JANUARY-FEBRUARY . 2024 | @ AGROBiz

BEHN MEYER Group , a renowned distributor and supplier of speciality ingredients , recently announced a groundbreaking agreement with BSB Nanotechnology , a leading innovator in nanotechnology solutions , to launch an exclusive range of Biosilico rice husk silica tailored specifically for the beauty and personal care industry .

The collaboration , established in November 2023 , marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and high-performance ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care market .

BSB Nanotechnology ’ s Biosilico rice husk silica is an eco-friendly and innovative material derived from rice husk , a by-product of rice milling . This breakthrough technology harnesses the power of nanotechnology to create premium silica with unparalleled purity and effectiveness . Biosilico ’ s unique properties make it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of beauty and personal care applications .

Key highlights of the collaboration include :

• Sustainable Beauty Solutions : BSB Nanotechnology ’ s Biosilico rice husk silica aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly beauty products . The partnership with Behn Meyer Group aims to introduce environmentally conscious alternatives without compromising on performance .

• Enhanced Formulation Capabilities : The Biosilico range offers

FREIGHT Farms , Inc and Agrinam Acquisition Corporation have announced substantial growth in year-over-year orders of Freight Farms ’ flagship Greenery farm in 2023 , reflecting a 32 per cent increase . This surge underscores the growing demand from institutions and communities for localised , sustainable food solutions .

This growth report follows the previously announced public business combination between Agrinam , Freight Farms , and Agrinam Merger Sub , Inc . As part of this arrangement , Agrinam will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Freight Farms , with the resulting company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange .

To address this demand , Freight Farms has observed a significant increase in customers scaling the number of farm units in their operations , with a rise of approximately 70 per cent . Notably , this growth is driven primarily by a 147 per cent increase in non-profit and healthcare customers and a 27 per cent increase in education customers .

To further meet the needs of its expanding customer base , Freight Farms is preparing to unveil its newest

cosmetic formulators an edge in creating products with improved texture , enhanced stability , and better absorption . The advanced formulation capabilities of Biosilico open up new possibilities for innovative and effective skincare and personal care products .

• Quality Assurance : Behn Meyer Group , known for its commitment to quality and excellence , will ensure the distribution of Biosilico rice husk silica adheres to the highest standards . This collaboration guarantees that beauty and personal care manufacturers in the region will have access to a reliable supply of this cutting-edge ingredient .

• Market Expansion : The partnership between Behn Meyer Group and BSB Nanotechnology is poised to expand the market reach of Biosilico in the beauty and personal care sector across the Southeast Asian region . This collaboration leverages Behn Meyer ’ s extensive network and expertise to introduce Biosilico to a wider audience . “ We are thrilled to partner with Behn Meyer Group to bring our Biosilico rice husk silica to the forefront of the beauty and personal care industry . This collaboration signifies a shared commitment to sustainability , innovation , and delivering high-quality solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers ,” said Nguyen Viet Hung , Chief Executice Office of BSB Nanotechnology .

The collaboration between Behn Meyer Group and BSB Nanotechnology is set to advance the beauty and personal care industry with Biosilico ’ s sustainable and high-performance offerings .

iteration of container farm technology : the Garden . This innovative farm , set to debut through strategic partnerships starting with the Museum of Science , Boston , is designed to seamlessly integrate into educational settings , public areas , and institutions within the hospitality and non-profit sectors . Market production for the Garden is expected to commence in 2025 .

The Greenery , Freight Farms ’ flagship product , has proven to be a commercialscale success , leveraging advanced hydroponic , vertical farming , and controlled-environment technology . With the ability to produce 2-6 tons of annual harvest using 90 per cent less water and land than traditional farming methods , the Greenery represents a paradigm shift in local food production .

Freight Farms experienced a 62 per cent increase in orders from institutional customers between 2022 and 2023 , resulting in a 51 per cent revenue increase for this group . Key organisations benefiting from Freight Farms technology include non-profits , healthcare facilities , and educational institutions .

The company ’ s innovative solutions have been recognised with prestigious awards , including a Gold Stevie Award for Technical Innovation of the Year and an AgTech Breakthrough Award for IoT Monitoring Solution of the Year in 2023 .

NEGOTIATIONS between Ukraine and the European Union ( EU ) are set to determine the terms for integrating Ukraine ’ s agricultural sector into the EU ’ s Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ). Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Farm Minister Mykola Solsky emphasised that subsidies and grants will not be abandoned despite earlier speculations .

With its significant agricultural capacity , Ukraine is poised to begin sectoral talks on its EU accession in March . However , integrating its vast agricultural sector into the EU , once the world ’ s fourth-largest grain supplier , raises political and economic sensitivities .

While Ukraine could potentially access substantial subsidies from the EU ’ s CAP , discussions may revolve around reducing trade restrictions and environmental regulations in exchange for subsidies . The aim is to protect Ukrainian farmers ’ competitiveness and streamline bureaucratic processes that hinder development .

Agriculture holds critical importance for Ukraine ’ s economy , especially amidst wartime challenges . Before the conflict , grain exports accounted for a significant portion of Ukrainian exports . Joining the EU would provide Ukrainian farmers tariff-free access to EU markets , potentially boosting their competitiveness .

However , challenges remain , including potential subsidy cuts for existing EU member states and protests against the EU ’ s Green Deal regulations . Some European farmers fear competition from Ukrainian imports , while Ukrainian farmers anticipate increased subsidies and market access .

While subsidies may seem beneficial , some officials caution against over-reliance , as they can stifle innovation and diversity in agricultural practices . There ’ s a concern that excessive subsidies could lead to dependency and limit farmers ’ flexibility in crop selection and production methods .

As Ukraine navigates negotiations with the EU , finding a balance between trade liberalisation , environmental regulations , and subsidies will be crucial . The outcome will shape the future of Ukraine ’ s agricultural sector and its integration into the European market .