AFIA welcomes Andi Harizi to the finance team

November 13, 2024 - The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has announced the addition of Andy Harizi as its accountant, effective November 4.

Andi Harizi

In this role, Harizi will work closely with Andy Timmins, AFIA's Chief Financial Officer, to support the AFIA and its partner organisations, including the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), the Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) and the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI).

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• New AFIA report details industry challenges, opportunities in US animal food manufacturing
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"We are excited to welcome Andy Harizi to the AFIA team," stated Timmins. "His experience in nonprofit accounting and strong financial background makes him an asset to our organisation and our partners. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to support the animal food industry and work toward achieving our mission."

Before joining the AFIA, Harizi worked in outsourced accounting, where he managed a range of nonprofit accounting procedures and oversaw financial operations for several organisations. In that role, he was responsible for tasks such as managing accounts receivable and payable, reconciling ledgers, preparing financial statements and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements specific to nonprofit entities. 

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Innovafeed is awarded $11 million by USDA

November 13, 2024 - Innovafeed has announced the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted $11 million to fund its initiative aimed at producing high quality insect ingredients for animal and plant nutrition in the USA, thus boosting domestic organic fertiliser production. This endorsement highlights Innovafeed's potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, economic growth in rural regions and enhanced options for American farmers.

Fertiliser industry dynamics and grant context

Amidst a backdrop of unprecedented challenges, fertiliser prices have surged by over 100% between 2021 and 2022. The complex interplay of factors, including the Ukraine conflict, limited availability of essential minerals, soaring energy costs, global demand and agriculture commodity prices, as well as dependence on imports coupled with a lack of competition, have contributed to this volatile landscape. Responding decisively to this industry turmoil, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has earmarked $500 million through the Fertiliser Production Expansion Program (FPEP). This initiative aims to bolster domestic fertiliser innovation, invigorate rural job markets and provide American farmers with a wider spectrum of choices.

The USDA's call for projects under the FPEP garnered an overwhelming response, with more than 350 businesses vying to increase their fertiliser output. The program's first round culminated in the selection of 21 projects in January, followed by an announcement of an additional 66 eligible projects in July, poised to receive grants to amplify fertiliser production. 

Innovafeed's project in Decatur

Among the selected recipients of the FPEP funding is Innovafeed, an agtech company renowned for its global leadership in insect production. This grant will go towards replicating its unique production model developed in France in the USA, specifically in Decatur, Illinois. Innovafeed's objective is to provide American farmers with a novel, natural, sustainable fertilising solution: insect frass.

Insect frass - a high-performing organic source of available nutrients that activate soil microbial activity - is a key component among two additional product lines in Innovafeed's unique production of Hermetia illucens, commonly known as the Black Soldier Fly.

Innovafeed's North America General Manager, Maye Walraven, shares, "This endorsement from the USDA recognises Innovafeed's potential to contribute to the autonomous supply of US organic fertiliser and to provide farmers with a solution that improves soil regeneration and carbon sequestration benefits, thus supporting the domestic development of regenerative agriculture". 

David Leishman, Foreign Agricultural Affairs Director to France commented: "The United States and France share a deep friendship and a long history of collaboration in the sphere of agriculture that date back to Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the Franco-American Treaty of Alliance of 1778. Too often, conflict and disagreement overshadow the richness of this historic relationship. In the spirit of the young Marquis de La Fayette, Innovafeed offers an excellent example of how a group of talented French entrepreneurs can successfully partner with the United States to help change the world producing food more sustainably".

Insect Frass and its environmental benefits

The company produces large volumes of 100% frass-based fertiliser in the form of dehydrated pellets, branded 'Hilucia Frass for plants'.

Hilucia Frass for plants offers a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrient profile which stimulates plant growth throughout the crop cycle and is suitable for production of all crops from grapevines and fruit trees to vegetables and cereals. With more than 75%organic matter and the presence of beneficial bacteria and chitin it also helps regenerate soils and boost long-term fertility, enhancing soil biodiversity and structure to develop a strong root system, improving water retention and reducing nutrient leaching.

The natural fertiliser is the ideal solution for developing high-performance, regenerative agriculture. It supports farmers' agro-ecological transition towards more natural and environmentally-friendly practices. In Europe, it is authorised in organic farming, in compliance with EU 2018/848 regulation. Its applications in viticulture, in particular in the Champagne area, has demonstrated over the past years that it can deliver equal or improved yields in replacement of conventional fertilising solutions and contribute to significantly reducing the environmental footprint of farming activities. A Life Cycle Analysis conducted by Innovafeed in 2022 shows that Hilucia Frass for plants emits 45% less CO2eq emissions than other animal manures during its manufacturing process and can increase soil carbon sequestration by nearly 60kg of carbon per tonne over five years, making it a low-carbon fertilising solution.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Dsm-firmenich and Format Solutions partner for sustainable feed

November 12, 2024 - Dsm-firmenich's Animal Nutrition & Health division, alongside Format Solutions, have announced a strategic alliance aimed at quantifying and managing the environmental impact of animal feed.

Food production is responsible for approximately one-third of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Companies across the food and feed value chain are under increasing pressure to quantify, report and decrease their environmental footprints in a credible and compliant manner. This pressure comes from various sources, including companies' own sustainability commitments, regulatory requirements, the finance sector and evolving consumer preferences, all of which necessitate the use of primary data. 

