation have joined forces to work with Danish universities to set up a scientist exchange program – the first of its kind – between India and Denmark.
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Canadian Potato producers received a boost from the federal Government, as Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament Mike Allen (Tobique–Mactaquac) attended the Centennial celebrations at the Potato Research Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick and announced an investment for two innovative potato research projects.
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Cargill today reported $1.17 billion in earnings from continuing operations in the 2012 fiscal year ended May 31, 2012, a 56 percent decrease from a record $2.69 billion in the prior year. Fourth-quarter earnings were $73 million, down 82 percent from $404 million in the same period a year ago.
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DuPont strongly disagrees with the verdict that was reached in favor of Monsanto in Monsanto’s patent case against Du Pont in the United States District Court in St. Louis, Missouri.
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The problem of glut of potatoes causing heavy losses to farmers can now be reduced drastically as the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) has standardized a technology for using potatoes of all kinds including waste from food processing industry, unmarketable small or very large size potatoes for making cattle feed of high nutritional value.
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The international exhibition of the fruit and vegetable sector to be held in Cesena, welcomes delegations from the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center which has been working side by side with the fair since 2005
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In 2011, EU Customs detained almost 115 million products suspected of violating intellectual property rights (IPR) compared to 103 million in 2010. The number of intercepted cases increased by 15% compared to 2010. The value of the intercepted goods represented nearly €1.3 billion compared to €1.1 billion in 2010, according to the Commission's annual report on customs actions to enforce IPR.
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Twelve new members of the governing board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) were appointed today by the European Commission. The new members (see curriculum vitae in annex) will officially take up their positions on July 31.
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The European Commission has today set out concrete steps Member States should take to achieve the European Research Area (ERA), a Single Market for research and innovation in Europe. The goal is to enable researchers, research institutions and businesses to better move, compete and co-operate across borders.
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The European Commission today outlined measures to improve access to scientific information produced in Europe. Broader and more rapid access to scientific papers and data will make it easier for researchers and businesses to build on the findings of public-funded research. This will boost Europe's innovation capacity and give citizens quicker access to the benefits of scientific discoveries. In this way, it will give Europe a better return on its €87 billion annual investment in R&D.
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New record booking level at the world’s leading exhibition for animal production and management - Top level information platform - Showcase for innovations - Specials - International technical programme
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Catering to the growing demand for snack options that pack a rich flavor experience with less fat than traditional potato chips, Lay's Kettle Cooked - one of the brands of PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division - today introduced in the United States two new potato chip flavors with 40 percent less fat than regular potato chips: Lay's Kettle Cooked Applewood Smoked BBQ and Lay's Kettle Cooked Sun-Dried Tomato and Parmesan.
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Dacian Cioloş European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development
Conference on the future of the PAC/Brussels 13 July 2012
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€The European Commission has today announced the final and biggest ever set of calls for proposals for research under its Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).
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On the International Day of Cooperatives whose theme this year is “Co-operative enterprises build a better world”, Cogeca highlighted the benefits of cooperatives in helping farmers to join forces to market their produce and ensure product development through research and innovation.
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Potato Council is seeking nominations for this year's British Potato Industry Award, This prestigious honour is presented to an individual recognised for their outstanding contribution to the GB potato industry.
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The European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have today outlined the way forward for the EU's constructive engagement in the Arctic. The Arctic region is a vital component of the Earth's environment.
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The Danish city of Copenhagen has won the European Green Capital Award for 2014. The award was presented by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at a ceremony in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, the current holder of the title, on Friday evening.
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East African farmers, who are mostly small-scale, currently select their seed potatoes from the mass of harvested potatoes. That results in lots of virus diseases and potato brown rot, as well as low yields of an average of 10.5 tons per hectare.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2012/13 marketing year today, claiming EU production is expected to drop slightly by 1.4%, compared to last year, despite a slight increase in area. In view of the severe weather conditions, farmers had to re-sow over 1.5 million hectares but were restricted by a lack of commercialised seed.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 oilseeds estimates for the 2012/13 marketing year today, showing a 3.2% drop in production, compared to last year, mainly as a result of lower yields.
The need for increased research and innovation is consequently crucial.
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DESIGN AND FOOD, THE “TOTAL FOOD CONNECTION”…
“The best way to anticipate and fit in to the future worldwide food market is to take part in one of its major events… SIAL provides the rare opportunity to obtain the big picture of our possible futures in five days,” says Olivia Milan-Grosbois, the food exhibition’s new manager.
140,000 visitors, 6,000 exhibitors, 200 countries represented… Being a global showcase implies a certain number of obligations and a few missions, which SIAL is proud to accomplish in a consistent and forward-looking manner. Considerable energy is therefore employed to help the food industry players anticipate, understand, analyse, select, decide and… act! From major trend to the slightest stirrings in the market, SIAL relentlessly aims to provide an overview of global food innovation and to reveal the upcoming organoleptic, biological and urban consumer trends across the world.
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The meeting for the European potato sector in 2012, part of the PotatoEurope* process
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On 28th and 29th June, EU leaders will come together at the European Council to agree on a comprehensive package of measures to boost growth and jobs in the European Union, a "Compact for Growth And Jobs".
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Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Development
European Commission's side event on Agriculture /Rio de Janeiro
21 June 2012
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Dacian Ciolos, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development
DG AGRI/DG DEVCO side event: Agriculture the way towards sustainability and inclusiveness G20/Rio de Janeiro
21 June 2012
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The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş and the Brazilian Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Mendes Ribeiro Filho have signed today in Rio de Janeiro a Memorandum of understanding to establish a dialogue on agriculture.
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In a bid to promote and stimulate innovation, Cogeca held a major Ceremony at European Parliament today presenting the 2012 European Award for Cooperative Innovation, with MEPs Britta Reimers, Christel Schaldemose and Michel Dantin.
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The European Commission has launched a public consultation with the aim to gather inputs from stakeholders and citizens on the scope of possible future EU-level actions in demand-side policies for industrial innovation policy.
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Twenty years after the original earth summit, the UN decided the theme this time around would be two-fold:
1) the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication
2) the global governance for sustainable development
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Between 18 and 22 June 2012, an estimated 150,000 people across Europe will discuss energy efficiency and renewables during the seventh edition of the EU Sustainable Energy Week. The European Commission is organising a high-level policy conference in Brussels which would allow for a first public debate on the issue of investing in higher energy efficiencies and a wider use of renewable energy sources.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Luxembourg on Monday, 18 June 2012, under the presidency of Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Ms Mette Gjerskov. After Tuesday's meeting [June 12] on fisheries issues, this meeting will discuss agriculture, health and animal welfare issues, and the Commission will be represented by Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloş and Health & Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli.
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Tate & Lyle, a global provider of ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage and other industries, today officially opened its new Commercial and Food Innovation Centre in the Hoffman Estates suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
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Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 Brussels, 13 June 2012
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The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, and China Minister for Agriculture, Han Changfu, signed today in Beijing a Cooperation Plan on Agriculture and Rural Development.
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The final Environment Council under the Danish Presidency will be held on 11 June in Luxembourg. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission. Ministers are expected to adopt conclusions on the framework for the 7th EU Environment Action Programme. Conclusions will also be adopted on preparations for international negotiations on the Biodiversity Convention and the Biosafety Protocol.
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At EU Farm Ministers Informal Meeting today, which focused on enabling the EU agri-food sector to contribute to a green transition of our modern economy, Copa-Cogeca outlined measures to ensure green growth in the future under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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MACFRUT is well known and appreciated in Poland also because it provides the perfect opportunity for businesses and professionals to interact more “directly”.
These are the words of Miroslaw Maliszewski, President of PAP (Polish Fruit Growers Association), who pointed out that Italian technologies in the agricultural sector rank among the best worldwide. He also stressed that Polish fruit and vegetable growers are more than willing to learn from the experience gathered by Italian Producers Organizations.
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Celebrating International Milk Day, Copa-Cogeca drank to the nutritious benefits of milk at the White House in Washington.
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Business leaders voting on a series of questions posed at the State of The European Union conference expressed belief in the European Dream and an optimistic outlook on the future of both the EU and the Eurozone.
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The EU Competitiveness Council will meet in Brussels on Wednesday, 30 and Thursday, 31 May chaired by Mr Ole Sohn, Danish Minister for Business and Growth and Mr Morten Østergaard, Danish Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education.
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The spring Consumer Scoreboard published today on the occasion of the European Consumer Summit 2012 shows that in 2011 for the second year running after the fall in 2009 there were improvements in many EU countries.
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EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik has announced the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2012 at an evening ceremony at Green Week. The five winners reflect contributions to sustainable development in: management, product, and process innovation respectively, international business cooperation, and business and biodiversity.
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The Belgian potato-processing industry continued to grow in 2011 for its entire product segment, as shown by the annual production data published by Belgapom, the Belgian federation of the potato trade and processing sector.
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Marks & Spencer is launching a brand new, loose skinned new potato variety this summer called Athlete.
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Europe's largest environment conference kicked off today under the banner “The Water Challenge – Every Drop Counts”. This year's edition of Green Week is dedicated to water, and will see some 3000 participants gather for three days to discuss water-related issues.
