FABRA UK urges positive response to consultation on non-ruminant proteins in livestock feed

December 3, 2024 - Safety and sustainability provide a compelling case for changing animal feed rules, but we must make out voices heard, urges Adrian Kesterson, Technical Advisor to FABRA Uk, the trade association for the UK animal by-products sector.

England and Wales are due to follow Scotland in announcing a consultation on Livestock Feed Controls. The consultations are gauging views on permitting non-ruminant Processed Animal Protein (PAP) in pig and poultry feed which has been prohibited for over two decades. Specifically, the proposal is for poultry PAP to be permitted in pig feed, and porcine PAP in poultry feed. 

"Restrictions on pig and poultry feed were brought in as a precautionary measures within the UK's BSE prevention strategy. Scientific evidence and experience from Europe demonstrate that the proposed changes are entirely safe and offer advantages in terms of nutrition, animal welfare and sustainability," says Mr Kesterson.

"Our members produced PAP and support updating the feed rules. We encourage farm to fork stakeholders to respond favourably on the changes. We recognise that safety will be foremost in the public's minds. All PAP products are made from healthy animals with high standards for hygiene and traceability. Proteins derived from ruminants (cows, sheep and goats) and intra-species consumption will remain prohibited with strict processing rules and testing to back this up."

Mr Kesterson adds that the consultation also covers insect proteins in pig and poultry feed as well as ruminant gelatine in non-ruminant feed. FABRA UK supports both these proposals too.

PAP offers nutritional benefits for pigs and poultry which are both naturally omnivorous requiring rich sources of protein in their feed. Work in Europe suggests optimal inclusion rates for PAP are 5-10% at which they improve animal health and productivity in comparison to vegetable protein sources like soymeal.

The UK imports much of its protein for animal feed so using locally produced PAP can help close the 'protein gap', improving the UK's food security. Using by-products in feed maximises their value, in line with the food waste hierarchy. It also supports efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of feed and the wider food supply chain contributing to the UK's Net Zero Targets.

"Animal by-products offer significant potential for greenhouse gas reduction, principally through avoided deforestation. Poultry PAP and Porcine PAP have just 20-25% greenhouse gas emissions of soymeal, the most common imported protein source. The research on this was carried out by colleagues in Europe with the verified results available in the GFLI database."

The European Union made similar changes to its legislation in 2021 and creating a level playing field for the UK livestock sector, which is still integrated into European supply chains is another benefit of updating the rules.

The consultation in Scotland closes on January 1, 2025, and anyone wishing to respond can do so online. A separate consultation on the same topic will be published by the UK and Welsh Governments in the near future, with the intention that any potential future changes made would be implemented at the same time across Great Britain.

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.

The Cultured Hub opens its state-of-the-art biotech facility in Switzerland

December 3, 2024 - The Cultured Hub officially opens its doors today, marking a milestone for the global cellular agriculture and food industry communities. The scale-up and growth service aims to revolutionise the cultivated food and beverage sector by accelerating the development and market penetration of cellular agriculture products. These innovations can address increasingly complex food system challenges, reducing environmental impact and improving food security.

Outside view of The Cultured Hub’s building in Kemptthal, Switzerland

Equipped with advanced product development labs, cell culture and fermentation capabilities and equipment and with its ecosystem of partners, the Hub is designed to empower start-ups and organisations to scale up and accelerate the development of market-ready, sustainable, healthy and affordable products. The Hub offers a technology platform that extends beyond food and can support the development of diverse products, such as meat, fish, dairy, petfood and plant-based cells like cocoa - as well as materials like cosmetics and selective Pharma applications.

"The launch of The Cultured Hub is a pivotal moment in the global push for sustainable food production," said Yannick Gaechter, CEO of The Cultured Hub. "The opening of this facility is not just an achievement for our team, but a landmark moment for the industry. We are excited to open a facility that will enable start-ups to scale up without heavy capital investment and contribute to global food system improvements."

Unique scale-up capabilities

At the Hub, companies can now scale up their processes from small-scale laboratory experiments (eg shake flasks) to 1000-litre pilot operations without investing in expensive assets or diluting equity. This unique capability bridges the gap between research and commercial production, enabling companies to demonstrate and refine their processes efficiently. The Hub can host three companies working simultaneously, each in fully separated suites, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. This organisation accelerates market entry by saving time and resources, allowing actors to focus on creating great-tasting food products at a competitive cost.

Industry expertise and collaboration

A joint venture between Migros, Givaudan and Bühler Group, The Cultured Hub leverages centuries of collective experience in food processing, product development, production, marketing and market launches. All three companies have shown a strong commitment to sustainability. This combination makes the Hub a unique access point for knowledge, skills, technology and retail and consumer understanding.