David Nickell, dsm-firmenich's Vice President of Sustainability & Business Solutions for Animal Nutrition & Health, commented: "Animal feed is a fundamental element in the food value chain. The integration of Sustell with Format Solutions' top-tier feed formulation software signifies a crucial advancement in connecting the entire farm-to-fork data ecosystem. Sustell's user-friendly LCA footprinting platform fosters collaboration throughout the value chain, empowering us to overcome challenges and capitalise on sustainability-related market opportunities."

Ian Mealey, Product Marketing Director - Formulation, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying: "We're eager to join forces with dsm-firmenich and implement Sustell to offer our clients an innovative method to quantify and manage their feed manufacturing's environmental footprint. This approach will undoubtedly bring benefits to our customers and contribute to a more sustainable future for the food and feed sector."

The collaboration melds Format Solutions' formulation software with the comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) platform, Sustell. This integration empowers customers to calculate and share their feed footprints effortlessly. Feed producers, who play a vital role in promoting sustainable animal protein, can now report the environmental impact of their feed with a single click, by utilising existing data from their trusted formulation software. This integration aids feed producers in preparing for future feed labelling requirements and supports farmers, integrators and processors by providing accurate and ISO compliant feed footprints that are a key data input determining the environmental impact of eggs, meat, milk and farmed seafood.

This move is a significant step towards full value chain transparency, aiding the entire food industry - including feed producers, farmers, processors, food companies and retailers - in accurately reporting their emissions and enhancing their sustainability practices. 

The capacity to precisely measure and reduce the environmental footprint through system and data connectivity unveils multiple value opportunities, such as elucidating best farming practices, access to sustainable finance qualification for product eco-labelling and access to voluntary carbon trading initiatives.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Happy Plant Protein patents new technology for plant-based food

November 12, 2024 - Finnish food technology startup Happy Plant Protein, a spinout from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has raised €1.8 million in pre-seed funding led by Nordic Foodtech VC, with Butterfly Ventures and Business Finland also participated through a grant. The company will use the funding to further develop and license its patented technology.

Faba bean protein made with Happy Plant Protein technology – Photographer Timo Kauppila

The company is commercialising a manufacturing process that can produce high-quality plant protein ingredients with a 70-80% protein content. The method can be used with existing machinery and without needing to overcome time-consuming regulatory hurdles. This in turn enables fast development of new products and fast market entry. Furthermore, it can empower local food manufacturers and brands to produce their plant protein, removing reliance on overseas sources.

Current methods to produce plant protein isolates do not meet the demands of the food industry or consumers due to high pricing of materials and the end-products sold in grocery stores. Simply establishing a protein isolate factory takes €100 million. Traditional processes to produce isolates also use huge amounts of energy and water. To produce just one kilogram of protein isolate, existing production lines use 14MJ of energy. The method developed by Happy Plant Protein reduces energy usage to one-seventh of the isolate prices and cuts down the investment required. Furthermore, the process is chemical-free, uses almost no water and generates no waste.

"There is a need for cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable methods to produce high-quality protein ingredients. Ensuring food security while making food manufacturing more sustainable, we must find new, more efficient ways to produce food. The approach uses standard extrusion to extract high-quality plant protein from legumes, such as peas, lentils and cereals. The protein ingredients produced in this process can then be incorporated into many plant-based food products," says Jari Karlsson, CEO and Co-founder of Happy Plant Protein.

Extrusion plants, which are the basis of the technology, already exist worldwide with more than 5000 extruder lines in use in the food industry.

"This offers multiple opportunities to utilise the technology we have developed. By combining existing technology with Happy Plant Protein's process, the investment and operating costs of producing plant protein can be slashed by up to 90% compared to current technologies," says Karlsson.

The technology's potential extends beyond mere cost savings. High-quality plant protein could be produced locally without huge investment, which makes it accessible to small local mills and food manufacturers, as well as big global food brands.

"Instead of relying on processing plants in other countries or overseas, local mills could produce plant protein independently and even increase the value of certain crops like pea or fava bean. This model bypasses the traditional global supply chain, allowing for the use of local crops and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production and transport. By offering the license and technical know-how for its customers' existing factories, Happy Plant Protein supports the creation of sustainable food systems and provides economic opportunities for farmers and local food processors," says Karlsson.

"Consumers have been eager to try new plant-based food products, but the first-generation products did not meet expectations due to their taste, structure, price and health properties. Most of these challenges are caused by the current high-capex chemical isolate production, which is making the actual food products very expensive, highlighting off-flavours and lacking their natural beneficial dietary elements, like fibres. As Happy Plant Protein is licensing its technology globally, more natural, healthier and affordable food from local ingredients will become available to consumers," said Mike Kukkurainen from Nordic Foodtech VC.

"Happy Plant Protein is the newest one in the line-up of VTT's spin-offs contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system. The technology and the new company stem from VTT's long-term research excellence in a plant protein ingredients, underlining the importance of persistent RDI investments. Our goal at VTT is to create global and national impact with our research as well as to create new deep-tech startups," says Tiina Nakari-Setälä, Vice President and leader of VTT's biotechnology and food research area.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

MicroHarvest accelerates pace to achieve multiple kiloton production target

November 12, 2024 - MicroHarvest has achieved a key milestone by demonstrating an ability to scale its production process to 10 tonnes per day in a single vessel, representing a 10-fold increase over its current capacity. This significant progress validates MicroHarvest's ability to deliver microbial protein in quantities that will meet commercial demands, with plans for a full-scale facility capable of producing unto 15,000 tonnes annually by the end of 2026.

MicroHarvest Protein Ingredient

The trial results confirmed that strain performance and critical process parameters remain consistent with smaller-scale production, ensuring robust scalability as MicroHarvest advances toward industrial-scale operations. Additionally, the trial demonstrated the speed and resilience of MicroHarvest's seed train - achieving the full process, from cryovial to full scale production, over 10 times faster than the traditional seed trains in the food industry.