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The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announces the 2012 AEM Hall of Fame program. Online nominations will open in June; check the website for details (www.aemHallofFame.com).
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The European Commission welcomes the "New Alliance to improve Food and nutrition security" launched today, on the eve of the G8 Summit. The EU has been an active partner in the preparation of the "New Alliance" which aims at boosting productivity, domestic and international private sector investments and supporting innovation and technology in Africa.
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Since time immemorial, plants have been crucial to our survival and prosperity. From the world’s first “green revolution” – the invention of agriculture – in the Middle East, to today’s high-tech agribusiness, plants have been at the centre of our diets, economy and much more. Plant cells produce biomass from simple chemical building blocks in the air and the soil, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water, using the sun as a ‘for-free’ energy source.
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Four years ago the ALL CANDY EXPO officially rebranded itself as the SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO and welcomed snack companies to exhibit. In that time, snack company's participation at the EXPO has grown.
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Of all EU-funded policies, the Common Agricultural Policy has the greatest potential to deliver biodiversity on farmland and help meet the EU's 2020 biodiversity targets, according to a new study carried out by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).
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European agriculture will have to overcome major challenges in the years and decades to come, including food security, environmental protection, climate change, preservation of the rural environment and farmers' standard of living. It is therefore a fundamental issue for Europe, especially as agricultural land covers 47% of European territory and Europe has almost 12 million farms, of which 70% are small farms of less than five hectares," declared René Souchon (PES, France), president of the Auvergne region and CoR rapporteur for the opinion on the future of the CAP, which was adopted by a large majority.
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Today, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli, launches the fourth consecutive annual health prize for journalists. To have a chance to win the top prizes, journalists are invited to submit articles on:
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At today’s high level Conference “Cooperatives Working Towards a Fair and Competitive Food Supply Chain” organised by Cogeca and Euro Coop in Brussels, participants highlighted the benefits of the set of fair practices recently agreed to by all actors along the food chain, including farmers, agri-cooperatives, traders, food industry, consumer cooperatives and other retailers.
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INTERPOM | PRIMEURS is renowned as the most complete information and contact platform for the whole potato, fruit and vegetable sector in Europe, from growing to processing. The unequalled range of exhibits, strong focus on quality, professional character and friendly atmosphere at the event never fail to mobilise everyone in the sector in Europe and increasingly in other continents too, to home in on Kortrijk Xpo every two years.
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The international exhibition on the fresh produce industry is getting ready for its next edition, which will take place in Cesena (Italy) from September 26 to September 28. This year the exhibition, which as in previous years will see the participation of many exhibitors and which will offer many events for professionals, has a new graphic image.
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Last week, CEJA President Joris Baecke spoke in a European Economic and Social Committee Conference on the subject of ‘Young farmers in the world and in the future’. Underlining the importance of young farmers to the future of European agriculture, Mr Baecke highlighted the significance of research and innovation in relation to greening and food security measures, and the need to have farmers to implement them.
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The European Economic and Social Committee organised a conference on 20 and 21 March to mark the 50th anniversary of EU farming policy. The aim of the conference was not only to celebrate the CAP but also to highlight the future challenges and opportunities facing the EU, regarding this key policy, and to express the expectations of European civil society.
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To simplify the Common Agricultural Policy after 2013, adjustments are needed to the current legislative proposals. In particular, the complexity of the direct payments proposal needs to be tackled.
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Bluefin tuna is so highly prized that it is being driven to extinction from the high seas due to intensive and often illegal fishing. A European research project has found a way of breeding tuna in floating cages, potentially saving the coveted fish.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels on 19 and 20 March. It will be chaired by Mrs Mette Gjerskov, Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Commissioners Maria Damanaki and Dacian Cioloş will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries The future of aquaculture "The future of aquaculture" - Conference organised by the EP Intergroup “Climate change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development” of the European Parliament
Brussels, 7 March 2012
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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published implementing rules related to Declarations of Interest (DOIs), one of the cornerstones of its recently adopted Policy on Independence and Scientific Decision-Making Processes. The rules related to Declarations of Interest (DOIs) continue to strengthen the procedures in place for screening and managing interests declared by those involved in EFSA’s activities.
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Dacian Cioloș Member of the European Commission Responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development Getting ready for agricultural research and innovation Conference on research and innovation in agriculture.
Brussels, 7 March 2011
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More than 300 stakeholders, researchers, academics and officials are meeting in Brussels today for a Conference on "Enhancing innovation and the delivery of research in EU agriculture". This conference will mark an important step in the discussions on the ways to enhance innovation and the translation of research results in the farming sector, as outlined in the Commission's CAP reform legislative proposals on 12 October 2011.
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The European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on "Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability" for the period from 2014-2020 aims to address probably the two most fundamental challenges faced by European agriculture in the early 21st century – how to increase production and productivity in order to respond to the significant growth in global food demand (caused by population growth, changes in dietary patterns and the slowdown in productivity growth); and how to improve sustainability and resource efficiency (e.g. inputs of water, energy, fertilisers and pesticides) and address environmental issues (such as biodiversity loss). In short, it will address the challenges of "not only how to produce more, but also how to produce better".
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The European Commission has today proposed decisive action to meet three key challenges facing our society, in areas that are crucial to growth and jobs: the supply of raw materials, sustainable agriculture, and active and healthy ageing. All three require a more concerted innovation effort across the public and private sector, in order to improve quality of life and position Europe as a global leader.
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Copa-Cogeca highlighted the need to step up international agricultural research and investment at a major Conference on Trade, Development and Agriculture held in Denmark today. This is crucial to ensure food security and sustainable development world-wide, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen stressed at the event.
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Copa-Cogeca held a major Workshop on Research and Innovation in Brussels today calling for research to be stepped up. With food demand on the increase, resources dwindling and climate change imposing additional pressures, it is crucial to boost agricultural productivity whilst further improving resource efficiency ”, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen insisted.
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The European Commission has today adopted a strategy to shift the European economy towards greater and more sustainable use of renewable resources. With the world population approaching 9 billion by 2050 and natural resources finite, Europe needs renewable biological resources for secure and healthy food and feed, as well as for materials, energy, and other products.
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Almost all Member States have improved their innovation performance according to the Innovation Union Scoreboard 2011. However, innovation performance growth is slowing down and the EU is not closing the persistent gap with global innovation leaders US, Japan and South Korea.
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2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the implementation of the EU's Common Agricultuure Policy (CAP), a cornerstone of European integration, that has provided European citizens with 50 years of food security and a living countryside.
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The European Commission has launched a Europe-wide public debate on corporate restructuring and anticipating change. The consultation will run until 30 March 2012. The aim is to identify successful practices and policies in the field of restructuring and adapting to change. The results will feed into the upcoming employment package and should help to improve further cooperation between workers and employers' representatives, government, local and regional authorities and the EU institutions.
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Sara Lee Corp. (NYSE: SLE) today announced it has acquired Tea Forté, a Massachusetts-based leader in the ultra-premium tea category, for an undisclosed sum.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today first estimates from Eurostat showing EU farm incomes rose on average by 6.7% in real terms this year, compared to 2010, driven by the favourable price developments in the cereals sector in the first half of the year. But Copa-Cogeca warned that these are only preliminary estimates and could change as they do fully reflect the recent drop in grain prices.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels on 15 and 16 December. It will be chaired by Mr Marek Sawicki, Polish Minister for Agriculture & Rural Development. Commissioners Maria Damanaki, John Dalli and Dacian Cioloş will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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The Commission proposes to allocate EUR 3.2 billion over 2014-2020 to a new Programme for the Environment and Climate Action - LIFE. The proposed new programme will build on the success of the existing LIFE+ Programme but will be reformed to have a greater impact, be simpler and more flexible and have a significantly increased budget.
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Despite the bad weather conditions, Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 oilseeds estimates for the 2010/11 and 2012/13 marketing year today, confirming a good EU harvest this year and a stable outlook for next year. This is a result of new improved productive varieties and demonstrates the need for research and innovation.
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This is the Economic Dossier of Fedagrim, the Belgian Federation for Agricultural, Horticultural, Livestock Breeding and Gardening equipment. In this Dossier, we present an
economic Balance Sheet of the past year. We place the figures relating to Fedagrim members in a broader context, pointing out certain opportunities, while at the same time focusing attention on some threats. The Dossier offers a guide and barometer for the mechanisation sector in particular, and the agricultural, livestock, gardening and green zones sectors in general.
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"One year ago, the European Commission presented a legislative package to strengthen the European milk sector. This morning's informal agreement reached in first reading under the co-decision procedure by the European Parliament and the Council is a very significant step forward for the European milk sector. Once it is formally endorsed by the three institutions and enters into force, it will prepare the milk sector for the new economic context and reinforce the position of the dairy producers in the supply chain. Producers' organisations will have all the necessary tools to better promote their work in the food chain. This new regulation will open the way towards a modern management of agricultural markets, less bureaucratic, better organised between the public authorities and private actors with tools tailored to the new economic challenges. These tools will replace instruments that have lost their effectiveness and did not prevent the 2009 dairy crisis".