"The Cultured Hub is designed to bridge the scale-up gap for companies, enabling them to retain equity, protect intellectual property and fast-track their journey to market without high capital investment," said Ian Roberts, Chief Technology Officer of Bühler Group. "We are thrilled to bring together industry players and create a collaborative environment that will drive significant advancements in the industry."

"As a global leader in flavours, taste, functional and nutritional solutions, with deep expertise in biotech, Givaudan is committed to unlocking new opportunities in the cellular agriculture space and contributing to the transformation of the global food system," said Fabio Campanile, Global Head of Science & Technology Taste & Wellbeing at Givaudan. "Through the Cultured Hub, and the ecosystem we are building with start-ups, partners and customers, we look forward to co-creating new, game-changing solutions that meet consumer demand for healthier, more planet-friendly products."

"The Cultured Hub represents a paradigm shift in how we approach food production," said Matthew Robin, CEO, Elsa Group at Migros Industries. "As Switzerland's largest retailer, Migros is dedicated to offering choice to consumers, including innovative, sustainable food solutions."

Strategically located in Kemptthal, Switzerland - a burgeoning hub of innovation in Europe, the Hub provides a vibrant working environment where start-ups and established companies can spearhead breakthroughs.

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.

SPACE launches a new design for its 39th edition

December 3, 2024 - SPACE is launching its all-new design for the 2025 edition, the event is set to take place from September 16-18, 2025, at the Parc-Expo in Rennes, France.

The key event for all farmers and all sectors

Since 1987, SPACE has been a major show for the entire agricultural sector, attracting over 1200 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world, with 120 countries represented. SPACE's success continues to strengthen its position as a world leading event for all animal farming.

You may also be interested in:

• Interview with Anne Marie Quéméner, Event organiser – SPACE 2024

Marcel Denieul, Chairman of the show: "SPACE is an event for professionals that provides farmers with perspectives and ideas for the future. Its international dimension has been confirmed over the years. The whole event takes place in a spirit of conviviality that is expressed through all the exchanges."

All animal farming sectors are represented: dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, rabbits, horses and aquaculture, both nationally and internationally! Three days dedicated to animal farming, where you can discover all the latest innovations, discuss the challenges facing the sector and make connections at a fun and exciting event!

A promotion already in action

SPACE team is already working actively to promote the 2025 edition in France and around the world! Anne Marie Quéméner, Show Manager, summed up these privileged moments rich in meetings and exchanges for SPACE and agriculture: "These moments of exchange and sharing confirm, once again, that SPACE is much more than just a show: it is a place where innovation and partnerships are built, and which continues to shine beyond borders. These events provide us with constructive and positive feedback. These are essential points for doing our best for agriculture and preparing for the next SPACE!"

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.

Utrix launches revamped website

December 3, 2024 - Utrix has announced the launch of its revamped website. The new design reflects the company's brand identity and offers an improved user experience.

The website features the company's extended range of solutions, designed to support animal well-being and performance, including customised nutritional solutions, innovative feed additives and on-farm applications.

Visitors can also get a glimpse into the companies state-of-the-art production facilities and learn about the company's history. The new website has been developed as a platform to share regular expert insights and content from Utrix technical team about the daily challenges of animal nutrition and health.

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.

Millers for Nutrition initiative launched to tackle malnutrition in Ethiopia

December 2, 2024 - Millers for Nutrition, a coalition of food fortification stakeholders, officially launched in Ethiopia, marking a significant stride in the nation's effort to combat malnutrition. Hosted by TechnoServe, the launch event will highlight the essential contributions of millers in enhancing public health through food fortification thereby improving Ethiopians' health.

Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in improving nutrition over the past two decades, tanks to support from the Government of Ethiopia and effective health and agriculture extension systems.

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However, despite these achievements, the country continues to face pressing nutritional challenges. According to recent data from the Manufacturing Industry Development Institute's Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Center, 39% of children under five are stunted, 22% are underweight and 11% are wasted. These statistics highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to address malnutrition and ensure that all children have access to the essential nutrients required for health growth and development.

Millers for Nutrition operates in eight countries across Africa and Asia including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania and now Ethiopia. The coalition is dedicated to supporting millers in their efforts to fortify essential food staples such as rice, edible oil and flour (wheat and maize) with vital micronutrients crucial to combating malnutrition. 

"The launch of Millers for Nutrition is a significant milestone in our battle against malnutrition in Ethiopia. It exemplifies our commitment to empowering local millers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance the nutritional quality of staple food through fortification. Through collaboration and innovative solutions, we aim to establish a sustainable environment where fortified foods become the norm, ensuring all Ethiopians have access to essential nutrients for a healthier future," said Eyakem Amsalu, Millers for Nutrition Program Manager, Ethiopia.