Consistent and impressive scalability milestones achieved by MicroHarvest in the biotech industry make it an undisputed leader in the novel ingredients space and have emboldened and accelerated the company's progress towards a first close of its Series B funding efforts.

Katelijne Bekers, CEO of MicroHarvest, said: "Producers of feed and food face high pressure to adopt novel ingredients within 3-5 years, but scaling these ingredients has been a bottleneck for the B2B ingredients market. First trials require hundreds of kilos or even tonnes of product to test with, followed by consistent, large-scale production in the magnitude of thousands of tonnes. While many biotechnology startups struggle to scale their production beyond small pilot volumes in the range of a few kilos, we've always successfully run pilots with 50-100kg of product. In addition, we have also found a solution to address the urgent industry need to diversify protein sources at scale now. Our demonstrated process stability at scale puts us in a unique position to actually match market demand in 2026."

The company ran its first pilot trial less than six months after starting in the lab. Now, barely three years later, they are already demonstrating robust production at commercial scale. The success of this new large-scale trial has solidified MicroHarvest's confidence in the engineering parameters essential for its next production plant, putting the company on track to meet its long-term commercial production goals. 

"We see that new demo factories more than often have troubles in their start-up phase, as the process is sensitive to contaminations or to technical perturbations not expected at lab scale. This leads to delays that can take more than a year. In the worst case, they make profitability unachievable as production losses make a considerable dent in good unit economics." says Jonathan Roberz, COO of MicroHarvest. "Our R&D and Pilot teams focused from the start on minimising these problems. Our technology minimises the risk of contamination and focuses on quickly recovering production upon technical problems. Having overcome any remaining technological barriers, MicroHarvest is committed to reaching its kiloton output target."

The microbial fermentation process produces protein with a fraction of the carbon footprint of traditional plant- and animal-based proteins. Using agricultural side-streams as feedstock, MicroHarvest minimises the need for additional fossil fuels or land, significantly reducing environmental impact. Earlier this year, the startup collaborated with animal-free petfood producer VEGDOG to launch 'Pure Bites' a first-of-its-kind microbial protein dog treat. In addition, validation and application trials in salmon and shrimp are running or planned with several global aquafeed producers involved, covering million metric tonnes of feed. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand applications in human nutrition, positioning MicroHarvest as a well-rounded player at the forefront of sustainable protein innovation.

With growing demand across nutrition sectors, MicroHarvest is well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable, scalable protein production, contributing to a more resilient and eco-friendly food system.

For more information visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

OSHA expands safety emphasis program to reduce deadly grain bin accidents

November 11, 2024 - Dozens of grain handling accidents occur each year in the US. That is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has placed several states under regional emphasis programs over the years to promote worker safety at grain handling facilities.

The latest state to be added to the list is Missouri. The program aims to target high-risk worksites, pushing employers to tackle the root cause of worker injuries and prioritise safety as a core business value. Like other states on the list, Missouri has been the site of grain bin accidents that Todd Underwood, Director of OSHA's Wichita area office, calls unavoidable. Between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2023, OSHA has responded to three death, 13 accidents requiring amputation and 36 hospitalisation in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.

Entrapment and engulfment

During harvest time, grain inside a bin can clog up the auger - the rotating screw0lie machinery used to move the grain in and out of the bin. It can also gather in clumps inside the bin, sticking to walls or forming air pockets that hinder transport. When this happens workers can be tempted to ignore the safety rules and enter the bin to move the grain or walk it down. 

However when corn kernels are gathered in a bin they have sand-like properties, making it easy for anyone walking on corn in a bin to either sink into it, or be caught in the flow of corn being loaded by an auger. Once the grain reaches knee level, which can take as little as five seconds, you cannot escape.

A number of accidents

For centuries, corn was harvested and stored while still on the cob, however in the 1960s changes in technology led to corn being removed from the cob before storage, and this is when grain bin accidents began to occur.

At least 55 cases, including 29 fatal and 26 non-fatal, occurred in 2023 across the U.S, according to data from Purdue University. Iowa, Indiana and Illinois had the largest number of documented cases as of 2023.

There were 55 cases of accidents in 2023, 29 of which were fatal, this was a nearly 34% decrease from 83 cases in 2022. The number of grain-related accidents reached a peak in 2010 and has fluctuated at lower numbers ever since.

Safety regulations

Stricter safety regulations and new technology help keep the number of accidents from growing, rather than workers entering a bin, poles and other tools can help workers clean clogs and clumps along with allowing the grain ton dry for as long as possible to avoid deterioration that can encourage clumping and clogging.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

£10 million grain storage warehouse begins construction

November 11, 2024 - Associated British Ports (ABP) and Viterra have announced the construction of a £10 million storage warehouse at the Immingham International Terminal, Lincolnshire, due to Viterra's growing need for efficient and reliable storage.

The project will add 40,000 tonnes to their existing capacity, giving almost 80,000 tonnes of undercover storage. Construction of the site began in September and is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

"This investment is a testament to our dedication to providing top-tier services to our clients. James Maw, Managing Director for Viterra commented. "The new facility will enable us to better serve our customers and meet the increasing demand for high-quality storage solutions."

Viterra renewed its relationship with ABP in April 2022 with the opening of a new 35,000mt storage facility located on the Humber International Terminal. This is complemented by additional storage within ABP's Bulk Park facility located within the Port of Immingham.

The Port of Immingham is suitably located in north Lincolnshire and is the largest port in the UK by volume of tonnage. It plays an important role in supporting UK supply chains for both imports and exports across Europe and beyond.