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The European Commission has proposed a new fund for the EU's maritime and fisheries policies for the period 2014-2020: the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The Fund will help deliver the ambitious objectives of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and will help fishermen in the transition towards sustainable fishing, as well as coastal communities in the diversification of their economies. The fund will finance projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts. Red tape will be cut so that beneficiaries have easy access to financing.
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The current Competitiveness and Innovation Framework programme (and predecessor of the new Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs", COSME) focuses on financial instruments for enterprises, the Enterprise Europe Network, Entrepreneurship and better framework conditions for enterprises in the EU.
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EU EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will travel to Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday 22 November to attend the 2011 European Business Awards.
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EU Farm Commisisoner Dacian Ciolos awarded Copas’ Innovation Prize for Women Farmers to Irish dairy farmer Anne Moore at a major Presentation Ceremony organised by Copa in Brussels today.
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With about 25,000 patients dying per year in the EU from infections caused by drug resistant bacteria and related costs of over 1.5 billion euros in healthcare expenses and productivity losses 1 , antimicrobial resistance is a growing health problem in the EU. Today, on the eve of European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the European Commission has tabled a comprehensive Action Plan on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which unveils12 concrete actions to be implemented in close cooperation with the Member States.
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The agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers have come to this year's Agritechnica in an exceptionally strong economic upswing phase. "It really is extraordinary how dynamically the agricultural machinery industry has grown this year", said VDMA Managing Director Dr. Bernd Scherer at the press conference opening the world's largest exhibition in the sector in Hanover on Monday.
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New Holland Agriculture reaffirms its role as Clean Energy Leader by announcing the release of the new hydrogen-powered NH2™ tractor, which will have its world preview at the Agritechnica show in Hanover (13 – 19 November 2011).
“The new NH2™ has evolved from the concept that won the Gold Innovation Medal at SIMA 2009. It was developed in collaboration with CRF”, said Riccardo Morselli, Innovation Product Development, “a process that has involved equipping the new machine with all of the features required to ensure it will deliver the kind of performance associated with a conventional diesel tractor, both in the field and on the road”.
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Dr. Bernd Scherer, Managing Director of VDMA Landtechnik.
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Higher cheese prices and profits from property sales helped Dairy Crest to a strong financial performance for the period ending September 30, according to city analysts.
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The use of additives1 in food will soon become even safer and more transparent than it currently is thanks to two pieces of legislation adopted by the European Commission.
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Agrifac is a producer of agricultural sprayers, sugar beet harvesters, potato harvesters and drain cleaning equipment. As a specialist in self-propelled agricultural sprayers, Agrifac is expanding its line to include a Condor with a maximum ground clearance of up to 200cm, ClearancePlus.
This “tall” Condor is also developed in line with the “4 E’s for growers” concept.
The four E’s stand for: Efficient, Economical, Ergonomic and Ecological. By linking all new products to these 4 E’s, Agrifac is always one step ahead in development and innovation.
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Today, the European Commission adopted proposals for the new Health for Growth and Consumer Programmes. The two programmes aim to foster a Europe of healthy, active, informed and empowered citizens, who can contribute to economic growth.
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EU Customs and Taxation policy make a substantial contribution in helping to raise revenues for the EU and Member States' budgets every year. In addition, these policies deliver considerable benefits to EU citizens and business, whether it is through blocking unsafe or illegal imports, facilitating smooth trade and a strong Internal Market, or cutting compliance costs and red tape for cross-border companies.
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The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of Synthes Inc. by Johnson and Johnson, both US companies active in the area of orthopaedic medical devices. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 19 March 2012, to take a final decision on whether the transaction would reduce effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA)1.
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Kraft Foods yesterday officially opened its new European Biscuit Research and Development Centre in Saclay, France, a suburb of Paris. This new facility will support product development for many of Europe's most beloved biscuit brands, including LU, belVita, Oreo, Mikado, Prince, Saiwa and TUC. Kraft Foods Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld was on hand for yesterday's ribbon cutting, which represents the culmination of a two-year-project, with a total investment of euro 15 million (approximately $20 million).
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Development of more environmentally friendly ship engines and power plants will receive a boost thanks to a loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Wärtsilä, a leading supplier of power solutions for the marine and energy markets.
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Effectively addressing the challenges of delivering sustainable agriculture demands a multidisciplinary approach which integrates social, environmental, economic and R&D dimensions, according to a new study presented in Brussels today by the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition (BCFN).
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Luxemburg on 20 (starting at 10.00) and 21 October, under the presidency of Mr Marek Sawicki, Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki, Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloş, and Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dali will represent the Commission.
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Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil and bioproducts company, announced the continuation and expansion of its relationship with Unilever, one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies. The Commercial Development Agreement, which is funded by Unilever, expands the companies’ current research and development efforts and is the fourth agreement the parties have entered into.
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The European Commission's 2011 "EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard" shows that R&D investment by top EU companies recovered strongly in 2010, with a 6.1% rise following a 2.6% decrease in 2009. However, data for the world's top 1400 companies show EU companies as a whole lagging behind major competitors from the US and some Asian economies on R&D growth. There was a general positive trend in 2010, as global R&D investment increased by 4%, a robust up-turn after the 1.9% drop observed in 2009.
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Today saw the launch of "Generation Awake. Your choices make a world of difference!" an EU campaign designed to encourage consumers to make resource efficiency habit. The campaign was unveiled in Poland by European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Polish Environment Minister Andrzej Kraszewski. Its aim is to raise awareness about the need to use scarce natural resources wisely, and to encourage citizens to think about their impact on the planet when making purchasing decisions.
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On 18 October 2011, the European Commission will organise a conference on the 'socio-economic dimensions of GMO cultivation'. This conference will take place in Brussels under the chairmanship of EU Commissioner John Dalli.
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The Common Agricultural Policy is due to be reformed by 2013. After a wide-ranging public debate the Commission presented on 18 November 2010 a Communication on "The CAP towards 2020", which outlines options for the future CAP and launched the debate with the other institutions and with stakeholders. On 12 October 2011 the Commission presented a set of legal proposals designed to make the CAP a more effective policy for a more competitive and sustainable agriculture and vibrant rural areas.
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The Commission has today published proposals for Four basic Council regulations for the Common Agriculture Policy – i) on Direct Payments, ii) the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO), iii) Rural Development and, iv) a Horizontal Regulation for financing, managing and monitoring the CAP. In addition, there are 3 smaller regulations to address transition arrangements to the new rules. The package also contains: An Explanatory Memorandum; Citizens Summary; and Annexes linked with different aspects of the Impact Assessment.
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The European Commission has presented today a draft reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period after 2013. This draft aims to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and permanence of agriculture throughout the EU in order to secure for European citizens a healthy and high-quality source of food, preserve the environment and develop rural areas.
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The Committee of the Regions (CoR) yesterday evening welcomed EU plans to keep industry jobs in Europe while reducing the sector's carbon emissions. Regaining European leadership on the world stage will require concrete improvements to the regulatory framework, Patxi López (ES/PES), President of the Basque country, said before a debate with EU industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani at the CoR plenary session in Brussels.
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Reacting to EU Commission proposals on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Copa-Cogeca called for more emphasis to be put on measures which improve the profitability and productivity of the EU agriculture and agri-food sector, as well as benefiting the environment.
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TOPIGS and Schothorst Feed Research are going to collaborate. In its stalls, Schothorst Feed Research will do research for TOPIGS. The information obtained will be used for TOPIGS’ breeding programme. With this move, Schothorst Feed Research will take over the tasks of TOPIGS’ experimental farm in Beilen. This pig farm will cease its research activities and be sold.
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The exhibition of the fresh produce industry opened yesterday, Wednesday 5 October, and will end on Friday 7 October.
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EU cohesion policy has been a force for change over the last ten years, making a genuine contribution to convergence and growth in the EU and directly creating over one million jobs, investing in training to improve the employability of over ten million people, co‑financing the construction of over 2 000km of motorway and 4 000km of railway and setting up at least 800.000 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
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Bigger, faster, wider – these attributes continue to characterize many developments in agricultural machinery and equipment. However, their significance is being increasingly and universally upstaged by a constant flow of new developments in electronics and sensor technology. Today, it is these factors that largely determine the degree of innovation of systems and machinery with the goal of making processes even more efficient, precise, environmentally sound and cost-saving.
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This year's Agritechnica will be bigger than ever and this is also reflected in the number of innovations presented. With over 2600 exhibitors from 48 countries in 24 halls, Agritechnica 2011 promises a huge display of innovations.
From among the over 300 innovations presented, an impartial commission of experts appointed by the DLG and judging on the basis of stringent criteria has selected altogether two innovations for Gold Medals and 39 innovations for Silver Medals. The winning exhibitors are:
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Today in Finland, young scientists from Ireland, Switzerland and Lithuania were awarded the highest accolade at the 23rd European Union Contest for Young Scientists. Their prize winning science projects in computing, engineering and medicine were selected by an International jury as the best from among the 87 projects from 37 countries which were presented at this 5-day event.
