BLOOM FRESH’s Post

When Jonas Skutka and I started to think about self-employment roughly 5 years ago we didn't really know where this journey would take us (we still don't know actually). But what we do know now is that we have some really cool, fun and interesting projects that are right up our ally. #PHITO is definitely one of them - check out the video below and you will probably know why we are so excited. #scicomm #environmentalcommunication #sustainableagriculture

As we celebrate Reganuary, a month dedicated to exploring the benefits of a plant-based diet, it's an opportune time to reflect on the role of agriculture in promoting sustainability. The upcoming Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025, taking place on 5-6 March 2025 at NAEC, is a perfect platform to discuss innovative solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally conscious agricultural sector. As an agronomist and founder of Abuti Spinach, I believe that empowering small-scale farmers with knowledge and resources is crucial in driving this transformation. What do you think are the key factors that will shape the future of sustainable agriculture in Africa? #abutispinach #Agvocate #AgroDiplomacy 🌱💡🌿[Collection]

🌱 𝘾𝙧𝙮𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙚𝙢𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙯𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙞: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿! 🌱 This remarkable predatory beetle from the 𝘊𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘦 family is a trusted ally in greenhouses, citrus orchards, and ornamental plant care worldwide and has earned global acclaim for its prowess in battling mealybug infestations like the citrus mealybug (𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘪) and long-tailed mealybug (𝘗𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘴) . ✨ 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘾𝙧𝙮𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙚𝙢𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙯𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙞 ✨ The female 𝘊. 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘻𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘪 is a 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗴𝗴-𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲, capable of producing up to 500 eggs during her lifetime. With larvae looking exactly like mealybugs, this beetle is a true master of disguise! 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿, 𝘊. 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘻𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘪 is capable of covering great distances to find mealybug infestations, but it’s not picky! It can also hunt aphids, whiteflies, moth eggs, and soft scales. With 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝘊. 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘻𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘪 can also survive by feeding on pollen, honeydew, and even fungal spores when mealybugs are scarce. The female beetle is a 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘂𝘀, laying her eggs right in the heart of mealybug colonies. 𝘊. 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘻𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘪 follows a 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗜𝗜 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲, making them particularly effective at eliminating large mealybug populations. 🔍 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲?  Register today for our upcoming educational sessions at the Anatis Knowledge Academy and become a part of the sustainable farming revolution.  👉 https://lnkd.in/gzjX5Sn9 #Anatis_Bioprotection #Biological_Control #CryptolaemusMontrouzieri #IntegratedPestManagement

As an agronomist and founder of Abuti Spinach, I'm excited to share with you the latest development in Agri-tech. Recently, I came across the Farm Walk & Talk series by Agri Aware, which is set to return with extra dates this year. This initiative is a great example of how innovative approaches can be used to educate and empower farmers, particularly small-scale farmers in Africa. The series, which takes place at Teagasc Grange in Co. Meath, features industry experts such as Jim Mulhall, Vice-Chairman of Agri Aware, and showcases the latest advancements in agriculture and food science. I believe that such initiatives can play a significant role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving food security. What role do you think events like Farm Walk & Talk can play in shaping the future of agriculture in Africa? #abutispinach #Agvocate #AgroDiplomacy 🌾💡🌱[Collection]

Kicking off 2025 with exciting news! 🌟 The Global Network of Lighthouse Farms and WUR Student Challenges have become official partners in the 2025 Food Systems Innovation Challenge on Nature-based Solutions! The 13 Lighthouse Farms of the Global Network are exemplars of specific aspects of sustainable food production and serve as real-life experimental farms. 💡Through the innovative examples and insights of nature-based solutions that are implemented on these Lighthouse farms, participating students in the student challenge will be inspired to develop their own innovative ideas and sustainable approaches to transform our food systems in a local context! Also, to celebrate the second edition of the #FoodSystemsInnovationChallenge, we're featuring interviews with Lighthouse Farms across the globe.    🌱 This week, Dr. Jonas Steinfeld introduces us to the inspiring agroforestry Lighthouse Farm, Rizoma Agro in Brazil. Discover how they collaborate with nature and manage large scale agroforestry plots in this article: https://lnkd.in/eMVxquA3. #RegenerativeAgriculture #Agroforestry #SoilHealth #SoilLife #SustainableAgriculture #SustainableFoodSystems 🌱 The 2025 Food Systems Innovation Challenge is organised by Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands Food Partnership and is supported by Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Global Network of Lighthouse Farms. More info: https://lnkd.in/euDP3zRR. Jonas Steinfeld, PhD, Yasmin Dijksterhuis, Bente Meindertsma, Caitlin Moyle, Mariana Debernardini, Rogier Schulte, John Reich, Rio Pals.

🚀 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘂m 🌍 We are thrilled to introduce Nofima, the Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Research—one of Europe's largest applied research institutes. With a mission to drive industrial #innovation and #sustainability, Nofima's interdisciplinary research targets the entire value chain in the #food system. Their research focuses on: 🌊 Raw materials from #aquaculture, #fisheries and #agriculture  🥗 Processing and food safety 👫 Market and consumer 🌍 Society and management 🧪 In the VALORISH Project, Nofima brings its expertise to the table by ensuring the 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹, 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹, 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁-𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀, leading the collagen production from fish bones and scales, and overseeing traditional oil extraction processes among other tasks. Their unique infrastructure—including the Aquafeed Technology Centre, BioLab, and professional sensory panel—ensures the highest standards in innovation and quality for the project. 🌟 Dive deeper into Nofima's work below 👇 The consortium: | IDENER.AI | ANFACO-CECOPESCA | Nofima | Blue Synergy SL | Biotrend SA | RINA | SINTEF | Grupo Nueva Pescanova | KNEIA SL |

Is our agriculture system behaving the way that it is intended to? What are the forces that shape the system and where are we in relation to this system? Join Dr Anna Itkin Marisa Agrasut Mark Teo Brice Tan Abbie Jung-Harada Vivian Lee and I in a 2-part workshop firstly to map out the agriculture and food system, understanding the interconnectivity, what's working and not working, and subsequently to explore permaculture as a systemic design framework to reimagine a more holistic and inclusive agricultural system!

"𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿..." 💚 From a young age, Jimena Lima Espindola, a consultant at Koppert México, learned how to manage crops and identify the most critical pests and diseases. 🫑🐛 As she pursued her studies, she developed a deep fascination with the effectiveness of predatory mites compared to insecticides. Koppert’s innovative predatory mites are specially adapted to the environmental conditions of crops, contributing to healthier food production. Jimena takes pride in advising our clients, addressing their needs, and helping them achieve healthier, more sustainable, and productive crops. 🤝🌱 Learn more about our predatory mite solutions here: https://lnkd.in/ggiNi528 #WeWorkforGrowers #PartnerswithNature #NothingBeatsOriginal

As an agronomist and founder of Abuti Spinach, I am excited to share with you a recent development in the world of agri-tech. The Carlsberg Group has launched Sowing Change, a report outlining six actionable recommendations to transform European agriculture and secure a more sustainable future. This initiative is a call to action for the EU to prioritize regenerative agriculture, which has the potential to improve soil health, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods. But what does this mean for small-scale farmers in Africa, and how can we learn from the experiences of European farmers to drive positive change in our own agricultural sector? 🌾💡🌱 #abutispinach #Agvocate #AgroDiplomacy[Collection]