Andrew Dawes, Director of the Humber ports expressed his excitement for the project, and commented that he believed it was both significant and reinforced the ports position as a leading UK port for the import and export of Agri-Bulks.

"Through our commitment to investing in supply chain solutions, we are not only improving our ability to better serve our customers, but also strengthening British trade. Dawes said. "By prioritising efficiency and agility we're building a robust supply chain that will support growth today and drive sustainable progress for the future in our mission to Keep Britain Trading."

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

2024 Grain Market Outlook briefing takes place

November 11, 2024 - Last week the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) held their 2024 Grain Market Outlook (GMO) briefing in Birmingham. The event included engaging discussions around both domestic and global markets, as well as government policy and its impact on UK food production.

Contrasts in global markets

Overall, the global grain market is somewhat fragile, with a projected deficit, despite lacklustre global demand. With a stronger reliance on Southern Hemisphere crops this season, production in these regions is one to keep an eye on. Another are to watch are the slowing of the Black Sea export pace and trade policies, which may change, following the results of the US election. Wheat supplies are also expected to be tight this season, whereas maize is looking more comfortable.

When it comes to global oilseeds, although rapeseed markets are supported by tight supplies and high palm oil prices, soybeans are acting as somewhat of an anchor with ample supplies, which are growing now that concerns are easing for South American crops.

UK supply and demand - 2024/25 and beyond

Despite entering the season with nearly 3Mt of wheat, the drop in production this season is expected to outweigh the rise in carry-in stocks, strong imports and a reduction in consumption, which will leave us with the tightest balance since 2020/21. The barley balance sheet is also expected to be tighter in 2024/25, which is driven by higher domestic consumption on the back of lower availability.

Long-term trends show steady demand for flour milling and limited growth in animal feed. There is currently a trend of a reduction in alcohol consumption which, if it continues, could mean that barley usage by brewers, maltster and distillers could decrease long term.

There is an increase on the UK's domestic reliance on imports for rapeseed as production is outweighing the decline in crush volume.

To what extent will the SFI remove land used for food production?

It is expected that Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions will be implemented on existing uncropped arable land, which makes up 5-6% of England's total droppable area, with the potential for an additional 1-2% to be added due to switching out of problematic crops, growth in applications and short-term reactions.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Evonik to put a focus on sustainability in animal nutrition at EuroTier

November 11, 2024 - At this year's EuroTier, Evonik is focusing on showing how and to what extent its feed ingredients and feeding concepts contribute to making the production of animal protein more sustainable. Evonik is the first and only producer of feed ingredients to present life cycle assessments for a probiotic product (Ecobiol) and guanidinoacetic acid (GuanAMINO) and to publish the carbon footprint of a lysine product (Biolys).

"Developing solutions for healthier and more sustainable animal nutrition has long been our passion," says Dr Gaetano Blanda, Head of Evonik's Animal Nutrition business line. "Now we as an industry leader can finally quantify the positive effect of our products and concepts."

You may also be interested in:

• Upgrade of Evonik’s MetAMINO production in Singapore reaches first milestone
• Evonik appoints Dr Dirk Hoehler as head of the amino acids business of Animal Nutrition

The content of a 25-kilogram bag of Ecobiol, for example, has a CO2 footprint of 2.1kg CO2 equivalents. When the probiotic product is used in broiler feed, it reduces the footprint of the resulting chicken meat by 1800kg CO2 equivalents. This is what Evonik presents as the product handprint.

For MetAMINO (DL-methionine), Evonik estimates the product-specific CO2 footprint to be around 35% below the industry average. Blanda: "For more than 60 years, we have been continuously improving our methionine process and investing in our production facilities. This is really paying off here."

Evonik is the only methionine manufacturer serving the global feed markets from world-scale production hubs in three different parts of the world: Antwerp/Wesseling (Europe), Mobile (Alabama, USA) and Singapore. In 2024, the plants in Singapore have been modernised and expanded. A plant for a precursor of methionine is currently being built in Mobile.

Visitors to the Evonik booth at EuroTier can find out about the entire product range of Amineo acids and specialties for monogastrics and ruminants.

Evonik can be found at EuroTier in Hall 21, Booth E20 from November 12-15, in Hanover, Germany.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Alapros Makina brings state-of-the-art flour mill to life in Monfalcone for Casillo Group

November 11, 2024 - Alapros Makina, one of the leaders in milling technology and engineering, has announced the successful commissioning of a new, high-capacity flour mill for Casillo Group, a renowned Italian milling company. Located in Monfalcone, Italy, the newly established mill boasts a 300-ton daily production capacity and showcases an innovative approach to modern milling.

Representatives from Alapros Makina and Francesco Casillo of Casillo Group were present during the commissioning process. Together, they conducted comprehensive inspections and assessments, ensuring the facility met its high-performance and quality standards. The evaluation results confirmed the plant’s compliance with project targets, highlighting the emphasis Alapros places on customer satisfaction and technical precision.

With a blend of cutting-edge technology and engineering excellence, the Monfalcone flour mill is now set to serve as a benchmark in the global milling industry. This facility underscores Alapros Makina’s commitment to advancing milling solutions worldwide, further positioning the company as an industry innovator.