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On Wednesday, 28 September, the European Commission's in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) will host a one-day conference at the European Commission's Charlemagne building in Brussels to discuss how research, technology and innovation can contribute to securing food for all.
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The European Commission today launched a public consultation on strengthening EU measures to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases, a group of industrial gases which are extremely powerful contributors to global warming.
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Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will visit Dublin and Galway from 22 to 23 September 2011 to present and discuss with Irish stakeholders the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), proposed by the Commission in July.
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Today the European Commission set out a 'roadmap' aimed at transforming Europe's economy into a sustainable one by 2050. The Roadmap to a resource-efficient Europe outlines how we can achieve the resource efficient growth which is essential for our future wellbeing and prosperity.
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The Polish Presidency is preparing the Union to the "Environment for Europe", that is a meeting of European states and Central Asia - this year it is devoted to the future of green economy in our region of the world. In a multi-national group, the ministers of environment will decide about the future involvement in the sustainable water management. Environment for Europe - but what about Europe and Asia for the environment?
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Dacian Cioloș, Member of the European Commission Responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development
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Bayer CropScience today revealed a new four pillar strategy for future growth at the company’s annual press conference in Monheim, Germany. Sandra E. Peterson, CEO of Bayer CropScience, outlined the company’s commitment to drive business growth by focusing on four key objectives, including:
1.) Rejuvenate its core Crop Protection business
2.) Reinvent customer-centricity along the entire value chain (seed-to-shelf),
3.) Refocus its innovation through increased R&D investment
4.) Extend the company’s BioScience business
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The European Commission has set a clear target for increasing the numbers of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other legal practitioners trained in European law. In a policy paper agreed today, the European Commission aims to ensure that half of all legal practitioners in the European Union – around 700,000 – participate in some form of European judicial training by 2020.
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Nearly 23 700 workers dismissed due to economic crisis and major structural changes in world trade patterns were helped by the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) last year, according to a report adopted today by the European Commission – more than double the number of workers helped by the Fund in 2009.
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Top R&D investing companies based in the EU expect their global research and development (R&D) investments to grow by 5% annually from 2011 to 2013. This is more than double last year's expectations, and represents a significant upturn from the 2.6% R&D cuts in investment implemented by these companies in 2009.
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Paul Bulcke, Nestlé CEO: “Nestlé continued to make good progress in a period characterised by political and economic instability, natural disasters, rising raw material prices and, yes, a strong Swiss franc. This has made for an extremely tough, volatile and competitive environment. But by leveraging our competitive advantages, investing behind our growth drivers and excelling in operational efficiency and effectiveness, we managed to drive growth not only in emerging markets but also in developed countries, especially in Europe. Furthermore we improved our trading operating margin while increasing investment in our brands. For the full year, we expect organic growth at the top end of the 5% to 6% range, combined with a margin increase in constant currencies.”
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The European Commission has decided to allocate an additional €12 million from the EU's Research Framework Programme to reinforce Europe's capacity for tackling pathogens like the virulent Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria that recently infected close to 4,000 people in Europe and killed 46.
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Scientists on the European Food Safety Authority’s NDA Panel[1] have reached a major milestone in their work on health claims by publishing evaluations of the last group of ‘general function’ claims[2], excluding those related to botanical substances.
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Today the European Commission agreed to measures that should make a significant contribution to getting some of the EU's most troubled economies back on track.
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The European Commission has (today) approved funding for 183 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union's environment fund. The projects involve all EU Member States and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, climate change, clean technology, environmental policy and information and communication on environmental issues. Overall, they represent a total investment of some €530 million, of which the EU will provide €244 million.
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Products containing the natural sweetener steviol glycoside could be placed in the EU market as early as next year after the Member States endorsed yesterday a Commission proposal authorising the use of the sweetener in several categories of foodstuffs.
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At a high-level meeting on the future of the EU beef sector, Copa-Cogeca highlighted the crisis facing the sector and called on the EU Commission to take immediate action to improve the drastic situation.
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Arranging a cross border emergency rescue, preventing major environmental damage or comparing energy consumption of buildings in different countries will soon be faster and easier thanks to improved data sharing in the EU.
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The European Commission adopted today a draft regulation that will better inform consumers across the EU and achieving the aim of better and clearer legislation.
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Will your city be the next European Green Capital? Today the search to find the city that will inherit the prestigious title in 2014 begins. Four cities – Stockholm, Hamburg, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Nantes – have been awarded the title so far, from 2010 to 2013 respectively.
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Energy-intensive manufacturing industries are facing significant additional costs for their green house gas (GHG) emissions with the entry into force of the revised EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) as of 1 January 2013.
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Brussels, 1 June 2011. Standards are a decisive tool in international competition. Consumers should not be obliged to change several chargers for their electronic devices. And a mass diffusion of electric cars will not happen without common standards for their recharge. Mobile phone or software companies are publicly showcasing their battle for the leadership of their respective standards. No doubt, a good standard can ease consumers' life, promote sustainability, enhance European competitiveness and technological leadership in global markets.
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After many years of very close co-operation, in order to continue and strengthen this partnership, an agreement has been finalised stipulating that AGRISTO, located in Harelbeke, Belgium, will purchase all the shares of WILLEQUET, located in Nazareth, Belgium.
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Low-cost catfish fillets sold as expensive sole fillets or cod caught in the North Sea but declared as originating from the Baltic Sea are both examples of types of fraud in the fisheries sector.
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Young farmers need more policy measures from the CAP 2013 reform according to a report adopted today by the EU Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (COM AGRI).
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This year's Green Week (24-27 May) focusing on resource efficiency (see IP/11/631) is highlighting research and innovation issues in a series of public events (programme available here) at the main Green Week venue at the Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi 170, Brussels and in a new online publication " Innovation for Resource Efficiency ".
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Opening today, Green Week 2011 launches a call for citizens to “use less and live better”. During the conference’s four days, over 3500 participants will look for ways to use our planet’s resources more sustainably. This year's Green Week gathers participants from a wide variety of backgrounds, including EU institutions, business and industry, non-governmental organisations, public authorities, the scientific community, academia and the media.
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The launch of the first two operational satellites of the EU's global navigation satellite system will take place on 20th October, the European Commission announced today. This is just the first of a series of launches due to take off from Europe's Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana.
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Janez Potocnik European Commissioner for Environment Reaching for resource efficiency and innovation in the chemicals sector Chemicals Forum Helsinki, 19 May 2011
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An iPhone app from Nofima will assist fishmongers to evaluate how fresh a batch of fish is. The app was launched Wednesday at the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels.
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The European Commission is seeking views from citizens, businesses, public administrations and other interested parties on how to fully benefit from 'cloud computing'. Cloud computing enables companies, public administrations and individuals, using networks such as the internet, to access their data and software on computers located somewhere else. It can help businesses – especially SMEs – to drastically reduce information technology costs, help governments supply services at a lower cost and save energy by making more efficient use of hardware. Cloud computing is already used widely, for example for web-based e-mail services.
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The EU leads research in the field innovation in plant breeding, but still lags behind in patenting the resulting technologies, a study reveals. The report, published today by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) notes that 45% of peer-reviewed scientific research publications in the field worldwide are produced in the EU, followed by North America with 32%. On the other hand, 65% of the total patenting of resulting technologies is carried out by US-based institutions.
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The European Food Safety Authority has today published a guidance document for the risk assessment of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) applications in food and feed. The guidance is the work of the Authority’s Scientific Committee and is the first of its kind to give practical guidance for addressing potential risks arising from applications of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the food and feed chain. The
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For the first time since his appointment, European Council President Hermann Van Rompuy will address representatives of local and regional authorities on Wednesday 11 May.
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In a high-level meeting with the Hungarian Presidency, Copa-Cogeca warned against relaxing existing rules governing EU quality policy in the future. The move came as EU Agriculture Ministers debated the EU Commission plans on future EU quality policy.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Luxembourg on Thursday 14 April (starting at 11 a.m.). It will be chaired by Mr Sándor Fazekas, Hungarian Minister for Rural Development. Commissioners Maria Damanaki and Dacian Cioloş will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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As part of the Single Market Act presented today (see IP/11/469), the European Commission has tabled today a package of two legislative proposals, under enhanced cooperation, that will radically reduce the cost of patents in Europe by up to 80%.
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There are 25 winners from 14 countries across the three categories featured in this year's edition of the energy efficiency awards managed by the Joint Research Centre, the European Commission's in-house science arm. These award schemes are part of three JRC programmes aiming to encourage organisations in both public and private sectors to cut energy consumption by using innovative and energy efficient technologies. Under the GreenLight programme, the winners include the Delhaize supermarket chain (Belgium), which reduced its annual energy consumption for lighting across more than 130 supermarkets by a total of over 20 000 Megawatt hours (MWh), a 60% reduction. Typically, a household consumes 4 MWh per year.
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Ministers acknowledged the Portuguese authorities' request for financial assistance. Ministers invited the Commission, the ECB, the IMF and Portugal to set up a programme and take appropriate action to safeguard financial stability.
