Kenya plans to revive pyrethrum cultivation.

Kenya plans to revive pyrethrum cultivation. Pyrethrum farming was once a major source of income generating billions of shillings in foreign revenue in the 1980s before the sub-sector sunk on its knees. Today, most of the 200,000 farmers who religiously smiled all the way to the bank every month have uprooted the crop due to non-payment of their arrears. According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, the number of farmers growing the crop has nose-dived to between 15,000 and 20,000 in 18 counties. During its hey days it was regarded as the 'black gold' and was the third largest foreign exchange earner with the government pocketing in excess of Sh18 billion annually during a good harvest.Today the cash crop is struggling to stay afloat even as demand for the Kenya pyrethrum still remains high in the international markets. more

South Africa: Global demand spurs sustainable fynbos harvesting.

South Africa: Global demand spurs sustainable fynbos harvesting.Silver brunia, a plant with perfectly shaped silver-green baubles that is endemic to the Cape Floral Kingdom, has been dubbed "white gold" because of escalating demand in the East. It is helping to focus attention on the more than 9,000 indigenous plant species in the Cape. Broadly known as fynbos, many species have been exported for decades but some of them, such as the king protea, protea compacta and silver brunia, are trending in Europe, Asia, Russia and other global markets. They have unusual aesthetic appeal and last longer than other flowers. more

Omega-3 and arthritis: Study finds link between fish consumption and joint disorder

Omega-3 and arthritis: Study finds link between fish consumption and joint disorder: Regular consumption of omega-3 rich fish could reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, new data suggests.

Waste chocolate helps Nestlé reach sustainability goal

Waste chocolate helps Nestlé reach sustainability goal: Nestlé UK & Ireland has reached its target of zero waste to landfill at its Fawdon factory after using excess Toffee Crisp and Rolo ingredients to help power the site.

Biogas from food waste can be low-carbon truck fuel

Biogas from food waste can be low-carbon truck fuel: Biogas generated from food and drink process waste offers a low-carbon commercial transport fuel for the future, a study for a leading British bioenergy company has shown.

US customs seizes two tons of marijuana disguised as lettuce.

US customs seizes two tons of marijuana disguised as lettuce. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to work at the Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge seized nearly two tons of alleged marijuana in one enforcement action valued over $740,000. “This is truly an example of our CBP officers’ hard work, experience and dedication to the CBP mission,” said Port Director Gregory Alvarez, Laredo Port of Entry. “I congratulate the officers in advancing the CBP mission and protecting the public from illegal narcotics.” .A canine, non-intrusive and physical inspection of the trailer resulted in the discovery of 5,754 packages containing a total of 3,707 pounds of alleged marijuana. more

Identifying food safety hazards in greenhouse systems.

Identifying food safety hazards in greenhouse systems. According to the United States Department of Agriculture 2012 Census of Agriculture, sales from greenhouse-grown food crops equaled around $800 million in the U.S. Crops grown included tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, and berries, with hydroponic production operations making up about 64% of the total production (cwt) (USDA Census of Agriculture, 2012). Demand for greenhouse-grown produce continues to increase, providing growers with unique opportunities to tap into this expanding market. Although greenhouse systems provide a more protected environment than field-grown systems, it is important to understand the unique food safety risks and possible sources of contamination when growing produce in these systems. Identifying food safety hazards are necessary to implementing practices that reduce the risk of contamination during the pre-plant, production, harvest, and post-harvest handling stages. more