Casillo Group’s latest plant not only exemplifies modernization but also raises the standard for efficient, high-quality milling. The project represents a significant achievement for both Alapros Makina and Casillo Group, reflecting their dedication to elevating milling practices and offering superior products to customers worldwide.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Ulusoy Un acquired 85% shares of Pastificio Mediterranea

November 11, 2024 - Ulusoy Un, Turkey’s leading flour and cereal products producer, acquired 85% shares of Pastificio Mediterranea, which has been producing high quality pasta in Italy for more than 100 years, for 5.3 million Euros. Günhan Eren Ulusoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ulusoy Un, emphasised that this strategic investment is an important step towards the company’s global growth targets.

In his statement on the subject, Günhan Eren Ulusoy said, ‘As Ulusoy Un, we are proud to take another historic step in our journey of growth in value-added areas. I am pleased to share that we have acquired 85% shares of Pastificio Mediterranea, Italy’s legendary brand that has been producing high quality pasta for more than 100 years, from the Spanish Cerealto group.’ Stating that they were impressed by Pastificio Mediterranea’s unique know-how dating back to 1908 and its commitment to Italian pasta, Ulusoy said that this acquisition offers Ulusoy Un a new growth area.

Ulusoy also stated that Pastificio Mediterranea’s reach in the global market will expand thanks to the group’s raw material supply opportunities and wide customer network: ‘We will further expand Pastificio Mediterranea’s geographical reach by contributing to the growth of Pastificio Mediterranea with our group’s raw material supply opportunities and wide customer network in different geographies. At the same time, we believe that this strategic investment, which enables us to take our first step into the pasta sector, will accelerate our global targets at Ulusoy Un and open the door to new achievements.’

This acquisition draws attention as an important step taken by Ulusoy Un in line with its goals of strengthening its presence in the global market and expanding its product portfolio. Pastificio Mediterranea’s deep-rooted experience and quality understanding from the Italian pasta tradition will contribute to Ulusoy Un’s stronger position in international markets. With this merger, it is aimed to offer innovative products that combine Turkish and Italian food traditions to consumers worldwide.

With this investment, Ulusoy Un has strengthened its position in Turkey’s food sector and stepped into the Italian market, while also demonstrating its vision of bringing its expertise and quality standards in pasta to the global market.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

New workshop to discuss hot topics facing the animal food industry

November 8, 2024 - The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will be hosting an educational program tackling hot topics facing the animal food industry at the upcoming International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), happening January 28-30, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The program, 'What's Keeping the Feed Industry up at Night?' will be held on January 29, 2025, from 10am-12pm.

"The animal feed industry is constantly evolving to meet nutritional requirements and address animal health challenges,"said Paul Davis, PhD, AFIA's Director of Quality, Animal Food Safety and Education. "This symposium will bring together voices from the industry to provide attendees with a better understanding of some of the current challenges in which manufacturers are adapting."

This two-hour program will feature speakers on highly pathogenic avian influenza and its recent presence in dairy cows, the ongoing battle against African swine fever and its implication in feed production, and the challenge of bringing the nutrient gap when animal genetics outpace published requirements. This program has been approved for two continuing education credits through the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.

'What's Keeping the Feed Industry Up at Night?' registration is now open. Those interested in attending the session are encouraged to register by January 10, to receive the early bird rate of $79. Full agenda and registration information is available on AFIA's website.

IPPE registration is also open, with a discounted price of $85 available through January 10.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

DLG North America to start operation

November 8, 2024 - A key part of DLG's internationalisation strategy, the establishment of the DLG North America subsidiary supports DLG's non-profit statue - in existence since 1885 - to promote farm management knowledge among farming professionals through international exhibition and networking platforms.

"Our new subsidiary DLG North America has been set up to serve farming professionals in North America. Also here, DLG will be developing exhibitions and events in the region and will be a bridge between North America and Europe, for the exchange of knowledge and innovation in the agricultural sector" says Jens Kremer, Managing Director of DLG International.

DLG North America will be drawing on DLG's exhibition expertise, which spans more than 135 years and today covers more than 30 agricultural trade fairs worldwide, including EuroTier, the trade fair for livestock technologies held in Germany every two years.

DLG North America will be launching American Dairy XPO, a trade fair that combines exhibition with farming knowledge delivered through conferences and interactive talks. The event will benefit from existing synergies of DLG's EuroTier livestock exhibition and the Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX) in Ontario, Canada, which was part of DLG's acquisition of Underhill Enterprise (UEI).

The work of DLG's 'Competence Center Agriculture', which covers farm management knowledge, international farmers surveys and a network of 3000 international experts, will benefit North American farming professional through the new DLG North America subsidiary.

Located in Frankfurt, Germany, the Competence Center Agriculture manages some 40 working groups of farmers, academics, agricultural equipment companies and organisations that continually compare advances in knowledge in specific areas such as irrigation and precision farming. The results are shared openly with the farming community and published in DLG Expert Knowledge series.

Through field trials, including crop rotation and irrigation, at DLG's International Crop Protection Centre, a 600-hectare farm in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, Germany, the DLG offers an important contribution to new farming knowledge.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

DLG launches dairy exhibition in the US

November 8, 2024 - DLG (German Agricultural Society) has announced the launch of 'ADX - American Dairy XPO', a new trade show aimed at dairy producers from the United States (US) and Canada that combines exhibition with practical farming know-how. The event is set to debut on November 5-6, 2025 at the Champlain Valley Exposition Center in Burlington, Vermont.

Drawing on the success of CDX, Canada's largest dairy trade fair attracting 17,000 visitors and 350 exhibitors annually, the event will showcase the latest advancements from regional and global companies supplying dairy technology, equipment and management practices for American dairy producers.

