Amy Dickens’ Post

BC announced new supports for farmers producing grapes, cherries, tree fruit and berries. A new enhanced replant program will provide as much as $70 million to help producers replace vines, plants, and trees with climate-resilient varieties that produce in-demand, premium fruit. BC is also establishing a wine-grape sector task force to develop a research and varietal road map for an economically viable wine-grape industry; and working to implement a suite of policy changes to enhance visitor experiences at wineries and other liquor-manufacturing sites in time for the summer View announcement: https://bit.ly/4adBsuO #BCTourism #TOTABC #BCTourismMatters

(AUSTRALIA 31.01.24) Riverland wine grape growers drive tractors through Renmark in protest against low prices. Australian wine grape growers from the Riverland region are staging protests in response to unsustainable prices in the industry. The recent demonstration in Renmark involved a convoy of tractors, harvesters, and trucks led by Sava Giahgias to raise awareness about the financial challenges faced by farmers receiving payments below the cost of production for their grapes. More than 100 growers gathered in a meeting expressing concerns that the upcoming grape harvest could be their last, emphasizing the need for sustainable prices and increased support from the industry and government. ----- [AG: Heightened tensions persist within our Australian food producing community, prompting consideration of orchestrating larger, collaborative protests on a national scale. This initiative would entail mobilizing tractors and trucks to converge on Canberra, strategically positioning them in front of policymakers' offices, and potentially in front of our Australian food distribution centers they supply. It seems only then the message gets through underscoring the challenges faced by our Australian growers and food producers. This sentiment is fueled by a lack of courage and action from representative bodies and institutions representing our Australian growers and food producers. These entities have struggled to secure improved conditions for their constituents, further intensifying the resolve among our Australian growers and food producers that might need to take matters into their own hands. Despite ostensibly being represented by these bodies, there is a recognition that the responsibility for safeguarding their livelihoods ultimately rests with the individuals directly affected by these issues. Our agricultural industry continues to grapple with challenges, including contentious unfair reimbursements for the food they produce and supply. The looming threat of additional protests underscores a growing determination among our Australian growers and food producers to advocate for the betterment of their livelihoods and the broader agricultural community. This proactive stance is born out of the realization that, even though they are ostensibly represented, the onus is on them to address these issues and secure a more favorable environment for their industry.] ----- https://lnkd.in/dJ_Dzc62

Definers, we’re back this month with a fun episode around a fan favorite, the avocado! It is estimated that per capita consumption of avocados in the United States has grown by 440% in the last 20 years and around 11 billion pounds of avocados are eaten globally. This has raised many questions about the sustainability of farming, production, and enjoyment of this fruit. In the episode we share a little about how avocados make it from farm to your guacamole and some of the social and environmental implications of our complex food systems. We are joined by Honor Eldridge, Food Systems Expert and Author of “The Avocado Debate,” a newly published book that provides insight and perspective on the unseen impacts of one of the world’s most popular foods. #foodsystems #avocados #sustainability

🍻 🍇 Exciting news for breweries, vineyards, and farms! 🌾🚜 Check out this insightful article from Forbes about navigating the R&D tax credit in agriculture and beverage production industries. Learn how innovative businesses like yours can benefit from R&D tax credits to fuel growth, improve processes, and boost sustainability. Whether you're experimenting with new brewing techniques, refining vineyard practices, or enhancing crop yield strategies, there are opportunities to save on taxes and reinvest in your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to maximize your business potential! Message me today to learn more. 🌾💡 #RDtaxcredit #SPRX #BusinessGrowth #Agriculture #Breweries #Vineyards #Innovation #Sustainability #operations #taxsaving #crops #Farms #Greenhouse #Cattle #OrganicFarming #Agribusiness #AgLife #SustainableFarming #RuralLiving #WomenInAg #AgTech #HarvestTime #FieldWork #Poultry #Avocados #Berries #Livestock #Agroecology #WomenInTech

Without a healthy planet, there cannot be a thriving avocado industry! To celebrate #EarthDay2024, we wanted to share an article from Triple Pundit, about the farmers who grow avocados, ensuring responsible farming practices, sustainability and food safety. Please visit the link below to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gPmytHYF #sustainability #environment #biodiversity #avocado

🥩 🥩 🥩 The Top Global Beef Producers by Country 🥩 🥩 🥩 USA The United States of America is the world's largest beef producer and has a long-standing tradition of cattle ranching. American beef is known for its marbling, tenderness, and juiciness, making it a favourite among consumers worldwide. From traditional on-the-bone varieties to Japanese-inspired Kobe and Wagyu beef, the US are innovators and continues to diversify and broaden its offering while raising a population heavily reliant on a diet rich in beef. The primary beef breeds in the USA are Angus, Hereford, and Charolais, known for their excellent beef production qualities. Brazil Brazil is the second-largest producer of beef globally and is famous for its grass-fed cattle. The country's beef is known for its rich flavour and tenderness, making it a favourite among people who enjoy red meat and key to their barbecue cooking method, ‘churrasco’. The most common breeds in Brazil are Nelore and Angus, which are well-suited to the country's climate and grazing conditions. Brazilians are the world’s fourth largest beef consumers, after the USA, the EU and China. Argentina Argentina is renowned for its high-quality beef from grass-fed cattle grazing on the vast Pampas grasslands. Its' beef is known for its tenderness and rich flavour, attributed to the grass-fed diet. Argentina's primary beef breed is Hereford, known for its excellent meat quality and adaptability to different environments. Australia Australia is one of the world's leading beef producers, known for its high-quality, grass-fed beef. Characterised by its tenderness, juiciness, and flavour, it can be attributed to the country's pristine grazing lands and strict quality standards. The most common beef breeds in Australia are Angus and Hereford, like the US, and Shorthorn cattle, all excellent species for quality beef production. Uruguay Uruguay is a relatively small country but has established itself as a top producer of high-quality beef. The country's beef is produced from grass-fed cattle that graze on the country's fertile pastures, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Uruguay's primary beef breed is Hereford, known for its excellent meat quality and adaptability to different environments. Japan Japan is known for its highly marbled beef produced from Wagyu cattle. The most famous type of Japanese beef is Kobe beef, which is highly sought after for its rich flavour and texture. It also undergoes strict hands-on processes to create marbling and exquisite tenderness. Japanese beef has a strict grading system, which ensures that only the highest quality beef is sold to consumers. This also means that it is high-end beef and not readily available or affordable for most people. From Japan's highly marbled beef to Australia's lean grass-fed beef, there is something to suit every taste and preference. However, the United States of America stands on top for the overall quality and quantity produced. #beef

While a smaller harvest than last year, the 2024–2025 California avocado season is still predicted to produce a whopping 208 million pounds. Although the majority of this year’s avocado yield — approximately 95% — will be the Hass variety, other varieties have grown increasingly popular in recent years. The GEM variety is projected to produce 5 million pounds, doubling last year’s yield. There’s also been a lot of talk about the Luna UCR avocado, whose patent is still pending, but has excited consumers and growers alike. Do you grow avocados? If so, what varieties are you growing this season? #CaliforniaAvocados #Avocados #AvocadoSeason #Agriculture #California

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🗞 Interesting read from Fruit & Vine Magazine about how THE NEW FOREST FRUIT CO. are creating new healthy food products from their fruit waste. The farm is using an innovative pulse drying technique on site, rather than freeze drying the fruit. Read the full article below ⬇ If you have innovative ideas to tackle food waste or create new revenue streams from your by-products, our Business Sustainability Challenge funding could help test your idea. https://lnkd.in/eP5ihjEQ

A beautiful article about what can be achieved in regenerative viticulture