International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications

Genetically modified crops may be a solution to hunger - why there is scepticism in Africa

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 5, 2023

In 2022, the African region accounted for the highest level of hunger as described by Global Hunger Index.

Key Points: 
  • In 2022, the African region accounted for the highest level of hunger as described by Global Hunger Index.
  • According to the World Health Organization, over 340 million Africans were undernourished and severely food insecure between 2014 and 2020.
  • Evidence from the past two decades suggests that genetically modified (GM) crops could resolve low agricultural productivity, nutrition and food insecurity on the continent.
  • GM products undergoing research and development include vitamin A-fortified cassava and potatoes, bacterial wilt-resistant banana and water-efficient maize, among others.

The promise of GM crops

    • The adoption of GM technology among cotton producing households in India reduced food insecurity by 15%-20% between 2004 and 2008.
    • Research into the value gained from planting GM crops has shown that 65% of the gain came from higher yield and production and 35% from lower costs.
    • In 2019, Brazil, Argentina, India, Paraguay and China were among the 10 countries that planted the most GM crops in the world.
    • GM crops showed environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gases and pesticide use in developed countries.

Obstacles to GM crops in Africa

    • In spite of these benefits, GM crops have not been widely adopted in Africa.
    • In Uganda, a biosafety regulatory logjam, lack of awareness and politics undermine the application of GM technology.
    • Potential risks of GM crops have led to the review and amendment of GM laws.
    • This was followed by GM cowpea to control pod borer insects, which account for a 70%-80% loss of cowpea yield annually.

What must be done


    Resilient food systems require a wide range of existing and new agricultural technologies, including GM organisms. There are several ways to encourage uptake:
    Policy, research and science communication must align. The goal is to ensure GM foods are safe to eat, and help end hunger and malnutrition.

Manufacturers Bank Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 12, 2022

Manufacturers Bank celebrated its 60th anniversary on November 16, 2022, with 300 clients, dignitaries, community leaders, and colleagues from the bank, parent company SMBC, and Jenius Bank, a recently announced digital consumer banking division of Manufacturers Bank that will launch in 2023.

Key Points: 
  • Manufacturers Bank celebrated its 60th anniversary on November 16, 2022, with 300 clients, dignitaries, community leaders, and colleagues from the bank, parent company SMBC, and Jenius Bank, a recently announced digital consumer banking division of Manufacturers Bank that will launch in 2023.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221212005102/en/
    To mark its 60th anniversary, the bank also made a $60,000 contribution recognizing two community organizations (Photo: Business Wire)
    Founded in 1962, Manufacturers Bank opened primarily serving the Los Angeles apparel industry.
  • Manufacturers Bank shared a preview of Jenius Bank, a 100% digital bank that will provide consumers personalized insights, delivering on the promise of smarter banking for a richer life.
  • Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Manufacturers Bank is a subsidiary of SMBC Americas Holdings, Inc., a bank holding company wholly owned by SMBC.

Manufacturers Bank Appoints Fred Mirzaian Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 27, 2022

Manufacturers Bank, a member of SMBC Group, today announced the appointment of Fred Mirzaian as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Key Points: 
  • Manufacturers Bank, a member of SMBC Group, today announced the appointment of Fred Mirzaian as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
  • He reports to Sander Pruijs, President of Manufacturers Bank, and is a member of the Manufacturers Bank Management Committee.
  • Fred will report functionally to Debbie Freer, Chief Operating Officer of SMBC Group in the Americas.
  • Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Manufacturers Bank is a subsidiary of SMBC Americas Holdings, Inc., a bank holding company wholly owned by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

Indonesia Agritech Markets Report 2022-2026: Driven by Innovative Start-ups and Influx of Foreign Investors

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 26, 2022

DUBLIN, Sept. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Indonesia Agritech Market Outlook to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points: 
  • DUBLIN, Sept. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Indonesia Agritech Market Outlook to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
  • Indonesia Agritech market grew at a CAGR of ~39.7 % on the basis of revenue generated during FY'16-FY'21.
  • The report concludes with future market projections on the basis of overall outlook of the Indonesia Agritech market, analyst recommendations, and the Industry Speaks section.
  • Indonesia Agritech Market Sub Verticals:
    Farming as a Service (FaaS): The Farming as a Service (FaaS) vertical in Indonesia is the largest contributor to the Indonesia Agritech market.

Indonesia Agritech Market Report 2022: Market Revenue Grew at a CAGR of ~39.7 % During FY'16-FY'21 - Outlook to 2026 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 19, 2022

The "Indonesia Agritech Market Outlook to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points: 
  • The "Indonesia Agritech Market Outlook to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
  • Indonesia Agritech market grew at a CAGR of ~39.7 % on the basis of revenue generated during FY'16-FY'21.
  • The report concludes with future market projections on the basis of overall outlook of the Indonesia Agritech market, analyst recommendations, and the Industry Speaks section.
  • Indonesia Agritech Market Sub Verticals:
    Farming as a Service (FaaS): The Farming as a Service (FaaS) vertical in Indonesia is the largest contributor to the Indonesia Agritech market.