You may also be interested in: 

• Inhouse Farming opening event 2024 at EuroTier
• EuroTier 2024: trends in pig farming and feeding technology

"The vision for ADX - American Dairy XPO is driven by the need for concentrated knowledge of the full array of specialised products and services for the dynamic US dairy industry. ADX is a custom trade show created specifically for the requirements of North American dairy producers. The location of the tradeshow in Vermont captures the high concentration of dairy producers in New York, Pennsylvania as well as Quebec in Canada.

"The trade show is an ideal place for dairy producers to connect with the industry, including like-minded farmers while away from their daily work on the farm. ADX - American Dairy XPO will capture the pride of multi-generational involvement and celebrate hard work around the incredible commodity of milk," says Jordon Underhill, President of CDX and ADX - American Dairy XPO.

In addition to exhibitors, the new trade show will feature current topics, including the needs of young farming professionals as well as the 'Dairy Classroom' that focuses on education, both on-farm practices and business-related topics to help dairy farm families manage and improve their bottom line.

The event is DLG's first livestock trade show in the United States. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, the DLG aims to make farm management knowledge available among farming professionals through exhibitions and networking platforms.

The event will benefit from existing synergies of DL's EuroTier livestock exhibition as well as the Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX) in Ontario, Canada, which was part of DLG's acquisition of Underhill Enterprise (UEI) in July 2024. The DLG set up the subsidiary 'DLG North America' to manage its exhibition activities in North America.

"We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders and partners to offer dairy farmers and professionals a platform to learn, network and drive growth. DLG will continue its international network as farmers' organisation and will invite international exhibitors to exhibit in Vermont", says Jens Kremer, Managing Director of DLG International.

"This new ADX - American Dairy XPO trade show will be presented in Europe in November at EuroTier 2024, in Germany"

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

CESCO completes Factory Acceptance Test in Saudi Arabia

November 8, 2024 - CESCO has announced the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for a high-capacity bagging line system as part of its extensive project with United Feed Company (UFC) in Saudi Arabia. 

The FAT validated the system's capacity to process four parallel lines, each capable of handling up to 1000 bags of 50kg per hour using UFC's specified bags. Testing included safety checks, sewing speed and cutting tests, ink printer tests and belt conveyor tests, ensuring that all aspects of the equipment meet rigorous operational and safety standards. A second round of testing, with product in place, will be conducted at the project site once installation is complete.

"Achieving this milestone demonstrates our commitment to timely execution and high quality for our partners," said Martino Celeghini, CEO of CESCO. "Our collaboration with UFC supports Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector and food security goals, and we look forward to completing the project as planned."

The bagging line is a crucial component of a larger, state-of-the-art grain storage and handling facility that CESCO is building in partnership with UFC, a leader in Saudi Arabia's food industry since 1985. The facility will support Saudi Arabia's poultry and livestock sectors by providing reliable access to high-quality, plant-based animal feed, including essential grains like barley.

Key project highlights:

• The facility includes 15 corrugated steel silos with a combines capacity of 205,000 tonnes, along with a 3800m² flat storage warehouse for soy meal.
• Receiving lines for grains (2x400t/h) and soy meal (2x125t/h) to ensure efficient material intake.
• Integrated systems remove impurities and ensure precise weighing of materials.
• Enables materials to be directed as needed to bulk truck loading, bagging lines or storage.
• The facility accommodates an additional 120,000 tonnes in future storage capacity, providing scalability as UFC's needs grow.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Alltech 2024 European Harvest Analysis

November 8, 2024 - Alltech has released an interim report with the preliminary findings of its mycotoxin testing programme, the Alltech 2024 European Harvest Analysis. This report offers early, detailed and actionable insights about this year's mycotoxin risks.

Mycotoxins, which are natural substances produced by moulds and fungi, are more prevalent - and more of a problem in agriculture - than ever before. More than 95 percent of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, and usually with two or more. Because these toxins are difficult to detect, they can cause significant damage to animal health before producers even realise they are present. A proactive mycotoxin management programme is essential, and the first step is learning which mycotoxins pose the highest risk in specific regions, crops and species.

You may also be interested in:

• Alltech at EuroTier: Sustainable nutrition for profitable production
• Alltech Pork Team business seminar video now available

The Alltech 2024 European Harvest Analysis programme tests samples of new-crop grains and forages collected from farms or animal feed production sites in 20 countries, ensuring an accurate picture of mycotoxin contamination across the continent. All samples are tested at the leading-edge Alltech 37+ lab, which can detect the presence of 54 mycotoxins. Corn sample from central and southern Europe are also tested in collaboration with SGS, a global leader in mycotoxin testing and certification.

The newly released interim report shows moderate to high mycotoxin risk so far in 2024, with significant regional variations. This is similar to the results seen at this time last year. Type B trichothecenes and emerging mycotoxins are most prevalent, but type B trichothecenes like deoxynivalenol are bringing the most risk in grains.

Increasing weather fluctuations are a major contributor to today's rising mycotoxin risks, which vary widely by region. For example, early-season rains and floods followed by late-season droughts have created distinct challenges for crop producers this year across central and southeastern Europe. Some countries, including Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, are showing high levels of aflatoxin B1 in corn grain samples, with concentrations of up to 506 ppb.

"This year's weather in Europe has been extreme and unpredictable, which has been reflected in the behaviour of moulds and the production of mycotoxins. The mycotoxin risk for all animal species is medium to high, and for some mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1, even extremely high," said Dr Radka Borutova, Global Technical Support for the Technology Group at Alltech. "The application of effective mycotoxin management is the only way to break the deadlock."