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Nestlé today opened a new EUR 117 million (over CHF 149 million) factory in Germany dedicated to producing hypoallergenic (HA) infant formula.
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Cargill's flavor business has made a significant investment in the liquid flavor blending plant at its production facility in Grasse, France.
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Between 11 and 15 April 2011, more than 30 000 participants in 43 countries will discuss energy efficiency and renewable energy during the 2011 edition of the EU Sustainable Week. The European Commission is organising the core event in Brussels in order to debate on the best use of energy efficiency and renewable energy across Europe and show concrete examples how to increase both.
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The Ardo and Bonduelle groups, the leading producers of frozen vegetables in Europe, today announced their intention to set up an industrial joint venture with a view to supplying the Spanish and Portuguese markets with frozen vegetables.
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A €3 million (Euro) research project to improve the safety of animal feeds and the entire European animal-based food chain, has been launched at Queen’s University Belfast
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Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
The new Common Fisheries Policy: making things simpler Meeting on Common Fisheries Policy at the EC Representation
Berlin, 17 March 2011
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Nutreco announces the cancellation of the 4,993,200 cumulative preference shares 'A', which were acquired in December 2010. This cancellation is in line with the approval of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday 21 December 2010.
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By way of expanding and adding to what it offers, IFEST is to be held concurrently with InfraTech, the trade fair for the civil engineering industry.
From 14th to 16th February 2012 all these solutions can be found for the first time under one roof at Flanders expo, Ghent. Moreover IFEST in 2012 is the only fair in Belgium aimed at the environmental sector.
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The European Commission has launched two online consultations in the field of environment.
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A new online strategy game - "Power of Research" at www.powerofresearch.eu - is launched today, aiming to help inspire young Europeans to pursue scientific careers. The
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At the large farm show called SIMA, Case IH announces V2V system where combine takes control of tractor with grain cart during harvest for efficient combine unloading. John Deere discusses the Tractor Implement Automation where an implement takes over control of the tractor.
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Six substances of very high concern will be banned within the next three to five years unless an authorisation has been granted to individual companies for their use.
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Nutreco announced today that it has agreed to acquire 100% of the shares in Shihai Co Ltd., a reputable and profitable fish and shrimp feed company in China. The agreed purchase price is approximately EUR 40 million. The revenue in 2010 was EUR 65 million. This acquisition will provide Skretting, the Nutreco aquaculture feed business, with a production base in China, the world's number 1 aquaculture feed market. The acquisition is fully in line with the strategy to capitalise on Nutreco's leading fish feed positions and diversify by expanding in new regions and into feed for other species and shrimp. The closing of the transaction is subject to permission being granted by the authorities in China.
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The newest series of CLAAS combine harvesters meets the rising demands of growers. From class 6 (LEXION 730 with 311 hp) to the newest class 10 model (LEXION 770 with 523 hp), the new LEXION is removing all of the stops to bring true innovation to the field.
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The world’s largest exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, waiting to open its gates this November, is attracting more manufacturers of tractors, agricultural machinery and equipment from Germany and abroad than ever before. This is evident from the stand bookings received to date, which are about ten per cent up on the last event in 2009. The organiser DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) is accordingly expecting more than 2,000 exhibitors from Germany and other countries to take part in the show this year too.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, met today with EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in Brussels to highlight the negative demographic trend in Europe's agricultural sector. Currently only 6% of farmers are under the age of 35 across Europe.
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Public procurement accounts for roughly 17% of the EU’s GDP. In times of tight budgets and economic difficulties in many Member States, public procurement policy must ensure the most efficient use of public funds, with a view to supporting growth and job creation.
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Natural resources, from raw materials to food, water, air and ecosystems, are fundamental to the functioning of our economy and our quality of life. But global strains on them are increasing. Building a more resource-efficient Europe is therefore crucial to the EU’s economic and ecological security.
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The creation of national agencies and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has strengthened food safety in Europe, by ensuring a sound, scientific basis for food legislation. The agencies have increased the transparency of the risk assessment process in Europe and provide advice independent of political, economic and other influences.
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€40 million, to cover over 400 grants, will be offered to researchers starting their first full-time research job in a European research institute in 2011. The €100 000 'career integration' grants are funded through the EU's Marie Curie programme and aim to encourage European scientists to return to Europe, as well as to attract the best junior researchers of other nationalities to work at European universities, companies and other institutions.
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Today, the whole food chain is more complex than ever. Many challenges face all involved, be it in agriculture, food production, policy making and regulatory bodies, or research and development. Goals include increasing the sustainability of food production systems, assuring the safety of food products, conferring health-promoting properties to food products, and dealing with the shift in age profile of the consumer.
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The last formal European Environment Council in Brussels has completed a very busy agenda today under the presidency of Joke Schauvliege, the Flemish Minister for Environment, Nature and Culture. “All the priorities of the Belgian EU Presidency regarding Environment have been discussed. I am pleased about the results, especially since the Council has reached an agreement here in Brussels today about the use of biocidal products and the emission standards for light commercial vehicles”, says Minister Joke Schauvliege.
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The EU and China will hold their third High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue (HED) on 20 and 21 December in Beijing. It is the first such meeting since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and will cover macro-economic challenges facing the international economy, competition questions as well as trade, investment, innovation, and customs cooperation.
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The final Environment Council under the Belgian Presidency will be held on 20 December in Brussels. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli, and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission. The Council will open with a progress report on CO2 emissions from light commercial vehicles, followed by an attempt to reach a political agreement on the Biocides Directive.
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The results of a new study into the role of young farmers and multifunctional farming were presented at a conference organized by CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels yesterday. The Agri-multifunctionality II project collected the best practices of multifunctional farming in Europe among young farmers to see the extent of on farm diversification of activities in order to multiply income sources.
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Today the European Commission presented a proposal opening the way for "enhanced cooperation" to create unitary patent protection in the EU. Such unitary patent protection would allow those Member States that so desired to agree to establish a patent, valid in all participating countries, that could be obtained with a single application. Obtaining a patent in Europe currently costs ten times more than one in the US because of national validation and translation costs.
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A delegation from Europêche/COGECA today met Commissioner Maria Damanaki to discuss many current issues.
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Danisco, one of the world’s top food ingredient and enzyme companies, will obtain European Investment Bank (EIB) funding of EUR 120 m for research, development and innovation investments.
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An EU-funded research team has discovered a new gene responsible for the development of a human respiratory disease thanks to the study of the same illness naturally occurring in pet dogs. This rare genetic disease, primary ciliary dyskinesis (PCD), affects one in 20.000 people and causes chronic respiratory infections.
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In order to help inform debate on genetically modified organisms, the European Commission is publishing today a compendium entitled "A decade of EU-funded GMO research". The book summarizes the results of 50 research projects addressing primarily the safety of GMOs for the environment and for animal and human health. Launched between 2001 and 2010, these projects received funding of €200 million from the EU and form part of a 25-year long research effort on GMOs.
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The European Commission has today adopted a proposal on "contractual relations in the milk sector".
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December 3, 2010
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The European Commission will launch tomorrow an easy-to-use website to help public authorities and anyone who cares about the environment choose the cleanest and most energy-efficient vehicles available.
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The European Commission wants to see e-invoicing become the predominant method of invoicing in Europe.
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CEJA’s newly established ‘Young Farmers Package’ was presented today to Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos in a personal meeting and at a European Parliament workshop on the situation of young farmers organised by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
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Research Ministers of the EU Member States and Associated Countries, together with the European Commission, are announcing in Brussels today three new pan-European energy research infrastructures. A wind research facility is planned in Denmark, a concentrated solar power installation in Spain and a nuclear research reactor in Belgium.
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Leader MaXXi is a self-propelled mixer wagon with a 35-cubic-meter double vertical auger. This is a development of the renowned Leader Double series, praised by farmers around the world for its unmatched performance.
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The CAP towards 2020 recognises the special quality organic farm products offer to consumers, and stresses the need to further strengthen the organic quality scheme as a policy tool,” welcomes Christopher Stopes, President of the IFOAM EU Group1.
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The European Commission today adopted a Communication on the future of the CAP entitled "The CAP towards 2020: Meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future". This document marks the beginning of a consultation process which will continue until next spring and which will enable the Commission to prepare legislative proposals by summer 2011. The reformed CAP should enter into force on 1 January 2014.
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The European Commission has today published a Communication on "the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) towards 2020 – Meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future". The reform aims at making the European agriculture sector more dynamic, competitive, and effective in responding to the Europe 2020 vision of stimulating sustainable growth, smart growth and inclusive growth. The paper outlines three options for further reform. Following discussion of these ideas, the Commission will present formal legislative proposals in mid-2011
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Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy
Brussels, 17 November 2010
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of the global sunflower seed business of the US company Monsanto by Syngenta of Switzerland. The notified transaction combines two leading sunflower seed suppliers in Europe, with significant breeding activities.
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Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Walls or windmills
16 November 2010
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Three European Commissioners and a wide range of stakeholders will speak at the conference entitled "Another Future for Fisheries" tomorrow, 16 November in Brussels. The event, hosted by European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki, will feature speeches by Commissioner for Research and Innovation Ms Màire Geoghegan-Quinn and by Environment Commissioner Mr Janez Potocnik.