The coalition empowers millers by providing the resources and expertise to achieve and maintain high food fortification standards while improving and enhancing operational efficiencies. Through capacity-building and technical support, Millers for Nutrition aims to foster a sustainable environment where fortified foods become a standard offering in local markets.

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.

URC raises flour milling capacity by 300K MT

December 2, 2024 - The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently hailed the P5.4-billion (£72,755,442) investment of Universal Robina Corp (URC) in a new flour milling facility which it said would play a critical role in ensuring steady availability of high-quality flour, a vital ingredient in many staple food products like bread, pasta, cereals and crackers.

"Flour is integral to our economy, from family dining tables to large-scale food production," said DA Secretary Francisco Tau Laurel in a statement.

The new flour milling plant in a 10-hectare area in Barangay Talaan-Aplaya, Sariaya, Quezon was inaugurated on November 29, 2024. This is URC's third flour milling facility and it is scheduled to start commercial operations in January. The plant will directly employ 102 workers.

The new milling facility has an annual production capacity of 297,000 metric tonnes (MT) of flour and 99,000 MT of bran and pollard. It uses a fully automated milling technology that will streamline flour production, storage and packaging processes.

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.

Zimbabwe wheat harvest tops 560,000 metric tonnes

December 2, 2024 - Zimbabwe has harvested 560,000 metric tonnes of wheat this year, a significant increase from the 468,000 tonnes produced in 2023. This milestone was confirmed by the country's Lands and Agriculture Permanent Secretary, Obert Jiri, at a press briefing in Harare on November 25.

"As of Monday, we have accounted for over 560,000 metric tonnes of wheat harvested," Jiri said. "We are still in the process of finalising the figures, but we are confident that the total harvest will include both usable grain and any grain that may have been affected by rain."

Jiri praised farmers for surpassing the previous year's wheat production, highlighting their resilience and efforts in achieving a better yield. He expressed optimism for the upcoming farming season, encouraging farmers to continue planting as agricultural inputs are readily available across the country.

However, he also acknowledged challenges in the movement of traditional grains, encouraging farmers to align their crop choices with agroecological conditions in order to maximise productivity. "We encourage farmers to adapt to the agroecological tailoring to ensure that the crops they plant are well-suited for their specific regions," he stated.

The government's efforts to ensure food security were underscored by the bumper wheat harvest in 2022, which allowed Zimbabwe to halt flour and wheat imports, with Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka declaring that the country had become self-sufficient in wheat production. The country's annual wheat consumption is estimated at 360,000 tonnes, putting current harvest well beyond domestic demand.

Despite this success, the reopening of borders in March for wheat imports has posed challenges for local farmers and millers. The influx of imported flour has led to a downturn in local milling activity, with some mills scaling back operations or shutting down altogether.

The increase in wheat production is a positive sign for Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, but the government faces the challenge of balancing local production with the impact of imports on the domestic milling industry.

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.

Pakistan and China to promote animal feed processing industry

December 2, 2024 - The Embassy of Pakistan in China hosted a China-Pakistan B2B Conference focusing on animal feed, fruit and vegetable processing industries, aiming to enhance economic cooperation and investment ties between the two countries.

With the participation of over 200 representatives from business groups in Weifang, Qingdao, Karachi and other cities in China and Pakistan, the meeting witnessed the signing of 13 MoUs worth RMB 250 million, ranging from importing citrus, seafood and animal feed from Pakistan to China, to establishing joint ventures in Pakistan, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.

Pakistani representatives provided detailed insights into the investment potential of Pakistan's animal feed processing industry.

Several incentives for foreign investors were highlighted, including 100% foreign ownership, unrestricted profit and dividend repatriation and zero import tariffs on factory equipment and machinery.

According to Ghulan Qadir, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan, Pakistans advantages in tariffs, labour costs and raw materials could increase profit margins for businesses in the animal feed sector, particularly in the production of additives and supplements, by up to 3.6%.

He emphasised that the Pakistani government is committed to creating a more business-friendly environment and has already addressed issues such as remittance challenges faced by Chinese companies.

Zhu Qianqiu, President of Cross-Border Trade Development Committee, China told CEN that his Committee is pushing for the establishment of a zero-tariff zone in Pakistan for the trade of bilateral commodities.

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.

Vast majority of feed outages due to bin slide management mistakes

December 2, 2024 - New research by BinSentry in collaboration with pork industry leader Hanor has found the vast majority of animal feed outages are caused by bin slide management errors - not running out of feed on site - a previously invisible problem that increased feed conversion ratios by as much as seven basis points, eroding producer profitability.

The year-long study tracked out-of-feed events at 100 Hanor hog brans using BinSentry's 3D optical sensors and AI-powered software technology.