Other key results from the Alltech 2024 European Harvest Analysis so far include:

Wheat and barley

Wheat samples analysed to date are averaging 7.7 mycotoxins per sample, with 99 percent containing multiple mycotoxins. Barley samples show an average of 6.3 mycotoxins, with 98 percent of samples containing multiple mycotoxins. The most prevalent mycotoxins in both wheat and barley are emerging mycotoxins and type B trichothcenes. The overall risk for both barley and wheat is moderate.

Straw

For straw, samples tested so far show an average of 5.9 mycotoxins per sample, with 91 percent of samples, containing multiple mycotoxins. The most prevalent are emerging mycotoxins and deoxynivalenol, with the overall risk being high.

Forages

For grass and corn silage, the preliminary findings show 2.9 mycotoxins per sample on average, with 68 percent of samples containing multiple mycotoxins. The most prevalent are type B trichothecenes and Penicillium mycotoxins such as penicillic acid, mycophenolic acid and patulin, with the overall risk being high.

Once testing and analysis have been completed, the full Alltech 2024 European Harvest Analyst report will be released, giving a more complete and detailed breakdown of key results by region, crop and species.

Alltech will host a live broadcast, 'From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis,' on November 21 at 10am EST, streamed live from Alltech's headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, US. The broadcast will cover:

• Global weather impacts on crops
• Preliminary harvest results from key regions
• Trends in global trade and supply chains
• Practical tips for optimising your feed decisions
• A live panel discussion

To register, visit HERE.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Premier Tech acquires Imeco

November 8, 2024 - Premier Tech has announced the acquisition of Imeco, an Italian weighing and bagging company, by its Systems and Automation Group. In doing so Premier Tech wishes to expand its footprint in Europe as well as add to its product portfolio.

"By expanding our footprint, we are not only strengthening our position in the market but also enhancing our ability to serve clients on a global scale. This strategic decision supports our commitment to innovation and excellence as we strengthen our leading position in our industry," says Jean Bélanger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Tech.

Over 35 years of experience

With this acquisition, the clients of Imeco will gain access to the extensive international network of Premier Tech and over 35 years of experience.

Moving forward, they will be supported by a renowned leader in automation, with a comprehensive technological portfolio and a dedicated client solutions and aftermarket team to provide the right solution that meets their unique needs. 

"This is an opportunity to get closer to our markets and strengthen our relationship with our customers," says Simon Roy, President and Chief Operating Officer of Premier Tech Systems and Automation. "Our goal is to deliver world-class service and support to the existing clients of Imeco moving forward."

The acquisition follows the strategic partnership of Premier Tech with MG Tech, in France, supporting its growth and strengthening its position in the European market.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Symaga unveils new brand architecture

November 7, 2024 - Symaga has chosen to unveil its new brand architecture at EuroTier. From now on, their feed silos and metal water tanks will be marketed under SYMAGA'S brand.

Since 1985, Symaga has been manufacturing feed silos and feed distribution systems by auger and chain-products that have been part of the company's origins but were previously marketed under the Growket brand. In 2016, water tanks were introduced to the market under the Agravid brand. From now on, both product lines will be integrated under the Symaga brand, strengthening the market recognition and positioning of both, water tans and feed silos, as well as the company as a whole.

You may also be interested in:

• Symagas focus on building longterm relationships with customers
• Symaga reinforces their presence in the brewery industry with new project in Colombia

With 40 years of experience, Symaga is a reliable manufacturer of industrial silos, having built 55 million cubic meters of storage across 15,000 large projects in more than 150 countries.

For more information, visit their stand at EuroTier B04 Hall 12, or visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Alltech at EuroTier: Sustainable nutrition for profitable production

November 6, 2024 - On November 12-15, at Stand D51 in Hall 20 during EuroTier, Alltech will be teaching visitors to their stand about smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Alltech senior leaders will be on-site to discuss industry trends and opportunities, with a focus on forage management, mycotoxin risk and silage management.

The Alltech 2024 European Harvest Analysis mycotoxin testing programme is underway, and the team will be on the stand to discuss preliminary findings and mycotoxin risk. Each year, the company tests thousands of new crop grain and forage samples to obtain the most up-to-date data possible to provide a timely and accurate analysis of mycotoxin risks. Alltech will host a love broadcast, 'From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis,' on November 21 at 3pm GMT.

The team will also be available to discuss silage management best practices and introduce Egalis(R), their silage inoculant range developed to optimise forage preservation and quality.

On Wednesday, November 13, at 4pm, Alltech will host a happy-hour preview of the documentary, World Without Cows. World Without Cows is a feature-length documentary that explores the complexity behind a seemingly simple question - 'Would we be better off in a world without cows?' Through interviews with farmers, ranchers, scientists and others on the front lines of producing food we need and sustaining the environment we all share, award-winning journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth take viewers on a global journey to deepen their understanding of everything cows can contribute and what the world might look like without them.

To register for this, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

South African feed production driven by rising meat consumption

November 6, 2024 - According to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report, the expansion of the livestock sector in South Africa has played an integral part in the development of the animal feed industry.

Over the past 30 year in South Africa animal production has more than doubled, driven by higher meat demand. The major industries in the livestock sector include poultry, cattle, dairy, pigs and sheep.

The livestock sector also includes well-developed and value-added cold chain activities such as the slaughtering, processing and preserving of products. Animal production is the largest agricultural sector in South Africa and contributes about 42% to total agricultural output in terms. Field crops and the horticultural sector each contribute 29% contribution.

The poultry industry is South Africa's largest individual agricultural industry, boasting a gross value of almost R63 billion ($3.5 billion) and contributing 14% to the total gross value of agricultural products.