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A new Eurobarometer survey on life sciences and biotechnology shows that Europeans are optimistic about biotechnology. 53% of respondents believe biotechnology will have a positive effect in the future, and only 20% a negative effect.
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The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the successor to the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme 2007-2013 (CIP). The CIP is the main EU budgetary instrument targeting competitiveness outside the research and skills areas.
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What is the population of the various cities in the EU? In which EU region do people shop over the internet the most? Which EU region do tourists visit the most? How many people live in a coastal region of the EU? In which EU region is the GDP per inhabitant the highest?
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The Commission today presented its new strategy for a competitive, sustainable and secure energy. The Communication "Energy 2020" defines the energy priorities for the next ten years and sets the actions to be taken in order to tackle the challenges of saving energy, achieving a market with competitive prizes and secure supplies, boosting technological leadership, and effectively negotiate with our international partners.
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The European Commission has today proposed to ban the use of phosphates and to limit the content of other phosphorous containing compounds in laundry detergents. The draft Regulation aims to reduce the phosphates found in waste water and to improve water quality.
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Statement by Henk Bleker, Minister for Agriculture and Foreign Trade at opening of the Global Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change in The Hague, the Netherlands, 31 october 2010.
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Mantis exhibits a new version of the MAFEX devices for the treatment of potatoes with germination inhibitors, fungicides and seed dressings. Based on the ULV technique of Mantis which is proven for more than 30 years the new MAFEX models now have additional functions. The most important innovation is an electronic control system, which allows an even easier and more comfortable operation of the devices and an efficient function control.
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The Europe 2020 Strategy puts forward as a key priority for the Union the promotion of a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy. This Memo presents an abridged look at industrial competitiveness in all 27 EU Member States drawn from the report Member States competitiveness performance and policies. The main objective is to analyse industrial competitiveness across the Union and to present the policy measures Member States carry out to improve their competitiveness and, by implication, the competitiveness of Europe as a whole.
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Industry must be placed centre stage if Europe is to remain a global economic leader. This is the core message of the Communication on "An integrated industrial policy for the globalisation era" adopted by the European Commission today on the initiative of Vice-President Antonio Tajani.
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Cargill's cocoa & chocolate business has unveiled the breakthrough technology behind the first chocolate to achieve an EU-approved consumer claim of "reduced calorie".
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Spanish regional capital Vitoria-Gasteiz and the French city of Nantes have been named as winners of the European Green Capital award for 2012 and 2013. The European Commission's award scheme encourages cities to improve the quality of urban life by systematically taking the environment into account in urban planning. The awards were presented by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at a ceremony last night in Stockholm, European Green Capital for 2010.
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European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki will host a one-day conference entitled "Another Future for Fisheries", which will officially close the consultation on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, before the Commission starts drawing up concrete proposals for the new policy.
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The European Commission has today announced that it will propose a temporary suspension of animal cloning for food production in the EU. The Commission also plans to suspend temporarily the use of cloned farm animals and the marketing of food from clones.
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New Holland Agriculture was presented with two awards for engineering innovation by the Agrosalon 2010 Exhibition committee. Held from the 6th to the 9th of October 2010 at the "Crocus Expo" International Exhibition Center in Moscow, Agrosalon is one of the most important agricultural fairs in Russia, and is attended by leading Russian and foreign agricultural equipment manufacturers.
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Kubota will be putting its new flagship agricultural tractor, the M130X, through its paces for the first time at this year’s Scottish Ploughing Championships.
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As the world’s biggest food importer Europe has an enormous influence on global food markets, prices, availability and land use. An area outside of Europe the size of Germany is already dedicated to European food needs. The FAO calls this a ‘land grab’.
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Research is essential to the sustainable use of European marine waters. Over 300 researchers and policy makers are meeting at the conference 'EurOCEAN 2010: Grand challenges for marine research in the next decade' in Ostend today and tomorrow to outline the research and policy needs for the next decade.
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Linea Trovata Suntec from Lokeren is seeking 30 million euro to finance their growing sustainable energy company. The company turnover increased tenfold last year from 7,5 to 76 million euro. This year it is heading towards a turnover of 110 million. The international breakthrough has also begun with several subsidiaries in France (headquarters in Lyon) and with the integration of three partners in Italy. Daughter companies will follow in the US and in Great Britain this autumn.
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State-of-the-art facility includes R&D application kitchen, high tech laboratories and new food grade oil processing pilot plant to provide food industry with shorter lead times and reduced complexity
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The European Commission's "Innovation Union", tabled today, sets out a strategic approach to innovation, driven by the highest political level. The Innovation Union will focus Europe's efforts – and co-operation with third countries - on challenges like climate change, energy and food security, health and an ageing population. It will use public sector intervention to stimulate the private sector and to remove bottlenecks which stop ideas reaching the market.
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October 1rst, the mayor of Lelystad, Mrs Horselenberg, officially opened 2 new facilities for nutrition research, a dairy and Veranda layer facility. This opening marks the completion of the first phase of an ambitious investment program in research facilities totaling 9 million euro’s. The facilities are meeting all requirements for accurate and applied feed evaluation studies.
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The eighth OPEN DAYS – European Week of Regions and Cities, opens on 4 October in Brussels. Organised annually by the European Commission and the EU Committee of the Regions, over 6 000 regional and local representatives will take part in this year's four-day event. Under the heading "Europe 2020: competitiveness, co-operation and cohesion for all regions”, OPEN DAYS will provide a forum for exchanging ideas on the role of Europe's regions and cities in delivering the Europe 2020 strategy. Some 260 further local events will also take place across Europe under the OPEN DAYS banner, including a press panel on the role of football in uniting divided communities.
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Today the European Commission put forward its proposal for continued financial support to the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy, established in 2007, for the period between 2011 and 2013. The proposal is designed to enable the Commission, Member States and maritime stakeholders to keep up the good work in favour of a sustainable use of oceans, seas and coasts.
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In Lisbon today, young scientists from Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary were acclaimed as 1st prize winners of the European Union Contest for Young Scientists 2010. The projects, which analysed physics, biology and social sciences were selected from 85 projects coming from 37 countries by an International Jury. Second prizes, third prizes and the International prize were awarded to 7 other projects, from Poland, Germany, Portugal, Latvia, Italy and Brazil.
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The 2009 financial report presented by the Commission today shows that 97% of appropriations were spent, a similar percentage as in 2008 (98%). Overall expenditure amounted to over €112 billion. The bulk of this sum went to measures to boost economic growth, employment and research and development, as well as on agriculture.
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World population growth is increasing steadily. It is predicted that by the year 2050 there will be 9.1 billion people on the earth. This will be accompanied by growing affluence for many. It is an established fact that rising incomes go hand in hand with an increase in meat consumption, though this development is not unlimited. In the meantime there are countries – especially in North-Western Europe – that do not have meat on the plate every day. And the number of consumers who want to eat less meat or are even tending towards vegetarian diets is increasing too.
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The world’s top event for animal production, EuroTier 2010, is being held at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover from 16 to 19 November 2010. The organiser, DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) reports excellent stand booking figures. Over 1,800 exhibitors from altogether 48 countries, including the leading manufacturers in the industry, will be presenting a full-scale programme and many innovations. EuroTier thus impressively underscores its position as the world’s top event for animal production.
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Nestlé today announced the creation of Nestlé Health Science S.A. and the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences to pioneer a new industry between food and pharma. These two separate organisations will allow Nestlé to develop the innovative area of personalised health science nutrition to prevent and treat health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, which are placing an unsustainable burden on the world’s healthcare systems.
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More than 100 groundbreaking information and communication technology (ICT) research projects funded by the EU are being showcased at the "ICT 2010-Digitally Driven" conference and exhibition in Brussels Expo from 27 to 29 September.
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Cargill has signed an agreement to acquire Unilever's tomato products business in Brazil for approximately R$ 600 million. The acquisition brings to Cargill a number of market-leading consumer brands, including Pomarola and Tarantella brand tomato sauce, Elefante and Extratomato brand tomato paste, and Pomodoro brand tomato pulp. Unilever will continue to market tomato products to the food service segment under these brands.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels on Monday 27 September (starting at 10 a.m.). It will be chaired by of Mrs Sabine Laruelle, Belgian minister for SMEs, the Self-Employment, Agriculture and Science Policy, for the Agriculture and Health issues and Mr Kris Peeters, Minister-President for the Flemish Region and responsible for Fisheries, for the points on Fisheries. Commissioners Maria Damanaki, John Dalli and Dacian Cioloş will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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Beam me up! More than 200 events will be held across the European Union today as part of the sixth annual 'European Researchers' Night', which aims to promote careers in science and research. Around 500,000 people are expected to attend the events, which range from a virtual eco-system disco to laboratory-induced indoor lightning and an exploration of the science – fact and fiction – that lies behind teleportation and invisibility. Star Trek and Harry Potter fans may be surprised to learn that their heroes' disappearing acts are not necessarily pure fantasy.
