In today’s talking points China could become the lab meat capital of the world, Australia’s biggest supermarkets and honey supplier accused of selling fake honey, policy makers and experts seek ways to scale up Africa’s agriculture and $10 million in agriculture grants now available in Queensland.
China Could Become the Lab Meat Capital of the World
Around half of the world’s farmed animals live in China, but the movement against animal farming in China is gaining momentum. The adoption of ‘clean meat’ could offer a more efficient alternative, as it is grown with cells and uses fewer natural resources and land.
The Chinese government has aimed to reduce meat consumption by 50%, while this could hurt the meat industry, it also provides ample opportunity for a new market. Clean meat is better for the economy and China has already entered into a “clean tech” trade deal with Israel, a country with a number of clean meat startups. If China takes the lead in this new industry, the world could see a global transition in meat consumption.
Source: Clean Meats
Australia’s Biggest Supermarkets and Honey Supplier Accused of Selling Fake Honey
Capilano (CZZ: ASX) has been embroiled in a new scandal regarding adulterated honey. A leading scientific laboratory in Germany that specialises in honey fraud found almost half the samples selected were mixed with other substances.
This follows a move by Coles in July to remove all Capilano Allowrie branded products from its stores due to concerns of the authenticity of honey imports.
Experts have cautioned that international syndicates have been making huge profits through bulking pure honey with cheap syrups such as rice and beet syrup that can evade official tests.
In China alone, Professor Norberto Garcia stated that honey exports have soared by 200 per cent despite beehive numbers increasing by only 6.7 per cent over the decade to 2016. This has heightened concerns as to the authenticity of honey exports.
Source: The Age
Policy makers, experts seek ways to scale up Africa’s agriculture
Last week the 7th African Green Revolution Forum was hosted in Beijing. This forum was aimed at implementing strategies and exchanging ideas to boost agriculture production in the African continent.
Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture, Geraldine Mukeshimana said “though we’re facing the climate change challenges, we have accumulated more evidence and data, and we have greater tools and means so we can go faster. And purposely, we make African agriculture beyond just guaranteeing food security and nutrition to the farming community.” She claimed that by 2030 the agriculture sector in Africa is set to be a trillion dollar business through continental and international trade.
Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente highlighted a number of challenges facing agricultural production on the continent, including “the limited use of modern agro-inputs, limited access to finance, weak access to market, limited mechanization.”
$10 million in agriculture grants now available
The Queensland Government has implemented a new $10 million Rural Economic Development Grants Program, to boost local jobs in rural and regional Queensland.
Successful projects must be ‘shovel ready’ and add value to the Australia agricultural sector and expand job opportunities. Projects must also add economic benefit to the region within 12 months of commencement.
Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development, Mark Furner said “the Queensland Government is determined to support the agriculture supply chain and create local employment jobs.”
Source: Farm Business