Congrès mondial acadien 2024: Government of Canada provides $4.6 million

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 10, 2022

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will provide a non-repayable contribution of $1.8 million through the Innovative Communities Fund.

Key Points: 
  • The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will provide a non-repayable contribution of $1.8 million through the Innovative Communities Fund.
  • "As an Acadian, it is a great honour to announce that the Government of Canada will financially support the organization of the next Congrs mondial acadien.
  • Allister Surette, President of the Organizing Committee, Congrs mondial acadien 2024
    "The Congrs mondial acadien is an international event that allows people to discover different parts of Acadie and brings countless benefits to the host communities.
  • The Organizing Committee of the Congrs mondial acadien 2024 is chaired by Allister Surette, President and Vice-Chancellor of Universit Sainte-Anne.

Indonesia Agritech Market records a growth of CAGR of ~39.7 % on the basis of revenue generated between FY'16 to FY'21 which is driven by improved internet access and government support: Ken Research

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 16, 2022

The last five years have been instrumental in bringing about a paradigm shift in smartphone penetration and internet adoption, both in urban and rural areas.

Key Points: 
  • The last five years have been instrumental in bringing about a paradigm shift in smartphone penetration and internet adoption, both in urban and rural areas.
  • This has been spearheaded by the Palapa ring project which has connected all peripheral areas of Indonesia to a stable 4G internet connection.
  • An encouraging response is observed from farmers when it comes to digitally monitoring their harvest cycles to gain access to institutional funding.
  • There are several emerging statups in the pre-seed and seed category which outlines the promise held by the Agritech sector in Indonesia.

Indonesia Agritech Market records a growth of CAGR of ~39.7 % on the basis of revenue generated between FY'16 to FY'21 which is driven by improved internet access and government support: Ken Research

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 16, 2022

The last five years have been instrumental in bringing about a paradigm shift in smartphone penetration and internet adoption, both in urban and rural areas.

Key Points: 
  • The last five years have been instrumental in bringing about a paradigm shift in smartphone penetration and internet adoption, both in urban and rural areas.
  • This has been spearheaded by the Palapa ring project which has connected all peripheral areas of Indonesia to a stable 4G internet connection.
  • An encouraging response is observed from farmers when it comes to digitally monitoring their harvest cycles to gain access to institutional funding.
  • There are several emerging statups in the pre-seed and seed category which outlines the promise held by the Agritech sector in Indonesia.

Manufacturers Bank Welcomes J. Alexander “Sander” Pruijs as President

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 31, 2022

Manufacturers Bank is pleased to welcome J. Alexander Sander Pruijs as President, reporting to Mr. Kazuhisa Miyagawa, Chairman and CEO.

Key Points: 
  • Manufacturers Bank is pleased to welcome J. Alexander Sander Pruijs as President, reporting to Mr. Kazuhisa Miyagawa, Chairman and CEO.
  • Mr. Pruijs will be a member of the Manufacturers Bank Management Committee.
  • Prior to joining Manufacturers Bank, Mr. Pruijs served as the Head of Global Rural and Retail Clients of Rabobank Group focusing on food and agricultural clients in more than 40 countries.
  • Manufacturers Bank has been a solid bank serving the small business and middle-market markets, and a stellar member of the community for almost 60 years, and there is a tremendous growth opportunity, says Pruijs.

Manufacturers Bank Welcomes Michael Leary as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 28, 2022

Manufacturers Bank is pleased to welcome Michael Leary, a Chartered Financial Analyst, as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, reporting to Kazuhisa Miyagawa, Chairman and CEO, and functionally to the Manufacturers Bank Board of Directors and to Kim Olson, Chief Risk Officer of the Americas Division of SMBC, the banks parent company.

Key Points: 
  • Manufacturers Bank is pleased to welcome Michael Leary, a Chartered Financial Analyst, as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, reporting to Kazuhisa Miyagawa, Chairman and CEO, and functionally to the Manufacturers Bank Board of Directors and to Kim Olson, Chief Risk Officer of the Americas Division of SMBC, the banks parent company.
  • Mr. Leary will be responsible for the overall direction and control of risk exposure for the bank and will provide leadership and strategic direction regarding the risk framework, including oversight of both financial and non-financial risk.
  • We are excited to welcome Michael, with his extensive risk management background, to build a strong and robust risk management program, said Mr. Miyagawa.
  • Prior to joining Manufacturers Bank, Mr. Leary served as the Senior Vice President of Payments Risk and Collections Infrastructure at U.S. Bank, where he successfully led cross-functional teams to implement world-class risk and fraud management tools for payments, lending, and deposit products.