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Nestlé today announced the establishment of an R&D Centre in India. The facility will be built in Manesar, close to Nestlé India’s headquarters in Gurgaon, and will be operational in 2012. This investment of around CHF 50 million will help to further strengthen Nestlé’s R&D capabilities in emerging markets. Nestlé has a strategic focus and leadership in emerging markets where the company expects sales to reach 45% of total by 2020.
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The European Commission's own research body, the Joint Research Centre, publishes today, for the first time, an indicator-based map of potential threats to soil biodiversity, in order to guide decision-makers in protecting this crucial resource.
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LLN (Belgium), 21st of september 2010
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Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company headquartered in the Netherlands, today announces the acquisition of Microbia, Inc. (Lexington, Massachusetts, United States) from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.
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Bayer CropScience intends to maintain its growth strategy with innovative crop protection agents, high-quality seed and enhanced plant traits. To this end, the company plans to further strengthen its portfolio in conventional crop protection and increase the proportion of new, high-margin products. In the area of seeds and traits, the regional business will be expanded and long-term growth will be generated with new crops.
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The Commission reminds companies that they must register the most widely used or most dangerous chemicals by the deadline of 30 November this year, less than 12 weeks from now. Registration is one of the milestones of REACH, the EU Regulation on chemicals and their safe use Companies are also reminded that they must notify the Classification and Labelling of their chemicals to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by 3 January next year.
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Bayer CropScience intends to maintain its growth strategy with innovative crop protection agents, high-quality seed and enhanced plant traits. To this end, the company plans to further strengthen its portfolio in conventional crop protection and increase the proportion of new, high-margin products. In the area of seeds and traits, the regional business will be expanded and long-term growth will be generated with new crops.
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7th September 2010
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Vitamex Group organises from 21st till 23rd of September an International Technical Seminar for its distributors and customers in the heart of Bruges, Belgium. This ‘Get More Than Expected’ Masterclass will be attended by over 100 attendees from 25 countries and covers the latest insights on Vitamex’s nutritional research and product development. Topics include amongst others the latest results on Aromabiotic® MCFA in cattle, Vitadys against dysentery in pigs and Shellbiotic for better quality eggs.
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Looking for new tractors or groundcare equipment? Then don’t miss Kubota Live! 2010 – the only events that give visitors the chance to put the complete Kubota range to the test.
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EU scientists have succeeded in obtaining viable mass eggs from Atlantic bluefin tuna in captivity, using natural means and without any hormonal induction. If breeding can be developed on a commercial scale, pressure on endangered wild stocks could be significantly relieved.
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US food giant Kraft is searching for hi-tech chocolate bar packaging that will prevent them from melting at temperatures of up to 40C
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Industry-good body DairyNZ and Fonterra said today the creation of a NZ$170 million research programme through the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) would help drive transformational change in the dairy industry.
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The European Investment Bank has agreed to support research and development at John Deere plants in Germany and France, including initiatives to lower emissions from agricultural equipment. The loan is part of the European Investment Bank's broader financial support for innovation and to promote long-term investment in low emission and fuel efficient engine technology across the European transport and engine sector.
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The European Commission has decided today to extend the mandate of the High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Agro-Food Industry, upgrading it to a High Level Forum to improve the functioning of the food supply chain as regards contractual relations, logistics and competitiveness. The agro-food industry represents 2% of Europe's GDP and 13.5% of total employment in the EU’s manufacturing sector.
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The European Commission has approved funding for 210 new projects under the third call for the LIFE+ programme (2007-2013), the European fund for the environment. The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication. Overall, they represent a total investment of €515 million, of which the EU will provide €249.8 million.
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Closing the Conference on the Public Debate on the CAP post-2013, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos stated on July 20: "Strengthened by your points of view, your ideas and the analytical ability of my services, I will come forward in November with a Communication from the European Commission on the future of the CAP.
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Arla is expanding its dairy in Hollandtown, Wisconsin to match American consumers’ growing interest in “premium” class quality cheese. The expansion will be completed in early summer 2011 and is set to boost sales.
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Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn announces today nearly € 6.4 billion of European Commission investment in research and innovation. The package, the biggest ever, covers a vast range of scientific disciplines, public policy areas and commercial sectors. This funding will advance scientific boundaries, increase European competitiveness and help solve societal challenges such as climate change, energy and food security, health and an ageing population.
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At the Institute of Food Technologist (IFT) Food Expo, July 18-20 in Chicago, Cargill will demonstrate how food and beverage manufacturers can significantly reduce sodium in their products while providing the great "salty" flavor consumers desire. Specifically, Cargill will showcase a reduced sodium tortilla made with the SaltWise® sodium reduction system, a blend of ingredients that provides a salty taste while reducing sodium content from 25 to 50 percent, while also providing food manufacturers with the functionality of salt.
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Joint Statement of Joke Schauvliege, Flemish Minister for Environment, Nature and Culture, Chair of the Environment Council, and Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action
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The two global agriculture trade exhibitions - Agritechnica in Europe and AG CONNECT Expo in North America - have coordinated the timing of their show dates for 2011 and 2013 for the convenience of exhibitors and attendees with global business interests. Show organizers said this schedule allows those interested in global agriculture to attend both events in those years. The shows are held biennially.
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Maria Damanaki Member of the European Commission Responsible for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Plenary session of the European Parliament Strasbourg, 8 July 2010
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An Italian scientist supported by the European Union's Marie Curie research fund is helping to pioneer a new treatment that could lead to a breakthrough in the fight against brain cancer.
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Agriculture is largely but not fully regionalized in Belgium, allowing Flanders to provide for policies that are targeted at the specific needs of the Flemish agricultural sector.
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Cargill will showcase an innovative new texturizing ingredient, the CitriTex™ stabilizer blend*, in a delicious, reduced-fat muffin prototype at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Expo July 18-20 in Chicago. This stabilizer blend allows up to a 50 percent replacement of oil or fat in bakery products, while maintaining the taste and texture of a full-fat product, and helping food manufacturers optimize formulation costs.
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The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of the global sunflower seed business of US company Monsanto by Syngenta of Switzerland.
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The High Level Group on Milk, set up last October in the wake of last year's dairy crisis, has finalised the report on its deliberations, including recommendations to the Commission on seven issues. These include an invitation to come forward with concrete moves to enhance the use of written contracts in the dairy supply chain and to consider proposals to increase the collective bargaining power of dairy producers.
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On the 3 June 2010 the Enlarged Advisory Group on the CAP post 2013 took place in the Borschette Centre with the participation of organizations representing various sectors of the civil society.
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On 4th June, the European Commission’s Advisory Group on fruit and vegetables adopted a joint resolution calling on the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Dacian Cioloş, to take appropriate action to move the fruit and vegetable sector forward in the current difficult situation. The resolution calls for strong EU-based production and industry, a strong EU trade sector and greater efficiency and transparency within the fruit and vegetable supply chain with the aim of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in the EU-27.
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The first truly Global Conference on global health organised by the European Commission, will take place tomorrow in Brussels. The key question to be addressed at the Global Health Conference is how the EU can work most effectively with its international partners to improve health at a global level.
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Twelve top scientists will meet in Paris today to prepare a European–level work programme to coordinate nationally funded research aimed at securing a safe and sustainable food supply. This is the first meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board for the EU Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change. This initiative involves twenty European countries overall and is jointly led by France, through its National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and the UK, through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
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Companies from the UK, Belgium, Germany and Spain have won the 2010 European Business Awards for the Environment. The winners were announced by European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at an awards ceremony during the annual Green Week conference in Brussels. The awards recognise "the best of the best" businesses that have already succeeded in competitions at national level.
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Dacian Cioloș Member of the European Commission Responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development
(summary of the speech)
Informal Council of AGRI Ministers Merida, 1 June 2010
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The Economic and Social Committee's May Plenary kicked off with an opinion put straight to vote, namely that of animal welfare labelling. This opinion, from the rapporteur Mr. Leif Erland Nielsen (Group Various Interests, Denmark) received an overwhelming majority and follows up on previous activities of the EESC in this field, which in 2007 had culminated in a set of recommendations to the Commission, as well as a major conference.
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Today, the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) called upon representatives from the food chain and policy community to form a European partnership to map ways to ensure the future of European specialty crops. The key mission of the initiative is to ensure that these food crops get the protection they deserve and are not left as “orphans” by the regulatory process: the reality of market return versus the high cost of investment does not hold a bright future for them.
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The European Commission today presented an analysis of the costs, benefits and options for moving beyond the EU's greenhouse gas reduction target for 2020 from 20% below 1990 levels to 30% once the conditions are met.
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From 15 to 17 June 2010, the Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover will be hosting the DLG Field Days, bringing them back to Lower Saxony in Germany again for the second time since 1992. This unique forward-looking forum for modern plant production, held every two years since 1988, is organised by the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society).
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Nestlé has announced the launch of Special.T, a tea machine system. Through this launch, Nestlé pushes ahead with an innovative solution to provide consumers at home with portioned tea beverages. Furthermore, it underlines the company’s role in the beverage machine market that started with Nespresso, portioned coffee system.