Commercial broiler meat production accounts for approximately 90% of the poultry meat industry in South Africa, with the remaining 10% comprised of subsistence farming production and spent hens. The poultry industry is followed by cattle production at R48 billion ($2.7 billion), dairy productions ($1.4 billion), egg production ($0.7 billion), pigs ($0.6 billion) and sheep ($0.5 billion).

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Dsm-firmenich receives market authorisation for Boaver in Japan

November 6, 2024 - Dsm-firmenich's methane-reducing feed additive, Bovaer, has received market approval for use with dairy and beef cattle in Japan. This approval marks a significant step towards more sustainable agriculture in Japan.

Extensive research has shown that Bovaer can greatly reduce methane emissions with just a quarter teaspoon of the additive per cow per day, resulting in on average 30% methane reduction in dairy cows and 45% methane reduction in beef feedlots.

The approval of Bovaer aligns with MIDORI strategy, a comprehensive plan aiming at creating sustainable food systems, launched by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in May 2021. One of the key goals is to reduce methane emissions from agriculture. This involves improving the management of livestock manure, promoting research and development and deployment of methane mitigation technologies for more sustainable agricultural practices.

The approval further supports Japan's commitments as a signatory of the Global Methane Pledge. Japan is committed to a substantial reduction in methane emissions by 2030 (11% versus 2013 levels). With approximately four million beef and dairy cattle, Bovaer offers an effective solution in support of these national sustainability goals and will support Japanese dairy and beef sectors in their quest to deliver on their sustainability promises to their customers and consumers.

"We are excited to introduce Bovaer in support of Japan's environmental ambitions to reduce methane emissions from cattle and make a substantial impact on global climate-change efforts." said Mark van Nieuwland, Senior Vice President Bovaer at Dsm-firmenich. "Together with our existing partnerships with leading Japanese dairy companies, this approval will further accelerate the transformation towards more sustainable farming in Japan."

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

High caliber international technical program at EnergyDecentral

November 5, 2024 - Kicking off next week from November 12-15, EnergyDecentral taking place in parallel with the EuroTier exhibition is the most important platform for decentralised energy supply in the agricultural sector. EnergyDecentral has recorded high visitor and exhibitor interest, registering more than 290 exhibitors and offering a high caliber technical program.

Once again the successful 'Expert Stage' of EnergyDecentral in Hall 25 will offer live presentations of applied technologies and practical solutions in the energy sector. A complete range of exhibition products and services for decentralised energy generation and its infrastructure complements the live presentations in Hall 25.

Expert Stage 'EnergyDecentral' offers live presentations

On the opening day, November 12, the Expert Stage is titled 'Innovations in the biogas industry' with 'Green Gases' following on Wednesday, November 13. On Thursday, November 14, selected experts will discuss the future potential of biogas for the electricity market. On the final day of the trade fair, the main theme of the stage will be 'Process optimisation and practical experience'. The Expert Stage will be open daily from 10am-3pm. Presentations will be offered in German and English. Relevant organisations such as the Biogas Association, the State Association for Renewable Energies and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) will contribute with presentations.

The English-language presentation series 'Powering Tomorrow: Biogas Innovations and Real-World Applications' will take place on Wednesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 14, from 2pm-3pm. The German Biogas Association will moderate the presentations, which will focus on international innovations and practice-orientated applications in the biogas sector.

DLG spotlight 'Solar Transition'

Against the background of decentralised energy generation, photovoltaics is increasingly the focus of agriculture. Both the German government's expansion targets and the increasing energy demand for the electrification of agriculture are creating enormous investment potential for ground-mounted and storage systems as well as agricultural photovoltaics. The new DLG spotlight 'Solar Transition' offers visitors to EnergyDecentral the opportunity to take advantage of free initial consultation of the opportunities of photovoltaics for agricultural businesses. 

Visitors should register by November 8 to secure a slot.

Flexibilisation of biogas plants: Networking at the Storage Power Forum

The Storage Power Forum in Hall 24 at EnergyDecentral 2024 is the ideal destination for anyone interested in the latest innovations, framework conditions and contact opportunities for making biogas plants more flexible. This is where experts and companies come together to present their knowledge and technological solutions. With a specialist forum for presentations around the clock and the direct connection to a large number of companies with perfect solutions, visitors to the forum can immerse themselves directly in the world of flexibilisation, while a lounge corner invites them to network.

Inhouse Farming Pre-opening Event 2024 at EuroTier
DLG is this year hosting an exclusive pre-opening event entitled “Tackling the elephant in the room: renewable energies for future farming and food systems”, which is part of the Inhouse Farming Feed & Food Show, EnergyDecentral and EuroTier, the leading trade fair for livestock management. The high-calibre networking event unites industry professionals and experts at 6 p.m. on Monday, 11 November 2024, at the Convention Center (CC) at the trade fair grounds in Hanover, Germany.
 
After the welcoming addresses by Freya von Czettritz, CEO, DLG Holding, and Tom Zoellner, Secretary General, FarmTech Society (Moderator), Tisha Livingston, Co-Founder, 80 Acres Farms / Infinite Acres, will give the keynote address. The pre-opening event offers a concise overview of the growing opportunities for controlled environment agriculture in the agricultural sector. A panel discussion with renowned representatives from science and industry is part of the event. Participants include: Joyce Rasquin, Manager Business Development Grodan; Andy Manley, Vertical Market Manager Siemens Smart Infrastructure; Michael Stelter, Deputy Director Fraunhofer Institute IKTS Dresden; Tristan Fischer, Founder; and Group CEO Fischer Farms. Hosts: Eva Helén, BRAVE Industries. A networking dinner follows the speech program.

Prior registration is required and can be found, HERE.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.