Michael Keller

New@paper « The potential of farmer training video for supporting agroecological vegetable production in Benin », is our newest paper in @Cogent Food & Agriculture, Volume 10 Issue 1, published online @today 30May2024. https://lnkd.in/gSTSPEhH. Vegetable farming is confronted with declining soil fertility, poor pest and disease management, and climate change. Agroecological farming offers a new paradigm of sustainable agri-food systems that counters these challenges. From August to December 2015, farmer training videos (FTVs) were sold to enable farmers to learn about agroecological techniques. In October 2022, we interviewed a sample of 180 vegetable farmers in four municipalities where the FTVs were sold, to find out which technical and organizational innovations were familiar to, and had been adopted by farmers. This study revealed that about seven years after FTVs were distributed, the proportion of conventional vegetable growers decreased from 95.5% to 51%, while agroecological vegetable growers increased from 4.5% to 30% and 19% of the famers started growing organic vegetables. Farmers were motivated to embrace sustainable vegetable methods for financial and health reasons. The study also showed how farmers’ association played a key role in creating favorable conditions for the development of sustainable (agroecological and/or organic) farming. The FTVs taught agroecological knowledge to farmers, many of whom were able to put these ideas into practice.   

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Launched at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women on 13 March 2024, the FAO’s initiative "Commit to Grow Inequality" aims to provide a mechanism for leaders from all sectors to step forward and announce concrete commitments that will make a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls in agrifood systems. With little more than five years left to achieve the #SDGs, we agreed that it is important to make a bold and visible push to support the transformation of lives and livelihoods of women and girls everywhere. Learn more and share your commitment to the cause: https://lnkd.in/gZqBwCPe #FoodSystems #WomensEquality #GenderEquality

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🌍☕ Fairtrade International has raised concerns that many smallholder farmers might be cut off from EU markets—not due to deforestation practices, but because of challenges in data management and compliance with the new EUDR. This could have serious implications for their livelihoods. A coalition of coffee organizations has called for urgent intervention to prevent unintended consequences for smaller producers. The law aims to ensure sustainability in supply chains for coffee, cocoa, and other commodities, but it’s vital that we support small-holder farmers in meeting these new requirements. 🌱 #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #CoffeeIndustry #EUDR #FairTrade #Sustainability #CoffeeCommodities

#G7 Agriculture Ministerial this week will focus on the resilience and sustainability of agricultural and food systems: (1) science and innovation in agriculture for climate change #adaptation; (2) empowering young generations as agents of change in agriculture; (3) the contribution of sustainable #fisheries and #aquaculture to food security; (4) the G7’s role in the development of agriculture on the African continent. These themes dovetail with the G20 Brasil 2024 Agriculture Ministers Declaration issued in Brazil earlier this month. https://lnkd.in/e8QMpZYt

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🚜 CEMR takeaways from the hearing of EU Commissioner-Designate for Agriculture and Food 🌱 The recent hearing with Christophe Hansen, Commissioner-designate for Agriculture and Food, left rural development in the background, a crucial area that we at CEMR believe deserves strong emphasis to ensure no one and no place is left behind. However, Hansen made some points that can resonate with local and regional governments:  ➡️ Boosting Rural Communities: Hansen stressed that rural communities must strive for better access to services and economic opportunities. CEMR thinks that the EU and Local and Regional Governments must work together to bridge gaps in accessibility and economic inclusion for rural populations. ️➡️ Local Role in Food Policy: Recognising that food-related policies often fall within national, regional, or local domains, Hansen noted that the EU has a role, particularly when it comes to addressing climate risks. ➡️ Supporting Sustainable Farming: Hansen suggested utilising unspent Just Transition Funds to facilitate sustainable farming transitions. 🎯 Rural areas must not be left behind. Quality of life and economic diversification should be front and centre in the next long-term budget. The incoming European Commission must ensure a solid follow-up on the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas (LTVRA).   🤝 Rural regions are critical to the EU’s sustainable future. We need a commitment to supporting their resilience, improving services, boosting connectivity, and expanding economic opportunities. Together, let’s make sustainable rural development a priority.  Read more: https://lnkd.in/eqi9kH4M  #EUCommission #RuralDevelopment #Agriculture #SustainableFarming #EUClimateAction #FutureOfFarming #LocalAction #LTVRA 

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THE AGRIBUSINESS CHALLENGE FUND The #Agribusiness Challenge #Fund is a rolling call for #proposals open from 18 March 2024 to 22 November 2024, with three application harvest periods in between. The challenge is open to #SME #applications from any #country as long as the #projects meet the eligibility criteria and are being implemented in at least one of the 20 focus #countries the Fund is targeting. #Support from the Fund includes #grants ranging from US$ 500,000 to US$ 2,500,000, disbursed over a three-year period, based on the applicant's #development stage, #scalability, and #business model, in accordance with agreed periodic milestone targets. The funding structure will be determined on a case-by-case basis after evaluating proposals and #organizations. Additional support to successful applicants will include tailored technical assistance in alignment with the Fund objectives over the three-year period. #Apply Below: https://lnkd.in/dWQTTRha

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Good nutrition in agriculture boosts productivity, supports farmer health, and enhances food security by improving yields and resilience, contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction across agricultural communities. Great piece!