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Implementing the ambitious Digital Agenda for Europe unveiled today by the European Commission would contribute significantly to the EU's economic growth and spread the benefits of the digital era to all sections of society.
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Emissions of greenhouse gases from EU businesses participating in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) fell 11.6 % in 2009 compared with a 2008, according to the information provided by Member State registries.
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Kampffmeyer Food Innovation has opened a new Innovation Center at its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.
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All those involved in the food chain face questions such as how to provide safe and healthy food for a global population that is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, how to ensure that agricultural and food production systems are sustainable in the long-term, and how to best promote innovation along the entire food chain. Representatives of EFSA, European and Italian institutions, the Spanish Presidency of the EU, and of food chain stakeholders met today in Parma to seek answers to these questions.
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Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn will today at the European Parliament (18h15) launch a Soil Atlas of the world's northernmost regions, where more than half the carbon present in the Earth's soils is stored. She will simultaneously inaugurate an exhibition on the work of the Commission's Joint Research Centre, which produced the Atlas. It covers regions above the latitude of 50° N, which represent 16% of global land surface.
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The European Commission has unveiled a plan to simplify the procedures for taking part in EU-funded research projects. The overall aim is to make participation transparent and attractive to the best researchers and innovative companies in Europe and beyond.
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Minister Verburg - Londen - Seminar Future of foods
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Speech by the Netherland’s Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Ms. Gerda Verburg, at the Conference 'The Future of the Common Agricultural Policy', Copenhagen, April 26, 2010.
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"Sustainable agriculture is at the root of a better world. Sustainable forms of agriculture can prevent us from turning into the ultimate consumption society, as people elsewhere sink into the depths of poverty and hunger. Sustainable agriculture can prevent further declines in biodiversity."
Speech by Ms. Verburg, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, at the VIV Europe, april 20th 2010, Utrecht.
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Today and tomorrow, the European Commission and the Spanish Presidency are holding two seminars in Madrid on the marketing and supply of fishery and aquaculture products on the EU market. The first seminar on “Promotion of fishery and aquaculture products” will deal with the state of play of promotion, image, perception and communication in the EU.
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Chiquita Brands International Inc. has announced a joint venture with Danone to market fruit beverages based on Chiquita’s Just Fruit in a Bottle platform in Europe. In four years, Chiquita’s Just Fruit in a Bottle product has become a market leading brand of fruit smoothie in Europe with distribution in 12 countries, generating approximately €20 million of sales in 2009.
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European citizens would for the first time be able to directly suggest new legislation through the European Citizens' Initiative, proposed in detail today by the European Commission. An innovation contained in the Lisbon Treaty, the ECI will allow at least one million citizens from at least one third of EU Member States to invite the European Commission to bring forward legislative proposals in areas where the Commission has the power to do so.
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Today, the European Commission adopted two new EU policy frameworks to help developing countries address the issue of food security, both in emergency and long-term situation. The objectives are to ensure progress toward achieving Millennium Development Goal related to the elimination of poverty and hunger (MDG 1), and to maximise the effectiveness of humanitarian support in crises where food insecurity threatens lives.
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Vice President Tajani and Commissioner Potočnik have swiftly followed up on their undertaking given during their Hearings in the European Parliament by together visiting the European Chemicals Agency, ECHA, in Helsinki on 25 March. They are taking action to make progress towards the registration of chemicals and the management of substances of very high concern. Of particular importance is the smooth implementation of the registration of high-volume chemicals by the REACH deadline of 30 November 2010 by implementing solutions to practical problems to support industry’s work, in particular SMEs. Both Commissioners also announced their common approach on the identification and management of substances of very high concern.
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In a bid to promote the quality of EU dairy products, EU farm leaders emphasised at a hearing on the long-term future of the EU dairy sector the need for clear EU marketing, labelling and quality standards.
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Ten European companies were shortlisted today for the European Business Awards for the Environment. The finalists represent companies from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Turkey and the UK. The prizes, awarded by the European Commission every two years, single out European companies that have made an outstanding contributions to sustainable development in four categories - management, products, processes, and international cooperation. The four winners will be announced at a ceremony on 2 June 2010 during Green Week, the Commission's major annual environmental conference and exhibition event in Brussels.
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Archer Daniels Midland Co. was ranked the most admired company in the food production industry for the second year in a row by Fortune magazine.
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The Consumer Goods Forum has released its latest “Top of Mind Survey,” which reveals the priorities of 345 key decision-makers in global retail and consumer goods companies across 46 countries. The survey, conducted twice annually, found that while the economic environment and consumer spending patterns remain the number one focus for over half of respondents, corporate responsibility has actually moved up the overall rankings from third to second place in 2010.
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The European Commission has today decided that the aid granted in 1999 by the Dutch Province Flevoland to the undertaking Farm Dairy Flevoland is compatible with the State aid rules which applied when the aid was granted. The aid amounts to € 715 000.
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Today, the European Commission has announced the results of its €18 million call for proposals for new research projects on influenza. Four collaborative research projects have been shortlisted for funding. They involve 52 research institutes and SMEs from 18 European countries and 3 international partners (Israel, China, the United States). Influenza virus genes migrate across continents and between species and seriously threaten both human and animal health.
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The nominees for the European Inventor Award 2010 include inventors of pioneering innovations in a wide range of fields, from the conservation of drinking water to the synthesis of football-shaped carbon molecules or "fullerenes", and from cancer treatments to digital data encryption. Other nominees are the Wii console, the civilian use of GPS, mobile use of fuel cells, "green" plastic and internet access straight from a wall socket. The award honours individual inventors, or teams of inventors, who, through their pioneering work, respond to the challenges of our time, thereby contributing to progress and prosperity.
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A major European Commission research initiative to improve and increase the sustainable use of biomass has started today. Researchers and industry will work together to develop new ways to convert biological feedstock into energy and other valuable resources, using biorefinery technology.
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Diamond Foods Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kettle Foods, makers of premium potato chips, from Lion Capital LLP for $615 million in cash. Pursuant to the agreement, Diamond will acquire Kettle operations in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
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The European Commission has launched today the Europe 2020 Strategy to go out of the crisis and prepare EU economy for the next decade. The Commission identifies three key drivers for growth, to be implemented through concrete actions at EU and national levels: smart growth (fostering knowledge, innovation, education and digital society), sustainable growth (making our production more resource efficient while boosting our competitiveness) and inclusive growth (raising participation in the labour market, the acquisition of skills and the fight against poverty).
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The European Commission announced today its intention to come up with a proposal by the summer to allow more choice to Member States in deciding whether to cultivate GMO's. Under the current legal framework, as decided by the Council and the European Parliament, the Commission adopted today two decisions concerning the Genetically Modified Amflora potato: the first authorises the cultivation of Amflora in the EU for industrial use, and the second relates to the use of Amflora's starch by-products as feed.
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In the 2009 business year Amazone, with its involvement in both agricultural and municipal technology, achieved a turnover of 290 mio €. Certainly, in comparison to 2008 when the family owned company achieved a turnover of 380 mio €, this is a reduction of round about 23 %, but it still exceeds the av-erage of the past five years. "After the exceptional year of 2008 we have still achieved - as in 2007 - the second highest turnover in the company's history and in spite of the clearly noticeable affects caused by the financial and eco-nomic crisis," is the verdict of the Amazone directors, Christian Dreyer and Dr. Justus Dreyer with regard to the actual situation. 75 % of the turnover in 2009 went for export which was still considerably above the sector average and 80 % of the total turnover was achieved in Western Europe incl. Germany. 16 % of the total sales were made in Eastern Europe and 4 % in the rest of the world.
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Stable prices and fair incomes for dairy farmers are crucial to ensuring the supply of high quality dairy products and preserving a vibrant rural environment in Europe, says the EESC opinion on the future of the EU dairy strategy adopted at the 17 February plenary session.
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Today Greenpeace launched another pesticide “blacklist” headline maker.
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A European Commission study published today recommends setting up a dedicated European body to oversee the implementation and enforcement of EU waste law. The study is part of a series of steps being taken by the Commission to improve waste management and ensure it meets the standards set by EU legislation to protect citizens and the environment. Illegal dumping of waste continues on a significant scale, many landfill sites are sub standard and in some Member States basic waste infrastructure is still missing. Illegal waste shipments are also a concern. A second report published today reveals that almost one fifth of waste shipments inspected as part of recent enforcement actions in Member States were illegal.
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The Rural Development Committee has voted on the last proposals from Member States/regions for using EU Recovery Plan and CAP Health Check funding and other transfers within the CAP to address issues including the economic and dairy crisis, and climate change. In the period October 2009 – January 2010, all rural development programmes were modified and the additional funding of about €5 billion is now ready to be invested in agriculture, the environment and broadband in rural areas.
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Nestlé has agreed to acquire Kraft Foods’ frozen pizza business in the U.S. and Canada for $3.7 billion in cash. The business includes brands such as DiGiorno, Tombstone, California Pizza Kitchen, Jack’s, and Delissio. This frozen pizza business provides a new strategic pillar to Nestlé’s frozen food portfolio in the U.S. and Canada.
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