The study found the vast majority of feed outages were due to bin slide management mistakes - where the slide on a full bin wasn't opened after another bin was emptied. Sites experiencing the most out-of-feed events saw FCRs seven basis points higher, costing $3.15 per pig, compared to sites with zero outages. That's about $4,400 per barn of annual opportunity.

The results demonstrate a whole new category of feed outages and a measurable correlation between out-of-feed events, FCR and the bottom line of producers. 

"This is game-changing information," said Ben Allen, BinSentry CEO. "Before now, the industry was unable to identify a direct correlation between feed outages and FCR - we knew it must exist, but we just couldn't find it. It turns out we were missing 80% of the problem because we didn't have any reliable way to see what was going on inside the feed bins. Now we do."

BinSentry technology allows producers to precisely track feed bin levels and optimise feed management in real time while eliminating the need for unreliable and dangerous manual inventory checks.

The company's new Out-of-Feed Insights dashboard analyses the sensor data with advanced algorithms and AI technology to detect and identify out-of-feed issues. This allows producers to monitor activity in all their barns, track the data over time and improve the weakest performers in their operation through the use of automated notifications.

"Feed conversion ratios are one of the most important metrics for animal producers," says Mauricio Diaz, President of Hanor, the 14th largest pork producer in the United States. "Being able to see and address all feed issues is a key component to lowering feed conversion ratios, which lower costs and increases sustainability."

The Hanor case study confirms what BinSentry has discovered by monitoring over 25,000 feed bins owned by the biggest livestock and poultry producers in North America: that nearly 80% of out-of-feed events are caused by feed bin slide management errors, while only 20% are due to running out of feed.

"While this study is focused on pork, work under way with poultry producers is expected to generate similar results,"Allen said

"Producers are fighting every day to improve by fractions of a point of FCR, but it's so hard to find those savings," Allen said. "This study shows the fastest way to lower your FCR is managing bin slide issues at your barns. We've identified this giant category of feed outages that nobody knew was there, and it's costing producers real money every single day.

"With BinSentry technology, not only can you see these issues, your teams can be notified to take corrective actions, saving operators significant time and expense."

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.

Mike Spier elected as President and CEO of US Wheat Associates

December 2, 2024 - At their board meeting on November 14, 2024, US Wheat Associates (USW) directors elected Mike Spier, Vice President of Overseas Operations, as the export organisation's next President and CEO, effective with the retirement of current President and CEO Vince Peterson on July 1, 2025.

Mike Spier (right), USW Vice President of Overseas Operations, has been selected to replace Vince Peterson (left) as the organisation’s next President and CEO, effective July 1, 2025.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to be elected to this position and grateful to our officers and directors for their trust and confidence," said Spier. "I am also immensely grateful to Vince Peterson, whose vision and dedication have laid a durable foundation for future success. I look forward to working with my outstanding colleagues, as well as the National Association of Wheat Growers, state wheat commissions and our industry partners. Together, we will continue to innovate, create new export opportunities, enhance profitability for US wheat growers and deliver value to customers overseas."

The USW President serves at the pleasure of the wheat farmers on its Board of Directors and is responsible for implementing board-directed policies and for managing staff, export market development programs and finances.

"Mike is well-known and respected by our overseas wheat buyers and the entire domestic industry. He is highly qualified, and I am very pleased the board selected him to lead the organisation," said Peterson, who was named USW's fourth President in 2017. "With strong support from our board, we have maintained a solid financial position that will give Mike and our talented, hard-working staff a great foundation to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead in the world wheat market."

Spier is an Oregon native who has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Seattle Pacific University. He started his career in 1992 as an accountant and then a grain merchandiser with United Grain Corporation in Portland, Oregon. In 1997, he joined USW as Assistant Director of the West Coast Office. Spier relocated to Cairo, Egypt, in 1998 as USW Assistant Regional Director for the Middle East and East Africa. 

After four years in Cairo, he transferred to Manila, Philippines, as Assistant Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia. In 2009, USW promoted Spier to Regional Vice President for South and Southeast Asia and transferred him to USW's Singapore Regional Office. 

In 2015, Spier transitioned to Columbia Grain International (CGI) as Assistant Vice President of International Marketing, establishing CGI's Singapore office for marketing international milling wheat in Southeast Asia. In 2018, he moved to the company's headquarters in Portland, Oregon to lead CGI's international wheat marketing desk. In 2019, Spier returned to USW as Vice President of Overseas Operations.

Throughout his career, Spier has gained expertise in grain merchandising, international wheat trading, market analysis, risk management and hedging, logistics, execution and negotiation of ocean freight contracts. Over his career in the wheat industry, Spier has traveled to more than 50 countries, implementing wheat export market development activities, providing insight into the US and world wheat markets and assisting buyers with wheat contract terms to meet price and quality expectations. 

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.