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I am happy to have been a small part of this research, which explores practical, impactful strategies to help farms adapt to rising temperatures—with a particular focus on Guinea-Bissau. What's at stake: Global food security depends on building climate resilience into agriculture. As extreme temperatures rise, robust systems that withstand and recover from climate stresses are becoming more vital. This research focuses on reducing post-harvest losses—a key challenge for farmers who often lack the storage needed to preserve their products. Why this research matters: From simple passive cooling strategies to advanced, solar-powered cold rooms, the study dives into solutions that farmers can adopt based on unique factors like farm size, crop type, local weather, and market distance. Take a look— it makes for an engaging read for anyone interested in the future of our food systems!

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#SeedSector 🌾🍅 | The Ethiopian seed market is transforming: both seed production and quality is greatly increasing, making it more vibrant, pluralistic, and market-oriented. In the past two years seed production has already increased by 30%. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local seed companies and Dutch breeding companies, with support from the ENSP Ethiopia, the quality and availability of seeds are improving greatly. Even though it is still under development, the seed market has a lot of growth potential for companies. There is an untapped demand for locally produced seed of traditional food crops and the total import of vegetable seeds in Ethiopia has grown from practically zero to 12 million euros in just five years. "However, growth is hampered by a shortage of foreign currency", says Gareth Borman. Want to know more about the solutions and challenges involved in this transition? 💡 https://lnkd.in/eijRp-GU #Agriculture #Ethiopia #Sustainability #Innovation #Partnerships #ENSP #Resilience

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📢 Congratulations to Christophe Hansen on his appointment as EU Commissioner for Agriculture! We look forward to a collaborative, united approach in the #agrifood sector, promoting dialogue and working towards a sustainable and resilient food system in Europe. 🌱👏 💡 Here are some key takeaways from his recent hearing, reflecting his commitment to strengthening the EU’s agricultural sector: 🔰 Ukraine ▶️ "The prospect of Ukraine and its massive agri sector joining the EU is making European farmers nervous [...] We don’t need to make losses to our farming sector because of another country or other countries joining." ▶️ Are farmers’ fears justified? Alluding to his brother’s experience amid the 2004 enlargement of the EU: “I remember that my brother in 2004 was really upset when certain new member states joined the EU because he was fearing a price crisis for his crops [...]." ▶️ As for the upcoming review of the free trade agreement between the EU and Ukraine, Hansen said it’s key to “learn lessons” from the emergency trade measures implemented in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that froze tariffs on all Kyiv exports. 🐔 Livestock Production ▶️ Focus on Innovation Before Cuts: Hansen argued for "technical solutions for livestock sector emissions before imposing cuts", which underscores a preference for research and innovations (like food additives) to reduce emissions without immediately resorting to drastic reductions. 🌐 Reciprocity in Trade Agreements ▶️ Mirror Clauses for Imports: Hansen promoted "mirror clauses under the WTO’s 'green box'" to protect health and safety interests, advocating for EU-equivalent standards to apply to imported goods, a move that would enforce fairer competition. ▶️ Border and Quality Controls: He emphasized "enhanced EU and member state border controls for imports and quality standards", seeking to prevent lower-standard products from competing with EU goods, particularly those with stricter environmental and safety standards. ▶️ Prohibition on Banned Imports: A key proposal was to "prohibit the import of products banned in the EU" as a way to bolster health and safety protections and ensure that imported goods meet the same standards EU producers must comply with. Photo Copywrite @ Euractiv

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Key Takeaways from Christophe Hansen’s Hearing as EU Agriculture Commissioner 🌱 The confirmation hearing offered insights into his priorities and approach for EU agriculture. Here’s what we learned: 🔹 Support for Farmers – Hansen emphasised strengthening farmers’ resilience against challenges like climate change and market volatility, aiming for sustainable livelihoods. 🔹 No New Sustainable Food Systems Law – The European Commission will shelve the proposed flagship law, choosing to focus on enhancing existing legislation and market-driven tools. 🔹 Commitment to the Green Deal – Despite shelving the new law, Hansen reaffirmed his commitment to Green Deal goals, prioritizing environmental sustainability in agriculture. 🔹 Listening to Farm Lobby Concerns – Hansen acknowledged farmers' concerns about environmental regulations, emphasizing a balanced approach between ecological goals and agricultural productivity. 🔹 Vision for EU Agriculture – He announced plans to develop a vision for the future of EU agriculture within his first 100 days, aligning policies with current challenges and opportunities. Swipe through the carousel to dive deeper into Hansen’s priorities. Follow EPIC to stay informed on the latest EU agricultural policies and their impacts. #EU #Agriculture #EUCommission #GreenDeal #PolicyInsights #EPICInisghts #EPICThinkTank

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🚨 Open Call Extended! 🚨 We’ve extended the deadline for main facilitator applications to October 17th! If you are interested to be Main Facilitator of the Seminar on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Farming and Forestry that will be held in February 2025, this is your opportunity to apply. The main objective of the seminar is to demonstrate practical technologies that can enhance productivity and sustainability, facilitate knowledge exchange on the latest advancements, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. By showcasing real-world examples and providing networking opportunities, the seminar aims to empower participants with actionable insights and connections for integrating robotics and AI into their operations. Don’t miss out—apply now! #Robotics #AI #Farming #Forestry #Innovation #Networking #KnowledgeExchange #MainFacilitator #EUCAPNetwotk

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